[miken024]

I've been on this site for a while but I haven't really made any posts. Just reading, soaking in all the knowledge from other Head-Fi'ers.
 
Now for the purpose of this thread; I am looking to purchase a new pair of IEM's, one's that will last forever (or as long as possible). I listen to pretty much everything, from house, rock, rap, r&b, hip-hop, dubstep, the list goes on...
I haven't heard any of the top tier IEM's but from what I've read, the sound sig of the Earsonics SM3 appeal to me most (but then again I still haven't heard it or anything like it). What I was wondering was what would be the better purchase; The Earsonics SM3 (v1, the v2's are more expensive) @ $299 or a pair of 1964 custom IEM's (either Dual or Triple driver models) @ $275 and $350 respectively. Do custom IEM's make difference in SQ (not talking about fit, isolation, etc.)?
 
Thank you for your time, all opinions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[yello131]

Sm3 is a great IEMs but from what I have read , SM3 are not built as good as some other IEMs in 400 price range.
One IEM which is very durable is Ortofon e-Q5 or e-Q7. Price at  300 US and if purchased through MusicaAcoustics one get life time warranty.
 

 

[miken024]

Thank you for your input! I'll be sure to check them out on the appreciation threads and read reviews about them. I would probably rank SQ over build quality though, since I take good care of my purchases. Would custom IEMs be better than the SM3s (build quality wise)?

 

[miken024]

Bump.
 
I checked out the ortofons. They're nice, I added them on the list of "maybes". I'm really interested in a pair of 1964 D's. I think Silence is the only one who has them on these forums. I would like to know if they would suit my needs, and if they will be durable enough to last at least 5 years under good use.

 

[Austin Morrow]

I love my Ortofon's very much.

 

[mvw2]

What kind of sound are you looking for?  Why do you think the SM3 fits your preference best?  We can't really say yes or no or point you to anything specific without knowing what kind of sound signature you're shooting for.

 

[miken024]

Sorry. This would be my first top tier IEM purchase so I'm not quite sure. From what I've read of the SM3, it sounds appealing to me and what I'd want (but then again I'm not sure). I'm looking for a balanced, all-around IEM; amazing bass, amazing mids, amazing highs (or the best for around the $300 price point). Nothing that stands out/outshines the other (highs are amazing but bass is lacking, or vice versa), I guess I want everything to be the best it could get at that price point. From what I've read, the SM3 and the Ortofon's are my universal picks from the lot, but I was wondering if also custom IEMs are the way to go (1964 Ears have been getting a lot of praise) and if it can also provide the SQ and sound sig I want.
 
Thanks for your help guys

 

[Austin Morrow]

Read Jokers reviews on the comparisons in the 300-400 price point, it will help you. Trust me.

 

[miken024]

I'll take a look at Jokers reviews @ Austin Marrow.
@ audiojunky I don't really expect them to do everything, just enough to keep me happy and to last for a couple years. I got a home rig that I'll listen to so that might spice things up a bit, but I'll look into your input and advice and see if that might be better. Thanks!

 

[miken024]

I think I'm going to just go for the SM3's. Gonna pull the trigger before the 15% discount from Sound Earphones expires. Just one last question to all SM3 owners, is the build quality THAT bad? Under good care would the shell still pop out?

 

[lucozade]

 
Quote:

I think I'm going to just go for the SM3's. Gonna pull the trigger before the 15% discount from Sound Earphones expires. Just one last question to all SM3 owners, is the build quality THAT bad? Under good care would the shell still pop out?

The shells look cheap and delicate but i have not had any problems with mine in the 10 months or so i have had them  and i use them a lot and at work when not in use they are just lose in my pocket , no case ,and i do a physical job .
 

 

[miken024]

Oh okay, they sound pretty durable, especially if they're taken care of, good to know. Thanks!