JVC/Victor FX700 - The Successor (early Easter Bunny brought something very nice!) - Page 2

Thanks firoze! I'll try to post a better picture of the case, but it's not much more to it than you've already seen, a rectangular box with foam inlay and a flap with magnetic latch.

And now for some first impressions after about 30 hours of play/burn-in time. But first things first, I want to thank javajive for bringing these to my attention. Here's his post that made my Japanese import order a limited risk:

First thought, trying to put them on: damn, this cord is short! Compared to the FX500's it's even a few centimeters shorter. There must have been some customers complaining about the long cord on the FX500, LOL. Let's measure it: a whopping 88cm (or 34.5").

Second thought: They're heavy, much heavier than the FX500. Not as heavy as the Final Audio Designs, but noticably heavier than most of my other IEMs. At least they fit my my ears easily and stay put.

A slight touch of unease about these first two findings. Anyway, it's the sound quality that counts, so let's play some music. All listening was done unamped from my Cowon i9 and Sony A845.

Third+ thoughts: wow, these are good, very good! javajive is completely right in his description! Gone are the FX500's recessed mids, the FX700's are even slightly forward (but not obtrusive). And the highs, no comparison - extremely detailed, extended and refined, not a trace of the FX500's harshness. The bass reaches effortlessly as low as its predecessor's and has a lot of punch... wait! Let's see if it distorts on higher volume... ok, breathe again, these can make your ears bleed without distorting.

The FX500, despite its weaknesses, has one defining quality that stands out: timbre. IMO it has the best natural timbre with acoustic instruments of all IEMs I've heard. Thankfully the FX700 retains this quality: its timbre is simply fascinating and wonderful. I intended to audition the first movement of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No.2 and ended up listening to the whole concert. The FX700 is that good, it grabs you and doesn't let go.

Any negative thoughts? If pressed, I'd say the bass is slightly too much with some recordings, adding warmth that I could live without. Played with the EQ on some Vocal Jazz and Folk-Rock tracks and concluded I'd like the bass better about 4-5db down. But apart from that, nothing. I'm definitely impressed by the FX700. Just keep in mind these are very first impressions, without A/Bing to other phones.

Overall I really wished I had the Ortofons back (dfkt do you hear me ) to compare. Judging from memory the e-Q7 and FX700 must be almost exact opposites: the e-Q7 are masters of composure, incredibly relaxed and transparent, opening a window to the music and taking a backseat in the performance. The FX700 sit right next to you, all rosy-cheeked and excited, touching your arm during the high points of the performance. They are masters of enchantment.