TheVelvetMonkey
New Head-Fier
I’m looking to purchase one of the three universals and could use a little help.
Westone W80
JH Audio Lola
Kaiser Noble Encore
Currently, I’m running Westone’s 4R’s through a balanced Silver Dragon coming out of an RSA SR-71B and an iPod touch (I know I need a better DAP).
History:
I started with a pair of Shure e4c’s when they came out. One of the drivers failed so I sent them in for warranty. Not wanting to go back to the stock stuff I picked up a pair of UM1 to hold me over until I got the e4c’s back. I wound up liking the UM1’s more. From there, Shure SE530, Westone 3 and then the 4R’s. Shure’s sound just never clicked with me. It just seemed too sterile to me. As you can see I’ve only had experience with two companies.
What I listen to:
Very Heavy rotation:
Diana Krall
Melody Gardot
The Civil Wars
Katie Melua
Disturbed
Ella
Brandi Carlile
Heavy Rotation:
Coltrane
Monk
In This Moment
Three Days Grace
Joss Stone
Halsey
Florence + the Machine
Moderate Rotation:
Yuna
John Legend
Rhianna
Ray LaMontagne
Rhiannon Giddens
Norah Jones
Mary J. Blige
Those are just the ones off the top of my head. There is also a smattering of anything from Miranda Lambert and Talyor Swift to Aerosmith and Adele. Some classical much, but not much. I also enjoy instrumentals like Apocalyptica and Lindsey Stirling.
I’m sure each of the IEM’s I’ve mentioned will do a wonderful job. I just can’t seem to decide.
Westone, is the “safe” bet. I know what they are about I like their sound I have no issues with them. Kind of like having a car for 10 years and when it is time to get a new one you just get the newer version of the same car. Everything is pretty much the same but with improvements. My concerns with the W80 is the connector. Read a fair amount of criticisms on it. (I did miss out on a Father’s Day sale that brought these under $1K.)
Lola. They are kind of on the big side. I can go on stretches where I’ll have them in my ears for 6-7 hours out and about the city with a few 5-10 minute breaks in between. Will there be any fatigue? How are the seals on these? Will their size “pull” them out of your ears? Are there aftermarket tips for these? Compared to the W80 these seem to be the better bang for the buck.
Encore. Like the Lola theyseem rather big, so much of all Lola concerns do apply. Will my Silver Dragon work with them? If so that is a plus. These seem to be the IEM’s that people want to hear comparisons to. Also these are the costliest of the bunch.
Any insight, help, and advice is greatly appreciated.
Westone W80
JH Audio Lola
Kaiser Noble Encore
Currently, I’m running Westone’s 4R’s through a balanced Silver Dragon coming out of an RSA SR-71B and an iPod touch (I know I need a better DAP).
History:
I started with a pair of Shure e4c’s when they came out. One of the drivers failed so I sent them in for warranty. Not wanting to go back to the stock stuff I picked up a pair of UM1 to hold me over until I got the e4c’s back. I wound up liking the UM1’s more. From there, Shure SE530, Westone 3 and then the 4R’s. Shure’s sound just never clicked with me. It just seemed too sterile to me. As you can see I’ve only had experience with two companies.
What I listen to:
Very Heavy rotation:
Diana Krall
Melody Gardot
The Civil Wars
Katie Melua
Disturbed
Ella
Brandi Carlile
Heavy Rotation:
Coltrane
Monk
In This Moment
Three Days Grace
Joss Stone
Halsey
Florence + the Machine
Moderate Rotation:
Yuna
John Legend
Rhianna
Ray LaMontagne
Rhiannon Giddens
Norah Jones
Mary J. Blige
Those are just the ones off the top of my head. There is also a smattering of anything from Miranda Lambert and Talyor Swift to Aerosmith and Adele. Some classical much, but not much. I also enjoy instrumentals like Apocalyptica and Lindsey Stirling.
I’m sure each of the IEM’s I’ve mentioned will do a wonderful job. I just can’t seem to decide.
Westone, is the “safe” bet. I know what they are about I like their sound I have no issues with them. Kind of like having a car for 10 years and when it is time to get a new one you just get the newer version of the same car. Everything is pretty much the same but with improvements. My concerns with the W80 is the connector. Read a fair amount of criticisms on it. (I did miss out on a Father’s Day sale that brought these under $1K.)
Lola. They are kind of on the big side. I can go on stretches where I’ll have them in my ears for 6-7 hours out and about the city with a few 5-10 minute breaks in between. Will there be any fatigue? How are the seals on these? Will their size “pull” them out of your ears? Are there aftermarket tips for these? Compared to the W80 these seem to be the better bang for the buck.
Encore. Like the Lola theyseem rather big, so much of all Lola concerns do apply. Will my Silver Dragon work with them? If so that is a plus. These seem to be the IEM’s that people want to hear comparisons to. Also these are the costliest of the bunch.
Any insight, help, and advice is greatly appreciated.
