Ortofon e-Q7 Impressions Thread

[KLS]

Quote:

The e-Q7 is better at instrument separation, clarity, details, vocals, transparency, imaging and speed but the IE8 does have a wider soundstage and more bass impact. The e-Q7 also sound more natural than the IE8. If you like big rumbling bass and wide soundstage you are probably better off with the IE8 but if you want a slightly more forward vocal and more details in your music the e-Q7 is your best bet. They are both great IEM with very different sound signature so it will be hard for us to recommend which is best for you. Is there anything lacking for you in the IE8?

I pretty much agree with you @helljudgement.

1. Instrument separation and imaging: One might feel that e-Q7 is better, as they are cold compared to IE8, so there is more 'space' between instrument. However, IE8 is good in instrument separation, and e-Q7 is just a tad better than IE8 in my opinion. Both are equally good in imaging.
2. Clarity: e-Q7 definitely has better clarity. Swapping from e-Q7 to IE8, the infamous mid-bass hump might irritate somes, butin my opinion, this is the musical part of IE8.
3. Detail: Again swapping in between e-Q7 and IE8, e-Q7 is like a mids/lower treble centric IEMs, while IE8 is no doubt a bass/lower midrange centric IEMs. e-Q7 has better details in the mid and treble region, but bass is the priority of IE8, though bass is boomy on IE8 compared to -Q7. e-Q7 has the speed in bass, but less reverb compared to IE8, which I think is one of the fun factor of IE8.
4. Vocal: e-Q7 has a magical vocal, I like female vocals with e-Q7. Vocal on e-Q7 is more forward compared to IE8. On the other hand, vocal in IE8 though lacking clarity, has a fuller sound.

 
Just did a quick comparison between IE8 and e-Q7, and again I realised for the second time though IE8 has many flaws compared to others I have own, I am still enjoying them (the first time was when I compared IE8 to CK10). e-Q7 make a good complement to IE8 in my opinion.
 
EDIT: Just saw your last post @photofan1986. Then I think e-Q7 should be able to fulfill your requirement.
 

 

[Photofan1986]

Thanks for the great input, KLS!
 
Man I guess I'm condemned trying those out

Damn it!

 

[KLS]

If you look into the Gold, Copper, and FX700, I am sure your wallet can dry faster

 

[Alec E]

You can get unused display models of this for $269 from the e-Q7's (U.S.) eBay dealer right now, by the way.  Just ask them about it.

 

[midoo1990]

Quote:

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Just did a quick comparison between IE8 and e-Q7, and again I realised for the second time though IE8 has many flaws compared to others I have own, I am still enjoying them (the first time was when I compared IE8 to CK10). e-Q7 make a good complement to IE8 in my opinion.
 
if just the ck10 had a bit more bass and treble was down a notch,i would have sold my ie8.
 
i also changed my view on BA iems after getting the um3x.it is the smoothest iem i have ever heard,more smoother than ie8!
ie8 with bad seal sound sharper,airier and brighter than the um3x.if only the um3x was a bit less warm with a little bit more treble energy,i would have sold my ie8.
i want to hear/own both the fx700 and ck100 which will probably happen this summer. 

EDIT:you can see how much the new site sucks,i dont know how to quote correctly with all that complecated <b> codes...

 

[KLS]

HI @midoo, you just need some time to get use to the new site. Though I like the layout of the old site more.
 
I think we both need custom sleeves. I am going to an audiologist soon, to make a pair of custom sleeves for my SM3 and hope that with custom sleeves treble comes out more and become less warm. For me, IE8 with bad seal in fact has a sharper and brighter sound compared to SM3. But the accuracy on SM3 is really something, and I believe that you are hearing better accuracy on UM3X

 

[midoo1990]

the um3x is more accurate than ie8,having owned two BA iems,they are more accurate than dynamic.i am thinking of getting custom sleeves for both the ie8 and um3x and if i am not bothered by the fit or deep insertion,i will sell them both to afford custom iems

 

[Pianist]

Quote:

HI @midoo, you just need some time to get use to the new site. Though I like the layout of the old site more.
 
I think we both need custom sleeves. I am going to an audiologist soon, to make a pair of custom sleeves for my SM3 and hope that with custom sleeves treble comes out more and become less warm. For me, IE8 with bad seal in fact has a sharper and brighter sound compared to SM3. But the accuracy on SM3 is really something, and I believe that you are hearing better accuracy on UM3X

IE8 treble quality is unimpressive at least to my ears. You may be fooled by its extension and sparkle but listen more carefully. It is by no means bad, but it is not the most clear and a bit grainy compared to other top-tiers I've heard.

 

[KLS]

Quote:

IE8 treble quality is unimpressive at least to my ears. You may be fooled by its extension and sparkle but listen more carefully. It is by no means bad, but it is not the most clear and a bit grainy compared to other top-tiers I've heard.

Hi @Pianist, I think we have discussed similar issue several months ago in the CK10 or @james' e-Q7 thread.
 
I still remember that you said IE8's treble is harsh and grainy, and the me that time defended that they are not. Now having SM3 besides IE8, I know what you mean

 

 

[Photofan1986]

@Pianist: how do you think e-Q7's treble compares to IE8's?
Thanks.

 

[KLS]

 
Quote:

the um3x is more accurate than ie8,having owned two BA iems,they are more accurate than dynamic.i am thinking of getting custom sleeves for both the ie8 and um3x and if i am not bothered by the fit or deep insertion,i will sell them both to afford custom iems

 
Custom IEMs...Though there are not much choices of custom IEMs, I find it difficult to decide on which to go...

 
Quote:

@Pianist: how do you think e-Q7's treble compares to IE8's?
Thanks.

You are asking the right person @Photofan1986. @Pianist is very 'demanding' on good quality treble

 

 

[Pianist]

Quote:

@Pianist: how do you think e-Q7's treble compares to IE8's?
Thanks.

 
I prefer the treble on the e-Q7. IE8 is more extended, but e-Q7 sounds smoother and has better clarity. That being said, I feel that the treble is the Achilles heel of the e-Q7 - it is still a little grainy, lacking delicacy/refinement and not quite extended enough. That is compared to true treble champs like RE0 (and probably CK10 and RE252, although I haven't heard them personally).

 

[rawrster]

The treble indeed is one of the weak points of the e-Q7. There is a slight roll off which is where the lack of extension comes in. It isn't bad really and can be considered good if you have nothing better but if you have something like the CK10 (which has the best treble I have heard) or similar then the treble on the e-Q7 can be considered good but not as good a treble focused phone.

 

[midoo1990]

I don't think ck10 treble is realistic,it is very sharp and metallic to be considered nuetral.cymbals just don't sound right on it.the closet sound of cymblas I heard in iems is fx500 but again not so accurate.

 

[rawrster]

Well I think part of it may be source and another may be tips since you don't like tips that go deeper. The treble was hot when I used hybrids and not as much with triple flange. Either way I don't think we will be able to agree fully on the CK10 esp since it is my favorite earphone to this day and definitely not your favorite. However I still believe the CK10 treble is much better than the e-Q7.