FlaresPro/FlaresGold by Flare Audio

[Arysyn]

I can confirm that to my ears, the Flares are in no way "V"-shaped with respect to their FR. While I don't have the most golden ears, I can say that I have owned (temporarily) a number of phones that I perceived to have emphasized lows and highs with the all-important mid-frequencies recessed to some degree or another. While I can understand this from a marketing standpoint, I wish to hear my music as it was recorded, not as how the headphone designer wants it to sound.

I do not care for overly boosted bass, hot highs, or any other FR that is designed to initially wow me at first listen. FWIW, I found the Flares to be exceptionally smooth during sine-sweeps. While sine-sweeps are no guarantee that a phone will sound good when actually playing music, it certainly tells me which phones I will likely end up enjoying and which ones will probably enjoy a short stay!

I'm glad to hear this of the FlaresPro, HiFlight!

I pretty much agree with your sound signature preference, although mine is a bit more of a "stepping stone", with the mids slightly above the bass, and the highs slightly above the mids, though a neutral reference sound is one I much prefer over the common "V-Shape" signature.

I know this is a bit off-topic, but I don't really understand the allure to the "V-Shape" sound. Recessed vocals literally takes away the core of the music, to what, enhance bass and the instrumentals, which is fine if someone is listening to music that doesn't have vocals. However, for listening to singing of any kind, its really important to be able to hear the words clearly, and the closer they are, the better the details in voices are, though of course not too close that it totally dominates over the remainder of the music.

I'm not being critical of people's choice for it though, just that I don't understand it, or should I say, I don't understand the overwhelming popularity of that particular sound signature. Thats not to say I think my ideal sound signature is any more deserving of attention, as I know it wouldn't be the most popular either. However, I would naturally assume the reference standard would be the most popular, given an uncolored sound allows the truest audio from the music.

Clearly, Flare Audio wanted this from the FlaresPro, with what I'm understanding as the slight bump in areas of the treble perhaps adding to the "live" sound. I'm definitely interested in the FlaresPro and am looking forward to them.

 

[james444]

Below are my measurements of both Cardas EM8513 and Flares Pro. These are not absolute values but they were both measured using the same tips and same coupler. As one can see, they are quite similar except for the greater Cardas roll-off of highs.

Just because a graph looks flat / horizontal doesn't mean the phones measured will sound flat or reference. Like I said before, without knowing the measurement setup and compensation applied, you really can't tell anything reliably from a graph.

On top of that, people have different ideas of how a neutral reference sounds. Some will think a bassier / warmer signature is "flat", while other will regard a brighter and more analytical signature as "flat". The best example being the two most widely used target curves "Diffuse Field" and "Harman Target", which are actually quite different from each other in tonality. You can find more detail on this topic in this excellent Innerfidelity article: LINK

Again, without knowing all details about the measurement setup and compensation, graphs can only consistently and meaningfully be compared within the same setup. Which is the reason why I quoted HiFlight's post above, because he measured the FlaresPro and Cardas EM8513 and concluded they are quite similar except for the greater Cardas roll-off in treble.

That's quite fortunate, because the Cardas EM8513 have also been measured on another setup, which makes them comparable to a lot of other IEMs: LINK. So here's the EM8513 measurement compared to 2 other well-known neutral IEMs:

Cardas EM8513

Etymotic ER4XR

Ultimate Ears Reference Monitor (UERM)

Same conclusion as in my last post, while the ER4XR (and UERM) measure virtually flat throughout bass and mids between 20Hz and 2000Hz, with only 2-3dB deviation, the EM8513 show a -15dB downward slope from bass to upper midrange. By implication of HiFlight's comparison, the FlaresPro would measure pretty much the same on that setup.

As I said above, people have different ideas of what sounds neutral to them, so I'm not going to argue about that. All I will say is, based on these measurements, the FlaresPro's tonality differs significantly from well-known neutral / reference IEMs like the Etymotic ER4 and UERM.

 

[sodesuka]

I've had A8 before and they couldn't be any more different than even R2Pro, let alone Flares Pro. *shrug*

Tonality wise maybe, but technicality, timbre and all that jazz were almost a world apart for me with the tips I use.

 

[Arysyn]

Update,

I got the FlaresPro today. They shipped very quickly and Flare Audio was great communicating with me during the ordering process.

I ought to have listening impressions soon.

 

[alpha421]

Still on the fence to pick these up. Does covering up the rear vent kills the sound stage and thins everything out? I recall from my ownership with all the Flare predecessors that there was some sound leak, but was tolerable by those very near me (sleeping spouse).

 

[Arysyn]

I have alot of very positive things to say about the FlaresPro, and am preparing my review in thoughts that will have me delay the review until I get it exactly as I want it. In short form though for now, The FlaresPro basically is a corrected version of the HiFiMan RE800. The bass actually is neutral to the point where it isn't a problem.

It does seem to be exactly as James from Flare Audio told me it would, where the bass appears to adapt itself based on the music really well. Where one song requires more bass, the FlaresPro provides it for that song, but doesn't keep it there for songs that don't need it. I'm assuming this might be part from one of the special acoustic technologies the FlaresPro has in modifying the tuning slightly in some areas for different music, sort of like an automatic equalizer.

The mid vocals are where I want to say so many good things about right now, trying to save that for the review. Although I have a concern I need help with from the Head-Fi community here.

I listened through hearing no audible issues through Peter Gabriel - Curtains, Paul Schwartz - Veni Redemptor Gentium and Turning to Peace. However, I noticed a minor hiss/static - like sound coming off both the background at the end of vocals and certain instrumentals during both Moment of Peace by Gregorian and Rivers of Belief by Enigma.

This isn't the typical sibilance sometimes heard after an 's' sound in vocals, but seemed more like it was there in the background feed. It was sporadic during MOP, but nearly constant during ROB. I know the issue isn't with the Meridian Explorer2, so I'm wondering if its a recording problem only the FlaresPro seems to be picking up on, or if its an issue with the FlaresPro itself. I hope it isn't the FlaresPro, or if its at least fixable somehow, as I am simply amazed by everything else with the FlaresPro.

If anyone can help me here, I'd greatly appreciate it. Tidal has Rivers of Belief by Enigma in their video library. If others who have the FlaresPro can listen to it and let me know if they hear what I'm hearing, it would at least answer the question whether or not this goes beyond just my case or not.

Edit Note : I'm listening through the 3.5mm connection, not the Wireless Bluetooth. During Rivers of Belief, instrumentals are coming off with a sharp staticky response.

2nd edit note : I'm now listening to my pair of Donguri Silver Moon I use exclusively for slow, melodic music nd for voice calls, as I don't find it ideal for me in most other music I listen to, as its a bit slow. Otherwise, I like most of the tuning on it for the music its good for. A unique iem, that also seems good for comparative testing issues.

I used it just now for Rivers of Belief, and its helped me to pinpoint more specifically the sound issue I'm having with the FlaresPro. Actually, this may be what many people were complaining about with the HiFiMan RE800, which for some reason I never heard, yet I'm hearing it from the FlaresPro.

There are many instances in Rivers of Belief with either shaking handheld cymbals or tambourines. I'm thinking more like the latter with tambourines. Anyways, the is alot of sharp hissyness to the sound during the tambourines, which reverberate so much that it distracts from the vocals and other instrumentals on the FlaresPro. Whereas the Silver Moon Donguri sounds much different in mellowing whatever area in the tuning that is located at, to an appropriate level.

I'd like to know these impressions from others who have the FlaresPro and if there is anything I can do about this. In all other areas, I must say that the Flares Pro is generally like the corrected form of the HiFiMan RE800 to me, that having this issue popup later on during my listening trial left me shocked and disappointed. Hopefully this is a correctable issue.

 

[holden4th]

I've just listened to this on my Shure SRH840s on Tidal running out of my laptop into a Nuforce uDac 2 and yes, there seems to be a background hiss though it is not that distinct. It is really noticeable when you pause the track and get the nice black silence that the Shures are known for. I'll try out my custom shelled R2As tonight to see what it's like on those. but based on what I've just heard it's more than likely the recording, not the iems.

BTW, I'd never really bothered to listen to Enigma before so thanks for introducing me.

 

[HiFlight]

Still on the fence to pick these up. Does covering up the rear vent kills the sound stage and thins everything out? I recall from my ownership with all the Flare predecessors that there was some sound leak, but was tolerable by those very near me (sleeping spouse).

Yes, covering the rear vents sucks the life out of the soundstage and overall presentation. It sounds somewhat like going from a nice stereo presentation to a mono setting with less volume.
As far as leakage, I can hear sound if I plug the outlets with my fingers and put the vents in my ears, but it is inaudible when I move them about 2 inches away from my ears. For someone with bat hearing, it might go a few more inches.

 

[Arysyn]

I've just listened to this on my Shure SRH840s on Tidal running out of my laptop into a Nuforce uDac 2 and yes, there seems to be a background hiss though it is not that distinct. It is really noticeable when you pause the track and get the nice black silence that the Shures are known for. I'll try out my custom shelled R2As tonight to see what it's like on those. but based on what I've just heard it's more than likely the recording, not the iems.

BTW, I'd never really bothered to listen to Enigma before so thanks for introducing me.

You are welcome, and thank you for your impressions of this. I'm looking forward to your R2A impressions also. BTW, Enigma has a history of very great, deeply emotionally resonate music, which Tidal has on their library.

The instrument I've picked up on is a tambourine-like sound that has this hiss on. As I mentioned in my edited post, I hear the instrument clearly on my Donguri Silver Moon, though its tuned/tamed not to produce this hiss. So while the problem may be related to the recording in a way that certain iems naturally will be more prone to pick up on the imperfection in the music, if that indeed is what is causing this, otherwise it may be a tuning issue with the Flares Pro.

If its a tuning issue, I'm curious if doing anything with an equalizer may fix this. The sound resembles that of the side effect I use to hear when testing the surround sound effects on the old external pc sound cards I use to own and adjust for a more 3d surround sound, only to give up on it when I heard that dreaded hiss.

 

[HiFlight]

I have alot of very positive things to say about the FlaresPro, and am preparing my review in thoughts that will have me delay the review until I get it exactly as I want it. In short form though for now, The FlaresPro basically is a corrected version of the HiFiMan RE800. The bass actually is neutral to the point where it isn't a problem.

It does seem to be exactly as James from Flare Audio told me it would, where the bass appears to adapt itself based on the music really well. Where one song requires more bass, the FlaresPro provides it for that song, but doesn't keep it there for songs that don't need it. I'm assuming this might be part from one of the special acoustic technologies the FlaresPro has in modifying the tuning slightly in some areas for different music, sort of like an automatic equalizer.

The mid vocals are where I want to say so many good things about right now, trying to save that for the review. Although I have a concern I need help with from the Head-Fi community here.

I listened through hearing no audible issues through Peter Gabriel - Curtains, Paul Schwartz - Veni Redemptor Gentium and Turning to Peace. However, I noticed a minor hiss/static - like sound coming off both the background at the end of vocals and certain instrumentals during both Moment of Peace by Gregorian and Rivers of Belief by Enigma.

This isn't the typical sibilance sometimes heard after an 's' sound in vocals, but seemed more like it was there in the background feed. It was sporadic during MOP, but nearly constant during ROB. I know the issue isn't with the Meridian Explorer2, so I'm wondering if its a recording problem only the FlaresPro seems to be picking up on, or if its an issue with the FlaresPro itself. I hope it isn't the FlaresPro, or if its at least fixable somehow, as I am simply amazed by everything else with the FlaresPro.

If anyone can help me here, I'd greatly appreciate it. Tidal has Rivers of Belief by Enigma in their video library. If others who have the FlaresPro can listen to it and let me know if they hear what I'm hearing, it would at least answer the question whether or not this goes beyond just my case or not.

Edit Note : I'm listening through the 3.5mm connection, not the Wireless Bluetooth. During Rivers of Belief, instrumentals are coming off with a sharp staticky response.

2nd edit note : I'm now listening to my pair of Donguri Silver Moon I use exclusively for slow, melodic music nd for voice calls, as I don't find it ideal for me in most other music I listen to, as its a bit slow. Otherwise, I like most of the tuning on it for the music its good for. A unique iem, that also seems good for comparative testing issues.

I used it just now for Rivers of Belief, and its helped me to pinpoint more specifically the sound issue I'm having with the FlaresPro. Actually, this may be what many people were complaining about with the HiFiMan RE800, which for some reason I never heard, yet I'm hearing it from the FlaresPro.

There are many instances in Rivers of Belief with either shaking handheld cymbals or tambourines. I'm thinking more like the latter with tambourines. Anyways, the is alot of sharp hissyness to the sound during the tambourines, which reverberate so much that it distracts from the vocals and other instrumentals on the FlaresPro. Whereas the Silver Moon Donguri sounds much different in mellowing whatever area in the tuning that is located at, to an appropriate level.

I'd like to know these impressions from others who have the FlaresPro and if there is anything I can do about this. In all other areas, I must say that the Flares Pro is generally like the corrected form of the HiFiMan RE800 to me, that having this issue popup later on during my listening trial left me shocked and disappointed. Hopefully this is a correctable issue.

I just finished listening to Rivers of Belief and several other selections on the album and it seems to me as your comments are correct...I do hear what seems like background artifacts, but I think this album is a good example of the "loudness wars". To me, it sounds like it is compressed and recorded at a high level. I would not be surprised to see the needles in the red during a lot of the music. I don't hear much dynamic range...everything seems to be at about the same level. I believe the Flares are simply reproducing what is actually contained on the recording.

 

[Arysyn]

I just finished listening to Rivers of Belief and several other selections on the album and it seems to me as your comments are correct...I do hear what seems like background artifacts, but I think this album is a good example of the "loudness wars". To me, it sounds like it is compressed and recorded at a high level. I would not be surprised to see the needles in the red during a lot of the music. I don't hear much dynamic range...everything seems to be at about the same level. I believe the Flares are simply reproducing what is actually contained on the recording.

So, at least I'm not hearing anything different on my FlaresPro than other units, meaning no defect in mine. I'm still curious of people's experience (besides me) with comparative testing to see if they hear this noise on other iems. As I mentioned, I'm not hearing it on the Donguri Silver Moon, though the tambourine is present, yet more controlled where the hiss isn't there.

I'd like to know where in the tuning it is, and if an adjustment on an equalizer would help, and in which region.

Otherwise, HiFlight, I'm finding your audio frequency response graph of the FlaresPro very accurate. The clarity is so good on these that perhaps the tuning in the region responsible for the hiss may also be a benefit to the live sound, while I'm suspecting it also produces this side effect on certain recordings.

 

[alpha421]

Yes, covering the rear vents sucks the life out of the soundstage and overall presentation. It sounds somewhat like going from a nice stereo presentation to a mono setting with less volume.
As far as leakage, I can hear sound if I plug the outlets with my fingers and put the vents in my ears, but it is inaudible when I move them about 2 inches away from my ears. For someone with bat hearing, it might go a few more inches.

Sweet. That seals the deal (pun intended). Need to figure out how to place them in the cart. Did you guys work with Flare directly via email to purchase?

 

[holden4th]

Listening at home now to ROB with my shelled R2As and wondered if there was a problem with my Flares as they just sounded a bit lifeless. However, when I read what HiFlight wrote I went to one of my test tracks "Phantoms Can't Hang" by Deadmau5. The difference was apparent and my Flares sounded good again so I think that he has hit the nail on the head

I just finished listening to Rivers of Belief and several other selections on the album and it seems to me as your comments are correct...I do hear what seems like background artifacts, but I think this album is a good example of the "loudness wars". To me, it sounds like it is compressed and recorded at a high level. I would not be surprised to see the needles in the red during a lot of the music. I don't hear much dynamic range...everything seems to be at about the same level. I believe the Flares are simply reproducing what is actually contained on the recording.

Now that is the problem of getting a top quality iem. If the recordings have any defects then theat becomes very apparent. While my Shures are excellent and fairly neutral cans they weren't as revealing as my R2As obviously are. One glaring example for me is the Jos van Immerseel/Anima Eterna recording of Carl Orff's Carmina Burana. With a mid range set of cans this sounds like a great recording. However, when I listened with the R2As I could hear how poorly recorded this was. It was quite congested in places and instrumental separation was poor to the point of a soloist appearing to wander all over the sound stage. A pity because it's an exciting performance.

 

[Arysyn]

Headfonia put out an article on the FlaresPro, saying these will hiss depending on which source is used, but not really going into detail about it.

http://www.headfonia.com/review-flare-audio-flares-pro-top-spot/

"On the wired hand, Flares Pro will sound only as good as your device is able to give. Viz., if you’re a devoted Block MP3 user, Flares Pro will hiss, lose hella bass definition, and bottom out all the time in flubbery, uncontrolled hi-cut bass. Conversely, if you’ve got a Mojo, iPhone SE, Onkyo DP-S1, AK380, or what have you, Flares Pro will sound as it is designed to."

To me, iems should not hiss, and this is a big problem. I hate that this is happening with the FlaresPro, because everything else it has going for it is right, and otherwise my review for it would be an extremely positive one. I know the Meridian Explorer2 shouldn't be causing this on the FlaresPro, as it isn't on the other earphones I have.

 

[HiFlight]

The Flares are one of the least hiss-prone phones I have owned. I really doubt that anyone owning the Flares will be using them with cheap MP3 devices!