Introducing the FATfreq x Effect Audio: Quantum

[Bondrewd]

After having it for about a week, here is my impression so far. I do love this set, but I want others to reflect on my gripes:

Bass:
- No previous (sub $200) IEM of mine even really had subbass. It really makes the experience a whole lot different from other IEMs.
- The (mid-)bass however does not feel that tight or fast, it does not really hit me like some of my other IEMs. Cant decide if this is the subbass masking it. Im sure they made the bass, as people here say, "dynamic-like", but I have had the same exact quirk on the Tin Hifi P1 MAX and I prefer the faster planar feel. Feels way too relaxed (correct me if Im wrong and it can be mitigated by EQ). I think these two issues pretty well summarize why people state its not a bassy IEM. But...
- I realised that there is actually a ton of bass. They put in one of the most lean and treble heavy tip to come with this set, and I was still more than satisfied with quantity. I can basically start using my crappy tips that no previous IEM of mine could possibly accept because of the loss of bass.
- maybe it has some bleed. I am not sure about this, maybe bass is just so strong that I dont hear the mids.

Mids:
- mids are not really loud. I sometimes feel like there are details of the song I'm missing out, they are not loud enough for me to hear over the bass and the treble.
- Vocals can feel like they are sidelined.
- Playing TF2 feels like you are playing relatively quiet when just walking around, but then you shoot and suddenly the treble puts a knife through your head.
- Otherwise no issue with the mids, they are good just probably need more emphasis.

Treble:
- Treble is of course perfect. It is very detailed, very crisp.
- A sinesweep made me realise that there are painfully loud peaks, before and even one after 10k. Despite this, I still dont like dull tips on it.
- also it is very airy, no wonder they pushed it up.

Soundstage:
- Soundstage is one of the best things here. Extremely precise and it does actually feel holographic and outside my head.
- Combined with the bass it makes me feel like I actually listen to more than an IEM, it does feel like a headphone.
- Watching movies on it is a huge experience. You hear everything happening onscreen exactly where they are positioned.

modules:
- I barely used the power and control module. Feels like you dont even necessarily need them?? Most of the bass is in superstage and I dont know what they would provide over that.
- Superstage does indeed almost exclusively seem to change the soundstage.
- If you use no module, you get a semi open-back IEM. Could have uses if EQ-d, felt like soundstage should remain good. Subbass is gone, however.

Tip tips:
- I would even say that bassy tips dont seem to work. I felt like BGVP E01 (almost a Final E tip) does not even increase mid-bass, and even lowers subbass. The more wider bore tips I use, the better it gets.
- It is a crappy fit even for a casual ear like mine. Have to fiddle with most tips because it does not feel like I can get them in a single good position.
- Tri Clarion (the default): Good fit, perfect sound (still my main one)
- Divinus Velvet widebore: still works but the short stem makes it a harder fit, bit less bass (so far I did not feel like I prefer it over the Clarion)
- Feaulle H570: Good fit, perfect sound (felt just as good as the Tri Clarion)
- Fiio HS18: absolutely hard fit, even with fit I dont really have much bass. (No way)
- BGVP E01: Felt like its in, but no seal/vacuum feel, felt very dull and did not even improve bass (Might still revisit, probably a smaller size)
- Dunu S&S: Bad fit, did not listen much but nothing impressive (might revisit with a larger size)

Cable:
- EA AROS SII is a good cable, my main issue is that the jack connectors handle easily unscrewed, but I still have to ask EA if that is really a huge defect (think of it what you will though). Im not sure if there is a premium to pay or it would have cost the same without a collab.

Value:
- A haaard question. Full price, no way I would have bought it. For the 2/3 the price used I feel like it can still be okay.
- You can theoretically sell everything it comes with for a reasonable price, be it the cable or the modules if you have to make it worth it.
- I am however not sure on its performance compared to new generation planars. I went in with the fact that I should not judge based on similar drivers, because it rarely comes down to only that. But after a week it feels like I am missing out on it being a set where I can reliably throw any genre, movie or game and expect the best experience without tinkering. I kind of feel an $800 set should provide this much.

All in all, I was happy for most of the time listening to these. I would still like to solve the issue where I feel like some of the songs have parts that I barely hear that I think should sound with normal volume (??). Same with playing games with trebly weapon sounds.

 

[Tofub00b]

After having it for about a week, here is my impression so far. I do love this set, but I want others to reflect on my gripes:

Bass:
- No previous (sub $200) IEM of mine even really had subbass. It really makes the experience a whole lot different from other IEMs.
- The (mid-)bass however does not feel that tight or fast, it does not really hit me like some of my other IEMs. Cant decide if this is the subbass masking it. Im sure they made the bass, as people here say, "dynamic-like", but I have had the same exact quirk on the Tin Hifi P1 MAX and I prefer the faster planar feel. Feels way too relaxed (correct me if Im wrong and it can be mitigated by EQ). I think these two issues pretty well summarize why people state its not a bassy IEM. But...
- I realised that there is actually a ton of bass. They put in one of the most lean and treble heavy tip to come with this set, and I was still more than satisfied with quantity. I can basically start using my crappy tips that no previous IEM of mine could possibly accept because of the loss of bass.
- maybe it has some bleed. I am not sure about this, maybe bass is just so strong that I dont hear the mids.

Mids:
- mids are not really loud. I sometimes feel like there are details of the song I'm missing out, they are not loud enough for me to hear over the bass and the treble.
- Vocals can feel like they are sidelined.
- Playing TF2 feels like you are playing relatively quiet when just walking around, but then you shoot and suddenly the treble puts a knife through your head.
- Otherwise no issue with the mids, they are good just probably need more emphasis.

Treble:
- Treble is of course perfect. It is very detailed, very crisp.
- A sinesweep made me realise that there are painfully loud peaks, before and even one after 10k. Despite this, I still dont like dull tips on it.
- also it is very airy, no wonder they pushed it up.

Soundstage:
- Soundstage is one of the best things here. Extremely precise and it does actually feel holographic and outside my head.
- Combined with the bass it makes me feel like I actually listen to more than an IEM, it does feel like a headphone.
- Watching movies on it is a huge experience. You hear everything happening onscreen exactly where they are positioned.

modules:
- I barely used the power and control module. Feels like you dont even necessarily need them?? Most of the bass is in superstage and I dont know what they would provide over that.
- Superstage does indeed almost exclusively seem to change the soundstage.
- If you use no module, you get a semi open-back IEM. Could have uses if EQ-d, felt like soundstage should remain good. Subbass is gone, however.

Tip tips:
- I would even say that bassy tips dont seem to work. I felt like BGVP E01 (almost a Final E tip) does not even increase mid-bass, and even lowers subbass. The more wider bore tips I use, the better it gets.
- It is a crappy fit even for a casual ear like mine. Have to fiddle with most tips because it does not feel like I can get them in a single good position.
- Tri Clarion (the default): Good fit, perfect sound (still my main one)
- Divinus Velvet widebore: still works but the short stem makes it a harder fit, bit less bass (so far I did not feel like I prefer it over the Clarion)
- Feaulle H570: Good fit, perfect sound (felt just as good as the Tri Clarion)
- Fiio HS18: absolutely hard fit, even with fit I dont really have much bass. (No way)
- BGVP E01: Felt like its in, but no seal/vacuum feel, felt very dull and did not even improve bass (Might still revisit, probably a smaller size)
- Dunu S&S: Bad fit, did not listen much but nothing impressive (might revisit with a larger size)

Cable:
- EA AROS SII is a good cable, my main issue is that the jack connectors handle easily unscrewed, but I still have to ask EA if that is really a huge defect (think of it what you will though). Im not sure if there is a premium to pay or it would have cost the same without a collab.

Value:
- A haaard question. Full price, no way I would have bought it. For the 2/3 the price used I feel like it can still be okay.
- You can theoretically sell everything it comes with for a reasonable price, be it the cable or the modules if you have to make it worth it.
- I am however not sure on its performance compared to new generation planars. I went in with the fact that I should not judge based on similar drivers, because it rarely comes down to only that. But after a week it feels like I am missing out on it being a set where I can reliably throw any genre, movie or game and expect the best experience without tinkering. I kind of feel an $800 set should provide this much.

All in all, I was happy for most of the time listening to these. I would still like to solve the issue where I feel like some of the songs have parts that I barely hear that I think should sound with normal volume (??). Same with playing games with trebly weapon sounds.

I'm in agreement with you about the cable being nothing special. It's hard to coil, and so thick you can barely fit it in most IEM cases.

Tip fitment is also not the easiest thing in the world. I tried Spinfits and TRI clarions and found the best fit with a large clarion in my left ear and small in my right.

The IEM generally fits pretty good, but with a great near airtight seal, the isolation really lets you enjoy the Quantum's soundstage silver bullet a little better.

For about SGD $1k, I think more detail could have been extracted from the planar, and it doesn't bode well that it graphs exactly the same as other planars. It is a good IEM, but not the best value, heck it may not even be good value.

 

[Bondrewd]

I'm in agreement with you about the cable being nothing special. It's hard to coil, and so thick you can barely fit it in most IEM cases.

Tip fitment is also not the easiest thing in the world. I tried Spinfits and TRI clarions and found the best fit with a large clarion in my left ear and small in my right.

The IEM generally fits pretty good, but with a great near airtight seal, the isolation really lets you enjoy the Quantum's soundstage silver bullet a little better.

For about SGD $1k, I think more detail could have been extracted from the planar, and it doesn't bode well that it graphs exactly the same as other planars. It is a good IEM, but not the best value, heck it may not even be good value.

To me two questions remain regarding value proposition:
- Do newgen planars in the sub $300 range have as much bass as the quantum? It certainly makes it a whole another experience to hear that deep of a bass. I have not heard anything like that on my $100-250 sets (I know there is Deuce, but Im interested in stuff like say Timeless 2)
- Does it really underperform aganist similarly priced competitors? I feel like I have only really seen comparsions aganist other planars so far. Feels like an argument that could be true to most other driver IEMs in this pricerange that "they have some very strong competitors sub-300 and it is barely worth buying over that".

My main issue is basically that I need at least another expensive set and a cheaper planar to even have the ability to measure it up aganist something.

 

[Or1onSLi]

I don't want to sound too dismissive of people concerns...but Effect Audio makes among the best cable in the world and all of a sudden "cable is nothing special"...most planar IEMs sound zingy and very cold while here you have proper bass and all of a sudden they lose to competitors...

I don't know if we live on a different planar, but I personally prefer these to Audio64's planar, which were acclaimed and the Timeless don't hold a candle, in my opinion.

It might be bias or me being too treble sensitive, but I sold mine and I've god only Quantum as single planar IEM now. They're good, the effect audio cable is good...if people are worried because they can't be purchased on Amazon is understandable but apart from personal preference there is really something that doesn't add up with certain opinions...nothing PLANAR in the 200$ range will sound as good as these, the only reason I would say to look something else is if fit is an issue, because of their weird shape...but as far as planar go, no 200$ planar is as good as these.

Obviously take this as a puzzled opinion, no accuse on who thinks otherwise...I'm just really not connecting with some takes and it's weird because it's the first time happening for me...I guess there is always a first time!

 

[Bondrewd]

I don't want to sound too dismissive of people concerns...but Effect Audio makes among the best cable in the world and all of a sudden "cable is nothing special"...most planar IEMs sound zingy and very cold while here you have proper bass and all of a sudden they lose to competitors...

I don't know if we live on a different planar, but I personally prefer these to Audio64's planar, which were acclaimed and the Timeless don't hold a candle, in my opinion.

It might be bias or me being too treble sensitive, but I sold mine and I've god only Quantum as single planar IEM now. They're good, the effect audio cable is good...if people are worried because they can't be purchased on Amazon is understandable but apart from personal preference there is really something that doesn't add up with certain opinions...nothing PLANAR in the 200$ range will sound as good as these, the only reason I would say to look something else is if fit is an issue, because of their weird shape...but as far as planar go, no 200$ planar is as good as these.

Obviously take this as a puzzled opinion, no accuse on who thinks otherwise...I'm just really not connecting with some takes and it's weird because it's the first time happening for me...I guess there is always a first time!

I already have reservations about cables in general as every single (not EA) cable lasted about 6 months for me at best, so take this with like a handful of salt. Other than the handle on the 4.4mm screwing off for some reason, jury is still out at large, I might even say after a year that this cable was a stud. It certainly feels like the most sturdy one so far.

I have two very good planars in that range:

• First of all, I have the Tin P1 MAX which does actually sound very laid back. It is very inoffensive and pleasant to listen to, it has a weirdly pleasant bass that is not too strong but feels big and slow in a good way. Hard to describe but it is definitely not the feeling of "just some random cheap planar" when it comes to sound. Although I have no single thing to mention that make it better than Quantum, but a very good general experience.
• My second piece is the Akoustyx S6 which has problems with being shouty and bass has to be increased through tips and EQ, but it just beyond the best in detail, separation, speed, bass quality. It is a hard tossup if I compare with quantum, Im not completely sure it would be able to compete in certain measures like these, as the S6 is basically a tube with a 6mm planar shooting straight at your ear. Actually one of the few planars that are probably different enough to deserve trying out besides the quantum.

I am on the quantum grind, but I will definitely revisit these. Yes, quantum is better and much more versatile if we take the whole experience.

I have no final words if it could really keep up with my speedcore albums. S6 feels like it is made for it. I can't decide if I hear congestion for the quantum or just the music itself plays like that. That is where I felt like the bass might not be that fast. If you want to try, listen to some Kobaryo or The Quick Brown Fox.

I definitely felt at points that quantum can be shouty with recessed mids, given the fact that it is U shaped. But sometimes its not so apparent? Like for the first 2-3 days I did not notice that. Maybe that is also highly fit and tip dependent.

Lets just say that I also think Quantum is closest to being the best single planar IEM. But by no means does that mean that it single-handedly carries everything for me.

But anyway, I appreciate that someone likes it! Sometimes I feel like it is mood dependent for me.

 

[Or1onSLi]

I already have reservations about cables in general as every single (not EA) cable lasted about 6 months for me at best, so take this with like a handful of salt. Other than the handle on the 4.4mm screwing off for some reason, jury is still out at large, I might even say after a year that this cable was a stud. It certainly feels like the most sturdy one so far.

I have two very good planars in that range:

• First of all, I have the Tin P1 MAX which does actually sound very laid back. It is very inoffensive and pleasant to listen to, it has a weirdly pleasant bass that is not too strong but feels big and slow in a good way. Hard to describe but it is definitely not the feeling of "just some random cheap planar" when it comes to sound. Although I have no single thing to mention that make it better than Quantum, but a very good general experience.
• My second piece is the Akoustyx S6 which has problems with being shouty and bass has to be increased through tips and EQ, but it just beyond the best in detail, separation, speed, bass quality. It is a hard tossup if I compare with quantum, Im not completely sure it would be able to compete in certain measures like these, as the S6 is basically a tube with a 6mm planar shooting straight at your ear. Actually one of the few planars that are probably different enough to deserve trying out besides the quantum.

I am on the quantum grind, but I will definitely revisit these. Yes, quantum is better and much more versatile if we take the whole experience.

I have no final words if it could really keep up with my speedcore albums. S6 feels like it is made for it. I can't decide if I hear congestion for the quantum or just the music itself plays like that. That is where I felt like the bass might not be that fast. If you want to try, listen to some Kobaryo or The Quick Brown Fox.

I definitely felt at points that quantum can be shouty with recessed mids, given the fact that it is U shaped. But sometimes its not so apparent? Like for the first 2-3 days I did not notice that. Maybe that is also highly fit and tip dependent.

Lets just say that I also think Quantum is closest to being the best single planar IEM. But by no means does that mean that it single-handedly carries everything for me.

But anyway, I appreciate that someone likes it! Sometimes I feel like it is mood dependent for me.

Thanks for sharing, I didn't like the Tin P1 MAX for some reason (like it was missing in part the detail I expect from a planar) but I never tried the Akoustyx S6...even though from what you say has the excessive treble issue I might not enjoy at all.

I am positive over the cable unscrewing because makes the jack repairable, for me...usually glued cables have to be destroyed to be repaired...so I hope this will last for you because at some point it might be a plus to be able to short a bit the cable and resolver the plug without breaking the aesthetics if a break would happen near the termination side.

Curious to hear your final verdict!

 

[Bondrewd]

Thanks for sharing, I didn't like the Tin P1 MAX for some reason (like it was missing in part the detail I expect from a planar) but I never tried the Akoustyx S6...even though from what you say has the excessive treble issue I might not enjoy at all.

I am positive over the cable unscrewing because makes the jack repairable, for me...usually glued cables have to be destroyed to be repaired...so I hope this will last for you because at some point it might be a plus to be able to short a bit the cable and resolver the plug without breaking the aesthetics if a break would happen near the termination side.

Curious to hear your final verdict!

P1 MAX does have that effect, everything on the whole frequency range feels like it had its top/edge cut off. That is exactly why I like it. I loved the Zeos explanation that it is like a padded rollercoaster. I listen to it exactly for this quirk.

It unscrewed by trying to rotate my jack in my DAC/AMP. I think that should at least be a bit less straightforward to unscrew, but we will see.

Yeah, I will probably see if I have the same opinion after a month.

 

[FabianUranus]

Yo, these Quantum IEMs sound next level

 

[VoxVirtus]

To me two questions remain regarding value proposition:
- Do newgen planars in the sub $300 range have as much bass as the quantum? It certainly makes it a whole another experience to hear that deep of a bass. I have not heard anything like that on my $100-250 sets (I know there is Deuce, but Im interested in stuff like say Timeless 2)
- Does it really underperform aganist similarly priced competitors? I feel like I have only really seen comparsions aganist other planars so far. Feels like an argument that could be true to most other driver IEMs in this pricerange that "they have some very strong competitors sub-300 and it is barely worth buying over that".

My main issue is basically that I need at least another expensive set and a cheaper planar to even have the ability to measure it up aganist something.

I can tell you that the Kiwi Ears Aether is about the same bass wise, and its got the biggest planar driver.

I bought it about a week before getting my discount code from FatFreq.

But I would say the Aether is 80-90% as good.

I'm happy with my purchase, but I love planar sets and I feel like the speed an accuracy are top notch for my library.

EDIT:

you can add a little dab of blue or red loctite on the termination cover and you won't have to worry about it coming.loose. no point in it being removablen if you can't get TermX

I would stick with blue personally. That would you can get it back off if you really need to for repairs or something.

 

[Tofub00b]

I can tell you that the Kiwi Ears Aether is about the same bass wise, and its got the biggest planar driver.

I bought it about a week before getting my discount code from FatFreq.

But I would say the Aether is 80-90% as good.

I'm happy with my purchase, but I love planar sets and I feel like the speed an accuracy are top notch for my library.

EDIT:

you can add a little dab of blue or red loctite on the termination cover and you won't have to worry about it coming.loose. no point in it being removablen if you can't get TermX

I would stick with blue personally. That would you can get it back off if you really need to for repairs or something.

Thanks for sharing about the Aether. I was curious about that! Could you share a quick comparison soundstage wise?

I’ve had a couple buddies love my Quantum on first listen but nobody but Head-Fi guys will drop 900 bucks for sound

 

[KatrinFruehauf01]

Looks wild planar tech, tuning modules, and a killer cable collab? Definitely keeping an eye on this one.