If you don't like the sound of upper mids in Merlin than just stay away from any earphones based on TWFK or DFK driver like ES5 or some of Rooth. You could probably find what you're looking for in FitEar monitors
Multi-Custom In-Ear Monitor Review, Resource, Mfg List & Discussion (Check first post for review links & information)
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IronLung
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FitEar is "mission impossible". There is no way to get it outside Asia.
As far as I know, FITEAR pour their ciem inside acrylic, which makes it impossible to refit.
FitEar is "mission impossible". There is no way to get it outside Asia.
As far as I know, FITEAR pour their ciem inside acrylic, which makes it impossible to refit.
davidcotton
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Not quite, http://www.musicaacoustics.com/wp/headphones/fitear-to-go-111/ have a couple of the universals in.
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Not quite right - http://www.head-fi.org/t/657285/a-morning-at-fitears-factory They are standard acrylic shells. It's EarSonics AFAIR that does that. But yeah, you'd have to find some Japanese fellow headf-ier to help
There are some other companies like 1964 (model V3) or Starkey that does use single driver for tweeter. Just remember that more drivers doesn't count as necessarily better.
Not quite right - http://www.head-fi.org/t/657285/a-morning-at-fitears-factory They are standard acrylic shells. It's EarSonics AFAIR that does that. But yeah, you'd have to find some Japanese fellow headf-ier to help
There are some other companies like 1964 (model V3) or Starkey that does use single driver for tweeter. Just remember that more drivers doesn't count as necessarily better.
iamdacow
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subbed, awsome thread
IronLung
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As for FitEar - if they really as standard acrylic shell, allowing refit - I started thinking about this option, because in Russia there is the opportunity to purchase 334 TOGO.
About the number of drivers - I absolutely agree with you, but from the single-drivers iem I liked only ER-4S.
As for FitEar - if they really as standard acrylic shell, allowing refit - I started thinking about this option, because in Russia there is the opportunity to purchase 334 TOGO.
About the number of drivers - I absolutely agree with you, but from the single-drivers iem I liked only ER-4S.
IronLung
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This is a very interesting iem I probably buy it, but universal iems - it's not my way.
This is a very interesting iem I probably buy it, but universal iems - it's not my way.
average_joe
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The LS6 is more musical than the LCM-5, although I have only heard the demo LS6, so I really can't comment further. I don't have graphs of either, but some of the other fine head-fiers may be able to help (I am not sure though).
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I don't necessarily agree that all FK drivers sound the same as tuning can change characteristics by a large amount.
The LS6 is more musical than the LCM-5, although I have only heard the demo LS6, so I really can't comment further. I don't have graphs of either, but some of the other fine head-fiers may be able to help (I am not sure though).
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I don't necessarily agree that all FK drivers sound the same as tuning can change characteristics by a large amount.
tomscy2000
Headphoneus Supremus
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Unfortunately, I've not heard the LCM-5, so I can't comment on it, but the LS6 is indeed a very neutral, yet enjoyable earphone. It's one of the most well-rounded six-driver CIEMs I've come across, and demo-to-demo, definitely better than the pre-FreqPhase JH13 that I heard. The designer of the LS6, who also designed the LS2, LS3, LS8, favors the LS6 as his "best" earpiece.
Regarding FK drivers; in general, I find that because of its design principles, it tends to have heavy mechanical resonance between 6-8k that's impossible to remove. Tonality-wise, the areas before and after it can be pulled up to create a better transition, but that particular peak is always there with the WBFK. These findings have been confirmed by DIYers in Japan, as well as a Knowles Engineer that I spoke with.
Unfortunately, I've not heard the LCM-5, so I can't comment on it, but the LS6 is indeed a very neutral, yet enjoyable earphone. It's one of the most well-rounded six-driver CIEMs I've come across, and demo-to-demo, definitely better than the pre-FreqPhase JH13 that I heard. The designer of the LS6, who also designed the LS2, LS3, LS8, favors the LS6 as his "best" earpiece.
Regarding FK drivers; in general, I find that because of its design principles, it tends to have heavy mechanical resonance between 6-8k that's impossible to remove. Tonality-wise, the areas before and after it can be pulled up to create a better transition, but that particular peak is always there with the WBFK. These findings have been confirmed by DIYers in Japan, as well as a Knowles Engineer that I spoke with.
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^THIS. Unfortunately, you can change the sound of a driver by a large margin by tuning but you can't overcome driver limitations and its character.
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^THIS. Unfortunately, you can change the sound of a driver by a large margin by tuning but you can't overcome driver limitations and its character.
Poetic
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Hello, I am new to the world of CIEM's was directed here from Joker and Tupac. Said that Average Joe is an excellent IEM reviewer. To start things off I am a huge fan of the VSonic Gr07's and I love how natural and flat the vsonic's sound. A couple of months ago I was ready to buy the sony MDR ex1000, because I've heard how good the imaging and luscious the mids and highs are. I've also read it had piercing Treble Peak, which threw me off buying it. Anyways Im not sure how CIEM's work, and I've changed the tips on my vsonic gr07's to medium ear tips. My ear's are generally able to fit medium size tips and the large tips seems to hurt my ears. So I really don't know how to choose a CIEM, because of the nozzle or tips.
Source: All of music will be played off the IBasso Dx100 and eventually The Hifiman 901, , The music I mostly listen to is Contemporay Jazz, like Paul hardcastle, Some RnB Soul like Jhene Aiko, Corinne Bailey Rae, SWV, Alternative Rock like Paramore, Hiphop like Kendrick Lamar. The IEMS that have really impressed me so far are the Vsonic Gr07's, Brainwavz B2, Hifiman re-400,audio technical Ck10. I can't describe what I want in sound signature. But as you can see I've been impressed with most of these IEM's. The most IEM that has really impressed me so far is the Vsonic Gr07, I've read on Jokers IEM review that the Unique Melody Miracle will leave it in the dust lol.
Some of the CIEM's, I've looked into the Heir Audio 8.A and 4.a, Unique Melody Miracle, JH 13 which was recommended by an excellent headfier Tupac*. The Spiral Ear 3way is also pretty good and also the 5way in which I live in the US
Also to clear things up, I don't want Overpowering bass, I want that good bass, Real Bass, I don't want anything that will drown the music. I am coming from an entry level of IEM's. so far from my opinion I think the Unique Melody Miracle might be the one for me. My only problem is fitting, I was unable to fit my Dad's westone 2's and 3's. I had to use a bigger tips for them. If any of you can assist me on my quest to finding the perfect CIEM for me that would be freaking awesome.
I really believe it's time for me to step up my game in the IEM section in Audiophile. I've already went from my from my first headphone, AKG Q701, all the way up to the He-6 which IMO my best sounding headphone with the He-500 and LCD2 tied for second. Now I want an excellent CIEM, I am going to Paris for the entire summer and I need something that will blend a beautiful of Scenery and Music to go with my adventure. I am a nooby to the style of reference quality IEM's. So If I don't understand certain things, please bare with me and be polite.
Conclusion: My budget is $1,100, but I would like to keep in the $1,000 dollar range so I can pay for Best Packaging and Shiping.
Source: All of music will be played off the IBasso Dx100 and eventually The Hifiman 901, , The music I mostly listen to is Contemporay Jazz, like Paul hardcastle, Some RnB Soul like Jhene Aiko, Corinne Bailey Rae, SWV, Alternative Rock like Paramore, Hiphop like Kendrick Lamar. The IEMS that have really impressed me so far are the Vsonic Gr07's, Brainwavz B2, Hifiman re-400,audio technical Ck10. I can't describe what I want in sound signature. But as you can see I've been impressed with most of these IEM's. The most IEM that has really impressed me so far is the Vsonic Gr07, I've read on Jokers IEM review that the Unique Melody Miracle will leave it in the dust lol.
Some of the CIEM's, I've looked into the Heir Audio 8.A and 4.a, Unique Melody Miracle, JH 13 which was recommended by an excellent headfier Tupac*. The Spiral Ear 3way is also pretty good and also the 5way in which I live in the US
Also to clear things up, I don't want Overpowering bass, I want that good bass, Real Bass, I don't want anything that will drown the music. I am coming from an entry level of IEM's. so far from my opinion I think the Unique Melody Miracle might be the one for me. My only problem is fitting, I was unable to fit my Dad's westone 2's and 3's. I had to use a bigger tips for them. If any of you can assist me on my quest to finding the perfect CIEM for me that would be freaking awesome.
I really believe it's time for me to step up my game in the IEM section in Audiophile. I've already went from my from my first headphone, AKG Q701, all the way up to the He-6 which IMO my best sounding headphone with the He-500 and LCD2 tied for second. Now I want an excellent CIEM, I am going to Paris for the entire summer and I need something that will blend a beautiful of Scenery and Music to go with my adventure. I am a nooby to the style of reference quality IEM's. So If I don't understand certain things, please bare with me and be polite.
Conclusion: My budget is $1,100, but I would like to keep in the $1,000 dollar range so I can pay for Best Packaging and Shiping.
average_joe
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I didn't say they were perfect, which it appears they are not, but the sound can vary to a large degree with tuning and the issues can sometimes be "hidden," or at least minimized for the most part. Reading some of the threads with TWFK IEMs, you would think they were absolutely perfect
Quote:
Welcome to the world of CIEMs! As far as fit, you no longer have to be concerned with ear tips, just getting good impressions and once you have good impressions, a good build from the manufacturer. Then, they twist in and fit you like a glove. Of course, there can be fit issues which require you to send them back for a refit based off either minor changes, or a new impression. But I am getting ahead of myself. Summary: Your personal ear impression = your personal fit that should be perfect for you.
As far as CIEM selection, I try to recommend products based off your preferred sound signature, and you have mentioned some great CIEMs. The 8.A and Miracle (based on my experience with the PP6, hearing someone else's custom, and talking with many people about the Miracle) sound like great options, albeit with different sound signatures. The 8.A is bass and mid-focused with plenty of bass, although given the amount of bass it has, it doesn't seem too bass heavy until you compare it with something else. The Miracle (well, PP6) has a U shape with enhanced deep bass and treble, but is a nice mix between analytical and musical, leaning more on the musical side.
I would also recommend the Lime Ears LE-3. Currently there are two versions, and I am not sure which will be the final, or if both options will be available. I think the more bass heavy version will fit what you are looking for, but the performance goes along with the lower cost when compared with the 8.A (and Miracle?). The Dream Earz aud-8X is also another option that combines a thick yet neutral presentation with treble that isn't enhanced, but not relaxed. It is the cheapest 8 driver CIEM I know of and has good levels of detail, bass can be plentiful when called for, and dynamics are excellent. There is more info from others on the 8X in the Dream Earz appreciation/aud-5X review thread.
One more option I wanted to throw out is the Rooth LSX5, which is one of two outliers in the product lineup, from a sound signature standpoint. The LSX5 is a hybrid that is fairly neutral, very capable, but not as bright as the majority of the Rooth lineup. It has a great liquid, musical property to it while retaining analytical capabilities. I have a short writeup on the demo.
If you haven't already, please check out the first post in this thread (and the following posts with additional information) for summaries and links. Let us know if you have questions, and others hopefully will chime in with their experience to help you get what you are looking for.
I didn't say they were perfect, which it appears they are not, but the sound can vary to a large degree with tuning and the issues can sometimes be "hidden," or at least minimized for the most part. Reading some of the threads with TWFK IEMs, you would think they were absolutely perfect
Quote:
Welcome to the world of CIEMs! As far as fit, you no longer have to be concerned with ear tips, just getting good impressions and once you have good impressions, a good build from the manufacturer. Then, they twist in and fit you like a glove. Of course, there can be fit issues which require you to send them back for a refit based off either minor changes, or a new impression. But I am getting ahead of myself. Summary: Your personal ear impression = your personal fit that should be perfect for you.
As far as CIEM selection, I try to recommend products based off your preferred sound signature, and you have mentioned some great CIEMs. The 8.A and Miracle (based on my experience with the PP6, hearing someone else's custom, and talking with many people about the Miracle) sound like great options, albeit with different sound signatures. The 8.A is bass and mid-focused with plenty of bass, although given the amount of bass it has, it doesn't seem too bass heavy until you compare it with something else. The Miracle (well, PP6) has a U shape with enhanced deep bass and treble, but is a nice mix between analytical and musical, leaning more on the musical side.
I would also recommend the Lime Ears LE-3. Currently there are two versions, and I am not sure which will be the final, or if both options will be available. I think the more bass heavy version will fit what you are looking for, but the performance goes along with the lower cost when compared with the 8.A (and Miracle?). The Dream Earz aud-8X is also another option that combines a thick yet neutral presentation with treble that isn't enhanced, but not relaxed. It is the cheapest 8 driver CIEM I know of and has good levels of detail, bass can be plentiful when called for, and dynamics are excellent. There is more info from others on the 8X in the Dream Earz appreciation/aud-5X review thread.
One more option I wanted to throw out is the Rooth LSX5, which is one of two outliers in the product lineup, from a sound signature standpoint. The LSX5 is a hybrid that is fairly neutral, very capable, but not as bright as the majority of the Rooth lineup. It has a great liquid, musical property to it while retaining analytical capabilities. I have a short writeup on the demo.
If you haven't already, please check out the first post in this thread (and the following posts with additional information) for summaries and links. Let us know if you have questions, and others hopefully will chime in with their experience to help you get what you are looking for.
Mimouille
Headphoneus Supremus
Quote:
Unique Melody Miracles has excellent tight bass from the DX100, very controlled. Also has a wonderful sense space and airness that works wonders with Jazz and the like. The only things is that the Miracles are not "fun" type sounding iem, so if you are looking for warm / thick mids and voices, they are not for you. I have heard that the JH13 are quite close to the Miracles but could not say. Judging by the sound of the Heir 5.0, the 8.a's little brother, the sound sig of Heir is much more relaxed and smooth compared to the Miracles. If you can wait, I will compare with SE5 within a month.
Unique Melody Miracles has excellent tight bass from the DX100, very controlled. Also has a wonderful sense space and airness that works wonders with Jazz and the like. The only things is that the Miracles are not "fun" type sounding iem, so if you are looking for warm / thick mids and voices, they are not for you. I have heard that the JH13 are quite close to the Miracles but could not say. Judging by the sound of the Heir 5.0, the 8.a's little brother, the sound sig of Heir is much more relaxed and smooth compared to the Miracles. If you can wait, I will compare with SE5 within a month.
Poetic
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Hey guys this might sound dumb, but lets hypothetically say im able to get the Spiral Ear SE 5way, do you think it would be worth it to sell my Hifiman He-500. I've read a few places that the Spiral Ear is compared to the LCD Audeze 2. I was wondering if this IEM would be a worthy sacrifice of the He-500... and im honestly getting quite tired of its sound now.
project86
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If you don't enjoy the HE-500, I'd advise you to sell it. Regardless of any future plans for a custom IEM. Why keep something that you don't even like?
If you don't enjoy the HE-500, I'd advise you to sell it. Regardless of any future plans for a custom IEM. Why keep something that you don't even like?
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