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Originally Posted by steviebee /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Wasn't my intention previously to post in this thread (out of flame suits, lol) but seeing yr post, just wanted to add my limited experience of UM3X.
Bear in mind, I've not come from Triple Fi 10 to UM3X, but I recently borrowed a pair for one week (thx soozieq!). I am a big fan of Triple Fi (there, I said it - bias is now fully exposed!) but I hope that doesn't mean I'm not open to hearing/finding an IEM that surpasses them. TBH, UM3X wasn't that for me. It is a very good (as in very good) IEM - I would hands down take UM3X any day over SE530, were that my option. But, regards Triple v UM, my feelings were thus, and centred mainly on two points:
1 UM3X for me had a closed in soundstage. Triple Fi were like a huge spatial 'window' in comparison, to my ears. UM3X sounded to me like being in a fairly small-to-moderate sized room (reminded me of ER-4 at first, but UM3X is better soundstage-wise than the Etys, I decided). The impact of this was that in, say, Ozric Tentacles, sounds moving around the headspace were much more spatially active with Triple Fi, moving in depth from top right to lower left, or whatever...I just didn't have, to my ears, that sense of speed, space or 3D movement with the Westone. Detail placed far out on the soundstage was closer in. Separation was very good tho, to be fair...
2 The treble of UM3X, despite being laudable compared to SE530, just didn't have that extra bite/edge/zing: cymbals were not as metallic as they should be (an offbeat pattern in Porcupine Tree's Metanoia just didn't clang when he hit the bell of the ride, thus didn't cut through enough as an obviously slightly discordant offbeat). Similarly, with Black Uhuru, a repeating, insistent, nagging cowbell playing against the rhythm just didn't carry that nagging feeling - it was just a nice effect in the background. With Triple Fi, both the cymbal and the cowbell stood out where they should be, as important parts of the production. It was all a bit too 'polite' with UM3X if I may describe it that way.
However, I do have to say that during my time with UM3X, I grew to like them more than at first (natch) and that I did have a problem successfully getting a good lasting seal in my right ear, so read the above with that in mind. However, a slight lack of seal appears to be beneficial sometimes (in the case of IE8s, say) so I don't think that would necessarily make my impressions too skewed, in terms of soundstage at any rate. An open bud like OK1, or on-ear like KSC75, has a wonderfully wide SS, after all.
I thought UM3X bass was commendable -very nice, deep, clean. As I got used to them I could understand why people love them -very balanced, very smooth, creamy, nice. They certainly made my ER-4P sound more than a bit hard & harsh at the top end.
Would I now buy UM3X to replace Triple Fi? Sorry, no. I'm still looking for that particular IEM. Unless of course, I've already found it. And it's metallic blue. In which case.....gawd...customs.
Sorry for the long ramble. Good luck with your choices. You really cannot go wrong with either - & as you already have Triple Fi dialed, I would suggest you give UM3X a little while to settle in. Some UM3X lovers may say a week wasn't long enough but, hey...each to their own!
I'll be very interested to hear your impressions
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Steviebee!
Thank you very much for your great review. Thank you, Thank you!
More I read your opinion, more I regret that I bought UM3X.
Soundstage and treble energy of Triples are the main reason I choose Triples over SE530, SA6, Q-Jays and ER4-P.
Sigh... Should I just sell unopened box? Or should I at least give it a try?
I bought UM3X because I read many positive reviews that they are very balanced. Smooth high (less treble energy, and non-fatiguing for hours), very sweet and forwarded mid (although some find it’s in-your face) and decent bass that is controlled and not boomy. (some says bass on UM3X is better than SE530 and I think SE530 excels on bass department in quantity not quality. I prefer Triples’ bass which is punchy and well controlled)
I thought sweet presentation on mid department of UM3X could be the one that I waited for.
I don't find Triples are lack on mid, but they are laid back compared to other signature, and even though I like it that way, moving up front couple seat more front at the concert would not be hurt.
If UM3X's mid are "In your face" like other says, I wouldn’t like it at all, since it’s going to ruin the presentation of imagining the instrument and singers in head stage.
Like SoozieQ said, I don’t want to seat on laps of singers.
Sacrifice on treble department is also not an option for me since treble energy of triples is main reason I love my Triples. I never thought high on Trips are harsh or piercing but fun and accurate to my ears......
Argg... dilemma here…
I don’t find Triples are that uncomfortable, since I never had problem with fit or seal. However I can use little more comfort when I am sleeping.
Sacrifice on soundstage and recessed high compared to Triples, then Trips are keeper for me.
I chose sound signature over comfort since I sold my q-jays, which was the most comfortable IEMS I ever tried.
Well, If I have to sell un-opened box, how much should I sell it for!@#!@# -_-;;
Help~~~~!!!
