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^^ ... haha. Yeah, I've never been good at splelling or keyboards. But yeah, ... haha.
yes, they use the same balanced air movement principles that they've used since the very first 1601 model and the bass presence from this single armature is big enough to be moving armature.
^ It's been discussed in the FI-BA-SS thread that FAD's balanced air movement would be useless for traditional BAs because they are sealed. Therefore these IEMs have to be moving armatures.
Bottom line, so far I really like these, though it has to be said that they are not quite at eye level with the much more expensive FI-BA-SS. Detail resolution and overall refinement strike me as about the same as with the e-Q7 and compare to the SS model like PAL/NTSC to 720p.
Okay, today I went to a headphone store to have a listen of the SB, A1 and the E-Q7. I only had about 30 minutes to play with them, but I can give my impressions.
First things first, all I can say is wow. The final audio design models had everything I love in all the IEMs I have so far all rolled into one. The bass texture of the DDMs, the lushness and roundness of tone of the CK90Pro, the clarity and transparency of the MC5s and smoothness and delicacy of the RE0. Both models were definitely on the warmish side.
Shizego is absolutely spot on in his descriptions of the sound of how both models compare, as well as how they compare with the E-Q7. Actually, I hadn't heard the EQ-7 before now and I actually found the mids a little too forward on the E-Q7 - a little overbearing on some acoustic songs with already deep male vocals. The A1 sounded similar, but yes with better bass and treble extension - more neutral, and really just a sweet sound. The SB did have a bit more air to the sound, but I definitely found like Shigzeo that I was getting sibilance on the 'usual suspect' tracks that I use to test for it. It was a bit more than I could handle, and overall I preferred the sound of the A1's. The weight and comfort for both earphones was great, and I've now concluded that I must have pretty forgiving ears as I find even the DDMs and E-Q7's a great fit.
Unfortunately, Shigzeo is absolutely right about the dismal state of the strain relief on the A1 as well. I have not seen such a terrible strain relief on a headphone except the Cyclone PR1 Pro's, which trump the A1's by having no strain relief at all. The A1's thin cable and lack of proper strain relief really make me hesitate.
The dealer didn't have stock, otherwise I might have bought the A1's on the spot. (Australian pricing is really quite decent.) Now at least I have a little time to think about the cable and look at how warranty works with FAD. I'd also look out for the EQ-5's, though I wonder if they are a replacement for the Eq-7's or going to slot in below the 7's in terms of quality.
Anyway, if you treat your stuff really nicely, I can't hesitate to recommend the A1. Ericp, if you are following this - you'll like them. : )