[almarti]

If you can justify the difference for yourself, going with the Noir Hybrid would be the best decision.
The Noir Hybrid is the most flexible one bc of its kimber braiding style.

Or you could ask @Matez about a Claire Hybrid with the same braiding.


Claire Hybrid HPC with 3d braiding semi transparent black and Noir Hybrid HPC.

Thanks for the photo.
Which are the improvements on sound of Noir Hybrid over Claire Hybrid?

 

[Blanchot]

My brand new Audeze LCD-X should be arriving tomorrow and I've been on the hunt for a balanced 4.4mm cable to go with my Fiio M11. Been reading a lot about Forza now but still can't seem to make up my mind if the Noir Hybrid HPC will be the right choice. Having read lots of feedback comparing the Moon Audio Silver and Black cables, I worry a bit about making the wrong decision. Moon Audio is too expensive for me and I really do prefer the looks of the Forza cables. Does anybody have any experience with both the Noir Hybrid HPC and Noir HPC Mk2 on a pair of the LCD-Xs??? I'm leaning towards the Noir Hybrid.

If you're gonna pair the Audeze LCD-X directly with the M11, I'm afraid you will be disappointed. Despite what Audeze tells you the LCD-X need an external amp to really shine. I always use them in conjunction with a Mojo when I listen to my M11 or my iPod touch 6.

 

[schreibersandro]

If you're gonna pair the Audeze LCD-X directly with the M11, I'm afraid you will be disappointed. Despite what Audeze tells you the LCD-X need an external amp to really shine. I always use them in conjunction with a Mojo when I listen to my M11 or my iPod touch 6.

well, that's a bummer I do have a Oppo Ha-1 and Ha-2 but was hoping for a simpler solution.

 

[schreibersandro]

If you're gonna pair the Audeze LCD-X directly with the M11, I'm afraid you will be disappointed. Despite what Audeze tells you the LCD-X need an external amp to really shine. I always use them in conjunction with a Mojo when I listen to my M11 or my iPod touch 6.

Just out of curiosity... do you have first hand experience with this combo? I plan on using the 4.4mm balanced jack and based on the specs of both the LCD-X and the output section of the M11 this combo should be more than sufficient.

 

[Blanchot]

Just out of curiosity... do you have first hand experience with this combo? I plan on using the 4.4mm balanced jack and based on the specs of both the LCD-X and the output section of the M11 this combo should be more than sufficient.

Yes, I own both the LCD-X and the M11. I haven't tried the LCD-X with a balanced cable, as I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a custom cable. With the LCD-X I have come to realize the meaning of the law of diminishing returns. I paid 1600$ (the MSRP in my country) and although they outshine my cheaper cans they are not that much of an upgrade to justify the prize.

 

[schreibersandro]

Yes, I own both the LCD-X and the M11. I haven't tried the LCD-X with a balanced cable, as I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a custom cable. With the LCD-X I have come to realize the meaning of the law of diminishing returns. I paid 1600$ (the MSRP in my country) and although they outshine my cheaper cans they are not that much of an upgrade to justify the prize.

Thanks for the feedback! I hope I'm going for the right combo with the forza 4.4mm cable, LCD-X, and M11. Not that the LCD-X is a portable headphone, but that's what I'm going for, something less restricting within my house. Fingers crossed. Worst case scenario, I'l be back in my office stuck with the Oppo-HA1.

 

[Chris Kaoss]

Thanks for the feedback! I hope I'm going for the right combo with the forza 4.4mm cable, LCD-X, and M11. Not that the LCD-X is a portable headphone, but that's what I'm going for, something less restricting within my house. Fingers crossed. Worst case scenario, I'l be back in my office stuck with the Oppo-HA1.

Not a bad case at all.
Nice Dac/amp.

 

[Chris Kaoss]

Thanks for the photo.
Which are the improvements on sound of Noir Hybrid over Claire Hybrid?

After a in deep listening session there, for me, is no difference in sound.
Both sounds the same, at least because it's the same cable they're build from.
Sound differences should only be noticeable with bad soldering, i think.

You can go for the Claire Hybrid thrustworthy, imo.
As i said, maybe Matez can build a Claire Hybrid with the same braiding used for the Noir.

 

[Ichos]

I have settled with the Claire as the sweet spot.
Used to have Noir but I can't hear a noticeable difference BUT the Noir is better quality with better handling and aesthetic.

 

[Chris Kaoss]

I have settled with the Claire as the sweet spot.
Used to have Noir but I can't hear a noticeable difference BUT the Noir is better quality with better handling and aesthetic.

Right.
The Claire Hybrid is a hugh step from the oem cable of my Era-1.
The Noir hybrid is more flexible and falls on my chest like silk. ^^
It's much more comfortable than the claire with high-end feeling.

 

[almarti]

Right.
The Claire Hybrid is a hugh step from the oem cable of my Era-1.
The Noir hybrid is more flexible and falls on my chest like silk. ^^
It's much more comfortable than the claire with high-end feeling.

Thanks to all, what's clear is going for hybrid and let Cooper only for history. I would think about the +50€ of Noir over Claire is worth

 

[Pillsburydough]

I received my hybrid IEM 4.4 MMCX cable yesterday. Just what I needed for this current enforced lockdown (a free trial of communism) we are experiencing in the UK.
So, my impressions...
Emailed FAW for advice. Matt replied with good advice.
Made order based on advice.
Communication is not swift but I didn't expect it to be.
Received cable 14 days from order. I'm well happy with that for a custom made cable delivered to the UK from Poland during a pandemic.
The cable itself is extremely well made, it's robust but yet feels so much more comfortable than the Moon Audio silver dragon cable is was previously using.
Soundwise, too early to review properly as very little burn in so far. But even initially has much more warmth than my MA cable; sounds open, airy, detailed and eliminates harshness, fatigue and sibilance that I experienced with the MA cable.

Overall, extremely happy and would definitely recommend FAW to anyone. Well done Matt!

 

[alota]

For me faw are superior compared to moon-audio in performance and of course in price

 

[Pillsburydough]

For me faw are superior compared to moon-audio in performance and of course in price

Totally agree there

 

[headpfizer]

Perhaps someone can help me. Are the 3.5 mm terminations for Hifiman compatible with the 3.5 mm for Focal? Is there an issue if one is mono and one is TRS?