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

Discussion in 'IEMs and Portable Gear' started by shotgunshane, Jun 7, 2016.

  1. deafdoorknob

    deafdoorknob Almost "Made"

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    thanks for the impressions, i suppose the Foresteni, along with the Ibasso and Noble Massdrop X are gonna be the new lower mid-tier iems to "beat" in 2017.

    @shotgunshane and @ak2angel

    i caved... ended up getting hold of a pair of scuffed up but newish (03/2016) TG334 from a local head-fier for approx $750 usd this arvo... ok, aside from getting something like the Noble Kaiser Encore or InEar Prophile 8, i think i can die happy and get off the merry go round. *famous last words*

    current head count: CA andromeda, Sony Ex1000, Fitear 111, Fitear TG334, HD650.

    for sale: audeze lcd x

    sold: Sony z7, N3AP, CA Orion, Fostex th600, HD25 SP-2.

    thanks again for all your advice!
     
  2. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

    Staff Member Pyrate Flathead IEMW
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    $750? Wow, nice score!
     
  3. deafdoorknob

    deafdoorknob Almost "Made"

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    yup but the level of scuffing for both the iem shells and the pelican case is quite "alarming" for something that's less than 6 months old. the serial number and invoice are legit tho. otherwise i wouldn't have bought it.
     
  4. mulolomu

    mulolomu New

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    @shotgunshane

    How much the differences between Vsonic GR07 classic vs Mkii vs Bass edition?
     
  5. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I remember the Classic having a little bit more sibilance than the MK2 but the MK2 treble could be a little sharper/harsher sometimes. Bass was similar. The BE adds some extra mid bass punch to the MK2 signature.

    The new X version is something I'm interested in hearing. Early reports are similar bass quantity to MK2 but a little bit better extension, as well as smoother treble.
     
  6. Kunlun

    Kunlun cat-alyzes cat-aclysmic cat-erwauling - Friend

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    Looking forward to hearing the gr07x and vsd8 with carbon nanotube driver, seems like an interesting technology.
     
  7. Grahad

    Grahad Guest

    Interestingly the newer models are not on Vsonic's site, even though the GR07X can already be ordered.
     
  8. Warrior

    Warrior RIP 2021

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    I owned the gr07be many moons ago... Before I knew anything about iems. I remember liking them, but not always getting the best sound. In retrospect, it was 100% a seal issue. At the time they were the best I had heard, but not always due to seal. Too stupid to figure that out at the time.
     
  9. totoyuen

    totoyuen New

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    Thank you for your reply!
    I'm reading pretty good reviews on Andromeda and JH13 for metal.
    I will def go audition these out over the weekend.

    Just out of curiosity, how would you define a pair of iem that is suitable for metal?
    And is JH13 the best iem you've listened to for metal?
    Or are there better ones lying out there with a higher price tag?
     
  10. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I was mainly picking models that fit your description first and foremost but both are very good with guitar driven rock I listen too.

    Two things are important for me when listening to hard rock, metal and guitar driven rock in general:
    1. Fast bass: too much and too long decay and it feels like the music is dragging, becomes muddy or otherwise glosses over the more complex drumming passages. While some metal may be poorly recorded and/or mastered and some bass boost desired, it needs to be fast bass.
    2. Full upper mids: the upper midrange is where the bite, crunch and attack of distortion electric guitars resides. Many iems go for a valley or suck out here to give a pleasing and laid back sound but that is a no, no for metal. I want guitars to be forward and full of energy.

    Andromeda and the UERM are two of more favorites for hard rock and metal. They handle the middle and upper mids very, very well. The JH13 will be just a little more laid back than those two but has a fantastically speedy bass boost. I'd like to revisit the JH13 in the new universal form they're releasing and see if the new metal wave guides have improved the treble smoothness, which was its only really weakness.
     
  11. totoyuen

    totoyuen New

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    Thanks again! I will make sure I check these three monitors out.
    Another question, have you had a chance to audition the brand new InEar Profile 8?
    If yes, what are you views on it?

    Cheers!
     
  12. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I've ordered a set but it's on backorder. I won't receive it until late January.
     
  13. Crinacle

    Crinacle Friend

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    Just some extra input from my end, I prefer some added treble bite for rock and metal, and of course bass speed is important too. For beat pacing I prefer a bass balance that's skewed more toward mid-bass than sub-bass, though in all honesty the sacrifice in versatility isn't exactly worth it.

    JH models do have a very rock-friendly tuning (boosted bass, edgy treble) though you can also consider offerings like the 64Audio A12, QDC Gemini and Rhapsodio Solar. I find those to do energetic genres rather well.
     
  14. totoyuen

    totoyuen New

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    Cool! Looking forward to your impressions and review!
     
  15. totoyuen

    totoyuen New

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    Thank you for your input, La Cenric!
    Can you give a more detailed description on the A12, Gemini and Solar?
    I'd love to know what to expect before auditioning them.
     
  16. mulolomu

    mulolomu New

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    Sorry, but i dont think the A12 will suit for metal genre, it has too much boost on low register with slow and long decay. Dont get me wrong, A12 have a fantastic bass in term of texturing, layering and punchiness, but with the longer notes sustain like that i think A12 strong suit will be the EDM type of genre because it can giving you "in da club" feeling. Hope it help and just my 2 cents.
     
  17. Poleepkwa

    Poleepkwa Friend

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    I have been contemplating the Noble X's as a compliment to my RHA T20's. I am slightly concered about the size and isolation of them though I seem to have rather small ears and have started to like small pieces that just "sits" easily. These seem to be rather bulky. Any thoughts?
     
  18. Warrior

    Warrior RIP 2021

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    I have had issues with fit with nobles myself. Both K10 and Katanas. Very difficult to get a proper seal. I think the MD's are a bit smaller though.
     
  19. mulolomu

    mulolomu New

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    And btw @shotgunshane

    Never read you mentioning about Flare, have you heard it?
     
  20. Crinacle

    Crinacle Friend

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    Yeah I was a little hesitant to recommend the A12 as well, but I have a few metalhead buddies who absolutely love their U12 for that, so I decided to put it out there.

    The sustain is a little long, yes (the A12 uses a Sonion 3800 after all) but I find the treble to contain enough bite and sparkle to portray aggressiveness well. Though honestly I much prefer the Solar for rock.
     

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