I think a headfier should be able to speak his mind without a MOT, so someone who obviously can not be detached and subjective, jumping at his throat in a condescending manner.
The Wizard's answer on the other hand was much more measured and informative.
I'm not always that cordial
But the poster did (in his own way) voice several concerns I had originally as well for the shell
The cable on the other hand, I really can't agree with. Just by counting the number of wires braided alone would indicate superior strength when compared to most cables issued as standard in the industry. Most cables are 3 braided with a solder point splitter.
1) the cable we use is 4 braided
2) the cable we use does not have a soldered splitter
4 braids = stronger
No solder point = one less point of failure
Yes the shell is somewhat dull. But as I said before, I had a very shiny demo to begin with, as I had requested the shell to be shiny. ( mirror finish to be exact). When I complained about how easy the demo would shatter the supplier looked at me like I was an idiot, and explained to me that in order to get the shine I wanted, a less durable plastic had to be used. He said if I wanted durable, then I had to accept a duller finish..... I opted for durability
Folks.... The thing is, I've been doing this pert near 10 years. I spent about 6 years learning, researching etc etc. part of that learning was done by doing repair work. There is/was a company out there that used a housing made of plastic that would break very easily. I didn't want to have such a product.
So we ended up with a shell, made up of a strong plastic, with redundant mechanisms to secure the face plate (glue & screws). The stem is fairly short, and stubby. Not much leverage can be placed on it, thus eliminating broken stems.
The socket is slightly recessed, thus forming a better looking junction point between cable and the IEM
Even so, the standard format IEM is not jaw dropping gorgeous
The IEM is practical, it certainly isn't luxurious.
It is a BMW 318, not an Alpina BMW. Faulting it due to the fact it is a 318 is obtuse... As it is, what it is..... If one wants Alpina level workmanship, the Wizard design is the way to
go.
The shell housing is still made of durable plastic, the difference is, it is sanded and lacquered yielding a mirror level finish.
Cheers