- Excellent acoustic seal
- Dual Armature Drivers
- Super comfortable
- Unique braided cable design
- A vast array of accessories
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Technical Details
Product details
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Product Description
Westone 2 True-Fit In-Ear Headphones The Westone 2 are Westone's second level in-ear headphone and they more than definitely have made their mark in the Advanced MP3 Players office! The W2 headphones excellent acoustic seal and blanced audio leave nothing to be desired. Great Definition - With 2 balanced armature drivers crammed into these in-ear headphones you get an excellent and detailed audio reproduction. The two drivers ensure that there are no dull thuds in bass and no highs that leave you gritting your teeth; they both have a dedicated job to ensure the ultimate sound experience. Excellent Acoustic Seal - Thanks to a vast array of eartips supplied with the Westone 2 in-ear headphones finding your perfect acoustic seal will be one of your first tasks. With 10 various sizes and styles included it might take you a short while to get the fit you desire but it's worth it! Try out the various in-ear tips and once you have found your match you will be sealed from the outside world and invited into a musical dimension filled with sparkly details! Definitely worth hunting for your favourite tip as these in-ear headphones to get the sound quality you desire! Unbelievably comfortable - Designed to be neat compact and provide a snug in-ear fit the Westone 2s are unbelievably light! Their ergonomic design ensures that a the headphones stay in place when on the go and don't stick out or look or feel uncomfortable. Attractive and Robust Cabling - Westones cabling design is an eye catching feature in itself. Each wire is individually wrapped in black rubber then braided to form the entire cord. It looks neat but the end result we are assured gives you increased robustness and less microphonic noise distortion. Excellent Accessories - Something we have already covered in the extensive array of eartips included with the Westone 2 in-ear headphones. Some of these tips are the famous Comply Tips that are made with memory foam which gives increased comfort as the tips mould to .
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
For many years I have tried dozens of earphones across inexpensive and high end brands looking for a balance of comfort and sound quality. I can report that these earphones achieve the perfect balance and are far beyond other earphones including equivalent double armature sets such as Q-Jays by Jays. The sound is immersive, wide in sound stage and balanced across the frequency spectrum. Unlike other balanced armature earphones these produce a strong, extended bass range but without undue emphasis. The fit is perfect and with foam tips avoids any irritation meaning they can be kept in for extended periods. Because they respond well to the input signal, with a decent source they do not require high volume on your player.
A review of these earphones at the site indicated they felt the earphones need a headphone amplifier, but certainly with a Cowon X7 they certainly do not. I bought the earphones in the AMPD version that includes a FIIO E6 and a comparison shows the earphones are better without the amp when using the Cowon player. However sound sources with a less strong output signal (many phones, Apple devices) then an amp will benefit. However don't assume and check as many modern phones such as the HTC One X now output a decent sound signal that mitigate the need for an amp. Of course a higher quality head phone amp may make more difference but even as a former part-time music producer I feel the sound from the earphones when used with the X7/HTC One X doesn't require a separate amp.
So I can recommend these earphones thoroughly and will stay with this company in future. The sound quality and comfort has reinvigorated my passion for music which is the best testimony I can think of.
A review of these earphones at the site indicated they felt the earphones need a headphone amplifier, but certainly with a Cowon X7 they certainly do not. I bought the earphones in the AMPD version that includes a FIIO E6 and a comparison shows the earphones are better without the amp when using the Cowon player. However sound sources with a less strong output signal (many phones, Apple devices) then an amp will benefit. However don't assume and check as many modern phones such as the HTC One X now output a decent sound signal that mitigate the need for an amp. Of course a higher quality head phone amp may make more difference but even as a former part-time music producer I feel the sound from the earphones when used with the X7/HTC One X doesn't require a separate amp.
So I can recommend these earphones thoroughly and will stay with this company in future. The sound quality and comfort has reinvigorated my passion for music which is the best testimony I can think of.
Ive had the Westone 2's for 3 weeks now and I'm very happy with them. For the last year Ive been using the Senn IE8's which are in complete contrast to these. Where as the IE8's are huge on bottom end frequencies and rolled off on the high end, the Westone 2's are much more balanced. Balanced and neutral, completely uncoloured and the amount of detail these uncover is amazing. The sound isolation is the best Ive used yet and I own 2 sets of active noise cancellers both in and over ear. I think it has a lot to do with the shape of the westone's, they sit in the outer ear filling it and this in itself prevents your ears picking sounds up unless the sounds are very close (your wife shouting at you...).
They come with lots of different tips so you will find an exact fit for a good seal which is important. I prefer the standard grey rubber tips as these provided the best sound with good isolation. There are Comply tips provided but none of them fitted my ears and I think they can soften the sound too much. (The shure black foam washable tips fit with westone and I would recommend these for travelling for the extra isolation.)
So would I recommend buying these? Yes to all audiophiles, though a headphone amp is essential as the Westones will not do any favours to most mp3 players as they will show up all deficiancies, especially bright sounding players like Sony and Cowon and without an amp you will end up having to add bass and tweek the high end because the sound will be tiring. Bypassing the soundcard on both my laptop and Sony mp3 into a heaphone amp and dac and the sound becomes amazing, The Westone's can handle anything, from complicated Ochestral peices to acoustic jazz and heavy rock. (I dont listen to dance so cant comment on that, its possible that they may be a little too refined for some people wanting punching bass.)All instruments sound like they should and if you close your eyes you could be in the same room as the musicians. Thats what a good sound should be and that for me is what you pay for with high end equipment.
I paid £170 for mine but wouldnt pay anymore. Whether the triple driver westones are much better I'd be surprised if they are, I think you may be paying alot more for that little extra bottom end which you can get anyway by adding a little amount of bass on your player, and you can do that with the westone 2's without affecting the other frequencies too much because they are completely flat.
Last word:
Isnt technology great! a high end sound from such small IEM's and comfortable enough to fall asleep with them in. Brilliant clarity, amazing detail, and completey balanced throughout the frequency range including a realistic bass.
Recommended if you can get them a bit cheaper.
They come with lots of different tips so you will find an exact fit for a good seal which is important. I prefer the standard grey rubber tips as these provided the best sound with good isolation. There are Comply tips provided but none of them fitted my ears and I think they can soften the sound too much. (The shure black foam washable tips fit with westone and I would recommend these for travelling for the extra isolation.)
So would I recommend buying these? Yes to all audiophiles, though a headphone amp is essential as the Westones will not do any favours to most mp3 players as they will show up all deficiancies, especially bright sounding players like Sony and Cowon and without an amp you will end up having to add bass and tweek the high end because the sound will be tiring. Bypassing the soundcard on both my laptop and Sony mp3 into a heaphone amp and dac and the sound becomes amazing, The Westone's can handle anything, from complicated Ochestral peices to acoustic jazz and heavy rock. (I dont listen to dance so cant comment on that, its possible that they may be a little too refined for some people wanting punching bass.)All instruments sound like they should and if you close your eyes you could be in the same room as the musicians. Thats what a good sound should be and that for me is what you pay for with high end equipment.
I paid £170 for mine but wouldnt pay anymore. Whether the triple driver westones are much better I'd be surprised if they are, I think you may be paying alot more for that little extra bottom end which you can get anyway by adding a little amount of bass on your player, and you can do that with the westone 2's without affecting the other frequencies too much because they are completely flat.
Last word:
Isnt technology great! a high end sound from such small IEM's and comfortable enough to fall asleep with them in. Brilliant clarity, amazing detail, and completey balanced throughout the frequency range including a realistic bass.
Recommended if you can get them a bit cheaper.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
15 reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Can it get any better? I doubt it...
21 July 2010
Amazon Verified Purchase
Amazing soundstage wide separation and crisp, crystal clear sound reproduction. Bass is above average mids and highs are wonderful. But I am listening to a 1st generation iPod (one of the better versions of the iPod) But the eq is not very adjustable. Where this in ear monitor excels is in comfort. You can wear them for hours and forget they are even there. You can lay on a pillow and they do not push into the ear and hurt. They WILL NOT fall out under any circumstance as they fit snugly in ear and then the cord wraps over the ear. You cannot feel the cord after the first 30 seconds or so.
I have heard things in my music that I have never heard before even with music have listened to for 20 years on LP, Cassette and CD. I actually heard a favorite artist lick his lips before he began singing one of his songs!
Well worth the money.
This is my second set of Hi end earphones and wish I bought these first. I cannot imagine a better pair could actually exist if you add the comfort factor with the fidelity factor.
I have heard things in my music that I have never heard before even with music have listened to for 20 years on LP, Cassette and CD. I actually heard a favorite artist lick his lips before he began singing one of his songs!
Well worth the money.
This is my second set of Hi end earphones and wish I bought these first. I cannot imagine a better pair could actually exist if you add the comfort factor with the fidelity factor.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
W2 vs W4 | Comparison & Review
17 Feb 2012
Westone 2 ($250 Dual Driver)
Westone 4 ($450 Quad Driver)
--------------------------
Build, design, and comfort
--------------------------
Comparing the W2 and the W4 to each other reveals something quite shocking. The W4 is literally twice as thick as the W2, not to mention taller and wider as well. In other words, it's a mammoth of an IEM, and definitely the biggest I've owned. Posing a problem to comfort, I luckily didn't find it too big for "my" ears, but that really doesn't say to much for those reading this. So I guess I'll just say anyone with smaller ears may have trouble fitting the W4. So much to the point, they may have to resort to dirty tactics. In fact, just read what CNET wrote in their review on the W3 regarding the size and fit:
"In fact, although the earphones are designed to be worn so that the wire loops over the top of the ear, we actually had to swap the left and right earpieces so that the cord was hanging down; they simply would not fit into the shape of our ears otherwise."
I will admit, I found that quite funny in its own quirky way. But that just goes to show how big the earpieces really are. And I will also mention that some users were successful in fitting them into their ears, but found them uncomfortable after a short period of time. Again, another unavoidable downfall of both the W3 and the W4. Luckily, the W2 and the W1 aren't plagued with colossal size and are much smaller. Small, flat, and smooth enough that they can easily be worn while sleeping or lying down.
The design of both Westone earphones are quite fantastic to say the least. You've got great strain reliefs, an excellent braided cable, solidly built earpieces, and a wealth of accessories. There really isn't anything not to like about their design or included package (with certain reservations to the W4's size). Truth be told, I wish the chin slider wasn't as big and awkward shaped as it is, but that's a minor nitpick. The cable works very well even without the use of ear guides and stays put around the ears. All in all, I think it's obvious Westone knows what they're doing. A solid five stars for build, design, and comfort.
------------------------------
Sound quality in various forms
------------------------------
I've decided I'm going to begin this slightly abnormal and diverse section with a breakdown summary of various aspects of sound between these two IEMs. I'll try and get the general idea across as effectively as I can, without too much explanation or useless information.
Bass: Both tight with great texture. W4 extends a tad lower and has slightly more weight, yet most of the time is nearly indistinguishable. W2 bass is a bit more proportioned to the rest of the spectrum. In an overview, both are slightly lacking on the bottom end, yet still maintain a great texture and quality.
Midrange: W2 is much more forward and clear while the W4 is hazed over by the reverb of the treble. W2 sounds as if the vocalist is singing TO you while the W4 sounds like they are singing NEAR you. W2 has a wetter vocal presentation while the W4 is drier and is also plagued by wisps of bleeding treble.
Treble: W4 has a very metallic undertone which overlays other frequencies, sounding very unnatural. Minor sibilance is a very common issue. W2 never offends, yet presents itself adequately enough. The treble is without a doubt the W4's week point, and causes the majority of the W4's shortcomings.
Detail: Literally no discernible difference between audible detail retrieval. W4 has the disadvantage with its lingering treble that masks parts of the sound. W2 gives a much better perception of clarity. Both render instrument separation quite equivalently, but again, you have to listen harder with the W4.
Soundstage: W2 presents itself in a more cohesive way, not to mention sounding a bit bigger all around. It envelops you wonderfully giving a great experience. W4 is slightly less dimensional and doesn't have as good of an atmospheric sound. The W2 definitely has a more pleasing and striking effect.
Musicality: The fun factor with the W2 is simply off the charts compared to the W4. It's very colorful, very engaging, and very impressive. W4 is much more dull and lifeless in direct comparison. W2 tends to leave you in awe, as it pulls you into the music. The W4 is just flatline, with a hint of listening fatigue.
Tonality: W4 has a very thin, borderline fuzzy, tonality. It's dry and very unimpressive. The W2 definitely has a weightier sound that sounds much more wet. W2 feels like it's feeding you much more information. It's got more of a rich sound that's more effective in conveying the message of the music.
Balance: Despite being claimed as such, the W4 is nowhere near as neutral and balanced as the W2 is. No matter the song, the W2 sounded more realistic and believable than the harsh aftertaste the W4 presented. The W2 does indeed have a bump in the midrange, but that's where it gets its flavor.
--------------------
So now I'll try a new perspective. During testing, I give both contenders equal chances to be the first headphone to play. I've noticed in the past, the order in which you listen can play a huge roll on the outcome opinion. I generally find that the first headphone has the advantage. If the first headphone is better, it will instantly become apparent when you switch. But, if the first is worse, the difference won't be as distinct. As you read the following, you'll get an idea of what I mean and how it affected my opinion on both the W2 and the W4. Take note that until the W2 is actually compared to the W4, it isn't quite as bad.
Comparing the W2 to the W4:
W2: Listening to the W2 to start out with is a real treat. You are instantly grabbed and pulled into the music, surrounded by clarity and color. Analyzing realism and balance, you come to notice they are perfectly proportioned, and nothing sticks out as negative. Vocals are extremely palpable, and mesmerize you. The overall experience is just that, an experience. And a wonderful one at that. The music simply sounds "right".
~Now switching~
W4: First impression is highjacked by the sudden introduction of a metallic presentation. Sounds are more distant and are covered by a haze. Overall balance is not proportioned well, and realism is lacking. Vocals come in, and they seem much further away and not as clear. Still slightly shocked by the switch, you try your best to interpret the skewed presentation. It leaves you with an undesirable aftertaste.
Comparing the W4 to the W2:
W4: Listening to the W4 to start out with sets the benchmark. Instrument separation and clarity are good enough, and overall presentation is pretty good. You cannot help but notice the very sharp bite of the treble that seems to bounce around the spectrum a bit. No matter, the midrange and bass are of great quality, and are actually pretty balanced. Sound is a bit thin, but still pretty good none the less.
~Now switching~
W2: The midrange instantly jumps out at you before anything really gets going. Sounds start popping around you as if in three dimensions. You are very impressed with the additional flavors and increased clarity across the board. Then the vocalist comes in, and it nearly jumps at you. The voice sounds dangerously close and very real. Overall sound is a stark difference and an excellent improvement.
------------------
Bias & Expectation
------------------
Expectation is a very nasty word. I'm sure many of you are familiar with the countless tests done by wine tasters, in which the experimenter puts the expensive wine in the cheap wine bottle and the cheap wine in the expensive wine bottle; only to see that the majority of these professional wine tasters rave about how amazing the expensive (cheap) wine is and go into great detail about its many intricate flavors; while they seem to slam the cheap (expensive) wine saying it's taste is too bland, and is not as high quality etc. No, I cannot really compare wine tasting to comparing headphones, but I want to get the point of expectation across. If I'm expecting the W4 to blow everything out of the water just because it has 4 drivers, has a $450 price tag, and is consistently reviewed as one of the best universal IEMs in the world; then wouldn't I have raved about the sound? Okay, so I'm doing the opposite and raving about the W2 while knocking the W4, claiming that it's because the W2 simply sounds better. But then something strange happened one night while comparing, and it put this very theory to the test:
Usually when I compare two headphones, I try and get into the "no frills" mode. I don't constantly reassure myself of which is better, or which is "supposed" to be better while listening, as I find it very distracting and creates bias real quick. I simply just try and compare the two and analyze sound accordingly. Yet, we all know nobody is immune to bias and the effects of expectation. But one night when I was doing some of my extensive testing between the W2 and the W4, something interesting happened. I was just wrapping up finishing a song with the W2 and thought, "Uh oh. If the W2 couldn't handle the treble on this song, then the W4 is in major trouble." Basically, I was disappointed in the fact that regardless of the W2's very inoffensive treble, it let me down big time on one of my favorite test songs. Slightly bummed my preferred IEM didn't fare so well, I then took them out of my ears, slightly shocked. I was actually wearing the W4 during that song. Genuinely confused, I put the W2 in my ear and tested the same song. Then I noticed, "Wait a second, the treble actually IS under control. And this really DOES sound better." Basically, I stapled my W2 thinking/bias to the W4 and still wound up wanting improvement from it, even though I thought it was the W2. Interesting. This experience was definitely a significant key point for me regarding these two.
-------------
Overall Value
-------------
W2: At $250, the W2 isn't the best value in the world. But, with everything you are getting in terms of sound and design, it's hard to ignore. Without a doubt, this is one of my very favorite IEMs I've ever owned. On top of a truly spectacular sound, you get plenty of accessories and a great, comfortable design. Overall, I think this is one of the best and most complete IEM packages on the market. Definitely worth it to consider if you've got the spare change and are shopping around for a new IEM in this price range. And besides, I think they look really nice.
W4: Now, things take a turn. I'm not even going to discuss if the W4 is worth $450. In fact, I'll just go ahead and say it isn't worth anything at all. Before you take that the wrong way, let me explain. I don't like the sound of the W4, regardless of price. So, just as I wouldn't buy and listen to a bad sounding budget IEM, I'm also not going to buy and listen to the W4, again, regardless of price. I can easily say, "It sounds crummy for what it is" which is true, but that leaves the very unreliable "expectation door" wide open, because I'm expecting more from 4 drivers, when in fact, there probably shouldn't be much more to expect (in this case, less). But the thing is, it doesn't even sound very good *regardless* of what I compare it to. Whether it has 1/2 a driver, or 12, it simply doesn't sound very good. Truly an unfortunate thought for how much potential it had. On the bright side, it's a great conversation starter!
--------------
Final Thoughts
--------------
Are you shocked? I am. And I'm guessing there are a few of you out there wondering if I got a bad pair. Well, there is something that I didn't mention in the review, that I'll mention now. This is actually my 2nd W4. I actually bought an unauthorized version of the W4 (Amazon is littered with them) and was paranoid about whether or not I got a legit pair (because it didn't sound all that great). So with my 2nd pair, I spent $100 more and bought authorized to compare with my W2. And guess what? Same exact experience. From what I remembered, absolutely identical.
Wow, it's been a wild ride. I had no idea the W2 would perform as well as it did, and was especially surprised at the lackluster performance of the W4. The very thought of the results of this comparison still kinda shock me, especially in contrast to all the rave reviews flying around the internet regarding the W4. I honestly had every intention and hope of loving the W4, but that simply didn't happen. The W2 on the other hand was a spectacular performer, yet unfortunately, it occasionally gets overshadowed by the W3 and W4. A sad fact indeed, considering it's a very solid performer, and definitely qualifies as one of my favorites -- and just in case you haven't caught my drift yet, a whole heck of a lot better sounding than the W4.
Westone 4 ($450 Quad Driver)
--------------------------
Build, design, and comfort
--------------------------
Comparing the W2 and the W4 to each other reveals something quite shocking. The W4 is literally twice as thick as the W2, not to mention taller and wider as well. In other words, it's a mammoth of an IEM, and definitely the biggest I've owned. Posing a problem to comfort, I luckily didn't find it too big for "my" ears, but that really doesn't say to much for those reading this. So I guess I'll just say anyone with smaller ears may have trouble fitting the W4. So much to the point, they may have to resort to dirty tactics. In fact, just read what CNET wrote in their review on the W3 regarding the size and fit:
"In fact, although the earphones are designed to be worn so that the wire loops over the top of the ear, we actually had to swap the left and right earpieces so that the cord was hanging down; they simply would not fit into the shape of our ears otherwise."
I will admit, I found that quite funny in its own quirky way. But that just goes to show how big the earpieces really are. And I will also mention that some users were successful in fitting them into their ears, but found them uncomfortable after a short period of time. Again, another unavoidable downfall of both the W3 and the W4. Luckily, the W2 and the W1 aren't plagued with colossal size and are much smaller. Small, flat, and smooth enough that they can easily be worn while sleeping or lying down.
The design of both Westone earphones are quite fantastic to say the least. You've got great strain reliefs, an excellent braided cable, solidly built earpieces, and a wealth of accessories. There really isn't anything not to like about their design or included package (with certain reservations to the W4's size). Truth be told, I wish the chin slider wasn't as big and awkward shaped as it is, but that's a minor nitpick. The cable works very well even without the use of ear guides and stays put around the ears. All in all, I think it's obvious Westone knows what they're doing. A solid five stars for build, design, and comfort.
------------------------------
Sound quality in various forms
------------------------------
I've decided I'm going to begin this slightly abnormal and diverse section with a breakdown summary of various aspects of sound between these two IEMs. I'll try and get the general idea across as effectively as I can, without too much explanation or useless information.
Bass: Both tight with great texture. W4 extends a tad lower and has slightly more weight, yet most of the time is nearly indistinguishable. W2 bass is a bit more proportioned to the rest of the spectrum. In an overview, both are slightly lacking on the bottom end, yet still maintain a great texture and quality.
Midrange: W2 is much more forward and clear while the W4 is hazed over by the reverb of the treble. W2 sounds as if the vocalist is singing TO you while the W4 sounds like they are singing NEAR you. W2 has a wetter vocal presentation while the W4 is drier and is also plagued by wisps of bleeding treble.
Treble: W4 has a very metallic undertone which overlays other frequencies, sounding very unnatural. Minor sibilance is a very common issue. W2 never offends, yet presents itself adequately enough. The treble is without a doubt the W4's week point, and causes the majority of the W4's shortcomings.
Detail: Literally no discernible difference between audible detail retrieval. W4 has the disadvantage with its lingering treble that masks parts of the sound. W2 gives a much better perception of clarity. Both render instrument separation quite equivalently, but again, you have to listen harder with the W4.
Soundstage: W2 presents itself in a more cohesive way, not to mention sounding a bit bigger all around. It envelops you wonderfully giving a great experience. W4 is slightly less dimensional and doesn't have as good of an atmospheric sound. The W2 definitely has a more pleasing and striking effect.
Musicality: The fun factor with the W2 is simply off the charts compared to the W4. It's very colorful, very engaging, and very impressive. W4 is much more dull and lifeless in direct comparison. W2 tends to leave you in awe, as it pulls you into the music. The W4 is just flatline, with a hint of listening fatigue.
Tonality: W4 has a very thin, borderline fuzzy, tonality. It's dry and very unimpressive. The W2 definitely has a weightier sound that sounds much more wet. W2 feels like it's feeding you much more information. It's got more of a rich sound that's more effective in conveying the message of the music.
Balance: Despite being claimed as such, the W4 is nowhere near as neutral and balanced as the W2 is. No matter the song, the W2 sounded more realistic and believable than the harsh aftertaste the W4 presented. The W2 does indeed have a bump in the midrange, but that's where it gets its flavor.
--------------------
So now I'll try a new perspective. During testing, I give both contenders equal chances to be the first headphone to play. I've noticed in the past, the order in which you listen can play a huge roll on the outcome opinion. I generally find that the first headphone has the advantage. If the first headphone is better, it will instantly become apparent when you switch. But, if the first is worse, the difference won't be as distinct. As you read the following, you'll get an idea of what I mean and how it affected my opinion on both the W2 and the W4. Take note that until the W2 is actually compared to the W4, it isn't quite as bad.
Comparing the W2 to the W4:
W2: Listening to the W2 to start out with is a real treat. You are instantly grabbed and pulled into the music, surrounded by clarity and color. Analyzing realism and balance, you come to notice they are perfectly proportioned, and nothing sticks out as negative. Vocals are extremely palpable, and mesmerize you. The overall experience is just that, an experience. And a wonderful one at that. The music simply sounds "right".
~Now switching~
W4: First impression is highjacked by the sudden introduction of a metallic presentation. Sounds are more distant and are covered by a haze. Overall balance is not proportioned well, and realism is lacking. Vocals come in, and they seem much further away and not as clear. Still slightly shocked by the switch, you try your best to interpret the skewed presentation. It leaves you with an undesirable aftertaste.
Comparing the W4 to the W2:
W4: Listening to the W4 to start out with sets the benchmark. Instrument separation and clarity are good enough, and overall presentation is pretty good. You cannot help but notice the very sharp bite of the treble that seems to bounce around the spectrum a bit. No matter, the midrange and bass are of great quality, and are actually pretty balanced. Sound is a bit thin, but still pretty good none the less.
~Now switching~
W2: The midrange instantly jumps out at you before anything really gets going. Sounds start popping around you as if in three dimensions. You are very impressed with the additional flavors and increased clarity across the board. Then the vocalist comes in, and it nearly jumps at you. The voice sounds dangerously close and very real. Overall sound is a stark difference and an excellent improvement.
------------------
Bias & Expectation
------------------
Expectation is a very nasty word. I'm sure many of you are familiar with the countless tests done by wine tasters, in which the experimenter puts the expensive wine in the cheap wine bottle and the cheap wine in the expensive wine bottle; only to see that the majority of these professional wine tasters rave about how amazing the expensive (cheap) wine is and go into great detail about its many intricate flavors; while they seem to slam the cheap (expensive) wine saying it's taste is too bland, and is not as high quality etc. No, I cannot really compare wine tasting to comparing headphones, but I want to get the point of expectation across. If I'm expecting the W4 to blow everything out of the water just because it has 4 drivers, has a $450 price tag, and is consistently reviewed as one of the best universal IEMs in the world; then wouldn't I have raved about the sound? Okay, so I'm doing the opposite and raving about the W2 while knocking the W4, claiming that it's because the W2 simply sounds better. But then something strange happened one night while comparing, and it put this very theory to the test:
Usually when I compare two headphones, I try and get into the "no frills" mode. I don't constantly reassure myself of which is better, or which is "supposed" to be better while listening, as I find it very distracting and creates bias real quick. I simply just try and compare the two and analyze sound accordingly. Yet, we all know nobody is immune to bias and the effects of expectation. But one night when I was doing some of my extensive testing between the W2 and the W4, something interesting happened. I was just wrapping up finishing a song with the W2 and thought, "Uh oh. If the W2 couldn't handle the treble on this song, then the W4 is in major trouble." Basically, I was disappointed in the fact that regardless of the W2's very inoffensive treble, it let me down big time on one of my favorite test songs. Slightly bummed my preferred IEM didn't fare so well, I then took them out of my ears, slightly shocked. I was actually wearing the W4 during that song. Genuinely confused, I put the W2 in my ear and tested the same song. Then I noticed, "Wait a second, the treble actually IS under control. And this really DOES sound better." Basically, I stapled my W2 thinking/bias to the W4 and still wound up wanting improvement from it, even though I thought it was the W2. Interesting. This experience was definitely a significant key point for me regarding these two.
-------------
Overall Value
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W2: At $250, the W2 isn't the best value in the world. But, with everything you are getting in terms of sound and design, it's hard to ignore. Without a doubt, this is one of my very favorite IEMs I've ever owned. On top of a truly spectacular sound, you get plenty of accessories and a great, comfortable design. Overall, I think this is one of the best and most complete IEM packages on the market. Definitely worth it to consider if you've got the spare change and are shopping around for a new IEM in this price range. And besides, I think they look really nice.
W4: Now, things take a turn. I'm not even going to discuss if the W4 is worth $450. In fact, I'll just go ahead and say it isn't worth anything at all. Before you take that the wrong way, let me explain. I don't like the sound of the W4, regardless of price. So, just as I wouldn't buy and listen to a bad sounding budget IEM, I'm also not going to buy and listen to the W4, again, regardless of price. I can easily say, "It sounds crummy for what it is" which is true, but that leaves the very unreliable "expectation door" wide open, because I'm expecting more from 4 drivers, when in fact, there probably shouldn't be much more to expect (in this case, less). But the thing is, it doesn't even sound very good *regardless* of what I compare it to. Whether it has 1/2 a driver, or 12, it simply doesn't sound very good. Truly an unfortunate thought for how much potential it had. On the bright side, it's a great conversation starter!
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Final Thoughts
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Are you shocked? I am. And I'm guessing there are a few of you out there wondering if I got a bad pair. Well, there is something that I didn't mention in the review, that I'll mention now. This is actually my 2nd W4. I actually bought an unauthorized version of the W4 (Amazon is littered with them) and was paranoid about whether or not I got a legit pair (because it didn't sound all that great). So with my 2nd pair, I spent $100 more and bought authorized to compare with my W2. And guess what? Same exact experience. From what I remembered, absolutely identical.
Wow, it's been a wild ride. I had no idea the W2 would perform as well as it did, and was especially surprised at the lackluster performance of the W4. The very thought of the results of this comparison still kinda shock me, especially in contrast to all the rave reviews flying around the internet regarding the W4. I honestly had every intention and hope of loving the W4, but that simply didn't happen. The W2 on the other hand was a spectacular performer, yet unfortunately, it occasionally gets overshadowed by the W3 and W4. A sad fact indeed, considering it's a very solid performer, and definitely qualifies as one of my favorites -- and just in case you haven't caught my drift yet, a whole heck of a lot better sounding than the W4.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Perfect Mid Range Earphones
13 Sep 2011
I have had my Westone 2 for about a month now and I can say that I am absolutely in love with them. I'm no audiophile so I would not be able to tell the difference between some of your high end earphones but coming from a pair of Sennheiser CX300 (which at the time I thought were pretty good for the price) to these you really notice the difference. When I decided to upgrade I wanted a good pair of earphones but I wasn't going to pay $300+ for them. I did a lot of research on the net, read blogs, etc and decided for middle of the road I couldn't go too wrong with these (which were on special at the time) and I was not disappointed. On the blogs the audiophiles talk about how these earphones are neutral and I would agree. You can hear all the ranges and they all seem around the same level (I was able to hear clearly for the first time what Carly Simon whispers at the start of You're So Vain). On neutral level on your media player, no sound seems like it is out doing the others. I know there is an audiophile word to describe that attribute but whatever. Everything seems clear and crisp and where it should be. Also on the blogs they talk about how these earphones are not bassy like some of the others at this level. They maybe right but since my music is more rock, jazz or instrumental and less hip-hop or rap, I don't really notice. However in saying that, I use mine mostly with my HTC Desire HD with Winamp and Equalizer app or on my ASUS with Winamp and StereoTool and you can crank the bass up via those apps and the reality is, that trust me you won't be missing out on the bass department. They are nice size and sit comfortably in the ear, even for extended periods. I can wear them for ages when going for day rides on my motorbike. Take the time to make sure you get the right fit and seal in your ear. When I first got them and put them in, I thought I got ripped off because it sounded tinny. However after a few minutes of trying different plugs (you should be able to find the one that is right for you because they give you a truck load of different shapes and sizes), I got the right seal and woo-hoo I was ready to contemplate the meaning of "Dark Side of the Moon." I like the cords, my old CX300 would tangle just looking at them. However these don't seem to tangle nowhere near as much. They swing over the ear, so people like it, some don't but I got used to it. So in the end if you are one of these people that can hear the difference between 2 mouse farts from 1000 feet away, then these are probably not the earphones for you but if you are like me and want something that is great to use with a portable media player everyday and don't affect the national GDP figures when you pay for them then definitely have a look at these. You won't be disappointed.Westone 2 Earphones
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