Titanium-housed earphones utilizing a unique PEEK (polyether ether ketone) high-tensile strength diaphragm and high-purity silver-plated (SPC) cable to deliver one of the most extended, transparent sound signatures of any dynamic driver-based earphone.
Features filter tuning system to customize sound signature to each user's preference.
Price: U$D 99 + S&H. (Original retail price was ~$200)
Warranty:3 years!
Accessories:
3 pairs of single flange eartips (S/M/L)
1 pair of dual-flange eartips
1 pair of triple-flange eartips
1 pair of Comply Foam T-400 (M size)
3 tuning filters
Carry case
Design & Build Quality:
The Finder X1 is a very compact in-ear earphone, featuring a very sturdy and elegant design. The small earpieces are probably the best part of the X1, made of strong titanium material which is also very light. With its conical/trumpet-like design, the rear part is very narrow, putting the 9mm dynamic driver closer to the nozzle. The filters are also made from a strong metal material and are very easy to change. The 3 filters are identical in size and shape, and just different on the mesh color and material. They're a bit small, though, and could be easy to lose.
Parting from the shells, the cable features a non-standard strain relief, which is totally internal instead of being added to the outer cable exit, and while the cable may look a bit thin, it looks of good quality and rather resistant. If anything it's a bit springy and just above average in cable noise. The y-split and slider are very flexible. Similarly, the straight plug is also made of metal and has the short rubber cover that acts as relief.
Fit, Comfort, Isolation:
The so compact design and longer than standard and softer eartips, might cause the X1 to be a bit tricky to fit at first. The nozzle/filter width is standard, so tip-rolling is very easy; Spinfit or Sony Hybrids can be used as well. As for comfort, the Finder X1 is really very comfortable, and with its small, light weight and round design, it is barely noticed.
Isolation is decent, a bit above average, but wind noise can be an issue.
Sound:
The tuning filters option is not a really new feature for an in-ear earphone nowadays, and not the first one I tried either. The X1 nozzles only differ in the type of the mesh used on each one. The changes in sound are still well noticed, but they still follow a similar presentation.
While are labeled as 'Bass', 'Reference' and 'Treble', the Finder X1 still has a strong dominant tuning regardless the one used. The 'default' signature of the X1 is of a mild v-shaped sound not very different from any other traditional lively sounding earphones, but the emphasis and forwardness of each frequency can be slightly adjusted with the corresponding nozzle filter. The pronounced v-shaped sound signature carries a strong sense of warmth and the low-end is strongly enhanced and could be easily categorized as a heavy bass one with a slightly bright and energetic upper end.
Silver filter - Bass:
With the Bass filter the X1 turns into a rather heavy bass earphone with a sharp v-shaped sound signature. The bass is very dominant, powerful and well extended, offering a good balance between impact from the mid-bass and depth from the sub-bass region. Control is good for its current $100 price among IEMs. Even though, the very strong midbass hump and the addition of the slower bass nature contribute in making X1 sound somewhat bloated which tends to overshadow the rest of the sound. The overall bass presentation shares some similarities with the Fidue A73 hybrid and Lear A1d in its most bassy setup.
The midrange follows the usual v-shaped rule; fuller thanks to the strong low end response, but also quite recessed. Detail is not too high and there's certain lack of definition and depth. Bass bleed into the mids is strongly noticed as well, to the point of being rather veiled, which I found to be very annoying. The tonality of the X1's Bass setup is dark and not very liquid, and it's more focused into instruments rather than in vocals. Female vocals suffer the most in texture and clarity and usually sound unnatural. There's also a bit of extra sign of harshness at the upper-mids.
Treble is the less pleasant part of this Bass filter. Not as recessed as the midrange but its presentation is less competent. While it has enough energy due its lively signature, it's still overly dark and doesn't have enough sparkle. A little sharp, with a certain peak at the lower treble and has the tendency to accentuate harshness and sibilance. Not a total deal breaker, especially when compared to some 'hot' treble IEMs like the GR07 or the more artificial S5, but cannot be considered as natural. It has enough energy to keep it from sounding dull but less attention calling as with the rest of the filters.
Black filter - Reference:
While I found very difficult to like the sound from the Bass filter, the next included filter proved to be much better in most aspects making the Finder X1 a more enjoyable earphone. The less mid-bass strength and overwhelming low-end is now taken under control and the X1 gains a more 'musical' presentation. However, the word “reference” is rather misleading and far from how I'd describe it; if anything the 'Treble' filter gets closer to be referred as a 'reference' sound. Anyway, with the 'Reference' filter the signature is still v-shaped, but the presentation is much more convincing with a more competent level of clarity and detail.
The bass is moderately enhanced, still with strong impact but with higher quality and control. It gets a bit boomy but definitely not as bass-heavy as with the previous Bass setup. There's undoubtedly better overall balance together with a more natural character, nicer texture and well rounded lower notes. Speed is quite good as well, and the less bloat gives place to a deeper and more effortless sub-bass reach. Not a bass cannon anymore, although still warmer than the MA750. The Nebula One is similar in terms of pure quantity, but the more open design and larger dynamic driver inside the AAW option offers a more spacious and faster bass response.
Even though it keeps its default v-shaped signature, the midrange is significantly less recessed. In fact, it has the most forward presentation among the 3 filters. The boosted bass adds a strong sense of warmth and richness that when combined with the better clarity from the slightly boosted upper mids and lower treble makes the Finder X1 a much more enjoyable earphone. It's has a good mix of resolution and fun factor that makes it stand out among its similar priced competitors.
Treble performance is probably the best with the 'reference' filter. It maintains the conventionally lively v-shaped sound, but it is not harsh or sibilant at moderate listening volumes. It is reasonably prominent and crispy but remains smooth at the upper end. Some sense of air is missing but there is almost no presence of grain or an annoying peak.
Red filter - Treble:
And lastly, the red 'Treble' filter. It maintains the plentiful bass impact of the 'Reference' filter but balances it more with the treble. Bass is noticeably less enhanced with an overall tone that is slightly warm, a little thinner in body and texture but tighter and with better depth and less annoying mid-bass hump and just a minimal amount of bloat. For most listeners it's a good trade of quantity for quality, but a basshead might still prefer the 'reference' setup.
The midrange is still recessed with a more traditional v-shaped sound signature; however, it is also the most clear. Clarity is very good, still slightly limited by the less mids forwardness and bass presence. Detail level is quite good for an enhanced low-end model but falls short of some flatter-sounding earphones, like the VE Duke, DBA-02/B2 or the more accurate and slightly mid-forward Hifiman RE600. Vocals are less favorable than with the 'reference' filter, due their thinner and drier texture. However, instruments separation and layering is very competent.
Lastly, from the upper mids and all the way up to the higher treble, the Finder X1 gains a rather high level of energy boost falling under the 'bright' earphones group. A tad splashy and less forgiving with lower quality recordings, though not as revealing as with more analytical-treble IEMs. Extension is as good as with the lows, too.
The soundstage on the Finder X1 does not depend much on the filter setup, not overly wide and open sounding, yet far from being intimate. The use of a more spacious DAP or some extra amplification can help in this regard, although the X1 is very little source dependent.
Pros: Nigh invincible - Adjustable signature via three filter options - Oozes quality
Cons: Fatiguing - Fragile filter construction
Greetings Headfi!
Today we are going to be look at an interstellar champion, a titanium infused monster, the Finder X1 from Echobox.
In Echobox's words, they founded their company "...to help personal audio evolve to a level that does justice to good music. We plan on making good sounding audio products that are well-built and available at prices that are affordable to anyone who is passionate about music..."I have spent the last two months and well over 100 hours with the Finder X1 and can comfortably see that the X1 encompasses Echobox's values and beliefs. The X1 is one of the most detailed, revealing, and entertaining earphones I've come across at any price, routinely impressing during each and every listen, and not just from a sound perspective. They are the complete package.
Disclaimer:
The Finder X1 was provided complimentary of Echobox in exchange for a fair and impartial review. I am not receiving any monetary compensation and all views and opinions within this review are my own. They are not representative of Echobox or any other entity.
Over the last couple years I decided to dive head first into the world of portable audio. After reading pretty much the entirety of IjokerI's multi-earphone review thread and being greatly inspired, I took a chance and started writing my own reviews. Fast forward a couple years and I've had the opportunity to write about some great products for wonderful companies like RHA, Havi, FiiO, NarMoo, Brainwavz, and Meze. I don't do it for money or free stuff, but because I enjoy it. If my reviews can help guide someone to an earphone that makes them happy, I'll consider that a job well done.
The gear I use for testing is pretty basic composing of an HTC One M8 cellphone, Topping NX1 portable amplifier, and my aging Asus G73 gaming laptop paired with a Plantronics Rig USB amp. An XDuoo X3 has recently been added to the crew and was used for the majority of my testing. I listen primarily to various EDM sub-genres (liquid drum and bass, breakbeat, drumstep, etc.), hip hop, and classic rock. When it comes to signature preference I tend to lean towards aggressive and energetic, but I try not to limit myself to one signature only. I also tend to listen at lower than average volumes.
Packaging and Accessories:
It's always nice to purchase a product that gives you a pleasant unboxing experience, which the Finder X1's packaging certainly does. The exterior sheath starts things of well with glossy images of the Echobox logo and the X1. The rear informs you of Echobox and their beliefs, and covers some of the unique features of the X1; they use Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) drivers, titanium shells, a silver plated cable, and an acoustic filter system. Down the sides you find the earphones specifications, accessory list, and a nice wireframe image of the hard carrying case.
Sliding the sheath off reveals a beautiful matte black box with Echobox printed in glossy black. This black on black design motif is subtle and attractive, and definitely something worth displaying. Lifting off the lid reveals the X1's housings on display in a matte black, cardboard presentation board, and a curious round flap hiding the neatly wrapped cable and Comply ear tips. I would have preferred ta foam insert instead of cardboard, but it works fine.
Echobox provides a generous helping of extremely high quality accessories with the Finder X1. These include;
- a high quality, spacious clamshell carry case
- three pairs of single-flange ear tips in small, medium and large sizes
- one pair of dual-flange ear tips in medium
- one pair of triple-flange ear tips, also in medium
- one pair of medium T400 Isolation Series Comply ear tips
- three sets of tuning filters (white = bass, red = treble, black = balanced)
- an organizer for holding all these tips and filters
- detailed instruction manual
- three year parts and labour warranty card
The single-flange tips are made from a very comfortable, flexible, opaque, and very grippy silicone. A welcome feature that I haven't seen on any other tip is the size printed along the bottom inner edge. This is especially helpful as the medium and large tips are quite similar in size and not easy to differentiate at a quick glance.
The clamshell case is probably the nicest I've seen provided with any earphone to date. The leatherette material doesn't slip out of you hands and has proven to be very durable. The zipper slides smoothly but with good resistance. The two mesh pockets inside keep the earphones in place and will hold your spare ear tips with tons of space to spare. That said, you don't need the mesh pockets to hold the ear tips because of the organizer. Simply put, this case feels expensive.
Some manufacturer's like RHA offer simple (but beautifully crafted) tip holders that keep the included tips organized and secured. These holders aren't designed to travel with you. Bringing extra tips requires you to leave it behind somewhat defeating the purpose. Echobox's solution is brilliant. They include a fitted silicone organizer that securely contains every tip and the spare filters, all designed to fit comfortably in the case along with the earphones themselves.
This unboxing experience and the overall quality of the accessories included give an amazingly positive first impression. It was only after spending some time with the different filters that I found they were quite delicate and easy to damage with normal use. I'll expand on that in the next section.
Build, Design, Comfort, and Isolation:
Echobox released a short promotional video in October of 2015 to announce their, at the time, upcoming Indigogo campaign of the Finder X1 and the impressive durability of this earphone. How did they do this? They taped it to the road at a busy intersection in Los Angles and let cars run it over for five minutes. The earphones came away unscathed, as you would expect from a promotional video. While I can't personally attest to them surviving such abuse, it wouldn't shock me if after being left there all day they came away looking brand new, working just as well as they did out of the box; they're that well built.
Every piece of titanium is beautifully machined with a very fine, subtly ribbed texture that improves grip and flat out looks damn cool. The small straight jack and in-line control module are well relieved, though the cable feels cat-proof with it's dense outer sheath. I doubt the strain relief is even needed to be honest. Relief for the ear pieces is in-built, a feature I first came across on the even more compact AAW Q. The only potential qualm I have with the cable is that it's on the stiff side, though not so stiff that it impedes on usability in any meaningful way.
The inline control module is a little bulky and heavy, offset by the aura of quality and steadfastness on display. The three buttons depress with a satisfying and stable "clack". This tactile feedback is something other manufacturers should try and mimic. It's very satisfying. It works well for phone calls, but a bit of background static reduces clarity a minute amount.
The filters themselves are quite small and very well machined. I had no issues installing and removing them from the X1, though things weren't all positive. While swapping out the red filters on one occasion the mesh separated from the exterior housing of the filter, sticking to the nozzle. I was able to pop it back in place and have no had any further issues. On one of the white filters the fabric separated from the inner grill and bunched up, thereby rendering it useless. I was able to peel it out of place with a pin, carefully smooth it out, and re-install it. It still works but has a tendency to stick to the main housing if changing filters. This is an area of improvement for the X1 given it's a primary and defining feature.
Due to the compact size, light weight, and curvaceous housings, I found the X1 to be extremely comfortably, even more so when worn cable over ear. They didn't create any hot spots in my outer ear, nor were there any odd ergonomic quirks to worry about. Just set 'em and forget 'em.
For an earphone with dynamic drivers, the X1 isolates exceptionally well for me. I chalk this up to the vents being integrated into the internal strain relief, around where the cable enters the housing. Toss on the included Comply foamies or the included multi-flange tips to improve things further.
Overall they are an unreasonably well-built and comfortable earphone, just be careful installing and removing the filters as they seem somewhat frail.
Sound:
Tips: If you happened to pick these up and are sensitive to treble, then you'll do well by tip rolling. The included Complys do a decent job of nullifying some of the most intense treble peaks. Comply's Sport tips with the added moisture guard are even more effective. Sony's Hybrid tips also pair quite well, as do KZ's new star-edged tips. Their bore isn't as small as the Sony's and the stiff inner tube doesn't deaden the treble as much, but they simply sound good and accompany the X1's well-engineered ergonomics quite effectively. If mass quantities of treble doesn't bother you, the stock tips are some of the best you'll find so you can end your search there.
Amping: I definitely recommend an amp, especially if not playing high quality files. The X1 is very revealing and doesn't play nice with low quality source material. "Quality in, quality out" definitely applies. They can be driven just fine from a smartphone like my HTC One M8 but I found adding the Topping NX1 into the chain noticeably tightened up the treble and gave their somewhat soft mid-bass punch some needed authority.
You know that moment when you find something that just clicks for you? You pick up that 'just right' pen with ergonomics that mold to your hand allowing a flawless scroll across the page. Or maybe that moment when hunting for your dream car you think;
"This is it. This is the one for me."
That's how I felt the moment the Finder X1 graced my ears. I was struck with a sense of deep familiarity because they were so similar to my favorite earphone, the JVC HA-FXH30, but improved and better in almost every way. What hit me first was just how clear and detailed they were. I've tried a number of hybrid and balanced armature earphones which output a good amount of detail in addition to offering up other typical BA benefits like improved driver speed and response, heightened clarity, etc. etc, but it's always nice to see a well-tuned dynamic hang tight in these metrics. It's earphones like the X1, and the FXH30 before it, that dull my desire to try all the hyped budget hybrids popping up left, right, and centre. I don't really feel the need when this single 9.2 mm, PEEK driver pretty much does it all.
Speaking of PEEK, or Polyether Ether Keytone; what is it? Based on some interweb sleuthing it is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic with a few qualities that make it great for use in this particular application; high tensile strength, stiffness, and low moisture absorption rates to name a few. I'm sure you can see how these would be useful in the application of an earphone in which a diaphragm is always moving and inserted in a fairly moist environment, that being your ear. What did choosing this material result in? A highly detailed, quick, accurate, and entertaining earphone with a signature that can be personalized with the three filter options.
The general signature of the X1, regardless of filter, is slightly warm with an abundant mass of treble, a crystal clear though somewhat dialed back midrange, with a swell of sub-bass. From the upper treble through to the lower midrange the Finder comes across slightly thin, accentuating their already excellent detail and clarity. Things thicken up a bit heading into the low end giving the X1 some much needed body and weight to their sound. While they do not have a massive soundstage, it is evenly distributed and airy enough to give you the occasional "what was that!?" moment as sound whips around you. Imaging, layering, and separation are all quite impressive, backed by a nice black background that lets the detail shine.
*In the manual the white filter is listed as the balanced option and the black as bass, but a quick listen did not support this in any way. It was clear bass and treble quantity overall was reduced with the black filter, and bass quantity, sub-bass in particular, notably increased with the white filter.*
Let's take a glance at the filters to see how they play around with this general sound, covered from most to least favored.
White - Bass
The white filter brought the X1's signature more in line with my personal preferences for lots of sub-bass and less mid-bass while maintaining an energetic but not overpowering upper end and fairly prominent mid-range. This to me came across as the most even-handed and refined filter.
Red - Treble
I totally get why these filters are marked as the least favorite in most reviews. They take an already abundant top end and bring it even more forward in the mix. This is a treble-head filter through-and-through and if you're down for some wicked detail, these little babies will shove it down your throat with a stupid grin on your face. There's still a clean midrange and notable bass quantity kicking it in the background, but the highs steal the show and can be a little over-enthusiastic at times, even for me.
Black - Balanced
The black filter is the balanced option. It's not balanced in the sense that it makes the X1 a neutral, uncolored earphone because it certainly isn't that. It simply dials back the bass and treble enough to bring things a little closer together. The X1's lovely mid-range is given additional emphasis because the upper end's energy is dulled a notable amount. I found they also significantly reduced sub-bass extension and increased mid-bass response, a shift I wasn't overly fond of.
Select Comparisons:
JVC HA-FXH30 (~55 USD): The FXH30 confidently held my attention since I first bought them in early August last year. It has continued to do so as a result of it's high energy sound, unique design, and outstanding comfort, and is still my top recommendation for an earphone under 100 USD. It's saying a lot about the Finder X1 that I consider it a direct upgrade from the FXH30.
It shares many of the same qualities; a speedy, accurate driver with a high energy upper end, cleanly defined midrange, and a robust bassline. The X1 adds into the mix even tighter and more prominent treble, enhanced sub-bass extension with reduced mid-bass presence, and a well-rounded soundstage that does more than just depth. If you love the FXH30's signature and want to step up to something similar but more capable, the Finder X1 is it.
Accutone Gemini HD (129 USD): The Gemini HD and the Finder X1 cater to very difference sound preferences. Regardless of the three filters installed, the Gemini is warm, smooth, bassy, and quite mellow. The X1 is the opposite; colder, quicker, and undeniably more aggressive. The Gemini HD offers up a much more expansive soundstage catering well to it's more mellow sound, but it lacks the raw detail, clarity, and lazer-focused presentation of the X1.
AAW Q (~210 USD): The AAW Q is a pretty unique earphone, sorry, canalphone. As compact as the X1 is, the Q is significantly smaller coming in around the same size, all-in, as one of Echobox's medium single-flange tips. If you want something as unobtrusive as possible, the Q is it.
When it comes to sound quality, as good as the Q is I feel the X1 is playing another sport altogether. The Q lacks the refinement and all-round extension of the X1. It's bass presentation centres a little too much around their mid-bass presence. It is lacking the sparkle and technical prowess of the X1 coming across somewhat soft and almost dull, though this does mean it's the less fatiguing of the two and better for long listening sessions. Soundstage is about the same, with the X1 edging ahead in separation. Imaging and accuracy goes to the Q. You can't beat a tip-mounted micro-driver there.
Overall Thoughts:
With the Finder X1, Echobox has nailed all the qualities that make an aggressive signature fun. It's quick, treble heavy, has a robust low end, lots of detail, and it's isn't harsh or sibilant. The thing is also built like a tank, excusing the somewhat fragile filter construction.
If you're a fan of bright, aggressive earphones and are in the market for something around 200 USD, this should definitely be in the running as a top pick. The Finder X1 is entertaining as heck and a great value.
Again, a huge thank you to Sam and the crew at Echobox for the opportunity to experience the Finder X1. This is one heck of a successful leap into a very competitive market. Awesome job!
Thanks for reading!
- B9Scrambler
***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Test Songs
Daft Punk - Touch
Gramatik - Bluestep (Album Version)
Infected Mushroom - Converting Vegetarians
Infected Mushroom - Deeply Disturbed
Jessie J - Bang Bang
Kiesza - Hideaway
King Crimson - Starless and Bible Black
Run The Jewels - Oh My Darling (Don't Cry)
Supertramp - Rudy
Supertramp - Asylum
Interesting review. I crowdfunded the Finders and Explorer on their discount price. Being quite averse to IEM, because essentially do do want to get tinnitus, I took a bit of a punt. At first I thought they were utter junk, being completely unaware of the whole 'seal' issue with the tips, none of the supplied tips fit my ear properly, only the Comply mountable tips work. I think the filters are a bit of a gimmick. Once you get a good 'seal' they sound pretty good, hopefully the Explorer complete the pairing..Essentially I have both as a replacement to my OTHER Crowdfunded HD device, the Pono!
Pros: Easy fit, great sound, good value, a variety of tips and filters
Cons: none
Echobox Finder X1 In Ears Review - Expatinjapan
Echobox Finder X1 in ears review
-expatinjapan
I first met the Echobox team in Tokyo at the Fujiya Avic headphone show in early 2015 where I was introduced to their upcoming and unique looking DAP The Explorer.
later after I started Head Pie I got in contact with Echobox and interviewed them for our blog.
John Darko spotted in the wild with the Echobox team at the e-earphone festival.
Later on we again met in person again at the e-earphone portable festival in Japan, Echobox graciously gave Head Pie two sets of the Finder X1 to review and give feedback on.
The Echobox Finder X1 comes in an exquisite packaging, fine lines and beautiful design make this a joy to open. Users have commented on the filters - either they are hard to get out and one has to damage the box to do so, or else they fall out all too easily. Echobox are aware of this issue and are working on rectifying it.
See and read more at the above two links.
Build
The build of the Echobox Finder X1 is top notch. Made from titanium it is lightweight and robust.
They are near perfectly machined and stunning to look at.
I found the size of the earphones to be suitably small and compact.
The see through cable is gorgeous to look at and reminds me of many quality custom cables. The cable itself is strong, supple and flexible.
At the point where the cable enters the earphone there are contrasted rubber rings to denote which ear to place these beauties within, red for right for one example.
Sound
This review took me a lot longer to do than some of the others. Mainly because the Finder X1 has included three filters to change the sound:
The filters are:
Black -Reference
White - Bass
Red - Treble
So in a way it was almost as If I was reviewing three sets of earphones, or four. Also tip rolling to find that perfect fit and complementing sound took some time and then I was back to square one with the filter testing.
There have been some great reviews on the Echobox Finder X1 already, so I am just adding to the pot as it already stands. Most reviews seem to agree on the main strong and weak points of the X1.
Head-fi has a couple of good reviews and Nathan of Ohm Image and Headfonia has done an excellent job as usual. http://www.headfonia.com/review-echobox-finder-x1-new-values/
Many reviewers have noted the Finder X1 as a V shaped earphone, I myself place it more in the small u shape category. Of course it differs ever so slightly depending on filter, fit and tip as shown by inearspaces measurements. The highs can certain seem too extended and overly bright at times, this was more subdued to an acceptable level when I started using the JVC Spiral Dot tips and as time went on.
The mids come and go it seems, which gives rise to the popular idea of these being of a V shape sound signature.
The Finders reproduce fairly accurately most music tracks, detail is at an acceptable and lifelike level, though not to the $500 plus side of things of course.
There are the highs which may be a bit much for those who are sensitive to such things, but as written earlier these can be tamed somewhat with the right choice of filter paired with a tip such as the afore mentioned JVC Spiral Dots, other users have had some success with Comply
I have read various early impressions which described it as a metallic sound - I myself heard that tinny treble which seemed to go away after I got a few hours on them.
The first few days I did find myself wanting to break out my DITA-The Truths from my bag but as time went on and I ditched the black filter for the white (I wanted to start out with the reference-for reference) and as my tip rolling became more successful I started to enjoy the Finder X1 more and more, as an understated workhorse so to speak.
The Finder X1 either burned in, or my ears and brain adjusted to accommodate them - choose the phrase which best fits your belief system. But definitely after I got a few hours on them, or into them they certainly become better and more pleasant to the ears.
The highs tamed, the bass became more tight and less overpowering and also the mids came up a tad to even things out.
The initial V slowly transformed to a U and then quickly moved to a u shape sound.
A good sixty hours on average will transform these from an ugly duckling in an easy to listen swan.
I find the Finder X1 to perform well whether straight out of a Dap or when using extra amplification.
Most of my testing was done with an ipod touch 6G connected to a Centrance hifi-Skyn using Flacplayer app.
It, the finder X1 has enough instrument separation to please, bass and highs to thrill, a little more mids would be lovely though, detail is very good for its price range, sound stage is an acceptable width and breath considering its price point.
Fit
The Echobox Finder X1 are on the small side when compared with todays Mac Truck multidriver IEMs. This makes them suitable for nearly any ear size, when connected to the lightness of the build this makes them appropriate for most users. Those with a larger size earhole may find it may penetrate too deep and the surrounding metal could rub against the outer part of the ear canal.
I have found as usual tip rolling, or trying out different brands of tips is essential to acquiring a proper fit, seal and insertion. Some users have commented that the Finder X1 requires a deep insertion, or tends toward a deeper insertion naturally.
Currently my favorite tip for the Finder X1 is the JVC Spiral Dot tips.
I have tried Comply, Sony, Sony Hybrid, Ortofon and Spinfit tips.
You definitely need a proper fit/seal for these to sound at their best or else the bass is thin and highs can end up shrill or tinny.
I find wearing the X1 over the ears to be suitable and a secure fit for myself.
Extras
As can be seen in the unboxing articles that were linked earlier in the review the Echobox finder X1 comes with:
The Finder X1.
Three sets of filters to alter the sound to suit ones tastes. Easy to change by unscrewing one and then screwing in the newly chosen filter.
Extra stock tips including double and triple flange tips.
A product manual.
A warranty.
A durable and compact carry case.
The Echobox Finder X1 will eventually settle on a final retail price of US$199.
Specs
Overall
The Echobox Finder X1 is a wonderfully done earphone, certainly a superb first attempt.
Is it perfect? No. Does it fit within the final asking price range of US$200 in ears, I would say a strong: yes.
If you were lucky to have bought it earlier on at either one of the discount prices you certainly got a bargain. The Finder X1 is a keeper for me.
Finding the right filter is a key start, the Finder X1 seems to generally ship with the white filter, others prefer the black reference filter, few settle with the red.
As mentioned early these do benefit with a bit a breaking in or burn in imho, or if you don`t believe in that sort of thing then it would be your ears getting more used to their sound.
Also tip rolling and finding the right tip is essential, but this could be said for most IEMs and IEM users. People who have been through a few sets of in ears generally have a small store of tips to chose from.
In summary the Finder X1 whilst not being an all rounder certainly ticks many of the boxes for the casual to serious listener. No doubt many improvements will be made from the feedback of the audio community which will be incorporated within the future Finder X2, whilst most complaints have been minimal and seem to have largely faded from the early demo releases, some niggles remain such as the at times tinny highs which some have pointed out fade with a bit of time and as I wrote proper fit/seal and tips.
The Finder X1 I would honestly say is an IEM that performs well and even the most jaded buyer of audio products would find the build something to behold, the packaging a Christmas in itself and the sound non distracting - in the sense that one can just relax and enjoy the music and stop listening to the gear for change when all the pieces: filters, tips etc balance out to a point of pleasure.
Thank you again to Echobox for providing the finder X1 for review.
I saw these guys at CanJam in London last year but every time I looked on Amazon I couldn't see them for sale. It appears they are now on Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01F7Q7OWS/) but I wondered if anyone had been using them for a while as my only concern was longevity as the cable seemed pretty thin? The sound quality even in the big room at CanJam was excellent given these are much cheaper than the equivalent Shures or Westones.
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Took them for a spin a few minutes ago, after not using mine for over a year: Wow, these are total garbage.
I paid 30 bucks for this, I think Echobox went defunct when I got these, hence the low price.
Not worth even 5 freedom eagles.