[Sterny]

Hello everyone,
I have recently decided to make the jump to customs. This has proved rather difficult so far, as I am a student and have a fairly limited budget.

My question is concerning used custom IEMs. If I were to buy a pair of used Westone ES2's for a fraction of their retail price, would it be practical to send them to be re-molded? I'm slightly concerned that it would affect the SQ is some way (I'm not entirely sure how, I'm new to this

}).

If it turns out that this won't work out, I'm debating getting a pair of Alien Ear duals (and this would be stretching my budget).

I searched and couldn't find much information on the subject.

 

[shigzeo]

Even if you can buy them cheaply, to get them re-moulded will cost a hell of a lot more including impressions, shipping (at least 2x) and the actual re-moulding process. The cheapest customs are less than 200$ brand new, so I think you may be stretched if you buy a used ES2. That said, the ES2 may have higher quality drivers than a low-end custom.

 

[Sterny]

that's what I figured, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't passing up the deal of a lifetime.

I'm debating between getting a pair of Alien Ears or Fidelity's...I've heard mixed reviews about both of them. I'm siding with the duals, as I think the triples would be too far out of my price range.

I'm leaning towards the AE2's, but I'm not sure if I'm making the right choice...

 

[Thrashingshrimp]

The Fidelity Duals look pretty good for the price. I've heard mixed opinions on the Alien Ears line (then again, Fidelity has some pretty suspicious CS) .

 

[cujobob]

Aren't livewires pretty inexpensive for customs?

 

[mierenneuker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sterny /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hello everyone, If it turns out that this won't work out, I'm debating getting a pair of Alien Ear duals (and this would be stretching my budget).

Perhaps you can buy used ones and add extra driver(s) in it, because the standard C2 haven't got a very good SQ (if you have heard better)
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f10/wt...cedrop-450221/

 

[3X0]

I think the remolding service costs $90-100. Impressions can run as low as $20-50. Mine cost $50 here in Manhattan, and I was expecting to pay a lot more.

I'd sooner go for a remold of a high-end IEM than settle for a bottom-shelf custom. You will be left wanting in the latter route.

 

[K.I. Unlimited]

I guess depending on where you live and who you go to, reshelling prices may differ.

 

[Sterny]

so if I were to purchase a pair of fairly good used customs and had them re-shelled, none of the SQ would be lost in the process? This is my greatest fear.

Also, I'm getting the sense that purchasing a pair of cheap more prominent customs (such as a JH7 or westone ES3) would be more reliable and rewarding then buying a pair of C2's or AE2's.

For example....a pair of used UE10's for ~$275 + reshelling fee + imprints = ~$400 tops?
would be preferable to a pair of a pair of new AE3'/AE2's.

 

[earthpeople]

As long as they're reshelled well and fit your ear correctly, I don't see how it would sound worse than it's supposed to.

Call the audiologists around your area and ask for prices on impressions

 

[logwed]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sterny /img/forum/go_quote.gif For example....a pair of used UE10's for ~$275 + reshelling fee + imprints = ~$400 tops? would be preferable to a pair of a pair of new AE3'/AE2's.

I see that you found that FS thread...

 

[barleyguy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sterny /img/forum/go_quote.gif For example....a pair of used UE10's for ~$275 + reshelling fee + imprints = ~$400 tops? would be preferable to a pair of a pair of new AE3'/AE2's.

It would be more than $400. It would $275 + $90 for remolding + about $50 shipping ($15 there and about $35 back) + $50 average for impressions. That would be $465.

But you'd essentially have UE10's. Which are IMO better than AE3's.

 

[boomana]

How much would a used pair of UE11s go for?

 

[3X0]

Quote:

Originally Posted by boomana /img/forum/go_quote.gif How much would a used pair of UE11s go for?

You decide. The only close option costs over ~$550 (Unique Melody remolding and adding a driver [$299+shipping+impressions] to the TF10pro [$200+]). The up-and-coming Unique Melody Mage seems to compete with the UE-11 for around $550 as well.

Though I imagine the JH13 is the only custom that wouldn't get slaughtered in resale values since there are absolutely no close alternatives. But no one would ever sell theirs!

 

[Lil' Knight]

I've seen 2 pairs of UE11 put up for sale for ~$300-ish.