Even factoring in a bit of hyperbole this is a pretty significant statement! Can you say any more about why the MEST was winning prior to the vocals? Sounds like once you got a better fit the MEST got better - in what way?
I haven’t gone too far down the IEM rabbit hole yet (on-ear headphones have kept me busy lately) but I’m starting to travel again for work and 5+ hour flights are giving me a reason to explore. The MEST, U12T and the Andromeda are at the top of my list to try so your comparison is right in line with what I’m looking at.
Mest is more fun, and that works for a lot of my music. When “Can’t Fight” by Lianne La Havas came on, the instrument lead up was great, but then she started singing and it felt a bit distant. U12T had better balance on that track.
I’m enjoying them both annoyingly. I need to pick one. U12T always sounds good. Every song. Mest sometimes has more wow, sometimes touch disappointing compared, depending on track.
its cured in traditional CIEM resin material from what I can tell (assuming its acrylic). Carbon (if its even real) is embedded well below this resin layer.
FYI - carbon composites come in many, many different choices of resin matrix combinations. Traditional high strength/high stiffness composites use epoxy resin matrices, but you can really mix in any polymer resin material that will adhere will to the carbon fibers (most will for the most part), including acrylics used in CIEM resin casting.
As far as silicone, there are a few companies that do silicone CIEMs, but I dont think they’re as popular.
I really just need to answer if that resin material has issues with my ear.
I was going to have an eartune fidelity made for my dunu Zen. But being pure medical grade silicon may not be a good test. Also, not excited about sending away my zen for six weeks.
I’m loving the Mest mkii. I think it’s amazing but I have nothing else remotely close to it to compare it to. I’m not even listening to my headphones since I got them. Still curious about the U12t though. Do you think it’s worth keeping both? IER-Z1R is still on my list too.
On the bright side, anyone who has the Zen and wants to do a tip from them doesn’t have to go through that in the future
They’re doing it for my Andromeda 2020s, a nice crew to work with! That said, I already know customs are the preference for my ears with any IEM if it’s possible!
If budget was of no concern, and I wasn’t moving to a new place in a month, I would absolutely get a custom MEST in a heartbeat.
Yeah, I am shying away from it because it means losing my Zen for six weeks. That’s currently a tough thing for me since I have absolutely no other headphones that come anywhere near them in satisfying sound for me.
The mobius only do so much. I may just wait until I get something else that I like. I am just currently stumped.
Also, I cycled through my dozens of tips again with the specific goal of comfort only, and I found some that seem to work and leave me with balanced sound. (cp100 and cp145, basically anything spinfit that doesn’t slip too far on).
If you’re anything like me, you’ll choose the one that allows you to get lost in the music easier/more. Regardless of which one you choose, it’s awesome that you got to compare them directly. Count your blessings!
Comfort is definitely important too! In my experience, it’s so much easier finding a comfortable over-ear headphone compared to an IEM. There have been some IEMs I had to send back due to comfort/fit issues, which is a shame because they sounded great.
I’m curious… I assume this is the case but is it certain that custom IEMs will alleviate all strain and discomfort associated with wearing IEMs? Or are there certain companies or processes that are better than others? I’ve always had trouble balancing comfortable tips with getting a good seal.
Wish I’d seen this earlier (I’ve been busy with work). I am in the process of getting MkII customs, so I can answer whatever questions you have. I’ll start w/ what’s already been asked.
Andrew @ MusicTeck quoted me “2-3 weeks.” I assume that’s from time of receipt, so I’ve been expecting my actual wait to take somewhat longer with transit times included.
I got physical impressions done on March 18 and mailed them out that weekend to Andrew per his instructions. They arrived on March 26. I assume this impressions are forwarded on to UM in bulk.
I got email from Unique Melody on April 7 confirming receipt of my impressions. They also wanted to confirm my color selection since the new options had opened up since I placed my order.
I got another email from UM on April 23 reporting that my customs have been completed and shipped out. I have a tracking number, and they’re moving through China, but I don’t have an estimated delivery date yet.
UM sent me STL files by email. My audiologist doesn’t have that kind of equipment, either.
I own U12T as well as both MEST OG and MkII. U12T had a very brief tenure as “favorite IEM” having finally supplanted Solaris. It has great sub-bass extension, which I didn’t expect from BAs (learning moment for me). Overall tuning feels like a (very) minor V, but still mostly neutral.
I think I prefer Anole VX for all the same roles I would have used U12T before. Overall tuning is a bit flatter than U12T and so feels just a bit more neutral / transparent. Highs are very sparkly and bass execution is excellent. Mids are more forward / prominent than U12T, which is essentially what wins me over.
The MEST family remains in its own category due to the special presentation style. MkII is a runaway personal favorite, and I can’t wait for my customs to get here. It’s no replacement for VX since they render music so differently. MEST MkII is an ideal match for high energy music, and a great all-rounder. VX is more even keeled and a better “window” into music for relaxed or analytical listening. Like with Aryas, for example, the relaxed presentation style makes it easy to just absorb music, rather than having it blasted at you as MEST + high-energy tracks do.
