EDITED: Firmware Comparison
 
 
This X5 Gen 3 unit is provided by Fiio for my honest review. The unit will be returned at the end of my review period.
 

I come from AK380Cu+Amp Cu which is ten times the price of Fiio X5 Gen3 but has the same DAC that Fiiio X5 Gen3 has. So most of my thought about Fiio X5 Gen3 will be compared to AK380Cu+Amp Cu
 
Testing Equipment: Zeus-XRA + Effect Audio Mars+Leonidas Bespoke 8 braids 2.5 TRRS.
 
Packaging: Fiio did a very good job in packaging. It looks like a luxury packaging that AK does for all their DAPs. There are 2 cases, silicone and leather, in the box already. I don't see screen protector in the box but I remember my friend said he has one in his retail purchase. There is a memory card slot opener in the box, and usb cable.
 
Design: Fiio X5 Gen3 has a perfect size for a small hand. It's roughly the size of iPhone 4 but thicker. It doesn't fits Pelican 1010 case but fits Pelican 1020. Design looks cool, nice and luxury. It comes with 26 Gb Storage and 2 Micro SD card slots which I remember that they support up to 256 Gb. This makes X5 Gen 3 has a massive storage.
 
Original Firmware 1.1.4
 
High Gain Setting
 
Sound presentation: The stage size is around 60% of what AK380Cu+Amp provides. It is tall but narrow. Depth isn't that deep. Therefore, it's less airy than AK380. Judging from my memory, its presentation is quite similar to AK240.
 
Bass: Bass has a very nice impact considering my iem isn't good with bass impact. Bass is fast, tight, and clean. Bass hits deep but lacks body. I heard some distortion of bass drum from Tidal. 
 
Mid: Mid is very clean and clear. Male vocal position is just right for me; not too forward nor laid back; however, female vocal seems to be laid back. Mid has more body than bass. Snare hits hard and pretty forward; just slightly behind the singer. Details are pretty fine but still at different level comparing to AK380Cu+Amp Cu. Also found some distortions from Electronic music.
 
High: High is laid back in X5 Gen3 but it has good sparkles. It's not piercing or harsh. This would be the best area that Fiio did. I'd love it more if it's not too laid back. Details are not impressive but still good for the price.

Note: I will not say anything regarding low gain because I feel that high gain provides much better sound and impact. There is no hiss on high gain with Zeus-XRA which is considered to be very sensitive to hiss.
 
Verdict: This could be secondary DAP (Gym DAP) for Audiophiles or Entry level DAP for beginners.
 
Original Firmware 1.1.1
 
High Gain Setting
 
Sound presentation: The stage size is still around 60% of what AK380Cu+Amp provides. Stage has way better presentation. It's no longer way bigger height like 1.1.4. Judging from my memory, its presentation is very similar to AK240.
 
Bass: Bass is faster than 1.1.4. Less impact. No distortion. 
 
Mid: Mid is slightly move backward comparing to 1.1.4. No Distortion.
 
High: Similar to 1.1.4. Still laid back.
 
Verdict: At this price, I'd get Fiio X5 G3 rather than AK240.
 
Modified Firmware by WindowsX
 
High Gain Setting
 
Sound presentation: Best soundstage among all firmwares. Stage is wider, and a bit deeper. This has the best realistic stage among the 3 firmwares.
 
Bass: Bass is nimble but smooth, lean, fast, and tight. Impact is very noticeable that it's quite less than 1.1.4. No distortion.
 
Mid: Mid is similar to original 1.1.1. I can hear a bit more details.
 
High: Not much changes.
 
Verdict: WindowsX did a great job modifying the Rom. Now X5G3 sounds closer to High-End DAP. WindowsX also does hardware mod. He claims that it sounds way different level than the stock. I would say with the right ROM X5G3 could easily beat AK240 from my memory.

Empire Ears: Zeus-R G1
Introduction
            I’ve been following Empire Ears (EE) thread since they were EarWerkz. At that moment I mainly use my CIEM JH Roxanne and haven’t had any chances to audition any EE iems until Summer 2016. The first EE iem that I’ve tried is the Zeus-R. Zeus-R got me crazy for weeks due to performance. In September, 2016, EE partner with Asius to equip their iem line with ADEL Technology. I planned to attend the RMAF but I couldn’t be there. Thus, I exchanged a few texts with Jack Vang (VP of EE) about the Zeus-XR ADEL (XRA). He offered me 15% discount on that in exchange for an honest review of the product. That’s why I got my XRA.
            Before we begin with the impressions, I would like to state that perception of sound is subjective to me. Each person has their own preference and perception of sound. This review is based on my perception and taste.
Specification and Details
Price: $2729.99
Drivers: 14 Balanced Armature drivers (6 high, 6 mid, 2 low)
Crossover: 7-way crossover (Zeus XIV mode), 8-way crossover (Zeus R mode)
Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 20,000 Hz
Impedance: 21 Ohm @ 1mw
Noise Isolation: -28 dB +/- 2 (I believe this is with close MAM module. It should be slightly less with other ADEL module)
From: http://www.empireears.com/product/custom-zeus-xr-adel/
Ordering Process
            All EE iems are now available for purchase thru www.empireears.com. However, I ordered my XRA by text with Jack. The process went smoothly because Jack knows his work very well. He pointed out that my ear impressions need to be fixed for the best fit. You can have any design that you want even if it’s not shown on the website (if that’s the case, don’t hesitate to contact Jack directly). The turnover time is less than 4 weeks after I sent out my impressions.
Build and Fit
            XRA fit my ear really well; however, it felt a little weird the first time I tried them on because the shells are thicker than my other ciems. That weirdness went away after a few minutes. XRA provide a decent isolation as many ciem would do.
Sound Impressions
 
Presentation
            Zeus-R G1 is the iem with the most impressive soundstage I’ve ever heard. Zeus-R G1 can easily compete with open back headphone in soundstage.  It provides a 3D sound around your head. Dynamic contrast of Zeus-R G1 is done really well.
Bass
            Zeus-R G1 bass has a really good quality; however, the sub-bass quantity is a bit too little. While sub-bass quantity seems to be too little for me, the bass is pretty good. The impact of the kick drum is impressive. Bass guitar is clean and can go deep.
Mid
            Mid is laid back in Zeus-R G1. Vocal is not dry. The sound of both male and female singers are very sweet and relaxing.
Treble
            Treble is where I consider Zeus-R G1 shines. Zeus-R G1 is the best iem with treble that I’ve ever heard. You will hear all the details in high. It displays great sparkles from cymbals.
Comparison
Zeus-R G1 vs JH Roxanne
Soundstage: Zeus-R G1 wins by large margin. Zeus-R G1 with stock cable has a better soundstage comparing to Roxanne with Effect Audio Heracles.
Bass: Roxanne wins in bass section. The quality of the bass are on par to my ears but Roxanne has a lot more quantity.
Mid: To be honest, I never like mid from Roxanne. It is muddy; however, the muddy sound is gone with the help Heracles. On the other hand, Zeus-R G1 doesn’t upgrade cable for mid. Mid is very well presented. No muddy sound. So, Zeus-R G1 wins.
High: As stated above, Zeus-R G1 is the best iem with treble.
Conclusion
I think Zeus-R G1 makes a great reference IEM. It will not suite bass head people nor people looking for color and fun sound.

Effect Audio: Arthur+Excalibur

 
Introduction
            Arthur is a special collaboration between Effect Audio, a cable manufacturer in Singapore, and Empire Ears, an iem manufacturer in USA. I was lucky enough to be selected as part of the Arthur Europe and USA tour. Arthur is a free loan that will be returned to Effect Audio at the end of the 7-day review period.
Specification and Details


 
Arthur

1. Price: $3799.00
2. Drivers: 14 Balanced Armature drivers (6 highs, 6 mids, 2 lows) with Silver and Copper internal wiring
3. Crossover: 8-way crossover
4. Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
5. Impedance: 21 Ohm @ 1mw
6. Noise Isolation: -28 dB +/- 2

Excalibur

1. 24 AWG
2. 4 Wire Braid
3. UPOCC Gold+Silver 7 Bundled Core Litz

Build and Fit
            Arthur is the same size as Zeus-XIV and Zeus-R. It is quite small for a 14-driver iem. I use medium comply foam tips in this review because spinfit tip failed to give me a perfect fit and isolation.
 
Sound Impressions
Source: AK380Cu
Tips: Comply foam T-500 Medium
Music Genre: Pop, Jazz, Easy listening, Rock, EDM, Concert Record
File Resolution: 16bit 44.1KHz, 24bit 44.1 KHz, 24bit 96KHz, DSD
Presentation
Arthur is an engaging iem with full sound. The sound stage is deep and wide in comparison with typical balanced armature iems such as SE846, JH Roxanne, and its brothers Zeus-XIV and Zeus-R. You will feel the airness in the stage area of the iem. It sounds lively and packs full clarity, details and resolution of the song. Separation is the beast for Arthur. However, Arthur sometimes could not sound harmonize because of its ability to separate the instruments. Also, Arthur does not possess a good dynamic presentation of the sound. The dynamic presentation of Arthur feels like several steps of stair. It is not seamless maybe due to its speed.
Bass
Arthur’s bass is very powerful and engaging but the bass is not too close to your ear. The note is thick and has a long decay time. Deep bass is very rumble. Overall, bass is punchy and impactful with excellent details.
Mid
Vocal is neither too forward nor laid-back but you will still feel that the singer is in front of you. Also, you will feel the power from the singer. Note sound thick, clear, and engaging.
Treble
Arthur’s treble is not harsh and piercing but sharp. It is very detail, precise, and accurate. The sparkle of percussion is very beautiful. Treble is brighter than JH siren series iem.
Comparison
Arthur+Excalibur Vs Zeus-XR G1+ Mars+Leonidas 8-wire Bespoke
Soundstage: Zeus-XR G1 has a wider soundstage than Arthur. I suspect this is cause by ADEL Module. The depth of the soundstage is similar to each other.
Separation: Arthur wins be a tiny margin. But a better separation in Arthur costs it to be less harmonized comparing to Zeus-XR
Dynamic Presentation: Zeus-XR has a better dynamic presentation. The dynamic presentation in Zeus-XR feels seamless while Arthur’s dynamic presentation feels like several small steps of stair.
Bass: Arthur has a better bass comparing to its brothers Zeus-XIV and Zeus. Bass in Arthur has a longer decay time, thicker note, more rumbling, and better impacts and punches.
Mid: Arthur positions vocal better than Zeus-XR. Zeus-XIV’s vocal is a bit too forward while Zeus-R’s is too laid-back. Arthur’s vocal is placed in the right position between the Zeus-XIV and Zeus-R
High: I would call a tie for treble presentation and performance between Arthur and Zeus-XR. Arthur’s treble is sharper than Zeus’s which could bring fatigue after a long listening time.
 
Conclusion
Arthur is one of a kind TOTL iem like its brothers Zeus-XR. I would not say which one is better because it is unfair to judge them since all of them have a different sound signature. If you seek a reference iem, go for Zeus-R. If you like mid centric sound with harmonic and seamless dynamic presentation, go for Zeus-XIV. If you seek a great rumble, punchy bass, detail mid and high, and lively engaging sound, go for Arthur.
End Note
Thank you Effect Audio for giving me this chance to demo Arthur+Excalibur. It is a masterpiece TOTL iem. Empire Ears, you did a great job in tuning Arthur. Finally, I am hoping that Empire Ears will come up with an iem that combine the bass and mid from Arthur, high from Zeus-XR, details and clarity from Arthur, dynamic presentation and harmonize from Zeus-XR together. That would be my dream iem.
 
Price: 3/5
Soundstage: 5/5
Bass: 5/5
Mid: 5/5
Treble: 5/5
Value: 4/5

Perfect Seal Deca
 

 
 
Introduction
            I came across Perfect Seal Labs by accident. I was looking for someone to reshell my reshelled Layla for my girlfriend when I found “Mike” from Perfect Seal. At that time Deca just came out. Mike offered Deca for a discount price ($1050). I think it was a good bet for my new CIEM.
 
Specification
$1450 Acrylic ($1050 with introduction promo)
Perfect for those who desire more bass while maintaining awesome clarity and imaging
- 10 Balanced Armature Drivers
-2 Low
-4 mid
-2 high
-2 super high
-5 way passive crossover
-3 sound bores
 
From: http://perfect-seal.com/music/
 
Ordering Process
            The process of ordering Deca is kind of weird for me because you cannot order directly from the website. You have to email, or talk to “Mike” via Facebook to order. Mike said he can do mostly every color on the acrylic shells in the market. You just need to let him know. However, there is no color chart for you in his website. He has several special faceplate designs on his website. The turnaround time for Deca is roughly 3 – 4 weeks. I got mine in 3 weeks.
 
Build
            Mike did a very good job in fitting. No need to do refit. Deca fits my ears very well. Deca gives a very good isolation comparing to my Roxanne.
 
Sound Impressions
            To me, perception of sound is subjective. Each person has their own preference and perception of sound. This review is based on my perception and taste.
 
             Deca is claimed to be “fun” by Mike. He also claimed that it has high clarity and nice bass response with not too forward mid.
 
             Despite the claim from Mike, I think Deca could be one of my reference CIEM with a little bit of bass boost. I feel that I sound similar to JH Roxanne with bass adjust at 40%. However, Deca handles better dynamic presentation of the sound comparing to Roxanne. I find soundstage very impressive. It is wide but not unrealistic wide. The separation of each instrument is very well separated. You will feel the air and space between each instrument. However, vocal in Deca is considered forward to me. Moreover, I feel that Deca still lacks a presentation of a 3-D sphere sound. Don’t get me wrong. It still provides you sound in all the x-y-z axis.
 
Bass
            The sub-bass is clean, fast, and precise with great control in overall bass. The quantity of bass is just right for reference but you will find it too little for the “fun” sound. Nevertheless, you can still feel the punchiness and impact of the bass slam.
 
Mid
            Vocal is a little bit forward for me. For sure, Mid is not congested in Deca with a stock cable. (I feel that Roxanne without proper 3^rd party cable sounds congested in Mid) It sounds very open and clear.
 
Treble
            Treble is not harsh in Deca. I find it smooth and non-fatigue with a very high precision and detail.
 
Comparison
 
Deca vs Roxanne
            Both of them sound similar but Deca has a better dynamic presentation of the sound. They both have similar size of soundstage. Bass in Roxanne has more rumble and punches due to its adjustability. Deca mid is more forward than Roxanne. This makes vocal songs sound better in Deca.
 
Final Thought
            Due to a better dynamic presentation of the sound in Deca, I prefer to use Deca for Jazz, Classic, and Piano songs. However, I prefer Roxanne over Deca for Pop, Rock songs. This doesn’t mean Deca doesn’t shine when it comes to Pop and Rock songs. Deca is still good with those songs. Lastly, I would say Deca is one of the best sounding IEM that I’ve ever heard. It could be one of the end-game IEM for you.
 
Sound 5/5
Value 5/5 with the introduction promo || 4.5/5 for full price
Build 5/5
Aesthetic 4/5 (Should have more color chart and design shown on the website)
 
Source
 
RWAK240, Perfect Seal Deac with Effect Audio Heracles 2pin, JH Roxanne with Effect Audio Heracles 4pin with bass adjuster.
 
 
****Hope you guys enjoy my first review****
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