Just as an update to my DBA posts, I just sold my Earsonics SM3s for two reasons: One is I plan on upgrading to customs and figured the money I received for them would be an excellent start. At the same time, after a lot of listening and back and forth comparing, I just find the DBA sound signature (neutral, clear, clean, detailed and balanced) to be preferable to the SM3s, which I somehow could not hear on the same level as many others who love that IEM. I am not an audiophile, just someone who favors a certain type of sound in my portable phones.
I am in no way being critical of the SM3s, because some of my best HF friends love them (and some other members like them too). But as LFF so clearly laid out in his initial review that launched this thread, I just must be a sucker for the DBA sound sig. And if and when Fischer ever decides to launch a BA triple, I will be the first in line. I just hope I have enough left over to pay for the customs I decide to buy (JH13, UM Mage, etc.).
I am not sure many DBA owners feel as strongly as I do about them, but I know LFF remains as steadfast as his first post about the FA BAs.
Anyway, FWIW, I have owned dozens of IEMs, and I am really convinced the DBA sound sig was what I have been searching for. Could they be improved? Sure, but overall, I love these phones. Just to compare, apart from the SM3s, I have owned the MTP Gold/Copper, TF10s, ER4P/S, IE7/8, CK10, FS Atrios, Westone W2, PFEs, W3 and UM3X, and dozens of others, including Denons and assorted under $100 phones.
Have I said before I had found the phones that would end my search, sure. Who hasn't? But at their price point, the DBAs are the first ones below $200 that have earned that spot,