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Gear / Technical Help => Playback Forum => Topic started by: Brian Skalinder on October 09, 2007, 02:55:34 PM

Title: Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro (or M-Audio re-brand) fit custom molds?
Post by: Brian Skalinder on October 09, 2007, 02:55:34 PM

My Etymotic ER-6 earphones are shot...I really beat 'em up good over the last few years.  I'm consdering trying out the UE/M-Audio offering, but only if they'll work with my custom molds.  (I'm spoiled by the custom molds and don't find any of the stock earphones comfortable enough now that I'm accustomed to custom.)  The molds have a button hole into which the ER-9/15/25 filters fit.  My old ER-6s fit the button hole, using an adapter.  So...the questions...

<1>  Do the Super.fi 5 Pro (or M-Audio equivalent) fit the ER-9/15/25 button hole
<2>  If so, do the earphones still sound good?

I asked UE customer service, and they didn't really answer the question...simply said they don't recommend it, as the custom molds muffle the sound.  Don't know if it's because they don't fit properly, or if they fit but the molds' architecture doesn't allow proper piping of the output, or what.  Besides, they have a vested interest in trying to talk me into their own custom molded options, so I'm not sure I trust them.

Title: Re: Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro (or M-Audio re-brand) fit custom molds?
Post by: Frank in JC on October 09, 2007, 03:24:29 PM

Drop a line to the people at Headroom.  If anybody would know, they would.

http://www.headphone.com/

Title: Re: Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro (or M-Audio re-brand) fit custom molds?
Post by: bugg100 on October 18, 2007, 02:39:14 AM

Hey Brian,

Did you get an answer to this question yet?  I have super.fi 3 live (Rat Shack specific, supposedly different response curve than the standard super.fi 3 STUDIO ).  Externally, these look identical  to the super.fi 5 pro.  I would take photos without the earpiece for you.

Would that tell you what you need to know?

Title: Re: Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro (or M-Audio re-brand) fit custom molds?
Post by: Brian Skalinder on October 18, 2007, 10:40:32 AM

Forgot to update the thread.  The headphone.com people got back to me and confirmed that they do not fit / work with custom molds.  Their response:

Quote

Unfortunately, they will not fit, the Ues use a much larger
construction.  The sound is also definitely compromised when adding
customs to the 5pros.  Even if they are made the right size, The 5pros
are not designed to sound good with molds, people that have tried having
mols made for their 5pros have almost always been dissapointed with the
results.

Title: Re: Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro (or M-Audio re-brand) fit custom molds?
Post by: rokpunk on October 18, 2007, 11:54:55 AM

http://www.livewiresforyou.com/ (http://www.livewiresforyou.com/)

check 'em out...

Title: Re: Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro (or M-Audio re-brand) fit custom molds?
Post by: Brian Skalinder on October 18, 2007, 12:00:19 PM

Quote from: rokpunk on October 18, 2007, 11:54:55 AM

http://www.livewiresforyou.com/ (http://www.livewiresforyou.com/)

Thanks for link!  Also caught it in another thread somewhere in here.  I went with another pair of Etymotic ER-6 for ~$80 so I can re-use my existing molds.  Given the limited amount I use my earphones, I can't currently justify spending the additional cash right now.  If I ever start using earphones more frequently - like commuting every day on the train - I'll definitely check out the livewires.  Looks like a great product.