shotgunshane’s IEM (custom and universal) recommendations, favorites and classics

It seems to be. And the Hera seems to be quite / very good. Better build a a step up from the Zero, different sound, priced in the 200$ I think.

 

Listening to the FIBASS. The clarity is remarkable, better than anything I've heard. It feels a little artificial in its intensity though, like tilt shift photography. The singer or soloist or whatever is in the foreground is rendered with searing intensity and clarity but the rest of the music isn't as clear or differentiated. I think part of it is there seems to be a peak around 4k that adds some glare and makes it hard to listen to for long. It seems to make instruments all sound too bright - e.g. a nylon guitar sounds sharp like a steel string guitar, bossa nova sounds like flamenco.

Bass is really good, especially for a BA (moving armature - are these still used?). There's texture and reasonable impact. (edit: bass doesn't extend very deep though). Treble extension is a weak point for me - not much air despite the upper mids brightness. Soundstage isn't particularly wide or pinpoint and separation only ok too. I kind of agree with the reviewer that it's best for vocals, or at least for small group, not very complex music.

I understand what people say about it - when it hits you right it's unlike anything else I've heard. It's the first IEM/HP I may consider using EQ to keep. To carry on with the woman metaphors, if you were playing the marry-f**k-kill game, the FIBASS would get the last two.




Edit: Day three with the FIBASS. I'm EQing them a little up on both ends and a little down at 4k to take care of the glare. The mids are the best I've ever heard and it's not really close. Startling clarity, but also very good body, dynamics and excellent timbre. There's some magic going on there. For example, on this you can almost feel your head shaking from the vibrations of the bowed cello at the beginning.

 

I like this metaphore, I like it a lot !

 

@shotgunshane, any chance of you ever trying the Stagediver SD2 after you positive experience with their TOTL?

 

just gotten back from toronto this morning and found the noble massdrop on my desk enjoying them so far, there is a good chance i might sell off the fitear tg334 as they are close enough in tonality, with the 334 being a bit better are microdynamics and depth... tho not a few hundred bucks better

the workmanship is quite nice and fits well for me. will give it more time before deciding, but it's very likeable and on the full-sounding side, flattering but not euphonic to the point that every recording sounds similar.

 

Hey, just made a account to comment, @shotgunshane have you tried the ue 900s, nuforce primo 8 and westone w40? These iems are pretty highly rated universals!

 

Shotgunshane, did you ever try the Momentum in ears with comply tips? Just wondering how much it improves the isolation. The EPH100 I bought are a bit uncomfortable although they isolate very well with comply tips. Also picked up the new SHE3700, which to my ears sound very similar to the SHE3590 they replaced.

 

@shotgunshane. You have not had the chance to listen to the new Earsonics ES3 yet?
I am currently demoing the Stagediver SD-2 and really like everything about them accept the comfort. They really offer excellent isolation and very secure fit, yet starts to get painful rather quickly. Probably not something one gets used too.. thoughtI could also test the Earsonics while I am at it.

 

The newer offerings from Earsonics have a lot less of a dip in the upper midrange, so the tunings have been redone. I will demo one to hear what all the fuzz is about.

I have been trying the SD-2 and the SD2-S to feel which one will fit me better. Constantly swopping these 2 and listening for many hours have probably not been gentle to the ear canals... I really like these. The fit and isolation is really something.

 

Hey, no problem man! Thanks for your list!

 

@shotgunshane based on your experience with the Campfire lineup, how would you compare the Jupiter to the Dorado? I heard the Dorado briefly at axpona but I haven't had extended time with it, while I have the Jupiter for a few weeks now, so I am wondering if its worth the bother, thanks.

 

My friend wrote an in-depth review of the Andromeda, Unfortunately, it's in German. As for your question, he measured the effects of higher output impedance. The Andromeda sound best at close to 0 output impedance. Starting at 0,5 Ω the frequency is bent audibly at 1 dB already.

The Andromeda get brighter with higher OI and the curve peaks at 7-9 kHz. With only 2 ohms OI you already have +3 dB which is very unfortunate because the 8.5 kHz isn't mild to begin with. At 10 ohms OI you add another +14 dB on the already +13 dB 8 kHz peak. Really not recommended!

To conclude, "a fuller and bassier sound" is the Andromeda under perfect conditions.

I got myself a Zero last year. I started to write a review twice and cancelled both times. The wow-factor really only comes from the price. Over a few days of use, I always put them aside. Problem is not the strong bass, but the warm midrange with an annoying 6 kHz peak. Higher frequencies are soft and natural, but ultimately recessed far too much.

 

@shotgunshane could you say a little more on the Noble X. I saw the initial comparison to the NAD Viso HP50. I did enjoy the sound signature of that headphone but haven't found myself using them much.