Unboxing: Westone ES5 Custom In-Ear Monitors

[muzikjunkie713]

how is the bass response with only 1 bass driver? I know most companies start with 2 lows then maybe 2 highs or mids

[OwnDiZzL3]

@muzikjunkie713 The bass is adequate, detailed and controlled.

[jbug2k11]

question? are you able to use IEMs the same way you do for an ipod? was trying to find out if the fit normal earphone jacks.

[OwnDiZzL3]

@jbug2k11 It will work.

[jbug2k11]

@OwnDiZzL3 precitate alot

[Cr4Lx]

Great video, I bought my Westone 4's at the beginning of 2011 when they first came out. The next step will def be customs. I just dont know if I should get Westone's or JH's. JH's is no that widely available here in The Netherlands while Ultimate Ears and Westone's are. These videos help alot!! Just a tip (no eartips lol) please outzoom it a little bit to keep it organised for the viewer, thanks!!

[lokimojo80]

I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of my ES5s. I ordered them last week so hopefully it should only be another couple of weeks. This video is both a curse and a blessing, because it was interesting to see what comes in the package, but now I want them even more! :D

[OwnDiZzL3]

@gok888 Lol.

[lokimojo80]

Nice custom job mate! I've just ordered my ES5 IEMs today :)

[OwnDiZzL3]

@lokimojo80 Nice!

[craneywatch]

I really want to have those pieces! They are incredibly beautiful! Great video!

[OwnDiZzL3]

@craneywatch Thanks!

[craneywatch]

I really want to have those pieces!

[VaiographyCA]

The tips are entirely plastic? How bout ur JH's? Are the tips entirely plastic too?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@VaiographyCA " Acrylic " not plastic. It's ALOT stronger than plastic. The JH's are entirely acrylic too.

[VaiographyCA]

@OwnDiZzL3 Do they like hurt in ur ear after long hours? like 4hrs?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@VaiographyCA I can wear them to sleep for 8+ hours and feel NO discomfort at all.

[VaiographyCA]

@OwnDiZzL3 Right, lastly, how bout noise isolation? Are they better than the UM3X?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@VaiographyCA Custom IEM's have better noise isolation then Universal IEM's. Except the Etymotic earphones which go very deep in your ear.

[VaiographyCA]

@OwnDiZzL3 Ok, so JH13's have better noise isolation than the comply foam tips?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@VaiographyCA Yes. and so does any other custom IEM.

[MrNacho3o3]

Im jealous haha i just got a pair of westone 1's and they sound amazing, im just imagining how these sound.

[OwnDiZzL3]

@MrNacho3o3 I tried my best to explain how awesome these sound in my Westone ES5 review. Check it out in my channel!

[MrNacho3o3]

@OwnDiZzL3 Alright will do.

[iburdeinick]

AWESOME! I got in Nov '09 the UM3X and just yesterday went to take the impresions for the UM56 jaja got a lot to catch on. Still Happy with the sound and can go with them until a newer version comes out lowering the price. NJOY

[sajohnson09]

I had always wondered about the westone custom ones, now I know I probably will try to splurge on a pair. I've just got one question, have you ever listened to a pair of the Ultimate Ears equivalent to the Jh-13 pro and the ES5? I'd like to know how they stack up as well.

[OwnDiZzL3]

@sajohnson09 No, I've never heard any of UE's top offerings.

[sajohnson09]

@OwnDiZzL3 I had another about the ear molds, do you get those back with the monitors or do you gotta get new ones made every time?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@sajohnson09 You do not get your ear molds back but they do keep your ear impressions on file for future orders..

[sajohnson09]

@OwnDiZzL3 Thanks a lot man, before I saw your videos I wasn't even aware you could get these unless you were a live performer.

[HARDCOREUITHETZUIDEN]

Awesome speakers M8 !!!

Wich MP3 player you use them with ?

Please dont tell me its an ipod .....

Because i saw it standing by the labels .

5***** stars for the vid .

[OwnDiZzL3]

@HARDCOREUITHETZUIDEN Thanks, I use the HiFiMAN HM-801.

[MrAaron404]

mountian climming 5:35 random

[OwnDiZzL3]

@MrAaron404 Are you calling me a random? lmao.

[icedood3000]

tbh people just want to hear music not fuss bout with custom shit lube

[OwnDiZzL3]

@Darkzey Because it monitors the music.

[getsuga987]

these or a jh16 pro anyone?

[Zillamp3z]

oooh, lubricant

[groshong1]

how much dough r they (sry u probly say it in the vid tworad the end but im impatient lol

[OwnDiZzL3]

@groshong1 $950.

[getsuga987]

@OwnDiZzL3 In your opinion which is better to u The westone es5 the jh13 or the jh16

[OwnDiZzL3]

@getsuga987 The ES5.

[Likui]

hmm it's cheaper than the JH 13 right?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@Likui Yes.

[jeremyInspired]

Another question, given u had the jh 13 again. Would u rather take the jh 13 or the es 5? In terms of sound and build quality

[OwnDiZzL3]

@jeremyInspired I'd take the ES5 in a heartbeat.

[lepage13]

HOW TO FUCK DO THEY GET A SUBWOOFER INTO THOSE LITTLE THINGS?!?!?!?!

[OwnDiZzL3]

@lepage13 It's amazing isn't it? Don't forget it also has 2 tweeters and 2 midrange speakers inside each earpiece as well. The speakers are very small and are called " balanced armature speakers ". They are low mass, high output speakers. Which means they are small but can deliver a high output of sound with little energy required.

[TheVclb]

how do you get money to buy this monitors?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@TheVclb A Job. It can give you the money to buy anything!!!

[as550610]

How much do these cost?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@as550610 $950

[mikecheesehead5]

whats your xbox live gamer tag??? lol

[OwnDiZzL3]

@mikecheesehead5 Nitroxiiide or Ma7rics.

[OwnDiZzL3]

@RuNeSCaPeR133 No, I'm not a musician. I'm training to be a sound engineer or music producer.

[craneywatch]

@OwnDiZzL3 Hello Daniel. So you are training to be a sound engineer or music producer. Now, I figured out why you need those custom made in-ear monitors! Those things could serve as a indispensable tool for your daily work. Oh man, I need to have guts to buy those pieces.

[jeremyInspired]

heym comparing the es5 to jh 13, which bass packs a bass , which runs freely and not tight..

[OwnDiZzL3]

@jeremyInspired Please check my channel and watch my JH13 vs. ES5 review.

[jeremyInspired]

@OwnDiZzL3

already did, is the es5 similar to um3x? only thing is es5 will not be as dark as um3 ?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@jeremyInspired In terms of sound signature, the ES5 is more balanced with less midrange emphasis than the UM3X. The ES5 has more a more extended and present treble, and the ES5's has a more extended bass than the UM3X. With sound signature out of the way, the ES5 in terms of technicalites is far better than the UM3X. Still, the UM3X is a wonderful IEM.

[dakman4536]

5:50

" :o Oh wow! A microfiber cloth, awesome! :D I've needed one of these! ;)"

HAHAHAHAHAH LMAO xDDD

[OwnDiZzL3]

@dakman4536 Lmao.

[RuNeSCaPeR133]

@OwnDiZzL3 Are you a musician?

[Nysonovan]

What ambient music is playing in the background? I love it. :D

[OwnDiZzL3]

@Nysonovan Emotion 98.6 by ATB and Authentic Reaction by ATB. I love ATB, he's my favorite DJ.

[69withyou69]

what u use for ur music? Ipod?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@69withyou69 Nope, I use the HiFiMAN HM-801.

[Niyologist]

@OwnDiZzL3 Excellent. Pushing the boundaries of sound for the music you listen to. ;)

[HHSTwisTy]

Why do they go into your ear?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@HHSTwisTy To provide the best noise isolation you can find. Also, it optimizes the sound quality of the miniature speakers inside. Surprisingly, even though they look like they might be uncomfortable, I find them more comfortable than any other earphone or headphone with soft cushions. The reason why the headphones with soft cushions aren't as comfortable is because they are heavy and you always know they are there unlike with custom earphones that literally dissappear.

[wasssabio]

@OwnDiZzL3 also moving the speakers closer to your ear makes it so they save energy and also increases bass

[OwnDiZzL3]

@wasssabio Yep.

[HHSTwisTy]

Thumbs up if you didnt know what he was saying.(Cuz of smarticles languages)

[TheVclb]

what are the cheapest in ear monitors you know of?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@TheVclb Westone AC2, JH5 Pro and UE4 Pro all are $400.

[hc167]

oh, look very nice. how much are they? and do you know the price of ES3X. I have the UM3X and nice the sound is already so good. I am thinking of getting the UM56 tips.

[OwnDiZzL3]

@hc167 The Westone ES5's ( What I have ) is $950. The Westone ES3X is $800. The Westone UM56 will be a great addition to the already great sounding Westone UM3X. You'll love that combo!

[hc167]

@OwnDiZzL3 by the way, have you ever tried 1964? I mean 1964ears.com. I am thinking about it since it is little cheaper and I have never purchase a custom made earphone.

[OwnDiZzL3]

@hc167 Nope, I've never heard anything from 1964ears. Interesting name by the way. =)

[jeremyInspired]

how does the bass of these compared to the UE triple.fi 10 ? thanks mate!

[OwnDiZzL3]

@jeremyInspired The bass is more detailed, textured, deeper and tighter,

[Bengals50]

how do i sign up for custom headphones these headphones look nice

[OwnDiZzL3]

@Bengals50 First what's your budget?

[classicalacupuncture]

Hello. I have a question about the es5. I've been a fan of dynamic driver in-ear monitors (iems) over the balanced armature (ba) based ones I'd heard because I noticed that the bass with a ba iem sound quite detailed, over about an hour of listening, it starts to fade into the background versus the mid and treble. I think this is due to lack of air movement with an armature versus a dynamic.

Are the ES5s like this, too? It has a pretty big bass driver, so I thought I'd ask, thanks!

[OwnDiZzL3]

@classicalacupuncture The ES5's bass response is accurate and natural. It will not appeal to the bass head but it will appeal to those who want to hear the music in it's purest form.

[classicalacupuncture]

@OwnDiZzL3

Thanks! So, it's not bass-lite, but bass-accurate? Good.

A follow-up, if it's okay:

Does the bass start to fade into the background after an hour of listening? Or, it is still prominent when it needs to be for the music?

Let me know, please!

[OwnDiZzL3]

@classicalacupuncture I think what you're stating as the bass fading to the background is listening fatigue. Your ears are probably tired due to the high volume or the unnatural tonality of the sound signature from the earphone you're using. I average about 4 hour listening sessions with my Westone ES5's every day and the bass remains present and accurate in the music.

[TheHeatfan33]

That is so ballin' man. Good vid.

[OwnDiZzL3]

@TheHeatfan33 Thanks.

[ERAERANEWYORKCAP]

hey dude, in ur opnion, would the JH 13 be a better buy or the westone es5 ? im using the triple.fi 10 now.. and like the westone um3 sound as well. so am very curious to know how would the JH 13 battle agains westone ES5. thanks!

[OwnDiZzL3]

@ERAERANEWYORKCAP In my opinion, the Westone ES5 is a much better buy. Westone is unmatched when it comes to build quality and packaging. Plus, I prefer the sound of the ES5's to the JH13 Pro.

[TheVclb]

Are u going to review the Beats Pro?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@TheVclb If it was loaned to me. Other than that, I'm not wasting any money buying anything from Monster.

[ianmedium]

Will let you know what I think of the stepdance when I get mine, very excited to get it and I have heard it is great with the Westones!

[OwnDiZzL3]

@ianmedium Ok, looking forward to it.

[bigOdawg23]

Have had any experience with the new pico slim?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@bigOdawg23 Nope. Sorry.

[bigOdawg23]

You mention in the video that westone is the best cable out there. Did you replace your westone cable with your lune series or did you stick with westone?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@bigOdawg23 I sold off my Lune series cables.

[ianmedium]

Wow, your not getting the JH3a, I know you were very passionate about getting those, what changed your mind? Are these that good?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@ianmedium Yep, they're that good.

[Razrblazes]

Which amp do u use to feed ES5 nowadays?

I'm considering to get between Protector ,TTVJ & Meier Stepdance.

Hve any idea?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@Razrblazes I simple use the amp module inside my HM-801. The Meier Stepdance is a better option since you'll spend less money.

[Razrblazes]

@OwnDiZzL3 Meier Stepdance & Protector. Which one is better in term of sound quality?

[bigOdawg23]

I will have to find where I can sample the westone. How much did you get for your jh13? If I'm sold on westone when I try it maybe I will need go sell my 16. It definitely looks like westone has the better package.

[OwnDiZzL3]

@bigOdawg23 I got $600 for my JH13 Pro.

[bigOdawg23]

Did you sell your JH13 or did you keep them?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@bigOdawg23 I sold my JH13 Pro. With the ES5, there is more detail in the music I'm hearing and the music just sounds so....untouched.

[bigOdawg23]

Can you give me a brief comparison between your westones and the jh16? Your video makes me wish I would've waited to test out the westones since I tried both UE and JH before I made my decision.

[OwnDiZzL3]

@bigOdawg23 Actually, I own the JH13 Pro. The differences between the JH13 Pro and JH16 Pro is that the latter has a 4db increase in bass response at the 50hz region. ES5 vs. JH13 Pro. The ES5 has more clarity, naturalness and satisfaction. I just might make a Westone ES5 vs. JH13 video comparison.

[bigOdawg23]

What do you think about the new cable that UE made with protected prongs? Is the sound quality significantly improved with lune series cables or should I stick with stock?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@bigOdawg23 The new UE cable looks nice but honestly the cables that these you already get with your custom IEM is sufficient enough in getting the sound quality you need to satisfy you. Cables offer that last 5% in sound.

[bigOdawg23]

I really like the westone case and everything it comes with. I wonder if I can get my jh16s remolded by westone?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@bigOdawg23 No, Westone does not remold earpieces.

[bigOdawg23]

Since you've had experience with both, can you do a comparison video between your westones and the jH16s? What are the major differences beside the silicone tip? Between the 2 which would you recommend?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@bigOdawg23 My JH13 Pro and Westone ES5 are both full acrylic shells. But, I find my Westone ES5 FAR more comfortable. Mostly due to Westone's superior mold scanner to get the best fit. My ES5's literally disappear in my ears after about 5 minutes of having them in terms of comfort.

[bigOdawg23]

I'm getting my JH16s soon, do you recommend the westone case for them or the pelican case?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@bigOdawg23 JH Audio supplies a case with your JH16's. You can use that. But, Westone's case and packaging is better.

[bigOdawg23]

Have you had any experience with ray samuels headphone amps? What is your amp of choice? I've noticed you had an ALO in one of the videos.

[OwnDiZzL3]

@bigOdawg23 I've had experience with the RSA Protector and the ALO Rx. I preferred the Protector.

[bigOdawg23]

You mention in the video that westone is the best cable out there. Did you replace your westone cable with your lune series or did you stick with westone?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@bigOdawg23 Westone's cable is the best amongst the stock cables supplied with all IEM's. Yes, I'm sticking with the stock cable.

[samuraiXMan]

Thanks, looking forward to your review!

[samuraiXMan]

@OwnDiZzzL3 Those look really beautiful! As a former se530 user, are these a better next step or are the jh-13's? I love the sound of my shure's. cheers!

[OwnDiZzL3]

@samuraiXMan Well, coming from SE530's the Westone ES5's would be a better choice.

[ianmedium]

They look great mate! Miss you on the forum, are you still getting the JH3A?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@ianmedium No, I'm not getting the JH3A.

[jamjamhobo]

do these sound better than the jhr 13 pros, im debating which ones to get, only thing stopping me is the price.

also, awesome design!

[OwnDiZzL3]

@jamjamhobo To my ears, yes they sound better than the JH13 Pro's.

[pablikocmjazz]

I'm still looking for some pictures on google for my E5s. Yours look amazing! Good choice of that evil star!

[OwnDiZzL3]

@pablikocmjazz Thanks man.

[pablikocmjazz]

I went to the audiologist today and got my impressions done. I'm still working on the art work design and have everything sent to Westone. How did you come up with your art design?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@pablikocmjazz I was looking through Google's search engine for " star " designs and found that exact design and immediately I wanted that for my artwork. It looked so awesome. Westone did a spectacular job placing it on my ES5's.

[pablikocmjazz]

@OwnDiZzL3 Did you design your art work? or you just sent that picture of that star and explained them how you wanted it???

[OwnDiZzL3]

@pablikocmjazz I just sent them the picture.

[Razrblazes]

Yo, Thx 4 ur info last time. Btw, They just received my ear molds today .

How long does it take to customize ur ear monitor ?

This IEM was Hella Fuckin Yeah :))

[OwnDiZzL3]

@Razrblazes It takes 5-7 business days. Or you can pay them an extra $75 for 1-2 day business days.

[Razrblazes]

@OwnDiZzL3 Do u hve experience with AlgoRhythm Solo?

Did u try it on Canjam before? If u did, How was it?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@Razrblazes Sorry, I have no experience with that device.

[fkthsh]

You said you used to own the JH13 Pro? What happened to them?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@fkthsh They were sold.

[fkthsh]

@OwnDiZzL3 Must've been for a great cause because you loved those things, seems like everyone on Head-Fi is loving the ES5's and JH3-A over the other customs.

[fkthsh]

The color and artwork look prestine. How much do these cost? I think people can make their own monitor saver for their earphones, I'm guessing that you can take a soft material such as a pantyhose, cut it, take the silica gels out of the packets which come free inside shoe boxes and electronics, drop the pebbles inside the cut hose and tie it. I would guess it should work the same.If they get wet or to prevent moisture from getting inside your earphones just put them inside a box with the gels.

[OwnDiZzL3]

@fkthsh The base price for the monitor $950. With artwork and tax it came up to $1,025. Due to slight complications in the lab, Westone allowed me to have priority next day air shipment ( $30 ) for free. I believe you're right. You can make your own monitor saver by the process you describe.

[fkthsh]

I need the T-shirt!

[groovyarf]

What is the song playing in the background?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@groovyarf The first song is Emotion 98.6 by ATB and the second song is Authentic Reaction by ATB.

[groovyarf]

@OwnDiZzL3

Thank you

[pablikocmjazz]

hey bro, do you like the the ES5's better than the JH13? How's the bass response on the ES5's?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@pablikocmjazz Yes, I prefer the ES5's to the JH13 Pro's. The ES5's bass is very neutral and just right in quantity. If I could sum up one word for the ES5, it'll have to be CLARITY.

[pablikocmjazz]

wow.. thanks dude for the response. I'm actually getting my ear impressions tomorrow friday at around 1:30pm and I was really unsure of how the bass would sound on those ES5's. Yours look amazing!!

[OwnDiZzL3]

@pablikocmjazz You will love them. And thanks, I really love how my ES5's look too.

[pablikocmjazz]

@OwnDiZzL3 I was actually deciding whether to get the ES5's or the JH13 based on a review but the bass response on the ES5's were low compared to the JH13 pro. So I called Westone today and talked to someone and asked about the bass response on the ES5's and he told me that the # of drivers of bass doesn't necessarily make it sound better. What do you think ??

[OwnDiZzL3]

@pablikocmjazz He's right. The number of subwoofers doesn't make it sound better. It just gives you more headroom for LIVE events and quantity. With the ES5 the single subwoofer is HUGE. Bigger than the dual subwoofers found in the JH13 Pro or any other dual subwoofer equipped earphone. That big single subwoofer allows there to be better extension and bass control. The bass is tighter and more defined though the ES5 over the JH13 Pro.

[OwnDiZzL3]

@pablikocmjazz The art is $50.

[pablikocmjazz]

@OwnDiZzL3 Thanks man. Enjoy yours!!

[OwnDiZzL3]

@pablikocmjazz Thanks.

[zilverfxs]

dude how much it cost? and what about the sound impressions?

[OwnDiZzL3]

@zilverfxs The price is $950. The sound is absolutely marvelous. By far the most detailed presentation I've yet to hear in my life. I'm talking about hearing details in the music I wouldn't expect to be in the music. Every sound is rendered so realistically you immediately see a music video in your mind the second you hit play.

[bigdima3]

You shoud of recorded the procedure of when they were taking the impression of your ears.

[OwnDiZzL3]

@bigdima3 I didn't bring my camcorder with me then. Would of been cool.

[SnSNNS1]

Those look awesome, can't wait to see a review from you.

[OwnDiZzL3]

@SnSNNS1 Thanks!

[cockyt4523]

they look awesome , enjoy them :)

[OwnDiZzL3]

@cockyt4523 Thanks!