SoundStage! review of the Sensaphonics Soft 2-X

[toaster]

Great review man.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Genetic Are you saying that we could try it, using that universal fit, and not be force to take a 750$ «chance» on these Sensa???

it is very possible to find someone with sensas and push the sound tubes enough into your ears to get a good idea of what they sound like.

the bass will not be there as much as when you receive a pair custom-molded to your ears, but the mids and highs will be there the same as always.

 

[toaster]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamdone The sensas present the music almost perfect, note for note, it's just that it almost technical about it compared to the other headphones. It's like everything sounds great but is that really how live music sounds.

I think the sensas really do capture the "liveliness" of the music exceptionally well. their "technical" sound i believe is what enables all the little nuances of the music to shine through.


Quote:

Originally Posted by iamdone Maybe I just prefer the sound of open headphones. Gives my ears a chance to breathe.

I bet that the openness of the RS-1 really can be refreshing after the sensas.

I absolutely love the sensas and think they sound damed near perfect, but due to their in-ear design, their is not an "open, airy sound." In comparison to any other iem i have heard, it is incredible how open and large they sound, however, in comparison to a headphone, soundstage is simply no comparison.

I don't think i would really like an open airy soundstage more than the intimate closeness of an iem, its just that i could definitely see appreciating being able to throw on a nice pair of headphones with a big, open, airy soundstage once in a while.

 

[lindrone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mavis It's funny, Jason - I read a comment like that right before I bought my E5c's, and I totally disregarded it - I figured the Sensas/UEs were too expensive and I'd never want to spend that much money ... Now, just a few months later, here I am buying the Sensas after all. In other words, you're absolutely right!

By doing that though, you'll also lose some perspective as to how much of an improvement that the 2X-S is over the other IEM's, perhaps reducing your appreciation of it to a much lower degree.

 

[iamdone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by toaster22 I think the sensas really do capture the "liveliness" of the music exceptionally well. their "technical" sound i believe is what enables all the little nuances of the music to shine through. I bet that the openness of the RS-1 really can be refreshing after the sensas. I absolutely love the sensas and think they sound damed near perfect, but due to their in-ear design, their is not an "open, airy sound." In comparison to any other iem i have heard, it is incredible how open and large they sound, however, in comparison to a headphone, soundstage is simply no comparison. I don't think i would really like an open airy soundstage more than the intimate closeness of an iem, its just that i could definitely see appreciating being able to throw on a nice pair of headphones with a big, open, airy soundstage once in a while.

Remember, this is all in comparison. If I only used the ety and shures, I'd say that the sensas sounded open and airy and alive compared to them, which they do. It's when you start comparing them to other excellent headphone that you get a real idea how they compare overall and what your personal preference is.

I think you'd like the Grados based on your musical preference. They more intimate because they put you right there with the musicians. They do have a nice airy warm sound but don't have the concert hall sound of the hd650. It's actually closer to sensa soundstage just with a more exciting natural sound.

 

[toaster]

too bad you live in cali.

i'd love to hear the rs-1.

 

[Zoide]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamdone There is a universal fit for testing that my audiologist in San Francisco had. She said they also have one at the headquarters in Illinois. It is mostly used for trade shows. This sounded pretty close to the finished product. I also saw in another post that ultimate ears had universal fits of all their models at their lab in Los Vegas.

Well, just don't try the universal fit 2X-S out of the audiologist's receiver! It makes them sound... not that great. I think it might be an impedance issue, or something. Now, when listened to out of a proper headphone amp, or even straight out of an iPod... a whole other matter! much better

 

[ChicagoPhil]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoide Well, just don't try the universal fit 2X-S out of the audiologist's receiver! It makes them sound... not that great. I think it might be an impedance issue, or something. Now, when listened to out of a proper headphone amp, or even straight out of an iPod... a whole other matter! much better

Zoide,

Did you feel the demo of the universal fit 2X-S pretty accurately reflects the sound of the finished product, with fit and comfort being the only real differences? Or did your final custom fit pair sound much better? If so, would I be correct in assuming the difference is from the two seperate sound tubes in the final product, vs. a single bore in the universal? Or do they have a dual tube in the universal tip?

I have an appointment to demo the universal pair tomorrow, so just trying to set my expectation level...

Thanks,
Phil

 

[Zoide]

Unless I remember incorrectly, I'm pretty sure that the universal also has two drivers. In other words, it should be the same except for fit and therefore would maybe have a bit less isolation and/or bass response.

I can't really tell you how similar it sounds to the custom molded 2X-S because I tested the universal model in far less than ideal conditions (the audiologist's consumer-level Sony receiver headphone out). I think if you bring your own player (MP3 player, portable CD player, etc) and just plug them in there you'll get a much better idea of their real sound.

 

[iamdone]

I tested it out of an ipod and thought it was very close to custom fit sound. The universal looks like a bloated etys and uses the same tri-flange tip too. It does not have dual tubes but does have the same dual drivers. I think the finished product may have better bass and better detail but the overall sound signature is about the same.