You know, they say the only colour you're allowed to layer on top of gold... is gold itself...
They're here... and they're
BEAUTIFUL!
Gold-leaf-adorned black cut-out faceplates with my signature on the right, and a home-made F2 logo on the left.
The gold engravings may be difficult to tell apart from the gold leaf in the photo, but they sparkle differently and contrast beautifully in real life. The shell is also black infused with gold mica powder that's undetectable on certain angles, and only visible when struck by light. I both love and hate how my FIBAE 2's most stunning features are literally impossible to capture on camera, but I guess it only adds to the allure.
In terms of fit, these gems are nothing short of perfect. Putting them in my ears for the very first time was a struggle to say the least, having never worn a silicone-shelled IEM before. Once I mustered up the courage (and arm grease) to really push them in though, they popped right in and fit like a proper pair of gloves. Even pressure everywhere, and having enough flex to eliminate any gaps or air pockets that may form with my acrylic monitors. Awesome!
And, they don't sound half-bad either
Jokes aside, the FIBAE 2 have a clear, open, and buttery smooth sound that's capable of being both lively and fun, and seductive and gossomer. From bottom-to-top they have a warmth and energy that's pleasant, exciting, and addictive from first listen. Bass notes are rounded, thick, and punch very naturally, mids are warm, neutrally placed, yet exceptionally layered (especially for an IEM at this price), and the treble is natural, linear, open, and clear, with neither the general amount nor sharpness to induce any shrillness or harshness.
Soundstage and separation is where I've noticed the largest difference between the CanJam demo unit I tried months ago and my custom unit. I don't know if it's a custom-vs-universal difference, or if it's simply my memory, but the unit I'm hearing now has a significantly larger soundstage and has greater layering, depth-wise especially. Although it may not have the imaging, ultimate resolution, or rumble of my H8.2, the FIBAE 2 is, IMO, more open-sounding, more lively, and just a crap ton of fun to listen to.
I'm 100% sure New Toy Syndrome has at least a tiny part in this but I am totally in love with my FIBAE 2. It's so very refreshing to know that I can listen to my SGD 3.5k EE Zeus-XR and to these SGD 1k FIBAE 2's and receive the same amount of joy. I can't analyze a recording with these like I can with the XR, but the XR has never made me head bang to Animals as Leaders the way I'm doing now. They're fun, unapologetic, and, from top to bottom (and to the budget CIEM world
), they pack one hell of a punch!
I hope all of you have 475 Euros to spare, 'cus you'll wanna get yourself a pair of these Fun, Insanely Bad-Ass Earphones
Bravo
@piotrus-g! Bravo!