Comply tips actually don't change the sound

[JxK]

I just stumbled upon an interesting article about Comply tips and their sound changing characteristics. It seems to be "common knowledge" around here and headfi that comply tips do change the nature of one's music by warming the sound and increasing perceived bass.

Yet it would seem that the measurements don't show this to be the case. The author's answer (and solution)? People are apparently not inserting them properly. With proper insertion, comply tips have no perceptible effect on sound versus silicone tips.

It's a short article - just two pages - so I'd be interested in hearing others' opinions. And does anyone have any comply tips lying around to validate the author's conclusion with some personal testing? (I sadly don't at the moment)

[Syndrome]

They may change how the IEM will 'seal' in your ear. Which will most certainly change the perceived sound.

[3602]

Believe it or not, Comply tips sound clearer than silicones to me on the UM3X. Still muffled, though.

[WalkGood]

Originally Posted by Syndrome

They may change how the IEM will 'seal' in your ear. Which will most certainly change the perceived sound.

Along with different ear canals (smaller, curved, larger, etc.), depth of insertion (some tips go in further, while others don't for me). These factors all create different acoustic chambers which have varying effects on the perceived sound.

Originally Posted by 3602

Believe it or not, Comply tips sound clearer than silicones to me on the UM3X. Still muffled, though.

If the tip of the foam is blocked some by the way it sits in your ear or the shape of your ear canal it could muffle or change the sound somewhat. I believe the author made this point as well.

We all have different perceptions of what we like and what we don't. What sounds bliss to me is muffled to another, what you find comfortable is torture to me or vice versa. ...

[IDvsEGO]

Originally Posted by Syndrome

They may change how the IEM will 'seal' in your ear. Which will most certainly change the perceived sound.

I use comply tips and periodically rotate in others as well. ^^^that comment is what I believe people are experiencing...a good seal. If they weren't getting one before then it will sound different to them. Some IEMs are more sensitive to seal than others. My meelec M6 had a drastic change in sound sig with different levels of seal.

[WalkGood]

I agree with “levels of seal” has a lot to do with different sound as well, that's why I said above along with (meaning in addition to). But you have to admit that the more experienced users should know how to achieve a good/great level of seal.

[Syndrome]

Even being more experienced, some tips just simply wont seal the same in my ears. They will for a few seconds but then slip out some.

[WalkGood]

Originally Posted by Syndrome

Even being more experienced, some tips just simply wont seal the same in my ears. They will for a few seconds but then slip out some.

My point is that you realize that and either throw them away or give them to your brother

[IDvsEGO]

I think some of this offshoot conversation comes from word choice. I said seal and should have said fitment. I dont consider a seal good if it results in partial blockage of the tip opening. Technically the canal may be sealed properly though...so lets say proper fitment. That puts us all on the same page I think. regardless of any of this, I love my comply tips.

[WalkGood]

I feel more comfortable with seal and by a good seal I don’t mean blocking the tip. I mean a seal between the tip and the outer/inner ear. If I don’t get a good seal, it’s easy. If the seal is not good the bass sucks or is none existent. Also I can tell by hearing the ambient noise.

Edit: BTW I had to look up that word "fitment" as I had never used it - (Engineering / Mechanical Engineering) Machinery an accessory attached to an assembly of parts. Which in the case of IEMs wouldn't relay the proper meaning of what we're discussing or did I find the wrong definition?

[3602]

I do really want to know what would be the "proper insertion" on Comply tips.

From my limited experience, Monster Foam SuperTips seem to be of superior design. No chance of foam collapsing over the muzzle and you get the comfort of foam.
A close second would be the Sony noise-isolating Hybrids. Though it happens many-a time that the foam gets exposed while pulling the phones out.

[steinburger1109]

According to their packaging, Comply tips should be rolled between your fingers then inserted into the ear and allowed to expand.

[Mc7]

I found some Comply 400 tips at Radio Shack a couple of days ago and purchased them. After using them for about 16 hours total so far, I can say I'M IN LOVE!!!

I'm using a rooted Galaxy Player 4.0 with Steves Custom Kernal and ROM. Along with Voodoo, Player Pro and EQualizer app. The iem's are MEE 151's and a set of a-Jays ONE. I usually use Monster SuperTips. Both the gel and hybrid foams.

The gels never seal for long, slide out and making popping noises in my ears when they move. The foams are a little bit larger in size for the same color in the gels. The foams fit me better but i cant wear them for long hours on end without them hurting my ears. They have what appears to be some kind of coating which makes them kinda hard.

The comply's are heaven. They squish down easliy, insert easily, seal up fantastically. Yesterday i wore them for 7 hours straight with no problem. No burning ears. No listening fatigue. I've heard it said that they warm up the soundstage. I personally like a warmer sound signature so like i said, I'm in love.