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

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

  1. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

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    I was getting a minor sheen/stoutness when I was Modi 3 > Mangi 3+. Going closer to R2R type sound with t00bs made a big difference for me.
     
  2. Merrick

    Merrick A lidless ear

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    I’ve used them with a Pono, Vali 1, Lyr 3, Liquid Platinum (balanced), ALO Rx Mk-3 B (balanced), Geek Out V2+ Infinity (balanced), iPhone, Pono (balanced), and Xduoo XD-05 Plus. With the middle filter (green for my pair), the 4K lift would get tiring over time. Switching to the most stuffed filter (blue), I no longer was bothered by the issue from any source. However I don’t like the X1 from the iPhone in general regardless of filter and I don’t think they’re an ideal match for the Liquid Platinum either personally. I like them best out of the Lyr 2, ALO, and XD-05 Plus.
     
  3. imackler

    imackler Key Lime Pie Infected Aberdeen Wings Spy

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    I agree that it's one of the most source dependent gears I've heard, short of Andromeda's impedance swings. The UERM was really source dependent, too. I'd say the least offensive and best pairing with the FDX1 and middle-stuffed filter was the ifi nano black label. The ZX300 has been ok; if the music is lush it's an excellent combo; if it's strident, it's offensive. But my Leckerton (w/ 4627-1B) and Modi 3/Magni 3+ have been way too fatiguing. All of that was with the middle-stuffed filter.

    Thanks for re-posting the profile discussion and I'm glad you included it. It totally missed it but it definitely applies.

    Yeah, the Modi 3 > Magni 3+ is not working for me, but I was also listening to violin. The combo was pretty brutal, personally. But I'm sure the whole thing was emphasized by the violin. Particularly, this one recording by Isabelle Faust which can get a little rough...

    I'll look forward to trying the most-stuffed filter when I get back to the office with the Modi 3/Magni 3+. Maybe it will have helped.

    Thanks all for the interesting discussion!
     
  4. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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    I use the "middle" filter with this EQ as it stifles the sound less, but brings the tonal balance to my personal preference.

    I somehow missed the whole "FDX1 bass is moar bettah" thing, and was almost going to keep the OG FD01 shells and Drop filters and give the X1 shells and OG nozzles to a friend. But I did a quick comparison and whaddyaknow the X1 bass is moar bettah!!! Tighter, cleaner and punchier all round. No idea how I missed this before.
     
  5. FlySweep

    FlySweep Friend

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    One of my ML spiral dot+ tips has gone missing.. not really interested in trying to find a substitute tip (X1 sounds best with the stock tips, imo).. has anyone had success reaching out to MD to buy/replace tips? Seems like Amazon/eBay ship direct from Japan for some ridiculous $40+ amt.
     
  6. Biodegraded

    Biodegraded Friend

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    I'm not using my ML pair (and never have, so no cooties). If you'd be interested in swapping your M pair for those, PM me your address.
     
  7. jafnvaegi

    jafnvaegi Friend

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    @Biodegraded +1 coming in for the save!

    Just wanted to include for anyone curious that as of now, you can't buy the Spiral Dot+ tips a-la-carte as they only come included with either the FD01/FDX1/FW10000 models. I'm not sure if one could reach out to JVC to get pairs directly with proof of purchase of one of those models but they did separately release the Spiral Dot++ (aka EP-FX10 which is a hybrid of the softer material and stiffer silicone on the inner tube, different from the stock tips) and those are the ones that go for $50+. IMO that is a bit crazy for just 4 tips of the same size. I broke down and got a pair directly from amazon.co.jp to try but if you're looking for extras I don't recommend it until prices go down a bit. I wish they offered a 'one of each size' pack as that may be worth some added cost though on Amazon Japan they translate to about $22 + shipping so it's more in line with the original Spiral Dot EP-FX9 price, just no other suppliers apart from marked-up ebay listings presently.
     
  8. Biodegraded

    Biodegraded Friend

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    Ha, interesting. How do you find the ++? I actually prefer the original (stiffer) versions to the +, especially on the FD-X1s which are pretty heavy when worn cable-down. But I'm using the med + from the Drop pack successfully with other 'phones.
     
  9. jafnvaegi

    jafnvaegi Friend

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    It's kind of a 'best of both worlds' scenario where you have added rigidity in the tube more akin to the originals (which I was also using when I was walking outside / commuting back when we did that). I've tried the stock + with a few other IEMs and have them on an older Hifiman now since the nozzle is similar in size. Hopefully they become more widely available in other places as I think like the other spiral dots (and some others like Final E and Sony Hybrid) they're among the top silicone tips all around.
     
  10. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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  11. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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    These look like the older "Dot no plus". The stock FDx1 tips are "Dot +" which seem to only come with JVC IEMs, and these are the newer "Dot ++", which have a hybrid bore/flange construction.
    https://www.mtmtaudio.com/products/jvc-spiral-dot-silicon-earphone-eartips-medium-m-size-2-pairs

    In Japanese with pretty pictures. Throw it into Google Translate.
    https://www.phileweb.com/news/d-av/201903/06/46749.html
     
  12. Ksaurav402

    Ksaurav402 Friend

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    I hope Drop starts selling these tips that come with FDX01 as I have damaged mine and only place to get the L size is amazon.jp and I guess it's ++ version. Not sure if we get + version at all. Also cost is substantial to get it shipped to India from Amazon.jp
     
    Last edited: Sep 26, 2020
  13. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

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    I got my ++ from ebay.
     
  14. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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  15. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

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    Probably? They have a stiffer central barrel, I would be surprised if that didn't affect FR in some way.

    That's why I bought them, knowing from previous experience that insertion with the + would be too much of a pain with my ear canals.

    As a result I've never tried them with the stock tips.
     
  16. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    40$ is so much for 2 pairs of tips. These things are soooooo cheap to manufacture. Just look at the prices on AliExpress. Less than a dollar for tips. Talk about price gouging.

    I’d like to own all versions but I’d need to know there’s significant sound difference before paying that much.
     
  17. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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    The ++ are a hybrid structure, so may be more difficult/costly to produce. And the material is different/stickier. Plus, if they're actually MIJ instead of MIC ...
    (I cbf'd to check)
     
  18. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    There’s tons of hybrid tips on AliExpress for a dollar or less.
     
  19. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

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    Then buy those.
     
  20. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    My point is the ridiculous price for a piece of silicone that costs pennies to make that’s all. And whether they’re worth it. Jesus
     

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