OK! I've got some new, guys!
A few minutes ago, I put the original filters back ,after listening to my SM3 with Head Direct filters jammed into the Sensorcom tips for a few hours.
There are a few interesting observations I'd like to share with you.
First:
Filters affects the sound like no other device. Equalizer can change the frequency response but not the presentation. Adding an amp can make the synergy better, i.e. adding a warm amp to a cold phone etc.
But none have the same effect as changing the filters!
What did I notice?
Hmm, lots of things. First, of course, the tonal balance is different. With the filters off, the sound is harsh, sibilant and really not so nice. The details are exceptional but really, nothing is refined.
With the foam Head Direct filter, the harshness goes away and a new sonic balance is struck. However, they do not sound like the stock filters at all. Bass is lesser, does not have the same impact and reach, lower mids are less forward, too. Uppers mids gain quite a bit of clarity and highs are brought forward. The SM3 sound more like a RE-252 (that's the only phone I have that sounds alike).
That's for the sonic balance. But it's only the first part of the story.
Yes, there is a dramatic change in presentation! I thought I noticed it when I was listening to my favourite tracks, and now I put the stock filters back, I confirm, and it's pretty obvious.
Many of you have noticed the "in the face" presentation of the SM3. Well, with the foam filters, there is
much more air in the music! As incredible as it may sound, it's true. The filters tailor the sound AND the presentation.
What's the explanation to this phenomenon? I'm not quite sure. Probably, as the volume is louder (than with stock filters), and some freq brought forward, the brain interprets the space cues differently. Sorry, but really, I have not much clue
.
What's my reaction?
Well, as you may have noticed, my first reaction was excitement. Of course, being able to change to sound so much just replacing the filters is quite amazing.
With the foam filters, there is something more balanced about the sound. But without being really able to explain it, the sound lost all its magic! Everything is dry and lifeless. Today, as I put the stock filters back, I was like "Ahh, yeah, that's the stuff'!
It's really obvious that Earsonics made a huge research concerning the filters they wanted to use. Without them, the SM3 sounds nothing like an SM3!
Now, I'm listening to the stock filters, and I can attest that the sound has so much more power, life, "feeling", soul (I'm running out of words). It's much sweeter, smoother, yet retains much more emotion...
So, after a short experimenting trip, I'm definitely back to the original, magic Earsonics sound. I have to be in love with it!
@Raff012: That's really strange! You should clearly see the green filters in the sound tube. Now, did you buy the SM3 new or second hand?
I can only wholeheartedly recommend you to contact Earsonics so they can send you a pair of filters. You can put them easily in the sound tube yourself.
But you really need those to enjoy the fantastic, magic SM3 sound! (Sorry if I sound like a fanboy, but right now, I'm listening to them with the stock filters, and geeze, I love this sound!).
