Yeah that is good then. You get a better seal with the ciem with the impression done with open mouth (bit block method).
The Audiologist actually directed me on how to properly bite/place the bit block as well. Made me feel a lot better about ensuring that it was being done correctly haha.
The only cons to keep in mind with bit block method (especially with the taller side like u did) is that the seal can be too much and then uncomfortable. But I believe you arent very sensitive to pressure so hopefully not a problem for you.
Yeah, pressure doesn’t get on me much and if I rarely get problems with tips/canals (exception for the VE EXT, which I also almost pulled the trigger for custom tips for) so yeah. If they end up being really uncomfortable, I’ll work with them on getting refitted as well.
Well, today’s the day!
They have arrived, and they fit! Isolation is pretty damned good as advertised (may be a good solution for people looking to have ANC-tier isolation on wired sets) and the sound is robust. I tried them with the custom tips only, and I haven’t had them for ~2 months but the lows are powerful and rumbly, mids are clean and the treble is sparkly and non-fatiguing. The first tracks I tried seemed darker than I remembered but again, this was just after getting home and not having listened in ages. I will try to do some comparisons once I have time this weekend or next week to do some A/B with normal tips versus the new ones. I will say that, while kinda awkward getting them in the first time, the went in without issue (I didn’t use the included ear lube since I wanted to go without first) and they don’t feel as ear “violate-y” as something like deep earplugs, the initial molds at the Audiologist or Etymotic-style IEMs. I did also receive the IEMs with a pair of silicone tips installed from ADV as well; they look like Velvet clones but without the Velvet texture, may be house tips for them (edit: on further inspection and comparison, I think they are just Velvet tips. Very nice addition!). I will try to follow up with more impressions and long-term fitment/comfort as I get time with them. May be intermittent as I am also currently enjoying a set of Omnium Ti from a tour and need to spend a lot of time with them before passing them on to the next person (spoiler: Fun-as-hell Bassy U-shape with GREAT tactile bass, if you are attending SoCal Canjam find @SoundJedi around the Symphonium table and give them a try when you can!).
Total timeline (note that I opted for no rush order or special shipping:
July 15: Ear-mold impressions confirmed arrived at ADV’s lab
Aug 26: Custom Tips in production
Aug 29: Custom Tips enter Quality Assurance
Sep 9: Custom Tips shipped
Sep 12: Tips & MEST JB arrive!
man those look robust! A two month turnaround doesn’t seem to bad either, How is the quality of the material? Do they seem like they will hold up for the long run?
They are thick, yet the “ear tubes” are still flexible enough to snug their way into proper position. They feel like they’ll last a lifetime if you take care of them tbh. They’re just solid silicone with holes for both the bore and any inward-facing vent on the IEM itself.





