[project86]

Quote:

Is there a comparison between the Merlin and the Heir audio 4.a available anywhere, or does anyone here have both? I am currently looking at one of these two for my first pair of CIEMs, but the only comparisons I can find are between the Merlin and the 8.a, which isn't very useful since they are substantially different in price and my budget will only stretch to the 4.a.

 
 
I'd stay away from the Heir products at the moment, until such time as Heir proves themselves capable post-Wizerd-departure. The 4.A is a far more neutral sounding CIEM than the Merlin though.... significantly less bass, less crispness and snap in the upper mids.

 

[Bazirker]

Does anyone have problems with channel imbalance with their Merlins?

 

[Craigster75]

Apologies if this has been discussed already as I am new to this thread.
 
Are custom molds available yet in the US?
 
Am I understanding correctly there is a universal fit and custom fit Merlin?  Any differences in sound?  How is the seal and fit of the universals?  Would Comply tips provide the best fit?
 
Thanks in advance.
 

 

[Mython]

Quote:

Apologies if this has been discussed already as I am new to this thread.
 
Are custom molds available yet in the US?
 
Am I understanding correctly there is a universal fit and custom fit Merlin?  Any differences in sound?  How is the seal and fit of the universals?  Would Comply tips provide the best fit?
 
Thanks in advance.
 

 
As I understand it, UM are extremely reluctant to supply Universal fit versions to end-users.

 

[Bazirker]

I believe there is discussion of the UM 3DD (or whatever it's called) being offered in both universal and custom, but the Merlin is custom only.

 

[Mython]

Quote:

I believe there is discussion of the UM 3DD (or whatever it's called) being offered in both universal and custom, but the Merlin is custom only.

 
Oh, yes, sorry, I did forget about the 3DD.
 
I was remarking about the tip-tier UM IEMs - Merlin, Miracle etc.
 
Cheers for correcting me

 

[DeepGroove]

For those interested in the Merlin but unsure whether the sound signature would suit them,  I would recommend to listen to the Sennheiser HD-650.
 
I find that they share a very similar presentation: deep extended bass, clear mids, sparkly but non agressive treble, and and overall laidback presentation. The HD-650 have a bit more clarity in the mid-range but sound drier and a bit soulless. The Merlin are more mellow and engaging. Anyway giving the HD-650 a try at your local shop is a good idea.

 

[jonyoo]

Yes! This is the thread I was looking for. Subscribed.

 

[White Lotus]

I'm buying mine second hand and getting it re-shelled - 
 
bad idea?
 
Also, I love bass, so I'm told this is the IEM to get.

 

[Mython]

No, re-shelling should be fine. It's quite accepted practice, as long as you buy it from someone who you have reason to trust.
 
UM also do an excellent job with re-shelling.
 
The end result should be absolutely indistinguishable from brand new

 

[White Lotus]

  No, re-shelling should be fine. It's quite accepted practice, as long as you buy it from someone who you have reason to trust.

 
Got it today! Woohoo! Shame our ears aren't the same size/shape.
 
So, any chance of getting this re-shelled into a universal fit? Is that a crazy/bad idea?

 

[djvkool]

   
Got it today! Woohoo! Shame our ears aren't the same size/shape.
 
So, any chance of getting this re-shelled into a universal fit? Is that a crazy/bad idea?

 
Welcome to the club mate 

 this is currently my fave by far...
 
If you want to re-shell to universal, you will get a similar shape mold to the 3X, if that fits you well, then you will have no problem whatsoever...

  I'm buying mine second hand and getting it re-shelled - 
 
bad idea?
 
Also, I love bass, so I'm told this is the IEM to get.

 
Bass is great, though impact and depth still trails behind the 3X - but texture, resolution, and details of the bass is just awesome, put simply, the best bass without having the greatest of impact

 

[White Lotus]

  still trails behind the 3X

 
Funny seeing you here, mate!
 
Oh, how I miss the bass of the 3X. Bass that you exactly would want in hybrid.

 

[djvkool]

   
Funny seeing you here, mate!
 
Oh, how I miss the bass of the 3X. Bass that you exactly would want in hybrid.

 
Yeah I am a proud owner of universal Merlin, the original universal mold, I bought svyr's (been eyeing that for a long time 

) - this universal mold just like CIEM to me, fits and seal perfectly, and oh so comfortable 
 
Yeah haha I miss the 3X too, been without it for a month, hopefully I should have it back within 2-3 weeks

 

[White Lotus]

Just heard back from Stephen Guo, he said he can remould my Merlin into a universal fit for $249..
 
Won't lie, I'm a little tempted! 
 
Advantages/disadvantages?