Today is the one month marriage anniversary of my ears and the SD-2:s.
Before i go any further i feel the need to explain myself a bit.
First of all: I am a "detail nut" of the 8th degree (with the 10th being the highest). I will analyze stuff to the end of the world and if i find something that i don't like then it will plague me to end of my existence.
Second of all: I'm highly opinionated. If I feel the need to express my opinion i will most likely do so with a dragons ferocity,
Third of all: I have very limited experience with Head-Fi related gear, especially IEM:s. Take my posts with a slight grain of salt.
Third (and a half) of all: I can analyze sound and I'm a musician of many trades so i feel that i can justify most of my claims regarding sonics.
After the disappointment that was the Westone 4R:s i found these while browsing thomann.de for some strap-locks for my guitar. I'm very happy that i did (my wallet isn't).
After reading InEars description of the SD-3:s more bass oriented signature I jumped the gun and ordered a pair of SD-2:s.
I'm currently using them with my FiiO X3 + E12 combo. The E12 definitely gives the SD-2:s some weight in the lows over using them straight out of the X3 (which is my daily-commute setup as the X3 and SD-2:s both fit in the Pelican 1010 case that is included with the InEars). The E12 also helps with the imaging and sound-stage a bit, but it mostly gives a more smooth and weighty sound that can give you a bit of a rumble if pushed right but can also make you enjoy your favorite recordings with some class and finesse. The one thing that i feel is really unique with the SD-2:s is their percussive nature; you feel thing along side hearing them, you feel drum hits, you feel string strums, you feel a saxophones raspiness.
For those of you that are concerned about how the SD:s fit in your ears, I'll tell you this: if you don't put them in just right they will be rather painful, the first 4 hours or so were pretty bad. Now a days i can pop them in with no problems what so ever, it may be because I have learned how to put them in properly or that they have altered the shape of my ear (probably a bit of both).
So now for some summarizing questions:
Should you try them?: Yes, I think you should but give them a month or so before you decide their relevance for you.
Would you recommend them for gigging musicians?: Yes, I would. If they fit you as well a they do me then you'll enjoy them both on stage and on the road.
Are they the perfect IEM?: No, they are not. They are pretty close though, close enough for me to say that most people will be just fine with them and a good listening setup.
Are your happy with your purchase?: Yes, I am. I feel that the performance and build of these IEM:s alone justify their price. A nice case is a pure bonus.
Feel free to ask me questions about anything regarding the SD-2:s and the generality of my post.
