[JBlues]

I'm in the market for a new pair of headphones. I currently have a (now broken) pair of Sony MDR EX71s. After reading a bunch of reviews I'm pretty interested in the UM1s. They're in my price range and seem like a pretty solid pair of earphones. However they've gotten some mixed reviews on this board. Could people who have used these phones give me their thoughts on whether this would be the right purchase for me?

Also, as far as musical tastes, I'll be listening on my iPod to Rock, Hip Hop, Chillout, some live jambandish stuff, really just a whole variety.

 

[ak40ozKevin]

I've owned them for about 5-6 months now and I enjoy them. At first I didn't really like them as I felt they lacked bass. This was a combination of having a bad source, and that I didn't find tips that truly fit. Now I have a Kenwood DAP and I've figured out a way to make the comply tips give me a perfect seal and I love these headphones.

These headphones respond really well to EQ so if you decide on them make sure you have control over EQ. I wouldn't enjoy them as much if I couldn't alter their sound signature.

Speaking of sound signature, if I were to describe it I would say that the midrange is really upfront and that is where the concentration is. Both the bass and highs are a little distant in comparison. The higher highs are slightly rolled off but for the most part they can still kick, especially if you boost them a bit. The bass is apparent but is more smooth rather than quick and accurate.

I would actually say the sound is about 90% equal to that of my MS1s on my rig and that says a lot.

 

[ak40ozKevin]

One other thing...

Another headphone I've been interested in is the Atrio M5 which you can score for a bit more on ebay ($130). Based on the praise that headphone has received I would probably buy it over the UM1 if I didn't already buy the UM1. Not that I have any first hand evidence that they are better but it's something that has crossed my mind.

 

[JBlues]

Is the bass something that you think I'd really find to be an issue? Also, I'd be running these headphones primarilly through my iPod, so EQ control is fairly limited.

 

[pez]

if you're willing to spend $150-60 i really recommend the Super.fi 5 Pro's, I heard a burned in pair finally for the first time, and I wanted to throw my Super.fi 3's away. The super.fi 3's are really good headphones for highs and mids, but the 5 pro's takes that to a higher level and then extends bass and really gets down to the lower frequencies.

 

[Meloncoly]

Which iPod are you talking about. With my 1st Gen Nano, if I EQed anything, it messes up the sound horribly. I used to own the UM1s and I like them but there were two specific things I didn't like about them. First off, they have a very laid back presentation, and they are definitely, IMO, not good for rock. It makes rock kind of boring and lulls me to sleep rather than a jam session. Hip hop was ok, but UM1s lacked bass impact which to me, makes Hip Hop fun to listen to. For ambient music, the UM1s are perfect. Because of their laid back presentation, and their extreme comfort, you'll definitely be relaxed. UM1s do improve with an amplifier, but not enough to my liking, and this is with a PA2v2. You might want to save a little more and look into getting a Ultimate Ears Super.Fi 5 Pro, or splurge like me and get the Etymotic ER-4S.

 

[doppler_pulse]

well, if you don't mind a bit of veil i'd say the um1's are great. the mid range is really intimate which is awesome for female vocals. however, if you're willing to stretch your budget a bit, go for the Atrio M5 or SF5

 

[JBlues]

Just for clarification, am I going to notice any kind of decrease in sound quality from my Sony EX71s in any of these higher priced headphones?

 

[pez]

lol sony's generally "artificialize" bass, these headphones will be much better, i promise you, and Ultimate Ear's have a 2-Year Warranty

 

[ak40ozKevin]

If you're using an iPod as a source I say you get the Futuresonics M5 since the price is closer to the UM1 and it will undoubtedly have a funner sound coming from that source.

Is the super fi. 5 available anywhere for close to $130 anyone?