[e-Q5 added] Shootout: The Ortofon e-Q7 versus 3 new Final Audio IEMs (FI-BA-A1, FI-BA-SB, FI-BA-SS) - Page 12

Between the A1 and SB, like 5-10%. I think they're very similar, but I don't recommend the SB at all because of the price, cable and that treble peak. I see no point in buying it really. 

 

A1 and SA, 0.5% if there is a variation. But again, I haven't done any serious back to back listening yet. 

Quote:

Recall, this is EXACTLY as I heard them. 

I'm actually rather attracted to the SB's cable.

Looks nice, but it's a pain to use.

 

ABed the SA and A1 with pink noise and the SA has an almost identical response but with a tiny bit added sibilance, closer to the sound of the SB. Hard to make it out and may just be placebo, but there does seem a very slight difference in the treble. I am using the same tips for both
 

 

Edited by Inks - 1/16/12 at 11:03pm

 

Pink noise, interesting.

 

Firstly, many thanks to James for his help in Pm's I have decided to go for the SB models. Dimitri is offering a killer deal on them and I prefer the flat cable over the round and I have a feeling that the sonic signature is what I have been looking for.
The tubey thing is the type of thing I want. I will be pairing it with my CLAS/ Classic, SR71-B and will give my thoughts when I have had a good listen. They are out of stock at the moment but hopefully it won't be long before Dimitri has them back in

Ahh when I saw the two cables in person I actually preferred the A1's cable. It was so soft and pliable (though not especially confidence inspiring.) I regret swapping my A1's for EQ-5's since I did not like that cable arrangement at all. Now I have neither and so sadly cannot contribute much to this discussion any more. :[

I can't wait to read your impressions. I'm rather attracted to the Heaven S myself, though most seem to prefer the Heaven A and C for various reasons.

I am really looking forward to their arrival, Dimitri has been great to deal with.
I have been looking for something with the characteristics of my beloved ER4S's but with a bit more body and emotion and after spending hours reading impressions and talking with James I have a feeling these may do what I want. It is not about an improvement so much as a slight difference in sound signature. I thought I had it with the FX500's and they come close but still they have a few of the traits of the triple.fi10's that I have also and never use as I find them a little muddled in sound. I still think the FX500's a bargain though, beautifully made and for the money very good sound. But the itch still needs scratching. For some reason customs don't appeal to me and I have had great experience with one driver IEM's over multi driver ones.
Edited by ianmedium - 1/25/12 at 10:04am

Hi James, you did indeed warm me about it and I did listen honestly but I think after reading everything I am risking the SB's over the A1's. I just have this feeling they will be what I am looking for.. Of course I am willing to eat humble pie if not!

Well I finally tried comply t400 on the A1's and the deeper fit has definitely helped with imaging. The soundstage is narrower but it's easier to pick out all the details and instrument placement, which is a plus for me.

 

I had forgotten how non-fatiguing these iems are in comparison to the CK10's and DBA's and even the FTX90's. They have a smoothness that pervades the entire range making them very cohesive but not as detail-forward as I prefer. Also the steeper v-shape signature of the FXT90's make them sound better to me in a quick comparison, but long term use exposes a bump in the JVC's upper mids that has me appreciating the balance and fluidity of the A1's.

 

TBH these iems have been confusing me for while. Thanks to james for the tip suggestion.

My HeavenS's have arrived. Had to wait for Dimitri to order direct from the factory. Will post more thoughts after the weekend but initial thoughts are that they fulfill what I was hoping they would do which is to give me an ER4S with more bass, soundstage and warmth. Bass is nice and tight, deep and no sign of bloat or artificial boost. I would say detail retrieval is actually better than the ER4S, something I never thought would happen!

So far the only negative is the cable is much more microphonic than the ETY's so I will have to keep still which I do anyway when listening. The housings are made from "shaved" brass and are weighty but once in the ears (they go deep, like the ETY's ) they are planted solidly. I found the medium tips to be the best fit for me. These are to all intents and purpose fit and forget IEM's. I think they have a tubey sound to them and all one focuses on is the music which is what it is all about eh!

Build quality is great, the cable (microphonics aside) is very well made, about the same width as dried linguini!

So, initial impressions are that if you love the ETY ER4S but wish it had more warmth and bass presence but not overbearing bass you may want to give these a go.

I love that it is a single driver, every multi driver iem I have tried sounds muddy and bloated. I like the idea of keeping it simple.

One last thing, unlike others I do notice a difference in sound if I put my fingers over the rear ports, the soundstage closes in (Oh yes, soundstage is the best i have heard on a monitor earphone!) and the sound lacks air.

Will write more after more listening but I think these are now my go to IEM!

I've been enjoying the Heaven S as well lately. I love that feeling when you first wear them, as they're cold being metal and whatnot.