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

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

  1. Gleb Lev

    Gleb Lev New

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    Are there any cables with round extruded 2pin 0.78mm connectors (like on EDC3)? Is it even possible to get balanced cable for these or you have to modify stock one?
     
  2. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    Some detail on the cable pins in this thread: http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/massdrop-x-nuforce-edc3.5780/

    I believe .78mm is industry standard isn’t it? If Noble uses it, it should be, which would mean most aftermarket cables should work. I haven’t changed cables, so maybe @Vansen or @CEE TEE can confirm for you.
     
  3. Vansen

    Vansen Gear Master (retiring)

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    @Gleb Lev @shotgunshane

    The standard two pin CIEM cables will work on these. These have a 0.78mm pin OD, up from the 0.76mm on non-Massdrop NuForce models. Also, the pin polarity is reversed from non-Massdrop NuForce models. This was done so Normal two pin CIEM would work with the Massdrop IEMs across the board.
     
  4. Gleb Lev

    Gleb Lev New

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    That's not what I meant.
    I was asking where can I get balanced cable with this type (Nuforce round extruded stule) of plug
    [​IMG]

    Instead of aftermarket "standart style" 2 pin plug
    [​IMG]

    I guess there is only modifying stock cable option.
     
  5. imackler

    imackler Key Lime Pie Infected Aberdeen Wings Spy

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    My go to Commuting/yardwork/coffee shop iems are the SE215. I can't remember if you've heard them, @shotgunshane Do you know if the Nuforce EDC3 is better? I'm also having a hard time telling from your description if the Noble X is better or just different than the Nuforce EDC3... Thanks!
     
  6. Vansen

    Vansen Gear Master (retiring)

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    No. I don’t think you’re understanding what I’m saying: a standard two pin cable will fit in the EDC3. Any balanced two pin CIEM cable will work.
     
    Last edited: Feb 24, 2018
  7. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    UE does the extruded thing but the shape is different. UM also does extruded now but not sure of the shape.
     
  8. Vansen

    Vansen Gear Master (retiring)

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    @Gleb Lev EDC3 with standard two pin CIEM cable. This is a Noble Audio cable.

    05425785-2262-4C83-B5A0-736C28DEB382.jpeg
     
  9. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I used the own the SE215 a long time ago. I remember them a little muddy down low but otherwise it had an enjoyable midrange. I would imagine the added bass and warmth is good for yard work where you're going to lose bass presence with noisy tools. I always use bassier sigs for yard work, particularly mowing and in that situation use hearing protection over the iems, so I can keep the volume low. Now I pay a yard guy in Florida, ha! It's very reasonable.

    The EDC3 is noticeably clearer than the Noble X, with better separation and is more neutral overall. The Noble X has this euphoric haze through the midrange that affects its resolving ability but also gives it really engaging vocals. You're trading technicalities for a tone and subtle but engaging euphoria. While the X is slightly less resolving than the EDC3 it also sounds bigger and more macro-dynamically powerful. I would say the X would be better in a yard work situation where you need more bass and warmth but the EDC would be fine on a regular commute.
     
  10. Vansen

    Vansen Gear Master (retiring)

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    My mother uses an SE215 and I was able to compare the two side by side when I visited her back over Christmas break. The EDC3 wins, hands down. I cannot recall the details, but it wasn't even a contest. My mother made promise to buy her an EDC3 when they came out. She just asked me again last night when I'd be getting her the pair.

    Ergonomics and fit aside, I would take the Noble X over the EDC3. Noble build quality While the EDC3 is more neutral, the sound stage is a bit more natural on the X. It's also 2.5x the price. I need to compare them side by side once I fly back home.
     
    Last edited: Feb 24, 2018
  11. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I wish the X had a shell more akin to the EDC3. That would be sweet.
     
  12. Vansen

    Vansen Gear Master (retiring)

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    I'm also very impressed with the build quality that the X has at it's price (or any price). I wish we could see more IEMs at that price with Noble's level of build quality.
     
  13. KowalskiFUT

    KowalskiFUT New

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    SGS, could you recommend me a dap for MD Plus? I was thinking Lotoo Paw 5000 mk.2

    I can spend up to 1000 euros, but would prefer to keep the overall price of the combo bellow 1k.
     
  14. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I haven’t kept up with all the latest daps. The most important factor for the MD+ is less than 1 ohm of output impedance, or the MD+ will begin to warm up too much. Although there are some that like the effect.

    I haven’t heard the Paw 5000 mk2 but all Lotoo daps are less than 1 ohm. I have the original Paw 5000 and think it sounds great. It has a pretty neutral sounding tonality with standout treble. With the MD+ the OG 5000 maintains its overall neutralish signature with sub bass boost.

    The Paw Gold also sounds great with the MD+. It gives it a more authoritive sound. Bass is more powerful and dynamic. While less neutral sounding to me, it’s very, very enjoyable.

    I really like Lotoo UI. It’s stripped down, very simple with super fast boot times. Hope this helps some.
     
  15. imackler

    imackler Key Lime Pie Infected Aberdeen Wings Spy

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    I've got a Leck UHA-6S MKII, whose OI I'm pretty sure is close to 0. What an addictive combo with the MD+! I think this is the best iem I've ever heard, especially at its price. But the low OI helps. From an ipod touch (which I know is not amazing dap), it's a little meh.
     
  16. KowalskiFUT

    KowalskiFUT New

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    Thanks for answering! LPG is my dream dap, but I cannot justify its cost. I will probably buy 5000 mk2.
     
  17. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    If you buy the mk2, please share your thoughts, especially with regards to the MD+.
     
  18. Tim0chan

    Tim0chan New

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    Anyone can recommend me an upgrade to the empire ears Spartans with adel? Looking for another 4-5db linear bass lift, the rest is fine, possibly a little more mids presence...
    Ps..if possible I'd like to keep adel
     
  19. Dash

    Dash Friend

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    I was going to say Spartan without adel.
     
  20. deafdoorknob

    deafdoorknob Almost "Made"

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    have you auditioned the ESR yet? aside from adel, it reads like what you are after.
     

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