JVC FD01: A new contender for best DD IEM?

Yup, hopefully in form of a pre-release review unit next week!

Joking aside, all props regarding this project go to @shotgunshane, @zerodeefex and @CEE TEE. I've been merely watching from the sideline until a few days ago, when I got Shane's email saying "IT IS HAPPENING".

@Stuff Jones, here's my humble 2c on pricing: as a die-hard fan of DD IEMs, I've been trying out TOTL offerings for $1300 (CA Vega) and $1000 (Beyerdynamic Xelento, Sennheiser IE800S). Tbh, I haven't been happy with any of them. Then I found the JVC FD01 for $350, which I preferred over all of these... but it had to be modded to sound its best.

Now, if the FDX1 can achieve the same level of sound quality for $250, without the need for modding, then who am i to complain?

 

I am wondering for current owners if it would be possible buy the jvc mod only, instead of buying the iems again.

 

G'dang, lazyness pays off!

Hopefully these will be what we want and I can stop trying to do James mods with my patended ShakyHandsTM method as I'm never really happy with it, which is why I only do the cheap ones.

I guess I'll have to get a different player as I doubt my M0 can do them justice, or even drive them properly given its limitations.

 

M0 + FD01 pairing sounds excellent. In fact, I often use LG V30 => Bluetooth (LDAC) => M0 => FD01, which also sounds very good imo.

 

Right now the M0 is my main portable driver. This makes me very happy.

 

I have no problem with consumers questioning value - and even though this would seem to be a modified FD-02 (no detachable nozzles, usually around $100 cheaper than the 01) in this case I have no problem with the value either.

Consider: JVC has to manufacture a new filter, presumably going back-and-forth with the tuning folks to get it to their liking, presumably change the branding that will go on the shells AND take the risk that a (relatively) small boutique run of these will get enough uptake, and Drop has to make enough on them to cover costs (including warranty/replacement) with some profit as well.

Also - that a big, non-North America-focused co. like JVC was willing to even talk to Drop about doing this is I think an encouraging sign that the hobbyist community is really getting some traction among manufacturers. Which can only be a good thing going forward.

 

Really interested in hearing what else is being improved upon in addition to the filter mod. The FD01 has been out quite some time (as far as non "pro audio" IEM lifecycles go), so I'm really excited to see where JVC & Drop go with it.

 

The photo accompanying the Massdrop listing shows a sliding latch for detachable nozzle, like on the FD01.



I already have a modded FD01 and love it (thanks @james444!). I hope there will be enough feedback before FDX1 preorders to make the call about ordering one.

 

Please don't grow little mustaches, Asian men only look good with long ones.

That's great to know! I'm rather attached to mine.

 

@shotgunshane , @Metro , corrections noted - I saw the non-knurled rear plate but didn't catch the latches.

This does bring me to a (slightly OT) question though: besides the detachable nozzles, knurling, and cables, are there documented differences between 01 and 02?

 

Hey @Biodegraded ,
Can confirm this new version is based on the HA-FD01. That's why it is named the HA-FDX1.

We've seen at least one or two people who said they had to wear the HA-FD01 a certain way because of the knurling interacting with their ears...

 

Oh cool, I will keep an eye on the new thread: https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...jvc-ha-fdx1-dd-iem-the-second-coming-of.8169/

 

Don't get all edgy, at least for now, with upgraditis accuta. Let more impressions come and understand if the bass difference is enough for even consider it.

For me, unfortunately, the things that they "can't" modify are the ones i would need, specially longer nozzles.

Edit: shorter nozzles

 

It was addressed in various posts scattered around the thread, but other than those things you mentioned:

FD02 comes with the original SpiralDot tips whereas the FD01 has a revised version called SpiralDot+ that only come packaged with them and the FW10000. They are made with a softer material that 'mimics skin' for added seal and comfort. JVC released another revision recently that combines the softer material on the outer cushion with a firmer material on the nozzle, as the first revision would deform more when inserted (I'd assume this is the reasoning). The new 3rd revision tips that can be bought standalone are called SpiralDot++ EP-FX10.

The FD02 has the same driver unit, however it is enclosed in a stainless steel housing. The FD01's driver is enclosed in a titanium housing. This may account for the slight variation in measurements given the two are in stock form, but it seems it's a very minimal difference (much like the stock, unmodified nozzles on the FD01 in measurements).

 

Pre-sale is live at 9am PST (in 15 minutes)! First 490 units will ship by 12/19/2019.

(If we sell more than that, need to confirm ship date for units after 490...)

Link: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/drop-jvc-ha-fdx1-dual-carbon-iem