Manage updates with the Download AppWestone UM2 (Clear)
Manufacturer: Westone Laboratories, Inc. Part number: 79274
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Westone UM2's larger-than-average earpieces won't appeal to all users, but audiophiles won't be disappointed with the earphones' stellar sound quality.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Westone UM2 (Clear) price range: $279.00
- Reviewed by: Jasmine France
- Edited by: James Kim
- Reviewed on: 02/03/2006
The good: The Westone UM2 earphones sound fantastic across all categories of music, and the included foam ear tips are comfortable and fit securely. The cord is the perfect length.
The bad: The expensive Westone UM2's earpieces are larger than the average competitor's. The earphones also lack some accessories, such as a quarter-inch adapter and a volume attenuator, which similarly priced competitors offer.
The bottom line: The Westone UM2's larger-than-average earpieces won't appeal to all users, but audiophiles won't be disappointed with the earphones' stellar sound quality.
User reviews
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Impressive, albeit fickle in-ear monitor
by poikkeus on February 3, 2006
Pros: Impressive bass and characteristic "creamy" sound makes for a rich sound experience. Size has never been a bother.
Cons: Aggressive bass gives the UM2 a "bass boost" feel that can drown out detail
Summary: Westone's best-selling in-ear monitor is popular for a tonal richness that complements many styles of pop music, including soul, reggae, rap, and rock. Its bass punch is a contrast ...
Summary: Westone's best-selling in-ear monitor is popular for a tonal richness that complements many styles of pop music, including soul, reggae, rap, and rock. Its bass punch is a contrast to its thin-sounding competitors, and the braided cable is light and flexible.
As is often the case, a product's assets can be a liability for some, and the deep bass can soak up treble detail, making for a less-than-articulate sound. It is, then, not the ideal IEM for classical or jazz. Although the enclosed Comply foam tipss are a user's best option for comfort, some have experimented with earpieces from other manufacturers to tone down the bass, and in many cases it has worked.
You won't, then, find the detail of Shure's E4C or the evenness of tone found in the Ety 4 series. On the other hand, the UM2 surpasses both with its rich musical presentation, and prospective buyers are advised to evaluate their listening preferences before committing to a purchase.
The UM2 isn't perfect, and cannot approach the sound of similarly priced circumaural headphones. But many, including this listener, has found that this IEM can performs admirably under the right conditions.6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good earphones for high quality output devices
by krugorg on February 7, 2006
Pros: warm sound quality/bass, isolation, comfort
Cons: Buzzing sound...
Summary: I picked up these headphoes to replace a lost pair of Etymotic ER4Ps. First off, I was extremely pleased with the sound quality, bass warmth, and comfort. That said, I ...
Summary: I picked up these headphoes to replace a lost pair of Etymotic ER4Ps. First off, I was extremely pleased with the sound quality, bass warmth, and comfort. That said, I noticed a low level buzz/hum when using these earphones on my ipod at low volume levels. When I switched to my laptop (divx), the buzz was much louder and totally distracting. Okay, probably the wrong application for these "audiophile" phones, but pretty typical use for a traveler. I exchanged these for the Ultimate Ears Super.Fi 5 Pros, with which I am very happy.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Amazing...
by hallion.aaron on July 9, 2006
Pros: Sound is mind blowing.
Cons: Price is too high, but you DO get what pay for.
Summary: I cannot explain why these earphones are so dear to me, just accept it. They are fantastic. All I know is when I have them on, I don't want ...
Summary: I cannot explain why these earphones are so dear to me, just accept it. They are fantastic. All I know is when I have them on, I don't want to take them off. I didn't listen to earphones at home before. Now, my girlfriend is getting annoyed about it. Buy these. Now.
Updated
Okay, I have the benefit of hindsight. I appreciate the price is silly (the product of an end of term bonus), but let me say I do no regret spending the money on the phones.
Let me be realistic. I have to admit, i hear recordings such as The Stooges' Funhouse and The Velvet Underground and Nico wonderful with the UMs, though not life changing. That said, for me, when i listen (almost a year after buy, so it's not novelty) to Queens of the Stone Age's Rated R, these "in-ear monitors" (I hate that term) still blow me away.
I've been listening to Rated R since it was released and only now do I hear the full glory of this music.
In adittion, I'm not a norrow minded rock fan. I've listened to folk (The Dubliners. Johnny Cash etc), hip hip, techno (real techno :P), punk, spoken word and everything else in between.
Truly, until something better comes along, which it will, these phones are the best for those people that (like me) are foolish enough to spend this amount on mere earphones.
I am a music fanatic. So, in that respect I can justify it. These things are in my ears every chance I can get.
Oh yeah, I should also mention this. I use the UM2s with my iriver H320. Out of date a little, but it still sounds amazing. I am curious to hear an i-pod with these phones, although from what I've heard, I doubt they have the power to drive them. Not a ****** comment, just my opinion.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Better than the E4c
by Mtnmna on February 3, 2006
Pros: comfort, full rich sound
Cons: accessories
Summary: The UM2 is one of the better earphones on the market. The comfort is second to none. The sound is full and warm. In the dual driver catagory, it is ...
Summary: The UM2 is one of the better earphones on the market. The comfort is second to none. The sound is full and warm. In the dual driver catagory, it is tops. It does lack a little in the mids, but nothing a little EQ or a bi-flange tip cannot correct. I do wish it has a "fit kit" like some other brands do. A must for an audiophiles collection !
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Expensive but worth it
by bob.mcclenahan on October 8, 2008
Pros: Comfy, great sound
Cons: Relatively expensive, build quality
Summary: I've tried lots of earphones, and these are my favorite. They are very comfortable and sound great. I would describe them as warm. The highs are detailed but not ...
Summary: I've tried lots of earphones, and these are my favorite. They are very comfortable and sound great. I would describe them as warm. The highs are detailed but not harsh. The bass is defined but not overbearing. Unfortunately, after daily use for over a year, the right bud quit working and the connector wire is fraying. I've sent them back for repair.
Sent these back to Westone for repair. There were out of warranty, but they still sent me back a brand-new pair at their cost. Great customer service.
Updated on Oct 22, 20081 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent sound but worst support
by hvmathews on September 21, 2008
Pros: ound quality is absolutely amazing with outstanding performance. Deep bass, beautiful highs and mids. Perfect combination for Ipod, good noise attenuation.
Cons: The nightmare started 5 months after purchased when the right earphone stooped working.
Summary: I sent it to Westone for a replacement in the original case with all the documents, warranty, prove of purchase etc, everything within a box all sealed and very well ...
Summary: I sent it to Westone for a replacement in the original case with all the documents, warranty, prove of purchase etc, everything within a box all sealed and very well packed.
After 45 days a received back my earphones in a paper bag, no case, no fix, no explanations.
I called them no answer, I e-mailed them, no response.......I gave up. Then I decided to try to fix them my self. It was the cable-connection in the Y joint that was not doing any contact, I fixed it.
But after few more months the cable inside the right earphone lost contact. No Fix possible now, no earphones, No warranty, very disappointed.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The most comfortable, clear sounding earphones, secure fitting earphones I have ever tried.
by lenow on September 29, 2007
Pros: Amazing fit, sound blows away anything I have tried, including Shure SE0301. As a runner, these don't move an inch and all you hear is the music.
Cons: Would be nice if they were cheaper, but hey, buy the UM1 if you need to save a bit.
Summary: Like many of the posters here, I went through a series of sound isolating or high quality earphones. I tried Future Sonics (great sound, bad fit for me), Shure (201 ...
Summary: Like many of the posters here, I went through a series of sound isolating or high quality earphones. I tried Future Sonics (great sound, bad fit for me), Shure (201 and 301, couldn't get a good fit), Bose (not even close for sound clarity) and settled on these Westone UM2's after a great deal of help and advice from the folks at Earphone Solutions. What amazing customer service and willingness to talk about options. My biggest problem was fit. They recommended these over all the others they sell and I couldn't be happier. If you can shell out the $269 (with discount), you won't be sorry. If not for price, I would give them a 10.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Listen to Earphones Solutions says about these for true review
by methos777 on March 21, 2007
Pros: The fit, the bass, the highs, and mids ( IN ONE WORD "BALANCE"
Cons: Can't think of any now
Summary: There is no doubt that um2 is most likely the best IE phones on the mark until the um3 comes out. It's really hard for me to listen to ...
Summary: There is no doubt that um2 is most likely the best IE phones on the mark until the um3 comes out. It's really hard for me to listen to a lot of different sites with there #'s instead of raw listening judgment(from people that know earphones). Earphones Solution is possibly the best site for reviews on earphones. Their views are the most accurate I've seen. I've bought several different earphones from them. From Shure, UE, and finally Westone. Every set that I've bought from them reflected the exact experience that I had with them and how they sounded. They as well as some others that have wrote into them have labeled the UM2 the best IE set on the market. They even beat the likes of shure 5's and other $400+ set. None of them were able to take the UM2 off their crown. And they have been out for a while now. That in my opinion is great. These IE's are the best fit, best balance sound that I've heard from any other out there. Now I will admit I first fell in love with the UE's 5 pro's and if I had to have a 2nd set it has to be these. And it did take a full day for me to admit that the UM2 were better because they were really close in sound but the balance just over took the UE's 5pros and then when you add the comfort there is really little left to hold on to before the switch. If you have the money for several Get the Westone and UE 5pro's to compare for yourself but if you just want one pare to have.... it has to be the UM2's.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Possibly the sweet spot of the market.
by rayhorv on May 4, 2011
Pros: (1) Remarkably comfortable in its class (wearing it for several hours is not a problem)
(2) Two-way headphones provide full audio spectrum.
(3) Warm sound (compensates for defects in source)
(4) Durable (I have been using mine for three years)
(5) EffectiCons: Cons come from the design
(1) not for those who do not like earplugs
(2) the sound stage of earplugs cannot compete with open-air headphones (but I would hate to carry a Sennheiser HD-650 around)
(3) The UM-3 is obviously better because it provides higheSummary: As I bought mine three years ago, I am not sure if there has been any changes to the internal parts. One thing is sure, I have no problem realizing ...
Summary: As I bought mine three years ago, I am not sure if there has been any changes to the internal parts. One thing is sure, I have no problem realizing that there is no "overemphasized bass" other owners complain of. In fact, I found that my Zune produces incomparably better sound quality than Apple's portables (that tend to sound like a joke with these earplugs). Design takes poor source into account and, instead of reproducing the sound from your device, it "touches it up" to a full-spectrum, warm audio experience. While this can be a minus if you listen to extremely expensive uncompressed music from thousand-dollar devices, it probably fits the average user's needs.
I am considering a custom-fit solution for this for ultimate comfort. If I ever upgraded, I would go for another product by Westone (probably the only US manufacturer). As my sound sources cannot produce sound any better than what I can hear on the UM-2, I'll probably stick with these; simply cannot imagine a $200-400 difference in improving sound quality. Yes, the sound could be more analytical, especially for acoustic music, but show me anything else in this price range that does a better job than the UM-2. -
Excellent Earphones.
by erikbaldwinson on March 18, 2011
Pros: - Secure Fit
- Sounds excellent and "warm" through out frequency range.
- Very powerful drivers - you'll have to turn the volume down!
- Very good noise isolation!
- Extra smidget of treble clarity can be obtained with an equalizer.Cons: - Too expensive.
- Lacking a tad of clarity in the high treble.
- Low Bass is slightly understated - arguably.
- Too expensive.Summary: Where did I buy mine?
I ordered mine "open box" USED through bhphoto.com in the states which came to $270 CAD after shipping/tax/duty/etc.
Why did I ...Summary: Where did I buy mine?
I ordered mine "open box" USED through bhphoto.com in the states which came to $270 CAD after shipping/tax/duty/etc.
Why did I purchase these earphones?
I wanted to purchase a dual driver earphone (as my previous sonys were dual and I really liked what they did). I also wanted earphones that were fairly durable (as my previous sony's were not and the wire became loose at the Y and I lost connection in my right earphone). I was not interested in putting down any more money than what would get me "very good sound quality" as well as a "good noise isolation" and "durability".
Westone appeared to be delivering on all three of these bases according to critical reviews on the net - but for a hefty price. I took notice that the UM1 seemed significantly cheaper, however, it was also reviewed to perform at significantly less quality as well - particularly in the low end bass area. The UM3 was just way too expensive - I'm a student.
I wanted the UM2 (the stage monitor version - slightly more expensive) versus the Westone 2's because after owning a pair of Behringer Truth monitors I just absolutely love the raw non-enhanced sound they produce.
What are my complaints?
Other then being way too expensive (earphones in general though really) I found I had two minor complaints. First, the bass was lacking a bit of punch. I'm not sure why people commenting claim the UM2's bass are "boosted" or something of similar nature? Secondly, I immeditaly noticed upon listening to them that they were missing that extra "crisp" or clarity in the high trible end - due to their very warm sound. I downloaded a program called EQu for my iPhone 4 and made a custom eq filter rising the high end on an arc (8k - forward) peaking at about 2db and SNAP the whole sound-stage just started breathing.
I would have not paid anymore for these earphones.
They sound very warm and not very "digital" or "cold" or "analytical". I knew this prior to purchasing them but was further surprised by just exactly how warm they were upon first listening to them. In consensus, I would not describe the UM2 as "stellar" but instead as "very nearly stellar".
I am happy with them and will definitely consider Westone for my next earphones when that day comes. :)
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Westone Laboratories, Inc.
- Part number: 79274
- Description: Built to the highest professional standards, the dual balanced armature driver UM2 provides amazing low frequency response and rich articulate mids and highs. Using the same technology as custom ES2, the UM2 is the earpiece of choice for music lovers desiring high-end Westone sound quality at an affordable price. The comfortable Comply foam tips allow for extended use without fatigue. Providing up to 25 dB of ambient noise reduction, the UM2 is the perfect choice for on-stage performing or for personal listening. Equipped with a durable 50" stereo "Y" cord and a 3.5mm stereo jack, the UM2 is also perfect for personal audio devices such as MP3s, CD players, and laptop computers. The UM2 Universal Monitor is the most affordable dual driver earphone on the market.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type Headphones
- Recommended Use Digital player,
Notebook - Additional Features Comply foam tips
Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphones - Binaural
- Headphones Form Factor In-ear
- Headphones Technology Balanced armature
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Frequency Response 20 - 18000 Hz
- Sensitivity 119 dB/mW
- Impedance 27 Ohm
Remote Control
- Type None
Connections
- Connector Type Headphones ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm )
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included Headphones cable - 4.3 ft
- Included Accessories Carrying pouch
Power
- Power Device None
- Battery None
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Product series
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Manufacturer: Westone Laboratories, Inc.
Specs: Headphones - Binaural,
Headphones,
In-ear,
Stereo,
Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
Comply foam tips,
Limited warranty - 1 year -
Manufacturer: Westone Laboratories, Inc.
Specs: Headphones - Binaural,
Headphones,
In-ear,
Clear,
Stereo,
Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
Comply foam tips,
Limited warranty - 1 year
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Westone Laboratories, Inc. products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Westone Laboratories, Inc.
- Address:
2235 Executive Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 - Email: westone@westone.com
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