Got my pair on Monday. For the record, I got the 4.4 and 3.5 adapters included in the box - this was purchased from JD.com in China. I wasn't sure whether they were included or not, so wasted a little money on a 4.4 just in case.
Tip dependent - wow. As many other posts are testament in this thread, finding the right tips is quite the challenge, both for fit and for sound. I happened to have a set of foams (not Comply) that I had received as a free gift at CanJam, so found the best fit and then cut the ends off as recommended by someone a few pages back. This is an excellent tip (pun unavoidable) and has resulted in the best compromise so far. I have some Xelastec on the way, hoping they are better in general. Will also give the Spinfit CP230s a try (the recommendation in here is for 240s but judging by the bore, I expect the 230s to be a better match).
Connected to tip choice - Comfort. This is another struggle which I believe comes down almost exclusively to the choice of connectors. I had a pair of UM Macbeths and the connectors on that cable were just the two pin plugs on the end of the wire. Over time, the connection between wire and plug became loose on one side, to the point that the IEM could rotate while the cable stayed still. So I'm grateful to Unique Melody for opting for a more robust solution. However, the angled plastic connector seriously impedes a comfortable fit for me. I either have to have them rotated forwards to allow the cable to comfortably go over my ear (resulting in the least solid seal and therefore reduced sound quality and danger of the IEM falling out) or rotated back where it fits my ear best but the connector is rubbing on my ear and the cable does not want to sit behind the ear (resulting in discomfort and also pulling my ears forward so I look like a goof!!!!)
When I tested these, I tested using my own cable (Nobunaga Labs Odin) and had absolutely no fit problems. I have tried this at home and the difference is immediately obvious. Sadly, the cable is not as good a match as UM's own in terms of signature. So I just have to hope I can find the right tips (and the right size) that will help me to get past this.
Gripes and moans. "Why didn't you get custom?" because I wanted my wife to be able to enjoy them as well.
With all of that said, when the stars align and I get the fit right, the sound is just glorious. I have had multiple experiences of the IEMs just dissolving, leaving me in a gorgeous sphere of sound. I hear the occasional moment of sibilance on particular tracks, but it's not often (and also I'm aware I have not burned these in, so that may change) Very VERY pleased with these, I consider them absolutely worth every penny. I do wish the connectors were not angled, and I look forward to finding the solution to these fit issues, but despite my three paragraphs of woe, my main impression is that these are wonderful, spacious, enjoyable IEMs that definitely deserve the praise and the love that has been heaped on them. FINALLY, with the Mest and my DX220 I have the "out-of-head" sound I have been chasing.
Tip dependent - wow. As many other posts are testament in this thread, finding the right tips is quite the challenge, both for fit and for sound. I happened to have a set of foams (not Comply) that I had received as a free gift at CanJam, so found the best fit and then cut the ends off as recommended by someone a few pages back. This is an excellent tip (pun unavoidable) and has resulted in the best compromise so far. I have some Xelastec on the way, hoping they are better in general. Will also give the Spinfit CP230s a try (the recommendation in here is for 240s but judging by the bore, I expect the 230s to be a better match).
Connected to tip choice - Comfort. This is another struggle which I believe comes down almost exclusively to the choice of connectors. I had a pair of UM Macbeths and the connectors on that cable were just the two pin plugs on the end of the wire. Over time, the connection between wire and plug became loose on one side, to the point that the IEM could rotate while the cable stayed still. So I'm grateful to Unique Melody for opting for a more robust solution. However, the angled plastic connector seriously impedes a comfortable fit for me. I either have to have them rotated forwards to allow the cable to comfortably go over my ear (resulting in the least solid seal and therefore reduced sound quality and danger of the IEM falling out) or rotated back where it fits my ear best but the connector is rubbing on my ear and the cable does not want to sit behind the ear (resulting in discomfort and also pulling my ears forward so I look like a goof!!!!)
When I tested these, I tested using my own cable (Nobunaga Labs Odin) and had absolutely no fit problems. I have tried this at home and the difference is immediately obvious. Sadly, the cable is not as good a match as UM's own in terms of signature. So I just have to hope I can find the right tips (and the right size) that will help me to get past this.
Gripes and moans. "Why didn't you get custom?" because I wanted my wife to be able to enjoy them as well.
With all of that said, when the stars align and I get the fit right, the sound is just glorious. I have had multiple experiences of the IEMs just dissolving, leaving me in a gorgeous sphere of sound. I hear the occasional moment of sibilance on particular tracks, but it's not often (and also I'm aware I have not burned these in, so that may change) Very VERY pleased with these, I consider them absolutely worth every penny. I do wish the connectors were not angled, and I look forward to finding the solution to these fit issues, but despite my three paragraphs of woe, my main impression is that these are wonderful, spacious, enjoyable IEMs that definitely deserve the praise and the love that has been heaped on them. FINALLY, with the Mest and my DX220 I have the "out-of-head" sound I have been chasing.
