I have and did. Wasnt the best experience for me. I think my ears are just really sensitive. I bought and still have the JH Audio Jolene, which clearly was not long for this world, whether it just didnt sell well or that JH seems to have gone back to pretty much all BA's, who knows. Either way, I ended up having to get a refit, and even after the refit, the comfort on them doesnt really last for too long. My only guesses are that my impressions maybe werent quite perfect enough even though I had to redo them like 3 times before JH audio would actually build the IEM, or, that as I said, my ears are very sensitive, and I think having a hard acrylic shell pushing up against my ear in different places, even one thats fitted to my ear, is bound to cause discomfort for me.
Its part of the reason why I continue to include the final audio e5000 on pretty much every poll here. Small, lightweight, bullet style IEMs are pretty much the only type I can consistently count on to not cause discomfort.
I hear you...anyone who says CIEMs are always the most comfortable option hasn't had to deal with the curse of sensitive ears. Even if there's no pain, inserting hard resin deep into your ears is going to feel unnatural, and takes a lot of getting used to (for me anyway).
The answer (again for me) is to keep the CIEM nozzle thinner than the ear canal, getting most of the seal from the outer ear portion, and also not making it so long that you can feel it bump up against your ear when inserted.
If you ever get a chance, check out Bellos Audio's X-series of semi-custom IEMs. They use a new idea called In-Air Canals that's basically a custom shell that, instead of a long nozzle, uses a large soft tip to seal the ear canals. Literally nothing goes in your ear canal, which you'd think is counter-intuitive for sound quality, but quite the opposite. The Bellos X4 is one of the most naturally-tuned IEMs I have, and costs less than $1000. 5-day build time too, unlike months for some customs. Might not satisfy your basshead cravings but bass is full and warm, and seal is very good (though not totally isolating).
As for IE900, yeah, you didn't get a seal. Bass is the easiest way to tell - that IEM has top 3 bass in my collection, price no object, so if you're not getting that, it's the seal. I find the secret to IE900 is to size up your usual tips. Again, counter intuitive, but this seals your ear canals better, since IE900 doesn't require a deep fit at all. Both IE900 and X4 are the most comfortable IEMs I use, by a large margin, and I have three full-size customs and as many unis.
Hello Coolers and Friends,
I hope everyone is happy and healthy.
Canjam NYC is right around the corner and I am sure all the goers are super excited. I hope you all have a wonderful time.
Over the years, I have had a great experience in the WaterCooler and made some really great friends. I have finally come to a very calm place in the hobby and I am ready to step back and enjoy the gear I have and dig into more music, especially live music. This place has helped me grow in my own understanding of my preferences and the data available here is a goldmine, as well as the community of like minded folks. I am thankful and happy to have been a part of it. Take care and much love and peace. Farewell for now. Over and out
-Jeremy
My friend, what can I say? Except that...player 236 has been...eliminated!
Jokes aside, see you in Season 2 (or 3 or 4). You know how it goes bud, leaving HF is a temporary respite. When the craving kicks in, we'll see you again for sure.
(Of course we'll still keep in touch outside HF, but these guys are going to miss you!).
Chat soon.
