Reomero
500+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2011
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I've been enjoying mine a lot as well.. So well that my GR07 just sit there now...
I think you should get the correct damper installed in the GR01's before giving up.
I was looking at getting some of these and pretty much every review I saw stated that they were one of the smoother TWFK sets. Having the wrong impedence material in the nozzle will ruin the sound. The 'paper filter' is a lot more than that. it is an acoustic damper used to attenuate and tune the sound from the drivers.
You may be able to transform these for pennies.
Have a look for the Etymotic NRB mod, this is basically a change of damper.
Then i noticed that the steel mesh and paper filter are missing.
Well that's unfortunate... nice job at DIY-ing to make it sound more tolerable though.
I've listened to these before without the mesh and filter for the hell of it, but I used Etymotic triple-flanges to give a deep enough fit to tame sibilance due to resonance. Even if it does have the mesh and filter it can still sound sibilant at times if seal/insertion depth isn't good enough..
Well, this was supposed to be a reply to a PM regarding a comparison between the GR01 and HF5, but I managed to get carried away by writing a bit more so I may as well share it with everyone.
Disclaimer:
I'm not using the GR01 with the included tips that it came with as I couldn't get a comfortable and deep enough fit to avoid its treble from sounding harsh due to lack of seal. Instead I'm using MEElec tri-flanges (TS3) designed for the M6 which I purchased separately. Also, I didn't exactly spend a lot of time to make this comparison which I did (listening and drafting on my iPod) while laying down in bed not falling very sleepy...
Bass:
The HF5 has more quantity, most noticeably the mid-bass. When comparing both IEMs side-by-side, the HF5 has a tiny bit more impact due to having greater quantity. As for the extension, I really can't say much because I always end up going back to the GR07 if the basshead within me surfaces. What I will say though is that they can extend down deep enough to make the lowest notes in some of my electronic music audible. Both have great quality in the bass department, but to my ears, the GR01 trumps the HF5 by being that much more accurate and tight, providing cleaner notes.
Mids:
I'll start off that both both IEMs have very good mids. Both are clear, detailed, and quite neutral. However I feel that the HF5 sounds just slightly less neutral, perhaps due to its slightly thicker presentation. Timbre are excellent in both although once again the GR01 edges out the HF5. On an enjoyable scale I slightly prefer listening to the HF5 although on a technical scale the GR01 wins by being that much more detailed.
Treble:
Before I've even heard the HF5 and GR01, I already had high expectations in the treble department. I've read reviews and noticed that Etymotic, and TWFKs have excellent treble, and I'm not disappointed. Both can extend high and are very detailed while providing sparkle. The HF5 has a slightly elevated treble, but is able to remain non-fatiguing. As for the GR01, I kind of feel the same way mostly due to its slightly lacking bass presence. But for me, I prefer the GR01 overall in the treble department simply because it sounds airier and to my ears at least, has that touch of extra 'shimmer'. However, the GR01 may be more susceptible to sibilance depending on the fit.
Soundstage and detail:
Both have quite a well-rounded soundstage, although doesn't feel as wide and deep as the GR07. However, size-wise the HF5 is slightly smaller leading me to feel a bit more enclosed. The GR01 has a slightly larger soundstage, and for me, I guess size matters when it comes to IEMs.
And as detailed the HF5 already is, the GR01 bests it. The GR01s clarity, instrument separation, presentation, and overall accuracy is better to my ears.
In short, GR01 > HF5, to my ears at least.