Buying $550 headphones

[SLCentral]

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother

Originally posted by: SLCentral

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother
SLCentral, I can see where you're coming from about why you want customs, but I just think the 150 or so dollars you save with the PTH and no need for molding, etc might be worth it. However, I can't follow your logic on the non-need of an amp. You won't need an amp perhaps because of the fact that it's low impedance and just to bulky to carry around for the difference in quality. However, think of it this way. I buy 300 dollar AKGs. Since the headphones have better dynamics than iBuds, I don't need an amplifier. Can't see how that makes sense?

My only other point is that you might get buyer's remorse because the difference is particulary underwhelming and can't resell them. 0 resale value is rather scary.

Like I said in the post above, I'll def. look into a amp as soon as I have enough money to spend. I've never listened to IEM's with an amp before, so I'm only going on what other people (at Head-fi) has said. Of course it's something I'd love to look into later.

heh, I think you'll be particulary underwhelmed. The imporant difference is in the source change to a line out. My recommendation at this point would be to wait, and then try the E500s and see how you like them.

Like I've said before, the reason I don't like the idea of "universal" IEMs that after two different models from two different brands, I still haven't gotten the fit that I am looking for.

Why do you think I'll be underwhelmed?

 

[Dunbar]

I demo'd the universal fit UE-5c and didn't think they sounded good enough to justify the price. But if you like the super.fi 5 pro's they sound almost identical. I'd rather go for the new E500's which are getting great reviews.

 

[IAteYourMother]

Originally posted by: SLCentral

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother

Originally posted by: SLCentral

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother
SLCentral, I can see where you're coming from about why you want customs, but I just think the 150 or so dollars you save with the PTH and no need for molding, etc might be worth it. However, I can't follow your logic on the non-need of an amp. You won't need an amp perhaps because of the fact that it's low impedance and just to bulky to carry around for the difference in quality. However, think of it this way. I buy 300 dollar AKGs. Since the headphones have better dynamics than iBuds, I don't need an amplifier. Can't see how that makes sense?

My only other point is that you might get buyer's remorse because the difference is particulary underwhelming and can't resell them. 0 resale value is rather scary.

Like I said in the post above, I'll def. look into a amp as soon as I have enough money to spend. I've never listened to IEM's with an amp before, so I'm only going on what other people (at Head-fi) has said. Of course it's something I'd love to look into later.

heh, I think you'll be particulary underwhelmed. The imporant difference is in the source change to a line out. My recommendation at this point would be to wait, and then try the E500s and see how you like them.

Like I've said before, the reason I don't like the idea of "universal" IEMs that after two different models from two different brands, I still haven't gotten the fit that I am looking for.

Why do you think I'll be underwhelmed?

Well, obviously, I can't tell for sure, just a feeling that the difference in SQ for the extra 500 bucks you paid (assuming you sell your e4cs) might be disappointing. I still think you may as well fork over an extra 350 dollars, and go with the UE10s 😛

 

[Ika]

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother

Originally posted by: SLCentral

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother
SLCentral, I can see where you're coming from about why you want customs, but I just think the 150 or so dollars you save with the PTH and no need for molding, etc might be worth it. However, I can't follow your logic on the non-need of an amp. You won't need an amp perhaps because of the fact that it's low impedance and just to bulky to carry around for the difference in quality. However, think of it this way. I buy 300 dollar AKGs. Since the headphones have better dynamics than iBuds, I don't need an amplifier. Can't see how that makes sense?

My only other point is that you might get buyer's remorse because the difference is particulary underwhelming and can't resell them. 0 resale value is rather scary.

Like I said in the post above, I'll def. look into a amp as soon as I have enough money to spend. I've never listened to IEM's with an amp before, so I'm only going on what other people (at Head-fi) has said. Of course it's something I'd love to look into later.

heh, I think you'll be particulary underwhelmed. The imporant difference is in the source change to a line out. My recommendation at this point would be to wait, and then try the E500s and see how you like them.

I'm not entirely sure on that. Changing tips on my IEMs (from PVC foam to polyurethane foam with a sort of "skin") changed the sound a lot - more bass (IEM was thicker and denser), warmer, and the treble was more rolled off. A more pleasurable experience for me. And a cheap improvement, too - getting a bunch of earplugs and some tubing didn't cost more than $5.

 

[IAteYourMother]

Originally posted by: Aflac

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother

Originally posted by: SLCentral

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother
SLCentral, I can see where you're coming from about why you want customs, but I just think the 150 or so dollars you save with the PTH and no need for molding, etc might be worth it. However, I can't follow your logic on the non-need of an amp. You won't need an amp perhaps because of the fact that it's low impedance and just to bulky to carry around for the difference in quality. However, think of it this way. I buy 300 dollar AKGs. Since the headphones have better dynamics than iBuds, I don't need an amplifier. Can't see how that makes sense?

My only other point is that you might get buyer's remorse because the difference is particulary underwhelming and can't resell them. 0 resale value is rather scary.

Like I said in the post above, I'll def. look into a amp as soon as I have enough money to spend. I've never listened to IEM's with an amp before, so I'm only going on what other people (at Head-fi) has said. Of course it's something I'd love to look into later.

heh, I think you'll be particulary underwhelmed. The imporant difference is in the source change to a line out. My recommendation at this point would be to wait, and then try the E500s and see how you like them.

I'm not entirely sure on that. Changing tips on my IEMs (from PVC foam to polyurethane foam with a sort of "skin") changed the sound a lot - more bass (IEM was thicker and denser), warmer, and the treble was more rolled off. A more pleasurable experience for me. And a cheap improvement, too - getting a bunch of earplugs and some tubing didn't cost more than $5.

yes, but for an extra 600 bucks? When the main difference isn't from the drivers, but from the fit? *shrug*

 

[SLCentral]

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother

Originally posted by: SLCentral

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother

Originally posted by: SLCentral

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother
SLCentral, I can see where you're coming from about why you want customs, but I just think the 150 or so dollars you save with the PTH and no need for molding, etc might be worth it. However, I can't follow your logic on the non-need of an amp. You won't need an amp perhaps because of the fact that it's low impedance and just to bulky to carry around for the difference in quality. However, think of it this way. I buy 300 dollar AKGs. Since the headphones have better dynamics than iBuds, I don't need an amplifier. Can't see how that makes sense?

My only other point is that you might get buyer's remorse because the difference is particulary underwhelming and can't resell them. 0 resale value is rather scary.

Like I said in the post above, I'll def. look into a amp as soon as I have enough money to spend. I've never listened to IEM's with an amp before, so I'm only going on what other people (at Head-fi) has said. Of course it's something I'd love to look into later.

heh, I think you'll be particulary underwhelmed. The imporant difference is in the source change to a line out. My recommendation at this point would be to wait, and then try the E500s and see how you like them.

Like I've said before, the reason I don't like the idea of "universal" IEMs that after two different models from two different brands, I still haven't gotten the fit that I am looking for.

Why do you think I'll be underwhelmed?

Well, obviously, I can't tell for sure, just a feeling that the difference in SQ for the extra 500 bucks you paid (assuming you sell your e4cs) might be disappointing. I still think you may as well fork over an extra 350 dollars, and go with the UE10s 😛

Well, my out of pocket expenses are ~$200, since SLCentral.com is paying for $400 since I'll be reviewing the earphones. I can't jusitfy myself to spend $500 out of pockey on a set of earphones.

My Super.Fi 5 Pro's sound amazing as it is, and if the 5c's only sound slightly better with a perfect fit, I'd still be happy.

 

[Ika]

One of the biggest problems with custom fits is that you can't do a one-day demo. Who knows if the custom fit really does make that big of a difference? I guess it really depends on the user's ear canal - if the standard universal fit tips fit, more power to user. I love using my Altec Lansing tri-flanges, the fit is very nice.

 

[SLCentral]

Originally posted by: Aflac
One of the biggest problems with custom fits is that you can't do a one-day demo. Who knows if the custom fit really does make that big of a difference? I guess it really depends on the user's ear canal - if the standard universal fit tips fit, more power to user. I love using my Altec Lansing tri-flanges, the fit is very nice.

Alas, thats exactly it. I don't like the fit of universal tips, which is why I've been led to custom fittings.

 

[SLCentral]

Okay, it's been ordered. I ended up getting the clear color, since Titanium is $50 more, and clear won the poll other then the Ti 🙂.

I'll be sure to post my impressions when I get them in a few weeks!

 

[Ika]

Originally posted by: SLCentral
Okay, it's been ordered. I ended up getting the clear color, since Titanium is $50 more, and clear won the poll other then the Ti 🙂.

I'll be sure to post my impressions when I get them in a few weeks!

Make sure to post a pic of how they look in your ear! I still don't know how they go in...

 

[Rubycon]

I don't know about the 5's but I have the 10's in dark blue. They're very nice. The chief advantage here is the isolation. You can realize dynamic range without making your ears suffer. In a live performance I can hear myself exactly as the audience without any distraction or risk of long term exposure to damaging SPL.

As far as bass goes, they allow the listener to realize accurate and loud bass at the lowest frequencies possible without the standing waves and other anomalies that plague majority of the listening areas - definitely in the home which don't have the proper architecture, treatments, or adjustments - necessary for uncolored and proper bass extension. A proper impression is critical for the best seal and assurance that proper low end extension will be realized. The equipment driving them also should be tailored to the driver for the best response. Hooking them directly to an ipod is OK but an external amp will make them truly sing. Enjoy! 🙂

 

[Ika]

Oh, by the way, a tip on making the impression - I've heard that when you get your impression, it's best to keep a natural face pose, i.e. lower jaw hanging loosely, face muscles completely relaxed.

 

[Rubycon]

Originally posted by: Aflac
Oh, by the way, a tip on making the impression - I've heard that when you get your impression, it's best to keep a natural face pose, i.e. lower jaw hanging loosely, face muscles completely relaxed.

Mouth open is best. This wasn't hard for me to do for five minutes. (no surprise - I'm a singer. 🙂 ) If this is a problem head on over to your local bondage store and pick up one of those gag straps - the kind with the ball in the middle. Your audiologist can put it on for you before they inject the compound in your ear canal.

 

[SLCentral]

Originally posted by: MS Dawn
I don't know about the 5's but I have the 10's in dark blue. They're very nice. The chief advantage here is the isolation. You can realize dynamic range without making your ears suffer. In a live performance I can hear myself exactly as the audience without any distraction or risk of long term exposure to damaging SPL.

As far as bass goes, they allow the listener to realize accurate and loud bass at the lowest frequencies possible without the standing waves and other anomalies that plague majority of the listening areas - definitely in the home which don't have the proper architecture, treatments, or adjustments - necessary for uncolored and proper bass extension. A proper impression is critical for the best seal and assurance that proper low end extension will be realized. The equipment driving them also should be tailored to the driver for the best response. Hooking them directly to an ipod is OK but an external amp will make them truly sing. Enjoy! 🙂

Glad to see another custom UE owner in here, even though you DO have the tens 😛. Thansk for the quick review, I'm really looking forward to getting these.

 

[EngenZerO]

go for it man!!! i got flamed here i think a year and a half ago when i mentioned i was getting ue 5s... lol.

 

[Baked]

You're gonna buy a $600 IEM? Which portal headphone amp are you gonna buy to drive that awesome $600 IEM and what's the source?

 

[SLCentral]

Originally posted by: Baked
You're gonna buy a $600 IEM? Which portal headphone amp are you gonna buy to drive that awesome $600 IEM and what's the source?

No amp for now, as I've read in tons of places that it's not really required for these IEM's. Once I have more cash though, I'll def. give them a listen and go from there.

The source will usually be an iPod Mini with 256-320Kbps mp3s, or my PC.

 

[SLCentral]

Originally posted by: EngenZerO
go for it man!!! i got flamed here i think a year and a half ago when i mentioned i was getting ue 5s... lol.

Did you end up getting them?

 

[EGGO]

Awesome. I wanted the 5's. I have the super.fi 5 pros right now. I wanted the clear, so go for clear.

 

[HardcoreRobot]

green, to remind you of all the money you wastedQ!

 

[EngenZerO]

Originally posted by: SLCentral

Originally posted by: EngenZerO
go for it man!!! i got flamed here i think a year and a half ago when i mentioned i was getting ue 5s... lol.

Did you end up getting them?

actually no... i ended up getting a job up here in northern virginia and had to use the extra money to buy furniture and help me move. so, i am still with my shure e2c... if i had the oppurtunity right now... i would definitly hold for a little and see how the shure e500 sound like...

 

[IAteYourMother]

Originally posted by: EngenZerO

Originally posted by: SLCentral

Originally posted by: EngenZerO
go for it man!!! i got flamed here i think a year and a half ago when i mentioned i was getting ue 5s... lol.

Did you end up getting them?

actually no... i ended up getting a job up here in northern virginia and had to use the extra money to buy furniture and help me move. so, i am still with my shure e2c... if i had the oppurtunity right now... i would definitly hold for a little and see how the shure e500 sound like...

yeah, another reason why I thought waiting was a better idea is that the E500 supposedly also has superior fit and feel to previous generations of IEMs

 

[CKent]

Originally posted by: SLCentral

Originally posted by: Baked
You're gonna buy a $600 IEM? Which portal headphone amp are you gonna buy to drive that awesome $600 IEM and what's the source?

No amp for now, as I've read in tons of places that it's not really required for these IEM's. Once I have more cash though, I'll def. give them a listen and go from there.

The source will usually be an iPod Mini with 256-320Kbps mp3s, or my PC.

Is that baby jesus I hear crying? 😛

 

[LittleNemoNES]

I think my Sennheiser HD 650s are a better idea. They're not really that portable but man they are leaps and bounds above anything else I've ever used.

 

[SLCentral]

Originally posted by: CKent

Originally posted by: SLCentral

Originally posted by: Baked
You're gonna buy a $600 IEM? Which portal headphone amp are you gonna buy to drive that awesome $600 IEM and what's the source?

No amp for now, as I've read in tons of places that it's not really required for these IEM's. Once I have more cash though, I'll def. give them a listen and go from there.

The source will usually be an iPod Mini with 256-320Kbps mp3s, or my PC.

Is that baby jesus I hear crying? 😛

😛. People I've talked to with the 5c have said this:

For the 4th generation iPod, a amp is absolutely necessary.
For the 5th generation iPod, an amp is no longer required, as it offers a better soundstage.

As to how true this is, obviously, I won't know until I test out my headphones at the local Apple Store.