[The_Duke_Of_Eli]

> Do they sound okay unamped?
> Will they sound noticeably better with a little dot micro?
> Is 270$ USD final price a good deal?

Thanks

 

[grawk]

yes
probably not
yes

 

[animalsrush]

yes with a good source
They definitely sound better with an amp -- AE-1, Hornet maybe
Yes.

 

[sidewinder]

yes
no
yes

 

[lostbobby]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Duke_Of_Eli > Do they sound okay unamped? > Will they sound noticeably better with a little dot micro? > Is 270$ USD final price a good deal? Thanks

Ques#3:: i think a lot of people would choose the ER-4s over UM-2, so...

 

[Veggie_Musician]

Why would anyone want to buy ER-4 over UM2s - they lack comfort and bass of the Westones....

 

[countach]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Duke_Of_Eli > Do they sound okay unamped? > Will they sound noticeably better with a little dot micro? > Is 270$ USD final price a good deal? Thanks

> Yes, but depending of the source.
My experience:
Small MP3 players/OEM Sound Cards-> BAD
Good Sound Cards -> FANTASTIC
And always raising a little bit the highs.

> Never tried that, but probably.

> Er.. yes?

 

[FreeBlues]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veggie_Musician Why would anyone want to buy ER-4 over UM2s - they lack comfort and bass of the Westones....

My feelings exactly!

 

[JeffS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Duke_Of_Eli > Do they sound okay unamped?

No, they sound fantastic unamped!

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Duke_Of_Eli > Will they sound noticeably better with a little dot micro?

More than likely, yes. While I often listen unamped while commuting, I still use a Xin SuperMini-III on occasion. The difference is there, and it can really bring out the sound. It's more of a preference thing. I've become addicted to the added bass and crossfeed

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Duke_Of_Eli > Is 270$ USD final price a good deal?

Yes, if that's new from a retailer. I don't know that it would be a good price if they are used. Brand new, they list for $299 USD.

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Duke_Of_Eli Thanks

You're welcome

-Jeff

 

[krmathis]

> Do they sound okay unamped?
Yes, they sound pretty good unampled. But they improve a lot with a good amplifier, like the RSA Hornet.

> Will they sound noticeably better with a little dot micro?
No ide, since I have never heard the little dot micro

> Is 270$ USD final price a good deal?
Sounds like at good deal. Cause they usually list for $299

 

[joelongwood]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Duke_Of_Eli > Do they sound okay unamped? > Will they sound noticeably better with a little dot micro? > Is 270$ USD final price a good deal? Thanks

1. They sound GREAT unamped.
2. Haven't heard the Little Dot Micro, but the improvement with a Hornet is noticeable, at least to me. Whether it's worth the extra cost is a matter of personal opinion. I'm very happy listening unamped straight out of an iPod.
3. Yes.

Of all the IEMs I have (Shure E2, E3, E4, E5, Ety ER6i, 4S,4P, UE SF.5Pro) the UM2 seems to have the best balance of SQ, comfort, ease of insertion, and isolation. I really like them.

 

[jenghanHsieh]

1. yes. (but, see below)
2. not sure
3. yes. they cost at least 2900 USD here in Taiwan


Quote:

Originally Posted by Veggie_Musician Why would anyone want to buy ER-4 over UM2s - they lack comfort and bass of the Westones....

I've tried out a pair of UM2s in a local audio store, toying around with the following materials :

1. Bartok Piano Concerto No1 - mov.3 (very percussive)

2. Dream Theater [Octavarium] - ( metal )

3. NYC Subway ( an amazing binaural recording ) mp3
- february 14, 2005 @ http://quietamerican.org/vacation_4.html
by Robert Van Heuman

I've listened to CX300 / UM1s / UM2s / ER4p within one hour, mostly the UM2.

UM2s are comfortable IEMs with very high efficiency. But it's their heavy bass, which impressed me at first, make me not to buy them. Before I leave, I tried the ER4p for 3 minutes ...

After that, I order a set of im716 on Amazon and ask my family member to bring it back to Taiwan. I just can't stand the booming bass of UM2.
( mmm.. yes, I feel the bass of my im716 sufficient for #3 in the above list)

 

[Todd S]

Yes they sound great unamped. Mine are mainly used with a 3g ipod.
No, don't think so.
Yes.

 

[drssyoon]

I use mine unamped with iPod 5G They are incredibly efficient so the whole volume thing with amp might be tricky. Getting custom molds might give you more bang for the buck than buying an amp. Just my 2 cents.

 

[The_Duke_Of_Eli]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I'm picking up my set today. I loved the ER4s, but I hated their microphonics and how they fit in the ear. I think it's worth the money for comfort. I'll let you guys know how it goes.