- Categories
- Earphones
- Earphone Accessories
- iPod and iPhone Accessories
- Best Earphones By Price Range
- Best Earphones for Your Lifestyle
- Best iPod Earphones
- Earphones for Mobile Phones, iPhone and Bluetooth Earphones
- Earbuds
- Computer Headsets
- Information
- Earphones COMPARISON
- Earphones REVIEWS and COMPARISONS
- Why Shop Here?
- Who Buys From Earphone Solutions?
- INTERNATIONAL Customers
- 日本への製品発送
- Shop By Brand
- Shure Headphones
- Westone Headphones
- Sennheiser Earbuds
- Denon Earbuds
- Audeo Earphones
- AKG Earbuds
- Skullcandy Earphones
- Beats by Dr DRE Earphones
- Monster Earphones
- H2O Audio Earbuds
- Phiaton Earbuds
- Beyerdynamic Earphones
- Ultimate Ears Headphones
- Klipsch Ear Buds
- Etymotic Earbuds
OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
WESTONE UM2 DUAL DRIVER IN-EAR EARPHONES BLACK
|
| |
We Will Beat Any Lower Price! We have the best price on Westone UM2!
Call 1-888-473-9661 or email us: Lower Price
Earphone Solutions only sells brand new, factory sealed items.
The Westone UM1, and UM2 comes standard with a 1 year warranty plus 1 year (need to submit the registration card to extend the warranty). If the enclosed registration card is submitted to Westone, the warranty is extended an additional year.
As an Authorized Westone Dealer we guarantee you new, factory sealed product and Westone's 2 Year limited warranty (need to submit the registration card to extend the warranty). If a Westone product fails within this period, Westone will repair, replace, or exchange defective product with proof of purchase provided by EarphoneSolutions.com.Westone UM2 Dual Driver In-Ear Earphones with Passive Crossover
"The UM2 are the BEST earphones I have tried so far and this is the one I use on a daily basis. I own all of the earphones that we offer on our website and the UM2 is the best sound wise, comfort wise, sound detail, warmth, cable design and earbud design. It's extremely musical with a fuller sound and a perfectly balanced output. Not too harsh, not too soft. I get the best fit and seal with comfort using the short ComplyTips"
Flavio T. Customer Service Manager for EarphoneSolutions.com
"Best of them all, August 19, 2008
Featured Customer Review: Giovanna
I should start by saying my overall personal preference in speakers and headphones are electrostatics. But these are really for home use. I’m sure Stax’s portable unit (the SR-001MK2) likely will not provide sufficient sound isolation for mobile use. Plus it’s battery-driven which can present problems.
High-end ear-canal phones can sound very different when amplified at home using your system amp or a headphone amp, and when NOT amplified—walking around outdoors or on the subway (a New York City problem) which is the way most of us use an iPod or similar device.
Most of my listening is classical, opera, and film soundtracks; also 50s-60s-70s rock, and some popular singers (i.e., Sinatra, Torme, etc.) and… “doo-wop.” (It’s an “age” thing!)
As a record collector for far too long, I have recordings that span the decades from early acoustic transfers (operatic vocals), then early electrics, on up through the Golden Age of recorded classical music (late 40s through the 70s), and on to the digital era.
When transferring music to my iPod, I do not use compression, but use Apple’s AIFF (i.e., WAV) format.
With recordings, of course, whatever you PUT THROUGH your speakers/headphones and other electronics is what will COME OUT. You’re listening first to recordings, then to any artifacts your electronics might add (hopefully few), and then to the music itself. The idea, of course, is for the reproduction to be as transparent as possible…said the “fool on the hill.”
Unlike speakers, unfortunately you can’t simply go into a store and audition ear-canal headphones. You have to depend on a lot of reading and research in the quest for the Holy Grail.
So this praise for the Westone UM2s is from someone who owns, or has owned, the following:
Etymotic 6i, sold to buy the Etymotic 4P (still have them; very good in their day) Shure E3C (still have them too) Shure E4C, sold to buy UE (“Now a Logitech Company!”) Super.fi 5, sold to buy the UE Triple.fi’s And finally, I also own the Shure SE420s.
The Westone UM2s trump everything, in my opinion, for unamplified use on an iPod. They’re the most musical and provide superb sound isolation. They’re also the most comfortable for prolonged periods. Almost forget I’m wearing them!
Bass is present, but it’s tight and unintrusive. The UM2s’ highs are as clear and detailed as the Triple.fi’s are when using the UEs in my home system.
Most importantly to me, the UM2s’ mid-range is focused, clear and warm. When Westone issue their triple armature system, I’ll be first in line.
Amplified, they’re simply marvelous too requiring far less power, incidentally, than do either the Triple.fi’s or the SE420s.
As a two-way speaker system, and at nearly $200 less than the Shure SE530s, the UM2s are a remarkable find indeed.
UE Triple.fi: I’d gotten a great open-box price on these from a reputable dealer. I like their sound enormously, particularly when amplified at home. Unfortunately, they don’t fit me well. My ear canals are just too small to accommodate the fat UE nozzles. Consequently, I don’t get a good seal and there isn’t enough sound isolation for portable use.
Another customer wrote in a review on this site that if you carefully remove the plastic center piece from Westone’s ComplyTips you can get those sleeves to fit the UEs. That’s true, and they make a better seal for me than do UE’s sleeves, but still not tight enough because of the fatter nozzle. Consequently, I only use the Triple.fi’s at home.
However, they do sound terrific in my system. Ah, but so do the UM2s as mentioned above!
Westone will make a molded sleeve for the size nozzle UE and other manufacturers use. An audiologist must take ear molds to send to Westone. Don’t know how much this all is ultimately so it might be more cost effective simply to have Westone make you a pair of their custom fit phones: the ES2 or ES1s if you can afford them.
Westone will also make molded ear sleeves for the UM2s and UM1s. (Those sleeves would likely fit the Shure SE series since the ComplyTips do! Have to try these with the Ety 4Ps, just to see how the sound is affected.)
Shure SE420: They’re very good. They’ve a tight, but not intrusive bass, excellent midrange, and perhaps slightly over-bright highs. Sound better with the iPod than when amplified, in my opinion. I find the flex sleeves very comfortable.
Before I ever bought either the Triple.fi’s or the SE420s, I was able to audition a friend’s E500s—precursor to the SE530—for an extended period. The idea that these are “identical” really isn’t true, by the way. Shure apparently did some extensive redesign for the 530s. However, after spending quite some time with the 500s, I was going to buy them principally because of the truly remarkable soundstaging!
However, after prolonged listening both at home and while mobile, I found the midrange (the most important area of recorded sound, in my opinion) somewhat enveloped by the bass. Each time I’d listen I’d find myself feeling the mids just weren’t prominent enough. It was as if they “receded” and I’d always be conscious of too much bass. Bass is a tricky thing to balance, particularly for classical music reproduction.
Then there was the price! So when the Triple.fi’s became available at a great price, I obviously went there. Because of the fit issues with these, I then decided to try Shure’s SE420s instead of the 530s because…they were cheaper…by a lot, and I always liked the Shure sound signature.
I want a balanced sound that perhaps offers the SE530s’ outstanding soundstaging but with tighter, less-intrusive bass, plus most importantly a clearer, fuller, more prominent midrange, and the “airy” extension on the highs that probably only electrostatic sound can provide.
Well…and if I could afford them, I’d own the Stax SRS-007 Mark IIs, along with a pair of MartinLogan Spires too! (I live in an apartment)…sigh.
Meantime…I love my Westone UM2s and eagerly await the UM3!"
Built to the highest professional standards, the UM2 features dual balanced armatures and a passive crossover. Great highs and impressive low-end response make this universal fit earpiece the first choice for many touring pros the world over. The UM2 can provide up to 25 dB of onstage noise reduction and comes with a durable stereo "Y" cord, zip carrying case, wax loop and four pairs of compressible Comply™ Canal foam tips. Available in CLEAR and BLACK.
Call 1-888-473-9661 or email us: Lower Price
Earphone Solutions only sells brand new, factory sealed items.
The Westone UM1, and UM2 comes standard with a 1 year warranty plus 1 year (need to submit the registration card to extend the warranty). If the enclosed registration card is submitted to Westone, the warranty is extended an additional year.
As an Authorized Westone Dealer we guarantee you new, factory sealed product and Westone's 2 Year limited warranty (need to submit the registration card to extend the warranty). If a Westone product fails within this period, Westone will repair, replace, or exchange defective product with proof of purchase provided by EarphoneSolutions.com.
Westone UM1 and UM2 are the ONLY Earphones MADE IN USA!
Westone UM2 Dual Driver In-Ear Earphones with Passive Crossover
NEW Editor's Choice
EarphoneSolutions is the largest Authorized Westone Dealer in the US.
If you are wondering WHO MAKES THESE??, how about who uses their products?Flavio T. Customer Service Manager for EarphoneSolutions.com
"Best of them all, August 19, 2008
Featured Customer Review: Giovanna
I should start by saying my overall personal preference in speakers and headphones are electrostatics. But these are really for home use. I’m sure Stax’s portable unit (the SR-001MK2) likely will not provide sufficient sound isolation for mobile use. Plus it’s battery-driven which can present problems.
High-end ear-canal phones can sound very different when amplified at home using your system amp or a headphone amp, and when NOT amplified—walking around outdoors or on the subway (a New York City problem) which is the way most of us use an iPod or similar device.
Most of my listening is classical, opera, and film soundtracks; also 50s-60s-70s rock, and some popular singers (i.e., Sinatra, Torme, etc.) and… “doo-wop.” (It’s an “age” thing!)
As a record collector for far too long, I have recordings that span the decades from early acoustic transfers (operatic vocals), then early electrics, on up through the Golden Age of recorded classical music (late 40s through the 70s), and on to the digital era.
When transferring music to my iPod, I do not use compression, but use Apple’s AIFF (i.e., WAV) format.
With recordings, of course, whatever you PUT THROUGH your speakers/headphones and other electronics is what will COME OUT. You’re listening first to recordings, then to any artifacts your electronics might add (hopefully few), and then to the music itself. The idea, of course, is for the reproduction to be as transparent as possible…said the “fool on the hill.”
Unlike speakers, unfortunately you can’t simply go into a store and audition ear-canal headphones. You have to depend on a lot of reading and research in the quest for the Holy Grail.
So this praise for the Westone UM2s is from someone who owns, or has owned, the following:
Etymotic 6i, sold to buy the Etymotic 4P (still have them; very good in their day) Shure E3C (still have them too) Shure E4C, sold to buy UE (“Now a Logitech Company!”) Super.fi 5, sold to buy the UE Triple.fi’s And finally, I also own the Shure SE420s.
The Westone UM2s trump everything, in my opinion, for unamplified use on an iPod. They’re the most musical and provide superb sound isolation. They’re also the most comfortable for prolonged periods. Almost forget I’m wearing them!
Bass is present, but it’s tight and unintrusive. The UM2s’ highs are as clear and detailed as the Triple.fi’s are when using the UEs in my home system.
Most importantly to me, the UM2s’ mid-range is focused, clear and warm. When Westone issue their triple armature system, I’ll be first in line.
Amplified, they’re simply marvelous too requiring far less power, incidentally, than do either the Triple.fi’s or the SE420s.
As a two-way speaker system, and at nearly $200 less than the Shure SE530s, the UM2s are a remarkable find indeed.
UE Triple.fi: I’d gotten a great open-box price on these from a reputable dealer. I like their sound enormously, particularly when amplified at home. Unfortunately, they don’t fit me well. My ear canals are just too small to accommodate the fat UE nozzles. Consequently, I don’t get a good seal and there isn’t enough sound isolation for portable use.
Another customer wrote in a review on this site that if you carefully remove the plastic center piece from Westone’s ComplyTips you can get those sleeves to fit the UEs. That’s true, and they make a better seal for me than do UE’s sleeves, but still not tight enough because of the fatter nozzle. Consequently, I only use the Triple.fi’s at home.
However, they do sound terrific in my system. Ah, but so do the UM2s as mentioned above!
Westone will make a molded sleeve for the size nozzle UE and other manufacturers use. An audiologist must take ear molds to send to Westone. Don’t know how much this all is ultimately so it might be more cost effective simply to have Westone make you a pair of their custom fit phones: the ES2 or ES1s if you can afford them.
Westone will also make molded ear sleeves for the UM2s and UM1s. (Those sleeves would likely fit the Shure SE series since the ComplyTips do! Have to try these with the Ety 4Ps, just to see how the sound is affected.)
Shure SE420: They’re very good. They’ve a tight, but not intrusive bass, excellent midrange, and perhaps slightly over-bright highs. Sound better with the iPod than when amplified, in my opinion. I find the flex sleeves very comfortable.
Before I ever bought either the Triple.fi’s or the SE420s, I was able to audition a friend’s E500s—precursor to the SE530—for an extended period. The idea that these are “identical” really isn’t true, by the way. Shure apparently did some extensive redesign for the 530s. However, after spending quite some time with the 500s, I was going to buy them principally because of the truly remarkable soundstaging!
However, after prolonged listening both at home and while mobile, I found the midrange (the most important area of recorded sound, in my opinion) somewhat enveloped by the bass. Each time I’d listen I’d find myself feeling the mids just weren’t prominent enough. It was as if they “receded” and I’d always be conscious of too much bass. Bass is a tricky thing to balance, particularly for classical music reproduction.
Then there was the price! So when the Triple.fi’s became available at a great price, I obviously went there. Because of the fit issues with these, I then decided to try Shure’s SE420s instead of the 530s because…they were cheaper…by a lot, and I always liked the Shure sound signature.
I want a balanced sound that perhaps offers the SE530s’ outstanding soundstaging but with tighter, less-intrusive bass, plus most importantly a clearer, fuller, more prominent midrange, and the “airy” extension on the highs that probably only electrostatic sound can provide.
Well…and if I could afford them, I’d own the Stax SRS-007 Mark IIs, along with a pair of MartinLogan Spires too! (I live in an apartment)…sigh.
Meantime…I love my Westone UM2s and eagerly await the UM3!"
Built to the highest professional standards, the UM2 features dual balanced armatures and a passive crossover. Great highs and impressive low-end response make this universal fit earpiece the first choice for many touring pros the world over. The UM2 can provide up to 25 dB of onstage noise reduction and comes with a durable stereo "Y" cord, zip carrying case, wax loop and four pairs of compressible Comply™ Canal foam tips. Available in CLEAR and BLACK.
UM2 Specifications
- Cable lentgh: 52 inches
- Sensitivity: 119 dB/mW
- Frequency response: 20 Hz -18 kHz
- Impedance: 27 ohms
- Driver: Dual balanced armatures with a passive crossover
- Features: Replaceable foam Comply Canal tips, zip carrying case
- Download a copy of the instruction manual and warranty
- UM2 Black Earphones
- Zip Carrying Case
- User's Guide
- 2 Pairs of SHORT ComplyTips
- 2 Pairs of STANDARD ComplyTips
- FREE EarphoneSolutions Instructions and Tips on How To Get the Best Sound Exclusive
 |
|---|
| By Tom from san diego, ca on June 5, 2009 |
I would recommend this item to a friend. Comments:I'm not a religious man, but oh my sweet jesus, buddah, allah, zeus, gaia, and all other deities....I'm hearing sounds from the same songs I've listened to 100's of times that I've never heard before. I'm welling up with tears with a giant grin on my face...seriously. Glorious. And these are the most comfortable in-ear headphones that ever worn. (Shure E2s and Klipsch Custom 2).Pros:Everything, no joke.Cons:That it took me 31 years of life to discover these. |
|
|---|
| By Steve from Geneva, IL on June 3, 2009 |
I would recommend this item to a friend. Comments:Sound great - a big upgrade over standard iPod phones.Pros:Nice bassClear Sound |
 |
|---|
| By Arthur on April 25, 2009 |
Comments:Lack bass and fall out of ears |
|
|---|
| By Randy on April 22, 2009 |
Comments:This is a two part review, one for Earphone Solutions and one for the noted product Westone UM2 earphones.First, the phones are the best I have ever owned. I have used Ety's and Ultimate Ears. While I feel UE does do bass with a bit more low-end, the clarity of the UM2's is beyond compare. I can hear portions of the audio track that I have simply never heard before. They are superior to anything else I have owned. The build quality and fit is superb as well. They fit in the ear, do not protrude and loop easily around the ear for a secure fit. I use them almost exclusively while exercising; biking, running and lifting and they are incredibly comfortable and secure. As for Earphone Solutions, I have bought many products from them and their service is second to none. I received my phones in two days without paying extra for shipping. They are responsive and a truly professional company. |
|
|---|
| By Dale S. on March 21, 2009 |
Comments:These are so easy to use, comfortable and they just sound great. I hear notes I've never heard before. Super clean sounding. These replaced a cheap pair and there is no comparison. These are not cheap but worth it. and sometimes a little too much band noise I never heard before |
|
|---|
| By Larry on March 13, 2009 |
Comments:I had the opportunity to listen to the UM1 and the UM2 before purchasing. Prior to that, I had sold myself on the UM1 more for price than anything else. I listened to U2, Norah Jones, Seal, Shawn Colvin, and Joe Bonamassa on the UM1's first and thought they sounded great. I didn't think I'd be able to note an almost $200 difference between the UM1 and UM2, but I listened anyway. On the first bass note, the difference in audio quality between the two was immediately noticeable. The sound is incredible as is the fit, sound isolation, and comfort. Thus, although the UM1's are a great choice, the UM2's are certainly worth the extra cost. |
|
|---|
| By MKR on March 10, 2009 |
Comments:Holy Toledo! I switched over to these from the Shure E2C and I gotta tell you, while I loved the Shure's, the Westone's blew my sox away. The depth in the bass was what was most amazing for me. I mostly use these for the gym and same as the E2C's and the difference was remarkable. The fit in my ear is almost perfect. I had to switch the flanges to the medium to get the best fit for my ear. The sound quality is phenomenal, the highs and mids are pretty good, but the bass is awesome, especially for buds in this price range and capabilities. Highly, highly recommended!!!! |
|
|---|
| By Zenon Ridruejo on February 1, 2009 |
Comments:the best earphones I´ve ever proved. thanks |
|
|---|
| By Liam Ironside on January 26, 2009 |
Comments:Bought these to replace my Vibes, well worth the money, sound great, comfortable enough to sleep in. |
|
|---|
| By Joop on January 24, 2009 |
Comments:As inear monitor for onstage-use they work absolutely great for me. Astonishing that I could buy them cheaper here at earphonesolutions.com than in my homecountry Holland!Great!! |
|
|---|
| By Lee Doty on January 23, 2009 |
Comments:I've owned Etymotic ER6i, Shure E4c and Shure SE310 headphones.The UM2's have the best bass BY FAR and mids/highs that are on the same general level as the other three headphones. They are comfortable in the ear, though a bit harder to seat than the shure headphones. On the whole, the UM2s are well worth the extra $50 over the SE310s. They are the best sounding headphones I've ever owned. |
|
|---|
| By Chad Carpenter on December 30, 2008 |
Comments:These are the best in ear earphones I have ever had! |
|
|---|
| By Fred Roelandts on November 29, 2008 |
Comments:this is my first pairs of in-ears, I must say I'm really impressed by the sound quality, deep bass, clear sound.They are also very comfortable, after 5minutes, I forget about them, you just have music directly plugged in your head :) |
 |
|---|
| By Mark on October 22, 2008 |
Comments:I have owned the clear version of the UM2 for a couple years now and thought they have been good, not great.I do like the design in that they don't stick out of my ear and I can lie my head down (e.g., sleeping on a plane) with no interference. Audio quality is about an 8.5/10. They are not the most durable and i've damaged my a couple times by going for runs in the rain with them (The Shures perform much better for this). Overall, they are a nice sounding set but feel that the Shure and Entymonics have better sound quality. |
|
|---|
| By Michael Johnston on October 21, 2008 |
Comments:When I bought my shure e3cs, I thought it was the best money I'd ever spent on a gadget.When their cords wore out and I had to replace them, I decided to try the UM2s -- and the UM2s are even much better. Comfortable, good sound isolation (too good, I need to get some sort of talk switch) and excellent sound. If all my electronics were stolen and my budget to replace them was only $300/year I would still buy these first. No other gadget brings me as much pleasure. |
|
|---|
| By Fred Wade on October 4, 2008 |
Comments:I use my earphones EVERY night to listen to new age music to relax and go to sleep so comfort while laying on a pillow was paramount. And these are perfect.They block out ambient noise, are incredibly comfortable and have great sound. I am not an audiophile and cannot debate whether these have a high end that surpasses the Shure XXX or whether the bass is muddy or not, they just sound better than any earphones I have ever owned before. |
|
|---|
| By Raul on September 18, 2008 |
Comments:You get what you pay for. Never thought I would spend $300.00 for earphones. I've had decent $150.00 earphones before, but these are la creme.I'm now hearing sounds and tones from my my IPOD I had previously not heard. |
|
|---|
| By Giovanna on August 19, 2008 |
Comments:I should start by saying my overall personal preference in speakers and headphones are electrostatics. But these are really for home use. I’m sure Stax’s portable unit (the SR-001MK2) likely will not provide sufficient sound isolation for mobile use. Plus it’s battery-driven which can present problems.High-end ear-canal phones can sound very different when amplified at home using your system amp or a headphone amp, and when NOT amplified—walking around outdoors or on the subway (a New York City problem) which is the way most of us use an iPod or similar device. Most of my listening is classical, opera, and film soundtracks; also 50s-60s-70s rock, and some popular singers (i.e., Sinatra, Torme, etc.) and… “doo-wop.” (It’s an “age” thing!) As a record collector for far too long, I have recordings that span the decades from early acoustic transfers (operatic vocals), then early electrics, on up through the Golden Age of recorded classical music (late 40s through the 70s), and on to the digital era. When transferring music to my iPod, I do not use compression, but use Apple’s AIFF (i.e., WAV) format. With recordings, of course, whatever you PUT THROUGH your speakers/headphones and other electronics is what will COME OUT. You’re listening first to recordings, then to any artifacts your electronics might add (hopefully few), and then to the music itself. The idea, of course, is for the reproduction to be as transparent as possible…said the “fool on the hill.” Unlike speakers, unfortunately you can’t simply go into a store and audition ear-canal headphones. You have to depend on a lot of reading and research in the quest for the Holy Grail. So this praise for the Westone UM2s is from someone who owns, or has owned, the following: Etymotic 6i, sold to buy the Etymotic 4P (still have them; very good in their day) Shure E3C (still have them too) Shure E4C, sold to buy UE (“Now a Logitech Company!”) Super.fi 5, sold to buy the UE Triple.fi’s And finally, I also own the Shure SE420s. The Westone UM2s trump everything, in my opinion, for unamplified use on an iPod. They’re the most musical and provide superb sound isolation. They’re also the most comfortable for prolonged periods. Almost forget I’m wearing them! Bass is present, but it’s tight and unintrusive. The UM2s’ highs are as clear and detailed as the Triple.fi’s are when using the UEs in my home system. Most importantly to me, the UM2s’ mid-range is focused, clear and warm. When Westone issue their triple armature system, I’ll be first in line. Amplified, they’re simply marvelous too requiring far less power, incidentally, than do either the Triple.fi’s or the SE420s. As a two-way speaker system, and at nearly $200 less than the Shure SE530s, the UM2s are a remarkable find indeed. UE Triple.fi: I’d gotten a great open-box price on these from a reputable dealer. I like their sound enormously, particularly when amplified at home. Unfortunately, they don’t fit me well. My ear canals are just too small to accommodate the fat UE nozzles. Consequently, I don’t get a good seal and there isn’t enough sound isolation for portable use. Another customer wrote in a review on this site that if you carefully remove the plastic center piece from Westone’s ComplyTips you can get those sleeves to fit the UEs. That’s true, and they make a better seal for me than do UE’s sleeves, but still not tight enough because of the fatter nozzle. Consequently, I only use the Triple.fi’s at home. However, they do sound terrific in my system. Ah, but so do the UM2s as mentioned above! Westone will make a molded sleeve for the size nozzle UE and other manufacturers use. An audiologist must take ear molds to send to Westone. Don’t know how much this all is ultimately so it might be more cost effective simply to have Westone make you a pair of their custom fit phones: the ES2 or ES1s if you can afford them. Westone will also make molded ear sleeves for the UM2s and UM1s. (Those sleeves would likely fit the Shure SE series since the ComplyTips do! Have to try these with the Ety 4Ps, just to see how the sound is affected.) Shure SE420: They’re very good. They’ve a tight, but not intrusive bass, excellent midrange, and perhaps slightly over-bright highs. Sound better with the iPod than when amplified, in my opinion. I find the flex sleeves very comfortable. Before I ever bought either the Triple.fi’s or the SE420s, I was able to audition a friend’s E500s—precursor to the SE530—for an extended period. The idea that these are “identical” really isn’t true, by the way. Shure apparently did some extensive redesign for the 530s. However, after spending quite some time with the 500s, I was going to buy them principally because of the truly remarkable soundstaging! However, after prolonged listening both at home and while mobile, I found the midrange (the most important area of recorded sound, in my opinion) somewhat enveloped by the bass. Each time I’d listen I’d find myself feeling the mids just weren’t prominent enough. It was as if they “receded” and I’d always be conscious of too much bass. Bass is a tricky thing to balance, particularly for classical music reproduction. Then there was the price! So when the Triple.fi’s became available at a great price, I obviously went there. Because of the fit issues with these, I then decided to try Shure’s SE420s instead of the 530s because…they were cheaper…by a lot, and I always liked the Shure sound signature. I want a balanced sound that perhaps offers the SE530s’ outstanding soundstaging but with tighter, less-intrusive bass, plus most importantly a clearer, fuller, more prominent midrange, and the “airy” extension on the highs that probably only electrostatic sound can provide. Well…and if I could afford them, I’d own the Stax SRS-007 Mark IIs, along with a pair of MartinLogan Spires too! (I live in an apartment)…sigh. Meantime…I love my Westone UM2s and eagerly await the UM3! |
|
|---|
| By Kjetil on August 1, 2008 |
Comments:Not only the best earphones I ever had; they sound way better than my stereo as well. |
|
|---|
| By boston black sheep on July 3, 2008 |
Comments:I've owned UM2s for two years. There's nothing to match them. Example: You can hear an orchestral conductor inhaling before the downbeat. That's the kind of detail they deliver. If it's in the recorded signal, you'll hear it, plain and simple, "no additives". |
|
|---|
| By Art A on June 12, 2008 |
Comments:Westone UM2: Beautiful Sound, Comfortable Fit.These are a very serious "sweet spot" in today's market for earphones. In terms of sound, they have an uncanny naturalness to them. They remind me of classic British speakers like Spendor or Harbeth in that respect. They are probably the most comfortable earphones out there - especially when you get the Shure "Black Foamie" ear inserts to replace the stock yellow ones from Westone (which are not bad, but many UM2 fans prefer the "Black Foamies" from Shure, which fit UM2's perfectly.) I am very much an audiophile and I've tried earphones by Shure (entire line, from 210 to 530) and Ultimate Ears, etc. I admire most earphones starting at around $150, but overall I prefer the Westone UM2. (BTW the $100 Westone UM1's are a nice "sweet spot" as well and great value per dollar.) By the way, UM2's are fairly bass heavy, especially while they are breaking in (first 100 hours or so). The treble detail is very refined and natural - not overpowering like some other earphones. To me these are an obvious first choice. Caveat: There are some earphones in the $1000 range, with custom fit, that I have never tried. I'm perfectly happy with UM2. Oh yeah, the cord is thin and flexible with a slider to adjust tension. Best to wear these with the cord draping over the top of your ear, and down your back. It is comfortable, it seems to be how they were designed to be worn, and it looks cool (can't see the cord from the front). Wonderful with iPods! No external amp necessary. |
|
|---|
| By Wade on May 27, 2008 |
Comments:I'm in the military...and I travel to some dirty, nasty places. I've used them for over a year and not only do they sound amazing...they're durable too. |
|
|---|
| By Phil on April 15, 2008 |
Comments:There's just no way of getting around this new revolution of "ear canal" earphones. You can read a million reviews to convince yourself they are right for you but until you take the plunge and by a pair you'll never know. I got mine about two weeks ago and it took about a week to break them in. They are are just very musical and COMFORTABLE. I only stress the comfortable because you can literally almost forget your wearing them with the foam tips.They also have the best cable design out of any pair out on the market. They don't get crinkled up like other earphones do cause they have a braided design. I haven't even gotten into how great they sound yet. For all of you who are considering buying this as your first pair of "ear canal" earphones your in for a real treat. These earphones are unbelievable because they block so much outside noise and just simply let you get lost in the music. I mean these bad boys might be a little on the pricey side but take the plunge at least to see what their like and let the people at earphonesolutions help you every chance you get because these people are the only people on the web I've dealt with that are truly dedicated to Customer Service in all as aspects of the game so much so because they want you to feel comfortable about your purchase despite the price range which is truly unique. Lastley, these little things pack superior techinology from and indusrty leader iin music technology (Westone). If you don't believe it go to their website and see who else is following this new ear canal earphone and buy their products also their products are backed by a rock solid warranty so there's just no reason you shouldn't give them a shout they make life more enjoyable for me and I'm sure they will for you too. |
 |
|---|
| By Big Dave on April 8, 2008 |
Comments:This rating is coming from a person who has owned many of todays top IEMS...Shure se530, se420, se310, UE Triple.Fi, UE Super.Fi 5, Denon CK700, Etymotic ER-4P, and Livewires.The Westone UM2 are very good at what they do, especially if you appreciate a quality low frequency reproduction (aka Bass). UM2's provide a very deep, yet clear and detailed presentation. Comfort wise, they are the best I have tried. With the Comphy Tips and light weight of the monitors, it does not even feel like you are wearing them. Additonally, they are designed to sit within your ear canal, which makes it perfect for sleeping with them in. The Comphy Tips provide wonderful isolation from the outside world. If you want more of a neutral sound throughout the frequency spectrum, you may be better off with the Shure se310, Etymotic ER-4P or the UE Triple.Fi's. All three of these were excellent. Regardless of which IEM you choose, buy them from Earphone Solutions. This company has provided good prices, excellent customer service and accurate reviews (descriptions) of the products they sell. I can attest to their accurate product reviews, because I have owned many of these IEMS myself...and Earphone Solutions is right on target |
|
|---|
| By Matt on February 6, 2008 |
Comments:I own the UM2 and Shure SE530 headphones and both have their own pros and cons.The UM2 headphones sound great! Mids and highs are very good for this price range. Everything sounds just the way it should. Bass is very good too, however not as tight and refined as the SE530 headphones. To my ear, the UM2 headphones sound a bit boomy where the SE530 headphones sound more controlled and pleasant. Comfort and fit for both are the best you can get. Though, I must give the advantage to the UM2s. Honestly, I can’t even feel that they’re in my ears when I’m wearing them. That’s not to say the SE530 headphones aren’t great because they are. It’s just that the UM2s are lighter and more flexible than the SE530 headphones. For $300 you can’t go wrong. However, if you have the extra cash to spend buy the SE530 headphones. You won’t regret it. |
|
|---|
| By Frank on January 23, 2008 |
Comments:The words have all been said. If clear, crisp, deep sound is what you want, you'll find the 300 bucks. |
|
|---|
| By charlie m. on December 1, 2007 |
Comments:If you have ever listened to a tune 20 time on your old $100 phones, the UM2's are like hearing it anew for the first time, and it is crystalline. I can see why they are the editor's choice! Be prepared for the high freq.s..The UM2's do split the sound in two drives very well. The Mids seem to fall-in on there own. I also noticed that I get much better audio listening on my Rhapsody player (SanDisk E280R) than on my computer. Not sure why that is but it does.Anyway, I just had to find out what $300 dollar earphones where like ? Not cheap for sure, but I gottstta know! There crystalline, no flaws, extreme comfort, and that my friend is very important ! What's the point of high-end phones if there not comfortable to wear a lot, and long. I would like to make a suggestion on ear foams, try different sizes and shapes if your the least bit uncomfortable. These are super comfort earphones! The UM2s should hardly feel there at all, seriously. I ordered the black foams with the black phones, very cool... Hey, What's that black thing in your arrr. I would also recommend wearing them for a while before passing judgment. You get 30 days, but you won't need it. I noticed that these phones play loader than my others at the same volume ? So, if comfort and sound are paramount in your choice for high-end earphones, I know you won't be disappointed in the UM2's... Thanks for listening |
|
|---|
| By Shoel on October 22, 2007 |
Comments:These are the ones you want. Perfect comfort. Thick, rich, defined, fluid, crystal clear, powerful sound is waiting for you here. I felt like listening to everything I owned again once I got these. They sound perfect with an iPod -- don't worry about people saying there is a hiss -- that is nonsense. If you are the type of person who feels that the money that great musicians earn is well deserved because of all the joy they have added to your life, then you will think these are worth every penny. Thank you Westone -- I hope whoever designed these becomes a rich man (or woman)! |
|
|---|
| By Cindy on October 18, 2007 |
Comments:This is an amazing experience. I am a big music fan and as many others tried to find the ultimate earpphone with my iPod. I tried the UM2 from my husband and just had to have my own pair. These are without any doubt the best earphones I ever worn. Amazing sound and excelent fit. You can wear them for hours, they never fall out. I use them for running also. Only have to be carefull they don't get wet from the sweating, because then the sound falls out for a while. |
|
|---|
| By Phil on August 27, 2007 |
Comments:Had a pair of Shure scl2,mediocre sound,terrible fittrade them for the UM-1, excellent fit,sound much better but there was something missing,mids could get a little cloudy and there a lack of good bottom bass,decided to purchased the UM-2, there is no point of comparison with the others, bass is rich and tight, mids very neutral and highs refreshing and clear, there no worst sound than a cracky tweeter(remenber those piezo tweeters?) In my opinion they are expensive but you pay for the quality and performance, they require very little energy to move them. YOU GO WESTONE, terrific product, now if I could only take them off and go to work...I guess that's my complaint |
|
|---|
| By M.Jones on March 25, 2007 |
Comments:I'm back with my follow up opinion after listening to the Um2's for a couple of days now. The comfort is so awesome and yes better than any other that I've tried. Now on to the correction of previous thoughts I had. I just recently switched the tips to the standard ones and not the small ones. And I have to admit that I didn't think that this would make that big of a difference since I was already getting a perfect seal with the short ones but soon after I switched them it pushed me to another level. The highs were higher and the bass was a little richer and most of all the sound stage seemed more natural than before. I was thinking that the bigger ones would make things worst but in turns out that it made them better. So now in light of the new level of details I would now place them over the UE 5 pro's in sound ( comfort was already a given) now and thus completing the overtake of my #1 earphones. Welcome Westone Um2's to the top spot. |
|
|---|
| By M.Jones on March 21, 2007 |
Comments:Respect goes to Um2's. I'm a very big fan of music and even spin house and trance, but will have everything in my zune from Metal to Celtic. To this point I have the UE 5pro's and now the UM2. Right now I'm not sure I can rate them better than the UE 5 pro's as far as sound but for sure comfort yes. I love they way they fit in your ear. I've never had a better fitting in-ear earset. The sound like I said isn't better than the 5 pro's but close to being on par if anything. Now keep in mind I've only been listening to them for 3 hours so that may change, I don't know. But let Westone and UE tell you there is no burn in for their sets. So if this is the case the sound I'm hearing is the best it's going to get. And this is not to say the sound isn't superb because it is but just not as fun sounding as the UE's. But when the dust goes away I have nothing but respect for them and their company. Well done! |
|
|---|
| By Chris on March 14, 2007 |
Comments:Let me just begin by saying I am not a audiophile by any stretch of the imagination. The only earphones I have ever owned have been the ones that came with the ipod and a $30.00 pair of sonys. I did alot of research before buying, I searched forums and read many reviews, with so many opinions out there it made it hard to make a chioce. I decieded on the UM2's, and like the title all I can say is WOW!!!! These are the best earphones for sound and comfort that I have ever wore. Worth every penny I spent on them. |
|
|---|
| By Muzikmaker43 on February 1, 2007 |
Comments:The UM2 earphones are very good. Sometimes the hype is more than the product itself. In the beginning I wasn’t too sure but I was told to give it a day or two for adjustment purposes. I can truly say the UM2’s are great! The midrange and high fidelity are excellent. However, the low frequency or bass response are a little suspect. That’s only because I’m such a bass nut. I do like low rich bottoms. The problem is I expect the UM2, which is an inch or so in diameter to compete with a full range headphone. The bass response though is tight and full. I have to take a step back realize just how small the UM2 earphones are. I am very satisfied with them. One word of advice, if can convert your mp3 music bit rate from 128kbps standard CD quality to 160kbps or above, you’ll really hear the UM2’s worth. Finally, the cost ($299) of the UM2 has to come down. I’m trying to justify spending almost more for the UM2 then my Ipod ($350) 80gig. But I guess when you want to drive a BMW or Mercedes you can’t get behind the wheel of a Honda and expect the same performance. If you have to save up do so. It’s worth it. |
|
|---|
| By John Sheffer on December 13, 2006 |
Comments:I am an avid iPod fan and like most people am not entirely satisified with the earbuds that ship with the iPods. In my quest to find the best earphones, I have tried the Shure E2c, Etymotic 6i, Shure E3 and E4, the Ultimate Ears Super-fi 5Pro. Finally, I saw the Westone UM2 on this website long before any review was posted. Having spent so much already, I gave the Westone UM2’s a try. They are, without question, the best earphone on the market. Not only is the sound impeccably reproduced, but also the comfort of these earphones are beyond compare, also. I travel extensviely and the UM2’s are great for planes. I have worn mine for hours at a time and they never fall out or become uncomfortable. Also, they are the easiest to fit to your ear. I have heard things in them that surpass even the Bose Sound Isolating headphones. So, if you are in the market for the best earphones, you should definitely spend your money on the Westone UM2. Finally, you should not buy them from anyone other than EarphoneSolutions. The folks at EarphoneSolutions are extremely attentive to service. I won’t buy earphones or accessories anywhere but here. Not only will you find them professional, but also they are friendly as well. They want you to be satisified and after making multiple purchases from them, I can say without qualification that they are the best in the online merchant business. Yes, they are better than Amazon or any of the big, famous name online stores. So, in closing, you will make a good choice if you choose the Westone UM2 from Earphone Solutions. |
|
|---|
| By Ashley Gusko on December 13, 2006 |
Comments:UM2S WOW These are the best ear monitors ever the dual driver and built in cross over is wasy better then the e5 UM2s ROCK |
|
|---|
| By Brian Stone (lbrianstoneguitar@msn.com) on December 13, 2006 |
Comments:Okay, first of all I don’t think I’ve ever written a product praise bit ever, but this is different. I just received my UM1 phones yesterday - THEY’RE GREAT!!! I’ve used headphones in my studio for years and learned to deal with the "bleed" problems. I’ve used "earbuds" for live performances, but have always hated the poor quality of sound and the level required to hear the mix. This has changed my world! These phones truely are comfortable to wear right out of the box. I didn’t have any trouble with fit either (even though the instructions claim it may take up to 10 days to get it right). The sound produced is incredibly even tempered and seems perfect for my listening requirements. I can hear the pages being turned in the orchestra (no fooling - really!) and the breathing of John Williams playing Classical Guitar. Oh ya, You can hear the definition of the bass drum track in Rock tunes that rivals some studio monitors, too. Unheard of (pun intended) in most everthing I’ve listened with before and my ears know the difference. I only made one mistake in buying a Westone product - that’s that I didn’t buy the UM2’s. I’ll fix that error in the near future. As for Earphone Solution - they’re what on-line companies sould be all about. Five Stars to both product and company... |
|
|---|
| By Brandon on November 9, 2006 |
Comments:Great product, the foam sleeves are far superior to those that come with similar Shure earphones. These give me better isolation than even the custom molded silicone sleeves I had for my Shure E3. I'm also quite hopeful that the more flexible twisted cord will be more durable under my fairly rough use than the Shure cord was. Another big benefit that should be mentioned is that these lay flat inside your ear, making them comfortable inside of helmets, or when laying down. |
|
|---|
| By Kachadurian on November 7, 2006 |
Comments:Unbelievable sound. No one mentions this but my ears are hard to fit with any sleeves. I went to a local audiologist who made custom sleeve for my ears. He set the molds and they sleeves were made by westone. The sound isolation is nearly 100% and the fits is like having the music in your head without knowing you are wearing anthing.The custom sleeves were about $100 and it's like having the custom molded westone buds for about 1/3 of the price. |
|
|---|
| By Raymond on November 5, 2006 |
Comments:For the clarity of the high to mid-range frequency is better than E5C. The appearance look nice and the cable is flexible, however the cable is not replacable. |
Dual driver earphones. Best sound, very "musical", PERFECTLY BALANCED OUTPUT, detailed and comfortable. The UM2 has better designed cables, providing better fit and better comfort than the 5PRO. Customer service from Westone is outstanding. Extremely fast and responsive. Also, the Westone UM1 and UM2 are the ONLY earphones Made in USA.
Best for those looking for a balanced, warm output and extreme comfort. If you don't like your music to be enhanced on any ranges and prefer to do that yourself via EQ or simply not mess with it, the UM2 has the best balanced sound. Out of an iPod Shuffle (no EQ available on this model) these have the best all around sound.
© Copyright 2009 • earphonesolutions.com • All Rights Reserved