Topic: Viability of in ear monitors as primary cans (Read 4192 times)

Maxvla · « **on:** March 26, 2012, 11:22:03 PM »

I know several of you have high end customs and universals so I wanted to get your take on this.

In your experience can in ear monitors be considered alongside headphones like HD800 LCD2/3 Stax 007/009, etc? When people on HF make recommendations in the high end forum, in ear monitors are almost always left out, carrying the stigma of 'portable' if they are brought up at all. I find this odd since I personally think they should be considered side by side with full size headphones.

In my case I know it to be true, and I know I'm in at least a minority, but am I alone in thinking this?

Marvey · « **Reply #1 on:** March 26, 2012, 11:40:04 PM »

Yes. Some people have actually sold almost everything and primarily use their IEMs. They are no longer on HF.

LFF · « **Reply #2 on:** March 26, 2012, 11:40:32 PM »

Maxvla · « **Reply #3 on:** March 26, 2012, 11:55:22 PM »

Thank god. I come across little jewels like below and go 'huh'?

http://www.head-fi.org/t/602301/neutral-headphones#post_8252969

Questhate · « **Reply #4 on:** March 27, 2012, 12:11:34 AM »

Admittedly, I wrote off IEMs as well -- probably because they aren't heralded along with the top headphones on HF. But seeing the UERM get the stamp-of-approval lately makes me wonder if I should have gone customs all along.

I found HF while searching for $150 portable headphones to upgrade from my MDR-V6. At that point, I had done 95% of my listening through an iPod. Now, I'm relegated to mostly listen in my "listening chair" next to my computer -- and am seriously considering re-arranging my living room to make room for a Super 7. I kinda miss the mobility (which is why I took a chance on buying an ED8 in the first place).

One practical limitation for Customs is the inability to share them. You can't just say "wow, check out this song" and let them listen through your audio rig. It's very personal and it seems most people who drop 1K on a pair of headphones loves to share that "discovery" of listening to music through a high-end system.

But yeah from some of the impressions here, Customs seem to be able to avoid some of the flaws of full-size headphones. I'd love to be able to ditch all the full-sized and have a nice pair of Customs to listen to everything. I guess I'll find out in August.

CEE TEE · « **Reply #5 on:** March 27, 2012, 04:12:03 AM »

Quote from: Questhate on March 27, 2012, 12:11:34 AM

Admittedly, I wrote off IEMs as well -- probably because they aren't heralded along with the top headphones on HF. But seeing the UERM get the stamp-of-approval lately makes me wonder if I should have gone customs all along.

I found HF while searching for $150 portable headphones to upgrade from my MDR-V6. At that point, I had done 95% of my listening through an iPod. Now, I'm relegated to mostly listen in my "listening chair" next to my computer -- and am seriously considering re-arranging my living room to make room for a Super 7. I kinda miss the mobility (which is why I took a chance on buying an ED8 in the first place).

One practical limitation for Customs is the inability to share them. You can't just say "wow, check out this song" and let them listen through your audio rig. It's very personal and it seems most people who drop 1K on a pair of headphones loves to share that "discovery" of listening to music through a high-end system.

But yeah from some of the impressions here, Customs seem to be able to avoid some of the flaws of full-size headphones. I'd love to be able to ditch all the full-sized and have a nice pair of Customs to listen to everything. I guess I'll find out in August.

If I only had ~$1K and an iPhone? UERM>mini^3 (okay, at UE meet pricing) and I'm good!

If I want to blow another 4-5K on top of that? Used Benchmark DAC1>Pre-order Super 7>Used HD800 >foam/tubes (to taste)

@QHate: I've been slowly enjoying my Super 7 and getting to know tubes with it.

I've got 24 tubes (some back-ups of the ones I thought I needed) and I think I am getting <some> understanding of the possibilities...

If I were you, I'd wait and listen to all of our stuff before you spend the dosh on stuff. See what you like.

Then you can save some money. (At least on tube combos.)

Give me a couple/few more weeks and we can meet up. I'll roll some tubes for you and show you the flexiblilty of the Super 7.

I also have the TTVJ Millet Portable Tube Hybrid. (Thanks RD.) HD 800 is pretty surprising...even out of the right portable amp.

If I have an inkling now, I can "tube EQ" the S7 for your LCD.

A test, I guess...still not ready for that guy who likes to "punch treble in the face".

Maxvla · « **Reply #6 on:** March 27, 2012, 04:18:08 AM »

So CEETEE, you don't think the UERM (or other IEMs) can stand on it's own against the best full size headphones?

CEE TEE · « **Reply #7 on:** March 27, 2012, 04:29:49 AM »

Quote from: Maxvla on March 27, 2012, 04:18:08 AM

So CEETEE, you don't think the UERM (or other IEMs) can stand on it's own against the best full size headphones?

No- I do choose the UE RM...for overall utility/practicality/value.

Sounds funny to say "value", but for what I can use them for (work, walking, workouts, etc.)...customs are my first choice and the most versatile.

Add $130 amp and an iPhone with higher capacity? My choice if I had to choose only one system.

If I was TOTALLY obsessed and also putting together a serious "big rig" at 5K or under...that's when the DAC1>S7>HD 800 comes in.

I feel very lucky to be able to do both at this time.

Marvey · « **Reply #8 on:** March 27, 2012, 04:34:43 AM »

All bets on tube rolling are off with the next Super 7. New c-core transformers are way more detailed with smoother and sweeter treble. A little less warm, but bass is strongly extended still. The new transformers supposedly measure down to 15Hz at the -3db point or something like that. The current Electraprints roll off a few cycles higher. (Yes, nwavguy is not the only "amp" manufacturer who measures his designs.)

Also the next Super 7 will take 6SL7s as the driver. The better cap will be included. Craig had to add improvements to justify the price increase to $1800.

Maxvla · « **Reply #9 on:** March 27, 2012, 04:34:49 AM »

Ok thanks for your opinion. I'll be ordering a HD800 from Colorware as soon as I hear back from TheDeliveryGuy on head-fi about warranty stuff. Will only have a WA6 (and ODAC when that comes out) to use it with for a while, but perhaps in time a S7 can be procured. We'll see what I think then.

edit:

Base price: $1800.00 plus shipping
Add tube package $150.00
Add line cord $5.00

Does that mean I have to pay 1800 + 150 to get an amp with tubes?

Author Topic: Viability of in ear monitors as primary cans (Read 4192 times)

Maxvla

Viability of in ear monitors as primary cans

Marvey

Re: Viability of in ear monitors as primary cans

LFF

Re: Viability of in ear monitors as primary cans

Maxvla

Re: Viability of in ear monitors as primary cans

Questhate

Re: Viability of in ear monitors as primary cans

CEE TEE

Re: Viability of in ear monitors as primary cans

Maxvla

Re: Viability of in ear monitors as primary cans

CEE TEE

Re: Viability of in ear monitors as primary cans

Marvey

Re: Viability of in ear monitors as primary cans

Maxvla

Re: Viability of in ear monitors as primary cans

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Author Topic: Viability of in ear monitors as primary cans (Read 4192 times)