[eclein]

I just got a used set of these Sleek Audio SA-1 In Ear Monitors...I like them very much but a lot of folks don't so I'm wondering if anyone here has a pair and they're thoughts???

[eclein]

So I did some research around the web (I buy stuff first and then research it afterward-only sometimes..LOL) Sleek Audio is relatively new from what I can gather and the model they have, the SA-6, has been plagued with cable breakage problems to the point where folks after loosing count of how many cables they've had replaced just sell them and move on even though they really like the sound. So far I haven't seen any issues with this model and cable breakage...apparently where the SA-6 connects to the earpiece is prone to breakage even when handled gingerly. (**Edit The following info is wrong, incorrect, dumb to say and inaccurate) So I put these in my ear with the small layer tip, the one thats has like a tip and umbrella looking things going back (see the picture) and the treble tuning port and immediately took them off and said "sh_t I wasted $25(Edit-end of dumb stuff I wrote-see next post and I'll explain)  and in taking them out the right eartip stayed in my ear, like In my ear..LOL...my luck my visiting nurse was due in 15 minutes so I patiently waited and cursed alot while doing so, the nurse came, big laughs and he pulled it out with nurse tools.
(Edit-More bad info) After he left I put in the bass port, some different tips and the sound was much, much better. The bass port for me and I would think most folks is essential..it brings the low end up and makes these a real nice neutral sounding IEM. I love a flat sound with just and extra bit of oomph on the bottom and these provide that now.(Edit-End of bad info) The high end and midrange is crystal clear and the low end is tight and right. I did a quick A/B with the Woodees and the Sleeks won out, not by much but enough that I want to investigate this line further...the SA-7's are where I want to go next so it'll be awhile as they are up there price wise. So all in all for me the SA-1's are keepers, not travel IEM's but definitely home late night pick of the bunch.
Anybody else have any Sleek IEM's??

[eclein]

First off a lot of things are going on here and the pace of my life has picked up- a lot! The other day when I received these IEM's I was rattled from something and in writing my post I actually used the wrong item number which I corrected, they are SA-1's not SA-6's. They originally came with the treble ports installed and in my haste and with ill fitting tips and the wrong position in my ear I wrote the treble ports off and filed them away in a drawer.

I have been chatting with the gentleman who sold these to me who happens to run a website that reviews equipment and he kept saying that he was kind of shocked hat the treble ports had such an effect on me. So after a few emails I decided to try them again, this time with the proper tips and ear position.
WOW was I wrong, the bass is actually the same but the high end sparkles and the soundstage is much wider and overall the treble ports make these IEM's pretty special. These SA-1's with the treble port installed will be my reference IEM's to judge future purchases by. Patience- a word I need to become my personal mantra!!

[Noseyears]

thanks for sharing impressions Ed, there are a couple of interesting threads at head-fi about your Iems.

Have you checked them?> 

[eclein]

Thanks for the tip there Noseyears, I read a bunch of the reviews and I totally concur. I read about Sleek Audio and the SA-6 when they first came out and how they were revolutionary and tunable and I was hooked but I was also dead broke. So a few years later I see where they are releasing these SA-1's and again I was hooked and of course broke.

Fast forward and I find a pair for pennies at head-fi and got my first taste of Sleek Audio, simply put I enjoy listening to music with the SA-1's, I love the craftmanship and build, the feature that allows you to tune your listening experience with a bunch of available ear tips and tuning tubes, and the sound is crystal clear and everything is accounted for in just the right amount for this listener. I've listened to these off and on for the past few weeks as I recover from health issues and part of that recovery is walking. The fact that I get to listen to these IEM's when I take my walk motivates me to get up and go for it.
They block out 95% of the sound around me and when you need to hear (car horn, siren, "hey buddy..move") you hear.
 
If you try these go into the experience with a keen sense of experimentation, I originally put these in my ear and hated the sound only to find out that a change in eartips and tuning ports turned the ugly duckling into the swan. I did not read any of the reviews before my purchase and bought these solely because they look awesome- good design and look are as important to me as the sound (60/40 sound)- and to read the reviews now blows me away. I read what I would have written if I did the review. The word flat comes to mind only because that word represents an equal eq setting across the board but these provide punch and sizzle when its called for and not until. One of the reviewers mentioned that these are sound engineer quality, and I agree as I've been playing around with a bunch of IEM's and I always pick these up when the new tunes arrive and I want to listen with a known good configuration of my system.
 
 They have a new, new model coming out for $399, the SA-7 with three drivers (or whatever they call them in IEM land) and if there is a way to get some I'll be all over it, as it is now I'm content with the SA-1, more than content-I'm thrilled but you guys and gals know there is always something better even if in reality there isn't.
 I'm diggin my SA-1's.

[mbakes]

The Sleek guys are good people.  I've had the SA-6 and liked them.  I had planned to use them mostly for when I run with the Kleer wireless adapter.  Unfortunately the adapter didn't work well in that application.  I have JH-13's for regular use so I ended up not keeping the SA-6.  They made a big splash at CanJam '08 in Fort Lauderdale.  They are located in Sarasota, FL.  Jason, one of the owners, is a great guy.  I didn't know they were coming out with a 3 driver model.  It might be time to give them a call to see whether they will have any samples to send around.