SM3 v2 released

[JxK]

Earsonics has updated their sm3 design. They now use a more ergonomic housing, and include replaceable cables. Not sure if they've updated the drivers and/or changed the sound signature.

http://www.earsonics.com/osc/catalog...products_id=60

[dfkt]

Yowzer, that does look fetching-ish, compared to the old version. I want that... except for the stupid memory wire. :/

[sYlt]

These look really good.

Found more info about them: http://portal.zwame.pt/16291/noticia...e-os-novos-sm1

It's in portuguese, you can always use google translator. But it basically says that both SM2 and 3 are the same except for the design/build quality. It also shows a new earphone, the SM1, the 'entry' level IEM from Earsonics.

[hdablin]

I've read on head-fi that upgrade from SM3 v1 is available. Does anyone know anything about it?
I've sent email to Earsonics and asked to get some info about it. If they answer, I'll post here.

[hdablin]

Here is reply from Earsonics:

Hi

You can make an upgrade on your SM of the version V1 to the version V2.
For that, you just have to send back to us your earphone SM and to make an order on our online shop of a new cable ( cable EM ) and a Maintenance and Modification Offer ( in the section Accessories ).

Sincerely
EarSonics

[Confispect]

Sexy.

[WalkGood]

Beautiful looking housing, reminds me of the se530 on steroids

[lestatar]

Wow, that does look schmexy as hell. crap, I want them even more now. And yes WG, agree, they do resemble the Shures.

Though...this seems like a relatively radical redesign of the housing to my eyes. dfkt, do you think this will have any kind of impact at all on the sound signature?

[minimix]

well the change of the housing is about 200€ (for us in Portugal 60€ shell and cable plus 100€ of transportation), they became almost expensive as the EM3-pro.
Is my eyes or they try to copy the Westone housing design?

[dfkt]

Originally Posted by lestatar

dfkt, do you think this will have any kind of impact at all on the sound signature?

For sealed armatures the housing doesn't really matter, only the length and diameter of the sound tube leading into the ear. If the nozzle - and the acoustic filter in it - are the same, they very likely sound the same.

However, I read the SM3v2 have 24 Ohm impedance, while the SM3v1 have 17 Ohm impedance. With multi-armature IEMs with crossovers, one Ohm more or less can make quite some difference (much more than with dynamic drivers) - so I guess they redesigned the crossover or used slightly different tuned armatures. Franck Lopez from EarSonics however states they sound the same.

Needless to say, I am really curious about those new ones, with the SM3v1 being my favorite IEMs, and all.