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So these seem to be more balanced than the e-Q6. Are they as good as the e-Q7 and lastly..does the fit issue with the e-Q7 in terms of the large nozzle still apply to the e-Q5. The housing looks the same but pics can only do so much. I did have some issues with that once in a while and my ears got sore so don't really want that to happen again.
Housing and nozzle have the same dimensions as the e-Q7, except that the e-Q5's main corpus is slightly shorter. This shorter housing may be an advantage, but for those who had fit troubles because of the e-Q7's short nozzle and wide housing, I don't expect the e-Q5 to be a significant improvement. As you can see in
this post, the FAD's housing tapers towards the nozzle, therefore they might be an easier fit for smaller ears.
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You seem restrained in your impressions of the EQ5.
Could it possibly sound 'better' whilst being cheaper than the EQ7? Hmm......
I am impressed thought at how well they wear over and under the ear. Klipsch flashbacks were definitely in order. Thank goodness. Toss some earguides on those bad boys.
I
am restrained for two reasons: first, I haven't had much time for in-depth comparing, so these aren't yet sound impressions. Second, the e-Q5 struck a chord with me from the first moment I unpacked them and put them into my ears. I almost instantly fell in love with their perfect combination of clean, beautiful design, reassuring build and stellar sound quality. These were meant as a loaner pair for reviewing, but I bought them right away. So I believe some kind of cooling-off period would be beneficial for my judgement. Odd I know, but that's how it goes.
I had the X10 and they looked ridiculous over-ear. Ortofon's design is smarter and their cable incomparably better. Oh and earguides would definitely spoil the look!
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Sounds very promising, thanks for your preliminary assessment. What do you think of the build quality? I read these are likely to be Q7 drivers in a cheaper enclosure to lower costs. Has the cut backs compromised build quality? I'm intending to use them for jogging, so the cable would be flapping around quite a bit. What are the cable microphonics like?
If anything I think the build quality is even more reassuring. The housing is pretty much indestructible, the cable is more flexible than on the e-Q7. A much better cable than on any of the FADs. We have to trust Ortofon about the inner strain relief though. You don't get the e-Q7's stylish case, that's the only cut back I've noticed.
As for jogging, I haven't tried, but assume you'd need at least a shirt clip if you want to wear them downwards. Microphonics without it would be pretty bad. Over-ear would surely be advisable, but like I've said before, this may be hit or miss depending on your ear anatomy.
