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

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

  1. DivineCurrent

    DivineCurrent New

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2017
    Likes Received:
    25
    Trophy Points:
    13
    Location:
    US
    I picked up an FD01 a while ago, compared the FDX1 and FD01 extensively on bassy tracks for a few hours this week.
    I can confirm what many here noticed, that the bass is definitely tighter and more defined on the FDX1. Now, it's not like a gigantic difference, but the difference is there and noticeable. It's a little less present and impactful in the bass compared to the Moondrop Kato, but otherwise the quality is very similar. The FD01 on the other hand, does not have the same quality bass as the FDX1 or Kato. I am using a slight EQ boost on both the FD01 and FDX1, the FDX1 extends better in the sub bass with more rumble, and with sharper mid bass attack/punch, regardless of how much I EQ the bass. Using the same tips and filters on both for this test (white steel stock nozzle, Moondrop Spring tips). Mids and treble sound pretty much the same.

    I also have to point out that on my particular FD01 earpieces, the quality control seems to not be as good as the FDX1. When rotating the nozzle, it feels scratchy on the FD01. I also noticed a slight channel imbalance in the bass below 150 Hz. I didn't have any of these issues with the FDX1.

    I do have to wonder if Drop + JVC will ever bring these back, they have been out of stock for quite some time now.
     
  2. JayC

    JayC Resident Crash Test Dummy

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2015
    Likes Received:
    980
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Eindhoven
    I'm surprised to hear your experience here, since the two are actually the same, and Drop only managed to work with JVC for the filters using what was done in the community. Perhaps your experience is down to part variations and/or expectation bias?

    And for what it's worth, I have a set of the FDX1s for sale (in the EU) for a reasonable price if anyone is interested..
     
  3. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

    Staff Member Pyrate Flathead IEMW
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2015
    Likes Received:
    6,304
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Clear, clear water
    His experience confirms my suspicion the two are different in bass. From my notes and memory, my production FDX1 bass is tighter and leaner than the FD01 we modified and sent on tour and to Drop. The prototypes however, had the same FD01 bass. There were tweaks to the shells for the FDX1 that @CEE TEE might recall. Regardless, this is what I’ve been saying since day one of receiving my purchased production unit.
     
  4. micr0g

    micr0g New

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2023
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    3
    Location:
    Greece
    Owner of fdx1 for over a year I decided to sell it,after a week I bought at a good price (160 euros with taxes) from drop the fd01.
    I did the 15mm mod and somehow I liked the sound more than the fdx1, I found the bass heavier but a little more dome and the highs less annoying.
    With autoeq from the crinacle site (I attach photos below) I can see that there is a difference between the two headphones. I applied the corrections to the qudelix k5's Dsp and the results was a tighter bass, as most people correctly describe, but also a little more highs that make it clearer and wider.
    Maybe I like the sound signature of the modded fd01 better since it's warmer but it sounds a little more dull.

    Thanks everyone that participated in this mod.

    [​IMG] [​IMG]
     

Share This Page