Westone ES60 unboxing and first impressions

[twister6]

 

  Here you go, my full review of Westone ES60 is up: http://www.head-fi.org/products/westone-elite-series-es60/reviews/14468
 

 
Hey twister, thanks for your review comparison of the ES60 vs the W60. So based on your review, the W60 has more mid bass slam and more sub bass than the ES60? Because like the previous few reviewers before you, I'm feeling a lack of mid bass attack from the W60. I mean I was at first, but after swapping around some tips and finally settling for the spinfits eartips, i think i'm hearing more mid bass slam now especially from the kick drum. I get the "blowing slam" feeling every time the kick drums comes in while with most of my other ear-tips i get very minimal bass impact that makes me thirst for more bass. I'm not sure if what i'm experiencing is just my mind or if my ears are telling the truth though.
 
Also if the ES60 has lesser mid bass and sub bass, than it means they are much more neutral and flat than the W60 right? If that's the case then I'm sticking with my W60s as upgrading to the ES60 will definitely leave me craving for even more bass impact than I already am with the W60s. Perhaps my W60s require more burn in time as I have not exceeded 50hrs of listening time with it yet

 
Yes, you better off with W60.  ES60 is my reference quality CIEMs, something I might want to compare one day to UERM.  Keep in mind W60 bass is not fast, the attack is slow.  By slam I mean quantity, not necessary the speed.  Westone keeps the sound laid back, lush, not rushed, so there is less attack and more decay to give low end a fuller more analog feeling.
 
With W60 and UM Pro 50 I had to switch to Shure olive silicone tips, those enhanced the bass for me because they are shorter and keep W60/UMPro50 deeper in my ears.

 

[musicday]

So in different words, W60 can sound as good as ES60 with the right cable?

 

[Kepller]

   
Yes, you better off with W60.  ES60 is my reference quality CIEMs, something I might want to compare one day to UERM.  Keep in mind W60 bass is not fast, the attack is slow.  By slam I mean quantity, not necessary the speed.  Westone keeps the sound laid back, lush, not rushed, so there is less attack and more decay to give low end a fuller more analog feeling.
 
With W60 and UM Pro 50 I had to switch to Shure olive silicone tips, those enhanced the bass for me because they are shorter and keep W60/UMPro50 deeper in my ears.

 
I think it is my source that is causing the lack of bass. Comparing my current Xperia Z3 Compact to the LG V10, the LG V10 gives the W60 much more bass than the Z3c.
 
Anyway what about the UM PRO 50 and W60? How would you compare their bass quantity? Like how much more estimate % of sub bass and mid bass does the UM PRO 50 have over the W60? From my audition previously, i found the um pro 50 to have higher mid bass than the W60 

 

[gordec]

I just got my ES60. The fit is perfect, and pretty much all the reviews are accurate. It's very reference and neutral. It's certainly not more "fun" than my XBA-Z5. I kind of know that going in.
 
What DAPs are the current owners using? I'm currently using FiiO X7. There is slightest hiss with AM1 module. I hope the balanced module will be pitch black. I'm going to start burning them in. 

 

[twister6]

  I just got my ES60. The fit is perfect, and pretty much all the reviews are accurate. It's very reference and neutral. It's certainly not more "fun" than my XBA-Z5. I kind of know that going in.
 
What DAPs are the current owners using? I'm currently using FiiO X7. There is slightest hiss with AM1 module. I hope the balanced module will be pitch black. I'm going to start burning them in. 

 
ES60 has high sensitivity, balanced AM3 module will have more power so there will be more hissing   Just have to live with it...

 

[gordec]

ES60 has high sensitivity, balanced AM3 module will have more power so there will be more hissing   Just have to live with it...

Any suggestion for a good DAP to pair with it? Cowon P1 maybe? I know the AK100II and AK120II should be very quiet.

 

[twister6]

 

ES60 has high sensitivity, balanced AM3 module will have more power so there will be more hissing

  Just have to live with it...

Any suggestion for a good DAP to pair with it? Cowon P1 maybe? I know the AK100II and AK120II should be very quiet.

 
I assume $1k budget and 2.5mm trrs requirement?  No streaming or wifi required?  Not a fan of P1 due to 3 ohm HO output, high impedance doesn't play nice with multi-driver BA monitors.  AK is a good choice, as long as you don't need too much power and can get it used for a decent price, msrp is overprice.  In general, you want something with a neutral-warmish signature not to irritate upper frequencies, to keep them organic (unless if you want to brighten your ES60?).  I'm testing L3 demo unit, it's a bit bright, but final production one might sound different.  Also, just got Opus#1, on a burn in since last night, might be a good choice.  But then, there will be more incoming from iBasso (DX200) and something new from Cayin.  If you can hold on for a few months, just wait'n'see.  Don't have DP-X1, but it could be a good alternative.

 

[samuelboy]

Sorry if I missed out anything on the earlier pages... but would like to hear comparisons between ES5 and ES60. I have the ES5, bought on blind faith (no Westone CIEM demos available here) despite many other makes having demos, and fortunately it hit the jackpot. Once not-bitten, but twice still a bit shy haha...

 

[gordec]

  Sorry if I missed out anything on the earlier pages... but would like to hear comparisons between ES5 and ES60. I have the ES5, bought on blind faith (no Westone CIEM demos available here) despite many other makes having demos, and fortunately it hit the jackpot. Once not-bitten, but twice still a bit shy haha...

I have had my ES60 for 5 days now . My path in IEMs goes from IE80 -> XBA-Z5 to now ES60. I got the ES60 because I get ES60 at cost with how much hearing aid business my clinic does with Westone.
 
It's interesting how I went from dynamic to hybrid to now complete BA IEMs. I was initially a little shocked listening to the Z5 then ES60 without burning in the ES60 in.  It was a little harsh and muddy without burning. The ES60 really needs burn in like no other. I'm not sure that's the property of multidrive BAs. I have never owned one till now. But after 50 hours, it sounds so different. I think you should read Twister6's review. I agree with pretty much everything he says. The ES60 is probably neutral and well balanced. The hardest thing for me to adjust is the bass. The Z5 has a crazy boomy bass but not muddy which most people enjoy. The ES60 has excellent bass quality especially when I use the EQ on the FiiO X7. However, the bass is very controlled. If you are a basshead, this is not the CIEM for you. The high and mids are crystal clear while maintain some smoothness to it. The soundstage out does both IE80 and Z5 by a far margin in all dimensions. That says a lot because Z5 has a great soundstage. If I have to sum everything up for the ES60 in one sentence, is that it's a balanced reference quality CIEM with excellent soundstage with a hint of smooth and lush quality. Sorry I don't own the ES5 or ES50 (which replaced the ES50). I thought about ordering the ES50 because the ES5 has great reviews, but I want that extra BA driver . I'm loving it now. When I need my bass, I can always go back to Z5.
 
I'm surprised Westone CIEMs don't get as much publicity in this neck of the woods like the Nobles and other brands. It's really, really good.

 

[samuelboy]

  I have had my ES60 for 5 days now . My path in IEMs goes from IE80 -> XBA-Z5 to now ES60. I got the ES60 because I get ES60 at cost with how much hearing aid business my clinic does with Westone.
 
It's interesting how I went from dynamic to hybrid to now complete BA IEMs. I was initially a little shocked listening to the Z5 then ES60 without burning in the ES60 in.  It was a little harsh and muddy without burning. The ES60 really needs burn in like no other. I'm not sure that's the property of multidrive BAs. I have never owned one till now. But after 50 hours, it sounds so different. I think you should read Twister6's review. I agree with pretty much everything he says. The ES60 is probably neutral and well balanced. The hardest thing for me to adjust is the bass. The Z5 has a crazy boomy bass but not muddy which most people enjoy. The ES60 has excellent bass quality especially when I use the EQ on the FiiO X7. However, the bass is very controlled. If you are a basshead, this is not the CIEM for you. The high and mids are crystal clear while maintain some smoothness to it. The soundstage out does both IE80 and Z5 by a far margin in all dimensions. That says a lot because Z5 has a great soundstage. If I have to sum everything up for the ES60 in one sentence, is that it's a balanced reference quality CIEM with excellent soundstage with a hint of smooth and lush quality. Sorry I don't own the ES5 or ES50 (which replaced the ES50). I thought about ordering the ES50 because the ES5 has great reviews, but I want that extra BA driver . I'm loving it now. When I need my bass, I can always go back to Z5.
 
I'm surprised Westone CIEMs don't get as much publicity in this neck of the woods like the Nobles and other brands. It's really, really good.

Thanks for your comment. I mentioned jackpot, but that was the end day result. I didn't mention the "before". When I was receiving the ES5 and testing it, I swore it sucked like hell and almost cried... $1.5k SGD blind leap down the sea lol... But since it can't be undone, I just let it run. And it really became a totally different pair of phones. 
 
I'm not a basshead. ES5's bass is just nice. In fact, my favorite of the Sonys is the A1. I didn't like the A2, A3 and Z5. Being too bassy is just one of the few traits I have problem with.

 

[gordec]

I assume $1k budget and 2.5mm trrs requirement?  No streaming or wifi required?  Not a fan of P1 due to 3 ohm HO output, high impedance doesn't play nice with multi-driver BA monitors.  AK is a good choice, as long as you don't need too much power and can get it used for a decent price, msrp is overprice.  In general, you want something with a neutral-warmish signature not to irritate upper frequencies, to keep them organic (unless if you want to brighten your ES60?).  I'm testing L3 demo unit, it's a bit bright, but final production one might sound different.  Also, just got Opus#1, on a burn in since last night, might be a good choice.  But then, there will be more incoming from iBasso (DX200) and something new from Cayin.  If you can hold on for a few months, just wait'n'see.  Don't have DP-X1, but it could be a good alternative.

Bro, you should ask Cowon to sent you a review unit for the Plenue S. I have had the P1 for 1 week now. It is incredible with the ES60. Thick, lush and analog sound across the spectrum. Beautiful layering. Background is pitch black. The soundstage is more intimate compared to the X7. UI and build are both highly polished to near perfection. I don't care much for all the JetEffects. I think you will love the Cowon S with the ES60. Owners of both say the sound is very similar. Cheers.

 

[twister6]

 

I assume $1k budget and 2.5mm trrs requirement?  No streaming or wifi required?  Not a fan of P1 due to 3 ohm HO output, high impedance doesn't play nice with multi-driver BA monitors.  AK is a good choice, as long as you don't need too much power and can get it used for a decent price, msrp is overprice.  In general, you want something with a neutral-warmish signature not to irritate upper frequencies, to keep them organic (unless if you want to brighten your ES60?).  I'm testing L3 demo unit, it's a bit bright, but final production one might sound different.  Also, just got Opus#1, on a burn in since last night, might be a good choice.  But then, there will be more incoming from iBasso (DX200) and something new from Cayin.  If you can hold on for a few months, just wait'n'see.  Don't have DP-X1, but it could be a good alternative.

Bro, you should ask Cowon to sent you a review unit for the Plenue S. I have had the P1 for 1 week now. It is incredible with the ES60. Thick, lush and analog sound across the spectrum. Beautiful layering. Background is pitch black. The soundstage is more intimate compared to the X7. UI and build are both highly polished to near perfection. I don't care much for all the JetEffects. I think you will love the Cowon S with the ES60. Owners of both say the sound is very similar. Cheers.

 
P1 has output impedance of 3 ohm, a bit high for ES60.  Typically you would want under 1 ohm with multi-BA monitors.  But if it sounds great to you - that all that matters!
 
Regarding PS, I talked to Cowon, and they are not interested in review.

 

[gordec]

I think the impedance thing was discussed in the P1 thread. Someone mentioned the 1/8 rule. Divide the impedance of your IEM by 8. As long as it stays under the DAP's impedance, you are OK which is the case. There are certainly many users with more sensitive IEMs than the ES60. Sometimes we start our evaluation with tech specs, but ultimately it's our subjective perception.

 

[gordec]

 

I'm now over 50 hours with the ES60s. They impress me more and more every day and pairs extremely well with Cowon P1. The ES60 doesn't favor the high, the mid or the lows. What it does is excel across the entire spectrum. Paired with P1, everything sounds so musical and organic. It's a truly analog sound. Even the poorly recorded songs sound like you are listening to it live but just with lesser quality instruments or speakers (I'm not sure if this makes any sense). I'm surprised it doesn't have the publicity as the Nobles or JHs. Very impressive.

 

[knopi]

Hmm I guess Noble and other manufactures with big publicity have much better marketing as website, description, the same model of universal and custom sounds identical (for example W60/ES60 sounds very differently based on reviews here so it is like different model), others also talk a lot with customers on forum, Fb etc. (but truth is Westone do not need it is well known brand and it is in many shops around the world like comercial brand)..
And I think Westone sank himself with their newer line of universal IEM UM50, W50, W60 etc. which seems to be not worth, many people have contradictory opinions on them which is not coincidence. I had UM PRO 50 for 10 days and in my opinion sound was not good, it was so dark almost unlistenable with a lot of songs. And I loved UM3X in past, strange. I believe ES60 is one of the best custom..   
 
But now I want IEM/CIEM again and hard to choose between ES60, K10ua, Harmony 8.2, UERR, Andromeda, Savant..it is a lot of options and hard to know blindly what will be best for me but I believe all will be great