Kurdt where is that firmware from?  What changes does it make to the iBasso DX50's sound?   I agree with this.

Thanks.  They sound interesting.  How do they sound unamped?

Would those who have heard the Harmony 8 (both versions) say they are not suitable for those who like a u-shaped sound signature (neutral with emphasis on bass and treble)?

Smithamb, I listen to tracks like David Guetta when I exercise and I've never experienced the FAs get crackly.  I'm not being a FA apologetic by the way, but I find the bass controlled but impactful (and I tested a lot of IEMs before deciding on them).  Perhaps it is your source.  I use my pair...

  Kurdt, do the FAs and the iBasso DX50 go well together then?  I've read some mixed reviews of the DX50.

The FAs are somewhat tip dependant. If you look back through this thread there are plenty of suggestions for tips you could try based on your preferred sound. Personally I think they sound great with Monster triple flanges. I would definitely say the Comply tips don't do the FAs justice.

Yes, it does seem to make sense. I had silicone custom tips made for my FAs and even they changed the sound signature. I found they made the FAs too bassy and muted the highs, which might be fine for some but not me. So I had the tips redone in acrylic and the sound was much better.

Is there a link with more details?

Thanks. I'm considering getting my FA4s reshelled and I had more or less settled on getting silicone, because various threads on head-fi said it offered better isolation than acrylic. Isolation is very important to me as I have a very noisy commute. But the lack of extension your friend reports...

Roll2k, why do you think an acrylic reshell is better for the FA4 than silicone?

I lived in Japan for several years when I was younger. It is very hot at that time of year, but I've never heard of earphones etc being damaged by the heat. Also, there is air conditioning on public transport, in shops etc. The only thing you shouldn't do (which I'm sure you wouldn't) is expose...

Thanks for the recommendation. Unfortunately, my friend is based in the UK and amazon do not stock that IEM. He has some vouchers he wants to use up.

Hi Rollk2, do you mind me asking why you prefer acrylic? I was under the assumption that silicone was more comfortable and had better isolation?

Okay, so this is an off topic question but I'm hoping someone could still help. My friend had a listen to the FA-4s and really likes them, but they are completely out of his price range. Can anyone recommend a much cheaper IEM he could purchase with a similar sound signature? The only ones I...

I would love to find an IEM with a similar sound to the FAs with Shure isolation. But I agree the FAs are comparable to the Westone 4s which are still decent isolators.

Everyone has different taste but I was disappointed with the Shure SE535s when I tried them out. I expected a much bigger improvement in sound from the 425s and to my ears it wasn't there. The one thing the 535s have over the FAs IMO is isolation. I'm just not a fan of the Shure sound.

  I agree, they are a lot more sturdy than they look.  Just as a comparison, I found that it was quite easy to damage Audio Technica's CK100 PROs when changing tips and I was careful.   I experimented with tips for the Fischer Amps while waiting for my custom tips to be made.  I tried the...

I don't own custom IEMs or custom tips, but I would have thought the isolation would be better than with form or triple flanges.  I thought the whole idea of custom IEMS was that they fit the individual's ear canal exactly?  I'd be curious if anyone knows anything about this, as I was thinking...

  Hi MoonYeol, do any of these tips fit on the FA-4s without having to really force them on?

  I recommend the Monster Triple flanges.  They make the vocals more forward for those who like that type of sound.   I'm sure Kurdt can advise on this better, but I would be careful about forcing the Westone STARs on.  While the Fischer Amps are not fragile, I can imagine the nozzles would...

  Thanks for the response.  I'm comparing the Fischer Amps FA-4E XB and Audio Technica ATH-IM03.  I did try the method you suggested and I still found it very difficult to pick out differences between them.  Perhaps I'm too familiar with the tracks I'm using.

I wanted to write a comparison of two IEMS I own and I'm finding it very difficult as the sound signatures are very similar.  Does anyone have any recommendations for songs or testings methods for doing this?  I have tried using the music I typically listen to and different sources, but they...

  Thanks, I actually have a wide selection of tips I'm going to experiment with (Ultimate Ears, MEElectronics, Monster).  I'm pretty set on getting Snugs custom ear tips though as I've heard really good things about them.     Etymotic ER-PT - Excellent isolation and generally liked the...

Thanks. I'm thinking of getting custom tips but I need something to tide me over.

I just wanted to say thank you to Joker and everyone else who posted recommendations. I decided on the Fischer Amps FA-4 E XBs in the end. Pricey but I would recommend checking them out if you're looking for a detailed IEM with a slightly v-shaped sound signature.