JVC FD01: A new contender for best DD IEM?

Discussion in 'IEMs and Portable Gear' started by james444, Jun 20, 2018.

  1. Stuff Jones

    Stuff Jones Friend

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    I'm using the MEE cable. Kind of ugly plastic splitter and mmcx connector casings but works well and the adapters are a nice +. No memory wire either.
     
  2. Stuff Jones

    Stuff Jones Friend

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    BTW, does anyone else own these and the GOV2A? I would like to hear that I'm not crazy in hearing the largest source-based SQ improvement I've heard yet running these balanced out of the GOV2A.
     
  3. jafnvaegi

    jafnvaegi Friend

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    For balanced, I am currently using an Acoustune 4.4mm (ARC13) but they also make a 2.5mm (ARC02) - you can order these from AccessoryJack. The cables are on the thicker side of average (similar to stock) but quite flexible/supple and well built, with right-angled jacks. The aesthetic is nice with no memory wire...and no excessive branding. The stock cable's wire has more of a smooth/soft touch feel and is matte, whereas the Acoustune is more of a rubber/grippy texture and is a bit reflective. Both cables have a smoke sheathing, the JVC with a copper pattern visible and the Acoustune with a silver pattern. I'm generally using over ear with glasses and have no issues with comfort or fitment with either. One caveat may be the length of the mmcx connector molding (it's about 2mm longer on Acoustune cables) but I've not had a problem with over-ear wear myself.

    I really like the stock cable that comes with the FD01 though, especially the matching mmcx connectors so I am considering re-terminating it to a balanced connector. I'd do a 2.5mm termination, then have 2.5mm to 3.5mm/4.4mm adapters in that case. I wish you could buy the cable separately but it seems exclusive with this model only (it's nice, hard to put under the knife lol)
     
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2018
  4. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    Well shit. Thanks to the eBay deal I have a pair coming. I'll run through mods then run off the Sony MUC-M2BT1 via LDAC. Let's see how good these actually are!

    I have a go2a proto and a final SE. Plus a v2+ SE. I suspect it might be an awesome pairing.
     
    Last edited: Aug 28, 2018
  5. roscoeiii

    roscoeiii Acquaintance

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    Used the eBay deal on a new Decca Cartridge for the turntable, but wish I'd thought of this!

    Where are people getting their FD-01s and finding good prices on them?
     
  6. Stuff Jones

    Stuff Jones Friend

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    Amazon.jp <$300
     
  7. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    I bought a second one now because it felt like a deal.

    A fool and his money...
     
    Last edited: Aug 29, 2018
  8. E_Schaaf

    E_Schaaf MOT: E.T.A Headphones

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    Any impressions vs IE80?

    Do these change dramatically with tip rolling?
     
  9. Stuff Jones

    Stuff Jones Friend

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    Nice. You can A/B like 16,542 mod/nozzle combinations.

    I cant recommend enough going balanced with these and the GO. The MEE cable works well for me and the grey goes well with the industrial look of the JVCs.
     
  10. james444

    james444 Mad IEM modding wizard level 99

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    Very different. IE80 are mid-bassy, warm, veiled, v-shaped, with peaky treble. These (with DIY filters) are linear, analytical, clear and highly resolving.

    They change a bit, like all IEMs, but ime not dramatically. However, the stock tips are very high quality and comfy, so I can't really see a reason for tip rolling. If you want different sound signatures, nozzle rolling is the recommended procedure with these.
     
  11. Stuff Jones

    Stuff Jones Friend

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    Have you changed your view on nozzle rolling? I thought they measured and sounded indistinguishable?
     
  12. james444

    james444 Mad IEM modding wizard level 99

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    Lol, of course I didn't refer to stock nozzle rolling. That's an exercise in futility. ;)

    No, just build yourself different DIY filters, like I did. And then pick the one that suits your mood (or music) best...
     
  13. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    I've been looking for something cheaper than the Andromeda for a while that still provides a satisfying listen at a lower price point.

    Initially, using these unmodded out of my phone, I was pretty disappointed. I did try both @purr1n's and @james444's mods and ended up using @james444's mods.

    It's pretty good right out of my phone but out of the GO2A SE it's definitely a bit better. Some of the small issues @purr1n called out but it's an overall very cohesive, enjoyable listen. Definitely ticks the boxes for me and will be my "throw in my bag" IEM of choice now.
     
  14. Stuff Jones

    Stuff Jones Friend

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    I'm telling you, add this with the GO and the improvement will not be small.

    [​IMG]
     
  15. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    I have 3.5mm trrs balanced cables. Who the hell uses GO products without running balanced?

    Most of us have them thanks to the Campfire IEMs.
     
  16. Kunlun

    Kunlun cat-alyzes cat-aclysmic cat-erwauling - Friend

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    Got these on the loaner tour thanks to Julie.

    Definitely not a contender for best DD, but enjoyable for sure. The harshness is very well toned down, extension above is good, Marv's caveats hold true for me with subbass smearing, etc. The mods have turned this into a listenable iem, that's an achievement that needs no exaggeration.
     
  17. Stuff Jones

    Stuff Jones Friend

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    I mistook SE for single ended.
     
  18. deafdoorknob

    deafdoorknob Almost "Made"

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  19. james444

    james444 Mad IEM modding wizard level 99

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  20. captkirk

    captkirk Khan's BFF

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    I have very limited experience with well-performing IEMs. My only reference is a pair of CA Orions I picked up last fall, played exclusively from my iPhone 7. When I first started reading the comments about the FD01 and it's relative performance straight from a phone, I figured it would be a great place to start to potentially upgrade.

    General thoughts:
    • Good build quality and fit/finish for the price. Feels substantial and durable.
    • Stock cable isn't terrible but can be a touch microphonic if ran between clothing. Doesn't tangle easily which is nice. I hate it when I get my Litz twisted!!!
    • I struggled with fit, finding it difficult to find a tip that gave me an overly secure seal. Over-ear didn't work for me, so these wouldn't work for more active situations of use. I've been using my Orions mostly while working-out. I just don't feel confident they stay secure with he provided tips.
    • The iPhone and dongle make for a very nice pairing. I get a more volume gradations with the FD01 than the Orion.
    Sound - modded blue nozzle

    What others have already mentioned holds for me as well. I really enjoy the relative balance and neutral-ish sound; slightly warm with much better extension and air over the Orions.

    One characteristic that I've found especially pleasant is the dynamics of what I can only assume are the drivers themselves. I'm venturing into "I don't know WTF I'm talking about here", just not that experienced with IEMs, but the FD01 has a weight and impact of sound that the Orions lack. DD vs BA? Whatever it is, it adds a level that can be felt, lending to a richer experience over an already good sound.

    All in, I'd say that I've really enjoyed the FD01. The Orions fit better and are more secure, but I prefer the JVCs sound, especially relative to the above. Both sound great out of the phone. I think I'll wait for the next eBay deal to come around before grabbing a pair.
     
    Last edited: Nov 5, 2018

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