102 replies to this topic

[guzziguy]

Inquiring minds want to know. What did they do with the tips that didn't involve using the 535?

[recstar24]

Comply.

[guzziguy]

Oh yeah the 535 is a huge step up from the e500. I agrees about the msrp and was able to get them on HF but with all the tips unused.

Comply.

Oops, I read the original incorrectly. I read it as:

"I agrees about the msrp and was able to get them on HF but with all but the tips unused."

So I was wondering what the hell they did with the tips that didn't involve using the IEM itself. Doh!

[catscratch]

*casts level 1 thread necromancy*

Heard the 535 tonight and, well, it's not for me. Everything was right except for the highs - they were harsh. Metallic and peaky. It could be the fit, though I used complys as well as shure yellow and black foamies. It could be the music, which isn't ideally produced (at the time, a bunch of old-school Santana). Either way, I couldn't listen comfortably at anything more than moderate volume, otherwise there was too much sibilance. Which is too bad really because in other respects, they were pretty good.

I think I'm very sensitive to harshness in the highs. As in, exceedingly more so than others that are already sensitive to harshness in the highs. Maybe that explains why I like the 007 and 001, and why the UM3x is one of the few canalphones I could live with, thus far.

Now if the UM3x did bass like the 535 and had a bit more treble presence, it would be perfect.

Edited by catscratch, 26 August 2012 - 04:11 AM.

[HeadphoneAddict]

*casts level 1 thread necromancy*

Heard the 535 tonight and, well, it's not for me. Everything was right except for the highs - they were harsh. Metallic and peaky. It could be the fit, though I used complys as well as shure yellow and black foamies. It could be the music, which isn't ideally produced (at the time, a bunch of old-school Santana). Either way, I couldn't listen comfortably at anything more than moderate volume, otherwise there was too much sibilance. Which is too bad really because in other respects, they were pretty good.

I think I'm very sensitive to harshness in the highs. As in, exceedingly more so than others that are already sensitive to harshness in the highs. Maybe that explains why I like the 007 and 001, and why the UM3x is one of the few canalphones I could live with, thus far.

Now if the UM3x did bass like the 535 and had a bit more treble presence, it would be perfect.

Do you wanna borrow a Westone 3 to try out? It might fit the bill when used with Complys foam tips.

Edited by HeadphoneAddict, 26 August 2012 - 01:06 PM.

[catscratch]

Thanks, but I have a 3 and 4 already. I'm more or less OK with what I've got now, and I'll pick up some sort of custom when time/money permit. Probably ES5, since I liked the fit/sound of the ES2.

[HeadphoneAddict]

Thanks, but I have a 3 and 4 already. I'm more or less OK with what I've got now, and I'll pick up some sort of custom when time/money permit. Probably ES5, since I liked the fit/sound of the ES2.

I think you would really like the ES5. Interestingly, I have SE530 drivers/x-over in custom Livewires shells, and while the stock SE530 were not sibilant at all the customs are. I saw that you were experiencing sibilance with the SE535, and was going to suggest the SE530 except they have less treble presence than the UM3X (which you wanted more of).

The SE530 kinda reminded me of an HD650 a little, while the UM3X remind me more of an HE-500 in an IEM, and the W3 remind me more of a Denon D5000. I'd say the W4 is more reminiscent of an IEM version of LCD-2 r1. (in a general sort of way). I find that the Complys foam tips smooth out the W3 treble a bit, which is more present than the UM3X, while the W4 treble is too laid back for me to enjoy with the Complys tips.

For some strange reason I found that my UM56 custom tips work well on all three of the Westones as well as the SE530, and balance them all out nicely so that the differences between them are less. I think I preferred my first set made out of vinyl more than the silicone replacements that I got after I lost the first set. They gripped the sound stem tighter, and were easier to insert into my ears.

So, you could consider UM56 tips since you have so many IEM with the small sized sound nozzles.

[RudeWolf]

I got the angst as well. Just got my first set of optical glasses and therefore the HD25-II must go. Currently eyeing the SE535 and the Westone 4 in HF classifieds. Too bad that I can't audition them locally...

Which one has the most unoffensive treble? W4?

[catscratch]

Between those 2, W4. UM3x is more inoffensive still - too inoffensive as it's far too dark. W4 is a bit harder to get a good seal with, but Complys work just fine.

[RudeWolf]

Its not that I don't like treble- I just have bad memories about being a Grado treble slave. Sparkle is nice but sibilance is what worries me the most. Also I have experienced treble happy headphones making some good albums borderline unlistenable.

[Torpedo]

I like the sound of the W4 with the long Comply tips more than the standard ones or other types, but the tri-flanges. Perhaps the X10 is a bit more fun and kind of richer in the midrange, with more bass presence, but both are enjoyable IEMs to these aging ears. All Shure IEMs I've tried sounded to me between harsh and annoying, none was really enjoyable. Haven't tried the 535 though, maybe these are different, Tyll likes them

[RudeWolf]

[...]Tyll likes them

That's basically the only reason I considered them. So far Tyll has been right with all the headphones I bought blindly.

[Tyll Hertsens]

Mua ha ha ha ha ha!


I am falible, you know. But I do like the 535.

[Dusty Chalk]

The older generation Shure earbuds I had definitely had "inoffensive treble".

[robm321]

I still have my e500. It has seriously rolled off treble. I almost wish it was harsh just to have highs. Since it practically disintegrated, I can't sell it. So, I'm stuck with it.

The midrange is killer though.

[RudeWolf]

Well, there are also those Earsonics frenchies which also seem quite well regarded. One thing I'd like however are detachable cables because pocket environment can be rough on them.

[elnero]

I ordered a pair of the Heir Audio 4.Ai's which should hopefully be here sometime next week. I really like the Westone 4's with the longer P series Comply tips, their sins would mainly of omission so I find them highly listenable but a clear couple of steps down from the JH13Pro's. Due to my issues with customs I've been searching for a universal that ups the ante compared to the Westone 4 but until I read about the Heir's it seemed like it would be stepping into the $1200 - 1400 range which I'm reluctant to spend on a universal at this point.

I'm not sure how the 4.Ai's will stack up against the Westone's but I figured for the $399 asking price it was worth taking a risk. I'll report back once they arrive and I've had a bit of time with them.

[RudeWolf]

The impressions on the other side are quite good for the 4.Ai.

[grawk]

Is there anything that doesn't get very good impressions over there except Bose?

[RudeWolf]

They don't promote hate and general negativism. Then again usually disappointed users are more vocal than the happy ones. WarriorAnt aside, that is.

Edited by RudeWolf, 28 August 2012 - 08:38 AM.