NuForce HEM2 & HEM4 IEMs Discussions | Drop

Jul 5, 2016

UzuzuThe Trinity Phantom series I mentioned earlier in this thread is comprised of only hybrid IEMs, spread across a number of different price points. Look into them. Other than that, I know that Accutone has a set of ~$60 hybrid IEMs coming out in the near future.
https://trinityaudioengineering.com/collections/phantom-series

Jul 5, 2016

Vote

benjdbs

Jul 5, 2016

asigalThanks for the clarifications, buddy

Jul 5, 2016

Vote

HansPeter

Jul 5, 2016

asigalHey there,
seems like you are a man who knows about what he talks. So i will throw a question in: I also have since 3 ore 4 yeas a pair of Shure SE215. They are a great daily driver, but still. They sound kinda dumb. Rap/Hip Hop sounds fine, but fast metal will get 'unclear'. So i am looking for a new pair of IEM. Some kind of upgrade. So you thrown three names in: RHA MA750i, Trinity Phantom Sabre and Trinity Delta Hybrid. Can you tell me which one of these offers the most 'music' experience? I like to have clear highs, but also a good bass. Dont mind if the bass is a 'bit too much' as long as it is crispy. Thanks a alot!

Jul 5, 2016

Vote

Uzuzu

1431

Jul 5, 2016

asigalnice. I already respected trinity audio more than nuforce, probably because of nuforce quality and customer service comments I have read. Probably why I'll never buy from them.

Jul 5, 2016

Vote

Jul 5, 2016

HansPeterThanks for the compliments! I haven't actually listened to the 215s for a while, so in term of direct comparisons, I'm not sure I can give you a definite answer for whether or not the other three IEMs will definitely "outperform" the 215s. I can say though, from my subjective experience with the MA750i, that it is clear and transparently represents my music, no matter what I throw at it. I've got a full review here: https://medium.com/resonance-reviews/rha-ma750i-a-refined-sound-with-a-refined-build-to-match-26c92ad08e5a#.1vbtg4d4t
It sounds like you enjoy a V-shaped signature. While RHA typically does not produce IEMs that match that sound profile, the T10 and T20 from them feature tuning filters. They should do a good job in enabling you to customize the sound signature to your fancy. The MA750i, while clear, is a little dry in the bass department. It's not ideal for someone who wants to feel deep rumbling. I can't speak for sure about any of the Trinity IEMs or the T10 or T20 in a direct comparison. I've only briefly heard one Trinity IEM (it was wonderful, if not short-lived), and haven't heard the T10 or T20 at all. If you are interested, I highly recommend that you check out reviews of them on Head-Fi.

Jul 5, 2016

Jul 5, 2016

UzuzuExactly my thoughts. I pre-ordered the new Phantom Master 4, but realized I needed the money badly for other things. I emailed their service and got a prompt response and had everything sorted out. I've since then picked up a couple extra shifts at my job to try and make up for it, and am awaiting response from their support about re-opening my order. It's been a pleasure to deal with them, even though the feeling may not have been mutual :)

Jul 5, 2016

Vote

Jul 5, 2016

UzuzuWe meet again Uzuzu. :) Appears we don't see eye-to-eye on much. You seem to be basing your worth/pricing of these IEMs solely on the number of drivers per ear (which is erroneous & misleading IMO), rather than on what they actually sound like. Hypothetically, what if the sound reproduction through the one-driver HEM2 is actually "good" and worth the asking price in this market? Again you don't seem to have heard it, so how would you know! Your assumptions on worth are simply just that, most especially because you have no direct listening experience with the item (same thing with the HD800 on the m9XX, if I remember correctly). Of course it's just your opinion as this is just mine, so no one should get heated. I guess I kind of enjoy the banter.
Full disclosure on my part, I own an HEM6 that I picked up from a Massdrop blue box. Its MSRP is $400. To my ears it's a very good IEM, with a slightly dark sound signature. The accessories packaging and general comfort, which is exactly the same for the HEM2 and 4, is really top-notch IMO. Owning an HEM6 and actually having heard it, would I personally pay $400 for it? No I would not. Closer $250-300, absolutely. But the point is that at least I've heard/own the HEM6 and can decide on it's worth based on that, rather than on whether it has one or two drivers per side or not or if it's from a company like Shure. Hope you get what I mean. I can't yet comment on NuForce customer service since I haven't needed to use it yet, but I know there's a NuForce rep that frequents Massdrop and Head-Fi. From my observations he's only appeared to be helpful. I expect I'll be seeing your counter soon enough ;)

Jul 5, 2016

Vote

Uzuzu

1431

Jul 5, 2016

MassEDUMy assumptions aren't so shallow. First of all I don't care about the number of drivers in any iem at any price range at all. Only the sound/build matters. I care though about the trends and how different companies price their products. What I'm saying is that I think it's funny that when certain companies release products in the same price range as other companies when having way less credibility. As far as I'm concerned they may as well be nameless when compared to a company like...... Shure or even Sennheiser. You own the hem6 and say maybe it sounds closer to 250-300. Okay you've basically verified the hem line is overpriced. I also claimed them to be overpriced because I've read reviews of them on other places than the massdrop description page. Sure I haven't heard them but that's what reviews are for, and other people's opinions can be credible. Research is a miraculous thing, I haven't made bad purchases and my expectations when I buy new product are usually spot on.

Jul 5, 2016

Vote

Jul 5, 2016

MassEDUOne thing to note: the HEM series doesn't have a consistent sound signature across each model. Moving up/down in price doesn't give you a linear increase/decrease in sound quality. Many say they prefer the HEM2 over the HEM4 and many of the upper models.

Jul 5, 2016

Vote

Jul 6, 2016

asigalHi! Oh I've long noted that. I also definitely realize that a higher price tag doesn't necessarily mean better, in many cases. But we must clearly distinguish sound signature (i.e. the general FR shape) from sound quality (i.e. imaging accuracy, soundstage size/shape, clarity, resolution, etc). I'd be surprised if those that hear and prefer the HEM2 sound signature over that of the HEM4, also say that the HEM2 has better sound quality.

Jul 6, 2016

Jul 6, 2016

MassEDUTake a look at this Linus review: he mentions something like I mentioned:

Jul 6, 2016

Vote

Jul 6, 2016

UzuzuYes, I did say that I think the HEM6 is bit overpriced but I never applied that to the entire HEM line. Why? Because I haven't heard the other ones. Again, that was my point and you seem to have missed it. Even if it's just my opinion, at least I'm judging the HEM6 worth/price based on first-hand listening and usage experience. Most of the credibility of others' opinions stems from the fact that they've actually heard and handled the product. I am glad that you've found the recipe to avoiding bad purchases though. In the end, being happy with your purchased item is what it's all about.

Jul 6, 2016

Vote

Jul 6, 2016

asigalThat's funny, when I watch it (again), he's kind of saying what I'm saying too. Sound signature preferences. So maybe you and I are both saying the same thing with different words :D

Jul 6, 2016

Vote