Good evening,
I just got my TF-10's back from InEarz and I am really happy with what they sent back to me. The sound is as I recall it but appears to be better defined from top to bottom. A lot has to do with the comfort; I loved the sound of the regular TF-10 but I could never get what I though was a satisfactory seal. Those of you who have had Etymotic ER4 and ER6 know what the benefit of a good seal is.
I had an audiologists office do the impressions. This was the second set of impressions I have done with that office, the first was for a set of Stax SR-003. The Stax were done because I just wanted to do it and I was not really expecting much. They are now one of my favorite possesions and what I listen to when I want to relax (classical, a-capella, chamber, voaclist). The TF-10 is my portable/work/outside the house system. I listen to to a pretty wide range: Blues, Jazz, Rock, Metal, Rap, 80's, 90's, 40's (ha ha). If this is any indication of how happy I am I hae seen fit to have ordered a HotAudio DV-1 amp (digital volume control and a balance control, at 55 years old my hearing is not quite as balanced as I want and I can't wait for the ability to compensate), and a Fiio L9 LOD for my iPod 5th gen. I want to do this a bit right while not going too nuts. (OK, I'll fess-up. I ordered the custom personalized case from UE too. Now do you get the picture?)
Here are my experiences.
1. Use the 1 inch bite block. When getting the first set of impressions for the Stax I noticed a "bubbling" sound as if the impression material was pulling away from the ear as the material set up. I did not use the bite block on that set. On the set for the UE TF-10's I used the bite block and heard no such sound. I am really happy with the seal with the TF-10 that InEarz did. It is almost "vacuum" like when taking them out of my ears.
2. I also specified cotton plugs on the second set per instructions. I think they used foam rubber the first time. The plug material goes kind of deep in the ear canal, farther than I think I would want to do myself. Another good reason to go to an office.
3. The audiologists office that I went to was actually a "hearing center" where they sell lots of hearing aids. The technician who took the molds has lots of experience just doing molds and was expert at it. Also, I think that in order to be a good subject for a mold you need to experience it more than one time. I think I knew how to hold still, relax the jaw, and use the bite block. Knowing what to expect makes the experience interactive and gave me a feeling of control over the process. I do not think you can end up with a top notch product without a really good ear mold to start with. No substitute for experience.
I hope you find my comments helpful. Happy Listening!!!
