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Author Topic: Am I the only one who finds the W4 to be disappointing?  (Read 8835 times)

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planx

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Am I the only one who finds the W4 to be disappointing?
« on: August 27, 2013, 09:32:30 PM »
After a brief look at the other place, I found that pretty much everyone praises the W4.

Like the title says, am I the only one who finds the W4 to be shitty?

Let me explain myself before you start hating on me as well. I've owned the ER-4S for many years and I found it to be a rather pleasant sounding "flat" IEM. I've heard that the W4s are tonally similar to the ER-4S but with more bass so I gave them a go. Right off the bat, I've never been so bored with an IEM before. It manages to do everything right to a point, but it doesn't excel in anything. Both the ER-4S and the W4 can be described as "sterile" and/or un-enhanced, but unlike the W4, the ER-4S had this crisp midrange whereas the W4 were boring all around.

If anyone likes the W4 here, please explain to me why you like them so much because the W4 is one of the things that I don't quite understand.
« Last Edit: August 28, 2013, 06:45:01 AM by planx »
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Anaxilus.

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Re: Am I the only one who finds the W4 to be disappointing?
« Reply #1 on: August 27, 2013, 09:45:01 PM »
Kind of agree with you tut they can be very fit/ear dependent more than usual.  Same w/ the ER4 but for different reasons.  I love my ES5 but the W4 is not for me.  I was able to get an incredibly wide yet artificial presentation from the W4 for some reason but that's not a positive in my book.  It's definitely for people that like a warmer more laid back sound sig.  I've heard one or two say they were too bright or like a mini-ES5.  Both are crazy.
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planx

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Re: Am I the only one who finds the W4 to be disappointing?
« Reply #2 on: August 27, 2013, 09:52:25 PM »
Also, I forgot to mention that I never have issues with fit. Compared my UM3X right next to the W4 yesterday as well and again same results. The W4 had superb presentation for an IEM, but other than that, everything was blahhh to me.

Speaking of the ES5, I've talked to the store owner yesterday (he's a Westone dealer as well) and apparently Westone told him that "if customers like the W4, they will certainly enjoy our customs" (paraphrased). I know for a fact that Girls Generation and I both dislike the W4 and to make things more interesting, he used to own the ES5 as well. Seeing how both you and GG own/owned the ES5 and wasn't particularly crazy about the W4, I think Westone needs to revise their claim.
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M3NTAL

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Re: Am I the only one who finds the W4 to be disappointing?
« Reply #3 on: August 27, 2013, 11:32:20 PM »
After my underwhelming experience with the UM3X, and Etymotic ER-4 custom silicone sleeve I've never had a desire to own another Westone product.

A lot of reviews stated the same thing about the UM3X being the most neutral of their lineup. The midbass was too thick and made everything sound congested to me.
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Anaxilus.

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Re: Am I the only one who finds the W4 to be disappointing?
« Reply #4 on: August 28, 2013, 02:10:10 AM »
Well, no comment.  As always, read between the lines.
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M3NTAL

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Re: Am I the only one who finds the W4 to be disappointing?
« Reply #5 on: August 28, 2013, 03:07:26 AM »
HA HA HA! Between my two lines... there is absolutely nothing - which is probably what I should have posted.  :-D
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planx

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Re: Am I the only one who finds the W4 to be disappointing?
« Reply #6 on: August 28, 2013, 04:26:56 AM »
Really? I quite like the UM3X. I don't find the midbass to be bothersome as I found the bass in the UM3X to adjust accordingly to the genre. I use the UM3X with my Arrow 4G amp btw. Treble is a little shy at times, but I corrected this with the treble boost in the amp.
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M3NTAL

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Re: Am I the only one who finds the W4 to be disappointing?
« Reply #7 on: August 28, 2013, 05:38:51 AM »
It was just relative to the other gear I had at the time + my sonic preference + not using EQ.   UERM is my idea of a fairly well balanced in ear monitor.
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CEE TEE

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Re: Am I the only one who finds the W4 to be disappointing?
« Reply #8 on: August 28, 2013, 06:43:58 AM »
I thought the W4 was too warm when I heard it...would love to demo the ES5 someday.
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planx

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Re: Am I the only one who finds the W4 to be disappointing?
« Reply #9 on: August 28, 2013, 06:50:14 AM »
I knew the W4 was regarded as "a touch of warmth" but never too warm. Maybe the midbass contributed towards your impressions?

I can confirm that the UM3X is definitely warm, but never thought the same with the W4
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