[Lurk650]

I really like the looks of the red/blue. I got the gray, and while they are nice, I like the easy r/l identification. I have the solid red/blue on the IT01, it looks better with the FA1.

I got the IT01 in black so I needed these in Red/Blue. I do too like the easy identification

What does the balanced cable do and can I still use it with a standard 3.5 mm jack?

With an adapter yes, but balanced directly needs a 2.5 or 4.4 port. The benefits of balanced are sometimes noticeable and sometimes not. It's a debate that I won't bring upon the thread. I go balanced bc why not, cant hurt the sound.

 

[Lurk650]

I currently have the Fiio F5 which I use with the Fiio Q1Mk2 amp/dac through the balanced cable. They sound ok, but they are too on the warm side an the treble is a bit too polite.
Does anyone know if the FA1 would be a significant upgrade? Some people describe them as smooth/sweet, which I am not looking for, others as balanced with a touch of warmth, but still sparkly and detailed in the mids and highs, which seems a better fit for me. I listen to a lot of guitar-driven music.

Touch of warmth to help out the single BA with it's bass. The focus is mids and treble since that's a BA strength but it's balanced overall. I'd give most focus to the mids. Listening to Opeth right now And it sounds great.

 

[Blazer39]

Touch of warmth to help out the single BA with it's bass. The focus is mids and treble since that's a BA strength but it's balanced overall. I'd give most focus to the mids. Listening to Opeth right now And it sounds great.

ha...wasnt sure FA1 sound good with metal, thanks for confirming

what source do you use with FA1?

 

[Lurk650]

So far only tested with my ZX300. Will test with my ES100 and ES100/Little Bear B4-X later tonight.

 

[Cadallin]

Pardon if this not the appropriate thread, but could someone who owns a pair comment on isolation and sound leakage from the Fiio FA1?

If I understand correctly single balanced armature designs should perform well in both those characters.

I'd like something for use in an office.

 

[Lurk650]

Pardon if this not the appropriate thread, but could someone who owns a pair comment on isolation and sound leakage from the Fiio FA1?

If I understand correctly single balanced armature designs should perform well in both those characters.

I'd like something for use in an office.

Idk about sound leakage but as far as iso goes, they Are top notch. Pretty sure bc they are completely sealed with no port.

 

[mhoopes]

Idk about sound leakage but as far as iso goes, they Are top notch. Pretty sure bc they are completely sealed with no port.

Actually, they do have a port in the shell. You can also tell by the lack of pressure build-up upon insertion (unlike the unvented FA7). That said, I think isolation and sound leakage are on par with the FA7. My wife, who has very sensitive hearing, could not hear them at night.

 

[SeeD]

Idk about sound leakage but as far as iso goes, they Are top notch. Pretty sure bc they are completely sealed with no port.

I also own a pair and they isolate great with one of their stock tips......and even a bit more than the FA7s since they are smaller.

 

[Cadallin]

Actually, they do have a port in the shell. You can also tell by the lack of pressure build-up upon insertion (unlike the unvented FA7). That said, I think isolation and sound leakage are on par with the FA7. My wife, who has very sensitive hearing, could not hear them at night.

@mhoopes, SeeD, and Lurk650

Thank you for the replies that's what I wanted to know.

 

[sidecross]

I have the fa1, fa7, and fh 5 and each has its own unique way for fitting ear tips for my particular ear canal.

I have found the information provided on this and other sites to be very informative, but the final solution each of us must find on our own. What may work for others, may not work for you.

 

[Lurk650]

Actually, they do have a port in the shell. You can also tell by the lack of pressure build-up upon insertion (unlike the unvented FA7). That said, I think isolation and sound leakage are on par with the FA7. My wife, who has very sensitive hearing, could not hear them at night.

interesting, have to look closer at the shell. Due to the isolation I figured there was no vent. I've had vented gear that still has build up.

 

[sidecross]

It would seem to be there would have to be vent to equalize the moving of air to produce sound; does anyone have further knowledge on the science of sound and semi vacuum?

 

[Richsvt]

I think a lot of it has to with sound propagation, reflection, resonance, and diffraction. I'd imagine there is also some compression factors playing in the design. I am not, in any way, any kind of authority on this. I'd leave it to the folks at sound science threads to explain it.

Kind of mind boggling that amount of detail that goes into the design of something so small yet provides such a wealth of great sound.

 

[cleg]

my video about FA1

 

[sidecross]

I wonder if the the air flow of an iem is similar in the design of the automotive intake manifold or carburetor/ fuel injection where air flow and performance are linked.