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

[Music225]

  Got the right fit with double flanges on both sides now, the isolation is quite nice. 
 
Few short impressions as I continue to listen: As people would have guessed, the SD-1 doesn't have that much bass as the SD-2 due to a single driver. That doesn't mean that it has no bass at all though. It hits nicely and is tight but doesn't extend that deep. I would say, coming from Stax, the bass is somewhere around the SR-202s bass. If you're looking for a bit more rumble, you're probably better off with the SD-2. The whole sound signature is pretty linear and natural. 
Vocals on these are nothing short of amazing - lush, smooth and not even a single hint of sibilance. 

Sound promising

The SD-3 is an amazing monitor and to me it is my go to iem for EDM. I also have the 1plus2 and RTi1 which in their own right are amazing as well, 1plus2 being a great all rounder and the RTi1 for classical, vocals and acoustics BUT when it comes to EDM the sd-3 is untouchable, head and shoulders better. Bigger soundstage, 3D sounding and authorative low end. Not to mention that fit and isolation is amazing too

How do they sound if plugged straight to your DAP without AMP ?

 

[nazrin313]

They sound great.. Very good synergy with the ihifi960... But pair it with portatube +.. Then ure in for a ride of a lifetime

 

[Migou67]

  Hi,
 
I just bought the SD1 a couple of weeks ago on Thomann, I'm selling it already (210 Euro) but its an amazing IEM so if someone wants a good deal PM me they are also on ebay. A note on the bass, it did seem to open up after a week of intensive use to the point were tracks I listened again to seemed to have more bass later.. Maybe its just me but they seemed to have opened up a bit. Bass is present but its more in the background. Its really mid centric and focused on vocals. Its also extremely detailed, I could hear things in tracks like distant voices or a pick hammering a guitar string in a precise but natural way. female vocalist sound amazing. My only gripe is the sub-bass was not really there and I'm kinda of a bass guy. My go to in ear is usually the IE80 but after listening to the SD1 its hard to get the same amount of pleasure out of the thing because its not nearly as bright. I think the SD1 is amazing to the point that now I want to sell all my other sets and go for the SD3 because if the signature is close to the SD1 with more Bass its going to be the best IEM for me. They also have a cool sound-stage and I think good separation IMO...

Ej out

 
If this can help you deciding, this is a private mail that I have send comparing the SD3 and the IE80 that I own :
 
To be short for me they are the big brother of the good IE8, they are a clear update with a continuation in the signature.

Much more isolation, secure fit, bigger soudstage, more 3D, larger bass and good resolution, a step above the IE8, but they are not analitycal. Faster than the IE8 (BA drivers) but only noticiable on a few songs for my poor ears 

Instruments separation is better on the SD3, I like it really much, for Pop, Rock, Metal and EDM, they are really impressif, with deep bass, nice clear mid and sweet high.

For me they are fun for enjoying modern music. A good and quality IEM, my prefered. But you have to like this kind of signature, I like pronounced drums and bass line with good guitare and voices 

 For EDM they are monster with a good source !

 

[nazrin313]

My thoughts exactly hahhaha..

 

[Migou67]

My thoughts exactly hahhaha..

 

 

[callej]

Hey thanks for the info.. Just found out that I can return the SD-1 to Thomman for credit towards a set of the SD3s.. Very cool... 

 

[skalkman]

  Hey thanks for the info.. Just found out that I can return the SD-1 to Thomman for credit towards a set of the SD3s.. Very cool... 

thomann in a nutshell.

 

[Music225]

  Hey thanks for the info.. Just found out that I can return the SD-1 to Thomman for credit towards a set of the SD3s.. Very cool... 

Nooo , why don't you buy SD-3 to compare with SD-1 then return the other one ? =)

 

[callej]

Well the SD1s are awesome but I have too much stuff as it is plus I think in any case I would want to have more bass than the SD1 provides. If the mids and details are 80% of what the SD1 has in the SD3 I'd be happy.

On another note is the SD3 easy to drive? The SD1 is ridiculously easy to drive sounds good on any device I have without amplification. 
 
thanks,
 
E

 

[Migou67]

@callej For me yes, they are easy to drive on my Note 2, to much volume I have to reduce -14dB the output with Viper4Android.

 

[vrapan]

SD2 is very easy to drive for sure 3-4 clicks on my iPad mini retina and it is almost too loud.

 

[Migou67]

New Headfonia review of the SD2/3 : http://www.headfonia.com/inear-stagediver-german-sd2-sd3/
 
If you want to stick to universals but you also want a more than good fit and you want to enjoy top quality sound, then you really have to demo the Inear StageDivers. After you’ve listened to them you will understand why they are getting so much praise world wide.

 

[rookie2009]

Can I ask between the sd2 and sd3,which of those would be best for hard rock and metal? would be using the ibasso dx50 as a source..
 
Cheers

 

[tm.chen]

I would recommend SD3 with the additional bass. SD2 is an all rounder which I would like for pop.

 

[rookie2009]

  I would recommend SD3 with the additional bass. SD2 is an all rounder which I would like for pop.

Thank you for your thoughts bud.. I actually ordered the sd2 just this morning lol,Im not much of a basshead to be honest so that made me avoid the sd3..