OK, I've had two short listening sessions. First, the SM3s out of the box for about 20 mins., then after about 4 hrs' burn-in for another 30 mins. Can't say I notice a real difference between both short sessions, but out of the box the SM3 proved more of a shock than on the second session. I attribute this to the fact that I was already expecting not to be impressed after the initial shock. They also proved more shocking out of the box than my very first session with my SE535s.
Right now I find the SE535 a better IEM than the SM3, although both cannot come close to what I've come to regard -- today more than ever, actually -- as the wonderfully sounding ES3X. By contrast, the IE8s I ordered a few weeks ago did not shock me at all, ie the ES3X sounded better, yes, but not so drastically so, and there are so many claims of the IE8s needing 100s, yes, 100s of hrs to sound their best - had them for a week, 150 hrs' burn-in and no big change, really; they were just very good right out of the box to these ears, anyway.
I honestly never thought both of these universal IEMs would be so different from my ES3X, and I didn't expect that because my other universal IEM, the UM3X (sold 7 months ago), was so close to my customs SQ-wise. I've even gone as far as purchasing a new pair of UM3X -- it's mad, I know -- after the shock I got from hearing the 535s. Yes, spending over $1,000 on three IEMs for testing purposes is not fun when your intention is to keep only one. But, I'd been reading so much on the two I've just got that I had to try them for myself. Initially I was just going to get the SM3s based on apparent similarities with the UM3X, then also decided on the SE535s after reports of it being an upgrade SQ-wise AND construction-wise on the old SE530 which I simply seriously disliked.
I also mentioned elsewhere that I'm not too keen on A/B'ing; it's OK for a few minutes but not fun when you feel you have to share your findings and try to be as accurate as you possibly can. So, having 3 universal IEMs at the same time is not a dream come true, at least to me.
Anyway, I honestly expected better results from the SM3, and more so because I'm not a believer in burn-in, specially with BA IEMs.
With the SM3 I immediately tried my all-time favourite tips, the soft grey silicone (SGS from now on) tips from Westone (almost identical to the Shure's). I then tried the Sensorcom tips, and then the stock bi-flanges.
The SM3 is slightly less comfortable than the 535, but the former remains very comfortable. The SM3 is easier to insert because the 535 swivel mechanism makes it take a little longer. This can be a bit of a nuisance if on the go, needing to insert and remove your IEMs frequently.
The 535's cable is about 10" (25cm) longer than the SM3s, and the Y split is placed about 2" (5 cm) further down on the former, which I find more convenient, but I don't find the SM3s Y split distance from the shells as terribly bad as reported elsewhere, and I don't exactly have a small head.
The cable on the SM3 is very similar to the old UM3X cable but better still in the sense that it's wound up more tightly - reminds me of the black Westone ES Series cable (for customs) which was better than the universal version as I mentioned a few days ago.
The SM3 shells have an overall better finish (read much less home-made build quality) than the old UM3X. I had two UM3X pairs as the initial batch came out with a fault reported by many. Both pairs looked slightly different, uneven, as if they were...well...'home/hand-made'. The SM3 has a smoother, more consistent/ professional finish, but all 3 IEM's (SE535, SM3, UM3X) shells remain plasticky and nothing like the smart and solid looks of the ATH-CK10's or even the IE8's AND even my £60 Sony MDR-EX500. I'll soon see for myself if the new UM3X (with detachable cable) shows any improvements in build quality (shells & cable). On the SM3 box it's stated that these IEMs are designed AND made in France. The 535's box says "Made in China" However, most people will find the 535 looks and finish much more appealing than the SM3's.
The packaging for the 535 is simply WOW, WOW, WOW!, but not my cup of tea really. I much prefer the very, VERY discreet and environmentally friendly SM3 packaging - simple & practical (and much cheaper for shipping purposes).
You only get two types of tips with the SM3s, Complys & grey bi-flanges plus a wax removal tool. The SM3's case is just the right size, and slightly better quality than the old UM3X case. The 535s come with a better choice of tips than the SM3 and the old UM3X (but not the new UM3X as I wrote a few posts back) but I still prefer the 535's/ 530's case (exactly the same) to any other universal I've owned.
OK, music_4321, what about the bl**dy sound?!!!
The 535s, overall, sound better, more balanced, and though a little bright sounding and somewhat bass anemic for my taste (at least compared with my ES3X), today I have no doubt I'd get the 535s over he SM3s, though I much prefer the SM3 cable for it's flexibility and complete lack of microphonics. But from a purely SQ stand, today I'd get the 535s.
The SM3 has more bass, yes, but everything sounds veiled! Highs are recessed no matter which tips I try, SGS and Sensorcom tips sounding very similar, the SGSs being just a little more comfortable. The Sensorcom and stock grey bi-flanges also sound similar, but the former renders highs a little better and are more comfortable, for me at least. I got a good seal from both, BTW.
I most definitely have not heard yet that "glorious" sound and 3D type of soundstage/ headstage reported by some people.
Unlike the 535s I will give the SM3 more time (2 weeks at most) as there have been quite a few reports of dramatic changes in sound. I remain sceptical, though.
As of today -- and please note this may change if the unusual SM3 burn-in effect reported turns out to be true -- the old UM3X is the best universal I've heard, followed by the IE8.
You totally had my fooled into thinking the sensorcom tips did it for you. It's a shame your ears can't handle anything other than single flange tips however. I would have sold a lot of stuff much faster if I could only use those.
