I’m curious now, dang it @antdroid !
Bad news @antdroid: they’re back in stock. I’m holding off for a bit, since I got impatient and have some new headphone toys incoming already …
PS. You’re welcome
Yea I know! I looked. They have a new model too, the Mest Mini. It’s more budget friendly.
We need @TylersEclectic and @Torq to be guinea pigs again.
Any idea if they’re any good? I’d love to save $650 …
Tempting but, I am happy with the big boy MEST though I may grab a pair of these if reviewed well by people I align with sound signature wise
I dont know. I asked if anyone has tried it from the Singapore community and on headfi and no responses yet. Not many in SG have even tried the original MEST.
It doesnt have a dynamic driver though, which is probably what I liked most of the MEST.
Just flagging @pennstac, as he’s been looking for a mid-priced quality step-up from $200 class IEMs. MSRP $599 may be cheaper on the street.
The driver configuration isn’t as good though, so we’ll have to wait for people to try them out. The fact that it’s a 3 BA + 1 bone conductor and no DD at all is a bit sad.
Thanks for tagging me on this. However there doesn’t seem to be a “street” that it’s on yet. When I type “Unique Melody Mini Mest” on eBay, I get one result -
I kid you not. I always liked Chilton’s guides and have one somewhere for my '64 Oldsmobile.
Don’t know how high are you planning to go from $200, but in the last week I’ve been following the thread on Head Fi about the ORB by Penon Audio and is very interesting. It is $260 or $270, not sure now.
Thanks so much for the graphs. I scourged the internet for it trying to understand why this sounds so good. And Antman - what an amazing review! You are my favorite IEM reviewer of this time!
This may be the IEM I was looking for. Seems ridiculous value for the sonic performance. Compares very favourably to the U12t which I think would have been my goto but its a bit outside what I am willing to spend
Q’s:
- Has anyone come across any QC issues - I havent seen anything suggesting much, other than the comment re dust within the casing earlier in this topic. I know it’s a rather new product so the numbers might not be enough yet to really tell.
- How’s the cable - is it flexible, is there memory wire, microphonics, that kind of thing.
Thanks
I would say that it depends what you’re looking for. The UM MEST is more of a “fun” IEM, meaning that it’s more present in the bass and treble regions. For someone like myself, who prefers a smoother treble, it seems like it might be too much and quite fatiguing. The fact that you don’t have the Apex technology is also a deal breaker, at least for me (you get more listening fatigue due to pressure buildup in your ears). It certainly is a better value than the U12t, that’s for sure. I’m sure @TylersEclectic could answer your questions though!
Any IEM I try is gonna be a bit of a gamble for me as I dont have anything anywhere near high end.
I was thinking either this or the Solaris or even the ARA (depending upon how it reviews). I know some people dont like the MEST signature but a surprising amount say its better than the CA stuff.
I listen to classical a lot so the positive comments I hear re soundstage, detail retrieval, layering are
tweaking my interest level. To be honest I dont much know what to make of the treble at this point from the reviews I have heard. Will have to look at the FRs that I can find and see how it stacks against things I have already heard.
Hard to resist at the price point though.
I think the MEST is pretty great… @antdroid reviewed it also, and enjoyed it…I think it performs pretty well and the treble has yet to be “irritating” to me and I tend to prefer smoother headphones…if that helps. Really like the new Sedna TPE tips as well…I think they are my new favorites…
Searched for them on Amazon and couldn’t find the ones in your pic🤷🏾♂️
Do you mind sharing the link please? I want to check them out. Thanks
Here you go! Make sure to select the size that best fits with your preference…these run a bit big:
AZLA SednaEarfit XELASTEC 2 Pairs (Size L) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BRB1KJS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_kp.cFb8SXR19B
Thank you good Sir! Order placed and also trying to get over the 20 character requirement…
Thanks for the reply. The general consensus I’m getting from my research is that the treble approaches the limits at times but doesn’t go beyond it. I think @Torq’s initial review re the treble presentation is consistent with what I’ve read.
The termination I want ain’t in stock right now. Too bad as they are on sale. Could buy the 4.4 with an adapter but not feeling it right now.
And may I just end by saying thats a f**king gorgeous cable.
These are pricey @$20 for two pairs but boy… they’re comfortable, provide a great seal and most importantly don’t “slide out” of my ears after 30 mins or so. The IEMs stay put until I take them off. Thanks for the suggestion.
EDIT: they seem to be a bit of “dust magnets”, went for a quick walk listening to the Tia Fourté, had to take them off for a 2 mins phone call and when I was putting them back on, I noticed some fair amount of dust on the tips - it’s not that bad but easily noticeable and unusual when compared to the spinfit or the stock silicone tips.