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This thread is focused on soundstage because the OP asked that question.
Originally Posted by tstarn06 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Am I oversimplifying? Does the soundstage now render all of those other critical listening factors (detail, PRAT, etc.) as secondary? |
Originally Posted by cn11 /img/forum/go_quote.gif To me the W3 and IE8 soundstages are very different. First thing about the IE8 that hits you is the sheer expansiveness and distance that the soundstage covers. The W3 by comparison has a somewhat more narrowed in soundstage, but the instruments are more resolved with where they sit in space. There's more detail within the soundstage (if that makes any sense). That's not to say that the IE8 has poor instrument resolution... far from it. Overall I much prefer the IE8's soundstage because what it gives is the feeling that you are listening to big speakers. You are able to just enjoy the music much more easily. The W3's seem to be more for really getting into analyzing instrument separation and placement. That's not what enjoying music is about to me. |
Originally Posted by cn11 /img/forum/go_quote.gif This thread is focused on soundstage because the OP asked that question. |
Originally Posted by soozieq /img/forum/go_quote.gif Soundstage is just one of the positive factors of the IE8, along with a beautiful midrange and some terrific bass presence. I don't believe anyone here would pay this kind of silly money simply for soundstage if every other aspect was poor. But it's not. You only have to read the numerous positive reviews to see how much people like them. Duncan's initial review was very informative and detailed, I even read it again recently, and agree with just about everything he said, especially about the midrange, it's just to die for! |
Originally Posted by average_joe /img/forum/go_quote.gif I agree, but I compared the IE8 to the Phonak Audeo PFE. The PFE with the grey filters didn't have as wide a soundstage, but had slightly better instrument resolution. And I got rid of my PFEs. |
Originally Posted by average_joe /img/forum/go_quote.gif I disagree with grouping the IE8 with all IEMs that sound closed in without hearing. They are truly different than other IEMs I have heard, and other IE8 owners (with much more IEM experience than I) feel the same way. I perceive the IE8 may just have a better soundstage than the UE11 |
Originally Posted by tstarn06 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Can an IEM be great if soundstage is one of its weak points? Just a thought. |
Originally Posted by tstarn06 /img/forum/go_quote.gif So in your case, you chose sound stage over instrument resolution? Is that fair? |
Originally Posted by tstarn06 Just wondered. Sort of a segue. How does soundstage rank as a critical listening factor for in-ear phones? Anything less than number one? |
Originally Posted by vedye /img/forum/go_quote.gif Does that question has to be answered? He might just like it that way. I think it's a personal preference. (I just found it kinda interesting that you are so concentrating on this "soundstage over the other aspects" issue. |