JVC HA-FD01 Class S Solidege
Apr 15, 2018 at 5:30 AM Post #110 of 428
Recently auditioned this at a local store. At it's selling price I do think it's actually pretty competitive. I tested mainly the SS (default) filter. The brass filter sounded sibilant (and very different!) so I took it off after 1 song. I find that the overall sound signature is a u-shape. The mids are slightly behind the bass and treble. The sound is more on the neutral/analytical side of things. It may be perceived as slightly bright. It's a good contrast to the FW01 where the FW01 is warm, bassy and engaging.

The first thing that struck me was how clean the background sounded. There is a hump in the mid-bass which gives the bass slightly more presence. Bass is punchy and tight. It does not bleed into the mids or highs. The mids were clean too, for a lack of better word. Vocals sounded a little far away (I do prefer intimate mids). I'd describe the mids as being neutral and accurate. Although not creamy and heavy, female vocals still shine here as you can hear emotion and power. Lower treble had a slight hump and there is a slight roll off. Overall tonality is accurate to my ears. Soundstage was ok I guess. It did have length but its height and width was average. Comparable to Etymotic's ER4 models. Instrumental separation and imaging is slightly above average.

With this model I do think that the weight can be a problem. It's rather heavy for an IEM which can prove to be a challenge if you want to take these for jogging or running. Fit on my ears was not good as well as the housing was rather large. Build quality seemed nice and hefty though. With 3 nozzle options, I do think this model has a lot of potential to be versatile for different genres.
 
Subtonic Audio Cutting-edge artisanal in-ear monitors for discerning listeners. Proudly designed and manufactured in Singapore. Stay updated on Subtonic Audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
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Apr 15, 2018 at 9:25 AM Post #111 of 428
Recently auditioned this at a local store. At it's selling price I do think it's actually pretty competitive. I tested mainly the SS (default) filter. The brass filter sounded sibilant (and very different!) so I took it off after 1 song. I find that the overall sound signature is a u-shape. The mids are slightly behind the bass and treble. The sound is more on the neutral/analytical side of things. It may be perceived as slightly bright. It's a good contrast to the FW01 where the FW01 is warm, bassy and engaging.

The first thing that struck me was how clean the background sounded. There is a hump in the mid-bass which gives the bass slightly more presence. Bass is punchy and tight. It does not bleed into the mids or highs. The mids were clean too, for a lack of better word. Vocals sounded a little far away (I do prefer intimate mids). I'd describe the mids as being neutral and accurate. Although not creamy and heavy, female vocals still shine here as you can hear emotion and power. Lower treble had a slight hump and there is a slight roll off. Overall tonality is accurate to my ears. Soundstage was ok I guess. It did have length but its height and width was average. Comparable to Etymotic's ER4 models. Instrumental separation and imaging is slightly above average.

With this model I do think that the weight can be a problem. It's rather heavy for an IEM which can prove to be a challenge if you want to take these for jogging or running. Fit on my ears was not good as well as the housing was rather large. Build quality seemed nice and hefty though. With 3 nozzle options, I do think this model has a lot of potential to be versatile for different genres.
+1, nice impressions ,
 
Apr 17, 2018 at 10:59 AM Post #112 of 428
Just auditioned the FD01 again on the SS nozzle. I do think the sound signature is a u-shape, with midbass and lower treble emphasis. These are good rock and metal iems. The bass is quick and tight, subbass extension is ok but it should not be the selling point. I find that the bass does not contain much texture but it compensates for being slightly deeper and it resonates within my ears. There is a good "airy" feel on the bass which gives it a more unique timbre. It is not warm or distorted/colored - something I look for in bass.

The lower mids were reserved and upper mids was only very slightly positioned behind the bass. The tonality is accurate but it won't satisfy distortion guitars. For vocals, I find them to be a little thin and bright. You can still hear the singer's power but it is not creamy and thick when compared to the CA Andro.

It is the highs that stand out most in the JVC FD01. There is a nice amount of air in the treble and adequate sparkle. It's actually pretty good resolution. Do note that there is a peak in the treble. It helps the IEM sound less fatiguing. The treble sounds really distinct from the bass and mids - almost like it's stealing the show...it can be perceived as being rougher and edgier, as compared to Andro's smooth sound.

Instrumental separation and layering is above average. I can tell instruments apart and it does not sound as confused on messier songs. I think the bass, mids and highs being distinct sounding from one another helps. Due to this, you will not find it as smooth sounding. Imaging is slightly above average. When it comes to soundstage, width and height is honestly average or can be underwhelming when you compare it to similarly priced options/competitors. It does have some stage length to it though. Detail retrieval is excellent for its price...which I think that the clean background helps play a part in. The IEM is rather revealing & transparent actually.

In terms of construction and comfort, I tried using them over-ear. They are SO much more comfortable like that. It is still heavy and sturdy but it being over-ear helps with hotspots.

Overall, this is a bright IEM that has slightly more mid-bass presence to satisfy the modern crowd. The vocals/mids not being full-bodied can deter some from liking this IEM. It hits a good mix between being analytical & fun sounding.

Comparisons:

Mee P1: The FD01 is a direct upgrade imo. Has a snappier bass and higher resolution treble. Mids sound close...but the FD01 gets the tone, accuracy and cleanliness right. The Mee can get confused on busier/messier songs, whereas the FD01 will try to layer and unpack it.

Oriolus Forsteni: The Forsteni has an elevated and airy trebles, similar to the FD01. Forsteni has better treble imo, as there is a better impression of space. In terms of bass, forsteni packs more texture, depth and even more slam. Forsteni's mids are slightly veiled but they are full-bodied. The FD01 wins the forsteni in terms of imaging and layering imo. But in terms of soundstage, Forsteni seems to have a larger one as it is airier. Forsteni is slightly warm as compared to the FD01 where the FD01 sounds brighter and cleaner.
 
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Apr 18, 2018 at 9:12 PM Post #113 of 428
Just auditioned the FD01 again on the SS nozzle. I do think the sound signature is a u-shape, with midbass and lower treble emphasis. These are good rock and metal iems. The bass is quick and tight, subbass extension is ok but it should not be the selling point. I find that the bass does not contain much texture but it compensates for being slightly deeper and it resonates within my ears. There is a good "airy" feel on the bass which gives it a more unique timbre. It is not warm or distorted/colored - something I look for in bass.

The lower mids were reserved and upper mids was only very slightly positioned behind the bass. The tonality is accurate but it won't satisfy distortion guitars. For vocals, I find them to be a little thin and bright. You can still hear the singer's power but it is not creamy and thick when compared to the CA Andro.

It is the highs that stand out most in the JVC FD01. There is a nice amount of air in the treble and adequate sparkle. It's actually pretty good resolution. Do note that there is a peak in the treble. It helps the IEM sound less fatiguing. The treble sounds really distinct from the bass and mids - almost like it's stealing the show...it can be perceived as being rougher and edgier, as compared to Andro's smooth sound.

Instrumental separation and layering is above average. I can tell instruments apart and it does not sound as confused on messier songs. I think the bass, mids and highs being distinct sounding from one another helps. Due to this, you will not find it as smooth sounding. Imaging is slightly above average. When it comes to soundstage, width and height is honestly average or can be underwhelming when you compare it to similarly priced options/competitors. It does have some stage length to it though. Detail retrieval is excellent for its price...which I think that the clean background helps play a part in. The IEM is rather revealing & transparent actually.

In terms of construction and comfort, I tried using them over-ear. They are SO much more comfortable like that. It is still heavy and sturdy but it being over-ear helps with hotspots.

Overall, this is a bright IEM that has slightly more mid-bass presence to satisfy the modern crowd. The vocals/mids not being full-bodied can deter some from liking this IEM. It hits a good mix between being analytical & fun sounding.

Comparisons:

Mee P1: The FD01 is a direct upgrade imo. Has a snappier bass and higher resolution treble. Mids sound close...but the FD01 gets the tone, accuracy and cleanliness right. The Mee can get confused on busier/messier songs, whereas the FD01 will try to layer and unpack it.

Oriolus Forsteni: The Forsteni has an elevated and airy trebles, similar to the FD01. Forsteni has better treble imo, as there is a better impression of space. In terms of bass, forsteni packs more texture, depth and even more slam. Forsteni's mids are slightly veiled but they are full-bodied. The FD01 wins the forsteni in terms of imaging and layering imo. But in terms of soundstage, Forsteni seems to have a larger one as it is airier. Forsteni is slightly warm as compared to the FD01 where the FD01 sounds brighter and cleaner.

thanks for the extended impression... do you have a Ety ER4 variant that you can contrast with? thanks!
 
Apr 19, 2018 at 7:32 AM Post #114 of 428
thanks for the extended impression... do you have a Ety ER4 variant that you can contrast with? thanks!

I'm only familiar with the ER4SR. The ER4SR is the more balanced one in terms of FR. The FD01 (SS filter, white) is on the same level with the SR in terms of tonality and accuracy of sound. The FD01 however, is still more transparent and has even more clarity. The SR also loses out in terms of imaging and separation/layering. However it is to note that the SR has an airier soundstage as compared to the FD01.

In terms of bass, the SR has a slower decay compared to FD01's extremely controlled and tight bass. Kick drums are very satisfying on the FD01. However the midbass on the FD01 is slightly boosted. About the same level as the ER4XR variant in terms of bass forwardness.

When it comes to mids, the SR presents itself as airier and slightly more bodied. The FD01 shows extreme transparency here. You can here a good amount of detail in the vocals. Distortion guitars are satisfying (due to brightness). FD01's vocals are positioned slightly behind as compared to ER4SR.

Treble-wise, the FD01 has a more extended treble that may steal the show. It is aggressive and more forward compared to SR. Clarity and tone is amazing. There's slight air in the trebles which give a better impression of space and separation. Overall more high resolution...and bold as well.

The ER4SR can get confused on messier songs and it is also more "smooth" sounding compared to FD01. FD01 is jarring and has better separation.

I've also just tried the other filters (Brass and Titanium?). They brought the vocals back which made it quite u-shaped. The SS is more balanced.

Overall FD01 is such a gem in the dirt. Consider this if you want a more fun sounding Ety.
 
Subtonic Audio Cutting-edge artisanal in-ear monitors for discerning listeners. Proudly designed and manufactured in Singapore. Stay updated on Subtonic Audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
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Apr 19, 2018 at 7:42 AM Post #115 of 428
Also please note that for my 1st two impressions here...I may have mistook the TT for the SS filter. The better sounding one is the white color filter. The mids are not recessed anymore. Electric guitars have a good bite and crunch on white filter.
 
Subtonic Audio Cutting-edge artisanal in-ear monitors for discerning listeners. Proudly designed and manufactured in Singapore. Stay updated on Subtonic Audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
https://www.facebook.com/Subtonic.Audio https://www.instagram.com/subtonicaudio https://subtonic.audio support@subtonic.audio
Apr 19, 2018 at 8:28 AM Post #116 of 428
Also please note that for my 1st two impressions here...I may have mistook the TT for the SS filter. The better sounding one is the white color filter. The mids are not recessed anymore. Electric guitars have a good bite and crunch on white filter.

thanks! looks like a worthy companion to the FitEar F111, from the comparison to the Ety ER4SR.
 
Apr 19, 2018 at 9:18 AM Post #117 of 428
thanks! looks like a worthy companion to the FitEar F111, from the comparison to the Ety ER4SR.

Hah..never heard fitears. I should give their ciem demos a shot. Particularly interested in the Private 333.
 
Subtonic Audio Cutting-edge artisanal in-ear monitors for discerning listeners. Proudly designed and manufactured in Singapore. Stay updated on Subtonic Audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
https://www.facebook.com/Subtonic.Audio https://www.instagram.com/subtonicaudio https://subtonic.audio support@subtonic.audio
Apr 22, 2018 at 10:38 AM Post #118 of 428
Update: Currently contemplating on this. I've auditioned this multiple times. I find that this IEM has jaw dropping clarity and transparency at its price range. Never have I heard vocals that has this amount of resolve and power, yet still remaining clean and transparent. The black background is the very best I've ever heard so far. It complements the transparent & clear sound well. Imaging is rarely foggy unless I'm dealing with a very busy song. Separation/layering is ok.

Here are some cons/compromises that you'll need to keep in mind if you're purchasing:
-Boosted mid-bass. It is to note that it never bleeds.
-Slight brightness. Elevated treble may be tiring.
-Soundstage. It is still a very much "in the head" experience. It feels devoid of air sometimes (which helps in its shockingly "clean" sound).
-Detail retrieval. You can still hear the minute/small details in tracks but they will not jump at you. I find that I have to increase volume to spot them.
 
Subtonic Audio Cutting-edge artisanal in-ear monitors for discerning listeners. Proudly designed and manufactured in Singapore. Stay updated on Subtonic Audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
https://www.facebook.com/Subtonic.Audio https://www.instagram.com/subtonicaudio https://subtonic.audio support@subtonic.audio
Apr 23, 2018 at 3:31 AM Post #119 of 428
Update: Currently contemplating on this. I've auditioned this multiple times. I find that this IEM has jaw dropping clarity and transparency at its price range. Never have I heard vocals that has this amount of resolve and power, yet still remaining clean and transparent. The black background is the very best I've ever heard so far. It complements the transparent & clear sound well. Imaging is rarely foggy unless I'm dealing with a very busy song. Separation/layering is ok.

Here are some cons/compromises that you'll need to keep in mind if you're purchasing:
-Boosted mid-bass. It is to note that it never bleeds.
-Slight brightness. Elevated treble may be tiring.
-Soundstage. It is still a very much "in the head" experience. It feels devoid of air sometimes (which helps in its shockingly "clean" sound).
-Detail retrieval. You can still hear the minute/small details in tracks but they will not jump at you. I find that I have to increase volume to spot them.

or the soon to be released Final E5000?
 
Apr 23, 2018 at 5:06 AM Post #120 of 428
or the soon to be released Final E5000?

I've never tried the E series. Familiar with the F series though. The F's were quite...specific in the audience they are catering to. Not for me.

Will give them a shot when they are released.
 
Subtonic Audio Cutting-edge artisanal in-ear monitors for discerning listeners. Proudly designed and manufactured in Singapore. Stay updated on Subtonic Audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
https://www.facebook.com/Subtonic.Audio https://www.instagram.com/subtonicaudio https://subtonic.audio support@subtonic.audio

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