Mark_Tan

I think it is only in the compression ratio and when the file is played, it is decompressed into the same file quality as a CD.

Just saw her SACD version of her CD in Gramophone.... In case you want an even clearer version of her songs, get it there!

How about bringing in IMODs? Haha...

Tempted to do mine too but only have 2 concerns: physical pain plus heart pain for the money.... Anybody has better suggestion of good place for less physical pain (pain for money spent no choice lah).....

Think it is easier to get a used, good condition 5G or 5.5G Ipod and Imod from there. Bought a good condition 4G for less than S$100 and imodding soon! ***MOD EDIT*** Please read the rules. No comments allowed in Classifieds. Thank you.

Thanks Heady for your advice! Thought of getting something of Expresscard to slot into my laptop and use it when travelling. Guess a USB Dac should also serve the purpose. Cheers, Mark

I am using laptop most of the time, and the inbuilt realtek is really not so nice. Any suggestion how to make it better? Is there such thing as expresscard version of sound card?

Any first hand review of the noisepod compared to D2?

I have owned both W3 and UM3X. Think they are both great IEM, just that it depends on what songs you love to listen to. W3 has more bass (IMO) and UM3X has clearer sound. W3 is better build though compared to UM3X.

How's the sound signature with the P51 mustang? What volume are you at with your D2?

I am using S9 with UM3X. Smooth smooth sound!!!

Aiyo.. was thinking of taking a bite to spend on a UM56, but the process of making the ear impression seems more painful physically than the heartpain of spending....

Saw some in the IT shop inside the airport as well...

So how is the sound different when you listen with: 1) just the UM3X paired with Cowon D2 - no amp in between 2) UM3X paired with Cowon D2 + the P51 amp? Any changes to the bass, soundstage, highs and lows, etc?

Again, I am basing on my ears with my old Westone UM2 and Westone 3, which other ears may hear differently. When I first had my UM2, they sound really clear and balance with very good noise isolation. Before UM2, I had the Shure e3C, but the base is stronger in UM2 than the Shure e3C (not fair comparison as UM2 uses 2 drivers while e3C uses only 1 I think). The fit is top notch as well and really comfortable to wear and hear for my flight (I travel alot). Cannot get used to the fit of e3C and I felt that the cable of e3C will give you lot of wiring sound when it rubs on your shirt when you move around. No problem with UM2 or W3 - really good noise isolation! Westone 3 sound even clearer than UM2 (my personal opinion), especially the fuller bass. Tried to listen to my old UM2 after hearing from the W3, and I thought the sound becomes less sharp on my UM2. If you are into classicals, you can hear more different instrumental sounds from W3 than UM2. Again, not fair comparison as W3 has 3 drivers, while UM2 has 2. Anyway, like all the buddies mentioned, to each his ears.... you have to listen to them to decide which sound signature you like. Cheers, Mark

Sorry to OT from the main topic. The sound is really different, as most of my friends prefer the W3, while I prefer the UM3X for the more balance sound. If you are into pops and rock, I think you will like the sound from W3 over the UM3X. W3 is warmer, the bass is more solid (you can feel the difference), and the most importantly, it is ALOT BETTER in built quality than the UM3X! I am into classical music, and after hearing the UM3X, I prefer it over my W3 (though W3 is still better than my old UM2). I am just a little puzzled why Westone decided to downgrade the external appearance of the UM3X. You can see the rough cuts of the shape in some areas of the earphones and the 2 earphones has slightly different "rough-cuts" that really looked like they were "hand-made" but in a rush. My old UM2 had better built quality than UM3X considering the premium paid for the UM3X. So to decide which one to buy, I would say (IMHO only, so please test with your own ears): Buy Westone 3 ------------------ + if you like a fuller bass (quite significant difference compared to UM3X) + if you like warmer sound + if you are listening more pops and rock music + if you wish to see better built quality for the premium price paid (they are really very well made, and I think it is one of the best in quality compared to other premium IEM such as Shure530) Buy UM3X ------------ + if you like more balance sound (can really feel that the bass is less than W3) + if you are like me - more into classical? + if you don't mind the really rough external appearance that seems unfair for the premium price paid (can really see uneven surface in the black plastic! and the wiring in the 2 earphones are in different style!) + if you wish to be low in profile (because it looks exactly like UM2 when you are wearing it) So the final conclusion will be, they are both TOP IEM and really maintain the Westone standards in terms of sound quality. But to decide on which one to buy, test BOTH set and decide when you are happy with the sound you like! Cheers! Mark