[NASCARaddicted]

Hello

In a german Hi-Fi I asked about a good InEar Headphone for Heavy Metal. Some people told me the ATH CK7 or CK9 would be good. Others told me about the Westone UM2, but that is over my budget, so it was suggested that I look at the similar sounding UM1. But other people told me, that the UM1 doesn't sound similar to the UM2.

Personally, I am tending towards the UM1, but before I go and buy it, I want to hear some comments from Head-Fi.

I start at the beginning: I planned on spending about $150. I am not a Headphone Freak who wants to own many different Headphones, I just want one good one. As I said, I only listen to Heavy Metal (Thrash, Death, Black Metal and Grindcore). I have 2 mp3 Players. A small Thomson Lyra, and a bigger Creative Zen Xtra.

The IE should isolate very well. From time to time I have to wait for the bus and the road here is very noisy, so as much as possible should be blocked. Also I want to use it when I go jogging or something like that, so it shouldn't fall out easily. Also, if possible, I may use it in bed, so it should be comfort, in case I fall asleep with them. I think I will get Triple Flanges right from the start, but I also thought about custom ear pieces.

As for the sound .... well, I am no bass freak. Bass is ok, but I want good music in general.

So, would you recommend the UM1 ? Or maybe another one ? Oh, I almost forgot to mention: I live in Germany, so I guess some headphones are harder to get then in the USA, while others would be easier to get. If I go for the UM1s, I could order them from the USA, or from a european distributor, so the UM1 shouldn't be a problem to get.

Thanks in advance.

 

[d0td0t]

to put in short.. UM1 is too veil n lack of bass. Unlike its bigger brother. The other brands of IEMs I can't comment|

 

[mrhobbit]

i really dont think the UM1 is suitable for heavy metal. it doesn sound "lively" enough if you know what i mean. i would rather go with the superfi 3 or the Mylar X3 than the UM1

 

[NASCARaddicted]

After looking some more, I think the Ultimate Ears UE-SF 3 also looks very interesting. And it would be even cheaper then the UM1.

Just when I thought I finally made a decision about a headphone (UM1), I find another interesting one (Superfi 3). So the search continues.

 

[NASCARaddicted]

any other comments ?

 

[rwest1389]

I wouldn't recommend UM1s for metal. Whenever i listen to metal i choose my 30 dollar ep630s over them.

 

[Thermofreak]

maybe UM2 is a better option though, I only got UM1(never audition the UM2) n it is really not suitable for metal IMO!

 

[Culverin]

iunno, um2 for metal? iunno, how heavy are we talking?

the bass is nicer with the KSCs, more boomy, less controlled.

but the um2s is has the clarity for busy music

 

[Meloncoly]

UM1s are too neutral for heavy metal, highly NOT recommended, coming from a happy owner of the UM1s. :3

 

[NASCARaddicted]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Culverin /img/forum/go_quote.gif iunno, um2 for metal? iunno, how heavy are we talking? the bass is nicer with the KSCs, more boomy, less controlled. but the um2s is has the clarity for busy music

Well, recently I also thought about the UM2. A few people recommended me them, but at first, I thought they were to expensive for me. Maybe if I stop spending my money on other stuff .... also I found a seller on ebay, who seems to be a professional seller. He sells used UM2 for $249 and new ones for $299. So I could save $50 (but on the other side: he offers free shipping for the new ones, while shipping the used ones to Germany would be $12, so the difference would only be $38). But of course, I would also look at other sellers on the net, maybe I find a cheaper one.

Well, I still have to think about it. Maybe next time my parents ask me what I want for my birthday, I just say "money"

 

[NASCARaddicted]

well, after talking to some members on this board here (and a similar german one) I made a decision ... I just ordered a black Westone UM2 .... it costs a lot more then I wanted to spent, but then ... I guess I will keep it for a long time, so the price is ok.

Thanks to all posters here for telling me their opinion. I can't wait until I get the UM2

 

[norseman8485]

Great decision. Westones will fit all your isolation and comfort needs though the um1 would sound so good. At the same level I prefer the sf3 soundwise, but not on comfort.

 

[foamposite]

I've not tried heavy metal on my UM1s, but judging by the details I get on my UM1s, I believe the heavy metal music will kill my eardrums, even with a volume level that is just about audible

 

[vesther]

Have you tried a pair of Shure's SE Earphones for Heavy Metal Music? I would test-drive them out if I were you...