New Custom-to-Universal IEMs: InEar StageDiver 2/3

[HiFiChris]

220$ is a good deal. IIrc, I got mine for ~230€ a few years ago.
The only things that quite bother me about the SE425 is that it lacks of treble extension and its narrow soundstage.

 

[comfortPlox]

^ I think I may try the se425 from Amazon or something.They have a good return policy. If I like them, I'll return them then get it from another dealer at a cheaper price. If they lack soundstage, I may consider the sd-2. I love the InEar series, but again very pricey, and I'm still a huge fan of the Shure line. I was just curious if they had the same signature, which I feel like they do from what I've read.

 

[HiFiChris]

Yep, both lead to the same direction, whereas the Shure is more on the neutral side, though it is lacking treble extension and has a rather dark (not warm) sound signature to be completely neutral.
From my listening perception, I have written down in what areas the SD-2 differs from it frecuency response-wise.
 
Don't get me wrong, the SE425 has got a three-dimensional stage and doesn't sound as flat (soundstage-related) as e.G. the Triple.Fi 10 or Westone W4/4R/40, but it is very narrow. 

 

[comfortPlox]

Thanks. Out of curiosity, how does the sd-2 fare without an amp?

 

[HiFiChris]

If you are reffering to me, an amp (with low output resistance) only makes sense for the SD-2 if your source either can't handle high volumes well without distortion or if its output resistance is fairly high (e.G. your PC).
So in short, as long as your source doesn't produce a bass roll-off with low impedance iems, the output impedance is fairly low and you dont hear noticable hiss, the SD-2 will sound great with an amp (provided you like the SD-2 in general, of course).

 

[lookingforIEMs]

Am I the only one here that hears the se425 as anaemic and maybe even hollow

 

[comfortPlox]

  If you are reffering to me, an amp (with low output resistance) only makes sense for the SD-2 if your source either can't handle high volumes well without distortion or if its output resistance is fairly high (e.G. your PC).
So in short, as long as your source doesn't produce a bass roll-off with low impedance iems, the output impedance is fairly low and you dont hear noticable hiss, the SD-2 will sound great with an amp (provided you like the SD-2 in general, of course).

 
Have you heard Shure se535? How does it compare to sd-2? They're the same price. I think a different sound sig though.

 

[HiFiChris]

Haven't heard the SE535, sorry.

 

[headdict]

220$ is a good deal. IIrc, I got mine for ~230€ a few years ago.
The only things that quite bother me about the SE425 is that it lacks of treble extension and its narrow soundstage.

Yeah, but 370$ for SD-2 is an even better deal!

 

[xaddictionx]

Have you heard Shure se535? How does it compare to sd-2? They're the same price. I think a different sound sig though.

I've heard the se535ltd and SD2. IMO, SD2 is a better IEM. Drivers apart, the 2 drivers on SD2 already triumphs se535ltd. The SD2 is simply more balanced, a great all rounder with clear mids, details and nice sub bass. I do find the bass texture and quantity of bass punch of SD2 above se535ltd. Soundstage wise both are pretty average. Resolution and everything wise I hand the baton to SD2. IMO I preferred the SD2 to even its "superior" siblings, the SD3 and SD4. I would say SD2 is the most valued IEM in the stagediver line-up. The only complaint I would put across is the stock cable found on SD2. Another thing to note is the high impedance on SD2. Slightly picky on source. Running them through DX90 or X5 sounds better than iPod nano 7 or iPhone 6+.

 

[comfortPlox]

Okay I am really convinced to just go straight to SD-2. I don't have an amp. Do you recommend any good priced Amps? I prefer to just listen through my laptop lol. Is it really a must have?  

 

[HiFiChris]

You will need a low impedance amp if you do not want your SD2 to sound super bright on your laptop (unless it is a newer generation MacBook with an output impedance of approximately 0.1 Ohms).
Depending on your budget, you could take a look at the FiiO E6 (amp only), FiiO E7, JDS C5(/D), Beyerdynamic A 200 p, Leckerton UHA-6S MK.II or such.

 

[comfortPlox]

^ Thanks for the advice. I do own a macbook. It's not the newest generation, but it is a 2013. How would that fare?

 

[HiFiChris]

The output resistance is very low (-> good match with all iems -> no altered frequency response output) but on the downside, the volume adjustment range is pretty bad (huge steps) and there is quite a lot of hiss.

 

[akhyar]

Have you heard Shure se535? How does it compare to sd-2? They're the same price. I think a different sound sig though.

I used to own the SE535, and to me the SD2 is the better of the 2.
The SE535 sounded too bloated, recessed treble and lacking clarity.