UE5c First Impressions

[mbk]

I've had my UE5c for a few days now, so I figured I'd just list some initial impressions. I haven't decided whether or not to write a full review because I'm not sure how useful it would be. I don't have the Sensas, UE10Pro, Shure E5c, or Westone UM2... and how the UE5c compares to those would seem to be the main question everyone has.

As far as where I'm coming from, I've had the E2c and ER-4P and wasn't satisfied with either. I was using the E3c for portable and Grado SR-80 at home. I love the Grados, but I'm only satisfied with the E3c. They were leaving a lot to be desired.

Reasons I chose the UE5c over the 2X-S

1. Hard acrylic material - I really felt that this would be more durable over the long haul (which may or may not be true). Plus, it's quicker to insert and remove, which is important for me. This was probably the biggest reason.
2. Price - This wasn't a major issue, but it played a role.
3. The Look - I really like the more industrial look of the UE vs. the minimalist look of the 2X-S. This was a minor issue.

Ok, so here are my impressions so far, in no particular order:

1. Two drivers are better than one. You can't even compare the E3c to these. Every part of the spectrum is reproduced with smooth power, as compared to the E3c straining to make a bass note happen. A bass drum on the E3c sounds like someone whacked a rubbermade garbage pail. With these, you can envision the felt-covered pedal hitting the diaphragm.
2. There is a lot of bass on these. The sound signature is much warmer than the SR80. It's very full. The bass seems to go lower, too, which really surprised me. And it has impact, which I didn't think was possible in a canalphone. I guess I just didn't really know what to expect from the bass driver. It's impressive, if not overwhelming at first. I had to resist the urge to reach for the EQ. I'm getting acclimated to it now and it's really not overpowering (in most cases... read on). Somehow, the highs are up front and sparkly, just like you'd expect.
3. Occasionally, I come to a song that is mastered in such a way that these render it overly warm and bassy... kind of like a V700. AC/DC Live is like this, and I just listened to "The Fire Inside" by Bob Seger and it has the same problem. I've only found a handful of songs, so it's not anything I'm going to worry about. Plus, "Bass Reducer" on the iPod completely fixes the problem. I doubt it's a function of the phones themselves, since 98% of tracks sound amazing... but it does happen occasionally. My guess is that this is a side effect of dual driver phones that use a crossover.
4. Continuing with the last point, these are really faithful to the recording. Hip-hop will sound like you've got an Escalade with 4 subs in the trunk. Rock will feature screaming guitars. Vocalists will have a very forward vocal presentation. It's fantastic how well they adhere to the original mix.
5. Live music sounds like live music, not a recording of live music. Again, it's just something you have to hear to believe. The Grados definitely don't do this.
6. They are really comfy. I had resigned myself to having to send them back for fit adjustments, but that won't be necessary. They fit perfectly, and no amount of jaw movement will break the seal.
7. The engraved metal case is nifty
   
   . Plus, if you remove the foam (it's still lined with velvet), it's the perfect size to fit the iPod and phones.

That's all I have for now. To say I'm pleased would be an understatement. Do I wonder what the Sensas or UE10Pro sound like? Yeah, a little. But I think that given what I was looking for and what I wanted to spend, these are perfect.

 

[vienna]

glad you are happy with themj. I'm gettingthe UE10Pros here Monday I can;t wait. And then getting hte UE5c christams for the gym. Man, I hope the bass is like what you say they are..... its gonna be fun !!

 

[random person]

Hi mbk! (And Vienna!)

Well now you have to revise your signature to include "TEAM UE5c!"

There are no dues, no wierd initiation rites, (apart from getting your ear impressions made!) -- but we are a rare and wondrous breed! These 'phones rock the house, don't they?!

Congratulations on your new purchase!

 

[vienna]

whoops....too big. LOL

 

[bLue_oNioN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vienna [size=xx-large]TEAM UE-10PRO and UE-5C (Dec)[/size]

.. a little big, don't you think?

EDIT: I wonder if you will wind up liking the UE-5Cs more than the 10 Pros lol

 

[PATB]

Thanks for the impressions and congratulations!

 

[gorman]

MBK... really glad for you! I came from E3 too... and yeah, there's really no comparison to these beasts (even though I have UE-10, the overwhelming superiority has probably to be very similar).
Congratulations and happy listening!

 

[Kurt]

Congrats. Enjkooy, now I hacve eye cancer.

 

[random person]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vienna whoops....too big. LOL

Ohhh, I don't know if it's really too big! Gotta be big to go with the sound!

Welcome to Team UE!!!

 

[raptor18]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gorman MBK... really glad for you! I came from E3 too... and yeah, there's really no comparison to these beasts (even though I have UE-10, the overwhelming superiority has probably to be very similar). Congratulations and happy listening!

To gorman, how much did you pay (total) for the UE-10 considering you live in italy? You sent an earmold to UE from italy and they sent the UE back to italy? Didn't you pay toll and other service fees?
Thanks

Raptor

 

[mbk]

Thanks guys. I'll edit the sig RP, but I'm not sure I'm a "team" player. I think the whole team concept is a little strange.

Anyway, I do have a question for those of you with IEMs. I can't listen to these out of my computer because the hiss is way too loud. It was definitely there with my E3, too, but the increased sensitivity of the UE5c makes it a lot more prominant.

Now, I have a pretty crappy soundcard... an old SBLive. Would a new and better one (M-audio or emu) get rid of the hiss?

 

[wolfen68]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbk Now, I have a pretty crappy soundcard... an old SBLive. Would a new and better one (M-audio or emu) get rid of the hiss?

It varies from source to source. A better source (aka soundcard) may help. From my expereince...the hiss was much improved with the Ue5c as compared to the Shure E3 and E5. Did you ever try the E3 with your SBLive? It was probably worse.

 

[mbk]

No, actually the E3 exhibits a bit less hiss. I'm wondering if maybe an external soundcard might be worthwhile... get the circuitry away from the fans and all the other stuff in the case that could be producing interference. Either way, I never really planned to listen to these at my computer much, so it's kind of a moot point.

 

[random person]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbk Thanks guys. I'll edit the sig RP, but I'm not sure I'm a "team" player. I think the whole team concept is a little strange. Anyway, I do have a question for those of you with IEMs. I can't listen to these out of my computer because the hiss is way too loud. It was definitely there with my E3, too, but the increased sensitivity of the UE5c makes it a lot more prominant. Now, I have a pretty crappy soundcard... an old SBLive. Would a new and better one (M-audio or emu) get rid of the hiss?

Yeah well I agree on the "team" thing. Way overrated concept. I'm more of an individual, go on my own kind of person. So, team ue5c is the only team I've ever been interested in joining! Go figure!

I've heard good things about the "Total Bithead" to solve that hiss problem -- but haven't tried it myself.