Future Sonics/XtremeMac FS-1

[vii_haven]

anyone has these iems? the futuresonics/xtrememac fs-1? how does it sound like? is it worth the premium over the UEsuperfi3studio and the westoneUM1? i heard futuresonics does RandD on their own drivers and manufacture them themselves and a single driver by futuresonics does wonders.

anyone has any imrpessions/reviews/comments on them?

 

[tucker71]

I haven't heard them BUT....Futuresonics is releasing two new phones in the very near future. It's their new ATRIO line.

The new models use a new fit-kit called "ear fills". Should alleviate some of the hassle of their old tips. Always falling out...poor iso...etc.

Here are the deets:
http://www.earmonitors.com/atrio/index.html


I would ASSUME that are lightyears beyond the superfi-3.
I have the old Futuresonics univeral IEMs (I think they're called the EM3) and they sound massive. I haven't heard that about the Superfi-3's.

 

[vii_haven]

could you describe the 'massive' sound? massive as in soundstage? or bass is as good as a dual driver? =)

 

[joeshambro]

i just recently reviewed these earphones the new site i write for, about.com's home recording site (due to launch next week).

basically? absolute best bass of any universal fit earphone i've ever tried. the soundstage is natural and without exageration.

here's more pasted from my review:

Pros

* Incredible, natural bass response.
* Many fit options available, including custom molds.
* Highly affordable price.

Cons

* Cable length.
* Cable microphonics.

Description

* Transducer: 10mm, Future Sonics MG5 Proprietary Miniature Dynamic Driver
* Input Sensitivity: +/-112dB @ 30Hz/1mW
* Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 Khz
* Accessories Included: Various fit sleeves, earwax cleaner, carrying case.
* Robust audio quality, legendary Future Sonics bass response.

Guide Review - Future Sonics' XtremeMac FS1 In-Ear Earphones
Future Sonics are well-known in the professional audio circuit; their products have been used by some legendary artists; The Grateful Dead and U2 just to name a few. They pride themselves on producing high-quality products using a proprietary speaker design that utilizes dynamic technology, whereas most in-ear monitor manufacturers use balanced armature drivers, the same type of speakers used in hearing aids. Because of this, Future Sonics' products are touted at reproducing bass extremely well, down to 20Hz, even at low volume.

I received the Future Sonics FS1 earphones from Xtrememac and was immediately blown away. These products are extremely useful for not only iPod/casual listeners, but artists on stage looking to monitor in-ear on a budget with extremely rich audio delivery (the bass does in fact extend down to 20hz, very accurately, and with little volume push from my iPod). I can listen for hours with the volume relatively low, and still get very robust audio reproduction.

The only drawbacks? The cable is a little short for stage use, especially if you're a tall guy like me. But when you're looking for extremely high quality audio reproduction (I still can't get over the bass response of these earphones), the Future Sonics FS1 are a top-choice pick.

 

[Riboge]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vii_haven anyone has these iems? the futuresonics/xtrememac fs-1? how does it sound like? is it worth the premium over the UEsuperfi3studio and the westoneUM1? i heard futuresonics does RandD on their own drivers and manufacture them themselves and a single driver by futuresonics does wonders. anyone has any imrpessions/reviews/comments on them?

I own them and would say Joeshambro's description is quite accurate. I tried to get Headfi folks interested in these in the past with little success. When I had Shure e5c and these at the same time I tended to prefer the FS-1 due to the much more full and natural lower end. I agree about the cord being too short and have told this to the designer of them when I offered him comments on the fs-1 at his request.

 

[vii_haven]

i understand the cables were not desinged to be worn over the ears? how bad is the microphonics?

 

[jant71]

I have to agree with what's been said so far. I have only had K401's, portapro's, ATH-AD700's, SR60's, etc. not the high end as far as headphones go but the FS-1's have the most natural and realistic bass against any of them. They also(as they claim) stay very full sounding at lower volumes.

I don't have much problem with microphonics at all. First the cable is pretty thick and heavy so it doesn't bounce around much with normal movement. Second a small $1.99 clip from RadioShack will keep microphonics down also. Another way is to run the cord behind your neck and down your back and pull the anti-tangle draw to tighten the Y around the back of the neck.

I personally love the 43" cable. Perfect length for me not too long or short.

I mostly use Shure tri-flanges modded to uni-flange. I think they sound the best, on par with the foams and less costly in the long run. The soundstage is the best using tips modded so they don't exceed the length of the sound tube much or at all. This way they don't insert as deep and allow the ear canal to be a sound chamber giving the effect of a nice soundstage for a canalphone. I consider them canalphones not IEM's since they don't really insert nearly as deep, same as ex-71/cx300 when using similar tips.

 

[apnk]

Has anyone comared the FS1 to the ER4 or E4's? I had the EM3's last year and I thought they sucked the big one. No highs, mids, just fart cannon bass. I hope the FS1 is not like the Em3's.

 

[joeshambro]

Quote:

Originally Posted by apnk Has anyone comared the FS1 to the ER4 or E4's? I had the EM3's last year and I thought they sucked the big one. No highs, mids, just fart cannon bass. I hope the FS1 is not like the Em3's.

i just finished reviewing a set of ER4's, and while the ER4's remain much more detailed in the high end especially with decay, the FS1 has much better bass response, and still retains quite a bit of high end detail. i'd recommend the ER4 for someone who wants really detailed high end reproduction.

i found that the ER4 sounds a lot like the sensaphonics 2xs just with less bass. i really prefer the sound of the FS1 for bass response. it's made me really want to give a try to the custom-built future sonics.

 

[tucker71]

You can find the FS1s for around 100 bucks. Add another couple o' bucks for the new ear-fill tips (no release date yet) and I think you'll have some IEMs that are tough to beat.
Great fit. No frickin' foamies. Punchy sound. Small & lightweight. AND somewhat inexpensive. That's a winning combo.

 

[vii_haven]

whyere can i find the FS1 for 100bucks?

 

[jant71]

J&R electronics is selling them for $59. Either go to their site(www.jr.com) or Amazon.com. They have both the black and white ones.

I might venture to say they are clearing them out for the Atrio arrival.

 

[hottafyah]

from eBay seller gr-superstar (no affiliation)
good luck!

 

[MetalManCPA]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riboge I tried to get Headfi folks interested in these in the past with little success.

I have the EM3's, and I was the same as you.

But due to marketing, the only IEM's people talk about are Shures & ETY's in the $100 price range. I've tried the Shure's and ETY's, and to my ears they don't hold a candle to my EM3's.

I am looking forward to their ATRIO line and will most likely shell out the MSRP $229 for them.

 

[3lusiv3]

Do any other, experienced, IEM people have comments on these?