Ergonomics & Appearance
As my first time using CIEMs, the experience has been a revelation.
The Model2s are huge, because I have huge ears. They’re made of resin, completely solid with no air gaps or vents. Which means isolation levels are off the charts – even the most isolating universal IEMs with Xelastec eartips and the tightest possible seal don’t come close.
The difference is huge. With UIEMs on noisy train trips I can often follow the conversations of nearby passengers even with music playing. The Models2s feel like I’m sitting in a quiet room, and can’t hear a word from occupants of seats directly in front of me – I’m immersed in a deeper audio bubble.
I was worried the Model2s would be uncomfortable, and for the the first week there was some discomfort and even pain taking them out until I learned the best way. I’m told that’s normal for the first week of CIEM ownership. Now I keep them in for hours without discomfort & taking them out is painless.
So yes I do find them more comfortable than UIEMs, but given how comfortably most earphones with Spinfit W1 tips fit me these days that would not make me insist on CIEMs. The extra noise isolation however? Yes. I didn’t think that would matter as much as it does.
When you hear CIEMs you realise how much low-level background noise your UIEMs are letting in, and how much work your brain is doing to filter it out. CIEMs amplify the delicious zen-like experience of earphones, so you don’t need to concentrate as hard to pick out tiny details.
Being CIEMs, it goes without saying the Model2s are visually unlike any other earphones I’ve owned.
Tahsin presented me all sorts of options, including the base colour of the shells and a large selection of faceplates. I ended up choosing a very distinctive variety of stabilised wood, endowing my Model2 with a visual uniqueness befitting their prestige and performance.
Page 1 – Introduction & Packaging
Page 2 – Ergonomics & Appearance
Page 3 – Sound Impressions & Technical Performance
Page 4 – IEM Comparisons
Page 5 – Cable Comparisons
Page 6 – Conclusion
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