Faaeal Iris 2.0

EDIT 2023-08-25: If you are not aware, I am selling my own Earbuds, called RikuBuds: https://rikubuds.com/

• Non-sound
• Sound
• Comparisons
• Conclusion

Disclaimer: I bought this during the 2021 June summer sale at AliExpress at my own expense.

Price: 7,78 usd currently (paid 6,3 usd during the sale)

Specifications:

Diaphragm: PET

Coil: Daikoku

Magnet: Rubidium Iron Boron / (RbFeB)

Sensitivity:106db

Impedance: 32Ω

Unit diameter:15.4mm

Frequency Response Range:20-20KHZ




Clip

Carry bag

1 pair of full foams

1 pair of donut foams


Cable: brown 5N Litz OFC 4-core cable (reminds me of the old KZ cables), that is actually pretty decent considering what the cable on other buds usually are like.


Build: Nothing special with the build, just a typical MX500 shell.

Fit: MX500 shells fits me so it’s good for me.

Comfort: Good like every other MX500 bud for me.

Isolation: None, it is a bud after all.

Setup: Schiit Asgard 3 (low-gain, volume around 9 o´clock), full foams, stock cable 3.5mm

Lows: Better bass than average for a bud. A bit more sub-bass focused than mid-bass and while it isn’t the most textured nor deepest extending bud (even at this price range) it is still pretty good. Overall tonality gets warmer and a bit thicker note weight thanks to the elevated bass.

Mid-bass: Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), quantity and speed are pretty good but could be tighter because it is a little bit bloated and texture could be better. The (02:55-03:01) section with the chopper is hearable but not that clean.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), fun due to the quantity and texture but still pretty clean due to the speed and tightness.

Sub-bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extension is good for a bud and there is some rumble. Punch quantity is decent but needs more quantity. Speed is fine but could be tighter and more textured.

Will Sparks – Sick like that (03:08-03:22), good quantity, speed and tightness but could have more texture.

Mids: Excellent male vocals due to the warmer tonality. Female vocals are very good as well, but not as good as the male vocals since they tend to lack some brightness.

Female-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), instrument tonality and timbre are excellent. Vocal tonality and timbre are great. Macro detail is good but better micro-details than usual. Clarity is bottlenecked by the warmth.

Yuki Hayashi – MightU (01:58-02:55), both instruments and vocal tonality needs to be brighter but natural due to the timbre.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), relaxing and non-fatiguing.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Crescent (02:07-02:26), a bit shouty and chaotic.

Male-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (00:57-01:17), great vocal tonality and timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), very good vocal tonality (could be a bit warmer though) and timbre.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are a bit sharp.

Deuce – America (03:03-03:16), not shouty but pretty chaotic due to the separation.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre and texture are very good with good detail and clarity. Violin timbre is good but tonality (needs to be brighter), treble-extension, detail and clarity could be better.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), very good tonality and timbre. Pretty clean and detailed as well.

Soundstage: Huge as expected from a bud but also very deep and is holographic.

Tonality: bass-boosted neutral, not as much bass boost as others but definitely more than usual. Is on the warmer side and has thicker note weight than usual.

Details: Very good (especially micro-details) considering the price.

Instrument Separation: separation and imaging are good but definitely bottlenecked by the warmer tonality.

Songs that highlight the Earbud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_Jrql4ZXUo

Good genres: R&B, acoustic/vocal music, Trance, OST

Bad genres: Hip-hop, EDM, Bassy music



Comparisons:

Earbud: Faaeal Iris Ancestor, full foams, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower on the 2.0 but rumbles a bit more on the Ancestor. Punch quantity is higher on the Ancestor but similar texture while it is faster and tighter on the 2.0. A bit more tonally correct on the Ancestor.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), cleaner due to the tighter and a bit faster bass on the 2.0. While the Ancestor has more quantity but similar texture. More tonally correct on the 2.0.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), bloated on the Ancestor in comparison to the cleaner 2.0 due to the tighter bass (speed is similar) and also lower bass quantity on the 2.0.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality and timbre are very similar but cleaner on the 2.0. The Ancestor has a bit better instrument tonality (similar timbre though) but does bleed a bit into the mids which causes the 2.0 to be cleaner overall.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), very similar tonality but slightly shoutier on the Ancestor.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), a bit better vocal tonality (overall, quite similar tonality and timbre) on the Ancestor but cleaner and more detailed on the 2.0.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), very similar tonality and timbre, but cleaner and more detailed on the 2.0.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre, texture and detail are better on the 2.0. Violin tonality and detail are better on the 2.0 but otherwise very similar.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), a bit better tonality but similar timbre on the 2.0. Better details and cleaner on the 2.0.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), similar soundstage and timbre but better details, imaging and instrument separation on the 2.0.

Overall: The 2.0 is the better tuned bud and also better technicalities. The Ancestor is a better pick if you want more bass and a cheaper bud.



Earbud: Faaeal Iris CE grey, full foams, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower and rumbles more on the 2.0. Punch quantity is similar but looser and slower on the grey so it ends up being more bloated. Better tonality on the 2.0.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), a bit more mid-bass quantity on the grey but more bloated due to the slower and looser bass. Better tonality on the 2.0.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), cleaner on the 2.0 due to the faster and tighter bass along with less bass quantity.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), more forward vocals as well as a lot better tonality and timbre on it on the 2.0. Instrument tonality is somewhat better on the grey, but at the cost of it being muddier.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), more relaxing on the grey.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), a lot cleaner and better tonality/timbre on the 2.0 while the grey is somewhat recessed.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), more relaxing on the grey.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), both violins/cellos are better in all aspects on the 2.0.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality, timbre, details and clarity on the 2.0.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), a lot wider on the 2.0 and a bit deeper as well. Detail, imaging, and instrument separation are a lot better on the 2.0 and also better timbre.

Overall: 2.0 is a lot better than the mildly (mid-bass focused causing bloat and recessed vocals) V-shaped grey.



Earbud: Faaeal Iris CE white, full foams, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends and rumbles more on the 2.0. Punch quantity and texture are also higher on the 2.0 but faster and tighter on the white. More tonally accurate on the 2.0.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), cleaner on the white but a lot more natural timbre as well as more correct (more bass quantity and texture as well as warmer) tonality on the 2.0.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), cleaner on the white but more natural timbre and correct tonality on the 2.0.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), more forward vocals and better tonality on the white but better timbre and micro-details on the 2.0. Instrument tonality and timbre are a lot better on the 2.0.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), more relaxing and less fatiguing on the 2.0.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), a lot better instrument/vocal tonality and timbre.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), more relaxing and less fatiguing on the 2.0.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre, texture and detail are better on the 2.0. Violin timbre, texture, treble-extension and detail are better on the 2.0 but better tonality on the white.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality, timbre and cleaner on the 2.0.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), wider on the white but deeper and more holographic on the 2.0. Detail, imaging, instrument separation and timbre are a lot better on the 2.0.

Overall: The 2.0 is the better bud in almost every way.



Earbud: NiceHCK MX500, full foams, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), similar extension but a bit more rumble on the 2.0. Punch quantity and texture are also a bit higher on it. Cleaner due to the faster and tighter bass on the MX500 though. More tonally correct on the 2.0.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), similar quantity but tighter and faster on the MX500. A bit more tonally correct on the 2.0 due to the warmth though.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), cleaner on the MX500 due to the brighter tonality and tighter bass.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality is better and more forward on the MX500 but better timbre on the 2.0. Instrument tonality and timbre are better on the 2.0. Clarity is similar as well as detail, but better micro-details on the 2.0.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), more relaxing and less fatiguing on the 2.0.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), a lot better vocal and instrument tonality and timbre on the 2.0.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), more relaxing and less fatiguing on the 2.0.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre, texture and detail are better on the 2.0. Violin tonality and detail are better on the MX500 but better timbre on the 2.0 while treble-extension is similar.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality and timbre on the 2.0.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), wider soundstage on the MX500 but deeper and more holographic on the 2.0. Macro-details are better on the MX500 but better micro-details, imaging, instrument separation and timbre on the 2.0.

Overall: The 2.0 is more refined and the better bud than the MX500.



Earbud: NiceHCK ME80, full foams, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), lower extension and more rumble on the 2.0. Punch quantity and texture are also higher but tighter and faster on the ME80. More tonally correct on the 2.0.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), more quantity on the 2.0 but cleaner on the ME80 due to the faster and tighter bass. A bit more tonally correct on the 2.0.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), cleaner due to the lower bass quantity and faster and tighter bass on the ME80. But more tonally correct on the 2.0.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality and timbre are better on the ME80. Instrument tonality is better on the 2.0 but similar timbre. Cleaner on the ME80 though, due to the warmer tonality on the 2.0.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), a bit shoutier on the ME80 and more fatiguing.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), better vocal and instrument tonality on the 2.0 while timbre is similar. But cleaner and more detailed on the ME80.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), a bit sharper on the ME80 and more fatiguing.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality and texture are better on the 2.0 but timbre is similar while it is cleaner and more detailed on the ME80. Violin tonality, texture, timbre, detail and treble-extension are better on the ME80.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality on the 2.0 but cleaner on the ME80.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), similar width but deeper and more holographic on the 2.0. Detail, separation and timbre are a bit better on the ME80 but imaging is similar.

Overall: The 2.0 is better if you want a warmer and more relaxing tonality while the ME80 is better if you want better treble/upper-mids.



Earbud: Yincrow X6, full foams, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower and rumbles more on the X6. Punch quantity is higher as well as more textured on the X6 but similar speed/tightness. More tonally correct on the X6.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), a bit more quantity on the X6 but more textured with similar/speed tightness. A bit better tonality on the X6.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), very similar tonality but slightly cleaner on the 2.0 due to it having a bit lower bass quantity.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), extremely similar tonality and timbre, slightly cleaner on the 2.0 since there is slightly less mid-bass here on it.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), slightly shoutier on the 2.0.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), tonality is slightly better on the 2.0 due to it being a little bit warmer.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are a bit more fatiguing on the X6 due to a slightly brighter tonality.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello aspects are extremely similar. Violin tonality (slightly brighter), texture and timbre are better on the X6 but otherwise very similar.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), slightly better tonality on the X6 but cleaner on the 2.0.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), a bit wider on the 2.0 while it is deeper on the X6 and more holographic on it. Details, imaging and separation are better on the X6. Timbre is similar.

Overall: They are actually quite similar, but the X6 is the one that is both more fun (due to more bass quantity) as well as more tonally correct due to its tonality being more neutral, rather than always on the warmer side like the 2.0. Although the 2.0 is the one with better technicalities.



Earbud: Smabat M2S Pro, full foams, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower and rumbles a bit more on the M2S Pro. Punch quantity is also higher on the M2S Pro but more textured, faster and tighter as well. More tonally correct on the M2S Pro.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), more textured, tighter and faster on the M2S Pro but similar quantity.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), cleaner on the M2S Pro due to the faster, tighter and also more textured bass, but similar quantity.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), instrument tonality and timbre are better on the 2.0. But better vocal tonality but similar timbre on the M2S Pro. Cleaner and more detailed on the M2S Pro.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), more fatiguing and sharper on the M2S Pro due to the 3k peak.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), better instrument and vocal tonality/timbre on the 2.0.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), more fatiguing and sharper on the M2S Pro due to the 3k peak.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre and texture are better on the 2.0 but cleaner and more detailed on the M2S Pro. Violin tonality, texture, detail and treble-extension are better on the M2S Pro but similar timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality and timbre on the 2.0 but cleaner and more detailed on the M2S Pro.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), wider on the M2S Pro but deeper and more holographic on the 2.0. Detail, imaging and separation are better on the M2S Pro. Timbre is better on the 2.0.

Overall: The M2S Pro is the more technical bud while the 2.0 is the more relaxing set.



Earbud: K´s LBBS, full foams, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), rumbles more and extends lower on the 2.0. Punch quantity is higher on it as well as more textured. A lot cleaner on the LBBS due to the faster and tighter bass. More tonally correct on the 2.0.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), bloated on the 2.0 due to the higher bass quantity but looser and slower bass. Although it is more tonally correct.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), a lot cleaner on the LBBS due to the faster, tighter and lower bass quantity.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), instrument tonality is better on the 2.0 due to the warmth but better timbre on the LBBS. Vocal tonality, timbre and overall detail/clarity are leagues ahead on the LBBS.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), more fatiguing on the LBBS due to it being brighter but vocals are shoutier on the 2.0.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality is better on the 2.0 but better timbre, detail and clarity on the LBBS.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), more fatiguing on the LBBS due to it being brighter, but slightly sharper electric guitars on the 2.0.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality and texture are better on the 2.0 but better timbre, detail and clarity on the LBBS. Violin tonality, timbre, texture, detail, clarity and treble-extension are a lot better on the LBBS.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality on the 2.0 but a lot better timbre, cleaner and detailed on the LBBS.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), wider on the LBBS but deeper and more holographic on the 2.0. Detail, imaging, separation and timbre are leagues ahead on the LBBS.

Overall: The LBBS is outclassing the 2.0 but the 2.0 is the better bud if you want a more relaxing and fun (bassier and warmer) bud.



Conclusion: The Iris 2.0 is a very well-tuned bass-boosted neutral that’s on the warmer side, making it a relaxed bud. Essentially like an Yincrow X6 with less bass and warmer tonality. Thanks for reading.

Reference/test songs:

INTRO
1- BUILD
2- BASS
3- MIDS
4- TREBLE
5- WHY IS MY PLAYER ON HIGH GAIN?
6- CONCLUSION

INTRO
The Faaeal 2.0 Iris came in, and I was super excited to finally replace the IEMs that had been invading my personal space for the past few years. Ever since I had the VE Monk Plus and sold it, I've been on the lookout for a simple earbud that would deliver passable audio for when I'm on the go or don't want to look like an idiot around friends or family. *My big headphones make me- let's face it all of us- look ridiculous.

Fact is, I don't like the invasiveness that IEMs present. I like the isolation, build and sound quality, etc... but I don't like plugging up my ears. Doesn't feel good. So I was on a mission to find something to supplement my other headphones, something that could fulfill a very specific role: Convenient mobile listening in quiet spaces ie- work/bed/gaming at night. You see my other headphones are either open back or absurdly large (KPH40, HD660S2, HE-R9) I digress...

Let's talk Faaeal Iris 2.0




BUILD:
First thing I noticed is that they aren't the color they were supposed to be. The photos online- Amazon and other sites- all feature an opaque blue metallic flake finish. Not what I got. Not a big deal, I suppose. Have an SE215 look to them, with the transparent blue. The cable is nice, like what others have said is reminiscent of the old KZ IEM cables. About on par with the build quality of the Monk Plus I had years ago, which also had a braided cable. The hardware on the cable was better on the Monk Plus, but only just.

BASS:
"Blackstar" by David Bowie - The electric bass around 0:12 is very low in pitch but has discernible texture when you listen to it on something that can provide that detail. The Iris 2.0 gives the quantity of bass, but not the quality of something more expensive.
"Doin' it Right" by Daft Punk - There is a series of synth bass hits between 0:21 and 0:30. This song is a good test for bookshelf speakers to see if they can provide sub-bass rumble. The Iris 2.0 plays back the sub-bass, the rumble is there but only just.
Bass in conclusion: Extension is there, amplitude is there for mid-bass, texture is so-so.

MIDS:
"Lovers Dream" by Anna Ternheim - The mix of female and male vocals in the song sounds natural, though Anna's voice isn't as rough/scratchy as it should be. Realistic but smoothed over. Voices when singing in unison are easy to hear separately, they never meld.
"Verticool" by Grand Blanc - Male vocal lead has multiple tracks recorded over each other, and you can hear that there are multiples but maybe not as many as you could through better gear. The female vocal lead from 1:41 to 2:20 is clear and sounds as good as it does on some of my other gear. Is part of a polyphony of voices, and the effect is pretty cool, I recommend the song. The polyphony effect works on the Iris 2.0

TREBLE:
I'm treble sensitive and don't like bright-sounding gear. The Iris 2.0 aren't bright. Conversely, micro-detail isn't quite there, neither is "air." There is no delicateness to the sound. You are getting a low-resolution picture across the board, here. Take that as you like it for $10.

WHY IS MY PLAYER ON HIGH GAIN?
I use a Hiby R3 Pro (non-saber), and it plays most sensitive stuff without a problem via the single-ended output. I've discovered that through the balanced output it makes stuff very strident, regardless of what it's powering. In any case, there are a few headphones I use with it. KPH40 (either low or high gain- sounds better through high gain). HD660S2 (needs the high gain to sound right, and it only just barely does. It sounds much better through my liquid spark). HD250BT (through Bluetooth obviously). HE-R9 (on low-gain). Now the Iris 2.0...

It needs high gain to sound its best. I don't think I could explain why, given that its impedance and sensitivity point to an easy-to-drive earbud. Given that gear that provides better dynamics requires more volume to hear more of those nuances, this makes me think that the Iris 2.0 is certainly punching above its price point in regards to dynamics... Bass extension and texture are improved at high gain. Details in the mids are easier to pick out on high gain. Treble stays pretty much the same, just louder. Dunno what that indicates. Anyway, maybe I'm noticing something for the first time that everyone else has taken as read forever, but I just feel surprised that these take as much juice as they do to sound as good as they do.

CONCLUSION:
These don't sound better than my KPH40, or my HD250bt. They cost at least 1/4 the price of those two headphones, though. My KPH40 have $12 pads on them, and the HD250bt have $30 pads on them, so it's more like 1/6 the price. When you take the lens provided by this price point and look at the various observations I've made on their sound, the conclusions should read like this: BASS: Incredible MIDS: Smooth and natural TREBLE: Inoffensive.

These certainly are better all-around earbuds than the Monk Plus, as I distinctly recall the Monks not really being able to provide any meaningful bass. The Iris 2.0 will serve more listeners better.

Recs? If you need a beater that sounds good and you're not scared of losing, get the Iris 2.0. If you need something for bedtime, get the Iris 2.0. If you don't like IEMs but want something with the same form factor, get the Iris 2.0. Don't get them if you expect them to be giant killers. They're not. They are, however, close to it, and if you get excited about bang-for-buck audio equipment, then maybe this is as close as you need them to be.