General Information

Hibiscus Hifi Earphone
Type:In-ear
Weight:20g
Cable Length:1.25m
Jack Type:3.5mm
Rated Power:5mW
Speaker Impedance:32Ω
Sensitivity:110dB
Frequency Range:20-20,000Hz
Vocalism Principle:Dynamic
Diaphragm:Diamond Like Carbon
Unit Diameter:10mm
Core:5N LC-OFC

Latest reviews

RitzyBusiness

New Head-Fier
Pros: Audio Quality
Price
Amps well
Cons: A bit of a narrow sound stage
Keeping it brief I got these for $25, although MSRP is $70. At either price I would recommend them though, they sound fantastic, better than some full sized headphones in their price range. The bass mod is a must, micropore tape is like $3 on Amazon, its easy to do, and elevates the rumble and feel of the bass. These wont satisfy a bass head, and the bass doesn't get muddy, but its affect on the sound is greater than the $3 I spent on the tape.

The cable doesn't pick up any noise either, but it seems like IEM quality has significantly improved over the last few years with things like detachable cables.

There might be better for the price, but I don't have many points of reference for IEM's, but I would of not felt bad if I payed MSRP or even a bit more.

I got these for portable use and travel, but on my main system they amp really well. The extra juice my Lyr 2 provides really bring them to life. They still function decently on my phone, they get louder than i'd feel comfortable using. They sound very good on my nintendo switch as well.

While I prefer the silicon attachments, Comply T400 fit on these well.

cqtek

1000+ Head-Fier
Pros: Clear and neutral sound, free of sibilance.
- Cable.
- Design and choice of colours.
- Packaging presentation.
- Possibility of making a simple modification to increase the sub-bass.
Cons: Light lower zone.
- Size of the capsules.
Introduction

Faaeal is a recognized brand for its great sound/price ratio earbuds. Now, it has taken a step forward, bringing to market two higher priced products: Earbuds Datura-Pro and IEMS Hibiscus. With them they have managed to attract the interest of many fans.

On this occasion, I will analyze the Hibiscus, his most expensive IEMS to date. Faaeal has left nothing to chance when it comes to designing and manufacturing this product. The packaging is luxurious and distinctive, they have used the best technology available for its manufacture and have chosen to mount a dynamic driver with DLC diaphragm, something that until now was only reserved for more expensive products. We will now go into detail about all these questions.

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Specifications

  • Driver type: 10mm dynamic driver with DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) aperture
  • Frequency Response: 20-20,000Hz
  • Weight: 20g
  • Sensitivity: 110dB
  • Impedance: 32Ω
  • Connector Jack: 3.5mm Audio
  • Capsule Connection Type: 2pin-0.78mm
  • Cable: 4 Strands of 5N LC-OFC

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Packaging

Hibiscus come in a box wrapped in white cardboard, dimensions 140x119x41mm. The main side is occupied by the drawing of the Hibiscus girl and the name of the model. On the back side, there are the specifications in Chinese and English. After removing the packaging, a black box is shown, with gold letters inscribed in its center (the brand and slogan). After opening, the capsules can be seen embedded in a black foam mold. Underneath it, there is a small black box, which contains the rest of the accessories.

In short, the content is:

  • The two capsules.
  • 1 pair of silicone tips, size M, with red inner core, already fitted in the capsules.
  • 3 pairs of silicone tips, size SxMxL, with red inner core
  • 3 pairs of black silicone tips SxMxL.
  • 1 cable, 4 strands, 5N LC-OFC.
  • 1 clothing clip.
  • 1 storage bag, imitation skin.
  • Instruction booklet and warranty.
  • Card with the illustration of the Hibiscus girl in full color.

It is clear that the presentation wants to be totally distinctive and eye-catching (with the Hibiscus girl in front). Although this detail reminds of another brand...

The box has a very suitable size, it is not disproportionately large. It is quite practical and its presentation has a clear Premium vocation, quite careful for the price. The accessories are more than correct, with 7 pairs of tips, but I would have preferred a couple of foam tips and a semi-rigid transport box. But, it is worth mentioning that the cable is the best within its price range, or even better.

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Construction and Design

Hibiscus is an ambitious product. The capsules have a semi-custom shape, but with a rather stubby body. Its external face has been entirely made of zinc and magnesium alloy. Die-cast and CNC-engraved, hand-sanded and with a galvanic-plastic oxidation treatment. The body has been built with ABS resin. This body can be chosen in 5 colours: red, transparent, blue, green and black. The nozzles are made of the same material, the largest diameter is 5.8mm and the smallest 5mm. Its interior is protected by a metal grid. On the inside face of the capsules, near the base of the nozzles, there is a letter inscribed in white, inside a circle, indicating the channel. Also, very close, there is a hole.

The cable is made of high purity Litz copper, oxygen free and hand woven. It consists of 4 strands of 224 cores. The strands are covered with transparent plastic and braided together. The connection is 2Pin 0.78mm. The covers of these connections are cylindrical, metallic, polished, with a rounded head and in each one there is a letter inscribed in white, which indicates the channel. The cable that comes out of each connector is covered with a semi-rigid, transparent plastic, which gives it a shape for adaptation over the ear. The splitter piece is made of the same material, a large and heavy cylinder, which has a cover that acts as a pin. The Jack cover is the same as the splitter piece. The brand name is inscribed on it in white capital letters. The twisted cable that comes out of it is covered by a small semi-rigid transparent plastic cover, as protection. The Jack is 3.5mm Audio, gold plated. Possibly, the cable is one of the best within its price range and perhaps, in all IEMS under $100. The only drawback is its weight, which is higher than desired. But, without a doubt, it is a luxury to mount a cable of such good construction and characteristics.

However, the construction and design of the capsules, I have some doubts. The design is beautiful and you can tell that good materials have been used, but the size of the capsules is a bit stubby, a bit excessive for a single driver. The outer part is thick, maybe too much, and being metallic, it increases the weight of the capsules. The fact that the whole interior of the capsule is in one piece and is completely painted, including the nozzles, produces a differential effect. However, it is true that there are very slight irregularities in the nozzles. I would have preferred them to be metallic, but this is just a purely personal appreciation. As I said, the overall size of the capsules is a bit thick and they' re overshot from my ears.

On the other hand, there is little else to criticize the overall construction of the product.

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Adjustment and Ergonomics

Due to the soft inner forms of the capsule the fit is comfortable. Luckily, the shape is ergonomic to fit the width of the ear canal, so that the fit is quite good and there is hardly any undesired movement. The stubby body and the length of the nozzles do not allow a very deep insertion, but are shallow or slightly medium, depending on the tips used. However, due to the large size of the capsules, the insulation is quite high. The only problem, as I said in the previous section, is the weight and thickness of the capsules. But, once put on, it's not something you notice much either, unless you use them for sport or fast walking.

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Sound

Profile

The profile of the Hibiscus is balanced with a mid-centric vocation. It has a neutral low zone, a controlled high midrange emphasis, fairly soft highs and a good spark of air.

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Bass

The lower area is linear, but lags behind the midrange. Its perception is complete and the depth of the sub-bass is felt, but its presence is clearly neutral, far from the power. In isolation, its quality is considerable, but the hitting is quite harmless, very controlled, dry, light but appreciable and delicately rubbery. Although, in my opinion, insufficient to provide the necessary body in music where the bass is the protagonist. The overall definition of the zone is soft. The resolution is medium, it does not deal with analytical bass, nor is it the opposite. In spite of its lightness, the speed is not high and the decay is a little slower, all this contributes to the bass having a certain pose in the music, but without filling the space.

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Mids

Undoubtedly, its best range, the most complete, explicit, detailed, clear and also emphasized. Although the first sensation that is perceived is its lack of warmth, due to the null incidence of the low zone. Indeed, the midrange of Hibiscus turns to the cold side. The presentation of the voices is thin, sounding very sharp, defined, distinctive, but present and very well placed. I attribute this thinness to a certain lack of body, provided by the neutrality of the lower midrange. However, this contributes to the excellent delicacy of their recreation and the main role they play in the sound of Hibiscus. The clarity of these IEMS is evident in this section, but without abandoning a certain sweetness in the reproduction, which is perceived in the nature of the timbre, which is quite realistic, despite all that has been said.

It deserves a special mention because of the light that characterizes the range. It is abundant in quantity, but nothing blinding, totally zenithal and very slightly diffused, thus providing a sweetness that counteracts the cold nature of its sound. This light is responsible for the great sensation of openness that is perceived between instruments, voices and details. Yes, Hibiscus have a special light. It is perhaps the feature that I find most appealing in its sound and the first one that is missed, when compared to other IEMS.

The instrumentation on the Hibiscus is slightly sidelined compared to the voices. But, as the space is very large and there is a great feeling of air, they are reproduced completely and without any disdain, only with a minor prominence. But, in the same way, they also receive that delicate, beautiful, soft, but defined treatment from these Faaeal. In this way, a remarkable expressiveness is achieved throughout the central range.

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Treble

The high range starts totally safe, but following the expressiveness line of the central zone. Without shining or standing out, the treble is softened, neutral, sifted, but not denatured, so that the timbre is always kept under control, in its natural range. The details are present, but never in an over-exposed or very explicit way, but rather with a medium sparkle. On the positive side, the safety of this area provides an absence of sibilance. Also, it should be noted that its extension reaches quite high, providing that great amount of air, which characterizes its sound.

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Soundstage, Separation

The two good characteristics of Hibiscus, its light and its amount of air, provide a remarkable feeling of separation and spaciousness, which creates a relatively large scene. There is good height and width in it, but more depth is missed, as the distance is always perceived as close or medium. The instrumental recreation is quite good and it is very feasible to place the instruments within the scene, as long as the laterality that causes the greater presence of the voices is taken into account.

The reproduction of nuances and micro details is not as explicit as in other sections. Hibiscus have a good capacity for definition, but it is more thanks to their light than to their resolution. On the other hand, it is quite logical, due to the good degree of softness of its sound and, why not say it, the price range where it is located. In that sense, I find these Faaeal, in a remarkable situation, comparatively speaking, but without reaching the excellent one.

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Bass Mod

With a simple modification, the Hibiscus profile can be converted to a W, with a large increase in sub-bass, leaving the mid-range very clean and without modifying the other frequencies, beyond 400Hz (only a difference is observed in the high end, whose incidence is minimal in the final sound). The modification consists of covering the hole, which exists on the inside of each capsule, very close to the letters that indicate each channel. The ideal way to do this is to use Micropore tape and thus minimize the appearance of the Driver Flex effect.

This way, the subgrave grows a lot. But the Hibiscus do not become a declared Bass-Head IEMS, because the rest of the bass is not exaggerated, far from it. Besides, their interference in the midrange is very small. All in all, for those who want to gain power in the bass area and increase the depth of sound, it is certainly a modification that can be easily tested, as it is totally reversible. The best thing is that the low zone, even when increased, does not lose the timbre, nor the quality it already had before the modification.

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Comparisons

NS Audio NS3

The NS3 is one of my favorite IEMS in this price range. Its profile is more balanced and warm than that of the Hibiscus. The lower zone of the NS3 has more weight and accent within the overall sound. While Hibiscus sounds blatantly more "bass-light". The differences in this area are quite large. The size of the lower zone is not comparable in depth, punch, presence or perception. Even if one does the exercise of equalizing volumes, taking the lower zone as a reference, the differences still appear. The basses of the NS3 sound more complete and complex, with greater depth, sub-bass and width. Its power and punch is more forceful, dark and big. The Hibiscus have simpler low frequencies and are quite linear, although the sub-bass has less weight in its entirety, preventing the generation of the depth and width that the NS3 have. The only thing that could improve the Hibiscus in the lower zone is speed, because they sound simpler and more concrete.

In the midrange, the first thing you notice is the higher density offered by the NS3, as opposed to the greater thinness and clarity offered by the Hibiscus. The voices in the NS3 are felt with more body, especially the male ones, while in the Faaeal, these are more isolated and more emphasized. In the NS3, the vocal treatment enjoys more instrumental warmth and protection, although they do not sound as prominent. The instrumentation has a more equal presence in the NS3, compared to the greater hollow and coldness perceived in the Hibiscus. But there is a section where the Hibiscus shine on the NS3, is in the amount of detail and nuance that are capable of generating in the female voices, providing a richer tonality, more expansion in its upper zone and also more harmonics. In this case, its clear emphasis on the upper mid-range is noticeable. Something similar happens with the instruments that also have a greater presence between 2kHz and 4kHz.

The upper zone is perceived differently, even though both have a similar softness. Hibiscus sound colder, thinner, but more present and with more spark. This makes the details of this segment very easy to notice. The NS3 has a greater initial extension, but also more balance, offering a softer and more harmonious sparkle. This way, details are presented in a less explicit way, less sharp and more integrated in the rest of the sound; in general, more balanced. Finally, the Hibiscus gains in extension at the higher end, with a greater feeling of air than in the NS3.

The light and clarity of the Hibiscus offer a good amount of nuance and detail, as well as a fairly good overall cleanliness. It is true that this richness is not as complete as that offered by the NS3, since it covers a wider spectrum of frequencies. The greater amount of sound offered by the NS3, generates a larger, wider and, above all, deeper scene. In the Hibiscus, the stage is wide, but less full and more hollow. In addition, they have good separation and air. However, the sound of the NS3 offers a higher density, which is not at odds with a greater sense of separation, being superior in this aspect too.

The NS3s are lighter and more comfortable, they are also thinner and once worn they fit excellently. In the Hibiscus it penalizes the greater weight and thickness, comparatively speaking. However, its cable is excellent, the best in its range and above it. The cable on the NS3 is not bad, it is thin, silver plated and very manageable. Its worst feature is the plug, which is too small.

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Conclusion

Without a doubt, Faaeal has launched an ambitious product on the market: it has an excellent, very careful presentation, a luxurious and distinctive design, great construction, the possibility of choosing between several colours and the best cable on the market, in its price range. And, its sound, goes in this line, bold and daring, not suitable for all tastes. Its neutral character, with a mid-centric vocation, may not be to everyone's taste, but it will surely have a large audience, which, of course, will know how to recognize its great virtues.

But it has a good advantage: the possibility of making a simple mod, totally reversible, capable of altering the profile, obtaining a great emphasis in the sub-bass area, without altering the rest of the sound.

Inevitably, we will have to keep an eye on Faaeal, with the illusion that they create new and brave IEMS models, which complement the Hibiscus, without giving up the great quality they treasure.

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Sources Used During the Analysis

  • Tempotec Serenade iDSD
  • Burson Audio Playmate
  • JWD JWM-115

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Ratings

  • Construction and Design: 85
  • Adjustment/Ergonomics: 80
  • Accessories: 80
  • Bass: 70
  • Mids: 85
  • Treble: 75
  • Separation: 85
  • Soundstage: 82
  • Quality/Price: 88

I want to thank FAAEAL Official Store, for giving me the opportunity to analyze such an interesting product.

Purchase Link

http://es.aliexpress.com/item/4000268695685.html

Link to the Store

https://faaeal.es.aliexpress.com/store/2178200

You can read the full review in Spanish here:

https://hiendportable.com/2020/01/14/faaeal-hibiscus-review/
cqtek
cqtek
That's curious, I don't know if they've made any changes. Can you describe the low area, is it emphasized?
C
chirs1211
Well there is definitely some sub bass punch there, they're still pretty mid and vocally forward but definitely not lacking in a bit of bass, certainly no basshead unit but it's there. Could do with a touch more mid bass and maybe a slight drop in the upper mid tbh for my taste anyway, but that could just be due to the flat eq of my dap, but overall a very nice detailed set
cqtek
cqtek
I do not think it is a question of applying the mod completely, as the emphasis on the lower area is very obvious. But there may be a slight modification.

NymPHONOmaniac

Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: Soundstage; Smooth, coherent and balanced sound; natural timbre, present vocal, no harshness-sibilance, natural treble, excellent construction, incredible 2pin Litz cable, Price value
Cons: tamed bass, soft attack, not alot of highs sparkle, average definition
FAAEAL HIBISCUS REVIEW :
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SOUND: 7/10
ACCESSORIES: 9/10
CONSTRUCTION: 9.5/10
DESIGN: 9/10
VALUE: 9/10


FAAEAL
have been around since some time now, but are mostly recognize for the great value earbuds they create like Snow Lotus 1.0 and 2.0. Tough I'm a big fan of their earbuds, I never really care about the few older earphones they sell and let it pass under the radar.

Until they launch their latest ‘’flagship’’ model call the HIBISCUS.

When I see it on Aliexpress, the beautiful look of these iem caught my eye, but another word in product description caught my eyes too : DIAMOND LIKE CARBON DIAPHRAGM DYNAMIC DRIVER.

Now, i was hooked for real, because DLC dynamic drivers have tremendous potential for higher sound quality. Earphones like Moondrop Kanas use this drivers technology and the fact the Hibiscus sell for a fraction of the price of Kanas make it among the cheapest DLC iem you can buy.

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DLC coating of speakers diaphragm is use to improve hardness and durability of diaphragm so it can benefit a faster transient response with lower distortion.

Priced around 60$, the Hibiscus sure promise very high value both in term of construction and sound. The fact it include a real high end 4 cores Litz cable too is extremely impressive.

Now let’s see in this review if it deliver incredible sound for incredibly low price.

You can buy the HIBISUCS directly from Faaeal Aliexpress HERE

Disclaimer : I wanna thanks FAAEAL for sending me this review sample free of charge. I contact them directly and choose to review this very earphones (and the Datura Pro earbuds). Faaeal do not suggest me to promote any of their product and as always, my review is fully independent, I have no affiliated link and nothing to win by publishing a biased review.

SPECS :

Type:In-ear
Weight:20g
Cable Length:1.25m
Jack Type:3.5mm
Rated Power:5mW
Speaker Impedance:32Ω
Sensitivity:110dB
Frequency Range:20-20,000Hz
Vocalism Principle Dynamic
Diaphragm Diamond Like Carbon
Unit Diameter:10mm
Core:5N LC-OFC



ACCESSORIES, CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN :
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UNBOXING is interesting and artsy, and even a little sexy! I think FAAEAL get inspire by the boxing and product presentation of Moondrop and I admit that I like it. It’s rare that we have something collectible in an earphone box, but the cardboard with a manga lady is sure appreciate and put a smile on your face. We do not feel as a consumer that just buy a 60$ pair of earphones with the Hibiscus unboxing, because the whole presentation is very luxurious and carefully put together. Apart of iem and (incredible) cable, we have a generous amount of silicone ear tips (7 pairs) and a cable clip. A carrying case or pouch would have been appreciate.
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CONSTRUCTION is from another league for the price we pay, and more on par with 100-300$ iem. Not only the housing is made of half thick mirror metal and half thick glossy plastic, but it feel extremely sturdy too. For a single dynamic, the housing is quite big and have good weight to it. The 2pin female connector are well implemented and isn’t neither too thigh or too loose, just perfect.
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CABLE is without a doubt the very best cable I ever have with any earphones whatever the price range. It’s a Real Litz high purity copper cable with a total of 224 cores of 5N copper purity. This isn’t a gimmick and the cable braids are thick and very soft. The construction is excellent with a metal gold plated jack and metal 2pin connector. The ear hook is smooth and very flexible. The cable do not create micro-phonic because of how flexible and soft it is. The fact is : this cable is sell around 50-100$. You can find very same one selling at 50$ in some Aliexpress store. I’m in passionate love with this Hibiscus cable and can’t recommend it enough. I use it with every 2pin iem i own, and the sound feel always fuller and lusher, unlike colder sound we can get from silver plated cable or unbalanced sound from bad OFC cable. I urge you to either buy the Hibiscus for cable alone or buy the cable for 17$ HERE.
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DESIGN is elegant and simple. Even if the size of housing is rather big, the fit is ergonomic and very comfortable. Their no hard angle, strange curve or too small-too long nozzle, all fit smoothly. Only thing is that metal part can get cold in winter but it barely touch your ears anyway. I have no problem listening long time with the Hibiscus.

ISOLATION is phenomenal. I have an anecdote about how great the Hibiscus isolate from outside noise. I get attack by a little dog and never ever heard him barking at me, even if he was at 10 centimeter of distance, i just know about its existence when he begin to bite my shoes. When i put off my Hibiscus, i discover that this little berserk dog yap very loud for it’s size, so I conclude Hibiscus are among the best isolating iem on planet earth. Why? Well, it’s surely explain by the thick metal back plate as well as the fact it only have one front venting hole as large as a pin. This lack of back venting hole do permit a near inexistent sound leakage too.

DRIVEABILITY is enough easy at 32ohm impedance and rather high 110db of sensitivity. It’s not the easiest and will benefit from an enough powerful DAP, but i never feel the need of using a portable amp with the Hibiscus.


SOUND :

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The Hibiscus aren’t easy to describe, which I consider a good thing because it proof it have a nuanced tuning and not a vulgar warm or bright V shape one. Whole sound is coherent and balanced, smooth with good resolution and big sound-stage. It do not wow you with super bass impact or treble sparkle and micro details. Instead, it have a near neutral sound that gradually lift mid range and lower treble. The highlight of Hibiscus sonority is the soundstage, transparency of timbre and natural tonal balance.

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SOUNDSTAGE is very wide, tall and deep. Tough not particularly holographic in its openness, it sure sound out of your head and airy. To me this is the most positive aspect of Hibiscus.

IMAGING is average, you have good transparent layers of sound but will struggle to pin point instruments placement. We aren’t in sharp and vivid HD like spacial placement here, and mid range stole accurate definition of bass and highs instruments.

CLARITY too is rather average, in the sens that we have good resolution but poor definition of instrument details, impact and body.

TIMBRE is slightly bright, smooth, transparent with hint of dryness. We can call it thin too. It’s neither thick, organic, warm or cold.

BASS is flat and subdued by mid range that sit on it with all the weight it have. Extension is good, we have a little extra sub bass presence but control isn’t the best and separation with low and mid bass can sound muffled. Their not a lot of slam or punch, even if kick drum sound realist, the weight isn’t felt. So, yes, very flat indeed but not roll off or overly dry. It’s transparent and gently textured timbre help to offer natural transition from low to mids. Anyway, it’s not the most exciting bass response, and will fit slow music like Jazz, Classical, R&B, Pop better than fast rock, metal or electronic.

MID RANGE is quite forward and have good presence. It’s resolution is clear enough, thanks to its slightly bright timbre, but the definition of instrument impact and accuracy is very smooth so it’s not a very lively mid range. Vocal are a little dry and thin but do not sound recessed and have a good wideness. Strangely, the vocal can overshadow rest of instrument even if the transparency is good. As said, attack isn’t enough snappy to give realist impact to instrument like piano, violin and guitar. For saxophone or vocal, this is less problematic, but overall result still lack excitement and accuracy.

TREBLE is well extended and natural. It do not feel to spiky and pushed forwards and remind me a little the Final Audio E2000 kind of highs. Brilliance as well as sparkle isn’t really there, we do not have crisp detailed highs even if enough micro details is shown, it will never pop up in a vivid way. Delicate and relaxed, highs have good control which make percussion sound realist in timbre and presence, cause they stay still were they should : in the back of music. No splashiness, no harshness, a welcome hint of crunchiness and you got well balanced high range that are as much effortless than harmless.

SUB BASS : 7.5
MID BASS : 7.5
MID RANGE : 8/10
TREBLE : 8/10
SOUNDSTAGE : 9/10
IMAGING : 7/10
TIMBRE : 8/10
ATTACK-DECAY : 7/10


COMPARISONS :

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VS BLON BL-03

SOUNDSTAGE: Soundstage is very similar with both, but BL-03 is little wider while Hibiscus is little deeper. BASS is more U shape with BLON, its warmer, have more sub bass thickness which affect separation clarity of mid bass punch, Hibiscus have more transparent, flatter bass, notably less sub bass but better separation with mid bass so definition of kick is better. Hibiscus is less bassy rumbly, but do not warm as much lower mid range than BLON. MIDS are thicker and more forwards in vocal presence with BLON which is more opaque and have slightly more upper mids so its more textured too, here the HIBISCUS sound more transparent and clearer, but not as lively in presence and timbre than BLON, still its more articulate even if thinner in timbre. TREBLE too is more forwards with BLON, which make percussion attack more vivid but a little grainy too. HIB is again more controlled and balanced, keeping smoother tonal balance but lacking in sparkle decay compared to the BLON.

All in all, HIBISCUS is more neutral and balanced, with more transparency and better imaging while the BLON is more lively, fun, with lusher vocal and crispier treble.

VS TRN V90 :

SOUNDSTAGE is more out of your head, significantly taller and wider than the V90 but not has deep and clean.

IMAGING go for V90, which is way sharper and more articulate than darker Hibiscus. BASS of Hibiscus is thicker, weightier and juicier but lack transparency and separation with mid bass which sub bass warm, V90 is dryer and a little more textured and while the punch is thinner it still feel more controlled and clearer, making kick better separated. MID RANGE while sounding more natural and liquid with the Hibiscus, is darker and less clear than V90. Vocal sound wider but less forward than V90, as well, whole mid range is less detailed and energic, lacking definition in attack and sounding very mellow compared to more energic V90. TREBLE is smoother and little roll off compared to sharper and crisper V90 that certainly dig more microdetails than Hibiscus.

ALL in all, Hibiscus is smooth U shape sounding compared to more neutral and aggressive V90.



CONCLUSION :

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FAAEAL really take me by surprise with their first serious earphones offering and I must admit that level of overall value it offer is mind blowing.

The sound is maturely tuned, with good coherent balance, no harshness, natural transparent timbre and most of all a very big soundstage.

The construction is of extremely high quality for it’s price and include the best 2pin (or mmcx) cable I ever own.

The product presentation is professional and inspiring.

Yes, FAAEAL aren’t just good to tune earbuds, and the knowledge they earn by using multiple dynamic driver with earbuds begin to bearing fruit for their earphones conception as well.

I really hope it’s not the last iem FAAEAL will launch, and that next one will improve on the base of Hibiscus sound signature. Their place for amelioration even if Hibiscus sound excellent for it’s price.


PS: For more IEM and audio gear reviews, please give a look at my BLOG
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S
Seamie
Great review! I might pick this up in the future, but I wonder if you've tried the SSR/SSP and how they sound compared to the Hibiscus
NymPHONOmaniac
NymPHONOmaniac
@Seamie Tx mate...it make alot of time i write this and my impressions became more seere with time so I do not suggest it anymore. Just the cable impress me, not the sound. Mids are thin and kinda lifeless...didn't SSR SSP but I highly suggest HZsound Mirror (neutral-crisp) and BQEYZ KC2 (smooth treble W shape) in this price segment!
S
Seamie
Ooooh yes, I do see the KC2 quite a lot, and it has some great reviews too. I'll definitely check them out. Thank you for the recommendation!

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