Final Audio Design Impressions and Discussion Thread

[jwbrent]

I agree about the IE 800, fantastic IEM, one of the best I’ve owned.

 

[F700]

Just a funny, very budget, comparison made tonight:

On the left corner: the Final E1000 at approx. USD 30, single DD

On the right corner: the Sony MDR-EX450 at approx. USD 50, single DD



Source: smartphone, Redmi Note 7
Music: pop and rock classics from the 70's / 80's and Trip Hop from the 90's
App: Tidal, Hifi modus

1 hour spent on both IEMs. The Sony MDR-EX450 was bought in an airport in 2014, still here today, but did not get any love since the arrival of my N3AP in 2017. The Final E1000 is my to-go set to commute 50min a day.

The Final has more body in the mids and the bass and less energy in the treble. The Sonys has a very airy presentation, but lacks body and is prone to sibilance.

The build quality of the Final E1000 is ridiculous for the price. All plastic yes, but built to last. A real statement.

The Final wins by a very wide margin here, for me at least.

...and then you go back to your DAPs and your premium IEMs... And then you understand the difference. Where do you come from. The way you've made so far. Years after years. Things bought, things sold. For me, my 2 main set-ups since a few months now (an eternity at today's standards) give me shivers at every listening sessions. Nevertheless, I still enjoy my E1000 everyday, because Music is what counts first. The source and drivers to listen to it are way behind actually. But premium gears allow us to make the Music experience even better.

How lucky we are guys

Still a nice hobby, especially in 2019.

 

[F700]

The E5000 are at GBP 142.- on Hifiheadphones.co.uk! This is 35% less than the normal price.

Cannot resist and bought a spare set.

 

[kmmbd]

The E5000 are at GBP 142.- on Hifiheadphones.co.uk! This is 35% less than the normal price.

Cannot resist and bought a spare set.

Price for E1000 also lowered to 19 bucks, and F7200 down to 260 pounds! Darn it's really difficult not to buy these.

 

[suicidal_orange]

Perhaps the most random question in this thread - would a Piano Forte stay in my ears while cycling? Unsurprisingly my searches aren't turning up anything useful...

 

[JayF]

Perhaps the most random question in this thread - would a Piano Forte stay in my ears while cycling? Unsurprisingly my searches aren't turning up anything useful...

They have a stable fit when inserted but no seal, so maybe you'd be ok for a bit but they'd probably fly out the first bump you hit. Definitely not something I'd ever do with mine.

 

[alvinlim2010]

Price for E1000 also lowered to 19 bucks, and F7200 down to 260 pounds! Darn it's really difficult not to buy these.

If it is at at low price (i gotten mine at 10USD), i think it is worth it for casual listening. Being light weight is a good point too.

 

[suicidal_orange]

They have a stable fit when inserted but no seal, so maybe you'd be ok for a bit but they'd probably fly out the first bump you hit. Definitely not something I'd ever do with mine.

Thanks, the lack of seal is why I considered them (can hear traffic etc) but if they aren't really secure it's not going to work. Although if I sewed a thin sheet of material between the helmet straps to cover them that would keep them in? hmm...

I should just buy one of the reduced models but they have the same earplug style as Etymotics which suggests great isolation which I don't want.

Edit: too late, they're sold.

 

[stephanemtl]

Regarding the F7200,

1) Is the size of the in-ear insertion of the F7200 identical to the one of the E5000? In short, is the F7200 model better for small ear canals?

2) Anyone has thoughts on the F7200 compared to the Etymotic ER4 series? Which has the smallest diameter of the in-ear insertion? Which sounds the most neutral (not warm)?

Thanks!!!

 

[kmmbd]

Regarding the F7200,

1) Is the size of the in-ear insertion of the F7200 identical to the one of the E5000? In short, is the F7200 model better for small ear canals?

2) Anyone has thoughts on the F7200 compared to the Etymotic ER4 series? Which has the smallest diameter of the in-ear insertion? Which sounds the most neutral (not warm)?

Thanks!!!

1) F7200 is even deeper-fitting than E5000, but it's not so intrusive (and pain-inducing) as Etymotic ER3XR or similar ones. So, I'd say it is a lot better for smaller ear-canals.

2) I don't remember the exact dimensions of the ER4 series, and ER3 and F7200 as similar in diameter perhaps (though F7200 might be a bit longer). Definitely the Etymotics are more neutral.

 

[kmmbd]

Final's Silicone carrying case is rather underrated IMO. Looks sleek, and does provide moderate amount of protection while slipping into the pocket easily.



I also love that warning sign on the carabiner.

 

[jwbrent]

Final's Silicone carrying case is rather underrated IMO. Looks sleek, and does provide moderate amount of protection while slipping into the pocket easily.



I also love that warning sign on the carabiner.

Unless the case has been revised from when I owned the F7200, I wasn’t much of a fan finding it a bit cumbersome to use. With that said, the case that comes with the B series is an improved version of this silicone design; instead of opening on both sides like the F7200 case, the B series (maybe E series, too?) opens on one side only making it more sturdy. Big improvement, in my view.

 

[kmmbd]

Unless the case has been revised from when I owned the F7200, I wasn’t much of a fan finding it a bit cumbersome to use. With that said, the case that comes with the B series is an improved version of this silicone design; instead of opening on both sides like the F7200 case, the B series (maybe E series, too?) opens on one side only making it more sturdy. Big improvement, in my view.

Yeah, it's the same on the E-series. They revised the case of the F series which was really cumbersome indeed (though it did look cool once you managed to coil the cable around the case).

 

[SuperChonk]

Regarding the F7200,

1) Is the size of the in-ear insertion of the F7200 identical to the one of the E5000? In short, is the F7200 model better for small ear canals?

2) Anyone has thoughts on the F7200 compared to the Etymotic ER4 series? Which has the smallest diameter of the in-ear insertion? Which sounds the most neutral (not warm)?

Thanks!!!

1. The F7200 can be inserted shallower due to the lack of triple flange tips.

2. I owned the F7200 and the Etymotic ER4. the F7200 sounds more natural than the ER4. The ER4, on the other hand, is a detail beast but with so much detail, it is harder to drive/pair.

Both are excellent and would depend on your taste.

 

[davidmolliere]

Since Audeze is out with the LCD-i3... any news on Final D6000?