The Westone UM1/UM2 Appreciation Thread

[Walie]

I just got a huge load of sibilance when the black foamies when i owned the um2s

 

[moseboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walie /img/forum/go_quote.gif I just got a huge load of sibilance when the black foamies when i owned the um2s

I just got a huge load of sibilance when i owned the um2s

 

[JeffS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by solo2 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hi everyone, Just wanna report that my UM2s' right side is noticeably softer, an early symptom of driver failure I've had it for a year and half. While I'm a fairly heavy user, wearing them even to sleep, I've been very careful in handling them. I've written an e-mail to Westone to see if I qualify for a one-to-one exchange cos I didn't submit the online warranty. Sighs. How long can IEMs last? Seems like paying a premium price for such earphones is no guarantee that they'll even last for 2 years Geez......

I've had similar problems, and it turned out to be the filter. If it gets partially blocked it get's just a little bit quieter, almost imperceptible at first. Fully blocked obviously gives no sound, and that's a real pain.

Westone will replace the filters if you send it in. They charge $10 per filter, and they are, according to Westone, not a user serviceable part. Searching through the forums, I did discover that the Etymotic er-4 filters do fit the Westone nozzle and work pretty well. This does tune the sound a bit different, and I think removed a little bit of the warmth. A little EQ can help fix that though.

I just sent my UM2s in because the nozzle broke off on one side. When I called to get an RMA number from them, they said that re-casing them from breakage was free. That's when I found out that the filters would cost me an additional $20 to be replaced though. I also have to pay shipping both ways, but that's not expensive at least.

good luck
-Jeff

 

[spinali]

This thread kind of saddens me. I've tried everything to make my old UM2s sound good - that is, to get rid of its bass-boost flavor and sound to make it more accurate. Failure each time, no matter which tips I used.

It's too bad, because I loved the braided cables, which shame the Shures.

 

[moseboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spinali /img/forum/go_quote.gif This thread kind of saddens me. I've tried everything to make my old UM2s sound good - that is, to get rid of its bass-boost flavor and sound to make it more accurate. Failure each time, no matter which tips I used. It's too bad, because I loved the braided cables, which shame the Shures.

More accurate sound with a braided cable?... Have you considered the Etymotic ER-4?

 

[acidboy84]

New UM2 owner here. It is a fun IEM as it has more bass that my E4Cs could ever produce, but not as accurate and tight. Highs are certainlly better than E4C but it's abit rolled off if i compare it to my Grado SR325i

Its very comfortable and the microphonics are certainlly better due to the thin cables I think.

It certainly goes well with my 5G iPod unamped

 

[gilency]

Yes, there are people who complain about sibilance or bloated bass with the UM2's, but just about every headphone has fans and detractors. The positive comments outweigh the negative ones. If I had a chance to do it all over again, I would go for the UM2's without hesitation.

 

[moseboy]

It's the beauty of being able to choose which 'phones suit you best.

Such a wonderful world we live in.

 

[acidboy84]

Quote:

Originally Posted by moseboy /img/forum/go_quote.gif It's the beauty of being able to choose which 'phones suit you best. Such a wonderful world we live in.

I cannot imagine if that's not the case

I would to add a little:

It's the beauty of being able to choose which 'phones suit you best that's within your means.

 

[mobbaddict]

I'm about to order the UM1... i thought i was done with IEMs since breaking 4 pairs of cheap EP630 and EX71 but i found out this IEM might be the solution for my tiny ear canals. I expect great isolation & comfort for listening in the subway.

 

[mobbaddict]

I've received my UM1, i've been listening to them for the past 2 hours, at first i was disappointed by its highs but it seems getting better and better, as if the sound was progressively opening... is it me or is there a burn-in for these tiny phones? It's a strong bass performer however, i'm quite impressed.
On the comfort side, i'm really pleased, it's SO MUCH BETTER than those cheaps IEMs i've had before (EP630, EX71), i don't feel them too much which is quite an achievement given my small ears canals. Can't wait to try them in the subway

 

[uncle b]

I have had a pair of UM2's for, geez, like four years now. They have been an absolute joy to own. From Westone's absolutely top-notch customer service to the incredible sound of these 'phones, I feel no need for any other pair. I love that this thread always keeps coming up. Truly an appreciated earphone!

 

[jolegs]

I just got mine yesterday and I am loving it so far. I bought these because I had to send my E500s for repair (yeah I had a reason to buy another pair of earphones). I was wondering if getting the custom moulds for these is worth it. Is it?

 

[wtruitt]

I just ordered UM2's yesterday.. do most folks here use Comply, tri-flange, or Shure tips (or other)..

Thanks folks..
Wayne

 

[moseboy]

Personally, my favorite tips are Shure's olive foam tips by far. To me, they sound the best and are the most comfortable tips for both Westone and Shure earphones.