Fischer Audio FA-011 Limited Edition owners and appreciation thread

[Loquah]

Hi all, I've setup this thread to share some discussions and impressions about the amazing new limited edition of the FA-011 headphones. As a new owner, I'm excited to chat with some of the 39 other people who may also buy this great headphone. I've created an entry in the products area and hope we can all place some reviews soon...
 
Mine are the Tiama wood, serial number 5 of 10. Pictures to follow.

 

[gikigill]

Tiama Number 3 here.

 

[Loquah]

Early impressions. It's a dead heat with the HD650s (and that's saying something)
 
FA-011 LE has better bass impact and more smooth, liquid mids plus extra detail and attack at the top end (but no fatigue). HD650s still have the edge in overall space and ambience in the sound, but seem a little dry in the upper mids when switching back and forth.
 
One small issue I've noticed is some discomfort in my ears if I listen for long periods. I think it's because the headphones actually sit on the ears and aren't held out by the cups the way HD650s do. Hopefully this is something I'll get used to, but it's only an issue on long sessions (i.e. 1.5-2 hours plus)

 

[Loquah]

Quote:

Tiama Number 3 here.

 
Gill, you're going to love the FA-011 LEs. They are like HD650 if the HD650s had a couple of espressos! A bit in-your-face with lots of dynamics and details, but somehow still not fatiguing. The HD650s are a lot more refined and give you space, but I'm beginning to feel like the FA-011 LEs will be my go to phone for rock and electronic music.
 
The HD650s are sweeter with classical and possibly jazz and acoustic although I haven't tested this theory as yet. HD650s are also still a little more comfortable, but I'm getting used to the FA-011s now.

 

[gikigill]

Picking it up shortly now mate.
 
I was very impressed in the comparo between the HD650 and these and the best part was that since I didn't remember the HD650s signature nor was I familiar with the Fischer signature, it was a very unbiased comparison and the Fischer,s very definitely matching the HD650 toe-to-toe.
They need a good amp though just like the standard version and I will be powering them off an incoming vintage amplifier.
 

 

[cdawall]

I am tempted to get a set, but I feel like my wife would kill me if I ordered another $500 set of headphones.

 

[Loquah]

I am tempted to get a set, but I feel like my wife would kill me if I ordered another $500 set of headphones.

Fair point. Maybe you can sell something you don't use so much to keep the peace and also get in on one of just 40 LEs globally!

 

[Loquah]

Picking it up shortly now mate.

I was very impressed in the comparo between the HD650 and these and the best part was that since I didn't remember the HD650s signature nor was I familiar with the Fischer signature, it was a very unbiased comparison and the Fischer,s very definitely matching the HD650 toe-to-toe.
They need a good amp though just like the standard version and I will be powering them off an incoming vintage amplifier.

 

They pair really well with NFB-5.2. Next step for me is probably Matrix Quattro or maybe NAD M51 with a new amp... That's a big outlay though so Quattro more likely.

 

[DefQon]

Pictures?
 
Same driver and different filter network has me intrigued. Pics!

 

[Loquah]

Quote:

Pictures?
 
Same driver and different filter network has me intrigued. Pics!

 
I'll get some on here of mine shortly (reviewing this weekend I think). In the mean time, jump over to noisymotel.com to see Billy's pics. Just search for FA-011 up in the search box and then find the limited version in the results.

 

[DefQon]

I already have a few overall shots from Serge of FA months ago. I'm more interested in the new improvised filter network they are using connected to the identical drivers used in the original 011's. 

 

[Loquah]

The outcome is impressively different.
 
The frequency response is very flat. Delivery is still aggressive and forward, but more natural than the stock 011s. I can't compare soundstage to the standard 011s because I didn't spend long enough with them, but the one place the LEs fall a little short is in the overall space in the stage. Placement of individual sounds is great, but it's in a confined space.
 
For me, their party piece is the bass response - authoritative, powerful, detailed and fast, and with no bloat or bleed.

 

[DefQon]

Quote:

The frequency response is very flat. Delivery is still aggressive and forward, but more natural than the stock 011s. I can't compare soundstage to the standard 011s because I didn't spend long enough with them, but the one place the LEs fall a little short is in the overall space in the stage. Placement of individual sounds is great, but it's in a confined space.
 
For me, their party piece is the bass response - authoritative, powerful, detailed and fast, and with no bloat or bleed.

Nice, the bit highlighted in bold is what exactly the original 011's were famous for, bass that just goes down deep comparable to the LCD2's without sounding muddy and loose.
 
As with soundstaging, it can be improved a bit via 2 methods I've tried with 4 different 011's while back.
 
1. Mods (this includes physical non reversible mods to the wooden housing)
2. Tube amplification (OTL design). 

 

[Loquah]

Quote:

Nice, the bit highlighted in bold is what exactly the original 011's were famous for, bass that just goes down deep comparable to the LCD2's without sounding muddy and loose.
 
As with soundstaging, it can be improved a bit via 2 methods I've tried with 4 different 011's while back.
 
1. Mods (this includes physical non reversible mods to the wooden housing)
2. Tube amplification (OTL design). 

I tried them on the Crack, but their sound became a bit loose (due to impedance matching issues I think). What OTL have you used them with?
 
I'm intrigued about the mods (although reluctant to mess with a limited edition). What sort of things get done? I feel like thicker pads to move them away from the ears a bit would be beneficial as a start (and something reversible)

 

[gikigill]

I tried the standard FA011 with a tube amp and they sure love those. Very clean, enjoyable and sublime like an electrostat.