malifact
500+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2013
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Well of course it is in my opinion personal preference is all that is this about. Technically all those CIEMs seem to be really amazing. The VE5 does not work for me. Neither with some instruments nor with vocals. If it works for you, perfect! It is still a great in ear.
Anyway as I said, I prefer the more neutral sound signature, but there is not much I found about the Rhines Stage 7 and this mysterious Stage 4U. Anyone here who could compare the "neutral ones" (Stage 3 / VE3, Stage 4U, VE6 X2, Stage 7)?
I was lucky enough to try the Stage 4U and it was probably my favourite out of the Rhines Custom lineup. It has the nice neutral sound of the Stage 3 / VE3 but with enhanced bass. The bass boost is subtle and so it doesn't make the 4U sound too warm. I would personally rank as follows: VE6 X2 > Stage 4U > Stage 3. I don't think the Stage 7 is available to demo yet in Europe.
I exchanged a few emails with the Japanese chain e-earphone about the VE5. The reaction they've had from customers so far is that it does seem a marmite CIEM; well received by those who like a brighter sound, but described as a bit unnatural sounding by those who like warmth. Personally, I had to use the treble boost with a lot of TOTL CIEMs I demoed and so it may suit me. I will definitely post my impressions once I finally have a demo.