I’m no longer a fan of qdc-type connectors. Between the frequently fractured sockets (on cheaper IEMs) and the fact that the qdc plugs are always angled, and thus don’t always clear your ear, I much prefer standard 2 pin sockets. I actually often prefer using a regular 2 pin plug with the qdc sockets. It‘s not aesthetically as pleasing, but the ergonomics often work better.
Ear shapes are so weird. But I agree I’ve never had a problem with straight 2-pin, just QDC. It’s not like IEMs are a fashion statement, I’m trying to hear the music not accessorize.
I’m still getting adjusted to the NM2+, with that said, after getting my treble issues with it sorted the A/B with the FH3 really makes it obvious how L-shaped the FH3 is. It pulls it off very naturally, especially with the vocal tips, and it doesn’t seem like the bass overpowers anything (especially since it favors the sub-bass so much), but the clarity of the mids on the NM2+ is just on another level. I haven’t figured out yet how much is the tuning and how much is the driver. The NM2+ on the other hand doesn’t have that addictive beryllium slam even though the bass is well extended and tight. I think it probably comes down to your library as to which is better suited. Another way to put it might be that the FH3 is better on the go due to more bass and better isolation, whereas the delicacy and detail of the NM2+ makes it better suited for a quiet evening of at-home listening. Like @Dsnuts said, they’re both great for the tuning they are going for. I find them very complementary. For reference, I am finding the T2+ and the FH3 to be more redundant versus the NM2+ which has a distinctly different character.
I hope I will as well - I recently pulled the trigger and will receive them in a few weeks. Thanks for your perspective.
I concur with all you said. Right now, I haven’t heard a more natural and realistic sounding IEM with acoustic instruments, than the NM2+. It’s great when you have the ability to really listen to the music. The FH3 is more “fun” sounding, and has really enjoyable, potent, and textured bass. It is a “crowd pleaser” of sorts, and can suit almost all genres of music.
Agreed. I will add that I would be hesitant to have the NM2+ as my only IEM. It can border on edgy occasionally in the upper mids and treble. Sometimes I want to listen in a laid back way, the FH3 is great because it can be laid back as well as exciting, whereas I am not sure yet that the NM2+ has quite the same degree of versatility as a do-it-all IEM. But I am confident that pairing the NM2+ and the T2+ gets me a much greater sum of capability than pairing the FH3 and T2+, which as I said have more overlap with one another.
Hi! I recently purchased (and returned) an FH5 and its cable is definitely different as you noted. I think the FH3 must come with a different cable, not an LC-B. PS big fan of your reviews!
Hopefully they continue to manufacture the original build, I like it as an aftermarket cable. Thanks for watching
agreedI'm not a fun of FiiO cables, but especially this one drastically worse sounding of the FH3, please try them with some pure copper cables possibly on the balanced output. It sounds fantastic then and the treble is much much better.
Anyway great review, these IEMs are worth attention and acclaim
