Westone UM2 vs Shure SE425

[drpepper]

I'm about to make a buying decision here and was hoping to find some direct comparison opinions on these two. They appear to be popular and fairly comparable price, feature and performance-wise. Any experiences here that put one on top of the other by some margin?

I've never been able to adapt to IEMs before, but now, I'm going to have to. I'm moving to a band that uses them 100% on stage and for rehearsals - no amps for either w/ acoustic drums at both. I brought headphones (non-professional, Sennheiser HD202) to my audition and couldn't hear much aside from the drums.

I'm not ready or able to drop a (relative) bundle, but I don't want to go all the way to the bottom-of-the-line.

 

[Turn Em Loose]

Just to add to your confusion check out the FutureSonic Atrio IEM's. About $180 (IIRC) and IMO, sound terrific.

Things I don't like about them:
--The cords are very thin and get tangled easily.
--The little "cord-tightener" thing that tightens the cord around the back of your head doesn't really work that well. This actually drives me ca-RAAAAZY and I want to get another IEM for a backup but am going to pass on the Atrios because of this. Maybe it's just me, but it drives me ca-CRAAAAZY! Did I mention it drives me crazy??

BUT, things I do like about them:
--The tone. It's addictive. I really love it. Deep yet punchy. Great for a bass player.
--The price.
--I get a great and comfortable seal with foam inserts. At least for me I did not need the custom earmolds.

Of course, YMMV, IMO, etc. Good luck!

 

[drpepper]

Just to add to your confusion check out the FutureSonic Atrio IEM's. About $180 (IIRC) and IMO, sound terrific.

Things I don't like about them:
--The cords are very thin and get tangled easily.
--The little "cord-tightener" thing that tightens the cord around the back of your head doesn't really work that well. This actually drives me ca-RAAAAZY and I want to get another IEM for a backup but am going to pass on the Atrios because of this. Maybe it's just me, but it drives me ca-CRAAAAZY! Did I mention it drives me crazy??

BUT, things I do like about them:
--The tone. It's addictive. I really love it. Deep yet punchy. Great for a bass player.
--The price.
--I get a great and comfortable seal with foam inserts. At least for me I did not need the custom earmolds.

Of course, YMMV, IMO, etc. Good luck!

Thanks for the input. I had noted the positive comments on the Future Sonics as well. I think they're all likely to be capable of serving me well, but I was just looking for some last minute info. I actually went ahead and ordered the Westones.