MetalGeek
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2007
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Quote:
Oh, I've absolutely tried different tips, but I think my opinion on tips may be a bit different than the general opinion around here.
I find the differences in sound characteristics between different types of tips to be quite insignificant compared to the difference in sound between two different sets of IEMs. Sure, there's a difference; but comparatively speaking, it's pretty subtle. For instance, the worst sounding tips I could try in my UM3X still sound better than the best sounding tips in my SA6. That's not to say that the SA6 sound bad...far from it! It's just that the effect is minimal in comparison. In fact, unless I'm really listening for it and comparing back-to-back, the difference is pretty difficult to detect.
Also, it's been a challenge for me to find IEM tips that, to me, are truly comfortable. I've never really liked silicone tips because there's always a little bit of molding flash around the outer diameter that irritates my ear canal (except for the Klipsch oval gels...those are magical). Likewise, the multiple edges on the bi- and tri-flanges are also uncomfortable (again, except for Klipsch). Additionally, silicone tips have a tendency to make my ears feel itchy (surprise, surprise...Klipsch to the rescue!). I never liked the Shure black olive foams because I felt that the foam was too firm and put too much pressure on my ear canal, and deep insertion wasn't an option because if the whole piece of foam was in my ear, the back edge would irritate my skin. I love the portability and isolation of IEMs, but I've never had a pair that I could wear for more than an hour or two at a time without having to take a break due to irritation.
The UM3X with the Comply tips have completely changed that for me. I've worn them for several hours at a time without even noticing them there. They're easily the most comfortable set of IEMs or canalphones I've ever worn, and the Comply tips are significantly softer (with much slower compression recovery) than the Shure black olive foams. I either own or have owned the V-moda Vibe, Ety ER-6i, Altec Lansing iM716, JVC Marshmallows, Sleek SA6, Klipsch Custom-2, and now the UM3X, and the comfort on the UM3X and Klipsch are in a completely different league from the rest in my experience.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that, although I do notice that there is a slight difference in sound between tips, I'm willing to make the sacrifice so that I can enjoy my music longer. I certainly wouldn't classify any of the discomfort as pain, but it detracts from my enjoyment of the music much more than a slight degradation in sound quality would. If I'm worrying about poor fit and discomfort, I'm not relaxing and enjoying the music...and that's really what it's all about for me.
| Originally Posted by VicAjax /img/forum/go_quote.gif don't forget that different tips make a huge difference in the sound as well! i hope you've tried some? |
Oh, I've absolutely tried different tips, but I think my opinion on tips may be a bit different than the general opinion around here.
I find the differences in sound characteristics between different types of tips to be quite insignificant compared to the difference in sound between two different sets of IEMs. Sure, there's a difference; but comparatively speaking, it's pretty subtle. For instance, the worst sounding tips I could try in my UM3X still sound better than the best sounding tips in my SA6. That's not to say that the SA6 sound bad...far from it! It's just that the effect is minimal in comparison. In fact, unless I'm really listening for it and comparing back-to-back, the difference is pretty difficult to detect.
Also, it's been a challenge for me to find IEM tips that, to me, are truly comfortable. I've never really liked silicone tips because there's always a little bit of molding flash around the outer diameter that irritates my ear canal (except for the Klipsch oval gels...those are magical). Likewise, the multiple edges on the bi- and tri-flanges are also uncomfortable (again, except for Klipsch). Additionally, silicone tips have a tendency to make my ears feel itchy (surprise, surprise...Klipsch to the rescue!). I never liked the Shure black olive foams because I felt that the foam was too firm and put too much pressure on my ear canal, and deep insertion wasn't an option because if the whole piece of foam was in my ear, the back edge would irritate my skin. I love the portability and isolation of IEMs, but I've never had a pair that I could wear for more than an hour or two at a time without having to take a break due to irritation.
The UM3X with the Comply tips have completely changed that for me. I've worn them for several hours at a time without even noticing them there. They're easily the most comfortable set of IEMs or canalphones I've ever worn, and the Comply tips are significantly softer (with much slower compression recovery) than the Shure black olive foams. I either own or have owned the V-moda Vibe, Ety ER-6i, Altec Lansing iM716, JVC Marshmallows, Sleek SA6, Klipsch Custom-2, and now the UM3X, and the comfort on the UM3X and Klipsch are in a completely different league from the rest in my experience.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that, although I do notice that there is a slight difference in sound between tips, I'm willing to make the sacrifice so that I can enjoy my music longer. I certainly wouldn't classify any of the discomfort as pain, but it detracts from my enjoyment of the music much more than a slight degradation in sound quality would. If I'm worrying about poor fit and discomfort, I'm not relaxing and enjoying the music...and that's really what it's all about for me.
