Going fully Wireless IEMs. Too soon? Or are we there yet?

[james444]

Melomania touch allows this also.

Yup, but these are IEMs not earbuds.

 

[dyh]

How does it compare to the EQ SQ wise?

I want to know this as well, especially regarding the max volume of the EXs.

The Beoplay EQs didn't get loud enough for me.

 

[erockg]

That had 12 hours per charge with an older BT5.0 chip so there is room in there. Why they wanted it most likely. I'm sure that gives them room for more drivers though they might go with smaller battery. Has to be a hybrid with the foKus name right? They will gain some battery life back with a newer 5.2 more efficient chipset if they need to use smaller batteries to fit multiple drivers. Creative uses it and gets 15 hours with that same 10mm single driver config. and 5.2 in their ANC model.

One thing of concern is this...

Airoha based so no Qualcomm codecs??

I thought FoKus was them saying the buds focused on music but clearly not anymore. Some of the pics on the FCC site look like variations of the same buds so who even knows what we're looking at is final. I'll be bummed it it's not a hybrid of sorts. But hey, they haven't let me down... yet.

 

[erockg]

I want to know this as well, especially regarding the max volume of the EXs.

The Beoplay EQs didn't get loud enough for me.

I can't speak for the others here who now have the EX, but for me, they're louder. Bigger driver, bigger sound. I've used them all day and I'm extremely happy with them. I don't like the stems, but for calls, I've taken a lot today and no issues at all. Lots of Metal and Stoner Rock too. Effin awesome.

 

[Law87]

just got my Beo EX today...sound seems to be on the warmer side from the BEO EQ, going for the laid back sound... Fit is a lot better than the EQ

 

[samandhi]

Yup, but these are IRMs not earbuds.

You are right. I guess I have finally given up trying to argue semantics here (and Google search) as to what an earbud and what an IEM is. Most places nowadays TWS are known as earbuds, period regardless of the actual type.

It can get confusing sometimes. I frequent the earbud thread and am a huge fan; the true classic kind, not semi-in ear nor in ear (the round type that sit in your concha only).

 

[dyh]

I can't speak for the others here who now have the EX, but for me, they're louder. Bigger driver, bigger sound. I've used them all day and I'm extremely happy with them. I don't like the stems, but for calls, I've taken a lot today and no issues at all. Lots of Metal and Stoner Rock too. Effin awesome.

Thanks for the info. I'm thinking it's going to be between the Noble FoKus Pro, and the Beoplay EX for me, since it seems like there's no telling how long it'll take Noble to release the FoKus H-ANC.

It seems like the FoKus Pros might be a bit better when it comes to sound quality compared to the EXs, but of course the EXs have ANC and Transparency Mode, etc.

Does anybody have the ability to A/B the max volume of the FoKus Pros and Beoplay EXs?

I'm curious to know if they're both about equal in max volume. I know the FoKus Pros are supposed to get plenty loud, but like I said, the Beoplay EQs weren't loud enough for me.

 

[Law87]

why yall care so much at max volume...I wonder if some of yall deaf...I couldnt play any of my buds full volume..

 

[clerkpalmer]

Thanks for the info. I'm thinking it's going to be between the Noble FoKus Pro, and the Beoplay EX for me, since it seems like there's no telling how long it'll take Noble to release the FoKus H-ANC.

It seems like the FoKus Pros might be a bit better when it comes to sound quality compared to the EXs, but of course the EXs have ANC and Transparency Mode, etc.

Does anybody have the ability to A/B the max volume of the FoKus Pros and Beoplay EXs?

I'm curious to know if they're both about equal in max volume. I know the FoKus Pros are supposed to get plenty loud, but like I said, the Beoplay EQs weren't loud enough for me.

Take it from this old man with tinnitus from hell. Protect your ears. If you need to max it, something is wrong. Sorry for the lecture but I’m telling you you don’t want what I have.

 

[dyh]

Take it from this old man with tinnitus from hell. Protect your ears. If you need to max it, something is wrong. Sorry for the lecture but I’m telling you you don’t want what I have.

Hey, I just sent you a PM.

The Beoplay EQs didn't get loud enough for me, and I'd rather have more than enough volume, rather than not enough. Also, if I remember correctly, there was a bit of a strange shift in sound as the EQs approached the max volume.

The Devialet Geminis got more than loud enough for me, and I understand the FoKus Pros also get plenty loud enough. So again, I'd rather have more than enough volume, rather than not enough, especially when it comes to earphones around the $400 mark.

It seems like you have both the FoKus Pros and the Beoplay EXs, so is the bottom line that the FoKus Pros are a bit better in sound quality than the EXs, but the EXs have good sound quality, plus the additional features like ANC, and Transparency Mode, etc?

 

[BlazdiqFoods]

Edifier fairly quickly updating the Neobuds to the "S" model that is Snapdragon Sound 24/96K compatible with WCC5151 and some tweaks including ditching the gray/silver for black and gold. Said to be the same price as the Pro.

Im interested in this as it has aptx adaptive.
Is this product globally available or only for local china?
Will the voice prompt be in english or chinese? If only in chinese is it able to change voice prompt to english?
Is this model compatible with the global version of neobuds pro?

 

[erockg]

Hey, I just sent you a PM.

The Beoplay EQs didn't get loud enough for me, and I'd rather have more than enough volume, rather than not enough. Also, if I remember correctly, there was a bit of a strange shift in sound as the EQs approached the max volume.

The Devialet Geminis got more than loud enough for me, and I understand the FoKus Pros also get plenty loud enough. So again, I'd rather have more than enough volume, rather than not enough, especially when it comes to earphones around the $400 mark.

It seems like you have both the FoKus Pros and the Beoplay EXs, so is the bottom line that the FoKus Pros are a bit better in sound quality than the EXs, but the EXs have good sound quality, plus the additional features like ANC, and Transparency Mode, etc?

When did you last have the EQ, not sure if you still have them. After the last update that enabled multi-point, I swear they got a bit louder. Just my two cents. And the EX are PLENTY loud for me. My iPhone constantly tells me I've gone over my db quota. Not a good thing, but some days it's so hard not to rock.

 

[dyh]

When did you last have the EQ, not sure if you still have them. After the last update that enabled multi-point, I swear they got a bit louder. Just my two cents. And the EX are PLENTY loud for me. My iPhone constantly tells me I've gone over my db quota. Not a good thing, but some days it's so hard not to rock.

I demoed the EQs awhile ago, and I didn't have them for long. If I went with B&O, I think it would have to be the EXs. I bet they do get loud enough, since they have the bigger drivers.

It's kind of hard to decide, but I'm leaning towards still going with the Noble FoKus Pros, if they have a bit better sound quality compared to the EXs.

The other thing about the EQs and the max volume seeming low is that not all recordings have a squashed dynamic range, with the makeup gain turned up to 11, so it's better that the volume can be increased when you need it, especially at the B&O price point.

 

[productred]

OK, so had an unexpected windfall today. My first thought was to go all in and by the Fiio FH9 as an upgrade on my FH5/TWS adapter combo. But I am backing away from the cliff so to speak as this is an $800CAD expense and while I am pretty sure I would be in Nirvana I am not sure I would stay there as long as I would like.

So what I love about the FH5 is the decent sub-bass, linear mid-bass, decent midrange, sparkly yet not to sharp of highs and above all else the wonderful 3D presentation with excellent instrument layering. I also love the fit in ear of the FH5.

So now that I have stated what I love about the IEM adapter combo, let me state what I miss about a straight up true wireless earbud. I prefer to not have to fuss with something around my ear. I prefer having the ability to use ANC when I want, I like better quality ambient mode.

So if do the prudent thing (pay off debt with most of my windfall and spend a smaller portion on a new shiny toy, what should I buy and why?

Out of my current TWS:
Technics AZ60 - struggling with fit as I find it a bit uncomfortable in comparison to FH5. Default sound is a bit to mid-bass oriented so I find I have to EQ to get it to where I like sound wise. 3D sound is just OK, instrument layering is slightly above average. ANC is the best of the TWS I own.

Technics AZ70 - actually more comfortable in my ear than AZ60 but also stick out a lot more and catch more wind noise outside and aside from sleeping my back not comfy in bed. Sound wise these suite me better than the AZ60 un-EQ'd. They have decent sub-bass, more linear mid-bass and a brighter midrange and treble compared to the AZ60. 3D sound is just OK, instrument layering is slightly above average.

Status Between Pro - OK comfort wise but finicky in ear, sounds is warmer the FH5 but I find it is actually a nice change up so enjoy them a fair amount. No ANC, no ambient make them hard to use as an all rounder. Decent 3D sound, not as good as the FH5 but better than the Technics and GBuds Pro.

GBuds Pro - Better comfort than AZ60 but slightly loose feeling over all, sound is is energetic and very AKG, ie a mid/treble centric sound. The mid bass is good but wish it hd more sub-bass. Decent instrument layering but 3D is just OK. ANC and isolation is just OK, not great.

I am leaning towards one of the following but am wondering if any of them will satisfy me given what I already own:

1. Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro which I can get brand new for $160CAD or 127 if I buy a refurb/open box. Would this scratch my 3D image itch? Would I be able to EQ the bass to where I like and is the trble a bit to metallic?
2. LYPERTEK PUREPLAY Z7 $190CAD, would these scratch my 3D image itch, would I be happy with their sound? I know they don't have ANC but would the sound quality be a worthwhile trade off? Is the ambient decent?
3. Lypertek Pureplay Z5 - these have ANC but is it at the sacrifice of sound quality compared to the Z7? Battery life seems compromised.
4. Jabra Elite 4 $149CAD (don't think the price hike to the Elite 7 is worth it unless I can get a decent sale somewhere). I have a feeling these might be the most comfortable of all the TWS I am talking about but I worry that they will not come close to satisfying me sound wise.
5. Sony WF-1000XM4 - these are currently on sale for around $300 on Amazon Canada so have me tempted. But I sold the 1000XM3 as I found it a bit to dark sounding and lacking definition for my tastes and they did not have that great a 3D sound stage or instrument layering. So would the 4 be any better? Right at the this is to damn much money, even on sale...
6. KEF MU3 - On sale for $148CAD - these seem to be under everyones radar, is it just lack of exposure or are they just not that good? I own other Kef headphones and like their sound but have never been wowed by them...
7. Sennheiser Momentum 3 - wait and try these? They will be around $330CAD though so again right at the, that is to damn much money spot... Concerned they will be just OK sound wise. They look much smaller than previous models which while bolt like were comfy. I am wondering if they might be almost usable in bed. I think the new model looks pretty sexy though, that graphite color looks just awesome...
8. Final Audio ZE3000 - $230CAD - these are another pair that seems to have little exposure. They sound wodnerful in some of the reviews I have read with the exception of maybe lacking in 3D quality. They seem vey audio only focused so lack ANC and other niceties other TWS have these days. call quality sounds suspect on these in noisy environments.
9. Sony Linkbuds - $250CAD, Go a completely different route and try the linkbuds and use them for in the office and around the house. won't be useful outside but may be the best choice for the scenarios mentioned. My concerns are horrible battery life, not sure I will be able to get a comfortable fit while also getting good sound quality. I hear without getting them nestled deeper than default they lack bass. But would they give me an awesome open headphone type sound if they fit well, will they give me decent instrument separation and any 3D sound qualities? would these be a good sleep option for side sleeping? Note I have sleep apnea so a noisy sleep environment do to my mask and machine...

what are everyones thoughts?


I am sure there are some products I am missing so feel free to mention but try to keep the price point to no more than $300CAD.

Victor HA-FW1000t and AKG N400, if sound is your thing out of most. Controls on the Victor is a breeze and the ANC and related features are awesome. Controls on the N400 is a bit quirky but the price is unbeatable. N400 is neutral-tuned but the deficiencies of the bluetooth sound are still there, just like every other options you have mentioned; on the other hand the Victor is the only TWS set that makes me not missing my DAP/IEM or CIEM combo at all.

 

[dweaver]

@productred, Thanks I have been reading and thinking about the N400, can get them for $105CAD. The victors are out of reach for me at $500+ CAD.