The discovery thread!
Dec 19, 2017 at 5:30 PM Post #34,636 of 101,164
Here is something new. Penon got these on sale right now for $90


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Fiio FH1 Balanced Armature + Dynamic Driver Hybrid MMCX Detachable In-ear Earphone IEMS

Description

Hybrid Dynamic-Balanced Armature design for double the detail

The FH1 adopts a hybrid design, in which the 10mm titanium diaphragm driver produces abyssal lows while the Knowles 33518 balanced armature driver provides exquisite mids and highs. These two drivers work perfectly in harmony to allow you to truly dive into a musical, yet highly detailed experience.

Highly-Acclaimed Knowles 33518 driver

The latest from the renown Knowles, the 33518 balanced armature, as used in the FH1 brings both a rich, yet delicate expression of music.

Brass for natural, effortless sound

Theoretically, the closer the balanced armature unit is placed to the ear, the more accurate the sound is – because the ear will better receive the high of frequencies and overtones produced by the driver. However, if the tube through which sound travels through from the balanced armature to the ear is not designed properly, then even at short distances sound quality will degrade rapidly due to resonances and unwanted reflections. Therefore, to achieve the highest sound quality possible, we put the Knowles balanced armature unit inside the sound tube (to minimized its distance to the ear) made to brass (with its higher density than aluminum, it provides a more stable base with less undesirable resonances). All of this result in a natural, yet effortless sound in all parts of the sound frequency spectrum.

Titanium dynamic driver for potent bass

A 10 mm titanium diaphragm dynamic driver is responsible for the FH1’s powerful lower frequencies. Due to more space being available, the FH1’s diaphragm is 25.7% larger than the F9’s 9.2mm dynamic driver, making for not only more relaxed yet natural sounding vocals but also more robust bass – resulting in a highly dynamic, authoritative experience.

Carefully-crafted crossover design for balanced, precise sound

The FHI uses a meticulously designed crossover system so that the hybrid dynamic - balanced armature design can reproduce any frequency within the 20Hz to 40kHz range with the utmost fidelity. Essentially, the FH1’s drivers work perfectly in tune with each other that makes it ideal for a wide range of music.

Hi-Res Audio Certification

The FHI has been certified by the Japan Audio Society to be “Hi-Res Audio” capable. This means that the FHI is capable of a frequency response up to 40kHz, which can fully reproduce the audio and give you a natural and life-like listening experience that truly lets you listen to the music the way the artist wanted it to sound.

Freely switch between balanced and single-ended with standard MMCX connectors

The FH1 utilizes the standard MMCX connector for its interchangeable cables, and comes standard with both 2.5mm balanced and 3.5mmm single-ended cables.

The 2.5mm balanced cable is made of silver-plated copper wire, which ensures a balanced sound signature and a high level of detail retrieval, Of course, due to its balanced nature, the left and right channel wires are separated so that there is significantly greater channel separation - leading to a richer, more detailed musical experience.

The 3.5mm single-ended cable comes with a full set of in-line controls capable of playing/pausing songs, switching tracks, volume adjustment, and even calls with its high-quality microphone. This makes the FHI a perfect complement to enhance your experience with your portable audio player or cell phone.

Colors and texture for easy identification and replacement

The end of the MMCX cable’s left channel is adorned with a splash of blue, while the end of the right channel is trimmed with a touch of red - for easy identification of the audio channels in a subtly way. These channel ends also have a spiral texture engraved into them, for just the right amount of friction to greatly aid in removing and replacing the cable.

Un Bel Oeil A Beautiful Eye

The FHI’s name is derived from the French way to say “a beautiful eye” - so chosen to reflect the FH1’s oval, pupil-like design. This design is further enhanced with the presence of the chrome trim, specifically placed to recall one’s eyelids. The FH1 will surely catch your eye with its design!

Nano-coating for a better wearing experience

The shell of the FH1 is specifically nano-coated to make it scratch-resistant. When coupled with the UV-treated skin-friendly material that also makes up its shell, the FH1 is both durable and extremely comfortable to wear.

Easy to plug in, with right-angles

The FH1’s detachable cables (both 3.5 single-ended and 2.5mm balanced) were carefully designed based on users’ feedback and their needs. For instance, the blue and red rings at the left and right ends of MMCX cable quickly indicate to the user which is left and which is right, while the spiral grooves at the same location allow one to easily and quickly grip the cable to change it. The MMCX cable is terminated in a right-angle plug so you can quickly and safely pull the FH1 out of your audio device.

Over-the-ear design for an enjoyable experience

After much testing and feedback from a wide variety of users, we came up with an over-the-ear design that is not only ergonomic but also comfortable. With the FH1, you can easily get Lost within your music for hours without fatigue.

Red, green, blue and black, for a more colorful you

To be more in touch with your unique personality, the FH1 is offered in four different colors: Gunmetal Grey, Sky bule, Chinese Red, and Emerald Green.

Note: Images shown is illustrative purpose only. Actual product color may vary.

Unexpectedly Thoughtful Accessories

Besides the 2.5mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended cables, the FH1 comes with a whole host of other accessories all designed to tailor and safeguard your listening experience. For instance, the FHI comes with two different kinds of ear tips — one set optimized for bass while the other is designed for a more balanced presentation. Each type of ear tips comes in small, medium, and large sizes. We give you control over your listening experience, so you can listen however you want, whenever you want.

The FHI also comes with our popular waterproof carrying case, so you can be rest assured that your earphones will continue to function for years to come.

Thoroughly Tested Before Being Delivered to You

We conduct dozens of stringent quality tests, thousands of times, so that you may cast your worries away and your fears are allayed.

Swing testing, Unit life testing, Fit testing, Material testing, Anti-aging testing, Cell phone compatibility testing, Wire durability testing, Button life testing, High temperature resistance testing, Anti-oxidation testing, Vibration intensity testing, Temperature testing, Sound quality experience check

Specification

Frequency Response: 20Hz – 40KHz

Driver Type: 1Dynamic + 2 BAs (Knowles) knowles-33518

Impedance: 26Ω

Sensitivity: 106dB/mW

Maximum Input: 100mW

Plug Type: 3.5mm + 2.5 mm

Cord Length: 120cm

Single Earbud Weight: 3.65g

Package

FIIO FH1

2 cables

Waterproof carrying case

6 pairs of eartips
 
Dec 19, 2017 at 5:45 PM Post #34,638 of 101,164
I don't like how they don't have the graph go lower than 20Hz but yet they talked of bottomless bass. I called them on it in the other thread cause the F9 graphs go down to 10Hz. Only thing that is changed is I don't see them mentioning "bottomless" but they are now "potent". Good if you have cables cause I think the standard mic cable isn't gonna be great. Not a crap show like the Rythmos cable but not the best they could do. Trying to slide them in under the F9SE price-wise also point to the cables being nothing like the IT01 choice of cables. So, begs the question of who chooses to get this over the IT01?

How bout this... https://www.shinola.com/audio/all/headphones/canfield-in-ear-monitor-silver.html
Interesting being partnered with Campfire Audio and Beryllium drivers. Handsome with potential perhaps :)
 
Dec 19, 2017 at 5:58 PM Post #34,639 of 101,164
Guess you get to live vicariously through my wallet Wayne :). I decided to take advantage of the $50 off sale price and ordered the WI1000X just miss that Sony sound... I know it won't be as good as my dead Z5's but hopefully it will be something close...

Think you made the right choice of the two. Here is a review...
https://www.whathifi.com/sony/wi-1000x/review
"bigger siblings of the award-winning(?) WF-1000Xs. For £100 more than the wireless in-ear headphones you get greater battery life, playback control and, most importantly, better sound too."

Heard/read enough that there is a consensus on the SQ is the better of the two.


Back on the cable front...
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A day in and some burn-in. Didn't sound much better right away but think they do sound a step better now.

Be nice if BW sourced something like these for their upgrade cable. B400 isn't any different really just more of what it was before. Just better transmission of sound, better bandwidth. Adds to all the traits, bass punches more now and goes lower, treble is more crisp and goes slightly higher, mids have more energy and life. They are less smooth in terms of the notes being tightened up and sharpened at the edges but they are still the peak free and well tuned B400 like before. Bigger to the edges, sharper of note and a bit quicker but more powerful like they are being amped w/o the amp. Don't use any different volume levels though. Great choice as I have been liking the good solid sub-bass of the S2000 and the overall weight and meat on the RT-1 and now the B400 fights back on those fronts with some heft now and still a little more detail that it smoothed over before. Just right to both match the cable's look and give me what I have been more into sound-wise recently. They look and sound like the been workin' out.
 

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Dec 20, 2017 at 12:16 AM Post #34,640 of 101,164
Thanks Jant I saw that article, it was one of the better reviews of the WI1000X and helped me decide to give them a try. My biggest hesitation was the price but I thought what the heck. This also allows me to try out the Aptx HD and if my phone ever gets Oreo or what ever they are calling the next version of Android possibly LDAC.

The item is shipped so if I am lucky I will get it before Christmas and if not the 27th.
 
Dec 20, 2017 at 1:01 AM Post #34,641 of 101,164
Initial impressions of the S2000 which are basically brand new. I won't say they are over hyped but they only sound a bit above $25 headphones. Bass is solid and tight, mids are super forward, highs suffer bc of this, they sound spacious and congested at times and lack details and resolution. I think the forwardness of the mids is what's hurting the overall sound. They do not sound bad at all but I also wouldn't classify them close to $200 headphones. Of course all my opinion, will burn in for 100hrs and comeback with impressions. I know a few other people are waiting on these so eager to know if what I'm hearing is confirmed.
 
Dec 20, 2017 at 6:13 AM Post #34,642 of 101,164
Having Dunu Falcon-C about few days, still going through burning-in.

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As for now i can say yes, they are definitely on the bright side.
Generally Falcon-C sounds fine, some genres are even amazing, especially electronic ones, idm or instrumental hip hop like Shawn Lee with his deep involving bass.

Scene is wide and deep more then average.
Nice bass, not overwhelming though, good punch.
Sibilant could be slightly accented.

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Build quality is very good, accessories set is ok.

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As for shape of IEM i would recommend to try before buy, there could be some inconsistencies due to specificity of default cable + connection output.

Things i didn't like - sometimes violin or accordion seemed too artificial to me, kind of unnatural.

Mostly listen with 2,5mm balanced Cayin N5 + Spinfit CP100 + silver-plated cable from Dunu (optional with Falcon-C purchasing for discounted price)

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Few days after i switched to 3,5 SE output + Mee Pinnacle P1 silver-plated cable.
It reduced some brightness, drew back middle range a bit, added some air, and made sound a little warmer overall.

PS It is weird that here is still no Falcon-C's dedicated thread.
 
Dec 20, 2017 at 7:46 AM Post #34,643 of 101,164
Initial impressions of the S2000 which are basically brand new. I won't say they are over hyped but they only sound a bit above $25 headphones. Bass is solid and tight, mids are super forward, highs suffer bc of this, they sound spacious and congested at times and lack details and resolution. I think the forwardness of the mids is what's hurting the overall sound. They do not sound bad at all but I also wouldn't classify them close to $200 headphones. Of course all my opinion, will burn in for 100hrs and comeback with impressions. I know a few other people are waiting on these so eager to know if what I'm hearing is confirmed.

Interesting as when I got them out of the box I said the sound matched the graph exactly. B400 is balanced and not mid-foward and has more forward mids, RT-1 has more forward mids, CH9T had maybe ever so slightly forward mids than my S2000. Only time I get congestion was the fit was off and they caused an occlusion effect but only had them happen in one ear so the other made it easy to diagnose the issue. Do think that audio-primate "challenges many $200" is a bit much obviously unless you get the right recipe/synergy.
 
Dec 20, 2017 at 10:11 AM Post #34,645 of 101,164
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Dec 20, 2017 at 10:38 AM Post #34,646 of 101,164
Ughh... I already ordered Pioneer CH9T... and now this? You guys are killing me. Can't decide...

since I'm a bit of a bass-head, which one of the two has more ample bass?

More punchy midbass and deeper subbass on IT01. If you're a basshead, I think you'll like it. Overall, more enjoyable and fun as well compared to CH9T.
 
Dec 20, 2017 at 11:04 AM Post #34,648 of 101,164
Initial impressions of the S2000 which are basically brand new. I won't say they are over hyped but they only sound a bit above $25 headphones. Bass is solid and tight, mids are super forward, highs suffer bc of this, they sound spacious and congested at times and lack details and resolution. I think the forwardness of the mids is what's hurting the overall sound. They do not sound bad at all but I also wouldn't classify them close to $200 headphones. Of course all my opinion, will burn in for 100hrs and comeback with impressions. I know a few other people are waiting on these so eager to know if what I'm hearing is confirmed.
how do you rank them vis a vis the memt and cm5?
 
Dec 20, 2017 at 11:41 AM Post #34,649 of 101,164
Dec 20, 2017 at 11:53 AM Post #34,650 of 101,164
Not to mention it amps extremely well. A bit of bass boost will satisfy any basshead. It01 represents one of the best values in audio currently.
I'm very happy to hear that they will scale with some extra power, I was under the impression that they were so easy to drive that they wouldn't. My havi b3s opened right up and had a nice weight to the music when I went from using my Sansa clip and iPod touch to the FiiO x3ii and I was hoping the IT01s would take advantage of some extra power. I know it won't be anything like hearing them balanced but I can't wait none the less.
 

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