So... what I "feared", about opening the Pandora's box, but I implemented my Ares S Founders Edition on the Fh9's...
Well it's just sublime....
Since I have Con X connectors, the Ringo and Fh9 will share custody
Compared to the Fiio cable, it is in particular the gain in definition, resolution and finesse that is obvious. The “big sound” is still there, but with a class and a refinement that no longer have anything to do with the previous couple.
Oddly enough, the Fiio cable is the bassiest, although I would have bet the opposite. It is more enveloping because it is slightly warmer and above all less controlled and less precise, by a great margin. At the bottom end, the FE is more tense and precise. More cut out too, articulated, but while retaining the power of the Fiio cable. Also the FE is faster overall. It snaps badly but conversely, it's very fine and chiseled at the top.
For the medium and overall human voices, nothing more to say, it's impeccable. Richness, contours, textures, not a bit of sibilance.
For the low mid, it is still as present and rich but more controlled and tense. Here again it is obvious. Once again, it's impeccable. Sublime in presence and textures.
The soundstage is finally deeper and in 3d volume, compared to the Fiio cable more frontal and more left/right dispatched.
Important to note that the Ares S Founders Edition is a very different beast from the standard Ares S (8w), both in terms of construction (hybrid copper, gold and palladium, alloy and plating vs. pure copper), and sound. These are really two different cables, particularly in terms of technicality and definition/resolution...
And about the price... 1000 bucks
And availability : just 10 pieces were made...
I was able to compare the two versions at length before deciding on the FE, for my Ringo, a few months ago, from now.
At the time I tried the Ares S 8 on the Fh9 but I didn't like it because it was too bassy. But.... I was filtered in 550, and not in 250 like now, so I don't know but I think it would be fine to make a try...
Besides, I was able to try the Ares S FE with a few other earphones (notably the MAD 16 from my friend Pierre), and this cable is one of the best to date that I have listened to, regardless of price, brand or technology. Really.
On the Ringo, I was able to compare it to a Code 51 for example, which was no match. For the FE.
Well, stories of synergies, as usual, but for the moment, with the 4 or 5 elite earphones tried with it, each time the top results were achieved with the FE... despite some really heavyweights opposite (Rhapsodio, PW Orpheus too...).
My little idea, and I'll be able to listen to it, would be to equip the Ringo's with an Eros S 1st Anniversary (also for the look, which would be perfect) and leave the Ares S FE on the Fh9 (the look also works very well I think , see photo, and to my great surprise I must say).
Or leave the FE on the Ringo's (for me it's clearly an endgame pairing) and stick a standard Eros S (the grey looking one) on the Fh9....
But you have to try....
Otherwise yes, I was thinking of the Brise Audio but for the Ringo's (look). And as a result, the Fh9s would keep the FE...
Obviously the best thing would be to find another FE... but only 10 worldwide cables were produced. It's already a miracle that I was able to nab mine...
In short, more to come and these Fh9 definitely have A LOT to say...
As one of my great friends says, I'm "a little on my ass" by what I'm hearing... and I realize that I didn't take these Fh9s seriously enough all things considered. ..
mea culpa
Updated signature... finally running with a single cable for 2 intras (2 pin / Ringo and mmcx / Fh9), thanks to the ConX is possible, and considered.