UM1 vs. UM2

[nl2134]

I've enjoyed my time with the UM1's, but am strongly considering upgrading to the UM2's.

Can anyone who's tried both please comment on the differences, and whether it's worth it to pay almost $200.00 more to upgrade?

 

[Guarneri]

UM1s and UM2s have very similar sound signatures. Therefore, if you really liked the UM1s and want "more and/or better" of the same thing, then UM2s are definitely worth the upgrade. However, if you're looking for something dramatically different or something new, then you may want to try a phone from a different brand. At $299, the UM2s are actually quite expensive now days for dual driver IEMs, but then again, you have to consider the fact that the UM series are probably the most comfortable and best built universal IEMs on the market. (I love the wiring.)

 

[nl2134]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guarneri /img/forum/go_quote.gif UM1s and UM2s have very similar sound signatures. Therefore, if you really liked the UM1s and want "more and/or better" of the same thing, then UM2s are definitely worth the upgrade. However, if you're looking for something dramatically different or something new, then you may want to try a phone from a different brand. At $299, the UM2s are actually quite expensive now days for dual driver IEMs, but then again, you have to consider the fact that the UM series are probably the most comfortable and best built universal IEMs on the market. (I love the wiring.)

By 'more and/or better', are you talking about more bass, more treble, more comfort, etc?

I mean, I enjoy my UM1's immensely, but just wonder what else better is out there...

 

[oicdn]

Having spent considerable time with both and OWNING UM2s...I would have to say, no, not worth the upgrade : dollar spent.

Yes, the UM2 is a little more resolving, but the price difference isn't worth the SQ jump.

If you want an upgrade in sound or something different, get some SE530s, slightly less bass, but punchier/more aggressive.

 

[SBD]

If you really like the westone sound then yes...otherwise the UM2 is really overpriced and there's better for half the price.

 

[audiomagnate]

I say go for it. I owned the UM1s for about a year before I got the UM2s, and owned both for about another year before I sold the UM1s. I've also spent lots of time with the Shure 500/530s.

In short if you "like" the UM1s, you'll LOVE the UM2. They do everything better than the UM1s. More detailed extended bass and treble, more dynamic throughout the range, and much more immediate and real.

Look for a used pair in the for sale section, you don't have to pay $299. Once you live with the Westone cord system, you pretty much have to stick with it. The Shure 500s were a complete joke and unwearable for me in this regard. Now that's an overpriced two way (same drivers as UM2, just two woofers) IEM.