[james444]

@xoxiax: x2 on great first post
 
I'm not a basshead, but have heard the EPH100 and RE600, so I may be able to give you a rough idea of what to expect. Please keep in mind that the R2A's bass changes, depending on endcap seal. With fully sealed caps, I'd say it's closer to the RE600 than the EPH100, but with a more dynamic and punchy feel than the Hifiman's. Great deep bass extension, zero mids bleed. However, if that cap is turned a little more loose, the increased rear airflow will increase punch and bass will start sounding closer to the EPH100's. Most of the boost occurs in mid/upper bass, so the lower mids will start sounding a little warm (I'd still not call it bass bleed though) and some of the deep bass detail will be masked by higher bass frequencies and become harder to detect.
 
Hope this helps. 

 

 

[costas23]

  Currently going through the comparison of R2PRO with LCD-X .. and this is just crazy. The sound signature and abilities of the two are very close. Flare Audio did a tremendous job with those.
 

 
hey John, really enjoy reading your comparisons, I have to grin, when I see how well the R2pro can keep up with your big boys (LCD-X, HD800 and Layla)
 
I have the HD800 well driven balanced with the HDVD800 and compared it to the R2pro and I nearly fell off my chair when I realized how good the R2pro can keep up with the HD800.
 
The only thing the HD800 was clearly better was subbass and headstage (due to big drivers and more room), other than that, the R2pro was technically close if not on the same level.
I even dare to say, the R2pro sounded more natural and realistic overall. Especially voices sounded more natural and smoother on the R2pro and I always thought nothing can touch my HD800’s sound quality….. amazing stuff!
 
@john: how do you get the back of your R2pro so flush, doesn’t the cable get damaged that way?

 

[james444]

  That said, when i put my feet on the public transport i tend to calm my wishes of killing everyone mainly with techno and some other kind of hard hitting huge full sound bassy things that around this forum receive the name of EDM. 

 
As for the bolded part, one more thing I forgot to mention in my first reply: while I love the Flares and think they're among the best IEMs I've ever heard, I actually don't find myself using them much on public transport. The reason being that I think their laid-back sound signature in the upper mids / lower highs is great for fatigue free listening in quieter surroundings, but not really well-suited for noisy environments. ymmv.

 

[holden4th]

  Hi, Head Fi (after years of passive reading i've decided to join this cabaret of neurotic ears), hi thread!
 
I'm thinking about buying the R2a's (the "s" and the "pro" stand really far from my sad economy)  and i have a question which has been made before in this thread, in different ways, but after reading the 140 pages of this Flare's bible (i promise!!!) i haven't resolved yet because of mixed opinions. My concern is about the bass, it's midbass impact and the rumble roaring riot of the subbass. 
 
I have tons of vinyls, cd's, cassettes and terabytes of 320 and of all kinds of music from ambient to soukous, cumbia, 60's jazz, dub, kraut , electro or tarantella. I mean, i'm really eclectic and intense (about  8-10 hours listening per day for the last 20 years). That said, when i put my feet on the public transport i tend to calm my wishes of killing everyone mainly with techno and some other kind of hard hitting huge full sound bassy things that around this forum receive the name of EDM. My usual partners here are the Sennheiser hd25's and the Yamaha eph100. When i pick the iems, however, i miss clarity, detail, soundstage, precission. I like the yamahas, really, they're not bad, but i want more, much more. I love full 3d fleshy detailed non sibilant sound. And i'm poor.
 
So, i want to upgrade. I was drowning my self these days between (in oder of preference)  rha t20, altone 200, fidue a73, dunu dn1000,  and... then this  r2a's appeared. I fell in love with the form factor (love tiny iems, reason for nor being too happy about the other options) and the description of the sound looks promising. But i need a firm, explained answer about it´s bass capabilities (that electronic bass; i’m sure that Mingus will be great, that’s why i don’t ask about him). Is it close to the models i mentioned or you see it as a lighter signature?? Does anyone prefer clairly any of the other models for edm?
 
Will the r2a´s kick my hyphotalamus and create a bassground for the music when i'll need it? Are they more similar to the type of punchy sound i've known in the RHa's t10 (too much bass bloat for me)/Yamaha eph100 or are they more in the  classy family of the hifiman re600/vsonic gr07 (both great, but a little boring for me)?? 
 
For your reference, here are two productions/songs i normally use to test monitors or headphones i like (one with a fast 4x4 kick in a great soundstage, the other with a deeeep melodic subbass that must not interfere with the rest of the music):
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtXgqUrXAiI
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4plUKqJnuA
 
I have a vey smart, funny, beautiful (and yeah, not really got over it...) ex girlfriend that always answers to the daily question of "how are you" with something like "compared to what". Well, i don't consider myself a basshead, but compared to the tastes showed in general on head fi i'm beginning to think that maybe i'm not too far. Anyway, i've been educated with a freak hi-fier valves lover father obsessed with vocals and violins, so i tend to consider the midrange perfomance, the texture and grain of sound (which i search organic, vivid and airy),in pair with the bass. And i want both dimensions in a precisely positioned soundstage. Will the r2a solve it?...    So bassheads, audiophiles of anykind, generous souls...can anyone please help me?
 
And that's all my debut, hope didn't bleed too many words (my apologies, i suppose it was the nerves of the first time) and... Thanks in advance!!!

I'm a bit of a bass head (not extreme) and these produce the best bass that I've ever heard. I listened to your test tracks and the R2As handled these with flying colours. One thought that did cross my mind when listening to these tracks is that Youtube doesn't always have the best in SQ. This was evident in both tracks.
 
These are not necessarily bass dominant iems but when the bass is there it will bring it out. I listen to pipe organ music occasionally and to be able to hear distinct notes from a 32 foot pipe as opposed to just a rumble is what makes the R2As so good.
 
The only cans that you mention that I've heard are the HD25s and the Flares just blow them out of the water in all departments.
 
I bought these based on reviews on this site and am extremely glad that I did.
 
Happy to add to these thoughts if you have any further questions.

 

[Midgetguy]

@xoxiax, I'd recommend the R2A for EDM without hesitation, at least at the KS price I got it at. I have a little more trouble recommending for retail price since it's pretty steep and a dramatic increase over the KS price. My set doesn't have flush end caps, maybe 1mm of space at most? Haven't bothered to measure, but they provide some of the best bass rumble, texture, and quality I've heard in any IEM, let alone one so small. If yours comes out like mine, then they will be good sounding IEMs. I didn't have any issues listening to several genres using them, very enjoyable overall.

 

[money4me247]

  @xoxiax, I'd recommend the R2A for EDM without hesitation, at least at the KS price I got it at. I have a little more trouble recommending for retail price since it's pretty steep and a dramatic increase over the KS price. My set doesn't have flush end caps, maybe 1mm of space at most? Haven't bothered to measure, but they provide some of the best bass rumble, texture, and quality I've heard in any IEM, let alone one so small. If yours comes out like mine, then they will be good sounding IEMs. I didn't have any issues listening to several genres using them, very enjoyable overall.

For xoxiax, I would say that the Flare Audio IEMs are pretty competitive at the kickstarter price, but a bit lacking (specifically in build quality & overall what you get) in relative comparison to other items at its price point. Sonically quite capable though.
 
Lots of very competitive options out there for inexpensive IEMs nowadays, so depends on your budget quite a bit too I think.

 

[Midgetguy]

  For xoxiax, I would say that the Flare Audio IEMs are pretty competitive at the kickstarter price, but a bit lacking (specifically in build quality & overall what you get) in relative comparison to other items at its price point. Sonically quite capable though.
 
Lots of very competitive options out there for inexpensive IEMs nowadays, so depends on your budget quite a bit too I think.

Certainly a competitive set at the KS price, but I'm pretty certain I wouldn't have bought it at the retail price. Just too much to ask for even considering how much went into R&D to get a dynamic this impressively small pumping out the sound quality that it does. I'll rate the build quality as okayish, but the accessories pack......$10 IEMs come with more stuff than these. For just a little more than the KS price (so price limited to anything under $150 for the sake of a solid number, though I know this is higher than the KS price, but it is lower than the retail price), my current pick would be the Trinity Audio Delta. Premium packaging and accessories and the tuning filter system helps accommodate a wider range of musical genres and preferences. It's a very flexible IEM with far more impressive build quality as well for about $120-140 if that's within @xoxiax's budget. I wouldn't recommend it for small ears though as depending on the person, there could be some comfort issues during very long listening sessions. The small form of the R2 is really nice for the comfort factor.

 

[Bananiq]

I tried james' mod with ER6 tips - works as well!


 
 
However sound coming from ER6 are very bad. dont try it.
I prefer to use Complys, Sony tips and Havi foamies surprised me too. They have wide bore and seem to sound extended and clear.
Complys are also good but have a low lifetime.

 
still experimenting with endcap seal

 

[Bananiq]

Hi @xoxiax x3 great first post! 
 
I did a listen of the tracks you posted with GO720 and R2A and cannot say a bad word! 
I like the second track you posted - Mathew Jonson more bcs I prefer that 4/4 kick and awesome high sweeps. also HD quality makes things much better.
I think R2A are suited well for EDM. Bass is better quality than my modded Mikros90 and is just very textured and tight. With the mod its not emphasized and very well controlled. nevertheless, I really started enjoying brass and wind instruments with R2A like trombones and didgeridoos. I love the natural timbre as opposed to "shouty" Balanced armature timbre.
Coming from dual TWFK BA - Brainwavz B2, R2A do not miss any detail. 

 

[praneethbm]

Great read so far. Feel like I should try the R2A.

 

[Midgetguy]

Great read so far. Feel like I should try the R2A.

You should....though maybe not at full MSRP.

 

[xoxiax]

I feel like i have a family! Thank you very very much to all for that variety of precise and well-intentioned (for my wallet) advices. All this information helps me a lot. The diversity of the statements compiled makes me clear that i have a friend in the R2a´s. Obviously we always confront the barrier of subjectivity when we speak with other people about things we haven´t experienced. First, because we haven't felt them. Second, because nobody hears the same as you. In fact, every time we talk about something we talk in some way or other about ourselves. Having different opinions and backgrounds helps a lot avoiding these inherent problems that the forum tries to solve. It makes sense!
 
Dispossessing me from that cheap philosopher that sometimes abducts my writing (sorry for the prayer!), i understand that i will undoubtedly enjoy these tiny machines. The emphasis on the EDM dimension omitted that, aside from Richard D. James or Derrick May, my favorite artists go from Lord & Lady Coltrane to Arvo Pärt, Mr. Lewis Allen Reed, Lee Scratch Perry, Terry Riley, Johnny Cash, Michael Gira, Nina Simone, The Cramps, Hector Lavoe, Magic Sam or Camaron de la Isla. Not so much Mozart, but i swear i'll grow one day. And i didn't ask about their sounds filtered by the R2a´s because i understood reading the forum that they will be great on that practice. My EPH100 go ok with the electronic bass, but whit the more organic ones it farts beans. So i made a decision. And it is your fault!
 
Now, some quotes to the quotes (how do you do that "originally posted by Donald Trump" thing?)
 

 @james444
 
As for the bolded part, one more thing I forgot to mention in my first reply: while I love the Flares and think they're among the best IEMs I've ever heard, I actually don't find myself using them much on public transport. The reason being that I think their laid-back sound signature in the upper mids / lower highs is great for fatigue free listening in quieter surroundings, but not really well-suited for noisy environments. ymmv.

 

Then i'll have to try and consider it. If i manage to buy a pair, i promise to tell my considerations about that isolation fact.
 

@holden4th
The only cans that you mention that I've heard are the HD25s and the Flares just blow them out of the water in all departments.

 

Great, because i like them a lot. They are the most comfortable and indestructible tanks i know. And not so big for interacting with the ignorant plebeians that doesn't know how special are we, the picky freaky audio lovers. In fact, talking about tonality, i find them a bit aggressive in everything, but that's the sound i need for Djing. I'm sure they can be bettered and that statement reaffirms me in the way i've understood the description of the magical powers of the R2a's
 

@Bananiq I did a listen of the tracks you posted with GO720 and R2A and cannot say a bad word! 
I like the second track you posted - Mathew Jonson more bcs I prefer that 4/4 kick and awesome high sweeps. also HD quality makes things much better.
I think R2A are suited well for EDM. Bass is better quality than my modded Mikros90 and is just very textured and tight. With the mod its not emphasized and very well controlled. nevertheless, I really started enjoying brass and wind instruments with R2A like trombones and didgeridoos. I love the natural timbre as opposed to "shouty" Balanced armature timbre.
Coming from dual TWFK BA - Brainwavz B2, R2A do not miss any detail. 

 

Definitely convinced! Yes, holden4th also mentioned youtube's poor sound. I have both tracks on vinyl, my preferred source talking about sonic qualities. The sounds i was talking about turn huge and my concerns make more sense there. But your respective comments about the songs were really useful.
 
 

Finally, @cooperpwc et al, really happy with your consideration about my first post, and also surprised because i thought that my poor, found in the street english would not let me communicate all the nonsense things i think properly. Now, as the experienced sophomore i am, i know that i'll be able to tell my grandsons (if my magnificent consumption of wine hasn't still killed all my fertility) that i had a great and ephemeral rookie season at head fi!!

 

[xoxiax]

 

 @Midgetguy
Certainly a competitive set at the KS price, but I'm pretty certain I wouldn't have bought it at the retail price. Just too much to ask for even considering how much went into R&D to get a dynamic this impressively small pumping out the sound quality that it does. I'll rate the build quality as okayish, but the accessories pack......$10 IEMs come with more stuff than these. For just a little more than the KS price (so price limited to anything under $150 for the sake of a solid number, though I know this is higher than the KS price, but it is lower than the retail price), my current pick would be the Trinity Audio Delta. Premium packaging and accessories and the tuning filter system helps accommodate a wider range of musical genres and preferences. It's a very flexible IEM with far more impressive build quality as well for about $120-140 if that's within @xoxiax's budget. I wouldn't recommend it for small ears though as depending on the person, there could be some comfort issues during very long listening sessions. The small form of the R2 is really nice for the comfort factor.

 
The comfort and (not mentioned) discretion factor are essentials for me. The build quality, coming from  great Vsonic iems that broke only looking at them (for some days i thought i had Uri Geller's powers!), is something i obviously appreciate, that's why i had the RHA T20 on my mind. In fact i think, considering your comments, that Flare went to sleep after the hype reviews and it could be their future biggest problem. At this time, cheap weak build and poor packaging invites easily to consider other options. I suppose that they try to mean how much work they have on the sound, like if there was no profit margin.  Strategical mistake, because some clear lovers here and now are stating, despite of their support to the sound factor, their doubts about recommending it at that price. We, the consumers with audiophile tendencies (that means: their consumers), don't ask for futuristic golden shapes, just a good overall product. And they failed with some easy things.
 
Your comment about the Trinity Delta's is malevolent, by the way. Now that i had decided? Another one? You want me crazy ecstatic pondering the rest of my life? (i'll take a look)
 

 

[xoxiax]

 @money4me247 For xoxiax, I would say that the Flare Audio IEMs are pretty competitive at the kickstarter price, but a bit lacking (specifically in build quality & overall what you get) in relative comparison to other items at its price point. Sonically quite capable though.
 
Lots of very competitive options out there for inexpensive IEMs nowadays, so depends on your budget quite a bit too I think.

Well, the coincidence of opinions here is relevant. I think i'll wait for a second hand option from the kickstarter stock. In fact i like second hand, i usually prefer second hand clothes, books, vinyls or ferraris. And if we think about it for a second, our girlfriends and boyfriends, husbands, wifes, lovers and platonic secret longings are all second or even two digits handed. We all really love used things!
 
 
So, if someone with the R2A´s has decided that the Flares are not their cup of tea and is looking at the forum for market research, i'm your target!! Anyone wants to sell a well cared copy of the Flare R2A?? Please tell me (or put me on the list after the ones that were waiting before) Hope you appear soon, the consumerism society's urgency doesn't help at all with that old virtue called patience.

 

[cooperpwc]

   
As for the bolded part, one more thing I forgot to mention in my first reply: while I love the Flares and think they're among the best IEMs I've ever heard, I actually don't find myself using them much on public transport. The reason being that I think their laid-back sound signature in the upper mids / lower highs is great for fatigue free listening in quieter surroundings, but not really well-suited for noisy environments. ymmv.

 
We have quite different impressions on this. Factors might be tips - (I am using Complys - and also that I do listen fairly loud.