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Massdrop Plus Universal IEMs
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Massdrop Plus Universal IEMs
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Product Description
The first in-ear monitor tuned by Massdrop from the ground up, the Plus features a novel sound signature that combines aspects of a number of community-favorite IEMs. With three Sonion balanced-armature drivers per ear, it delivers extended bass, clarity, and a sound that leans toward full and fun Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downCEE_TEE
3480
Oct 6, 2017
Hitting the Balance Point…
Which one? As many as possible!
Happy Path: My personal history is that I rediscovered headphone listening in 2009, organized local meets, became the Ultimate Ears Ambassador to Head-Fi.org for a time, and now I get to work with audiophile gear every day at Massdrop.
Not-Very-Audiophile Confession: What led me to Head-fi.org was spotting a cool-looking pair of shiny headphones on someone at an airport in Japan and wanting to buy a pair.
I never did find out what that exact pair of headphones was, but I did find a great new headphone. My next super audiophile move was to…buy some HiFiMAN RE-0 in-ear monitors. Loved them but yanked too hard on the cable and lost the left channel. Shopping around for a replacement, I decided to try for extra bass since some people thought the RE-0 were a bit “bass-light”. (Bass insecurity is a thing.) I proceeded to overdo it by buying the Sennheiser IE8 (clublife) and then vowed to go for a neutral monitor. Not too bright, not too bassy, can I find “just right”???
Everyone who knows me in the community knows that I am a big Ultimate Ears Reference Monitor (UERM) fan. I got one of the first pairs as soon as they released and still love them to this day. Many of us think that sound signature is one of the very best and if you had to choose just one headphone or IEM, that would easily be a top 5 pick. The UERM signature plus some sub-bass is fairly viewed as a vision for the “perfect” reference monitor. But would that be the “perfect listening monitor” for most people? Many of us UERM owners have the desire for a complimentary IEM. One that is a bit more lush in the low end in addition to extending lower.
We started this project with the goal of making the perfect reference monitor. We started with a base tuning similar to the Etymotic ER4SR and Ultimate Ears Reference Monitor. Then we looked to add the sub-bass extension. And we really wanted to keep the price to $299.99 so it would be affordable to more people. After a year and a half of experimenting, we got to the point where we achieved elevated but flat bass from the upper bass to the sub-bass with a very clear, flat, and connected midrange (except for a nice little dip in the annoying sibilance region and an extra bump in the presence region to balance the bass).
We’re all at the Rocky Mountain Audio Festival in Colorado right now, where Jude Mansilla from Head-fi.org has organized a big CanJam event. As soon as possible, we’ll get some graphs up on the page. The graphs will show elements of today’s best monitors in the Plus frequency response and the sound has been subjectively described as very musical, clear and fun, with no annoying peaks. It’s a lot of sound, but I can turn ‘em up and not get fatigued. There’s rumble while watching movies but super clear dialog.
This balance of driver characteristics, price, performance, technicalities, flat response, fun sound, and frequency range extension made us freeze this design. If you HAD to only pick one in-ear monitor or headphone, we hope this would be in your top picks…at any price.
(Edited)
desutruction
245
Feb 28, 2019
It trumps the UE900s in pretty much every way.
IMO UE900/s really hasn't been competitive for a pretty long time. I suppose if you can get it for like <$200 it's ok. It also had a fair amount of build quality issues.
I have not directly compared the MD+ to UE900/S but I'd pick the MD+ over a lot of IEMs that I picked over UE900 before (think Westones, older hybrids like Dunu/Fidue). I also remember that the UEs had recessed upper mids, opposite of the MD+ so that might be good or bad depending on your preference.
AveryC
1571
Jan 23, 2018
Hi Everyone! Good news. The Massdrop Plus Universal IEMs have arrived at the warehouse, and we’re planning on sending them out a bit early. They are currently undergoing quality control checks, and we expect them to ship by the end of next week (February 2).
If you need to change your delivery address please contact community support through your transactions page (https://www.massdrop.com/transactions) by this Saturday, January 27 at 5pm PT.
I_Need_Money
114
Apr 2, 2018
I don't think they're going to tell us when it's dropping again. I wish they would be more clear rather than saying nothing and then suddenly announcing the drop right before it happens but they're probably afraid of people complaining "but you said!" if there's a change in plans.
zhouharvey
179
Apr 3, 2018
I believe so. I already forgot how they looked like and will take your word on that!
amdee1979
233
Oct 10, 2017
I don't understand why people are complaining about MD getting into the niche audiophile market. I've read numerous comments about how these are overpriced, or that MD has no business asking $300 for the PLUS. Have they not proved they understand the science, the culture, the brands, and the quality of audiophile gear through their growing collaborations with long established manufacturers?
It drives me nuts when people complain about the price, or want to know who they're working with. MD's history alone dictates they know what they are doing. Yeah you can get lower priced multi-BA options out there for cheaper. Yeah you can find prettier IEM's for cheaper. But I don't walk around asking everyone "hey check out my sparkly pink super high-end in-ears cause they look cool". I could care less what these look like. The end goal is great sound. I buy high-end audio because it sounds great, because I know the designers put in their blood sweat and tears to give the community (and themselves) a product you'll want to use day-in, day-out because the sound quality ringing between your ears makes you smile.
People need to keep perspective. I believe the PLUS is worth every penny of $300 because of the love and engineering that went into them. When you have active HeadFiers praising them, MD obviously did it right. If $300 is too much for your audio selection, you're the playing in the wrong sandbox to begin with. I applaud MD for being active, confident, and even progressive. Keep up the good work MD, those of use who really appreciate pure audio design are with you.
It drives me nuts when people complain about the price, or want to know who they're working with. MD's history alone dictates they know what they are doing. Yeah you can get lower priced multi-BA options out there for cheaper. Yeah you can find prettier IEM's for cheaper. But I don't walk around asking everyone "hey check out my sparkly pink super high-end in-ears cause they look cool". I could care less what these look like. The end goal is great sound. I buy high-end audio because it sounds great, because I know the designers put in their blood sweat and tears to give the community (and themselves) a product you'll want to use day-in, day-out because the sound quality ringing between your ears makes you smile.
People need to keep perspective. I believe the PLUS is worth every penny of $300 because of the love and engineering that went into them. When you have active HeadFiers praising them, MD obviously did it right. If $300 is too much for your audio selection, you're the playing in the wrong sandbox to begin with. I applaud MD for being active, confident, and even progressive. Keep up the good work MD, those of use who really appreciate pure audio design are with you.
Impulses
56
Feb 10, 2018
So don't buy them (or preorder, or fund them, or whatever you wanna call it)... Complaining about it is a little pointless if you have no stake in MD tho, a year from now it'll be forgotten and they'll be judged solely on their technical merits.
If you wanna do the same then you're wise to hold off, I don't see how Massdrop going for different capital sources or selling tactics affects you... The whole site is an alternative to the typical consumer norms so some experimentation shouldn't come as a shock.
I'm not sure how low profile IEM can look much worse/better tbh, once they're in your ears the cable up or down style and the cable itself is more noticeable than the faceplate or a tiny bulge on it anyway.
If you wanna do the same then you're wise to hold off, I don't see how Massdrop going for different capital sources or selling tactics affects you... The whole site is an alternative to the typical consumer norms so some experimentation shouldn't come as a shock.
I'm not sure how low profile IEM can look much worse/better tbh, once they're in your ears the cable up or down style and the cable itself is more noticeable than the faceplate or a tiny bulge on it anyway.
Will
8470
Chief Product Officer
Oct 7, 2017
More drivers != more better
The driver wars are over, you can buy quad drivers on aliexpress for $30 and they sound ok. It's about the filters, phase treatments, FR, and distortion. It's the combination of all those things that make for incredible IEMs with legendary sound, not a driver count.
We didn't start off this project thinking "we need to get X many drivers into this for Y dollars", if that was the case we could probably do a 10 driver per side IEM for $150 and it would have sounded average.
We started off this project with sonic goals in-mind and three modified sonion drivers (vented) + unique housing shape + filters + nozzle structure/design + etc, is what made it possible to hit those goals.
The driver wars are over, you can buy quad drivers on aliexpress for $30 and they sound ok. It's about the filters, phase treatments, FR, and distortion. It's the combination of all those things that make for incredible IEMs with legendary sound, not a driver count.
We didn't start off this project thinking "we need to get X many drivers into this for Y dollars", if that was the case we could probably do a 10 driver per side IEM for $150 and it would have sounded average.
We started off this project with sonic goals in-mind and three modified sonion drivers (vented) + unique housing shape + filters + nozzle structure/design + etc, is what made it possible to hit those goals.
wardhop
50
Oct 7, 2017
Asking $300 for your first ever foray into high-end audio. At best, audacious and confident in your product. At worst, laughably over-eager.
wardhop
50
Oct 8, 2017
Since pretty much forever. Perhaps not in a commercial setting but for the vast majority of consumers $300 is a considerable investment, especially for entertainment. If you are fortunate enough that $300 doesn't feel significant to you thats great! For most of us, however, this price point for a pilot product feels a bit cost-prohibitive.
AveryC
1571
Dec 22, 2017
Hi Everyone,
We have a quick update on the Massdrop Plus Universal IEMs. The IEMs are in the final stages of production and are about to begin testing. Check out the photos below to see the IEMs wrapping up the production process:
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.jpg?auto=format&fm=jpg&fit=max&w=796&h=425&dpr=1&q=70)
AmpHi
100
Oct 14, 2017
In retrospect it might have been a better idea to go for the $200 or lower market for your first IEM Massdrop. That said its is not too late to drop the price to $200 or at least $250 if feasible and maybe extend the warranty. I bet the sell through would come close to that 700 mark. As it stands now these might not even sell close to 200 units. You want to get these out there so people can start talking....next year.
tinyman392
267
Oct 17, 2017
I've used and own the Heir Audio 3.Ai and 4.Ai... They weren't that impressive and although competitive at the price point weren't the best by far as there were many other IEMs that outperformed them in many ways (UE 900, Westone W4). I'll quickly also add, more drivers != better IEM. Hell, the Etymotic ER4 series is well regarded as being some of the best IEMs you can get at this price point, and they only have a single driver.
Since you did mention Heir though, their 3.Ai, in the same price range here, is known for a heavy bias towards a V-shaped signature while this IEM is regarded to be pretty neutral in nature with a slight hint of elevated bass. Essentially putting it up against the likes of the Etymotic mentioned above.
I would, however, live to hear a set of impressions you have of these.
Since you did mention Heir though, their 3.Ai, in the same price range here, is known for a heavy bias towards a V-shaped signature while this IEM is regarded to be pretty neutral in nature with a slight hint of elevated bass. Essentially putting it up against the likes of the Etymotic mentioned above.
I would, however, live to hear a set of impressions you have of these.
zhouharvey
179
Feb 23, 2018
tinyman392Man!!! I just saw your comment. The 3.Ai sounds really good!!!! Love it. I think it's V-shape is really serious instead of what others call 'fun'. It's like very refined, really detailed, and creates tons of enjoyments to the music I listen to.
CEE_TEE
3480
Oct 10, 2017
Hey Everyone,
This morning the estimated ship date displayed 1/16, this was an error and the estimated ship date is 2/21.
With all of our custom products, especially the first time we launch, we have a standard process for calculating the shipping date based on the worst case scenario. We take the longest estimate on parts ordering + the longest estimate on actual production and QC (at many stages, from incoming parts to final assembly and then after shipping tests) + any holidays + adding some extra time for weather or unforeseen events.
I have updated the estimated shipping date to the date of 2/21 using this standard process, though we will be trying to ship earlier.
My apologies if this causes any issues with those of you who have already ordered. We’re very excited about this project and the feedback that we have gotten from community members so far. We’re making this one just for you…
This morning the estimated ship date displayed 1/16, this was an error and the estimated ship date is 2/21.
With all of our custom products, especially the first time we launch, we have a standard process for calculating the shipping date based on the worst case scenario. We take the longest estimate on parts ordering + the longest estimate on actual production and QC (at many stages, from incoming parts to final assembly and then after shipping tests) + any holidays + adding some extra time for weather or unforeseen events.
I have updated the estimated shipping date to the date of 2/21 using this standard process, though we will be trying to ship earlier.
My apologies if this causes any issues with those of you who have already ordered. We’re very excited about this project and the feedback that we have gotten from community members so far. We’re making this one just for you…
CEE_TEE
3480
Oct 11, 2017
Hey Sythrix,
I hear you. This project took longer to develop than anticipated. And, we weren't going to release it unless it was adding an important IEM option to what is already out there. (Plus pun not intended.) I see both comments- that people want to know as soon as we are able to launch something so they can make decisions or "just launch it when you have it ready to ship". Most of the Custom Products have a lead time initially so that we know how many to build and can make them available as soon as possible. In that process, we learn how long steps take and optimize. You'll see lead-times shorten, many of the custom products are already available now with fast fulfillment.
We were targeting all production to take place before Christmas but to be cautious, we've placed the date where there will be no compromises on quality (of course) and we may beat expectations on shipping.
Thanks for sharing your feelings, they are always on our minds when we are working on these products and trying to bring them to you. You'll enjoy the Pinnacle PX, they're pretty great...I hope you'll enjoy the Plus as well. :)
Best, Christian (CEE TEE)
We were targeting all production to take place before Christmas but to be cautious, we've placed the date where there will be no compromises on quality (of course) and we may beat expectations on shipping.
Thanks for sharing your feelings, they are always on our minds when we are working on these products and trying to bring them to you. You'll enjoy the Pinnacle PX, they're pretty great...I hope you'll enjoy the Plus as well. :)
Best, Christian (CEE TEE)
rantng
845
Oct 9, 2017
From MuppetFace on head-fi:
A very quick comparison with the UERM this morning (more to come — have to get to an appointment, so this is a little brief for now).
The mids of the UERM and Plus are definitely similar to my ears. I’d say the Plus even sounds a bit more clear in this area, however they do not have quite the level of refinement that the UERM has. In a sense the UERM sounds a bit smoother to me, while the Plus is a little bit rougher sounding, although I wouldn’t describe it as harsh at all. The biggest difference is in the sense of depth and layering: the UERM just sounds a bit more three dimensional and nuanced. The Plus is more intimate to my ears, with more of a “up close” kind of presentation. I actually prefer this for vocals, so it’s not necessarily a point against them.
In terms of highs, the Plus is slightly less fatiguing to me. Someone compared the highs to a properly driven Sennheiser HD650 (no veil), and I think that’s pretty spot on from what I’ve heard so far. No trace of sibilance with these, mercifully. At the same time these don’t have quite the same sense of air that some of the brighter IEMs have, but they still manage to sound extremely clear, and it’s this combination of clarity and lack of fatigue that I find quite addictive.
Bass. Yes, these things go low. On some tracks they rumble. Continuing with the theme of clarity however, the low end doesn’t swallow up the mids which I think is an important point to emphasize. These live up to the name: a UERM type frequency response PLUS satisfying sub bass. At this point I’m still trying to work out just how the low end compares to some other IEMs like the Shure SE846, specifically in terms of texture. It’s definitely not amorphous though; these don’t do the wub wub wub thing. Again, mercifully.
My gut (and what I’ve been hearing from others) tells me that fans of the UERM and Etymotic type of signatures will enjoy the Plus. Especially if you’ve ever found yourself liking that type of sound but wishing there was a bit more “meat” to it.
ALSO. I just wanted to clear up some confusion: these are made by Massdrop. They aren’t being made by the bucketload by a factory across the globe and being branded Massdrop. CEE TEE was telling me the story of how they came to be, and I could really sense the pride in his words. These are made by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. As corny as it sounds in this day and age, these are indeed a labor of love. This is a realization of a dream CEE TEE and others have had since the early days of the UERM. Which isn’t to say they didn’t have help. They consulted different companies, but interestingly enough none of these companies are in the personal audio industry. Go figure.
Edit: most of my listening is done with Sony Walkman DAPs, which I collect because I’m a weirdo. Out of the ZX2 they sound brilliant. But they also sound brilliant straight from my iPad. I’ve also tried them with a Leckerton amp, but I don’t feel they really needed it. These aren’t that picky from my experience.
A very quick comparison with the UERM this morning (more to come — have to get to an appointment, so this is a little brief for now).
The mids of the UERM and Plus are definitely similar to my ears. I’d say the Plus even sounds a bit more clear in this area, however they do not have quite the level of refinement that the UERM has. In a sense the UERM sounds a bit smoother to me, while the Plus is a little bit rougher sounding, although I wouldn’t describe it as harsh at all. The biggest difference is in the sense of depth and layering: the UERM just sounds a bit more three dimensional and nuanced. The Plus is more intimate to my ears, with more of a “up close” kind of presentation. I actually prefer this for vocals, so it’s not necessarily a point against them.
In terms of highs, the Plus is slightly less fatiguing to me. Someone compared the highs to a properly driven Sennheiser HD650 (no veil), and I think that’s pretty spot on from what I’ve heard so far. No trace of sibilance with these, mercifully. At the same time these don’t have quite the same sense of air that some of the brighter IEMs have, but they still manage to sound extremely clear, and it’s this combination of clarity and lack of fatigue that I find quite addictive.
Bass. Yes, these things go low. On some tracks they rumble. Continuing with the theme of clarity however, the low end doesn’t swallow up the mids which I think is an important point to emphasize. These live up to the name: a UERM type frequency response PLUS satisfying sub bass. At this point I’m still trying to work out just how the low end compares to some other IEMs like the Shure SE846, specifically in terms of texture. It’s definitely not amorphous though; these don’t do the wub wub wub thing. Again, mercifully.
My gut (and what I’ve been hearing from others) tells me that fans of the UERM and Etymotic type of signatures will enjoy the Plus. Especially if you’ve ever found yourself liking that type of sound but wishing there was a bit more “meat” to it.
ALSO. I just wanted to clear up some confusion: these are made by Massdrop. They aren’t being made by the bucketload by a factory across the globe and being branded Massdrop. CEE TEE was telling me the story of how they came to be, and I could really sense the pride in his words. These are made by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. As corny as it sounds in this day and age, these are indeed a labor of love. This is a realization of a dream CEE TEE and others have had since the early days of the UERM. Which isn’t to say they didn’t have help. They consulted different companies, but interestingly enough none of these companies are in the personal audio industry. Go figure.
Edit: most of my listening is done with Sony Walkman DAPs, which I collect because I’m a weirdo. Out of the ZX2 they sound brilliant. But they also sound brilliant straight from my iPad. I’ve also tried them with a Leckerton amp, but I don’t feel they really needed it. These aren’t that picky from my experience.
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