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Pathworks
81
Jan 6, 2017
Review: 2 Best < $100 IEMs from Massdrop:
Test tracks lossy 256 kbps m4a files: Mixed, direct from iPhone 5s.
NuForce NE800M: (Massdrop price $59.99) Pros: In your face punch! Crystal clear highs. Feel the bass notes. Drums have more punch. Feels like the NE800M is better able to handle a lot of music playing at once than the Final Heaven IIIs. Vocals sound natural and pleasant. Low and highs are more pronounced than that of the Final Heaven III's - this may be better for car/train commuting. Find myself listening to these more presently. Lots of tips plus the premium Comply foam eartips (large and medium - using the mediums for this listening). Cable has phone mic and controls. Nice packaging and Leatherette holding case. $10 less than the Final Heaven III
Cons: Experienced channel dropout (in and out) at the plug end. The bullet carbon fiber and brass cans will outlast the cable. Hope they last as some other posts here indicate a short lifespan.


Final Heaven III: (Massdrop price $69.99) Pros: Wider soundstage than the NuForce NE800M or just less bass. Bass is more recessed and possibly lacking. Hard to say if the NuForce NE800M has upped the bass from where it should be after listing to the Final Heaven IIIs. The Final Heaven's sound is balanced which can be tweaked with different tips. (I'm using the med. Comply foam eartips that came with the NuForce NE800Ms -- which helps reduce the microphonics of the Heavens). Vocals sound natural and pleasant. Mids are more forward than the lows and highs. Thinking orchestra music may be the natural fit for these. Build is quite nice. I'm thinking these will outlast the NuForce NE800Ms.
Cons: Cable microphonics are pronounced. Minimalist packaging with no case. $10 more than the NuForce NE800Ms.
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