Drop x JVC HA-FDX1 DD IEM: The second coming of ...

Discussion in 'IEM Measurements' started by purr1n, Aug 10, 2019.

  1. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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  2. james444

    james444 Mad IEM modding wizard level 99

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    Speaking of which, I really have to compliment you and the team once more on the work you did. Both tunings sound excellent and are very wisely chosen.
     
  3. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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    Well done getting past the censors :sail:

    But dayam, thanks to your comparisons I now for sure have to get these and will need to figure out what to do with my FD01s. Sounds like the FDX1s should require less EQ tweaking for me, and the genius mechanical design will make minor mod adjustments a piece of cake. Every time I look at them I think, "How smart were they to make L and R units identical, yet universally adjustable?" There might be another similarly designed IEM but I'm not aware of it. Plus the removable nozzle :bow:
     
  4. Crinacle

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    Just got my sample and posted pics/exposition on my website, though I know most of you aren't interested in that so I'll drop the important bits here.

    Comparison graph between filters:
    FDX1 comparison.png

    Standalone measurements: https://crinacle.com/graphs/drop-jvc-ha-fdx1/

    Impressions:
    • Stock filter is very upper-midrange forward but nowhere near as intense as the FD01 that I listened to.
    • Personal favourite: blue filter. It’s also the closest to my personal neutral target curve.
    • Very clean and well-defined notes. No smearing or veil going on here.
    • Fast hits along with a decay that sounds shorter than most DDs, though still more natural than the standard BA IEM.
    • Filters don’t seem to hamper technicalities and only serves to shape the FR to be more pleasant.
    • Bass response is very well-extended and doesn’t lack impact despite its relatively subdued decay down-low. I don't hear the "one-note"-ness of it that some other members here have brought up.
    • Treble still carries a decent amount of energy on blue filters and nowhere close to sibilance.
    A pretty good “technical DD” for a price that I haven’t seen since the MDR7550/EX800ST. Definitely gets a thumbs up from me.
     
  5. CEE TEE

    CEE TEE MOT: NITSCH

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  6. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Drop x JVC HA-FDX1 DD IEM Frequency Response
    Blue Nozzle
    upload_2019-8-20_20-28-21.png


    Drop x JVC HA-FDX1 DD IEM Harmonic Distortions
    upload_2019-8-20_20-29-56.png

    upload_2019-8-20_20-30-3.png

    Drop x JVC HA-FDX1 DD IEM Harmonic Distortions (Alternate Visualization)
    upload_2019-8-20_20-30-49.png

    upload_2019-8-20_20-30-53.png

    Here are some harmonic distortion plots. Note that the distortion pattern is very different from that of IEMs that use balanced armature drivers. We have second-order dominating over third and fourth. BA drivers have a higher third or odd-order distortions. IMO, this is often heard has a lean sound loss of texture in the bass and a "squarer" sound in the highs. These DD drivers have the same characteristics of the more typical dynamic or compression drivers that most people have in their homes or hear in movie theaters. Typically BA drivers do sound "faster" (transient response) than DD drivers. In the case, I did that that these particular DD drivers sounded faster than most other DD drivers in the bass and just as fast in the highs compared to BA drivers. JVC is definitely on to something with their dual carbon drivers. Finally, note that the distortion distribution of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th orders is consistent! This is a huge deal for me because it means the sound rendering is cohesive from the lows to the highs. It doesn't sound like a cello is being rendered by three different IEMs.
     
    Last edited: Aug 20, 2019
  7. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Updated first post index for additional impressions and measurements from other members.
     
  8. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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    There are significant differences in the distortion plots for L and R channels (5dB for the peak at around 500Hz). Is this cause for concern?
     
  9. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    I think the 500Hz might be a measurement artifact.
     
  10. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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    But there are a lot more gross differences in the distortion curves of L and R ...
     
  11. james444

    james444 Mad IEM modding wizard level 99

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    That's the reason why I never post distortion graphs, lol. ;)

    Place an IEM just a teensy-weensy differently into the artificial ear canal and you'll notice a change in distortion. Any small change in insertion depth or angle, or slight difference in how the tips are mounted on the nozzle may account for differences in distortion. And that's not even mentioning environment noise that may pollute your measurements.

    Personally, I wouldn't worry about these differences. Most of them are way below threshold of audibility anyway.
     
  12. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

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    @gixxerwimp welcome to iem measurements.

    Only way to get those differences out is to spend a few days taking tens of sets and then averaging them out. Good luck convincing someone to do that for free.
    :drunk:
     
  13. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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    Ok, just wanted to know if this was something to be concerned about. Now I'm not :cool:
     
  14. james444

    james444 Mad IEM modding wizard level 99

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  15. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    @james444 I really enjoyed your self-interview. A good way of getting your impressions/thoughts across.
     
  16. insidious meme

    insidious meme Ambivalent Kumquat

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    How dare you disagree with the almighty Jood!

    Thanks again for your review.

    Now to wait for one more person I know who will review it...
     
  17. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Distortion plots are rough. +/- 5db we can chalk up to external factors and is too close to call.

    The key for distortion plots is to look at the general figures, patterns, and how D2/D3/D4 behave in relation to each other.
     
  18. james444

    james444 Mad IEM modding wizard level 99

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    I had to address that topic, cause I've been asked why on earth we've gone to such lengths modding & filtering, when the stock tuning is actually closest to the target curve. And it's a valid question in my book, particularly from people who haven't heard the stock FD01s.

    IMHO the FDX1 just exemplify what a touchy subject target curves are. Choose the white nozzle and you're closest to Jude's. Pick the green one and you're closest to mine. Opt for the blue one if you wanna be in La Centric's camp.

    There are many reasons for this mess, like differences in age, ear canal size / shape, listening habits.... and potential tone-deafness ;-). At least, with the FDX1, we have one versatile pair of IEMs that can approximate 3 different targets. Let the discussion begin!
     
    Last edited: Aug 24, 2019
  19. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    LOL. Well it's not Jude's curve. It's the Harmon IE target.

    If anyone would have asked me if how the stock FDX1 sounded like, I would have said just like the Harmon curve, except a little less low and sub bass. So not at all surprised by the FR overlay with the Harmoronic target.

    It shouldn't be any surprise at all the almost everyone here finds the blue tuning agreeable. I am incredibly happy that @CEE TEE has taken a stand on what is good sound instead of blindly following target curves based on consumer research.
     
  20. CEE TEE

    CEE TEE MOT: NITSCH

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