With the family asleep and a few bourbons under my belt, I’ve had some time to sit down, relax and listen to these great IEM's!
As we all know, we all like different tonality in our IEM’s, and these are all different beasts in their own right.
There was some talk of sibilance with the UM 3X, however with the current pair that are in my hands, I didn’t find the UM 3X to be any more sibilant than the others. I did find that insertion depth did play a big part here, and found the smallest silicone tip to work best with the UM 3X (strangely, I could never fit such a small silicone tip in any other IEM I’ve used ever).
Firstly, Unique Melody have to be commended on the build-quality of the UM 3X. Its simply superb! Comfort and fit were great, especially considering the size of the housings. The cable is excellent, however I wish they included a better cable cinch and Y-connection instead of clear plastic tabs. Its the only thing that looks kind of cheap in the whole package. The hard metal case simply feels bullet proof! Be careful taking this in your carry on luggage while traveling, as I’m sure the airline scanners will go crazy with something like this!
Another concern I had is that I did experience some driver flex in both earpieces, more so in the right earpiece. Something not apparent in the AX60 or DN-1000, and only slightly in the SuperDarts.
Unique Melody UM 3X vs Astrotec AX60
With respect to the UM 3X and the AX60. Both have quite a wide soundstage and full sounding mid-range. With the AX60 having a warmer mid-range, the UM 3X feels a step above in terms of clarity and instrument separation. With respect to imaging, I haven’t heard anything below $500 that is as good as the UM 3X. Period! Its so easy to immerse yourself in your music, you actually feel like you’re part of the performance. Not sure if its the size of the housings or the impeccable positioning of the internals, but the result is simply superb. Bass is tighter and better textured in the UM 3X than the AX60.
IMO, the UM 3X deserves its price tag!
Unique Melody UM 3X vs Dunu DN-1000
Comparing the UM 3X directly with the DN-1000, it definitely feels like its a step down, in terms of soundstage, imaging, instrument separation, etc. And where everyone's taste differs, for me I feel the DN-1000 is a little drier sounding than the others. Don’t get me wrong, the DN-1000 is an exceptional IEM for its price, its mid-range is probably the clearest of the lot, along with the darkest background. However for me it simply just can’t match the musicality of the UM 3X.
The DN-1000 does appear to be the closest match to the UM 3X compared to the others, however the UM 3X still takes everything to the next level. If you think the DN-1000 bass hits hard, the UM 3X is oh my! The DN-1000 can’t really match the superb soundstage, imaging and instrument separation of the UM 3X.
Maybe the DN-2000 will give it a run for its money?
Unique Melody UM 3X vs Atomic Floyd SuperDarts
Not a real comparison here, as the SuperDarts are only a 1+1 hybrid, however their exceptional clarity and super bass presence earn them the right to at least have a mention, LOL! The SuperDarts’ mid-range is slightly recessed compared to the UM 3X, and is probably the most V-Shaped of the lot here. The instrument separation and imaging of the SuperDarts has always been superb, however when you directly compare them to the UM 3X, its short comings are very noticeable and you quickly realise they’re out of their depth in this company.
With facing the dilemma of being woken up in a few hours by our overly energetic son, I must admit defeat and call it a night...
edit: spelling!
