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A new IEM System thread: AKG vs Sennheiser vs. Audio Technica

Which IEM system do I prefer?

  • AKG IVM 4500

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Audio Technica M3M

    Votes: 3 33.3%

  • Sennheiser ew300

    Votes: 5 55.6%

  • Other options...

    Votes: 1 11.1%
  • Total voters
    9
  • Poll closed .
B

boden

Guest
Apr 26, 2013
9
0
Buenos Aires, Argentina
#1
Hi people!

I am thinking about buying a IEM system.

And I am comparing Audio Technica M3M, Sennheiser ew300 and AKG IVM4500.

I have found some opinions about ew300, but no many about the others.

Any experiences?

Checking sites, I can get the M3M for about 500-580, the AKG for 730-750, but with the ew300 maybe for 850 (The official price of the AKG is the same as the ew300, but I haven't found anyone who offers such a good discount for the ew300 as for the AKG).

Any opinions about the three?

Is it worth the money difference?

Thanks!

Juan
 
#2
I strongly recommend the Carvin system (as long as you buy aftermarket in-ear buds). I've used the Sennheiser and Shure top drawer systems, and don't think they've got anything on the Carvins. (really)
 
#7
I'm Senneheiser all the way, if for no other reason than that it's much easier than the other choices given to find in rental houses and venue stock when needed. So finding parts on the road isn't so much of a crap shoot. Aside from that they're everything a good IEM system should be, particularly with the G3 Series and somewhat of a standard. Shure would also fall well into this category. I've used the M3 and been satisfied with the sound but in a business where availability and redundancy are a must, I went with more of a known quantity.
 
#11
Stangconv said:
Pretty sure my m2 has that as well.
Click to expand...

While the M2 has a limiter, that is defeatable, it is not "adjustable" in that it cannot be set to different levels. This isn't a huge deal, and having a limiter is much better than not, but it just means you have to find headphones with the right impedance. The limiter setting may be too low or too high for certain headphones.

Again, the fact that it has one in the first place is the most important part, but it's nice when it's adjustable.
 
#15
I'd like to say, whatever system you buy, aftermarket ear buds are an absolute essential. Honestly, I'd recommend starting your trek down the IEM path by first pricing out the best/most suitable buds first. After this, start looking at IEMs.

That said, I have only ever used my Senny ew300. I have found them fantastic on all fronts. If I were to need a new transmitter unit, I would look into other units, but likely buy the ew300s once more. Again, I really couldn't tell you if they're price-effective or better than any other set, I just know that mine have been phenomenal and would recommend them if you have the money.

I use mine with some Tunz Trio-b custom IEMs. I hate to reiterate this, but many people try great transmitters with bad IEMs, and this ruins the whole experience. For example, I personally think you're better off spending $1,000 on good buds and $100 on a transmitter, than you are the other way around.
 
#16
Pacman said:
I strongly recommend the Carvin system (as long as you buy aftermarket in-ear buds). I've used the Sennheiser and Shure top drawer systems, and don't think they've got anything on the Carvins. (really)
Click to expand...

Can you please share some experience on the sonic quality of Carvin vs. the Senn & Shure transmission units?

I'm also very interested in your take on the Carvin's limiter. Is it adjustable? Have you had any instances where it "saved" you from sudden volume spikes? I think the M3 has an adjustable limiter - 3 settings I believe. Carvin's manual is unclear about whether there are user adjustable level settings for the limiter.

In the 1990s I had an LB-70, which was OK. Had four Carvin bass cabs that were so-so. Had 2 Carvin PA mains and they were pretty good. Had two Carvin amps and a very bad experience quality-wise with one. So overall I don't have a strong positive view on Carvin, but I am willing to be persuaded if they've upped their game in the electronics arena - esp. since the price is comparatively low.

I'd be using this with custom IEMs from 1964 Ears so that part is covered. Thanks.
 
#19
Ukiah Bass said:
Can you please share some experience on the sonic quality of Carvin vs. the Senn & Shure transmission units?

I'm also very interested in your take on the Carvin's limiter. Is it adjustable? Have you had any instances where it "saved" you from sudden volume spikes? I think the M3 has an adjustable limiter - 3 settings I believe. Carvin's manual is unclear about whether there are user adjustable level settings for the limiter.
Click to expand...

Quality vs. quality, I think the Carvin sounds every bit as good as the Senn and Shure. Surprisingly so. As I said, I've used both top line systems from the other companies, and and ridiculously happy with the Carvins. The limiter is non-adjustable. I have had it save my ears, and haven't really felt like I was missing anything without adjustment capabilities.

In the 1990s I had an LB-70, which was OK. Had four Carvin bass cabs that were so-so. Had 2 Carvin PA mains and they were pretty good. Had two Carvin amps and a very bad experience quality-wise with one. So overall I don't have a strong positive view on Carvin, but I am willing to be persuaded if they've upped their game in the electronics arena - esp. since the price is comparatively low.

I'd be using this with custom IEMs from 1964 Ears so that part is covered. Thanks.
Click to expand...

I had (have) an LB76, and my opinions on their instruments is quite different than that of the IEM system. While their guitars are ok, I find them great "for the price" if that makes sense.
 
#20
No one argues that good earbuds are as important as the IEM system. I have buyed Shure 525s, and I'll ask later for a custom fit or reshell them. (I am still not so sure if it really makes sense to reshell them, or if with custom made ear tips is as good as reshelling them)

In Argentina everything is complicated due to not so many available options (prices... For ex. customs are 50% of the price+shipping), and then not having technical support of many companies available.

Regarding IEM systems I have found this: Link Removed

But no information about AKG :-(

I am not so sure, but maybe I'll go for the AT M3M, which I think I can get for about 500. The reciever will be not so small, but well... For not heavy use, could be a good option.
 

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