Next logical step up from iM716

[terance]

Ideas?

I was thinking either UE Super.fi Pro 5 or Shure E3c

My price range is ~$250, I really can't go much higher.

Anyon who has owned either of these headphones, or has an alternate suggestions please inform me!

thanks guys

 

[3X0]

In my opinion the iM716 is a great gateway IEM. It has various sonic qualities that are much like that of other IEMs. I think there are three steps you can go from here, depending on what you want more of.

Etymotic ER4
+More detail and clarity
+Slightly more extended in bass and highs
-Quite a bit less bass
-Less body

Shure E4
+More forward middle range and smooth sound
+More articulate lower range (versus Bass mode)
-A bit less bass
-Highs don't extend as much

Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro
+More body and "fun"
+More bass
-Less detailed and analytical (versus HD mode)
-Less clarity and neutrality

These are based on my experiences with them. None should run you over $200.

I personally am liking the iM716 better than the ER4P, though I haven't done a side-by-side comparison with the E4 or Super.fi 5 Pro yet.

 

[terance]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3X0 In my opinion the iM716 is a great gateway IEM. It has various sonic qualities that are much like that of other IEMs. I think there are three steps you can go from here, depending on what you want more of. Etymotic ER4 +More detail and clarity +Slightly more extended in bass and highs -Quite a bit less bass -Less body Shure E4 +More forward middle range and smooth sound +More articulate lower range (versus Bass mode) -A bit less bass -Highs don't extend as much Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro +More body and "fun" +More bass -Less detailed and analytical (versus HD mode) -Less clarity and neutrality These are based on my experiences with them. None should run you over $200. I personally am liking the iM716 better than the ER4P, though I haven't done a side-by-side comparison with the E4 or Super.fi 5 Pro yet.

Thats the thing, i LOVE the iM716, i was consiering custom impressions from the earplug store.

What your describing from each of those headphones sounds like it will be quite different from the iM716

-I don't mind the lack of bass from the iM716
-I love how analytical they are
-I like the clarity alot

The iM716 seem like a great balance between all of those headphones.

Maybe i'm just biased?

Shure E4
+More forward middle range and smooth sound
+More articulate lower range (versus Bass mode)
-A bit less bass
-Highs don't extend as much

seem like the only ones i would like, perhaps i should get custom molds for those instead of my iM716s

 

[kin0kin]

what makes you think the shure e3 is a step up the 716? I hope you are not associating price with quality, because the e3, and e4 is no better than the im716.

 

[3X0]

If you like the clarity and the analytical nature of the iM716, the ER4 may be a better option. It expands on that clarity and accuracy at the expense of some bass and body. It's like a bunch of refined, loud taps instead of knocks.

The E4 has more bass (in terms of quantity) than the iM716 in HD mode but much less bass than the iM716 in Bass mode. At the same time, I'd say the quality and refinement of its bass middles between the two modes, admittedly much closer to HD. The E4 is quite a bit smoother while maintaining nice sonic body at the expense of some refinement (compared to HD mode). The E4 is great with vocal emphasis as it brings mids to the forefront of the soundstage.

I've recently been considering the iM716, in its entirety, as the child of some crazy orgy between the E4, ER4, and Super.fi 5 Pro.

 

[terance]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kin0kin what makes you think the shure e3 is a step up the 716? I hope you are not associating price with quality, because the e3, and e4 is no better than the im716.

thanks for clearing that up for me

i was associating price with quality

i only paid $67 for4 my iM716s, so i figured iems that were 3X that cost would be alot better.

overall my iM716 purchase, in hindsight, seems like it was a smart thing to do

 

[3X0]

If you expect a huge difference you'll be sorely disappointed. I spent three times what I paid for the iM716 on my ER4. Now, I'm using the iM716 more.

IMO the only real noticeable and indisputable overall improvement will come with a Triple.fi 10 Pro or E500.

 

[Electric_Mofo]

Hate to say it but the next logical step that wont leave you dissapointed are custom moulds

 

[terance]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electric_Mofo Hate to say it but the next logical step that wont leave you dissapointed are custom moulds

i think thats what i'm going to end up doing

i'll get molds to hold me off till next fall, when i can save up and by some 400-500 dollar customs

thanks for all the input, you all have saved me alot of money and agony

 

[kin0kin]

If you really want something that is a step up, I think you really have to start considering custom molds...and that is not something that most people can easily justify since you are basically blindly buying something that is freaking expensive. Even so, you still wont know if they are really a step up. You'd probably start hitting ur head on the wall if they suck...or start trying to make them sound good mentally lol

try to appreciate the 716 more, it is one heck of an IEM, by far the best universal IEM that ive ever heard from my limited experience. The Superfi5pros is an IEM that i'd like to try out though.

PS: the e500 didnt sound like it is an improvement to me. Just different;...with much more slower boomier bass, smoother mid range and much less treble than the 716, the price is definitely and "improvement" though

.

 

[PiccoloNamek]

Quote:

-I don't mind the lack of bass from the iM716 -I love how analytical they are -I like the clarity alot

I think the ER4s will be the next stop for you in your headphone journey. Although there is one thing to keep in mind. The ER4s weren't really designed for listening to music per se, I think. They were designed for the literal reproduction of recordings. Some people enjoy listening to music like this, but absolute neutrality isn't always a good thing. If a song is mixed low on bass or with thin mids, it will sound exactly like that on the ER4s. They will not add anything to the recording or compensate for any shortcomings in it. (But, on the flip-side, a well-mixed song will sound wonderful on them.)

That aside, they are very transparent, fast, and detailed and I'm sure you would like them.

 

[terance]

ayone have recomendations on where to get custom earmolds for the iM716's?

 

[dskywalker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kin0kin what makes you think the shure e3 is a step up the 716? I hope you are not associating price with quality, because the e3, and e4 is no better than the im716.

Concur. I've owned E4c and ER4p before, and currently IM716... I wont consider going for either one of them would be an "upgrade". Be happy for the bargain you have, save up more money and go for E500.

 

[kin0kin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by terance ayone have recomendations on where to get custom earmolds for the iM716's?

I inquired custom molds from Weston before, they anticipate that it would cost the same as the molds for the er4 but you will need to send in your 716 to them as they've never done one for the 716 before. The molds will cost you 2 X what you paid for ur 716.

Ive checked with several local audiologists and they can do custom molds for me as well.

 

[BushGuy]

Don't get the add-on molds............the logical step is to save your money until you are ready to splurge on custom ES-2, or ACS T2i. The other options (including $300 or more IEM's), considering the high quality of the iM716, are mere baby-steps.