Steven
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Recently purchased the "Store One" Triple Flange tips off Amazon and so have used the opportunity to sit down and experiment with my Shure SE535 and Phonak PFE-232. Tips will not alter the underlying sound signature of an IEM but nevertheless can have subtle discernible differences to the sound
The List:
Shure PA910 aka Shure Black Olives (s)
Comply TX100 (s)
Soft Grey Flex (s)
Yellow Foamies
Shure Triple Flange (m)
Store One Triple Flange (s)
iPod Touch 4G Playlist:
Adele - Someone Like You (Live At the Royal Albert Hall)
Alicia Keys - Fallin'
The Prodigy - Breathe
Michael Jackson - Beat It
Shure Black Olives
Harder and more denser material than the Comply. Bigger too, even though both are "S". Easy to insert and quite comfortable. Can wear for a long period without fatigue. To my surprise and after comparison, piano chords came across as slightly digital sounding and the bass was boomier than other tips. In other respects the sound was as good as the Comply and Triple Flange. Vocals sound largely the same as on others though think the soundstage is slightly smaller than Comply and Triple Flange
Comply TX100
Smaller than the Black Olives. Super comfortable and easy to insert. Equivalent of a silk glove for your ears (if that is even the correct analogy). Instruments sound more "real" than with the Black Olives. Bass is stronger and more controlled. Soundstage is just bigger and overall second in the pack.
Shure Triple Flange
Unfortunately the bundled pair with my IEM appear to be in "M" size Given a choice would have wanted "S" but after some perseverance got them in. They make IEM stick out slightly. You may want to use scissors and make them into "double flanges". In terms of material they have a slightly softer and more waxy feel than the Store One version, which makes all the difference. Despite the deep insertion they really are comfortable for me. Conversely others may not like this design. Would only cut them down to make fitting easier. In terms of sound = wow. Biggest soundstage of all the tips and as a consequence more immersive. Bass notes go deeper and have more impact. Vocals sound gorgeous. Edging the Comply to be my favourite
Store One Triple Flange
Contrary to the Amazon customer reviews, these do have a tiny yet perceptible different material to the Shure version. Slightly harder or rather lacks that waxy quality. With the Shure version you would cut them down to double flange to make fitting easier. With these I found you cut them down for comfort rather than fitting. The harder material means you do notice wearing these and after a while they annoy. Shame really because in other respects cannot detect any difference in terms of sound presentation from the Shure version. If they got the material right these would be highly recommended as they are cheaper than the Shure version. Therefore it will be down to the individual person as to how you get on in terms of comfort. Once my supply is exhausted cannot see myself re-buying
Soft Grey Flex
Easy to insert and small profile. That is where the positives end. Found they give a digital quality to the overall presentation, bass was recessed and smaller sound stage than others.
Yellow Foamies
These are virtually the same size as the SE535 ear piece stalk and consequently have the most low profile fitting. Unfortunately not as comfortable as the Black Olives or Comply. The sound was largely similar to the Comply except it added sibilance to the top end (you get a "ssss" sound to vocals and cymbals etc).
Best for comfort
1. Comply
2. Shure Black Olives
3. Shure Triple Flange (optionally cut down to Double Flange) - could easily be joint second although this is simply in recognition the shape might not be to all liking
Best for fitting
All of them were easy except the Triple Flange
Best for sound
1. Shure / Store One Triple Flange
2. Comply
Compatibility
A note on compatibility. All the tips fitted the Shure SE535. The Phonak design has a bigger circumference tube. Consequently could not get the yellow foamies onto them. The Triple Flange succeeded but only after some careful manoeuvring
N.B. Everyone's ears are different and consequently your experiences in terms of fitting, comfort and sound may be different