Ultimate Ears Super.Fi 5 Pro

[HaxorNubcake]

I'm looking for a pair of < $200 earbuds/IEM's for portable use with my iPod. I've used canal phones in the past (one of sony's) and in-ear designs don't bother me.

Most reviewers seem to prefer the Super.Fi 5 Pro's to alternatives such as the Shure e4c. Anyone have any personal experiences/recommendations? Are there any other sets I should consider, or would the Ultimate Ears make a good purchase.

Thanks

edit: I'm also considering the etymotic Er-4p

 

[SLCentral]

Originally posted by: HaxorNubcake
I'm looking for a pair of < $200 earbuds/IEM's for portable use with my iPod. I've used canal phones in the past (one of sony's) and in-ear designs don't bother me.

Most reviewers seem to prefer the Super.Fi 5 Pro's to alternatives such as the Shure e4c. Anyone have any personal experiences/recommendations? Are there any other sets I should consider, or would the Ultimate Ears make a good purchase.

Thanks

edit: I'm also considering the etymotic Er-4p

I used the 5 Pro's for about 6 months until I upgraded to the 5c's, which have the same drivers in a custom enclosure. I loved them. They give great isolation, and ridiculously good sound quality for the price. I've used them on trains before, but not planes, and they isolate great, and are rather comfortable. I did find the e4c's to fit slightly better in my ears, but I preferred the UE soundstyle.

Make sure the 5 Pros are enough, though. The Triple-fi's which recently came out have been getting some rave reviews, and while they do MSRP for $399, you probably won't need to ever upgrade IEM's. Something to think about!

Also, keep in mind that your crappy compressed music will sound worse with the 5 Pros. Time to invest in a good source/amp/DAC!

 

[dealmaster00]

Super.fi 5 Pro don't improve much with an amp. A DAC would be a more worthy investment. Definitely make sure you are using at least 192kb/s VBR mp3s.

Speaking of Super.fi 5 Pros...I am selling some right now. Wanna buy them?? There doesn't seem to be too much interest over in the FS/FT forum.

Oh yes...as for personal experience...the Super.fi 5 pro is more bass heavy than the shure e4 and has a better soundstage (it has 2 drivers vs. shure's 1). However, many people over at Headfi think the e4 is a great value as far as detailed, accurate, and more neutral IEMs are concerned. I have even heard a few people who have said it is their favorite IEM...even more than any 2 or 3 driver IEM. Those are the people who have more audiophilic tendencies (aka, they don't like bassy 'phones and would rather have a more accurate sound).

 

[yhelothar]

I've personally tried both, and the superfi 5 pro sounds muddy and sloppy compared to the ER4P.
I traded them back right way and never looked back.

If you're looking for accuracy and detail, it'll be hard to beat the ER4P. Even the triple-fi or shure E500 is known to not be able to match the ER4P in detail.
However, if you're a basshead and just like a fun beat in your music, the superfi may be for you. But don't think the ER4Ps is lacking in the bass department either. It's quick, punchy, and deep. But unlike the superfi's, it just doesn't overexaggerate the bass. It's meant to deliver sound exactly as it was recorded.

 

[Sugeknight]

I'd recommend checking out the Westone UM2. I tried several models/brands and the Westone's had the most balanced output. They're made really well and can use molds.

 

[Gautama2]

If you want a cheaper alternative, try the Crossroads Mylarone X3. You can order here http://www.jaben.net/ for $57 shipped anywhere. They have been very well received on head-fi. They are a dynamic driver not balanced armature though, so not as detailed but I hear its bass is excellent.