Alright guys, let's see if the Hype train of these beasts keeps rolling or is stuck in a train station somewhere...
Finally got my hands on Xe6 and RN6 at the same time as part of the Australian tour organise by
@Damz87 and
Minidisc. After owning Kr5 and tried Xe6 multiple times in different occasions. I was really looking forward to this opportunity.
Disclaimer
As an audiophile, IEM enthusiast and far from a professional review… I write my impressions mostly from the point of view of a proper customer that will use this daily, in commute, at work, doing dishes, drinking a whisky… Remember, audio experiences are subjective, and what resonates with one might not with another. YMMV (I hate this...but it's true). Let's dive into this sonic journey with an open mind and ears.
Introduction
The Fir Audio Xe6 and RN6 are two very strong contenders in the IEM arena. While the Xe6, with its profound low-end and energetic delivery, seems tailored for Hip-hop's deep beats and the raw energy of classic Metal, the RN6 emerges with a safe, balanced, yet occasionally bright sound signature. Well… In this impressions I want to go deep into these hype holders. I will use songs that are relevant to my preferences and use cases as usual. I will walk through it especially through the lens of Metal bands like Metallica and Hip-hop icons like Eminem, Lil Wayne, and Wiz Khalifa.
Fir Audio Xe6: A Beast Unleashed
The Xe6, right out of the box, establishes itself as a powerhouse. When you play something as intense as Metallica's "Master of Puppets," the Xe6 doesn't just play the track; it smashes the sound into your brain. The low-end is where the Xe6 truly shines - it’s deep, textured, and incredibly defined. Each kick drum hit feels like a punch, and the bass lines are rich and full-bodied, bringing weight and realism to the music. Feels like you're at a live concert with L-Acoustic Speakers blasting heavy and full sound into you.
Transitioning to Hip-hop, the Xe6 continues to impress. Eminem's rapid-fire verses in "Lose Yourself" are delivered with crystal clarity, and the underlying bass line drives the track forward without overpowering the mids presentation. In Lil Wayne's "Lollipop," the Xe6 reveals its ability to handle deep, synthetic bass, while maintaining control and definition. I usually use this song to kill bad treble IEMs, but due to Xe6's great dynamic range, everything ends up balanced. Wiz Khalifa's "Black and Yellow" further showcases the Xe6's capability to render bass lines with depth and texture, making each track a head-bobbing experience.
RN6: The Balanced Cousin
In contrast, the RN6 offers a more balanced sound signature. While it handles the complexities of Metallica's guitar riffs and solos with ease, providing a clean and detailed presentation, it occasionally leans towards brightness. This isespecially noticeable in the higher frequencies of cymbals and high hats. However, this brightness does not detract significantly from the overall listening experience. It will end up being a matter of preference. I personally like Metal songs' heavy hits. The feeling of anger when kicking the drums.
In the Hip-hop streets, the RN6’s balanced approach is appreciated. Eminem's intricate lyrics are presented with clarity that brings forward his storytelling nuances. The RN6, however, doesn't quite match the Xe6 in low-end rumble. Tracks like Lil Wayne's "Mirror" and Wiz Khalifa's "See You Again" are rendered beautifully, but the bass, while accurate and clean, lacks the visceral impact that the Xe6 delivers.
Comparing Xe6 and RN6
The main and most obvious difference between the two IEMs lies in their approach to music reproduction. The Xe6 is like a muscle car - raw, powerful, and exhilarating, especially suited to genres that demand energy and depth. On the other hand, the RN6 is more like a luxury sedan - balanced, comfortable, and refined, excellent for a wide range of genres but lacking the raw power in the lower frequencies.
Xe6: Stock Cable vs. Eros S The Xe6's stock cable is great in its own right, delivering a robust and full-bodied sound that complements the IEM’s natural low end prowess. But when swapped for Eros S, the impact is evident. The Eros S doesn’t just enhance the sound; it elevates a bit each front. It improves clarity and detail retrieval. The lower midrange, a standout feature of the Xe6, gains a level of articulation that adds depth to tracks like Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” where the complexity of the guitar layers becomes more pronounced. Additionally, the soundstage opens up, lending a more immersive experience, this can be seen even in Wiz Khalifa's "Black and Yellow."
RN6: Stock Cable vs. Eros S With the RN6, the stock cable impressed me more than Xe6's, it feels and sounds good. It maintains a balanced presentation. However, once the Eros S steps in, the RN6’s slightly bright characteristic is complemented with crispness and airiness. Eminem’s “The Real Slim Shady” shows this well, where the Eros S brings forward the subtleties in the background beat, enhancing the overall texture. The improvement is particularly beneficial for the RN6, lending more space and separation between instruments. This is quite noticeable on complex tracks like Metallica’s “Orion.”
Final Thoughts
Both the Fir Audio Xe6 and RN6 excel in their respective fields. The Xe6, with its remarkable lower mid-range and robust build, is an excellent companion for Hip-hop's thumping beats and Metal's aggressive energy. The RN6, with its balanced and slightly bright signature, offers a more versatile listening experience. However, it doesn’t evoke the same emotional response in bass-heavy tracks, at least for my tastes. For someone whose library is dominated by Hip-hop and Metal, the Xe6 is a clear winner. However, for those seeking a balanced, all-rounder IEM, the RN6 holds its ground. The decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of music that fuels your soul. Usually, the IEM that really gets the best of me is the one that makes me want to kick back after a hard workday, open a beer or pour a whisky and just relax. For me, Xe6 would be that one between these two.
