Final Audio Design Impressions and Discussion Thread

[mochill]

Slightly softer then black e type tips , feels great and I got the xs size :-D

 

[jwbrent]

Slightly softer then black e type tips , feels great and I got the xs size :-D

I’ve got to try some of those out.

 

[Naack]

Slightly softer then black e type tips , feels great and I got the xs size :-D

Oh I live for the XS Size.

I would be completely sold on the A8000 if it was in a finish that was less of a fingerprint/dust magnet.

 

[jwbrent]

Oh I live for the XS Size.

I would be completely sold on the A8000 if it was in a finish that was less of a fingerprint/dust magnet.

I’m not sure I agree with the fingerprint/dust magnet comment since I never notice these issues with mine. Besides, if it is a problem for some, a quick wipe off on your shirt is all that’s needed.

If fingerprints are a problem for some, don’t buy an iFi xDSD or xCAN. The finish both of those use not only easily pick up prints, but they don’t clean off without a glass cleaner.

 

[Naack]

I’m not sure I agree with the fingerprint/dust magnet comment since I never notice these issues with mine. Besides, if it is a problem for some, a quick wipe off on your shirt is all that’s needed.

If fingerprints are a problem for some, don’t buy an iFi xDSD or xCAN. The finish both of those use not only easily pick up prints, but they don’t clean off without a glass cleaner.

... you make some valid points. I may just be slightly lazy.

 

[HuoYuanJia]

These are a PAIN to shoot in macro. Dust everywhere... Fingerprints and dust are impossible to avoid. I use the Campfire Solaris case and pouch to keep them from scratches. I hope that helps...

 

[jwbrent]

... you make some valid points. I may just be slightly lazy.

I’ve said it before, but the A8000 is revelatory. If you can audition it, I believe you will agree.

 

[jwbrent]

These are a PAIN to shoot in macro. Dust everywhere... Fingerprints and dust are impossible to avoid. I use the Campfire Solaris case and pouch to keep them from scratches. I hope that helps...

Yes, a macro lens will show up the tiniest of debris.

 

[mochill]

Rich , textured , vast soundstage , natural

 

[CJG888]

Of all my various IEMs, my current favourites are (still) the Heaven V and the Tin Hifi P1 (in that order).

Amusingly, one has crazily high sensitivity (and is very susceptible to hisssssssss), and the other needs more wallop than most over-ear planars!

 

[mochill]

Another beautiful iem from final audio design , detailed , not bright and natural sounding

 

[RikudouGoku]

Anyone have any opinion on the F3100? Beaten by chi-fi? Or still something nice?

 

[mochill]

Definitely nice , I have chi fi too.

 

[JohnPham]

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy a Final Audio C106 4.4 mm MMCX balanced cable. I posted in the classifieds part of the forum but thought it might get more exposure here. If anyone is selling one please PM me. Thank you in advance!

 

[kmmbd]

Anyone have any opinion on the F3100? Beaten by chi-fi? Or still something nice?

Well, the F3100 have some of the best vocals under $150, IMHO. One of the very few BA earphones that don't exhibit the plasticky BA timbre like most other single/multi-BA stuff (or at least those not using Sony's custom BA or 64Audio's side-firing ones).They're incredibly good sounding with acoustic tracks and singer/songwriter stuff (listening to Ben Howard on them while typing this haha).

Their biggest issue is the bass roll-off post 70Hz or so and very little bass impact. That sort of limits the kind of genres they're suited for. Another issue (though it can also be a feature depending on your POV) is that the sound signature changes depending on deep/shallow fit. I personally find it the best with very deep fit (using tips a size smaller that I usually do and they go right in and disappear). Other than that, the soundstage is surprisingly wide for such a small IEM, and imaging is better than similarly priced Final E4000. They are also the lightest earphones in this price range and comfort is stellar. The cable, while non-detachable, is very sturdy.

Overall, I recommend them if you know what you're getting into and the limitations it has (mostly bass, and a tad power hungry).

Edit: I forgot to add that they're rather source-sensitive. Feed them something slightly warm with 1Vrms out or so and see them sing. On the LG G7 the upper mids sound stringent while on the QP1R it's absolutely fine.