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Originally Posted by average_joe /img/forum/go_quote.gif
No problem, glad to help people with their decision, as has happened to me
What would you say the strengths and weaknesses of the W3 and PFE are? When would you listen to the PFE and when would you listen to the W3? Which one is more fun, and which one is more analytical?
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I really am having a hard time comparing the W3s with the PFEs. I can't say the W3s are poor performers, as some have saiod. They just don't seem to deliver the same impact (in terms of clarity, detail, etc.) that I hear with the PFEs. Certanily, their bass impact is very good, but on the mids and highs, I just keep going back to the PFEs.
I have been through a gazillion tip combos/tryouts with the W3s (including those $185 custom sleeves I had made by Future Sonics), and while fit is not really a problem with most, I had to finally admit to myself that the sibilance so many people mentioned was an issue with certain tips, mainly short ones.
After more testing/trying, I finally settled on, and this is weird, the small T100 Comply in my left ear and the standard P Comply in my right. Great seal, sound is very good. But they just don't blow me away, or should I say draw me in, like the PFEs. I know I am not crazy, because a couple other other W3/PFE owners report the same response (Chi2 and can't remember the other person).
Anyway, I keep going back and forth, trying the W3s again and again, and I just don't hear the impact a $400 pair of IEMs should deliver. I know others on here feel differently, no need to get into detail. Maybe it's just the way my ears work. I have no idea. As for fun vs. analytical, I never really view phones from that perspective. Fun to me means best sounding, and I just keep going back to the PFEs.
Sure this doesn't help. I wish I had more ways to describe it. Chi2, if you are out there, can you comment on the W3/PFE comparison. I know HPAddict has already voiced his preference for the W3, and that is the logical stance. It's just not mine, at the moment.