JVC HA-FXT90 Thread

[Angelopsaro]

Quote:

 
Yes, it means that high frequencies leaving the nozzle of the iem have no contact - and therefore are not absorbed - by the Complys foam. Many people are happy to use TS complies normally, as unlike other Complies, they are designed specifically to minimize this contact. They work very well actually, and are by far my favorite Complys yet... However, I'm quite sensitive to treble, and did miss that extra bit of sparkle, hence the reversing.
 
You've probably heard of people cutting other types of Comply, so that sound goes from the inner spacer straight into the ear rather than through the absorbent foam? Same thing.   
 

Thanks for the reply.. I did notice though that comply foam (ts series) takes ages to expand back to normal when you squeeze it

 

 

[kckc]

Quote:

Thanks for the reply.. I did notice though that comply foam (ts series) takes ages to expand back to normal when you squeeze it

 

I know exactly what you mean- I always just sit there waiting for my Complys to expand back to shape. At least you know when it's time to switch to some new tips. 
 

 

[Freefallr4545]

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I'm looking at buying these, but I need to know a few things.
 
 
1. How is the soundstage? Is it like the GR07 where its 2d or no?
2. Are these very fun? Could you watch a movie with them?

 
There is just a little color done in a good way with the JVC's. I just got mine 2 days ago, so I'm not sure If the soundstage differs much from the GR-07, The slight coloring may help even more
 
No Doubt, probably one of the best for Movies. Movies and Video games as the sound pops up at you (not annoying though I must add) 

 

[Selenium]

Guessed as much but I was still kinda confused. I was like "Do you have to wear those glasses, or...?" lol
 
I guess I've already heard some 'phones that would qualify as "3D" then, in the Sony EXs and also the Monster Trumpets.
 
Quote:

 
 
 
Yes that's exactly right. If a phone is throwing cues behind you, then it has a lack of forward projection (think sm3). 

 

 

[shotgunshane]

 
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Guessed as much but I was still kinda confused. I was like "Do you have to wear those glasses, or...?" lol
 
I guess I've already heard some 'phones that would qualify as "3D" then, in the Sony EXs and also the Monster Trumpets.
 

Yep, glasses free 3d!  The ex1000 has the best soundstage I've heard in a universal. 

 

[psygeist]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nulliverse /img/forum/go_quote.gif

The FXT90s bass currently gives me all the speed and control I need, perhaps partly due to a difference in preference, and partly due to the fact that I am listening to other IEMs which are much more bass heavy (FX-700 and EPH-100).
 
I actually found the DBAs to be a little too quick... probably because much of the music I listen to is fast enough as it is, without the need for the fast-forward effect I sometimes got from the Fischers.
 
The FXT90s bass does tighten up with burn in, so I think it's a good idea that you're giving them a chance for a month. Keep us posted on your impressions.
 

Yeah, that might be the reason considering I am comparing FXT90 to relatively less bass quantity oriented IEMs. I'll compare these with one of the Xears XE200PRO or TD III V2 (though I recall from memory that they are not so good at instrument separation and imaging).
 
These things shine listening to "God is An Astronaut" where more analytical IEMs just don't do the justice to the same band. What kind of music do you listen to ?
 
I feel that imaging and instrument separation is really great for the price. Midrange is pleasantly thick. Very well suited for games and movies too.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

[Nulliverse]

Quote:

Yeah, that might be the reason considering I am comparing FXT90 to relatively less bass quantity oriented IEMs. I'll compare these with one of the Xears XE200PRO or TD III V2 (though I recall from memory that they are not so good at instrument separation and imaging).
 
These things shine listening to "God is An Astronaut" where more analytical IEMs just don't do the justice to the same band. What kind of music do you listen to ?
 
I feel that imaging and instrument separation is really great for the price. Midrange is pleasantly thick. Very well suited for games and movies too.
 

I agree, imaging and separation are excellent at this price-range. I found that the FXT90s signature changed noticeably with different tips. I found that shallow fitting / larger tips (Large stock tips, Large UE single flange, Large MEElecs single flange),  really brang out the bass, perhaps too much sometimes, as it lost much of it's speed and precision. In contrast, smaller / deeper fitting tips (JAYS, MEElec double flange, Med MEElec single flange, Med UE single flange, Comply TS-400) reduced bass impact and quantity, whilst significantly increasing speed and control.
 
Although your experience may differ from mine, I'd still encourage you to experiment with a range of tips to find what is right for you. This took me a long time, but when I finally found the right ones, the FXT90 went up to the next level. Actually, I had the same with the FX-700s last night. SUDDENLY I can see what all the fuss was about. Wow. And funny how it has taken me over a month of tip experimentation to get to this point, before which I had to make a conscious effort not to write them off as overrated.
 
To answer your question, I'm into a wide range of music, my current play list being comprised of 70's sampling music, classic psych & prog rock, world / ambient music, 80's post-punk and synth pop, 80's anarcho punk, 90's black metal and psy-trance. I can safely say that the FXT90s handle all of this perfectly. To my ears they're easily as versatile as the GR-07s, with the added bonus of being exceptionally good with punk and metal.  
 
 

 

[dfrost]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nulliverse /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
I agree, imaging and separation are excellent at this price-range. I found that the FXT90s signature changed noticeably with different tips. I found that shallow fitting / larger tips (Large stock tips, Large UE single flange, Large MEElecs single flange),  really brang out the bass, perhaps too much sometimes, as it lost much of it's speed and precision. In contrast, smaller / deeper fitting tips (JAYS, MEElec double flange, Med MEElec single flange, Med UE single flange, Comply TS-400) reduced bass impact and quantity, whilst significantly increasing speed and control.
...

Interesting, because I get less bass quantity (= better balance IMHO) with larger, shallow fitting tips (same tips that you tried, plus Radioshack hybrids) and perhaps a bit less speed, while smaller deeper fitting tips bump up the the bass quantity, and speed/control. Not being a bass-head (and having significantly older ears than most Head-Fi-ers), I prefer the larger tips.
 
Just played around with tips more last night and kept coming back to large stock tips as my preference. The Radioshack hybrids are a close second, but seem to increase sub- and mid-bass volume by a few dB.
 
 

 

[Inks]

Wonder if someone has tried to close the vent halfway through or have it completely sealed. Should decrease bass response, which will be a plus for some. The issue is on how to do it, would have to be something solid as well. 

 

[olear]

Quote:

I agree, imaging and separation are excellent at this price-range. I found that the FXT90s signature changed noticeably with different tips. I found that shallow fitting / larger tips (Large stock tips, Large UE single flange, Large MEElecs single flange),  really brang out the bass, perhaps too much sometimes, as it lost much of it's speed and precision. In contrast, smaller / deeper fitting tips (JAYS, MEElec double flange, Med MEElec single flange, Med UE single flange, Comply TS-400) reduced bass impact and quantity, whilst significantly increasing speed and control.
 
Although your experience may differ from mine, I'd still encourage you to experiment with a range of tips to find what is right for you. This took me a long time, but when I finally found the right ones, the FXT90 went up to the next level. Actually, I had the same with the FX-700s last night. SUDDENLY I can see what all the fuss was about. Wow. And funny how it has taken me over a month of tip experimentation to get to this point, before which I had to make a conscious effort not to write them off as overrated.
 
To answer your question, I'm into a wide range of music, my current play list being comprised of 70's sampling music, classic psych & prog rock, world / ambient music, 80's post-punk and synth pop, 80's anarcho punk, 90's black metal and psy-trance. I can safely say that the FXT90s handle all of this perfectly. To my ears they're easily as versatile as the GR-07s, with the added bonus of being exceptionally good with punk and metal.  
 
 

Are the FXT90 mids significantly better vs. FX700?
And are the treble/bass quantity/quality much better vs. FXT90?
Where does the EPH-100 fit in regarding the above and which sounds best to you (in order of rank)?  Thanks for the help.
 

 

[Gasdoc]

Interesting. I've now had these for 6 weeks or so. To me they are not as detailed or refined as the GR07. I find my ear time split between the westone 4 and the vsonic.

 

[Nulliverse]

 
Quote:

Wonder if someone has tried to close the vent halfway through or have it completely sealed. Should decrease bass response, which will be a plus for some. The issue is on how to do it, would have to be something solid as well. 

 
 
How decrease? For some reason I assumed it'd increase bass... though this is just an assumption, without basis. I'm interested - please explain.
 
 
Quote:

Are the FXT90 mids significantly better vs. FX700?
And are the treble/bass quantity/quality much better vs. FXT90?
Where does the EPH-100 fit in regarding the above and which sounds best to you (in order of rank)?  Thanks for the help.
 

No. To me the FX-700s are 'technically' superior in every way, apart from isolation of course. The FXT90s mids are noticeably more forward, forming a signature which I prefer over the FX-700s v-shape. The FX-700 has greater quantity and quality of treble and bass, yet somehow feel less holistic. Less cohesive. I enjoy both equally, so would struggle to decide which is subjectively better. Somebody wrote about this earlier in the thread, stating that they felt the FXT90s were perhaps 85% of the FX-700s.
 
The EPH-100 is an entirely different beast, and though equally enjoyable, is more laid back and immersive in approach. I've always felt the Yams are far less versatile than both JVCs, despite claims that they work well for all genres. What they lack in versatility however, they more than make up for with 'edm', trip/hip-hop, ambient etc. The FXT90s are more versatile, but also more up-front and aggressive, meaning that with punk and metal I reach for them every time. The Yamahas are much more comfortable and provide isolation that easily exceeds all other IEMs I've owned... so it's just a matter of personal preference.  
 
Since finding the perfect tips, I wouldn't hesitate to say the FX-700s sound best (which you'd expect given the price). I'd probably rate the EPH-100 and FXT90 equally, but would keep the JVCs if forced, down to greater versatility.
 
I hope this helps. All opinions epressed are of course subjective, and may differ drastically from other users.
 

 

[Freefallr4545]

Quote:

I agree, imaging and separation are excellent at this price-range. I found that the FXT90s signature changed noticeably with different tips. I found that shallow fitting / larger tips (Large stock tips, Large UE single flange, Large MEElecs single flange),  really brang out the bass, perhaps too much sometimes, as it lost much of it's speed and precision. In contrast, smaller / deeper fitting tips (JAYS, MEElec double flange, Med MEElec single flange, Med UE single flange, Comply TS-400) reduced bass impact and quantity, whilst significantly increasing speed and control.
 
Although your experience may differ from mine, I'd still encourage you to experiment with a range of tips to find what is right for you. This took me a long time, but when I finally found the right ones, the FXT90 went up to the next level. Actually, I had the same with the FX-700s last night. SUDDENLY I can see what all the fuss was about. Wow. And funny how it has taken me over a month of tip experimentation to get to this point, before which I had to make a conscious effort not to write them off as overrated.
 
To answer your question, I'm into a wide range of music, my current play list being comprised of 70's sampling music, classic psych & prog rock, world / ambient music, 80's post-punk and synth pop, 80's anarcho punk, 90's black metal and psy-trance. I can safely say that the FXT90s handle all of this perfectly. To my ears they're easily as versatile as the GR-07s, with the added bonus of being exceptionally good with punk and metal.  
 
 

Patience and trial and error is the name if this IEM game. Well said and great Job with tenacity!!!

 

[Inks]

How decrease? For some reason I assumed it'd increase bass... though this is just an assumption, without basis. I'm interested - please explain.
The vent increases moving air inside the coil, thus increasing bass. It is the reason why the bassiest port on the Hippo VB/Meelec SP51 is the one with the biggest vent. You could also try a similar mod with the FX700. I think a better idea is to decrease the vent rather than rid of it altogether to maintain subbass and soundstage width. 
 
 

No. To me the FX-700s are 'technically' superior in every way, apart from isolation of course. The FXT90s mids are noticeably more forward, forming a signature which I prefer over the FX-700s v-shape. The FX-700 has greater quantity and quality of treble and bass, yet somehow feel less holistic. Less cohesive. I enjoy both equally, so would struggle to decide which is subjectively better. Somebody wrote about this earlier in the thread, stating that they felt the FXT90s were perhaps 85% of the FX-700s.
 
The EPH-100 is an entirely different beast, and though equally enjoyable, is more laid back and immersive in approach. I've always felt the Yams are far less versatile than both JVCs, despite claims that they work well for all genres. What they lack in versatility however, they more than make up for with 'edm', trip/hip-hop, ambient etc. The FXT90s are more versatile, but also more up-front and aggressive, meaning that with punk and metal I reach for them every time. The Yamahas are much more comfortable and provide isolation that easily exceeds all other IEMs I've owned... so it's just a matter of personal preference.  
 
Since finding the perfect tips, I wouldn't hesitate to say the FX-700s sound best (which you'd expect given the price). I'd probably rate the EPH-100 and FXT90 equally, but would keep the JVCs if forced, down to greater versatility.
 
I hope this helps. All opinions epressed are of course subjective, and may differ drastically from other users.
I agree the FX700 is simply not a cohesive IEM, it takes very low volume listening with a shallow insertion to make it so. FXT90 isn't as linear as the FX700, but it's more cohesive overall, which I would consider a technical strength over it.  Mids dont sound as out of place despite the looser bass and forward midhighs. 

 

 

[psygeist]

Quote:

I agree, imaging and separation are excellent at this price-range. I found that the FXT90s signature changed noticeably with different tips. I found that shallow fitting / larger tips (Large stock tips, Large UE single flange, Large MEElecs single flange),  really brang out the bass, perhaps too much sometimes, as it lost much of it's speed and precision. In contrast, smaller / deeper fitting tips (JAYS, MEElec double flange, Med MEElec single flange, Med UE single flange, Comply TS-400) reduced bass impact and quantity, whilst significantly increasing speed and control.
 
Although your experience may differ from mine, I'd still encourage you to experiment with a range of tips to find what is right for you. This took me a long time, but when I finally found the right ones, the FXT90 went up to the next level. Actually, I had the same with the FX-700s last night. SUDDENLY I can see what all the fuss was about. Wow. And funny how it has taken me over a month of tip experimentation to get to this point, before which I had to make a conscious effort not to write them off as overrated.
 
To answer your question, I'm into a wide range of music, my current play list being comprised of 70's sampling music, classic psych & prog rock, world / ambient music, 80's post-punk and synth pop, 80's anarcho punk, 90's black metal and psy-trance. I can safely say that the FXT90s handle all of this perfectly. To my ears they're easily as versatile as the GR-07s, with the added bonus of being exceptionally good with punk and metal.  
 
 

I am using the smallest eartips as shown in the pics. Bass becomes prominent (mostly the loathsome lingering mid bass hump) using thick eartips. Will try other tips but most probably will not go for bi-flanges as the earphones will stick out of my ear like Frankenstein.
 
Isolation is not good due to shallow insertion. Experienced driver flex in right earplugs.
 
Though on a broader picture I do like them for their presentation. Definitely a keeper until I get something similar and better in signature.
 
That's quite an eclectic taste you got there. Though I have finally found my solace in post-rock.  Occasionally I do listen to music that sounds good ( and complex) to me. PM me some of your picks, that would be nice.
 
 
Some pics: