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Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Exceptionally balanced, delivers some of the best details with deeper punchier bass
- Due to the flat impedance technology, Fibae IEMs are not demanding when it comes to sources
- The FIBAE 5 shells weigh ~5.5 g each to make for a low density and minimize any potential of being physically fatiguing
- Sounds quite open for a sense of staging
- Offers a vastly different tuning compared to the rest of the market
Product Considerations
- Lacks mid-bass punch
- Transients have a very lightweight, artificial quality to them
- Installing the acoustic filter isn’t exactly easy
- The bass might sound more tame than the graphs suggest
- Vocal rendition is fine, albeit does not come off as natural as one might have wanted
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The FIBAE 7 Unlimited is a far more balanced and analytical set, better suited for music monitoring than the FIBAE 5
- The bass hits even weaker with less details than the FIBAE 5, and the treble response could be smoother, compared to the ThieAudio Monarch MKII
- The FIBAE 5 offers more mid-bass for bass guitars, and the bass shelf customization helps balance out the sparkly treble, compared to the Symphonium Helios
Takeaway: The FIBAE 5 is an exceptionally balanced IEM with great detail and deeper bass, making it a rediscovery after the FIBAE 4. With excellent control over note aggression, this IEM is an easy recommendation for those who are not bass heads and appreciate detailed, transparent notes.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
FIBAE 5 universal fit
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Single 10 mm Dynamic Driver (Sub-Low)
- Dual Balanced Armature (Mid)
- Single Planar (High)
- Single Planar (Super High)
- Tri-brid: Dynamic, Balanced Armature & Planar Magnetic Drivers
- Flat Impedance technology
- Pressure Optimizing Design
- 3D-printed waveguide
- Sensitivity: 109 dB @ 1 kHz @ 0.1 V
- Impedance: 10 Ω @ 1 kHz (±2 Ω, 10 Hz – 20 kHz)
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 21,000 Hz (±10 dB into IEC 60318-4 coupler)
Description
This universal-fit variant comes in Black Solid 3D-prined shell and Print faceplates.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Custom Art specializes in both custom-fit and universal in-ear monitors.
- They utilize FIBAE (Flat Impedance Balanced Armature Earphone) technology, which minimizes the impact of source output impedance on the sound.
- Custom Art frequently incorporates hybrid driver configurations, combining dynamic, balanced armature, and planar magnetic drivers in their IEMs.
- The brand offers tuning filters with some of their IEMs, giving users the ability to fine-tune the bass response and overall sound signature.
Select products
Select product comparisons
FIBAE 5 UNIVERSAL FIT
- Positioning: A balanced all-round model with a universal fit for ease of use.
- Description: Offers a tri-brid design combining a 10mm dynamic sub-low driver, dual balanced armature mids, and planar high drivers with a 3D-printed waveguide to ensure clear sound and controlled pressure. Compared to the acrylic FIBAE 5 and the more driver-intensive FIBAE 7 series, it presents a cost-efficient option for small setups and standard functionality without additional custom features.
FIBAE 5
- Positioning: The entry-level design in acrylic form emphasizes customizable aesthetics and solid all-round performance.
- Description: Features a tri-brid configuration with a 10mm dynamic driver for sub-low frequencies, dual BA mids, and planar high components enhanced by a pressure optimizing design and 3D-printed waveguide. In contrast to the universal-fit variant and the more premium FIBAE 7 models, it strikes a balance between tuning flexibility, build customizability, and an affordable price point for users with modest sonic goals.
FIBAE 7 UNLIMITED UNIVERSAL FIT
- Positioning: A higher-tier universal fit version that builds on advanced driver configurations for improved dynamics.
- Description: Incorporates dual sub-low, single low-mid, dual mid-high, and proprietary high and super high drivers paired with top-firing balanced armature units to deliver expanded headroom and enhanced transient response. When compared to the acrylic FIBAE 7 Unlimited and the FIBAE 5 models, it provides similar performance in a universal-fit design that caters to buyers seeking premium sound with standard ear tips and faster turnaround.
FIBAE 7 UNLIMITED
- Positioning: A premium acrylic model aimed at users who value high-end customization and refined sound quality.
- Description: Uses a multi-driver layout with dual sub-low, single low-mid, dual mid-high, and unique proprietary high and super high drivers to achieve increased dynamics and superior transient response through an updated crossover design. Relative to its universal-fit version and the FIBAE 5 series, it delivers advanced performance and customization options.
HYBRID 3 PRO UNIVERSAL FIT
- Positioning: The flagship universal-fit unit that combines dynamic and planar technologies in a groundbreaking hybrid design for versatile performance.
- Description: Uses a single low dynamic driver, a single mid dynamic driver, and a single high planar driver alongside a 3-way crossover and tunable bass response to offer a clear and adaptable listening experience. Compared to the FIBAE 5 and FIBAE 7 series, it integrates hybrid technology and added functionality like wireless Bluetooth options.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
826
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
6
Founding Year
2012
Our take on the brand
Custom Art is a hifi audio brand best known for pioneering Flat Impedance Balanced Armature Earphone technology, which maintains consistent tuning regardless of source output impedance, and their Pressure Optimizing Design that uses acoustic networks to manage pressure and shape frequency response. The brand stands out for unusual design choices like dual planar magnetic tweeters in tribrid configurations, user-adjustable bass via on-shell filter sockets, and being among the few custom IEM makers offering silicone shells alongside traditional acrylic options.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
From our interview with
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Brand Page
Used
Custom Art
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
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Empire Ears
Legend Evo (Universal)
3099
3099
/
12
Reviews
Empire Ears is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones featuring their proprietary Weapon IX 9mm rare-earth magnet "subwoofers" with bass-reflex systems. The company hand-builds synX crossover networks without PCBs, assigning more individual audio bands per driver than any other IEM crossover. They also developed EIVEC electrostatic control to integrate EST drivers with dynamic and balanced armature drivers.
Expand Details
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Product Strengths
- Excellent technical performance and detail retrieval, considered several cuts above other IEMs
- Outstanding imaging performance, with precise soundstage and instrument separation
- The bass response is a highlight, delivering a punchy sub-bass with texture and articulation
- Offers a warmer tonal balance that is easy to get into with a mostly 'neutral' sound
- Bone conduction enhances low-frequency extension, reverb, and detail
Product Considerations
- Large chassis that may be uncomfortable for some users, particularly those with smaller ears
- The subdued treble range may not provide enough energy and sparkle for some listeners
- Stock cable is lackluster in terms of usability due to its plasticky feel, rigidity, and microphonic feedback
- Driver flex (a harmless crinkling sound upon insertion) is present
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Legend Evo delivers a stronger bass impact, depth, and extension than the Legend X
- Legend Evo produces better constructed highs than the Legend X
- Legend Evo shows better clarity than the Legend X, and has more detail
- The Legend X can sound veiled concerning the Legend Evo
- The Legend Evo feels a touch smoother than the Empire Ears ODIN
Takeaway: The Legend Evo is a top-tier IEM with innovative bone conduction technology that creates a unique and immersive listening experience with enhanced bass. It is a great option for those seeking flagship-level performance with a warm, bass-focused sound signature.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Empire Ears is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones featuring their proprietary Weapon IX 9mm rare-earth magnet "subwoofers" with bass-reflex systems. The company hand-builds synX crossover networks without PCBs, assigning more individual audio bands per driver than any other IEM crossover. They also developed EIVEC electrostatic control to integrate EST drivers with dynamic and balanced armature drivers.
Product Page
Product Page
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Noble
Viking Ragnar (Universal Fit)
4000
4000
/
9
Reviews
Noble is a hifi audio brand built around founder Dr. John "Wizard" Moulton, an audiologist renowned for hand-carving custom earphones from exotic materials like wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum instead of standard acrylic, with each ear requiring up to 30 hours to complete. The brand distinguishes itself by using bone conduction drivers across multiple models and bringing rare metallurgical techniques like Japanese Mokume-Gane and titanium Damascus to earphone faceplates.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent detail retrieval, resolving with the best over-ear headphones, challenging the brain to take it all in.
- Wide soundstage with precise imaging, creating an immersive, holographic 3D image.
- Easy to drive, delivering speed and impact even with low-power sources.
- High level of craftsmanship and build quality, using premium materials like CNC-machined aluminum and Damascus steel faceplates.
- Comes with the Magnus cable, a high-quality 8-core cable constructed with graphene, monocrystalline silver, and copper-silver alloy.
Product Considerations
- Treble can become a bit hot and fatiguing over long periods, but can be mitigated by using foam ear tips.
- Bass presence is more nominal and cohesive, not dominant or overpowering like some bass-head IEMs.
- Fit may be an issue for some due to the larger-than-average size of the IEM.
- Could be fatiguing over time due to sensory overload from extreme detail.
- Some reviewers found that the upper mids/lower treble frequency range could use a little boost.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Offers a stronger balance of detail, performance, and musicality, a fuller, richer midrange, and better texture and timbre, when compared to the Empire Ears Odin—Odin has stronger holographic separation, an intense sense of vocal performance, and more potential for fatigue.
Takeaway: The Noble Viking Ragnar is a top-tier IEM, offering incredible detail and a wide soundstage for an immersive listening experience. Its build quality and design are exceptional, making it a great choice for those who want some of the best IEMs in the market.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Noble is a hifi audio brand built around founder Dr. John "Wizard" Moulton, an audiologist renowned for hand-carving custom earphones from exotic materials like wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum instead of standard acrylic, with each ear requiring up to 30 hours to complete. The brand distinguishes itself by using bone conduction drivers across multiple models and bringing rare metallurgical techniques like Japanese Mokume-Gane and titanium Damascus to earphone faceplates.
Product Page
Product Page
Empire Ears
Odin (Universal)
3399
3399
/
9
Reviews
Empire Ears is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones featuring their proprietary Weapon IX 9mm rare-earth magnet "subwoofers" with bass-reflex systems. The company hand-builds synX crossover networks without PCBs, assigning more individual audio bands per driver than any other IEM crossover. They also developed EIVEC electrostatic control to integrate EST drivers with dynamic and balanced armature drivers.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Tremendous transparency, offering a wealth of microdynamics and spatial cues, critical in determining positioning and layering.
- Incredibly clear sound, yet wrapped in a warm, lush, and inviting overall picture.
- Highs are extended, detailed, and wonderfully resolved, easily able to summon the ethereal or holographic when called for.
- The soundstage is quite impressive—deep, wide, with very good headroom, and holographic when called to be so.
- The shell design is comfortable with a short nozzle, and light weight.
Product Considerations
- The treble is a little bit relaxed, and some songs may not cut through the way they need to.
- Amplifiers for this particular headphone are going to matter, and they are going to make a difference between several different amplifiers.
- The bass does not bring the rumble, nor the impact, nor does it reach to the stygian depths of the Holy-Bass-Head-Grail.
- Though the Odin provides for a comfortable fit, it can be uncomfortable for people who have really small ear holes, as the stem itself is quite wide.
- The 'Bifröst' faceplate design might be too flashy for some.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Empire Ears Zeus: The Odin smashes the Zeus all day, every day, for sound quality, with a better midrange and significantly nixed highs.
- Vs 64 Audio U12T: Odin is at least as good, if not better, in the mids and the bass, and has better punch and slam to the bass frequencies.
- Vs Empire Ears Legend X: The Odin is a much more balanced-tuned IEM.
- Vs 64 Audio Tia Forte: The Odin has a more agreeable frequency response.
- Vs Thieaudio Monarch: The Monarch has a really nice bass shelf, but the Odin has better technical performance and a better frequency response.
Takeaway: The Empire Ears Odin offers an easygoing listening experience and clear sound, and has tight bass response with a great midrange. It could be a great choice for those seeking a warm IEM with finesse.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Empire Ears is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones featuring their proprietary Weapon IX 9mm rare-earth magnet "subwoofers" with bass-reflex systems. The company hand-builds synX crossover networks without PCBs, assigning more individual audio bands per driver than any other IEM crossover. They also developed EIVEC electrostatic control to integrate EST drivers with dynamic and balanced armature drivers.
Product Page
Product Page
Empire Ears
Odin (Custom)
3599
3599
/
9
Reviews
Empire Ears is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones featuring their proprietary Weapon IX 9mm rare-earth magnet "subwoofers" with bass-reflex systems. The company hand-builds synX crossover networks without PCBs, assigning more individual audio bands per driver than any other IEM crossover. They also developed EIVEC electrostatic control to integrate EST drivers with dynamic and balanced armature drivers.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Incredibly clear and detailed sound, offering a transparent window into the music
- Well-defined, punchy, and high-quality bass response, with good impact and rumble, without being muddy
- Smooth and well-defined treble, avoiding sibilance or harshness, and retaining excellent resolution
- Broad and deep soundstage with excellent imaging, layering, and separation of instruments
- Visually striking and beautiful Bifrost faceplate design
Product Considerations
- The fit may be uncomfortable for users with smaller ears, as the stem is quite wide and the monitors themselves are fairly large
- Upper mid-range can be forward, and at times can be borderline shouty or fatiguing in some tracks
- Treble response, while detailed, might be a little relaxed for some, not cutting through as much as some other IEMs
- Some reviewers found the build quality of the resin shell to be just okay, not feeling particularly premium or durable relative to the price
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. 64 Audio U12T: The Odin has better punch and slam in the bass, while the U12T has a more layered and separated sound with slightly more micro-details
- Vs. Empire Ears Legend X: The Odin is much more balanced and refined compared to the bass-heavy Legend X
- Vs. Fir M5: The M5 has a more forward and clearer treble response and wider soundstage, but the Odin's midrange is more forward and produces a more enjoyable vocal response
- Vs. Empire Ears Zeus: The Odin is smoother with more bass response and a better mid range
- Vs. Vision Ears Elysium: The Elysium brings an analog-like ease to the midrange, but is not a match for the Odin in detail and transient speed
Takeaway: The Empire Ears Odin is a technically impressive IEM with a smooth, clear sound, detailed bass and a striking design. If one is seeking a high-end listening experience where details are clearly displayed in an immersive 3D stage, these could be a great match.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Empire Ears is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones featuring their proprietary Weapon IX 9mm rare-earth magnet "subwoofers" with bass-reflex systems. The company hand-builds synX crossover networks without PCBs, assigning more individual audio bands per driver than any other IEM crossover. They also developed EIVEC electrostatic control to integrate EST drivers with dynamic and balanced armature drivers.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
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Custom Art
FIBAE 5
1210
/
Released
2023
FIBAE 5 is a tri-brid in-ear monitor featuring a single 10mm Dynamic Driver for Sub-Low, Dual BA Mid, Single Planar High, and Single Planar Super High drivers.
Custom Art is a hifi audio brand best known for pioneering Flat Impedance Balanced Armature Earphone technology, which maintains consistent tuning regardless of source output impedance, and their Pressure Optimizing Design that uses acoustic networks to manage pressure and shape frequency response. The brand stands out for unusual design choices like dual planar magnetic tweeters in tribrid configurations, user-adjustable bass via on-shell filter sockets, and being among the few custom IEM makers offering silicone shells alongside traditional acrylic options.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very well-tuned IEM with no significant flaws, exhibiting excellent detail and clarity.
- Features a unique driver setup (1DD, 2BA, 2 Planar) that is tuned exceptionally well.
- Offers a well-rounded low-end with well-extended sub-bass, present mid-bass, and upper-bass.
- Soundstage is big, expanded in the X-axis, with good depth.
- Excellent treble extension without issues of sparkle or spikes, avoids dullness or shoutiness.
- Flat impedance technology ensures consistent sound signature across different sources.
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers note the cable is not up to the asking price of the IEM, describing it as a 'run of the mill kind of cable'.
- Lacks mid-bass punch according to one review, although another claims it is 'engaging and thumpy'.
- One review indicates that the bass, while plentiful, lacks substantial 'slam and weight'.
- The stock cable is terminated with a 2.5mm balanced jack, which is becoming less common than 4.4mm.
- The filters included are very small and easily lost.
- Timbre may have a lightweight, artificial quality due to the emphasis on upper-treble.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Sony IER-Z1R: The FIBAE 5 has better balance and tonality, especially in female vocals, and superior treble extension compared to the Z1R's V-shaped, bassy signature.
- Vs. Unique Melody MEST Mark II: FIBAE 5 is more natural in the midrange with better tonality and timbre, while the MEST Mark II is more clarity-oriented.
- Vs. Technics TZ700: The FIBAE 5 has deeper sub-bass, a more focused body, and better treble extension compared to the TZ700, which can feel slightly rigid in the midrange.
- Vs. Symphonium Helios: The FIBAE 5 has a bass-shelf customization to help balance out the sparkly treble.
- Vs. Symphonium Helios: The FIBAE 5 may be worth getting ears on by virtue of how unique it sounds.
Takeaway: The FIBAE 5 is a unique and capable IEM with a well-balanced sound and excellent detail retrieval, making it a worthwhile option for audiophiles seeking a distinct listening experience. With its customizable bass and extended treble, it delivers an engaging and comfortable sound signature suitable for long listening sessions.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Custom Art is a hifi audio brand best known for pioneering Flat Impedance Balanced Armature Earphone technology, which maintains consistent tuning regardless of source output impedance, and their Pressure Optimizing Design that uses acoustic networks to manage pressure and shape frequency response. The brand stands out for unusual design choices like dual planar magnetic tweeters in tribrid configurations, user-adjustable bass via on-shell filter sockets, and being among the few custom IEM makers offering silicone shells alongside traditional acrylic options.
Product Page
Product Page
Custom Art
FIBAE 7 Unlimited
1650
/
Released
2022
FIBAE 7 Unlimited utilizes the world’s first, patent pending, Flat Impedance design. Featuring seven drivers: Dual Sub-Low, Single Low-Mid, Dual Mid-High, and Two Top-Firing Tweeters. It is an epitome of natural sound, delivering even frequency response with immense details without fatigue.
Custom Art is a hifi audio brand best known for pioneering Flat Impedance Balanced Armature Earphone technology, which maintains consistent tuning regardless of source output impedance, and their Pressure Optimizing Design that uses acoustic networks to manage pressure and shape frequency response. The brand stands out for unusual design choices like dual planar magnetic tweeters in tribrid configurations, user-adjustable bass via on-shell filter sockets, and being among the few custom IEM makers offering silicone shells alongside traditional acrylic options.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Balanced and expansive tuning
- Creative design
- Excellent fit
- Very comfortable for long listening sessions due to its design and fit
- Smooth, natural tonality, with a spacious and expansive soundstage
Product Considerations
- Original tuning fans might miss the vocal intimacy
- The included zipper case is considered rather large
- Not the most technical IEM encountered, the F7U can show slight limitations by delivering a less-than-airy rendering in its midrange
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- FIBAE 7 Unlimited has more sub-bass, less vocal-forward mids, and improved high-frequency presence
Takeaway: The FIBAE 7 Unlimited is a well-built IEM that is comfortable, has a balanced sound, and is great for long listening sessions. It is a refined upgrade from its predecessor, making it a top choice in Custom Art's lineup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Custom Art is a hifi audio brand best known for pioneering Flat Impedance Balanced Armature Earphone technology, which maintains consistent tuning regardless of source output impedance, and their Pressure Optimizing Design that uses acoustic networks to manage pressure and shape frequency response. The brand stands out for unusual design choices like dual planar magnetic tweeters in tribrid configurations, user-adjustable bass via on-shell filter sockets, and being among the few custom IEM makers offering silicone shells alongside traditional acrylic options.
Product Page
Product Page
Custom Art
FIBAE 7 Unlimited universal fit
1650
/
Released
FIBAE 7 Unlimited is Custom Art’s evolution of the original FIBAE 7, featuring seven balanced armature drivers per side, a refined tuning approach, and FIBAE technology for flat impedance performance. It is designed to provide an expansive, natural sound with improved dynamics and resolution across the frequency spectrum.
Custom Art is a hifi audio brand best known for pioneering Flat Impedance Balanced Armature Earphone technology, which maintains consistent tuning regardless of source output impedance, and their Pressure Optimizing Design that uses acoustic networks to manage pressure and shape frequency response. The brand stands out for unusual design choices like dual planar magnetic tweeters in tribrid configurations, user-adjustable bass via on-shell filter sockets, and being among the few custom IEM makers offering silicone shells alongside traditional acrylic options.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- More expansive and emotive sound compared to the original FIBAE 7, correcting issues with vocal forwardness and balancing highs
- Smooth, natural tonality and an expansive soundstage
- The updated crossover improves dynamics and transient response, with increased sensitivity, making it easier to drive
- Beautiful build quality with smooth seams and no imperfections in the shell or faceplate
- Very comfortable for long listening sessions due to its balanced sound signature and CIEM design
Product Considerations
- Fans of the original FIBAE 7's tuning might miss the vocal intimacy
- The included zipper case is rather large
- FIBAE 7U can show slight limitations with recordings that have heavy involvement in the mid-range, delivering a less-than-airy rendering in its mid-range
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs OG FIBAE 7: FIBAE 7 Unlimited has more body and bass response, less upper mid lift, and smoother treble
Takeaway: The FIBAE 7 Unlimited is a well-built and comfortable IEM that provides a balanced and smooth sound signature, making it great for long listening sessions. It is a worthwhile upgrade from the original FIBAE 7, with improved bass and a more refined sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Custom Art is a hifi audio brand best known for pioneering Flat Impedance Balanced Armature Earphone technology, which maintains consistent tuning regardless of source output impedance, and their Pressure Optimizing Design that uses acoustic networks to manage pressure and shape frequency response. The brand stands out for unusual design choices like dual planar magnetic tweeters in tribrid configurations, user-adjustable bass via on-shell filter sockets, and being among the few custom IEM makers offering silicone shells alongside traditional acrylic options.
Product Page
Product Page
Campfire Audio
Astrolith
2199
/
Released
2024
The latest from the acoustics team at Campfire Audio, Astrolith represents the tip-of-the-spear for IEMs using a pure planar magnetic architecture. Further expanding on Campfire's lineage of planar earphones, Astrolith incorporates two new drivers wrapped in our PPR and AAOI tuning elements. Combining the inherent advantages of planar magnetic drivers with decades of acoustic engineering experiences brings about an incredible new horizon in the realm of planar magnetic IEMs.
Campfire Audio is a hifi headphone brand known for their Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber (TAEC) for balanced armatures and Solid Body Design that mounts drivers into a single 3D-printed "engine block" to improve tuning and reliability. The brand has pioneered several unique approaches, such as crossoverless dual-planar architecture, beryllium-PVD dynamic diaphragms, and 3D-printed ceramic acoustic structures. Their Andromeda model long held a reputation as a benchmark reference for hifi IEM performance.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Impressive technical performance, clarity, detail retrieval, and resolution due to its planar magnetic drivers.
- Features a new, comfortable, and ergonomic shell design that's also lightweight and durable.
- Includes two upgraded Time Stream Metal cables, providing both 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations.
- Delivers a strong, extended bass response, with texture and speed, plus a nimble, airy top-end.
- Exhibits a spacious, wide, and holographic soundstage with good imaging and instrument separation.
Product Considerations
- Lower sensitivity might require a dedicated DAP or amplifier for optimal performance, and can sound anemic when paired with just a phone.
- Can be sensitive to source pairings, warmer DACs might wash out the mids and some pairings may bring out sibilance.
- Stock tips might not provide the best seal for everyone, and the stock tip selection is poor.
- Silicone eartips can make the treble sound harsh.
- The mirror-finished stainless steel faceplate is prone to fingerprints and smudges.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Campfire Audio Bonneville: Astrolith has superior mids, clarity, detail and transparency, and better treble extension, articulation, and overall resolution.
- Vs 64 Audio Volür: Astrolith offers bigger bass and a more exciting presentation, as well as faster and more resolving sound, but Volür is more accurate overall.
- Vs. Oriolus Monachaa: Astrolith has a faster and more controlled bass with better texture, a more natural and realistic midrange with a fabulous timbre.
- Vs. Elysian Acoustic Labs Annihilator: Astrolith delivers a more robust and organic mid-range with realistic and natural timbre and more defined lower mids.
Takeaway: The Astrolith is a technically impressive IEM with a comfortable design that delivers a powerful and detailed sound. It could be a great pick for listeners who want high-end sound that can play all kinds of music well.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Campfire Audio is a hifi headphone brand known for their Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber (TAEC) for balanced armatures and Solid Body Design that mounts drivers into a single 3D-printed "engine block" to improve tuning and reliability. The brand has pioneered several unique approaches, such as crossoverless dual-planar architecture, beryllium-PVD dynamic diaphragms, and 3D-printed ceramic acoustic structures. Their Andromeda model long held a reputation as a benchmark reference for hifi IEM performance.
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HIFIMAN
Svanar
1999
/
Released
2023
SVANAR — HiFiMAN's Flagship Single Dynamic Driver IEM with Over-Ear Detail.
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Captures the sound of the original Svanar, with a balanced tuning emphasizing bass and treble while maintaining the mids
- Incredible imaging performance, offering a wide, well-rounded, three-dimensional soundstage with excellent positioning and separation—highly competitive, even compared to non-TWS IEMs under $1000
- Has an R2R DAC which permits unreachable technical performance
- Very light and comfortable
- Excellent connectivity and usability
Product Considerations
- LDAC connectivity issues with invasive intermittence and noise cutting
- ANC and Transparency mode aren’t very useful and lack dynamic, delivering leaner dynamic, less musicality
- Plastic build might not be most durable if dropped
- High-frequencies are quite sensible to the source, making it one of the least forgiving TWS
- Hiss is also present
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Svanar Wireless is punchier, with better bass detail and imaging, and a wider soundstage, while the Final ZE8000 has a warmer, more neutral sound
- The Svanar Wireless has stronger imaging performance, a wider soundstage, and a better balance between separation and cohesion
- The Svanar Wireless is superior in technicalities and tonal balance, as well as timbre and tone naturalness, and ultimately musicality
- The Svanar Wireless' soundstage is taller and wider but not as deep, since clarity isn’t as sharp and clean, silence being more "noisy"
- The Svanar Wireless has better sound and performs better technically
- The Sony TWS has bloated bass that overwhelms everything else; in comparison, the soundstage and treble performance of the Svanar Wireless is miles ahead, presenting a much more detailed, natural, and sophisticated kind of sound
Takeaway: The Svanar Wireless sounds impressive for wireless earbuds, and it has great connectivity and features. For those seeking high-end wireless sound, these are worth considering.
Video review
Our take on the brand
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
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