Canalphone shopping turmoil: SE420 or UM2?

[avanti]

I was about to purchase a pair of Shure SE420s when the debate on 310 vs. 420 was over. Now, Westone's UM2s are holding me back. Great, this is when you start hating product diversity. JK The comparison also seems alot fairer than 310 vs 420 since both feature dual drivers.

I would like to have some of these myths cleared up before I make the decision:

Note: I'll be using them with an iPod and no AMP.

1. "UM2s are bassier while the SE420s provide a more refined sound but lack some "fun". Therefore, the UM2s will suit my music genres a bit better. (indie, rock, acid jazz, electronica, vocal trance)" Fact or BS?

2. "The SE420s sound better than the UM2 when you listen without AMP and/or EQ (I have neither - I have a 2G Nano and I'm not going to carry an extra brick with me) because the Shures were designed for personal player-oriented listening." Fact or BS?

3."Aggressive bass gives the UM2 a "bass boost" feel that can drown out detail." Fact or BS?

4. "You hear a slight buzz/hum with the UM2s at low volume with your iPod, which can become very annoying." Fact or BS?

5. "SE420's cables feel heavier than the UM2s' and favors sedentary listening habits."(This matters to me since I will be moving around the city quite a bit with them) Fact or BS?

6. "If I do buy the UM2s, some Shure black foams would increase my music experience, isolation and comfort." Fact or BS?


Hope someone that have tried these two pairs of IEM could help me out....


Thanks in advance for your valuable input.

[Reiki]

I'd suggest doing a search on the SE420's on head-fi.org, I vaguely remember a bit of a negative response regarding these IEM's but I could be mistaken. I remember earphonesolutions thinks very highly of them.
Now I've had UM2's for two years so I can offer some assistance on a few of your questions such as....

4) I've never heard a buzz with the iPod/UM2 combo and I have four different iPods.

5) The UM2 cables are the most comfortable of any IEM I've owned and that includes the Shure E3 in addition to what I list in my signature.

6) The UM2 sounds better with the Black Foamies/Olives than with any other tip I've ever tried and I believe I've tried them all including the custom UM56 which didn't work out well for me.

Thats the best I can do as I've never owned the SE420 but it should provide some insight into one side of your query.

[avanti]

Thanks for your comments Reiki.

I've read quite a bit on both of these models, actually. I really don't think that I can go wrong with either, to be honest, but it's just these minor details that make things rather complicated. So far, it appears that...

The UM2s provide a more "fun" sound and musicality, while the SE420s stick with precision, better balance and clarity.

UM2s provide a sleeker profile while having them around your ears than the SE420s which stick out more. However, the latter is easier to remove/insert when a conversation seems inevitable.

Shure Inc. is much more generous with its 2-year warranty as opposed to 1 offered by Westone.

Shure's cable length split [45 cm or 136 cm with extension] is very awkward and impractical for my taste: either too long or too short, but it provides possibilities for external upgrades (eg. PTH). Meh, don't wanna make my wallet bleed any further.


I guess I'll stick with the UM2s for now until the Westone 3s come out... and that could be the day I get my new pair of UM2s, next month or next year.

I. hate. technology.