[bamboo5354]

So I am tempted to get a pair of ES5, but if the westone 4 with the um56 tips could offer 80-90% of the performance for about half the price then I may go that route. So can anyone who have listened to both share some opinions?  

 

[Anaxilus]

They aren't the same signature or presentation.  You can improve the fit of the W4 but you can't turn it into an ES5.  The W4 is not a universal version of the ES5.

 

[jamesta]

Quote:

They aren't the same signature or presentation. 

Would you mind elaborating the differences?

 

[bamboo5354]

Quote:

They aren't the same signature or presentation.  You can improve the fit of the W4 but you can't turn it into an ES5.  The W4 is not a universal version of the ES5.

I know they are not the same, just want to know if the difference in performance warrant the difference in price.

 

[RADI0HEAD]

First off is they each have a different number of drivers...

But you probably already know that...

 

[twylight]

Well lets assume the cost of a custom is $100 (the price of um56)
 
You are comparing $400us iems to $800 iems...they had better be "better" crossovers and BA drivers in them for twice the price.
 
If you dont like the W4 you can sell them, its why I havent jumped into full customs.  IEMs are a joke compared to speakers and I dont wear them enough to be stuck with a custom I might not like...I have been very tempted to getting a ES5 or jha16 level of iem.  If the dumb JH amp/dac/iem combo would come out and some non shills review it (lol ya right) then I might even go that far.
 
All of the high end custom iems should deliver amazing iem based sound, so go buy them already and start enjoying.