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

So I think I'm going to do something I haven't done before. I'm going to remove something form the list and replace it with something different. After spending some time with the upcoming Massdrop x NuForce EDC3, and comparing it to the Audio Technica LS200, I think I'm gong to replace the LS200 on the list with the EDC3. Yep, gonna do it.

Here are my thoughts on the EDC3 with comparisons to the LS200 and Brainwavz B400:


Massdrop x NuForce EDC3

The overall signature of the EDC3 is a warmish take on a neutral signature. Bass has good extension and texture with a slight warm tilt. Vocals and guitars get a bump in the upper midrange for an engaging and upfront presentation. Lower treble is relaxed and takes a back seat to the midrange and bass. It has a slight rebound in middle treble, which produces a slightly plasticky, Westone like timbre. Aside from the similarity in treble timbre, the EDC3 is less warm, less bassy and more neutral than say the Westone 3 and 4 variants. While not the last word in resolution or imaging, the EDC3 is quite competent and plays much bigger than it’s price. The EDC3 epitomizes a do nothing wrong signature. Add in that it’s a triple driver and it’s quite amazing you can get all this, with very comfortable, ergonomic shells for just $99. Unlike the dynamic driver EDC, which I don’t like at all, the all armature based EDC3 gets a whole-hearted recommendation. Don’t expect to be bowled over or amazed in shock and awe, it won’t do that. But if you want something you can listen to without fatigue, set it and forget it, the EDC3 could be for you.

vs Audio-Technica ATH-LS200 (msrp $249)

The EDC3 is noticeably bigger sounding (both wider and deeper), more upfront and richer. Rock guitars are fuller but retain similar bite and crunch. The LS200 sounds a bit more neutral (doesn’t have the vocal range bump of the EDC3) and sounds leaner and much less visceral. Treble presence on the LS200 is every so slightly more present but not as articulate. EDC3 bass texture is more obvious and seems to dig deeper. Overall the EDC3 is just more engaging and musical, while not straying to much further from neutral than the LS200. Even with a thicker, richer note, the EDC3 sounds more transparent than the LS200, particularly through the midrange, which I suspect is due to lower distortion.

vs Brainwwavz B400 (msrp from $189)

Next to the EDC3, the B400 sounds just a little V shaped. It’s bass is a little stronger, it’s treble a little stronger and vocals are not quite as upfront. This is all relative, as the B400 doesn’t come across as V shaped on it’s own and the EDC3 is definitely forward in the upper mids. The B400 sounds a little more visceral, a little more exciting, a little more musical, a little more of this, a little more of that. A little bit is indeed just a little bit. The B400 is noticeably more layered and exacting in its imaging. It sounds more spacious, albeit a bit warmer overall. It’s definitely the next step up, if you don’t mind straying just a little further from neutral than the EDC3. If the B400 is a bit out of your price range, the EDC3 is the next best thing. Two excellent bargains.

 

@james444 what tips are you using with the D6? I like the midrange clarity and bass balance with the rest of the spectrum but treble is indeed a little tizzy for me.

Stock tips and MH1 tips are my best fit so far but would like to tame the fizziness a bit better. My go to dual flanges down work with this barrel shape.

If I can tame the slight tizziness, this would be a budget no brainer.

 

No I haven’t heard anything in the two new lineups. The description of the ESR (studio reference) caught me eye but that’s in the all armature lineup.

 

@james444 I have some spiral dots but was thinking I’d want much smaller bore? I’ll give it a try and also try a tea bag mod as well.

Just received an email from Massdrop; they are dropping UE 18+ universals for a pretty big discount.

 

How much OI do those phones have? I just quickly used a 15 ohm resistor and I felt like it might have made the B400 little leaner/brighter sounding but this wasn't extended listening. As long as we are talking 5 ohms or less, I'll think you'll be ok.

Keep in mind the EDC3 is the more neutral of the two for sure; the B400 brings more fun but tastefully done.

 

Zero Audio Carbo-i arrived. WTF is going on with this treble? So disappointed and the flat cable is so 6 years ago when the Sony MH1 pretty much killed any idea of its usefulness. Bass and midrange is pretty good. Too bad the treble absolutely ruins it.