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VAS007
291
Sep 24, 2018
I am surprised here such a "technological marvel" and it's still encased in this "rather cheap clear plastic". There are few multiple driver IEM in this price range on the market and most of that iem encased in more appealing materials then "clear plastic".
CEE_TEE
3480
Sep 24, 2018
VAS007Hi VAS007, Empire Ears was actually able to make the earpieces more narrow, so they should fit more people. For many, transparent shells are fun because you can see all of the drivers. We worked on the balance of the transparency so that it wasn't too light but you can still see inside.
CalvinKOH
6
Sep 28, 2018
VAS007For relatively mass produced product as obvious the intended goal here, I think the acrylic hand pouring technique is not really applicable. It is way too inconsistent to manufacture thousands of pieces, not to mention hella expensive labor wise. You may have a thousand pieces sounding in all various ways due to inconsistent shell thickness, placement of drivers, polishing induced vibrations and etc etc. It is a nightmare for QC. One may try 3D printing with acrylic, like what aurisonics or fender right now is doing, or the popular MD+, however, imo the 3d printed acrylic is way too crisp and fragile. I broke someone's aurisonics just trying to plug in the cable:( Not to mention in clear color, 3d print shells are fugly due to all the residues and layer lines, thats why most of 3d printed shells are either opaque or very very dark colored. So the only options left are injection molded ABS here or injection molded/cnc metal material, as a person live in high altitude part of the planet, I think metal earphones are absolutely bonkers, I need to warm them up during winter before any usage lol. for these bulky ciem like IEMs where there are plenty of skin contact, winter usage is a real problem. It is a real life application scenario and I do think ABS, when handled right, is the better material for BA earphones, at least for this product's intended purpose. It is consistent, stronger than acrylic, resistant to yellowing and lighter than metal. From the photos, I think the material used are quite similar to what shure did with 846 . It is obviously well polished and lacquered inside out to have this kind of shiny surface and translucency.
CEE_TEE
3480
Sep 29, 2018
CalvinKOHThese are also hand lacquered and polished, think you will be very happy when we post pics of the XIV next to our new version. :)
jsmiller58
804
Sep 30, 2018
VAS007Of course you have a right to your opinion, and to express it as forcefully as you want... But I have to ask.. what’s the point, or better yet what are you trying to achieve? Do you think you will change MD’s or EE’s mind? You‘re not going to. Do you think you are somehow doing others a favor by pushing the plastic is terrible , who knows what drivers, etc, so run away messages? That might work, though I doubt it.
Anyway I am just curious as to what purpose people have when they trash a product that they themselves have never tried... On the other hand, if you have first hand experience with a POS product we all definitely want to know!
But like I said up front, you have the right to your opinion, and to express it however you wish. But I am curious nonetheless.
VAS007
291
Oct 3, 2018
jsmiller58I don't think I ever "trashed any product" this is only criticism from one prospective buyer. I only wish that EE would use better materials than plastic and keep on par with other brands in this price margin. I bet there lot's of people that would add extra $$ to this drop to get the aluminium shell or other option. Plus, I mentioned already more than twice that I will also JOIN the drop all the criticism aside. If no one keeps the topic going then what's the point of community board discussion? I apologise beforehand. next may sound harsh (it shouldn't though, it is my personal opinion and not directed towards anyone) - it is a democracy, I pay my own $1000 for the product, I will ask whatever I want to! Best regards!
jsmiller58
804
Oct 3, 2018
VAS007No worries - as mentioned in my other reply I understand better now where you are coming from. I was a little put off by what interpreted as too strong a tone but clearly I misunderstood. Peace out :-)
VAS007
291
Oct 3, 2018
jsmiller58Agreed! I truly hope that all my worries come to no reason and we all get amazing sounding Zeus XIV. I welcome you to come back to this post at the beginning of mid-March 2019 and share our feedback. Cheers
VAS007
291
Oct 3, 2018
VAS007
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jsmiller58
804
Oct 3, 2018
VAS007That is AWESOME! Congratulations!! I probably won't go in on this one, but I will be checking back to see what folks think about it... And I have a feeling that if they pass your standards I can take that as a huge endorsement!! :-)
I mentioned elsewhere on this thread that I actually go to Norcross (where EE is located) now and then to visit family, so I can always drop by and see if they have a prototype I can listen to. If I get to listen to these I will post impressions here!!
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