MarcusH
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jun 10, 2005
- Posts
- 275
- Likes
- 10
Quote:
Short answer: Well, go for it if you're accepting the possible risks.
Long answer:
Lee0539 has some points, especially with regard to getting the UE-10pro over the UE-5c. Prior to buying the UE-10pro I talked with Mike Diaz about the exact same problem, due to my music preferences and price. Needless to say I decided to go for the UE-10pro, as I listen to classical and jazz music and I truely loved the detail of my ER-4s. It's a matter of how you like your music, if you love details & clarity you should go for the UE-10, if you look for a more engaging sound, for fun phones, not _too_ critical about detail and clarity I would go for the super.fis or other universal IEMs. I believe in the latter case it's just not worth the extra bucks IMHO.
I went through Shure and Etymotic IEMs before getting the UEs, comfortwise it's a nobrainer, even though the UEs use hard acrylic vs. soft acrylic of the Sensas. Maybe the Sensas are even more comfortable, but if you could stand those universal IEMs in your ears you'll feel like heaven with custom ones.
Now there are some problems with those custom IEMs too, some were already mentioned by Lee0539:
- You can't test them before buying (though there are universal versions of the UEs for testing purposes, usually unavailable unless you're living close to Irvine *g*)
- they cost a fortune and might not be worth it (I'm a college student myself, I worked quite alot to afford them but it's worth it for me)
- you might encounter some problems with regard to the fit.
A non-perfect fit is not that problematic considering they grant you a 30-day-refit warranty, so you basically get refits for free excluding shipping costs to UE. I had 2 refits so far, mainly because I couldn't get a good seal. I have to admit I'm still not a 100% happy with them as of now, I have a way better fit than before but they're still not isolating enough.Note that a lacking isolation is not common, you're more likely to get a good enough fit and isolation on the first try (as long as you're able to get some good impressions done at your audiologist).
That leads to another problem: finding a good audiologist is crucial for your later satisfaction. If you go the custom route I suggest asking UE for a recommended audiologist in your area and do some own research, visit your local audiologists and talk to them. You'll immediatly get an impression on how competent they are once you told them what you need. UE offers a downloadable document containing instructions on how to properly take impressions - I suggest you print it out and take it with you when you're looking for a good audiologist. Be critical, be cautious and insist on following UEs instructions word by word (especially the "open mouth" part) - that way your chances of getting a good mold are pretty high.
My first impressions were not that good, imho, there were small bubbles and slight bents and it didn't include the complete concha (IMHO very important for a good fit, too). The second set of impressions at another audiologist wer e technically better (plain surface, whole concha).
After all, I learned it's a no-brainer to spend a bit more on a good audiologist. Considering the amount of money you're spending on your new toy you shouldn't save on your impressions - as I've said before those sometimes expensive little impressions are the key to a good custom IEM. Note that I don't mean that good impressions automatically cost more, just don't be deterred by higher prices. In my case even the expensive impressions were not that good, the impressions itself were very good but they didn't follow UEs instructions and made me believe they knew what they're talking about. Considering the extra shipping costs and the hassle of waiting for my refitted UE10s, I would be more cautious next time....
Nevertheless, the ultimate question is whether it's worth it to you or not. For me it still is worth the money I spent as I do love their sound and use them alot (on the go and at home).
The only part that still grieves me is the problematic isolation, I'm not sure if it's due to the excellent isolation of my prior ER-4P/S or due to my awkward ear canals.... I consider using my ER-4P/S on the go again, simply due to better isolation though they're not that good with regard to SQ (the UE10s have a better isolation for me than the ER-4s with tri-flange tips but are way below the foamies). I still think the UE-10s are worth it for me. If I can resolve this problem I would recommend them without a doubt, as of now though, I would say go for it if you're accepting the possible risks. As I've said it's unlikely that it'll happen to you but be prepared.
EDIT: I forgot one important personal point: More and more I come to the conclusion that listening to music is just like a good coffee. With all those Starbucks & Co you're able to drink your coffee on the go, it's nice, it's tasty. But I only really enjoy a good cup of coffee when I'm sitting at home, without ruffle. The same applies to music, I like my music on the go - it's great and it's distracting from the daily commuting but I made the experience that I don't listen as carefully and enjoying as in a quiet spot at home.
As I do like using IEMs at home too it's still worth it for me, but if you can identify with my observation and you're enjoying full size phones more than IEMs you should consider buying a universal IEM for your on-the-go needs and get the DT880 for your home satisfaction.
Good luck,
Marcus
| Originally Posted by ScubaSteve87 Thanks you make great points, but the problem is the UE10 is the phone that lured me into Head-fi in the first place. I saw it in a magazine and now here I am . It has always been my holy grail. Thanks for your help though |
Short answer: Well, go for it if you're accepting the possible risks.
Long answer:
Lee0539 has some points, especially with regard to getting the UE-10pro over the UE-5c. Prior to buying the UE-10pro I talked with Mike Diaz about the exact same problem, due to my music preferences and price. Needless to say I decided to go for the UE-10pro, as I listen to classical and jazz music and I truely loved the detail of my ER-4s. It's a matter of how you like your music, if you love details & clarity you should go for the UE-10, if you look for a more engaging sound, for fun phones, not _too_ critical about detail and clarity I would go for the super.fis or other universal IEMs. I believe in the latter case it's just not worth the extra bucks IMHO.
I went through Shure and Etymotic IEMs before getting the UEs, comfortwise it's a nobrainer, even though the UEs use hard acrylic vs. soft acrylic of the Sensas. Maybe the Sensas are even more comfortable, but if you could stand those universal IEMs in your ears you'll feel like heaven with custom ones.
Now there are some problems with those custom IEMs too, some were already mentioned by Lee0539:
- You can't test them before buying (though there are universal versions of the UEs for testing purposes, usually unavailable unless you're living close to Irvine *g*)
- they cost a fortune and might not be worth it (I'm a college student myself, I worked quite alot to afford them but it's worth it for me)
- you might encounter some problems with regard to the fit.
A non-perfect fit is not that problematic considering they grant you a 30-day-refit warranty, so you basically get refits for free excluding shipping costs to UE. I had 2 refits so far, mainly because I couldn't get a good seal. I have to admit I'm still not a 100% happy with them as of now, I have a way better fit than before but they're still not isolating enough.Note that a lacking isolation is not common, you're more likely to get a good enough fit and isolation on the first try (as long as you're able to get some good impressions done at your audiologist).
That leads to another problem: finding a good audiologist is crucial for your later satisfaction. If you go the custom route I suggest asking UE for a recommended audiologist in your area and do some own research, visit your local audiologists and talk to them. You'll immediatly get an impression on how competent they are once you told them what you need. UE offers a downloadable document containing instructions on how to properly take impressions - I suggest you print it out and take it with you when you're looking for a good audiologist. Be critical, be cautious and insist on following UEs instructions word by word (especially the "open mouth" part) - that way your chances of getting a good mold are pretty high.
My first impressions were not that good, imho, there were small bubbles and slight bents and it didn't include the complete concha (IMHO very important for a good fit, too). The second set of impressions at another audiologist wer e technically better (plain surface, whole concha).
After all, I learned it's a no-brainer to spend a bit more on a good audiologist. Considering the amount of money you're spending on your new toy you shouldn't save on your impressions - as I've said before those sometimes expensive little impressions are the key to a good custom IEM. Note that I don't mean that good impressions automatically cost more, just don't be deterred by higher prices. In my case even the expensive impressions were not that good, the impressions itself were very good but they didn't follow UEs instructions and made me believe they knew what they're talking about. Considering the extra shipping costs and the hassle of waiting for my refitted UE10s, I would be more cautious next time....
Nevertheless, the ultimate question is whether it's worth it to you or not. For me it still is worth the money I spent as I do love their sound and use them alot (on the go and at home).
The only part that still grieves me is the problematic isolation, I'm not sure if it's due to the excellent isolation of my prior ER-4P/S or due to my awkward ear canals.... I consider using my ER-4P/S on the go again, simply due to better isolation though they're not that good with regard to SQ (the UE10s have a better isolation for me than the ER-4s with tri-flange tips but are way below the foamies). I still think the UE-10s are worth it for me. If I can resolve this problem I would recommend them without a doubt, as of now though, I would say go for it if you're accepting the possible risks. As I've said it's unlikely that it'll happen to you but be prepared.
EDIT: I forgot one important personal point: More and more I come to the conclusion that listening to music is just like a good coffee. With all those Starbucks & Co you're able to drink your coffee on the go, it's nice, it's tasty. But I only really enjoy a good cup of coffee when I'm sitting at home, without ruffle. The same applies to music, I like my music on the go - it's great and it's distracting from the daily commuting but I made the experience that I don't listen as carefully and enjoying as in a quiet spot at home.
As I do like using IEMs at home too it's still worth it for me, but if you can identify with my observation and you're enjoying full size phones more than IEMs you should consider buying a universal IEM for your on-the-go needs and get the DT880 for your home satisfaction.
Good luck,
Marcus
