Custom Art FIBAE 2 Review
Introduction:
Hello Everyone! I’m Binsterrrrr, an aspiring reviewer based in Singapore. I’ve been in this audio hobby for the past 2 years. I first got a chance to hear the FIBAE 2 at CanJam Singapore 2017 and subsequently at Music Sanctuary Singapore. I was impressed with the sound and was more interested in the technology behind this IEM. I then contacted Piotr of Custom Art and expressed interest in reviewing his new FIBAE IEMs.
Disclaimer:
Piotr agreed to send me a sample of a custom FIBAE 2 in exchange for my honest opinion on the IEM. I paid for the cost of my ear impressions.
Despite receiving this monitor free of charge, I will try to be as honest and objective as I can for this review. I do not need to return this review sample back to Custom Art.
Flat Impedance Balanced Armature Earphone (FIBAE) Technology:
The FIBAE technology is a brand new technology developed by Custom Art and it promises that FIBAE In-Ear Monitors will retain the same sound signature regardless of the audio source it is connected to.
Below is a description of the FIBAE technology taken from Custom Art’s website:
“Flat Impedance Balanced Armature Earphone (FIBAE™) technology is world’s first, revolutionary, In-Ear Monitor design providing flat impedance and phase. By changing Balanced Armature driver character from inductive to resistive we solved one of the oldest problem in the industry – dependence on output impedance of sound source for correct earphone output. With FIBAE™ technology your earphones will always perform best from any DAP.”
Specifications:
2 Balanced Armature Drivers (Single Low/Mid, Single Proprietary High)
113dB @1kHz @0.1V
7.1 Ohm @1kHz (+-0.5 Ohm 10Hz-20kHz)
10Hz-16500Hz (+-10dB into IEC 60318-4 coupler)
Unboxing and Accessories:
The FIBAE 2 is packaged inside a small black box.
The package comes with:
Build Quality & Design:
I left the final design of the IEM up to Piotr and his talented design team. What I received in the end is an absolutely well built and beautiful end product. It is dark blue with a nebula design and I absolutely love how the IEM looks. There are no signs of glue residue and the faceplate and shells are joined seamlessly together. The shells are smooth and there are no signs of bubbles in the shell of the IEM. This CIEM has one of the best build quality among the CIEMs in my collection. I have seen many complex designs coming out from the Custom Art design and I am confident that they would be able to create a custom product with a design that you will be satisfied with.
Absolutely stunning nebula design.
Unique design of both faceplates.
Fit:
Fit of my FIBAE 2 is just nice in my opinion. It is not too tight and I could not really feel that it was in my ears after prolonged periods of listening and I did not experience much fatigue even after listening for hours. They sit nice and snug in my ears and it does not feel like there is anything inside my ears.
Shells are translucent and allows the drivers inside to be seen.
Size of the IEM:
I specially included this section to point out that the FIBAE 2 is actually smaller and more compact than most other custom IEMs out there in the market. It is the smallest custom IEM that I own and it manages to sit flushed with my ears and does not protrude much out of my ears. Attached are some images of the FIBAE 2 IEM compared with another custom IEM from another Polish company, Lime Ears Aether.
Sound:
For the purpose of the review, listening was done on an Astell&Kern AK380 Copper.
Summary
The FIBAE 2 is a balanced sounding monitor. It has a warm and rich sound with a forward midrange. Vocals sound sweet and it is very musical. Resolution of this monitor is definitely more than what you would expect at this price range. Extension on both ends is also superb. This is one IEM that is extremely easy to listen to and would definitely not disappoint.
Bass
The bass on the FIBAE2 is full sounding with good bass presence. It does not have the most bass quantity, but it extends deep down low and has sufficient kick to it. This is quality bass on the FIBAE2. Bass is not boomy and it is well controlled and never bleeds into the mids. There is sufficient rumble in the bass which manages to get my toes tapping and my body grooving with the music. The bass on the FIBAE 2 is not the fastest, but it is definitely quick enough and deliver ever bass note with just enough punch.
Mids
The midrange of the FIBAE2 is smooth and musical sounding. The midrange is slightly forward, but not too much. It allows the vocals to nicely shine through which gives an intimate feeling. I really enjoy my mids and that was the first thing that struck me when I auditioned the FIBAE 2 for the first time and it got me really interested in the FIBAE 2. The resolution of the midrange coupled with the intimacy of the midrange makes the mids on the FIBAE 2 extremely engaging and an absolute pleasure to listen to.
Highs
The biggest strength of the highs on the FIBAE 2 is that it has very good treble extension. The treble on the FIBAE 2 never sounds sibilant but it is detailed with good extension but is never harsh or fatiguing to listen to. It is smooth and provides the sparkle on the top end. The treble actually provides a perfect balance between other frequencies to give the FIBAE 2 the warm sound that is ever so enjoyable to listen to.
Soundstage & Separation
When listening to recordings of live music, there is a very good sense of space and layering between the different instruments. Layering on this IEM is very good with good definition between the layers. Instrument positioning is accurate on the FIBAE 2. Soundstage is not the widest I have heard, but it is sufficient for me with just enough air and never sounds congested.
Verdict on FIBAE technology:
For many of you reading this review, you might have 1 lingering question in your head. “Does the FIBAE technology really work?”
The one short answer would be “YES!”. The FIBAE technology in fact does work better than I expected. I tested the FIBAE 2 with my iPhone X and also my xDuoo x10 DAP and I am glad to say that the sound signature that I hear from the FIBAE 2 coming out of the various different sources is largely the same. This means that even though the source I used for this review is an AK380CU, the sound signature described above should be similar to what you would be hearing regardless of what source you are using.
However, please take note that the FIBAE technology makes the monitors have more or less the same sound signature regardless of the source BUT it does not mean that the sound quality also remains the same. The sound quality of the FIBAE 2 still scales depending on the quality of the source. For example, when I switch from my iPhone X to the AK380Cu as the source, the resolution increases significantly with better extension on both ends but the IEM still retains the same warm, slightly mid-forward signature.
I find that the FIBAE technology is definitely a success for Piotr and his team and it would definitely benefit people who want the same sound signature from the IEM regardless of that the source is. However, the FIBAE technology also means that one would not be able to tweak the sound signature of their audio setup significantly by changing the source components.
Conclusion:
The FIBAE 2 is a warm, slightly mid-centric IEM that is very musical and smooth. It has good treble extension without ever sounding sibilant, intimate and sweet sounding midrange and also quality bass that is controlled and packs a punch without ever sounding boomy. If the above description sounds like something you would enjoy, I would highly recommend the FIBAE 2 as it is one of the best custom IEMs around in the market now at this price range.
The FIBAE 2 is an absolute joy to listen to and I must say that the Custom Art team has succeed in coming up with a product that is very technically capable at a relatively affordable price. The FIBAE 2 definitely punches way above its price tag and has successfully proven that more drivers does not mean better sound quality but instead it is the tuning of the drivers that determines the sound quality of an IEM. The customer service provided by Piotr from Custom Art is top notch and it definitely one of the best I have seen. He is patient and is extremely passionate and proud of his work. Build quality of the IEM is also very good with no major flaws and the talented design team from Custom Art would definitely be able to create a design that you are happy with.
Introduction:
Hello Everyone! I’m Binsterrrrr, an aspiring reviewer based in Singapore. I’ve been in this audio hobby for the past 2 years. I first got a chance to hear the FIBAE 2 at CanJam Singapore 2017 and subsequently at Music Sanctuary Singapore. I was impressed with the sound and was more interested in the technology behind this IEM. I then contacted Piotr of Custom Art and expressed interest in reviewing his new FIBAE IEMs.
Disclaimer:
Piotr agreed to send me a sample of a custom FIBAE 2 in exchange for my honest opinion on the IEM. I paid for the cost of my ear impressions.
Despite receiving this monitor free of charge, I will try to be as honest and objective as I can for this review. I do not need to return this review sample back to Custom Art.
Flat Impedance Balanced Armature Earphone (FIBAE) Technology:
The FIBAE technology is a brand new technology developed by Custom Art and it promises that FIBAE In-Ear Monitors will retain the same sound signature regardless of the audio source it is connected to.
Below is a description of the FIBAE technology taken from Custom Art’s website:
“Flat Impedance Balanced Armature Earphone (FIBAE™) technology is world’s first, revolutionary, In-Ear Monitor design providing flat impedance and phase. By changing Balanced Armature driver character from inductive to resistive we solved one of the oldest problem in the industry – dependence on output impedance of sound source for correct earphone output. With FIBAE™ technology your earphones will always perform best from any DAP.”
Specifications:
2 Balanced Armature Drivers (Single Low/Mid, Single Proprietary High)
113dB @1kHz @0.1V
7.1 Ohm @1kHz (+-0.5 Ohm 10Hz-20kHz)
10Hz-16500Hz (+-10dB into IEC 60318-4 coupler)
Unboxing and Accessories:
The FIBAE 2 is packaged inside a small black box.
The package comes with:
- FIBAE 2 Custom In-Ear Monitors
- 1 Black transparent Pelican 1010 case
- An instruction manual (Which also acts as a warranty card)
- Cleaning Tool
- Desiccant Pellet
- Small blue soft carrying case
Build Quality & Design:
I left the final design of the IEM up to Piotr and his talented design team. What I received in the end is an absolutely well built and beautiful end product. It is dark blue with a nebula design and I absolutely love how the IEM looks. There are no signs of glue residue and the faceplate and shells are joined seamlessly together. The shells are smooth and there are no signs of bubbles in the shell of the IEM. This CIEM has one of the best build quality among the CIEMs in my collection. I have seen many complex designs coming out from the Custom Art design and I am confident that they would be able to create a custom product with a design that you will be satisfied with.
Absolutely stunning nebula design.
Unique design of both faceplates.
Fit:
Fit of my FIBAE 2 is just nice in my opinion. It is not too tight and I could not really feel that it was in my ears after prolonged periods of listening and I did not experience much fatigue even after listening for hours. They sit nice and snug in my ears and it does not feel like there is anything inside my ears.
Shells are translucent and allows the drivers inside to be seen.
Size of the IEM:
I specially included this section to point out that the FIBAE 2 is actually smaller and more compact than most other custom IEMs out there in the market. It is the smallest custom IEM that I own and it manages to sit flushed with my ears and does not protrude much out of my ears. Attached are some images of the FIBAE 2 IEM compared with another custom IEM from another Polish company, Lime Ears Aether.
Sound:
For the purpose of the review, listening was done on an Astell&Kern AK380 Copper.
Summary
The FIBAE 2 is a balanced sounding monitor. It has a warm and rich sound with a forward midrange. Vocals sound sweet and it is very musical. Resolution of this monitor is definitely more than what you would expect at this price range. Extension on both ends is also superb. This is one IEM that is extremely easy to listen to and would definitely not disappoint.
Bass
The bass on the FIBAE2 is full sounding with good bass presence. It does not have the most bass quantity, but it extends deep down low and has sufficient kick to it. This is quality bass on the FIBAE2. Bass is not boomy and it is well controlled and never bleeds into the mids. There is sufficient rumble in the bass which manages to get my toes tapping and my body grooving with the music. The bass on the FIBAE 2 is not the fastest, but it is definitely quick enough and deliver ever bass note with just enough punch.
Mids
The midrange of the FIBAE2 is smooth and musical sounding. The midrange is slightly forward, but not too much. It allows the vocals to nicely shine through which gives an intimate feeling. I really enjoy my mids and that was the first thing that struck me when I auditioned the FIBAE 2 for the first time and it got me really interested in the FIBAE 2. The resolution of the midrange coupled with the intimacy of the midrange makes the mids on the FIBAE 2 extremely engaging and an absolute pleasure to listen to.
Highs
The biggest strength of the highs on the FIBAE 2 is that it has very good treble extension. The treble on the FIBAE 2 never sounds sibilant but it is detailed with good extension but is never harsh or fatiguing to listen to. It is smooth and provides the sparkle on the top end. The treble actually provides a perfect balance between other frequencies to give the FIBAE 2 the warm sound that is ever so enjoyable to listen to.
Soundstage & Separation
When listening to recordings of live music, there is a very good sense of space and layering between the different instruments. Layering on this IEM is very good with good definition between the layers. Instrument positioning is accurate on the FIBAE 2. Soundstage is not the widest I have heard, but it is sufficient for me with just enough air and never sounds congested.
Verdict on FIBAE technology:
For many of you reading this review, you might have 1 lingering question in your head. “Does the FIBAE technology really work?”
The one short answer would be “YES!”. The FIBAE technology in fact does work better than I expected. I tested the FIBAE 2 with my iPhone X and also my xDuoo x10 DAP and I am glad to say that the sound signature that I hear from the FIBAE 2 coming out of the various different sources is largely the same. This means that even though the source I used for this review is an AK380CU, the sound signature described above should be similar to what you would be hearing regardless of what source you are using.
However, please take note that the FIBAE technology makes the monitors have more or less the same sound signature regardless of the source BUT it does not mean that the sound quality also remains the same. The sound quality of the FIBAE 2 still scales depending on the quality of the source. For example, when I switch from my iPhone X to the AK380Cu as the source, the resolution increases significantly with better extension on both ends but the IEM still retains the same warm, slightly mid-forward signature.
I find that the FIBAE technology is definitely a success for Piotr and his team and it would definitely benefit people who want the same sound signature from the IEM regardless of that the source is. However, the FIBAE technology also means that one would not be able to tweak the sound signature of their audio setup significantly by changing the source components.
Conclusion:
The FIBAE 2 is a warm, slightly mid-centric IEM that is very musical and smooth. It has good treble extension without ever sounding sibilant, intimate and sweet sounding midrange and also quality bass that is controlled and packs a punch without ever sounding boomy. If the above description sounds like something you would enjoy, I would highly recommend the FIBAE 2 as it is one of the best custom IEMs around in the market now at this price range.
The FIBAE 2 is an absolute joy to listen to and I must say that the Custom Art team has succeed in coming up with a product that is very technically capable at a relatively affordable price. The FIBAE 2 definitely punches way above its price tag and has successfully proven that more drivers does not mean better sound quality but instead it is the tuning of the drivers that determines the sound quality of an IEM. The customer service provided by Piotr from Custom Art is top notch and it definitely one of the best I have seen. He is patient and is extremely passionate and proud of his work. Build quality of the IEM is also very good with no major flaws and the talented design team from Custom Art would definitely be able to create a design that you are happy with.