Hello, I just joined, primarily for the audiophile products. Looking at purchasing the NHT C3 speakers for our new living room. Space is about 15 feet wide by 33 long and they will fire long ways. Space is just for general listening, music room with all equipment is downstairs, so hoping they will fill it with sound nicely. Cheers.
Mar 18, 2024
The HEM1, is brighter with more air up top, has a faster delivery and decay of notes, fair imaging and an 'average' soundstage and depth. Smoothness, is the thing that comes most to mind with a good amount of clarity due to the reduced bass (which is light by comparison to the Fiio). The mid range is more forward than the Fiio which were pushed back a bit. The cable for the HEM is terminated at 3.5mm without a mic.
In all fairness, these two IEMs cover different needs and would honestly compliment one another than compete depending on preferences and music choice. The Fiio is warm and laid back while the HEM is brighter, faster, with more air up top. Ergonomically, both are equal and lightweight and accessories are standard fare. I like the tips on the HEM just because their softer and more forgiving during to the thinner stem. The Fiio has a larger stem so it just feels larger and pushes on my ear canal more even with the smallest tips.
Really can't go wrong with either at their price point, but I would base.my decision of my music taste (bass heavy music or more treble energy).
A fairer comparison would be the UM1 -- Westone's single BA iem.
I was honestly considering the Pinnacle PX's, but I ultimately decided to opt for iBasso IT01's. I do not regret the decision, for thy are absolutely awesome :) I think next I'll grab the Brainwavz b400, or if I can swing it the $500 for iBasso's IT04's when they are released.