Posted by Pianist
Here are some reasons why I think SE530 should be rated higher than it is:
- It is superior to e-Q7/e-Q5 overall IMO. In fact, in some ways, it simply blows away these two IEMs, namely in imaging and separation. In other ways, it is at least on par IMO. Dynamics are at least as good on the Shures, although I think SE530 is more dynamic, soundstage has better depth, the sound is more refined, there is more micro detail/texture, especially compared to e-Q5, the treble is smoother and more delicate vs. e-Q7 and at least on part with e-Q5 maybe missing only a little bit of extension on the very top - no big deal. the bass on SE530 is similar to e-Q7 in quality and character IMO - it has a similar impact and texture, but also a better sense of tactility/flow. The Ortofons sound a bit rough, I dare say even schematic compared to SE530 which is just more refined, smoother and more effortless overall to these ears.
Imaging and separation is better on the Shures though not by much. Dynamic range is larger on the Shures actually, the soundstage depth is proof of it. Micro detail is better on the Shure but macro clarity is just better on the Ortofons. SE530s treble smoothness is what makes it sound unrealistic in those regions imo, too polite. Ortofons do a it a tad better, they don't do cymbal crashes well either but violin overtones are felt better than the Shures due to their extension and bit more presence. The bass on the Shures is one it's weak points imo, it simply does not have the character though the quality is quite good. Impact is lacking (though close when compared to the 5s.) and while quite tactile, it doesn't have the texture of the Ortofons. I actually agree with your points about the Ortofon's apparent roughness when one will compare it to the SE530s, but the Shures are too smooth and creamy (though in different way than something like the SM3).
- DBA-02 is rated higher and yet SE530 is clearly the better IEM to these ears by a large margin. The Shures destroy DBA-02 in dynamics and micro detail. SE530 is also more balanced tonally and more natural sounding, whereas DBA-02 is bright and overly sharp by comparison. SE530 is smoother, more refined and subtle, while DBA-02 is much grainier and too dry, almost clinical by comparison. DBA-02 sounded to me like it tried very hard to provide a realistic representation of real performance and somewhat succeeded with a pretty impressive holographic presentation with good recordings. But SE530 sounded like it didn't even have to try - music just flowed through it so naturally and effortlessly and it provided a much more believable, lively and dynamic representation of the original recording than DBA-02 IMO, which just sounded limited in its abilities by comparison.
I actually agree that the DBA02s are rated a bit high (this isn't a perfect science so we should live with it) but I can see where it's coming from. Both do micro detailing quite well, but the DBA02 are more compressed and in your face. Didn't find the DBA02 much grainer, but it is dry and clinical. I don't think the DBA02 is that realistic, it "shows off" it's technical strengths with the compressed dynamics. The DBA02s have more apparent clarity and actually have more energy in it's notes. The SE530s are once again almost too smooth, that while having great dynamic range, are just too soft. Imaging is better on the DBA02 but the Shures have a bigger stage with respectable imaging.
- RE262 is rated higher than SE530 and yet what does it do better? Nothing IMO. But not only does it do nothing better, it also sounds much worse when not amped properly. I have not tried it amped unfortunately, but I highly doubt that amping it will completely transform its sound so that it will suddenly surpass SE530. Unamped RE262 is no match at all for SE530 - bass, mids, highs, soundstage, dynamics all sound very limited on the RE262 unamped vs. SE530 unamped. Even when amped properly, I don't expect RE262 to match SE530 in detail, separation and timbre. I think RE262 is quite colored compared to SE530 and further from the truth.
Here's what you're missing. Dynamic range is larger on the RE262s. The RE262s are soft like the Shures but actually have more energy and sound more realistic because of that. Detail and separation is better on the Shures and timbre is better on the RE262 in a general sense. Sounstage is wider and deeper on the RE262s but the Shures have more pinpointing imaging. The RE262 is more colored than the Shures and I think that's the RE262's main weaknesses.
- FX700 is rated quite a bit higher, but to these ears, it's not really better than SE530, just different. In some aspects, like imaging and dynamics, I think SE530 surpasses FX700. In other things, like bass depth, impact and treble, FX700 takes the cake. In most aspects, the are pretty close however. Mids are stellar on both, although different in character/presentation. bass quality is similar (agree with all this so far). Timbre may be better on FX700, but SE530 is more tonally balanced (agree but not at lower volume volume settings which are the JVC's niche). Strings and acoustic guitars are better with FX700, but I think vocals and most other instruments are equally impressive on both (vocals do have better timbre on the Shures but that's where it ends, to be fair it's hard to test timbre without listening to a variety of instruments but i'm not expecting that many). Overall, I think that SE530 can sound more realistic than FX700, because it has superior imaging abilities and a deeper, more immersive soundstage
This comparison is actually mostly spot on to how I will compare them. The SE530s don't give you a hefty note though and sound unrealistic in that aspect.
