Intro
I've always been intrigued by dual dynamic earphones ever since I read about the DDM [HP-TWF11] by Radius. It just seemed so interesting that 2 tiny speakers can be fit into an earphone. I never got around to getting the DDM due to reading about the fit issues. As time went by, Radius came out with the DDM2 [HP-TWF21] which stated improvement in sound and fit but it was much too expensive. Recently JVC and Fischer Audio got into the game with the HA-FXT90 and Tandem with much more affordable prices. I really wanted to compare the 3 side by side so I decided to get all 3 and I'd like to thank Dimitri @ Musica Acoustics and David @ Frogbeats for making it happen. Below are pictures of how the dual dynamics are implemented:
The DDM2 Nightmare
As much as I wanted to hear how the DDM2 was, it never happened. I don't know what's up with Radius and their quality control but here's what happened. My first set came with a faulty right channel where it produced no bass and had less volume. The 2nd pair that Dimitri sent even after he tested it was also faulty. This time it worked for the first 30 seconds then the left channel lost bass and produced lower volume. Dimitri was kind enough to send yet another set and I figured third times a charm. Boy was I wrong, the right channel was faulty from the start. I don't know about you but for retailing around $250, you'd expect it to have a better build quality and quality control. It reminds me how bad Monster products were. This whole experience should be noted for anyone that's interested in getting the DDM2, be very careful because you may receive a defect. So the DDM2 will be reviewed on everything except the sound since I never got to hear its capabilities.
Packaging & Accessories
Comfort & Isolation
Build & Cable
Sound
Conclusion
The FXT90 and Tandem are some of the best I've heard in its price range which is <$150. I see them as great complements to each other, FXT90 being fun, exciting, musical and the Tandem being laid-back, relaxing, smooth. If I had to choose one, I'd pick the FXT90 due to the musicality and exciting sound. I was highly impressed by both. Not only because of the price, but also due to the excellent sound they produce. Really can't go wrong with either one. The DDM2 being around $250 or so isn't the best priced earphone but it certainly had a unique sound. It had a large soundstage with deep,powerful bass and relaxed treble which I really liked. If it wasn't for the fit and build issues, the DDM2 would've been my favorite out of the three.
I've always been intrigued by dual dynamic earphones ever since I read about the DDM [HP-TWF11] by Radius. It just seemed so interesting that 2 tiny speakers can be fit into an earphone. I never got around to getting the DDM due to reading about the fit issues. As time went by, Radius came out with the DDM2 [HP-TWF21] which stated improvement in sound and fit but it was much too expensive. Recently JVC and Fischer Audio got into the game with the HA-FXT90 and Tandem with much more affordable prices. I really wanted to compare the 3 side by side so I decided to get all 3 and I'd like to thank Dimitri @ Musica Acoustics and David @ Frogbeats for making it happen. Below are pictures of how the dual dynamics are implemented:
The DDM2 Nightmare
As much as I wanted to hear how the DDM2 was, it never happened. I don't know what's up with Radius and their quality control but here's what happened. My first set came with a faulty right channel where it produced no bass and had less volume. The 2nd pair that Dimitri sent even after he tested it was also faulty. This time it worked for the first 30 seconds then the left channel lost bass and produced lower volume. Dimitri was kind enough to send yet another set and I figured third times a charm. Boy was I wrong, the right channel was faulty from the start. I don't know about you but for retailing around $250, you'd expect it to have a better build quality and quality control. It reminds me how bad Monster products were. This whole experience should be noted for anyone that's interested in getting the DDM2, be very careful because you may receive a defect. So the DDM2 will be reviewed on everything except the sound since I never got to hear its capabilities.
Packaging & Accessories
- DDM2: Comes in a nice packaging consisting of 6 pairs of eartips, L-plug adapter, wiping cloth, and a nice clamshell zippered case. I felt the packaging was very bulky and could've been smaller considering it doesn't really come with that many accessories.
- FXT90: Comes in a small clear plastic case with 3 pairs of eartips, shirt clip, cord winder, and clamshell zipper case. Packaging was simple but it would've been nicer if more eartips were included.
- Tandem: Comes in a small paper packaging with 10 pairs of eartips and a cloth pouch. While the nice amount of eartips is nice, the pouch is pretty useless. A clamshell or some kind of small hard case would've been better.
Comfort & Isolation
- DDM2: Comfort is alright, the half earbud style sometimes bothered me. Isolation wasn't that great due to the shallow insertion.
- FXT90: Very comfortable to wear hours at a time so no problems there. Isolation was pretty average.
- Tandem: Not as comfortable as the FXT90 but still able to be worn for extended amount of time. Isolation was about the same as the FXT90.
Build & Cable
- DDM2: I was not impressed at all. The all plastic build looked cheap especially for the price. The cable is a joke, tangle-prone and microphonic.
- FXT90: It's mostly made of plastic but did not feel cheap but rather solid. The cable was easy to handle, soft, and reminded me of the cable on the IE8.
- Tandem: Like the FXT90, plastic build but felt solid. The cable is cloth-covered and was quite nice, very easy to handle.
Sound
- DDM2: A very fun, musical sound. Relaxed treble, full mids, and powerful, deep bass with a large soundstage. It's not the most detailed or analytical earphone but the other attributes sure makes up for it.
- FXT90: Such an exciting sound. Crisp treble, great mids, strong bass. It has a fun, musical, in-your-face type of sound. Easily one of my favorite earphones I've had to this day. Makes listening to music a joy and just sounds great with all types of music.
- Tandem: Has a very laid-back, relaxing sound. I can easily listen to music through it without fatigue for hours and hours. Treble, mids, bass all sound so smooth and is very easy to listen to. Doesn't really do anything bad, just an all-around great earphone to listen to.
Conclusion
The FXT90 and Tandem are some of the best I've heard in its price range which is <$150. I see them as great complements to each other, FXT90 being fun, exciting, musical and the Tandem being laid-back, relaxing, smooth. If I had to choose one, I'd pick the FXT90 due to the musicality and exciting sound. I was highly impressed by both. Not only because of the price, but also due to the excellent sound they produce. Really can't go wrong with either one. The DDM2 being around $250 or so isn't the best priced earphone but it certainly had a unique sound. It had a large soundstage with deep,powerful bass and relaxed treble which I really liked. If it wasn't for the fit and build issues, the DDM2 would've been my favorite out of the three.
