Some time ago Indid a head to head comparison between the shure se215's and Westone UM10's. Westone won that battle in every way. Fast forward to this year and I picked up the KZ AS10's. They are a significant step better again. I find them to be awful close to my AKG 141's. I'm also using the Comply tips. I find them to be a better deal than the stock silicone tips
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If your budget is $1000, even if you're including a wireless setup - go custom. I use inearz.com - reasonable price, and sound great. Figure 150ish for the molds. Which, on a side note, has really gone up... I got some done 3 years ago for like 60-70. Just got a new set done (same place) and it was 150. Sheesh.
s0c9
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Agreed... but NOT on the "first" part. If you are NOT comfortable with using IEM's, then spending $1K on buds that MAY not work for you - meaning the whole IEM thing, not specifically the buds - seems to be a large risk to me. I'd advise being sure you are comfortable with IEM's before spending that kind of money.
Hey all! The AS10s are GREAT. Thanks everyone for the recommendation.
I used them recreationally for a few weeks (won't get a chance to use them on stage until this coming Sunday), but they are hands down the best sounding earphones I've ever used. I ordered the Comply tips, and go figure - I need a medium in my left ear and a small in my right. I was a little annoyed with the original cable, it didn't wrap tight enough around my right ear, causing it to pull out. It also was relatively thin and I was worried for its durability. I ended up ordering the upgrade braided cable from GearBest (and a nice little carrying case for $2!). GearBest says the upgraded cable is not only more durable, but enhances the sound. Normally I'm a little apprehensive about those types of claims, but I did an A/B test (as fast as I could pull the cable out of the phones), and there is a noticeable increase in detail with the upgraded cable. The upgraded cable also is thicker, and sits far better behind me ears, no longer pulling out. I'm able to get a good seal, and feel confident going into the gigs this week. Hats off to y'all!
In the future I'll look into getting custom moulds.
Pics for ya -
1. AS10s with upgraded cable + case from GearBest
2. Old cable, will bring for backup
I used them recreationally for a few weeks (won't get a chance to use them on stage until this coming Sunday), but they are hands down the best sounding earphones I've ever used. I ordered the Comply tips, and go figure - I need a medium in my left ear and a small in my right. I was a little annoyed with the original cable, it didn't wrap tight enough around my right ear, causing it to pull out. It also was relatively thin and I was worried for its durability. I ended up ordering the upgrade braided cable from GearBest (and a nice little carrying case for $2!). GearBest says the upgraded cable is not only more durable, but enhances the sound. Normally I'm a little apprehensive about those types of claims, but I did an A/B test (as fast as I could pull the cable out of the phones), and there is a noticeable increase in detail with the upgraded cable. The upgraded cable also is thicker, and sits far better behind me ears, no longer pulling out. I'm able to get a good seal, and feel confident going into the gigs this week. Hats off to y'all!
In the future I'll look into getting custom moulds.
Pics for ya -
1. AS10s with upgraded cable + case from GearBest
2. Old cable, will bring for backup
For those of you that went to in-ears and had trouble with standard sets, were you using any hearing protection before and what type?
I have been using custom molded earplugs for about 25 years (maybe more) and even got a new set in the last couple of years, so I am used to isolation and that feel. In fact, I cannot rehearse or perform with a full band without them. Others say the opposite, but I am the only one that doesn't have ringing in my ears after a long night!
I am apprehensive in getting a standard set, even with some foam tips, and that the fit would throw me off. And yet, I don't know if in-ears will work well for me. Maybe the KZ's would be a low cost option to find out for me as well.
I have been using custom molded earplugs for about 25 years (maybe more) and even got a new set in the last couple of years, so I am used to isolation and that feel. In fact, I cannot rehearse or perform with a full band without them. Others say the opposite, but I am the only one that doesn't have ringing in my ears after a long night!
I am apprehensive in getting a standard set, even with some foam tips, and that the fit would throw me off. And yet, I don't know if in-ears will work well for me. Maybe the KZ's would be a low cost option to find out for me as well.