Got my EX1000s back today.
After 1.5 hours A/B'ing both phones, I've now definitely decided to keep my EX1000s and put my 7550s up for sale. Most of what I've written in the last few days still stands, but here are a few more observations:
The 10% or so difference I'd perceived between the EX600 & EX1000 seems to have made a difference in my decision to keep the 1000s and sell the 7550s.
While I still find the 7550's mids to be slightly better overall, they are, in fact, a little closer to the EX1000s than I initially thought. I guess that's more to do with how I originally perceived the similarities between the EX600 & EX1000's mids - they are very, very similar, but the EX1000's mids seem to be a wee bit fuller, with ever so slightly more body/robustness (but not forward), something they share with the 7550s. I may still prefer the 7550's mids slightly more forward presentation (but only just), but when looking at the whole frequency range, the EX1000 do have the edge over the 7550s, even if the Ex1000's have that upper mids/lower treble spike, which for the most part has proved to be brilliantly done and quite smooth where other IEMs might get it wrong attempting a similar type of tuning.
The 7550s do have excellent extension at both ends of the spectrum but the EX1000s do seem to extend just a tad more, and this, surprisingly, is a little more noticeable at the lowest end of the spectrum (just a bit more rumble). Perhaps the different type of vents on all three IEMs, the different materials used in the housings and drivers plus different type of filters do play a part, after all. Soundstage on the EX1000 is indeed a little wider, with more depth, but the 7550s soundstage is excellent. I do perceive a very slightly wider SS on the EX1000s over the EX600s, but didn't want to waste time A/B'ing both EX phones (don't really enjoy A/B'ing) as I needed to focus on both higher-end models.
So, I do think the EX1000 is a better IEM than the 7550s. If I didn't have my ES3X and I could only keep one all-purpose IEM, I'd have to spend a good 5-8 days with both to make up my mind, though I feel I'd still go for the EX1000. In
my very initial impressions, where I compared the W4s & EX1000s I spoke of how the EX1000s were a little brighter than I like on some recordings. Fortunately, on the second day with the EX1000 loaner, I tested many more albums and that's when I just had to place my order for the EX1000s. The 7550s are a little more forgiving on such brighter type of recordings, but on good ones the EX1000 are the better IEM.
While the EX600 is a closer relative of the EX1000 than of the 7550, I'd take the 7550 over the EX600 as the former is an all-round better performer, specially when 'pushed to the limit' - the differences in all 3 bands between the 600s & 7550s isn't quite like the differences between the EX1000 & 7550s - mids, in particular, sound even more appealing on the 7550s than on the EX600s, and I'd probably take the high-end extension too, whereas the low-end at low to mid volumes I'd take the EX600s and the 7550s at louder volume settings.
So, I do think that while the EX1000 may be/seem overpriced, the pricing at least accurately represents, in my view, which IEM is better. That said, the price of the 7550s seems very appropriate - build quality on the 7550s is definitely closer to the EX1000s than it is to the EX600.
I'd still recommend the EX600 to most people as they are clearly the best bang-for-the-buck of the 3 and do better than quite a few other $300-$400 IEMs I've owned. However, I see both 7550s & EX1000s keeping in better shape after years of constant use (and abuse).
I still prefer the length of the 7550 cable (though most people probably wouldn't) along with the much smaller and practical case, but prefer the longer ear-guides of the EX1000/EX600 cables. I also prefer the suppleness, thickness & complete lack of microphonics of the genuine (non American) EX1000 cable, but prefer the strain relief at the plug on the EX600 cable.
