Upgrade path from super.fi 5 pro?

[Bigsy]

I want to upgrade my IEM's from SF 5 pros, I'm actually on my second pair of them and used them for a few years now. Thing is I love the fun and full bass sound signature of them (I use dt770's at home), its the comfort issues I have which just nag at me.

I find the small tips are best fit but fatiguing to use so I use the medium tips which isn't ideal for sound. Also I don't like them sticking out my ears as you can't lie down on your side and the reverse mod just doesn't work for me. As far as sound goes the top end could be a little better.

Basically I just need an IEM which has the same or if not better bass with a fun sound but also fit me better.

 

[Shunyata]

ue5c

Basically the same sound but in custom form. $500 usd

 

[tbonner1]

Shure E500/SE530 have improved midrange and treble clarity.

 

[Digitalbath3737]

I second the Shure E500 recommendation. Bit of a different sound sig though.

 

[Assorted]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shunyata /img/forum/go_quote.gif ue5c Basically the same sound but in custom form. $500 usd

Really? The same sound? Wow and $500! Learning something new everyday.

You will find the bass on the E500/SE530 fulfilling, coming from the SF5P. The frequency separation and soundstage shape is more real.

 

[Shunyata]

Nevermind. UE recently discontinued the UE5c it seems, and we are left with the UE5pro(700USD)

It is still listed on the headroom website though, for 550USD. Maybe they still make them?

 

[lutwey]

how about earpeace livewire???

 

[Bigsy]

Do the E500/SE530 really provide the same amount of bass as the UE5 Pros?

Because reading around and checking frequency response graphs on headroom seemed to suggest that they didn't. In fact the E500's look to put out about the same amount of bass as E2C's which I own and definitely don't have enough bass for me.

If they do I'm sorely tempted by them!

 

[Spyro]

Super Fi Pro and E530 is all I listen to currently. I find AMOUNT of bass, fullness of sound and soundstage to be about even.

Biggest difference between the two is that E530 bass is cleaner...actually the whole top to bottom frequency sounds cleaner and more refined. That's the easiest way to describe. $200 better? Probably not but it IS an upgrade in SQ.

 

[tbonner1]

Quote:

actually the whole top to bottom frequency sounds cleaner and more refined. That's the easiest way to describe. $200 better?

Well stated

Quote:

$200 better? Probably not but it IS an upgrade in SQ.

Probable not $200 better, but it depends how much you value the added sound quality. The E500 have been listed recently for around $100 more than the UE SF 5's.

 

[Spyro]

Plus it's the whole law of diminishing returns thing. You can get a pretty great sounding IEM for $200 but the improvement in SQ from $200 to $400 is very marginal (15-20% at most by my ears).

Also, in addition to an improvement in SQ, some people get an inner satisfaction knowing that they use and own an IEM that is generally regarded as best in the world or that "their gear" is within top fraction of a percentage better than everyone elses.