Final Audio Design Impressions and Discussion Thread

[SoundFreaq]

^^ That
 
And there was one guy around here that had a base metal allergy and could not use the brass. So he stuck with the Stainless designs.

 

[autumnholy]

Yup. It was supposed to "age" over time. And by the website, I wonder what they mean:
 

 As you use it over time, it yields the pleasure of appreciating new sonic textures and colors that emerge as part of the aging process.

http://final-audio-design.com/en/archives/1833
 
But certainly the earphone bag is very unique!
 

 

[sonickarma]

  Yup. It was supposed to "age" over time. And by the website, I wonder what they mean:
 
http://final-audio-design.com/en/archives/1833
 
But certainly the earphone bag is very unique!
 

Same bag as the FAD Lab 1 - which I see as 'interesting' but not very practical - unless you are a Peter Jackson extra

 

[cooperpwc]

  ^^ That
 
And there was one guy around here that had a base metal allergy and could not use the brass. So he stuck with the Stainless designs.

 
Indeed. Where is IanMedium?

 

[SoundFreaq]

   
Indeed. Where is IanMedium?

 
Right?! No kidding. Miss that dude. He was a classic FADnatic.

 

[CJG888]

That headphone bag looks like a leather xiaolongbao!

It is, however, absolutely useless...

If there is no SQ benefit in getting the Aging, I suppose I'll buy the regular Heaven V.

 

[cooperpwc]

That headphone bag looks like a leather xiaolongbao!

It is, however, absolutely useless...

If there is no SQ benefit in getting the Aging, I suppose I'll buy the regular Heaven V.

 
Actually the Lab 1 comes with the same bag and it is quite nice for home storage. Portably I prefer the case the comes with the PF IX.

 

[CJG888]

You have to admit that the bag looks like a xiaolongbao, though!

 

[woodcans]

   
Actually the Lab 1 comes with the same bag and it is quite nice for home storage. Portably I prefer the case the comes with the PF IX.

 
 
I tried to use the PF IX case for the LAB I's, but the cable didn't appreciate the angles needed to fit in to the (relatively narrow) case. I now use a (quite) old Klipsch hard zipper case (with seams for the two iems) for the LABs.
 

 

 

[cooperpwc]

   
 
I tried to use the PF IX case for the LAB I's, but the cable didn't appreciate the angles needed to fit in to the (relatively narrow) case. I now use a (quite) old Klipsch hard zipper case (with seams for the two iems) for the LABs.
 

 

 
The case looks very good. But a bit like putting a Leica in a Konica case. Just kidding, k/o. 

 

[woodcans]

   
The case looks very good. But a bit like putting a Leica in a Konica case. Just kidding, k/o. 

 
That's a pretty accurate analogy! I'd use a fancier case if I could find one that is as protective!

 

[vwinter]

This is true. V and aging are the same sounding, just the finish differs. C is more linear, more akin actually to a Heaven IV, if you've heard that, or can hear one. C's aren't really readily available anymore anyhow.

C is more linear and has less of the "FAD magic," but C is probably more of a people pleaser. It depends on what you're going for. Heaven V is more FAD-like in nature.

Nuh uh.

I present exhibits A and B:





To be honest, they both have a different and amazing sound and either would be a great buy. The C is thinner sounding though if that means anything.

To all those of you with the Heaven V Aging:

Do you have any problems with allergies or oxidation due to the untreated brass housing? Do you need to remove the eartips and clean the nozzles underneath after each use?

They oxidize. Under the tips is where mine generally do so. Good practice to clean them and the tips. Just get the non-aging if you don't wanna be bothered. Seriously lol.

 

[unknownguardian]

  For pop and vocal I will choose piano forte x.

but would pfx be lacking to much in bass such that the sound it produces seem unnatural? it seems like you have both the AKR02 and Piano Forte X. care to give me some brief comparisons between the two?

 

[cooperpwc]

  For pop and vocal I will choose piano forte x.

 
 

  but would pfx be lacking to much in bass such that the sound it produces seem unnatural? it seems like you have both the AKR02 and Piano Forte X. care to give me some brief comparisons between the two?

 
Yes, be very careful. I don't actually think that this is great advice - although it is certainly well meaning.
 
The PF X do not do rock properly at all. On the other hand, an album like Keith Jarret's Koln Concert is transcendental on the PF X. They are highly specialised but also very limited in application. This is not a candidate for primary IEM.
 
The Lab 1 does everything well (although, full disclosure, I have not tested it on Classical.  Hmm... I must do that.) It is a fantastic IEM. If you can afford it and can find one, I recommend that you buy it.
 
I cannot comment on the AKR02.

 

[Kiats]

Yes, be very careful. I don't actually think that this is great advice - although it is certainly well meaning.

The PF X do not do rock properly at all. On the other hand, an album like Keith Jarret's Koln Concert is transcendental on the PF X. They are highly specialised but also very limited in application. This is not a candidate for primary IEM.

The Lab 1 does everything well (although, full disclosure, I have not tested it on Classical.  Hmm... I must do that.) It is a fantastic IEM. If you can afford it and can find one, I recommend that you buy it.

I cannot comment on the AKR02.

Agree with Coop: the Lab1 is certainly versatile enough. The PFs tend to be an acquired taste to be used across all genres.