dj nellie
500+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2009
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Quote:
W3 vs. IE8 is an ongoing debate and one that I followed closely when I was looking to sell my SE530. Maybe it's now obsolete with the introduction of the Ortofon and Monster Turbines (not to mention JH13/16), but I still find the discussion interesting. Most of the polls seemed to show more people preferred the IE8, but I don't know how many of those people really heard both IEMs extensively or at all. I'm just glad that I now own both and can decide for myself.
What I've learned about the IE8 is that, if you're planning on listening straight from the headphone out of an iPod with stock tips or Sony hybrids, the bass is a bit too boomy and gives me headaches after prolonged listening. Biflanges from eBay solve this problem, but aren't as comfortable as the hybrids. If you have a decent amp or a player with EQ, the IE8's bass can be reigned in (although EQing the bass can just make it sound distant and unnatural).
For me, it comes down to 2 IEMs for 2 different uses. I prefer the IE8 for indoor listening because its relative lack of isolation isn't an issue, and I don't need an amp to control the volume on my iPod like I do with my W3 (the W3 with custom tips is way too loud on my Touch in quiet environments). I also prefer the IE8 for working out, because the cable doesn't hit my chest when I run and produces no microphonics (perhaps in part because of the shallow insertion of tips). But for commuting and listening with my D4 amp, I much prefer the W3 for its isolation and synergy with the D4.
In terms of presentation, the IE8's sound has a warmth that permeates all the frequencies (and not just the bass like with the W3). The IE8 sometimes sounds a bit more musical and integrated, whereas the W3 sometimes presents the frequencies like they're cleanly separated. I find the W3 to sound a bit flat, especially in the midrange and treble, if I don't EQ up those frequencies. On the other hand, the IE8 needs less EQ (maybe just a tip down in the bass and a slight tip in the treble).
In the end, the choice comes down to whether you prefer the W3's quick and accurate headstage and crisp details (with a presentation that may sound flat or incoherent to some), or the IE8's more romantic openness and lushness (which may come at the expense of some details and bass intrusion).
| Originally Posted by chrisssssssss2 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've been reading some threads on head-fi and there seems to be a divide between the W3s and IE8s. I don't understand where this is coming from because both are great IEMs. But I have to give the edge to the W3s, they just seem to do everything better than the IE8s, except the IE8s have a bigger soundstage. I just don't understand how the IE8s can make any other argument over the W3s. I find the IE8s to have an overwhelming bass, forward mids, and recessed(yet smooth) highs. The W3s are a bit bolder with a tight bass, similar mids, and most importantly, sparkling highs that are missing from the IE8s. So my search for the perfect IEM is complete... for now. Add me to the list of Westone 3 supporters! |
W3 vs. IE8 is an ongoing debate and one that I followed closely when I was looking to sell my SE530. Maybe it's now obsolete with the introduction of the Ortofon and Monster Turbines (not to mention JH13/16), but I still find the discussion interesting. Most of the polls seemed to show more people preferred the IE8, but I don't know how many of those people really heard both IEMs extensively or at all. I'm just glad that I now own both and can decide for myself.
What I've learned about the IE8 is that, if you're planning on listening straight from the headphone out of an iPod with stock tips or Sony hybrids, the bass is a bit too boomy and gives me headaches after prolonged listening. Biflanges from eBay solve this problem, but aren't as comfortable as the hybrids. If you have a decent amp or a player with EQ, the IE8's bass can be reigned in (although EQing the bass can just make it sound distant and unnatural).
For me, it comes down to 2 IEMs for 2 different uses. I prefer the IE8 for indoor listening because its relative lack of isolation isn't an issue, and I don't need an amp to control the volume on my iPod like I do with my W3 (the W3 with custom tips is way too loud on my Touch in quiet environments). I also prefer the IE8 for working out, because the cable doesn't hit my chest when I run and produces no microphonics (perhaps in part because of the shallow insertion of tips). But for commuting and listening with my D4 amp, I much prefer the W3 for its isolation and synergy with the D4.
In terms of presentation, the IE8's sound has a warmth that permeates all the frequencies (and not just the bass like with the W3). The IE8 sometimes sounds a bit more musical and integrated, whereas the W3 sometimes presents the frequencies like they're cleanly separated. I find the W3 to sound a bit flat, especially in the midrange and treble, if I don't EQ up those frequencies. On the other hand, the IE8 needs less EQ (maybe just a tip down in the bass and a slight tip in the treble).
In the end, the choice comes down to whether you prefer the W3's quick and accurate headstage and crisp details (with a presentation that may sound flat or incoherent to some), or the IE8's more romantic openness and lushness (which may come at the expense of some details and bass intrusion).
