JVC/Victor FX700 Alternatives?

Besides the FX700, there are 4 other IEMs that are comparible, top-tier flagship/quality dynamics: Sony EX1000, Sennheiser IE8, Monster Cable Turbine Pro Copper, and Radius HP-TWF21.

 

I have spent a TON of time researching this exact topic, top-tier dynamics, because I wasn't satisfied with the top-tier armatures that I have heard as well, and those are the comparible ones.

I will recommend the JVC own FXT90 and it's close match to the FX700 qualities in bass, mids, highs and soundstage. The other IEMs worth to try are like MTP Gold, Sennheiser IE8, EX600+ZO and Radius DDM.

Try and look for used FX700s on Headfi. They pop up from time to time. I got my pair for $270.00.

 

You could try to buy some second hand IE8s, they are relatively cheap (150-160$), although you'd have to make sure you buy originals (so you need the bill from an authorized dealer from the vendor). They have quite the boomy bass (although not as wild as Monster IEMs) and a very large soundstage, which makes them quite different from the FX700s.

 

You could also try (if you can get your hands on those, I only saw them in Europe) the Yamahas EPH-100. They share a lot of qualities with the FX700s (fast drivers with excellent clarity and instrument separation), the difference being that FX700s excels in bass and treble when the EPH-100s excel in bass and mids. And if you get a good seal, the EPH-100 provide better isolation with their double flange tips.

cc51.

Skip the IE8 and get the IE80, much more balanced stock so no EQ necessary and an overall better IEM IMO. This is coming from someone who owned 2 brand new IE8s and burned them both in. This would be my 3rd (or first in a way) as the IE80 is the IE8 replacement, and a good one it is indeed.

Is the isolation the same as the IE8 though Lee?  I'm assuming they dulled down the mid-bass hump as well and hopefully kept the soundstage width and sub-bass?

 

Sound stage is slightly smaller on the IE80 due to the more detail and intimacy. Isolation is better than FX700. The IE80 doesn't have the midbass hump issue the IE8 has and the mid range isn't cloudy. IMO its superior to the IE8. There will be those who disagree because EQ is an option but even with EQ you induce distortion. When EQ down its a different story. Generally no one wants to have to EQ their $300+ dollar IEM to make it sound good and that is the case with the IE80 vs IE8.

Edited by lee730 - 12/30/11 at 2:10pm

Interesting that the MTPC is on the list as "comparable" dynamics for a basshead.  I didn't find the sound remotely close to the FX700 when I owned the two, especially when comparing the bass.  I found the Tributes to be more of a better alternative.  To each their own, I guess.

Edited by alphaphoenix - 12/30/11 at 1:52pm

 

 

Is the quality there though on the miles davis? I've heard they may have good quantity but the drivers lack the quality the FX700s have. TBO any more bass and the FX700s would be getting out of hand for me. But with a nice source they generally need no EQ and I like the imaging at low volume listening.

 

Edited by lee730 - 12/30/11 at 2:13pm

Quality is there on the Tributes, but obviously more on the FX700.  My post was a direct comparison between the Tributes and MTPC and which one would better represent a FX700 replacement given those two choices.  What I find that these Monster products lack in comparison to the FX700 due to its inherent vented design is the air and openness. 

 

Regarding the IE8, which I found the bass not as tight as the FX700, it was the artificially wide soundstage that did it in for me. The FX500 would seem like a more natural alternative to the FX700, but those are hard to find as well.

For me I really didn't have an issue with the IE8s large sound stage. The mid bass hump ruined everything pretty much. Clouded the mid range. And left the IEM lacking in overall clarity. The IE80 sound stage is a tad smaller due to the more upfront presentation, which I like. I still can't get why Sennheiser every released the IE8 as it was. But it seems they have learned their lesson with the IE80. I still feel they didn't advertise the sound signature change due the backlash they'd get for releasing a sub par product as the IE8 to begin with. BTW just got my Studio V in and I am pleasantly surprised. This thing is smaller than I thought it would be. Its a bit smaller in size than my Hifiman in thickness as well. The sound is very nice. Separation is excellent and the left and right balance is amazingly good.

Edited by lee730 - 12/30/11 at 3:02pm

I can see that. On the flip side though, they both isolate damn well, especially the Coppers plus foam tips. I'd really like to try the FX700 myself but can never find it "reasonably" priced.
 

 

I got mine used for $270.00 There should be some within that price range used on the head fi forums. I got my EX1000s new for $284.00. Glad I didn't take a loss on the item, pretty much just sold them for my cost and then purchased the FX700 at no loss. :)