I agree that the SM3 requires a very good fit in order to achieve its signature sound. Many times (especially when I first received the SM3), I tried different tips and even cut out some foam (from ear plugs) and tried those tips as well. Sometimes I would hear a gorgeous sound from the entire dynamic range, and other times one thing or the other would be missing (missing deep bass impact, highs and treble dissipating artificially, midrange sounding very awkwardly "heavy" and thick).
However, after BennyBoy71's suggestion of the double-flanged tips from Sensorcom, I decided to order them. I must also add that I de-cored an old Shure yellow foam tip to only retain its plastic core, and put that over the nozzle of the SM3. Then I took the double-flanged tip and slowly pushed it over the nozzle which was already covered with the yellow foam core.
Now, even after doing all that and having a good open sound nozzle from the tips, it is crucial to get a proper insertion. Here is where the "ultimate SM3 fit" comes in: I don't know if everyone knows the whole "put your opposite hand behind your head, pull the top of your ear up while saying "ahhh", and then twist the IEM into place counterclockwise" --> but I think this is one of the most crucial points of getting a proper fit. Then comes lubrication of the tips, which I also think is very important for the double-flange tips. Additionally, some people like using saliva to lubricate their tips, I find this kind of weird so I just use a TINY amount (literally 1/3 the size of a pea for both tips) of any facial/body lotion, and then first dab, and then rub it on both tips so they are lubricated (you should not see any of the lotion on the tips, since you are using such a small amount--just enough to get them lubricated). By then your fingers will be slightly lubricated too, and you can just your fingers to rub the entrance of the ear canal, lubricating them too.
Once again, I am using the double-flange tips from Sensorcom placed on top of a de-cored Shure yellow foam tip, which is snug on the nozzle of the SM3. This may not be the best combination for everyone but it is well worth a few dollars to try out, since it worked for many SM3 users to achieve a perfect fit.
After allll this (I'm used to the process by now--it's not that cumbersome), I did the method above (the hand over head method I'd like to call it), SLOWLY inserting the SM3 counterclockwise in each ear canal. I was surprised by HOW MUCH isolation increased! Compared to any other tip or method I've used, this had the most SUPERB isolation.
And finally, the music. It was after this that I discovered how gorgeous the SM3 can sound. For the entire dynamic range, the SM3 is very cohesive. Its analytical/slightly forgiving/warm/creamy/liquid signature really makes music sound the way it should for me (and for many others who have achieved this "holy grail" of fits with the SM3). I must say, when I had written my SM3 review, I had not achieved this sound all the time--only randomly--by chance, and I knew that this was the sound signature of the SM3, the sound that I based my review off of.
I just had to get this same sound with the SM3 every time. With the above method, I do get this same sound signature every time--which is why I am still with the SM3 (being one of the very first to buy it when average_joe made his thread--before any review except his own) even after many have either sold, changed, or moved up to a custom this past year.
So my point is--try to get this "ultimate" fit with the SM3. Yes, it detracts from the IEM because it is hard to achieve a 100% proper fit; but even if you think you have this "ultimate" fit, you may not. Keep trying even if it sounds great already--which is what I did, and I was rewarded with a gorgeous sound. I think |joker| achieved this sound as well as many other SM3 owners. But the fit is crucial to the sound.
The rating that |joker| gave for the SM3 may be annoying for some members here who did not enjoy the SM3, but we must understand that nearly everything at head-fi is opinion based off of our own experiences. Not everyone will agree with a rating and I do not think |joker| was expecting everyone to come into this thread and agree with him either. As we all know though, he has contributed tremendously to this forum and his review of the SM3 does not seem biased at all.
Finally, I do not in any way think the SM3 is the "one and only BEST universal IEM". It lacks in its build, which is boxy and can sometimes be uncomfortable, its hard to find "perfect" fit, as well as the fact that it is hard to get your hands on considering it is made in France. However, with all this being said, the sound that the SM3 produces simply outweighs all of those detriments for me. I think it is an excellent IEM, and quite humbly, one of (not THE) the best universal IEMs on the market today.
