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Headphoneus Supremus
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- Jul 12, 2012
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REVIEW: Fischer Audio Dubliz
Specifications:
Driver: Dual-Diaphragm Transducer (DDT) 8 & 10 mm
Frequency range: 18-22000 Hz
Sensitivity: 101 dB
Impedance: 34 Ohm
Maximum power input: 65 mW
Cable: 1.2 m
MSRP: $99 and $109 for the mic. version.
Product page & Availability:
fischeraudio.com
fischer-products.eu
Accessories:
4 pairs of single eartips (1xS/2xM/1xL).
Carry pouch
Build & Design:
Overall quality would be above average, with some reservations. The housings are all aluminum, which feel rather sturdy. They're not small at all, but they're light in weight despite carrying a Dual diaphragm configuration inside. Cable is the known twisted inside and plastic covered outside, which is already found on several in-ear models. It's a kinda springy, and rather microphonic, although not as noisy as it's Consonance Mini sibling. Plug is straight, sturdy but lacks proper relief, same goes for the Y-split which is missing a cinch slider. Strain relief at the housings entry is short and doesn't inspire much confidence. There's also no R and L marking (not even a dot); only way to tell each side apart was by the mic' which is placed on the right side cable.
Fit, Comfort, Isolation:
Despite the larger housings design the FA Dubliz is quite easy and straight to fit, and it's actually fairly comfortable for regular listening periods. They do stick out and may be difficult to wear in over-ear configuration. Isolation is pretty fine, above average and enough for daily commute.
Sound:
The first words that come to mind when listening to the new Fischer Audio Dubliz are 'balance', 'detail' and 'resolution'. The Dubliz is the first Fischer Audio in-ear model that utilizes the Dual Diaphragm technology, or DDT (as shown on the box), and if I'm not wrong it's currently the higher dynamic driver model of the company (the DBA-02 for the BAs). The Dubliz features a really well balanced sound with a slight U-shaped signature. At its current ~$100 retail price it finds itself competing against some of the favorites of many, such as the RHA MA750, the rather new Dunu Titan1, and the current Vsonic GR07 variations. Not an easy task, but fortunately the Dubliz manages to keeps its ground very well against these giant contenders, at least in sound matters alone, and even sharing some sonic similarities.
Bass is full, nicely rounded and intelligently layered. Quantity wise it is surely north of neutral but rather even and not overwhelming so couldn't be classified as a bassy earphone. It's still more than just punchy and there's no doubt it won't be missing anytime on any track. Sub bass is plenty and reaches to deep regions without effort. Mid bass is slightly towards the boomy side and not as well layered, but doesn't lack in control. The Titan1 is smaller in mid-bass and sub-bass too (but in a less amount), while the Dubliz shows further extension and a fuller response. The MA750 is also fuller in the sub-bass regions and more refined in the mid, and especially, upper-bass frequencies. The Dubliz would be the warmer among the three. The Brainwavz S5 is much bassier and less controlled anyway.
Climbing to the midrange, it boosts high level of clarity and definition. It's fairly smooth and a bit laid back, with a well noticed sense of warmth coming from the mid-bass lift, which also gives some extra body to lower mids. Usually, and might depend on certain tracks, the whole midrange may appear a tad distant, following the U/V shaped signature rule, though, some extra amplification might come handy to add a needed fullness overall (and actually nicely improves the sound presentation all along). Depth and resolution is among the best in dynamic drivers I've listened to in the sub $150 price bracket, rivaling the Titan1 and getting close to the MA750, although the later is still unbeatable with its exquisitely timbre and imaging. Neither vocals nor instruments are given extra priority over each other, although drums are firstly noticed than electric guitars. Similarly, male vocals carry more weight than females, but good thing is that they are very smooth than the more edgy Titan1 or shaper MA750.
Lastly, the treble part is very well rounded as well. It has enough presence, but still remains in the safe sector of smoothness even with more aggressive genres. Pretty much neutral quantity wise, enough for many people, I guess, although treble-heads may want some extra energy than the Dubliz offers. Extension is similar to the bass', far and nicely layered. The Dunu Titan1 and GR07 are much brighter and hotter, which tends to 'illuminate' the upper mids. The MA750's treble too, is more present and has the upper hand in regards the extension, but will be sharper at the upper treble, something that the Dubliz won't show. The Hifiman RE400 is more open at the lower treble/upper mids, but much smoother on the rest higher freq.
Soundstage as expected is rather wide for sure, very well suited for more classical and orchestral music. Not as airy and open as the Titan1 but on pair in imaging. Some extra amplification, such as the Cayin C5, will help to make the Dubliz a much fuller all-arounder set, adding more body and forwardness to the midrange and some extra upper energy, yet keeping it on the smooth side of things.
Conclusion & Value:
The Fischer Audio Dubliz really managed to surprise with its sound presentation, rivaling some of the well liked contenders nowadays. Sound wise is quite easy to recommend as a well balanced IEM, fairly comfortable and well isolating for daily use. The main downside would be the plain quality of the cable and its annoying microphonics noise, and the lack of accessories when compared to its direct rivals, but for the ~$100 price it worth a try nonetheless.
Specifications:
Driver: Dual-Diaphragm Transducer (DDT) 8 & 10 mm
Frequency range: 18-22000 Hz
Sensitivity: 101 dB
Impedance: 34 Ohm
Maximum power input: 65 mW
Cable: 1.2 m
MSRP: $99 and $109 for the mic. version.
Product page & Availability:
fischeraudio.com
fischer-products.eu
Accessories:
4 pairs of single eartips (1xS/2xM/1xL).
Carry pouch
Build & Design:
Overall quality would be above average, with some reservations. The housings are all aluminum, which feel rather sturdy. They're not small at all, but they're light in weight despite carrying a Dual diaphragm configuration inside. Cable is the known twisted inside and plastic covered outside, which is already found on several in-ear models. It's a kinda springy, and rather microphonic, although not as noisy as it's Consonance Mini sibling. Plug is straight, sturdy but lacks proper relief, same goes for the Y-split which is missing a cinch slider. Strain relief at the housings entry is short and doesn't inspire much confidence. There's also no R and L marking (not even a dot); only way to tell each side apart was by the mic' which is placed on the right side cable.
Fit, Comfort, Isolation:
Despite the larger housings design the FA Dubliz is quite easy and straight to fit, and it's actually fairly comfortable for regular listening periods. They do stick out and may be difficult to wear in over-ear configuration. Isolation is pretty fine, above average and enough for daily commute.
Sound:
The first words that come to mind when listening to the new Fischer Audio Dubliz are 'balance', 'detail' and 'resolution'. The Dubliz is the first Fischer Audio in-ear model that utilizes the Dual Diaphragm technology, or DDT (as shown on the box), and if I'm not wrong it's currently the higher dynamic driver model of the company (the DBA-02 for the BAs). The Dubliz features a really well balanced sound with a slight U-shaped signature. At its current ~$100 retail price it finds itself competing against some of the favorites of many, such as the RHA MA750, the rather new Dunu Titan1, and the current Vsonic GR07 variations. Not an easy task, but fortunately the Dubliz manages to keeps its ground very well against these giant contenders, at least in sound matters alone, and even sharing some sonic similarities.
Bass is full, nicely rounded and intelligently layered. Quantity wise it is surely north of neutral but rather even and not overwhelming so couldn't be classified as a bassy earphone. It's still more than just punchy and there's no doubt it won't be missing anytime on any track. Sub bass is plenty and reaches to deep regions without effort. Mid bass is slightly towards the boomy side and not as well layered, but doesn't lack in control. The Titan1 is smaller in mid-bass and sub-bass too (but in a less amount), while the Dubliz shows further extension and a fuller response. The MA750 is also fuller in the sub-bass regions and more refined in the mid, and especially, upper-bass frequencies. The Dubliz would be the warmer among the three. The Brainwavz S5 is much bassier and less controlled anyway.
Climbing to the midrange, it boosts high level of clarity and definition. It's fairly smooth and a bit laid back, with a well noticed sense of warmth coming from the mid-bass lift, which also gives some extra body to lower mids. Usually, and might depend on certain tracks, the whole midrange may appear a tad distant, following the U/V shaped signature rule, though, some extra amplification might come handy to add a needed fullness overall (and actually nicely improves the sound presentation all along). Depth and resolution is among the best in dynamic drivers I've listened to in the sub $150 price bracket, rivaling the Titan1 and getting close to the MA750, although the later is still unbeatable with its exquisitely timbre and imaging. Neither vocals nor instruments are given extra priority over each other, although drums are firstly noticed than electric guitars. Similarly, male vocals carry more weight than females, but good thing is that they are very smooth than the more edgy Titan1 or shaper MA750.
Lastly, the treble part is very well rounded as well. It has enough presence, but still remains in the safe sector of smoothness even with more aggressive genres. Pretty much neutral quantity wise, enough for many people, I guess, although treble-heads may want some extra energy than the Dubliz offers. Extension is similar to the bass', far and nicely layered. The Dunu Titan1 and GR07 are much brighter and hotter, which tends to 'illuminate' the upper mids. The MA750's treble too, is more present and has the upper hand in regards the extension, but will be sharper at the upper treble, something that the Dubliz won't show. The Hifiman RE400 is more open at the lower treble/upper mids, but much smoother on the rest higher freq.
Soundstage as expected is rather wide for sure, very well suited for more classical and orchestral music. Not as airy and open as the Titan1 but on pair in imaging. Some extra amplification, such as the Cayin C5, will help to make the Dubliz a much fuller all-arounder set, adding more body and forwardness to the midrange and some extra upper energy, yet keeping it on the smooth side of things.
Conclusion & Value:
The Fischer Audio Dubliz really managed to surprise with its sound presentation, rivaling some of the well liked contenders nowadays. Sound wise is quite easy to recommend as a well balanced IEM, fairly comfortable and well isolating for daily use. The main downside would be the plain quality of the cable and its annoying microphonics noise, and the lack of accessories when compared to its direct rivals, but for the ~$100 price it worth a try nonetheless.
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