Just my humble sharing:
I'm a long time westone fans and owned both UM1 and UM3X for a few years. However, this time Westone does disappoint me a lots.
Just give a brief background: I like monitor-type earphones, and have been constantly testing different earphones in Hong Kong when new models from other brands are out. But up to now I still prefer my 3X given its great expression of emotion in vocal (e.g. Adele). I used to play violin and especially love the string sound (esp violin, cello and guitar) in 3X; while 4R is bit dull to me as I personally don't feel the level of passion as expressed from 3X.. I listen to a wide range of music including English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean vocals, as well classical and bands (Secondhand Serenade sounds sooooooo cool in 3X!). Oh btw I don't use equalizer as I really prefer the 'true and original' sound from the performer.
I was thinking if I should upgrade my UM3X to UM pro 30 to improve my listening experience.. This new model is now released in Hong Kong and last night I have tested this in my favorite shop last night to compare to my 3X (1000+ hours), as well to test this with the demo 3X in shop.
What my initial impression after an hour test is:
1. 30 has exactly identical sound signature as 3X. This is simply NO surprise at all.
2. 30 is a bit easier to push, but if you test with same volume they really sound the same. I personally feel no difference in improvement in sound stage, treble, mid or bass...
Perhaps this is a bit unfair to 30 as this is also brand new demo unit in shop which might have run-in for less than 50 hours..
I might test it after a few weeks again. But at this point i'm very disappointed, and I don't think the 30 has been 're-tuned' it at all.
Perhaps you guys might feel differently, but with my dumb ears this is all my first impression, as I'm just a layman music lover in Hong Kong.