[matto]

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Oh righto, my bad. I'm confused now some people are saying the SM3's are bassier than the Um3x and some say it's the other way around? I'm lost... I don't want that much quantity but I wouldn't want them to be like a ATH "Anemic" bass, I like being able to feel the kickdrums when listening to parkway drive, but at the same time good mids!
 
Pretty much I want a much better TF10, i.e. more controlled bass, and much more forward mids? and geeze the "FOTM" 6 months grr I can't wait that long I want these before I go back to uni

Ultimately it's your decision, obviously, but to these ears - and I've said this time and time again - all 3 frequencies are rendered much more accurately on the UM3X than on the SM3.
 
Now, when you say "I want a much better TF10", I think you may have unrealistic expectations. I've often found that people tend to ignore older products in favour of new ones, and exaggerating the qualities of a new AND expensive IEM is not uncommon, hence the term FOTM. There's more to it that that, but won't go into stuff I've said many times over, eg we believe we remember what our previous IEMs sounded like, when often that is not the case.
 
I loved the TF10's SQ overall, and they're quite likely the second best universal IEM I've heard (followed very closely by the CK100). However, I found the bass on the UM3X more refined, with plenty of quantity and also better quality, more tight and better defined than the TF10. As for the mids, the most important frequency, in my view, the UM3X wins hands down. High frequencies were better rendered by the TF10s, but not by much. The cable, though, AND ergonomics of the UM3X are also significantly better than those of the TF10.
 
Bear in mind some of these differences are subtle for the average listener, though the differences between the UM3X and SM3 (and SE535) were not that subtle.
 
I can understand very well how you feel - specially after reading so many often contradictory views - but ultimately you'll have to make a decision. My advice - if you're 'desperate' to get something VERY soon - is to get something that will have a fairly decent re-sale value. At least, if it turns out not to be your cup of tea, you may still get about 80% of what you paid.

you have just sold me a pair of UM3x's! I'll contact earphone solutions to see how much they can sell the UM3x for, Thanks a lot!
 

Something tells me you're not quite convinced yet.
 


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you have just sold me a pair of UM3x's! I'll contact earphone solutions to see how much they can sell the UM3x for, Thanks a lot!
 

 
Hi, I'm (not-so) new here, had been reading up Head-fi since last year, but just registered. Like matto, I'm also bedazzled by all the reviews comments to and fro regarding UM3XRC and the SM3. I was already set on buying the UM3XRC at Earphone Solutions, when somehow I've read somewhere "SM3 > UM3X" kind of threads. That was about 3 weeks ago

 
I'm not sure I'm considered an audiophile or not, I do appreciate music, especially orchestral (but not classic), probably not as much as most high-end users here. I don't even have nice gears. UM3X is going to be my big jump from stock Cowon earbuds

 
So, I feel like matto's case is almost similar as mine. I was, in the beginning eyeing TF10. Then UM3X. At this point, UM3X is already in 'My Cart' at Earphone Solutions.  Then I got lost among "SM3 vs UM3X" reviews. UM3X still in 'My Cart'. Then I've read about new 'contenders' Final Heaven S and Ortofon eQ7... oh dear....haven't even read up on these 2 yet! Lol, my wife's already shocked I'm shelling out more than $20 for earphones

 
I know most people say "Why not go try listening to it?" Hmmm...I'm at Australia, and there's only a few shops selling high end audio gears and they're pretty much inaccessible to me.
 
From what I've read so far, I feel my tastes are kinda similar to music_4321. BTW, excellent magnificent reviews and comments. Kudos to you!

  Lol, at one point, I've even been swayed by your review of ATH CK100, but was 'relieved' when you sold it in the end, albeit almost reluctantly XD
 
Well, more reading up for me to do

Good luck with your UM3X, matto!

 
Hey, thanks for the kind words.
 

ahahhaha okay you got me there, iamackler a well I'd think of him as my friend on head-fi told me I'd hate the UM3x signature, and to wait out for the W4 and well I seem to pretty much like and dislike the IEM's he's had =/ though even if I get one and don't like it I may only lose like 30-50$ hopefully anyway.

 

 

[miow]

UM3X is better in all aspects except vocals, which are a bit more upfront/warmer on the SM3 due to mid-centric sound sig (but still amazing on the UM3X). Instrument separation is better, more clarity, more details and better treble (quantity and its more sparkly). Treble on the SM3 is indeed recessed. If you A/B both, you almost can't hear the SM3's treble. Bass quantity and quality is same thing. UM3X is brighter, SM3 is dark. This is after an extensive A/B. No doubts, UM3X wins hands down. Going to buy a silver dragon cable for it and it will be heaven, with even more details, better soundsdtage and deeper bass.