Flipears Artha
- Added by BonGoBiLai
- Create date
-
- Tags
- all ba phillipines
I have reviewed the Flipears Aether recently and proclaimed my unwavering love and adulation towards that IEM. To me, it is the best overall IEM under 1500 USD. When you set up a bar so high with a 700 USD ‘’budget’’ IEM, where do you go from that, especially with a hefty price tag of 1700 USD? Artha retains almost the entirety of the tonal characteristic of Aether, while simultaneously bettering it in terms of technical prowess. It has some quirks up its sleeve too! Let’s dive in.
Disclaimer:
I am an audiophile and a reviewer who works with Mr. @Sajid Amit of Amplify Audio Reviews. Amplify generally covers high-end IEMs, DAC Amps, and Headphones with occasional reviews of budget products. Check out our video reviews at: https://www.youtube.com/@amplifyaudioreviews
About Flipears:
Flipears is a boutique IEM brand from the Philippines specializing in custom IEMs primarily targeted toward musicians and audio engineers. They have started offering a limited number of universal fit IEMs as well. Aurora is their universal fit flagship while Artha is the second most expensive IEM the brand offers. They are not very well known outside the native borders but have recently started participating in global audio expos. They had a booth in Canjam SoCal 2023 and have plans to join more future conventions worldwide.
Specs:
Driver Tech: All BA
Driver config: 8 BA in 2-2-2-2 formation, 2 Sub bass, 2 Low, 2 Mid, 2 High
Impedance: 16ohms @ 1kHz
Sensitivity: 118dB @ 1mW
Special Feature: Tuning Switches
Sources Used:
Sony WM1ZM2
Earmen Angel
Aroma Audio Air
Build, Accessories, and comfort
Build quality is identical to Aether, AKA flawless. Just extremely good fit and finish all around. The faceplates are incredibly pretty and cameras cannot do them justice really. Just like the Aether, artha also features adornments on the nozzle side of the earpieces which further enhances the overall aesthetics.
The accessory set is identical to the Aether as well. You’ll get the same excellent, spacious leather case, set of S/M/L sizes ear tips (2 pairs for each size!), a cleaning tool, a bunch of nice stickers, a super nice cleaning cloth, and a high-quality SPC cable that’ll put stock cables from many ‘’big names’’ to shame.
Comfort is easy S tier. Artha is the second most comfortable IEM I have tried to date, only second to Sennheiser IE900 and tied with the Flipears Aether. Never causes irritation, never causes heat, or sweat build-up. It just works.
TL/DR
Build: 10/10
Accessories: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10
Flawless Victory pt.2! (pt.1 being the Flipears Aether)
Sound
Artha can sound like completely different IEMs depending on how you configure the switches. With both switches off, it sounds neutral and studio monitor-like. No accentuation in the bass or treble (AKA kind of boring). Flipping on the bass switch instantly turns Artha into a bass monster. This is among the best BA bass renditions under 2000 USD IMO if not the best. The bass switch also eliminates all traces of BA timbre/grit from the midrange and treble. Flipping the other switch (with bass switch turned off) will do the opposite. There is significantly more pinna gain and treble sparkle which greatly benefits string/air instruments and orchestral music. However, I will not recommend this mode for Rock/Metal/EDM.
The best configuration is what comes as stock out of the box (Both turned on). Flipping both switches on turns Aether into a true allrounder that can play anything thrown at it with effortless finesse. This configuration also sounds the closest to Aether but with more bass grunt and upper treble extension.
The midrange is perfect to my ears with both switches turned on, easily among the absolute bests under 2000 USD. I would, in fact, rate the midrange higher than both the Sennheiser IE900 (V-shaped but super clean and lifelike midrange) and U12T (cult classic). The balance between clarity and weight in the midrange is astonishing, to say the least. There is not even the faintest trace of shout or harshness in the upper midrange (With both switched turned on). However, there is some glare if you turn the bass switch off and keep the enhanced treble/clarity switch active only.
Treble is perfect for my taste as it’s tame in the lower/mid treble area therefore consonants (s/sh/th notes) never sound harsh or metallic. I have friends who prefer exactly the opposite though so there’s that. Treble is actually way more nuanced than we generally believe and preference plays a crucial role here. Upper treble is elevated just like the Aether and other Flipears products which contributes to the airiness and overall clarity and spaciousness of the sound.
Artha is a behemoth when it comes to technical performance. The detail retrieval is among the absolute best in the sub 2000 USD range and is a noticeable step up from the cheaper Aether. I had frequent ‘details I never knew were there’ moments despite my daily driver being a Hifiman Arya Organic. Artha has extremely good separation,macrodynamics, and layering which play a significant contributing factor to the perception of detail. The soundstage is something I would describe as ‘cavernous’. Yes, the Empire Ears Odyssey/ Odin, Oriolus Trailii, and Dita Perpetua stage taller and wider but those are in a completely different ballpark price-wise. It is still an IEM at the end of the day so do not expect the out-of-head experience of HD800s or Arya Organic. Imaging is extremely precise and sharp, almost as good as ToTL sets out there. Gaming with the Artha was as fun as gaming with the Arya Organic so go figure. I do not think Artha leaves much room for complaints in the technical performance department.
Comparisons:
64audio Tia Trio: Trio has fantabulous bass (64's DD implementation is pure magic) and edges out the Artha in bass tactility. Technical performance and resolution are more or less similar but Artha has better separation and soundstage (both height and width). Trio can also come across as slightly harsh in the lower treble but I have friends that prefer that zing. Artha plays rather safe in the lower/mid-treble region.
64audio U12T: U12T is more resolving but the mushy transients make it sound kind of dull for my preference. I prefer the tonality of the Artha with both switches turned on. U12T is a cult classic though so do not let my personal bias sway your opinion of it. Try to audition beforehand if you have never tried the U12T before, it might work for you.
Sennheiser IE900: Bass god, V-shaped masterpiece from Sennheiser. It is an amazing IEM but kind of a specialist. There are certain tracks and genres that sound marvelous on it but the opposite can happen as well. Artha is technically more proficient and has a more palatable treble response (IE 900 is shimmery so can cause fatigue in prolonged listening sessions).
Sony IER Z1R: Z1R is a timeless legend and I cannot think of another IEM except the Dita Perpetua that can beat its soundstage. Z1R's bass cannot be beaten by anything under 2000 in my opinion (IE 900 gets close) but the midrange is hugely superior on the Artha. Treble performance is equal on both.
Final A8000: One of the most resolving IEMs regardless of pricing. The treble, however, is not for the faint-hearted. Artha does bass better than the A8000 and treble sounds more refined overall. A8000 takes the crown in terms of sheer resolution though.
Concluding remarks
Flipears Artha is a perfect blend of great timbre and absolutely amazing technical performance, especially with both switches turned on. Highly recommended for all vocal + bass lovers out there who do not want to miss out on treble extension and clarity.
Disclaimer:
I am an audiophile and a reviewer who works with Mr. @Sajid Amit of Amplify Audio Reviews. Amplify generally covers high-end IEMs, DAC Amps, and Headphones with occasional reviews of budget products. Check out our video reviews at: https://www.youtube.com/@amplifyaudioreviews
About Flipears:
Flipears is a boutique IEM brand from the Philippines specializing in custom IEMs primarily targeted toward musicians and audio engineers. They have started offering a limited number of universal fit IEMs as well. Aurora is their universal fit flagship while Artha is the second most expensive IEM the brand offers. They are not very well known outside the native borders but have recently started participating in global audio expos. They had a booth in Canjam SoCal 2023 and have plans to join more future conventions worldwide.
Specs:
Driver Tech: All BA
Driver config: 8 BA in 2-2-2-2 formation, 2 Sub bass, 2 Low, 2 Mid, 2 High
Impedance: 16ohms @ 1kHz
Sensitivity: 118dB @ 1mW
Special Feature: Tuning Switches
Sources Used:
Sony WM1ZM2
Earmen Angel
Aroma Audio Air
Build, Accessories, and comfort
Build quality is identical to Aether, AKA flawless. Just extremely good fit and finish all around. The faceplates are incredibly pretty and cameras cannot do them justice really. Just like the Aether, artha also features adornments on the nozzle side of the earpieces which further enhances the overall aesthetics.
The accessory set is identical to the Aether as well. You’ll get the same excellent, spacious leather case, set of S/M/L sizes ear tips (2 pairs for each size!), a cleaning tool, a bunch of nice stickers, a super nice cleaning cloth, and a high-quality SPC cable that’ll put stock cables from many ‘’big names’’ to shame.
Comfort is easy S tier. Artha is the second most comfortable IEM I have tried to date, only second to Sennheiser IE900 and tied with the Flipears Aether. Never causes irritation, never causes heat, or sweat build-up. It just works.
TL/DR
Build: 10/10
Accessories: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10
Flawless Victory pt.2! (pt.1 being the Flipears Aether)
Sound
Artha can sound like completely different IEMs depending on how you configure the switches. With both switches off, it sounds neutral and studio monitor-like. No accentuation in the bass or treble (AKA kind of boring). Flipping on the bass switch instantly turns Artha into a bass monster. This is among the best BA bass renditions under 2000 USD IMO if not the best. The bass switch also eliminates all traces of BA timbre/grit from the midrange and treble. Flipping the other switch (with bass switch turned off) will do the opposite. There is significantly more pinna gain and treble sparkle which greatly benefits string/air instruments and orchestral music. However, I will not recommend this mode for Rock/Metal/EDM.
The best configuration is what comes as stock out of the box (Both turned on). Flipping both switches on turns Aether into a true allrounder that can play anything thrown at it with effortless finesse. This configuration also sounds the closest to Aether but with more bass grunt and upper treble extension.
The midrange is perfect to my ears with both switches turned on, easily among the absolute bests under 2000 USD. I would, in fact, rate the midrange higher than both the Sennheiser IE900 (V-shaped but super clean and lifelike midrange) and U12T (cult classic). The balance between clarity and weight in the midrange is astonishing, to say the least. There is not even the faintest trace of shout or harshness in the upper midrange (With both switched turned on). However, there is some glare if you turn the bass switch off and keep the enhanced treble/clarity switch active only.
Treble is perfect for my taste as it’s tame in the lower/mid treble area therefore consonants (s/sh/th notes) never sound harsh or metallic. I have friends who prefer exactly the opposite though so there’s that. Treble is actually way more nuanced than we generally believe and preference plays a crucial role here. Upper treble is elevated just like the Aether and other Flipears products which contributes to the airiness and overall clarity and spaciousness of the sound.
Artha is a behemoth when it comes to technical performance. The detail retrieval is among the absolute best in the sub 2000 USD range and is a noticeable step up from the cheaper Aether. I had frequent ‘details I never knew were there’ moments despite my daily driver being a Hifiman Arya Organic. Artha has extremely good separation,macrodynamics, and layering which play a significant contributing factor to the perception of detail. The soundstage is something I would describe as ‘cavernous’. Yes, the Empire Ears Odyssey/ Odin, Oriolus Trailii, and Dita Perpetua stage taller and wider but those are in a completely different ballpark price-wise. It is still an IEM at the end of the day so do not expect the out-of-head experience of HD800s or Arya Organic. Imaging is extremely precise and sharp, almost as good as ToTL sets out there. Gaming with the Artha was as fun as gaming with the Arya Organic so go figure. I do not think Artha leaves much room for complaints in the technical performance department.
Comparisons:
64audio Tia Trio: Trio has fantabulous bass (64's DD implementation is pure magic) and edges out the Artha in bass tactility. Technical performance and resolution are more or less similar but Artha has better separation and soundstage (both height and width). Trio can also come across as slightly harsh in the lower treble but I have friends that prefer that zing. Artha plays rather safe in the lower/mid-treble region.
64audio U12T: U12T is more resolving but the mushy transients make it sound kind of dull for my preference. I prefer the tonality of the Artha with both switches turned on. U12T is a cult classic though so do not let my personal bias sway your opinion of it. Try to audition beforehand if you have never tried the U12T before, it might work for you.
Sennheiser IE900: Bass god, V-shaped masterpiece from Sennheiser. It is an amazing IEM but kind of a specialist. There are certain tracks and genres that sound marvelous on it but the opposite can happen as well. Artha is technically more proficient and has a more palatable treble response (IE 900 is shimmery so can cause fatigue in prolonged listening sessions).
Sony IER Z1R: Z1R is a timeless legend and I cannot think of another IEM except the Dita Perpetua that can beat its soundstage. Z1R's bass cannot be beaten by anything under 2000 in my opinion (IE 900 gets close) but the midrange is hugely superior on the Artha. Treble performance is equal on both.
Final A8000: One of the most resolving IEMs regardless of pricing. The treble, however, is not for the faint-hearted. Artha does bass better than the A8000 and treble sounds more refined overall. A8000 takes the crown in terms of sheer resolution though.
Concluding remarks
Flipears Artha is a perfect blend of great timbre and absolutely amazing technical performance, especially with both switches turned on. Highly recommended for all vocal + bass lovers out there who do not want to miss out on treble extension and clarity.
Last edited:
nihalsharma
I had a chance to listen to these iems. They are really good. If you have ever tried SoundRhyme SR8, you can relate that these also sound on the same lines with some refinements and a better soundstage.
