Out of the box, they are really good. But with a few tricks (tips, cable, a few - very simple but effective - mods), they became just... terrific
Monsters
I am accustomed to some elite iems, some of the very best out there, if not the very best available (PMG APX, Vision Ears Erlkoning, my Aure Ringo, Final a8000, etc... and a lot more, about the most hyped products of the planet... every prices and technologies).
This being said, my "DSW Tuned" Fh9 (see my signature and different posts about my mods) are fully competitive. Everything. And a lot more better than a lot of so said "totl products" : balance in one word. But this is not the only word.
This is not a posture.
Main flaws : a little metallic flavor for the timbres. Not every time, but time to time. And a little lack of "magic" : no prisoners and no mercy . If I am thinking about the best products I know (APX, Ringo...), in comparison. That's all.
What witchcraft is this? Removed the green rings (not as easy as it sounds) listened and more atmosphere more space less veiled, not there they sounded veiled before but more clarity is perceived details are crisper. Your experiments have been invaluable for me continued enjoyment of this chameleon iem that's really stood the test of time.
What witchcraft is this? Removed the green rings (not as easy as it sounds) listened and more atmosphere more space less veiled, not there they sounded veiled before but more clarity is perceived details are crisper. Your experiments have been invaluable for me continued enjoyment of this chameleon iem that's really stood the test of time.
The FH9 simply checks all the boxes for me. No tweaks needed whatsoever. I use mine every 2 weeks (or more) on purpose. And every single time I try them there's the WOW factor. For me, the key to this hobby is diversity, i.e., a collection with multiple sound signatures.
FiiO will have to work really hard to make the new FH19 worthy to be called as successor -- unless they KZify or Moondropify themselves by re-shelling and re-packaging into a new product.
FH9 is clearly my best all-rounder IEM and gives an amazing speaker-like experience.
But i still have a big soft spot for FH7. It doesn't have the slam, the mid-bass the FH9 has. Its treble is not as refined and stage not as deep as FH9....but FH7 remains my supreme iem for classical music and jazz.That horn section timbre is addictive.
That lean and fast but very present sub-bass, taller and a bit wider stage,that extremely resolving and a bit recessed midrange...make it very special to me and quite different from FH9 even though it's not as versatile.
If i was forced to take only one IEM on a desert island it would be FH9. If i was allowed to take only 2 ....they would be FH7 and Prestige LTD .
I am a musician and have been using Alclair In-Ear customs for about the last 12 years. My body ears have changed through that time of course and I've used all kinds of "custom monitor" tricks to keep them fitting securely with a nice seal, but they never really fit great anyway and always required some pipe tape in spots to seal perfectly in all honesty.
But for the last few shows I've been just using the IEMs I use for my own personal rehearsal and practice in my music room. Ultimate Ears UE900s. I must be honest, as a bassist the UE900s are sooooo great, and it's time to start saving for some custom in ears again, or have my Alclairs re-shelled.
But...my girl's little puppy chewed them up, he loves to lick my ears, so makes sense he'd love to lick and chew my headphones!
So I'm thinking of getting the FH7s that are $299 on Amazon or $275 on AliExpress....or even the FH9 from Bright Audio AliExpress store for $450.
Any insight or help? Should I take this to the help/recommendations forum?
This is my perspective: the FH7S is a midbass cannon, and I guess it would suite you better on a stage. It is also lighter and smaller than the FH9. Both have dedicated subwoofers, and you can't go wrong with either.
As far as the fit and seal goes, I typically handle that with a bigger eartip. I should also be able to recommend some eartips for an improved sealing, if needed. This is my usage with them:
- FH7S: for walks and in the gym; when finished I just wipe them out and store them back in the case.
- FH9: for home listening.
One caveat with both models -- for a stage musician -- is that they're vented. Hence, external noise may bleed into your ears. When walking, I typically solve that by increasing the volume, typically 20dB louder than external environment. Note I'm very positive I'm still listening on 80dB average (or lower). Not sure if this would be an issue for you though. However, open designs also mean a more natural sound and no pressure build-up in the ear canals whatsoever.
Another caveat -- conditioned to the weather, and since both are made of metal -- is condensation build-up in the nozzles. You may have to dry that out every half-hour or so, before the humidity start clogging the BAs. I'm sure BA driver clogging is a multi-brand issue though.
This is my perspective: the FH7S is a midbass cannon, and I guess it would suite you better on a stage. It is also lighter and smaller than the FH9. Both have dedicated subwoofers, and you can't go wrong with either.
As far as the fit and seal goes, I typically handle that with a bigger eartip. I should also be able to recommend some eartips for an improved sealing, if needed. This is my usage with them:
- FH7S: for walks and in the gym; when finished I just wipe them out and store them back in the case.
- FH9: for home listening.
One caveat with both models -- for a stage musician -- is that they're vented. Hence, external noise may bleed into your ears. When walking, I typically solve that by increasing the volume, typically 20dB louder than external environment. Note I'm very positive I'm still listening on 80dB average (or lower). Not sure if this would be an issue for you though. However, open designs also mean a more natural sound and no pressure build-up in the ear canals whatsoever.
Another caveat -- conditioned to the weather, and since both are made of metal -- is condensation build-up in the nozzles. You may have to dry that out every half-hour or so, before the humidity start clogging the BAs. I'm sure BA driver clogging is a multi-brand issue though.
Luckily for me and only my 3rd iem purchase I stumbled across the FH9 and the reviews on here convinced me to upgrade and buy it, I could also get next day delivery UK supplier.
I loved it from day one, I'm currently using the black nozzle and crinacle's auto eq preset tweaked a bit for slightly more bass.
I've been reading these threads and I've ordered the EA Eros S cable and some 250 mesh to "DSW mod" it along with the green nozzles, thanks to PeacockObscura and DSW for the help and advice.
I was considering upgrading to the next level iem, £1000+ but if I can get say 5-10% improvement from these mods then I'll stick with the FH9 for a long time as they just sound so good (even now).
I'll report back once things arrive and I've tested.
Luckily for me and only my 3rd iem purchase I stumbled across the FH9 and the reviews on here convinced me to upgrade and buy it, I could also get next day delivery UK supplier.
I loved it from day one, I'm currently using the black nozzle and crinacle's auto eq preset tweaked a bit for slightly more bass.
I've been reading these threads and I've ordered the EA Eros S cable and some 250 mesh to "DSW mod" it along with the green nozzles, thanks to PeacockObscura and DSW for the help and advice.
I was considering upgrading to the next level iem, £1000+ but if I can get say 5-10% improvement from these mods then I'll stick with the FH9 for a long time as they just sound so good (even now).
I'll report back once things arrive and I've tested.
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. If I am thinking about the best products I know (APX, Ringo...), in comparison. That's all.
