[ClieOS]

double posted

 

[ClieOS]

Glad you like it. SE535, though a nicer sounding IEM, won't give you as much bang for the buck. But it is a slightly smoother, more refined sounding IEM than the SE215 and not quite as fun. You might want to keep an eye on the SE535 Limited Edition as well, which is said to be slightly more detail than the original.

 

[TheAceOfHearts]

I've been reading up on different IEM and I think the SE215 is what I'm looking for.
 
I made a thread (http://www.head-fi.org/t/590980/in-ear-headphones-i-should-consider-looking-into#post_8063172).
 
I'm looking for an IEM under $100 for when I'm in college and maybe plane rides or walking around. Using it with my Nexus One. Listening to rock, metal, symphonic, etc. Will be listening to MP3 V0 (VBR). 
 
 
What's really convincing me over any other headphones is that I can replace the cables on these... I've had bad experiences with the cables on my previous headphones, and I want to make it last a few years.
 
 
So, should I go for these? 

 

[ClieOS]

The recent batch of SE215 seems to fix the cable issue. If so, I don't see why you shouldn't get a SE215 as you have done your research.

 

[Gilly87]

ClieOS, what is a good upgrade from the 215 with similar signature sub 400? I love the forward mids and moderate bass emphasis, but I want better treble, better soundstage, and a full overall upgrade. I would love to keep the isolation.

Any clues?

 

[ClieOS]

Quote:

ClieOS, what is a good upgrade from the 215 with similar signature sub 400? I love the forward mids and moderate bass emphasis, but I want better treble, better soundstage, and a full overall upgrade. I would love to keep the isolation.
Any clues?

$400 should land you on a SE535. Not quite as fun, but overall more mature and better in almost every way.
 

 

[Gilly87]

is it really capable of the same bass impact? This is my only reservation on the SE535; otherwise I would own it by now. From what I've read the SM3 is my other main consideration.

 

[ClieOS]

Quote:

is it really capable of the same bass impact? This is my only reservation on the SE535; otherwise I would own it by now. From what I've read the SM3 is my other main consideration.

You won't get as much bass body, but you will get a fast bass impact. Unfortunately even a micro dynamic driver is still capable of pump more bass out, just in a slower speed. Even so, I don't think anyone will say SE535 has a weak bass. I really don't like the SM3 myself as it is way too laidback. You will loose a lot of dynamic / fun factor (more than SE535) if you go to SM3.

 

[Gilly87]

Well there goes the SM3 from my list; the biggest fault I find with my MS400, after lacking treble emphasis, is the thickness/laid-back-ness/lack of dynamics. I definitely want something that is about the same level of up-frontness as the SE215; it is neither too laid back nor too aggressive for my taste. It has a bit more midbass than I want and definitely not enough treble. However I am definitely looking for something that still has acceptable mids (NOTHING annoys me more than recessed mids) and above average, but not excessive, bass response and impact. Yet I want this without the signature getting too warm, I want a very clear and spacious sound...am I getting greedy? I have considered the TF10, wound up getting the Klipsch X10 instead; I love their sound, the bass is just about perfect in terms of volume emphasis, albeit a tad bloated, but like the SE215 and my MS400 they just straight up fail in the treble department, and they just aren't engaging enough for me, they are a slightly less gooey IEM version of my MS400. The GR07 has been on my list for a while but I am afraid the signature will be too boring for me, won't sound aggressive enough, and that it won't be worth my money to my ears after having four other mid-range phones.
 
And on top of all this, I demand isolation worthy of a subway, as this is my main listening time. What a disaster XD
 
Do I need to just suck it up and save for UM Merlins? 
 
I don't mean to milk you for advice but is there anything else that comes to mind? Am I pretty much screwed on the universal IEM front?

 

[TTker]

Price is very attractive. Sound is fun and good for casual music listening. 

 

[KUNFUCHOPSTICKS]

For that price, I'd get a balanced armature driven IEM instead of typical muddy neodyn.driven IEM.

 

[ClieOS]

Quote:

Do I need to just suck it up and save for UM Merlins? 
 
I don't mean to milk you for advice but is there anything else that comes to mind? Am I pretty much screwed on the universal IEM front?

I'll say go for the UM. There is no guarantee that you'll love it, but at least you know it is one of the best around. If you already have an custom in mind, you will always wonder about it when you try other universal. At the end, it is likely you will get the custom anyway, which means you have wasted time and money on universal for nothing.
 

 

[Gilly87]

Alas the Merlin is vented...isolation is one of my primary concerns. I am slowly leaning 535 + ZO2; I'm not sure I have the ears to appreciate $900 sound anyway. Thanks for your help ClieOS

 

[ironstar]

Just purchased the SE215. Hard to find that model here since I bought the last one.
 
I'm loving the sound signature of it. But I noticed there are times when I move my head sideways, the sound cuts off. Maybe because of the removable cord.

 

[EversmannGT]

Hi ClieOS,
 
I PM'ed you yesterday about this... I just got one little question but reached the PM limit.
 
Number of people seem to have suffered from the cutout issue http://www.head-fi.org/t/556838/shure-se215-iem-issues-cutting-out-audio/15
 
 
There are not many stores in UK where I can go and try these...and I am gonna try and visit a specialist store this weekend... Could you please also suggest the closest WESTONE so i can try it out in the same place I go.
 
Many Thanks
EversmannGT