Positional Accuracy in IEM's (ER4SR, q-JAYS, DN-2000J)

[MattKelly]

Hey Head-Fi,

I'm a professional gamer that has recently transitioned from over-ear headphones to IEM's for my competitive use. As I've invested more and more years into professional play, I've learned that soundstage size is not necessarily as important as the actual imaging and positional accuracy within the soundstage itself. For that reason, along with the added benefit of high isolation, IEM's have proven to be superior when compared to my experience with over-ear headphones.

With that in mind, I am looking for a universal IEM (around the $300 price range) that will excel in positional accuracy, "3D" imaging, and separation. Given my setup, I also require that the IEM can be worn cable down, rather than over the ear. So far, I have narrowed down my search to these three options (although I am of course open minded to any other suggestions): the single balanced armature ER4SR, the dual balanced armature q-JAYS, and the triple driver hybrid DN-2000J.

I previously owned a used Etymotic HF5, but unfortunately they broke on me shortly after purchasing them. While I love the idea of Etymotic's reference level sound signature, I wanted to do some more research before officially upgrading to the ER4SR. In doing so, I noticed that ljokerl and many other notable reviewers were praising the imaging abilities of dual balanced armature IEM's that featured the Knowles TWFK driver. While I love the idea of trying something like the CK10, DBA-02, GR01, etc... these older TWFK IEM's seem to no longer be readily available.

As it stands, the q-JAYS seem to be one of the only IEM's that can be easily purchased in 2017, while still utilizing the Knowles TWFK. Then there is the triple driver hybrid DN-2000J by DUNU, which does indeed use a TWFK for its dual BA, alongside its single dynamic driver as well. Lastly, there is of course the single driver classic in that of Etymotic's ER4. I can find all three of these IEM's for around $200-$300 right now, so specific pricing of one versus another is less of a concern to me, considering they are all within my budget.

So, between the single, dual, and triple driver options I've listed above, do any users have a recommendation as to which offers greater positional accuracy within each respective soundstage? Again, if there are any other suggestions for an alternative then I am of course open minded (provided they can be worn cable down!). Thank you in advance for any help - I really appreciate it.

Best,
Matt

 

[castleofargh]

the Qjays are a different model now, not the old one praised in so many old reviews. I don't think it still uses the TWFK.
I'm guessing you're looking at the DN 2000J also because of that driver, but maybe 2 point to think about:
1/ the TWFK are absolutely nothing special in term of sound, their value came from being ok-ish while being crazy small. it's really the size that made them so desirable.  I loved my old qjays because they were so small and comfy. I imagine the new ones must still be fairly small and comfy, that of course is a good thing when spending a lot of time with them.
2/ the dunu is an hybrid if I remember correctly, so it will have the TWFK balanced driver plus a dynamic driver. most likely dedicated to add some low end. the cool part is that it probably sounds way nicer than a TWFK alone. the negative part is that it's not as small, and it's vented so isolation is bound to be a little lower. I think I remember it gets sealed with the bass ring thing but then you get extra bass. I've always been a low+ noob gamer at best, but anything with explosions makes noticing the rest pretty hard when the low frequency rumble is strong. not sure that's desirable. 
in general position cues will come from mid and trebles, it's very hard to locate low frequencies(the reason why woofers don't usually need to be centered in a room).
 
so for those reasons, I'd be tempted to suggest etymotic as the low end is a little recessed with very clear mids and trebles. but it's not an IEM without problems:
- the er4s or er4p have a lot more cable noise than the hf5, worn down with the clip while gaming can probably be ok because you shouldn't be shaking you head all the time. but because of the deep insertion and strong vibration conductivity, most movements of the head can result in a significant friction noise for you(it drove me mad, but I was walking with them). the er4sr and er4xr have a better design and the noise from cable is similar to hf5 and very acceptable IMO.
- they require deep insertion for proper signature, just like the hf5 so you must know if that felt comfy enough for you or not. it usually depends on the ear canal bends. my problem here is that a human ear isn't made to be plugged all day long, even less so with something going that deep. I imagine you're spending a huge amount of time gaming everyday and IDK if that's good for your ears in the long run.
 
sadly anything well vented will have significantly worst isolation from external sounds so there is no ideal answer. I started this post with the opinion that you should stick to fullsize headphones for that reason. but you need isolation, something comfy and not too heavy, with great position cues, and I honestly can't think of any fullsize headphone I've tried that would fit that profile. without any need for isolation and no money limit I would say to get a hd800 and never look back. but it's an expensive open back headphone with virtually no isolation

.
 
if the best isolation is the top priority no matter what, then any etymotic IEM will be the logical choice. or we could think of something a little crazy like using whatever IEM you like, and having some earmuff over that.
 
good luck with your choice.