Review: Fischer Audio FA-003 - a neutral champ! - Page 155

so far i havent really been that impressed, i dont know if its my source or the recordings ive been using, but i feel like these arent worth the $200 i spent buying them from frogbeats, (i should of just pre ordered the hm5s for 120 and waited the extra week, but it was an impulse buy) They have about 20-30 hours burnt in to them. I ordered some dampening foam to see if it helps the treble, and the clamp is still very uncomftorable for more than half hour. Will keep them for another week to see if they improve with more burn in and dampening, but i feel like if i have to sell them ill lose a lot of money, especially with the hm5s coming next week for 60$ less. Using FLACs out of a fiio e10.

This is an initial report, so take it with a grain of salt, but some people receiving the HM5s are saying they hear distortion in the upper mids (Bottom of: http://www.head-fi.org/t/585281/review-brainwavz-hm5-a-new-neutral-champ/735). I haven't heard or read about FA-003s in a while. Can anyone confirm or say anything similar about the FA-003s?

Quote:

Originally Posted by treal512 

This is an initial report, so take it with a grain of salt, but some people receiving the HM5s are saying they hear distortion in the upper mids (Bottom of: http://www.head-fi.org/t/585281/review-brainwavz-hm5-a-new-neutral-champ/735). I haven't heard or read about FA-003s in a while. Can anyone confirm or say anything similar about the FA-003s?

The review said nothing of the sort - and one poster said he experienced distortion - but didn't give any details about quality of the music, his source, or his listening levels.

I replied in that thread.  FTR - I've never experienced any distortion.  Further details in my post in the other thread.

FTR - It did. Read my reply.

Quote:

Originally Posted by treal512 

FTR - It did. Read my reply.

You're talking about this review right (http://www.trustedreviews.com/lindy-premium-hi-fi_Headphones_review)

It doesn't mention distortion.  It mentions lack of smoothness in upper mids - but he's comparing them to Senns when he says this.  Anyway - I'd disagree with the review on that point.  Are Senns (low/mid tier) smoother - yep - but a lot also have rolled off treble.

His other comment in the review states:

Again - he's comparing it to the Senns.

Oh  - and BTW - nowhere in the review do they mention distortion. 
 

I was not talking about that review. Thanks though for your concern.

Btw, sorry for the mixup, folks. Looks like the distortion issue was limited to one user's source files. We are still green!

how much would you guys pay for a barely used, 2 day old, new version of the fa-003?

Don't shoot me! 

A week ago I received my FA-003s which were on backorder from frogbeats (excellent service).  Apart from these I have the Shure SE210 which I use when travelling, and a pair of noise-cancelling AKG 480 NC, which I bought on a whim but did give me quite a few hours of enjoyment.  I purchased the Fischers because of the excellent reviews in this forum and because of their isolation capability.  While the isolation capability is great, and the sound is really clear, smooth, neutral and overall enjoyable, I must admit I expected more in the bass department.  I use mediamonkey on a PC or an iPod classic to listen and in both cases I find the bass lacking to the extent that I need to adjust the equaliser quite a bit to boost the bass.  To be honest I feel that the Shure 210s, while inferior in all other areas, have better bass. I listen mostly to classic and prog rock and electric jazz.

I have about 50 hours of use so far (including some 30 hours burn in).  I am thinking of getting a Fiio e17 when I can get my hands on one - could this make the difference I am looking for - deeper and more prominent bass?

Thanks for any comments!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lignum 

Don't shoot me! 

A week ago I received my FA-003s which were on backorder from frogbeats (excellent service).  Apart from these I have the Shure SE210 which I use when travelling, and a pair of noise-cancelling AKG 480 NC, which I bought on a whim but did give me quite a few hours of enjoyment.  I purchased the Fischers because of the excellent reviews in this forum and because of their isolation capability.  While the isolation capability is great, and the sound is really clear, smooth, neutral and overall enjoyable, I must admit I expected more in the bass department.  I use mediamonkey on a PC or an iPod classic to listen and in both cases I find the bass lacking to the extent that I need to adjust the equaliser quite a bit to boost the bass.  To be honest I feel that the Shure 210s, while inferior in all other areas, have better bass. I listen mostly to classic and prog rock and electric jazz.

I have about 50 hours of use so far (including some 30 hours burn in).  I am thinking of getting a Fiio e17 when I can get my hands on one - could this make the difference I am looking for - deeper and more prominent bass?

Thanks for any comments!

if the brainwavz hm5 = fa 003, then your experience sounds exactly like mine. here's what i'll tell ya. burn in. burn in. burn in. (left it for my brother to use for 3 weeks)

in the end though, your satisfaction depends on whether you like to HEAR the bass, or FEEL the bass. if feel is what you're after, and taking into consideration how similar your experience is to mine, you'll never be satisfied. if hear is good for you, burn in solves the problem.

p.s. i don't know what they sound like with PROPER bass boosting amps like the zo, on fiio e5, i hear coloration too easily and that's not the kind of sound i want from these headphones

Thanks.  Will give more burning in a try.....I think I'll be happy with the hearing bit

Yes, seriously, 003s must be burnt in well. I've got mine for a little over a year and only a few months ago they started to sound very good... overall, they changed a lot during use.

Almost an entire year? Can anyone say "brain-in?"