You might kill me, but... IE8 vs UM3X ($ for $) for an iPhone 2g + iPod 5.5g

Nov 23, 2009 at 3:22 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 20

nachodlv

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As stated:

Having access to both phones at exactly the same price, which one is your winner if using iPhone 2g and iPod 5.5g?

Am I right if I say the UM3X would need an adaptor in order to fit into iPhone 2g's recessed socket, or could the plug's plastic be "shaved to fit"?
 
Nov 23, 2009 at 4:29 PM Post #2 of 20
Yup, you're absolutely right.



I will, most definitely, kill you.
 
Nov 23, 2009 at 5:40 PM Post #4 of 20
Quote:

Originally Posted by Rip N' Burn /img/forum/go_quote.gif
What type of music do you listen to and what type of sound signature do you prefer?


I listen to mostly everything. Having been thru both appreciation threads I guess I lay in-between both phones as I want clear vocals but also a strong bass dept. (although no need for it to be overwhelming). I'm not looking neither for a 100% analytical nor and excessively colored sound sig. I guess.
I say I guess because I've only listened to what my signature shows, which I find recessed in the mids and highs and that is why I amplify my sources' treble so not to fin it muddy. Maybe I'd like it to be a little bit closer to what the Grado/Alessandro full cans might offer after burn-in


Ty very much
wink.gif
 
Nov 23, 2009 at 5:40 PM Post #5 of 20
Quote:

Originally Posted by TopPop /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Yup, you're absolutely right.



I will, most definitely, kill you.



C'mon, make me a believer (of any of those)
L3000.gif
beerchug.gif
 
Nov 23, 2009 at 6:27 PM Post #6 of 20
Quote:

Originally Posted by nachodlv /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I listen to mostly everything. Having been thru both appreciation threads I guess I lay in-between both phones as I want clear vocals but also a strong bass dept. (although no need for it to be overwhelming). I'm not looking neither for a 100% analytical nor and excessively colored sound sig. I guess.
I say I guess because I've only listened to what my signature shows, which I find recessed in the mids and highs and that is why I amplify my sources' treble so not to fin it muddy. Maybe I'd like it to be a little bit closer to what the Grado/Alessandro full cans might offer after burn-in


Ty very much
wink.gif



Based on that description, either one can suite your tastes.

The IE8 will have the biggest soundstage and more impactfull bass but will not isolate too well.

I can't comment on the UM3X but I do have the W3 and the W3 offers more isolation and clarity.

The IE8 will sound more like a full sized can.
 
Nov 23, 2009 at 9:21 PM Post #7 of 20
Yep, that's kinda the feeling I had... Although I find weird for IE8's not isolating correctly...

Guess I should jump into the Westone wagon. Only concern is for those being a little bass-shy... What's your feeling?

Ty.
 
Nov 23, 2009 at 9:43 PM Post #8 of 20
Iems that use dynamic drivers will never isolate as good as BA drivers because they are ported so that they can move air. That is why dynamic drivers can produce bass with more impact. All the bass adjuster does on the IE8 is allow more or restrict air into the iem.

If you're leaning toward westone and concerned about bass, the W3 would be a good option.
 
Nov 23, 2009 at 10:17 PM Post #9 of 20
Makes kind of sense.

Are W3 nice/easy fitting? I've read that might be one of the advantages of X's over plain W3's, although I understand many more tips come with the 3's.

To be honest my main concern is getting a set that:
1.- doesn't obscure the music
2.- does provide decent and quality bass
3.- correctly isolates

Which I believe is finding the holy grail...

Ty.
 
Nov 23, 2009 at 10:30 PM Post #10 of 20
It fits my ears perfectly. Almost as if they were custom iems but this is the case with my ears. The X has a longer nozzle and the W3 has a short nozzle which in some cases, people are not able to get a good fit unless they use the extended comply tips.

In terms of bass, what other iems have you tried? If I have tried any of the iems that you have tried, I can make a more comparative comment on it.
 
Nov 24, 2009 at 9:12 AM Post #11 of 20
Even as I write this I don't how it will help you. All I can say is that I have owned both the UM3X and the IE8. I coupled them with my 2nd Gen. ipod touch. I sold the UM3X and kept the IE8. However, if noise attenuation is high on your list of priorities then the UM3X outperforms the IE8 in this department. That's not to say that the IE8 doesn't provide noise attenuation, it does.

The sound signature of the IE8 most resembles the sound of a full sized set of dynamic driver headphones that I have heard from an IEM. It's really quite remarkable. It's also a wonderfully engaging phone. I have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who wants to be immersed in their music, rather than listen to it analytically.
 
Nov 24, 2009 at 9:40 AM Post #12 of 20
Quote:

Originally Posted by Rip N' Burn /img/forum/go_quote.gif
It fits my ears perfectly. Almost as if they were custom iems but this is the case with my ears. The X has a longer nozzle and the W3 has a short nozzle which in some cases, people are not able to get a good fit unless they use the extended comply tips.

In terms of bass, what other iems have you tried? If I have tried any of the iems that you have tried, I can make a more comparative comment on it.



I own Marshmallows (Kramer modded), Klipsch X1/S2 with medium ovals/gels and a pair of $50 Sony's. Bass wise they've all been more-than-satisfactory concerning quantity, as I've always eq'd sound to produce a brighter, less muffled sound, not bassier. Regarding quality they've been pretty close one to each other, so I cannot elaborate on that. I can their bass is not that of 2 or 3 way shelf/floor speakers but much more of a surround satellite system + a subwoofer. Which I reckon is not always translated into audiophlile quality. I've recently bought some Alessandro MS1 whose bass signature many people find a bit anemic, but I find it pretty decent coming from my unamped iPod 5.5g.
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I also gave a try to Etymotic HF2 (all tips available) and returned them as I could not stand their sound sig.: Anemic, No bass found.
angry_face.gif


Quote:

Originally Posted by iponderous /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Even as I write this I don't how it will help you. All I can say is that I have owned both the UM3X and the IE8. I coupled them with my 2nd Gen. ipod touch. I sold the UM3X and kept the IE8. However, if noise attenuation is high on your list of priorities then the UM3X outperforms the IE8 in this department. That's not to say that the IE8 doesn't provide noise attenuation, it does.

The sound signature of the IE8 most resembles the sound of a full sized set of dynamic driver headphones that I have heard from an IEM. It's really quite remarkable. It's also a wonderfully engaging phone. I have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who wants to be immersed in their music, rather than listen to it analytically.



Yep iponderous, that is kind of the tricky situation I have over here. Most (not all, you're a nice example) folks that are/were fond of the IE8 end up selling them and getting the UM3X and argue some kind of veiled sound signature, which I'm afraid could translate muffled, obscured, recesssed mids/highs. Decent isolation is important, but all I need it to block out is subway/conmuting/office/casual airplane noise, not a lawn mower/pneumatic hammer
atsmile.gif


Ty all.

beerchug.gif
 
Nov 24, 2009 at 3:06 PM Post #13 of 20
Okay, having the IE8 at amazon.de for a nice €197 price I've taken the plunge and will give them a try. Thing is having looked at the Westone's it seems to me their plug will not fit into the iPhone 2g's hp socket. As long as I do not want to get an accesory to plug them, I'll see how the Sennheiser perform and post my view.

Thanks for your help.
 
Nov 24, 2009 at 6:37 PM Post #14 of 20
Haha, I'm the opposite, selling the IE8 and keeping the UM3X.

Really, they're both excellent earphones. Neither have any significant faults. It will really come down to personal preference more then anything else.

Some differences:

Frequency Response:
IE8 - slight midbass-lower midrange focus, makes for a warm, slightly bloated/full vocal signature
UM3X - slight lower treble focus, makes for a slightly prominent upper end, slightly bright vocals

Both are relatively flat and extended in response otherwise, basically IE8 low frequency focus, UM3X high frequency focus, both slightly but enough to be noticed.

Sound Stage:
IE8 - big, spacious sound stage, concert hall effect like you're sitting up in the seats watching a performance, big size, minimal sense of depth, layering, spacing
UM3X - intimate, in your face sound, like you're on stage with the performers, outstanding sense of depth and layering, break out the tape measure accuracy.

Pick your preference, up close or far away. Neither are bad, but each orientation carries its own traits.

Dynamics:
IE8 - slightly laid back presentation, good note, good energy, but lacks some edge/bite on the note, not muddy, not slow, just slightly softened
UM3X - high energy, sense of power, better sense of dynamic range and breadth of range, very good in differentiating subtlety and gusto.

Again, pick your preference. The IE8 doesn't falter, but it also isn't effortless in breadth. It has a slight softness to note energy and edge. It does make the IE8 more pleasant, less fatiguing, and with a lower chance to offend. The UM3X offers more sensation, more raw energy, more breadth.


Both are similar in capability otherwise. Neither lack frequency response, both readily realistically producing notes from 30Hz to +15kHz. Both offer a good level of detail, cleanliness, openness. Both offer excellent bass quantity and quality, and both provide a visceral experience. The IE8 offers a little bass emphasis while the UM3X treble emphasis. The IE8 is a little more laid back while the UM3X is more in your face. The IE8 creates a big, spacious space while the UM3X is up close with a great sense of depth.

Just to stir up the mix a little, the Triple.Fi 10 is somewhere in the middle of both, mixing a number of the qualities together. From a cold, calculating standpoint, is is the better IEM versus the IE8 or UM3X. It has a flatter response, both a spacious sound stage with good location and depth cue, outstanding highs, natural mids, and good bass. It doesn't have the dynamic breadth of the UM3X nor quite the bass extension subsequent visceral sense. It is more "correct" then either.
 
Nov 25, 2009 at 6:17 AM Post #15 of 20
I have iPhone 2G and UM3X as my daily commute partner. although it sounded good, I think it's best pair with LOD and amp such as E5. The trio is a must if you want to get most out of UM3X on the go. I did like IE8 very much, however the darker sound of IE8 has me discourage of buying it. I found UM3X is more involve and natural, the bass is very good on UM3X but not on par with IE8, UM3X to me has better isolation compare to IE8. I recently acquired Fireye I for dirt cheap to mess with the UM3X, it's great combination however there some background noisy can be heard.
 

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