Bass Done RIGHT: Drop x JVC FDX1 Super Review

[@SuperReview]

P.S. We got a Super* Discord channel if you wanna chat audio, tech, or Uniqlo socks. discordapp.com/invite/ZBpXZnp

[@Hey_Burnsy]

Holy moly thank you so much for having an ACTUAL UNBOXING. I need to box these up to return them (spent a week fiddling with fit..and have tried like EVERY tip possible. Dekoni foams, comply foams, 2 varients of spinfit final e) and just nothing works. Couldnt figure out how it was all originally packaged.

[@SuperReview]

There is some unintuitive value in documenting the full unbox. Like being able to better identify fakes.

[@divinecurrent9053]

Yup, you are spot on with describing how these sound. I was just amazed first time I tried the FDX1, it almost reminded me of full size headphones in terms of bass impact and clarity!

[@SuperReview]

🤘

[@williamsmilton6316]

Man I'm just thinking I started with plain headphones, moved to earbuds, and now I'm here iem's wow what a ride.

[@SuperReview]

It's a curse.

[@hetul784]

Damn I love the concept and idk why I have thing with the design, it looks really cool, sorta material/minimal/industrial look, but they look dope and also one of my favorite changing filter concept in IEMs and you know that I'm not necessarily a fan of it😂 but this is a good concept with the locking mechanism it's dope!

[@spacekook3315]

I just wanted to say I watch your review on these which if I may say was handsomely done. And ordered a pair for myself 5 days ago to replace my long trusty Shure se215. And let me say while I was wary of the price I doubled down on them and they are simply phenomenal. I thank you for taking the time for such a lengthy and through review.

[@SuperReview]

Hope you love 'em ✌️

[@stevefolberg4530]

Nicely done review! One comment: I believe the correct term for how much soft material is in each nozzle is "damping." "Dampening would mean that you sprayed water on it. Anyway, awesome video. :-)

[@SuperReview]

Ha, thanks -- I was a writer in a former life, seems like the sort of thing I should know better but every time I look it up I get more confused: www.clublexus.com/forums/suspension-and-brakes/420712-damping-vs-dampening-learn-how-and-when-to-use-each-word.html

[@x-techgaming]

Mid 2021: FDX1 vs Lokahi. Find out SOON(TM)!

[@Rashomon00]

I recieved these two days ago. They are just incredible.

[@SuperReview]

They're pretty dope, a shame so few people will ever try them.

[@richkuhnwald8590]

Awesome, for the price. 19.99 at Walgreens, SOLD!. Very light, yet amazingly comfortable. Excellent sound output quality. Ya can't go wrong with these headphones. 5 Stars on my part!.

[@1Dub79]

You actually got these at Walgreens for $19.99?

[@Elazarko]

Hey man! I honestly trust your opinion very much. I'm looking for a good pair of IEMs to use with a digital piano specifically. What I think matters most is imaging, resolution and detail. I can't stand when trebble/lower trebble is sharp or just unpleasant. Seriously, it's so unplessent when playing piano. I've been doing a little research, the er2xr I don't like for their form factor. Jvc fdx1 seem to have reliability issues and I need a pair that will get shipped quickly.! There's so many more pairs, i don't want to make a stupid decision. My budget is around $100-200. What pair do you recommend? Any suggestions for a pair that will be great with piano? I don't mind a little more bass but I guess mids focus is the priority right? Thank you!

[@SuperReview]

ER2 is the neutral standard under $200. FDX1 is good as well. Otherwise, FH3 has accentuated bass but solid mids.

[@Elazarko]

@@SuperReview great, I ordered the fh3. Hopefully I like them a lot. And if I don't, well I hope they and the KPH30i that are also on the way help me better understand what sound signature it is I'm looking for. Btw can you please recommend me a great cable swap for the fh3? (Under $50) What are the best bang for buck options today if I don't end up liking the fh3s cable?

[@Elazarko]

I apologize I'm kinda new to all this. I'm looking for a small "mp3 player" style device that I use in the gym with the fh3. A device that I can connect my phone with bluetooth but also have the option to insert a micro sd on its own with music of choice. Can you please recommend a Cable + device?

[@1Dub79]

How would you compare these to the OH10’s?

[@SuperReview]

squig.link/?share=Super_Review_Target,JVC_FDX1_(f050),Ikko_OH10

[@cobrabucket]

Anyone know where I can find replacement filters for this IEM??? Thanks!

[@nhuphuchoang2734]

This iem is so special, nice bass but on the bright side haha. I have to agree with you, they have amazing sub bass, less mid bass, not forward neither recess mid, high mid is no fatigue with me, treble is sharp, detail, treble extension is nice as well, not lacking of air. Moreover, driver's attack+decay is something really life-like, not too fast as lightning like BA, but even have more transient responses than some BA iem.

[@SuperReview]

Have you tried with Xelastec tips?

[@nhuphuchoang2734]

@@SuperReview i haven't tried yet, the stock fits me well. Is it better with Xelastec? Btw, i have tried several cables and yes, they do improve the sound, especially occ silver-plated cable. That says stock cable is not bad surely, but the earphone enjoys the benefit of good cables

[@SuperReview]

Xelastec tips are good for fit security, IMO -- helps a lot with the heavy FDX1.

[@nhuphuchoang2734]

@thebestever475 i usually listen to progressive metal (dream theater, haken, tool,...), classical, ost, rock, some ballad. In short, i'd like to listen instrument more than vocal.

[@nhuphuchoang2734]

@thebestever475 i think house and techno need more bass quantity than this earphone has. FDX1 has good subbass but lesser midbass, so it's not warm. It sounds good with metal high speed double-kick tracks, better than Akg n40. The JVC plays complex tracks very well, but it may lack of warm. But yeah, if you like to listen instruments and you love details, this earphone is for you.

[@mrfrosty3]

I require that cable. When I first got the Final a4000 I wondered what they were thinking by including such a cheap looking thing. Turns out it is actually very high quality, drapes like a fabric cord, won't tangle and weighs nothing. It has high fondle-ability. What is it with Japan keeping all the best stuff for themselves? I'm a little into stationery and fountain pens, the Japanese have all the best inks, pens and paper. .

[@SuperReview]

True story, I tried to buy spare JVC cables directly from JVC, they told me they don't do that 😐

[@williamzz5]

I think the one he is referring to is the light green one and I agree that is the best filter out of all of them. I might have fell deep into this rabbit hole. Past 2 months I bought the Er2xrs, Fh3s, 2021 hana and now these haha.

[@fifa-it1rv]

I have an Ikko OH10 . Do you think drop x JVC FDX1 is far more superior interms of sound quality. It will replace my OH10 or not? Have you tried balanced modes on drop JVC version (2.5mm or 4.4mm). Thanks in advance

[@SuperReview]

The difference will depend on personal preferences -- I can imagine a lot of people will prefer the OH10, personally I prefer the FDX1. The OH10 tuning is more V-shaped, more bass emphasis and I think more treble extension, but less intense lower treble. I think midrange on the JVC is stronger and detail overall advantage to JVC, but OH10 is a more relaxed, enveloping listen. Like most things in audio, IMO it's not a linear progression from good > better > best, but rather just different flavors for different tastes.

[@fifa-it1rv]

@@SuperReview Thanks a lot for answering this. I am going to get drop JVC FDX1 soon, Will see how its going to work for me

[@vikpatel]

@@fifa-it1rv Did you ever get the JVC FDX1 and compare to the OH10?

[@laiwoh5001]

@@vikpatel yeh I m also interesting to know

[@barberismeable]

Hi guys who own JVC HA-FDX1. Is it still relevant this day to purchase this? There are so many new iems out there. I'm using FiiO FH3 right now, and I like its sound.

[@SuperReview]

Here's how it stacks up with some other more modern IEMs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3PKnWRvirWbibc#t=13m5s

[@barberismeable]

@@SuperReview it's okay. I just bought Sony XBA-N3. Suit my taste. Sold my FiiO FH3

[@jokekelleey2071]

What's the difference between a warm sound and a bright sound how do you describe a warm season how do you describe a bright song

[@Weareonenation303]

Finally ordered these second hand after ignoring the FDX1 for months, I was more interested in other IEMs which is why I don't have these yet. I predict these will be better than most IEMs I own, the FG w/ blue filters is right there on my alley. Also got an Olina, which I'll be comparing it with the FDX1 when I get that next month.

[@SuperReview]

Curious to hear what you think of those two.

[@H-4-D3423]

As always, gr8 vid Mark. Crinnacle's graph plots these very very close to the Moondrop S8, no wonder you love these I think. I'm very tempted to pick up a straight DD set. How would they do with really fast busy rock/metal music do you know?

[@SuperReview]

Can't say with that genre specifically, but these are great for my usual busy track tests (The Cure's Disintegration album, Drab Majesty).

[@Weareonenation303]

Drop has these for $175 right now, that's a steal if I ever saw one. I reckon these are similar to the B2 minus slight set backs in technical performance. I really wanted a B2 but that stem is probably way too chunky for me. I might pick one up next week provided the price drop lasts til then

[@SuperReview]

Yeah, saw that price, kinda ridonk to be honest.

[@jasonbhatnagar7134]

@@SuperReview These, b2 dusk, starfield, or mangird tea for you?

[@Raaj_new]

Dear... Have you tested 7hz timeless ? Its reviews are very good

[@SuperReview]

Not yet.

[@H-4-D3423]

I own the Moondrop S8, bloody awesome IEM's, a must-have. Tempted for a DD set too, and the JVC HA-FD01 I can get for around £180. From all you've said, that's likely better value than most of the DD chi-fi offerings at that price ($240) bracket...

[@SuperReview]

Yeah, I think FDX1 is the most technical 1xDD IEM I've heard at any price.

[@Kirko_bangz]

I already have Tin HiFi P1, but I REALLY want these. I'm not super sold on the P1, even with a balanced cable. I have a BTR5 to power them.

[@SuperReview]

The BTR5 get them loud enough?

[@Kirko_bangz]

@@SuperReview yes, especially with a balanced cable. Just not sold on the bass. I think the JVC HA-FDX1 will suite my taste better. Just waiting patiently for Drop to get them back in stock. I'm just even more impatient now that you reviewed them and love them.

[@SuperReview]

Have you tried the bass mod on P1?

[@gullibleskeptic3237]

do you use comply tips? because for me this gives a much better presentation overall and bass is nicely balanced with the rest of the music. i use them balanced with btr5 aswell. i use comply t500.

[@anarkan191]

Save your money Kirk cause the bass is non existent in FDX1

[@fredcostas1945]

Well articulated and explained assessment of IEM's. Of the 3, which would work best for classical & opera? Thanks!

[@SuperReview]

I generally have a hard time thinking of headphones in terms of genre pairings, probably because (1) I'm bad at genres, but also (2) there's so much variety within genres. So I'd probably say FDX1, which I would say for most genres (for my preferences).

[@OzymandiasAlhazred]

This Or Fiio FH5 Or Etymotic ER4XR Or Etymotic ER2XR??? THANKS!!!

[@SuperReview]

IMO FDX1 > ER2XR > ER4XR > FH5

[@OzymandiasAlhazred]

@@SuperReview thanks

[@1Dub79]

I’ve seen the FD01 on Amazon. Looks the same. Wonder what the differences are.

[@SuperReview]

Basically it's that the FDX1 has cotton-lined nozzles, which dampen the treble.

[@1Dub79]

@@SuperReview Seems like that’s something you can mod for FD01 to make it sound like the FDX1. Nevertheless, I got my KATO coming, tomorrow. I’ll see how it sounds in comparison to the OH10, which I’ve replaced with.

[@NiSHAN256]

Did Drop ship those worldwide when they were available?

[@SuperReview]

Good question, I'm not sure. They've got the FD01s listed now.

[@SteveKaraokeAus]

Yeah buddy - just got mine delivered this week in Australia (been waiting weeks, due to COVID). I’ve actually purchased multiple items from Drop now and have not been disappointed by a single one, with more purchases from them in my shopping pipeline...

[@moondrop_5019]

Hi, regarding to comfort, FDX1 and Moondrop Blessing 2, which is better? I am stuck between these 2. As their price are fairly close.

[@SuperReview]

For me, Blessing 2 with small tips.

[@cxmxc]

Just bought a pair for $130 slowly completing my collection

[@laiwoh5001]

Hi brother I like bass a lot,but I just like quality bass instead of quantity bass like ie300.you think it is suit me?I tried once fd01 bass very tight like wow.

[@SuperReview]

It is very good bass, but fairly light on bass. Some other options if you want good bass + a bit more: Fiio FH3, Moondrop KATO

[@laiwoh5001]

@@SuperReview I have tried Kato it’s not my taste, fh3 never try .oh10 on the way to me now I’m going to seek fdx1 to trying

[@laiwoh5001]

I not sure you believe or not I like the cheapest zs3 the bass a lot

[@Weareonenation303]

Got these in the mail today. You need an amp to run these with the 100% damp filter, it drastically reduces the volume of the FDX1 (Almost unusable off a weak source like a phone or laptop.) The naked nuzzle (No damp.) is a bit shouty but usable, need to try the green filter. Well tuned with the 100% dampening filter on and noticeably more resolving than any other single DD IEM I've tried so far (Fiio FD5 comes reasonably close on resolution but has worse tonality IMO.) FDX1 doesn't sound to me like a typical DD, it sounds like a hybrid IMO. Layering and imaging are just average tho but something I don't really care too much about. Timbre is my biggest nitpick with the FDX1, it doesn't sound natural to me and makes for a rather lifeless presentation when you factor in the lean sound signature of the FDX1 and the noticeable lack of dynamics. Good IEM, but not a set I would recommend to everyone.

[@FireBFM]

Is this a good upgrade? I was using Hifiman re-400 but it broke. I miss the comfort and vocals.

[@SuperReview]

I haven't heard that Hifiman, but the JVC is great.

[@FireBFM]

JVC looks heavy so I have my eyes on Fiio FH3. Will you review them?

[@Weareonenation303]

Been using the FDX1 for a few weeks. This is objectively one of the best single DD IEMs you can get (Well tuned and very resolving to the point of out resolving some BA and hybrid sets I've tried at a similar price point.) but I can't get past the FDX1's somewhat artificial timbre which makes me reach towards my Starfield and DUNU Vernus more often despite both sets having weaker resolution than the FDX1. FDX1 won't work for everyone given it's lean signature and slightly off timbre but it's otherwise pretty impressive.

[@SuperReview]

Cosigned.

[@laiwoh5001]

How to compare fd01 with this thx?I have tried fd01 which good bass for me

[@SuperReview]

I haven't listened to an FD01, but supposedly the FDX1 with the unfiltered nozzles is identical to FD01.

[@slothninja5180]

How do these sound compared to the OH-10?

[@SuperReview]

OH10 is a tasteful V signature with nice extended treble, FDX1 is closer to a bright neutral signature. OH10 is bassier, but I think FDX1 bass is more visceral. Both quite good. My preference is the JVCs.

[@laiwoh5001]

I ordered oh10 and going to get fdx1 soon also the bass.one is v shape one is balance tunings perfect for me

[@LuboAck]

Have you ever listened to Sony EX 1000? I keep them in my collection as a collectible item at this point. It’s also one of the best sounding IEMs that I have. Still regarded as the “best” dynamic driver out there. I know it’s pretty subjective, but that thing to my ears is as precise a surgical knife. Amazing tonality and a very deep reaching but neutral bass. Good stuff! After venturing into multi BA and hybrid iems that cost sometimes over $2k I ended up owning and enjoying more DD that are waaaay more affordable.

[@SuperReview]

No, haven't had a chance to hear EX1000. I'm pretty interested to, though concerned I won't be into the sound -- graphs look pretty intense.

[@lightweed]

Do you have Vsonic GR09, perchance ?

[@spacekook3315]

Has anyone found a site that sells the stock cable that comes with these ? I masking because the rubbing hosing on the cables has somehow gotten loose and exposed the cables, the IEM still sound fine but id feel better if i were able to get the same one from somewhere, thanks

[@SuperReview]

I've looked for spares, couldn't find any. May still be covered by Drop warranty, though.

[@anarkan191]

The way Drop hyped the JVCs as a bass powerhouse with significant impact I really had high hopes when I shelled out $250.00 but I respectfully disagree with your findings about the bass in the JVC FDX1 here, I really wanted to like them specially with their heavy metal casing but no matter what filter I chose, not even the DYI filter rolling alcohol wipe in the default filter could tame the annoying fatiguing treble, which for me was overpowering to the point of being sibilant no matter what tip I used, silicone, foam etc ... even tips with narrower bore. I admit I do have a preference for warm or balanced sound signature but I am not a Bass Head, since it is still possible to have high resolution and accuracy in a treble tamed balance or warm environment. I honestly just don’t get why everyone keep hyping about the bass in the JVC FDX1 when the only focus in FDX1 is healthy dose of treble goodness 🥶

[@SuperReview]

Damn, not satisfied with the bass here? 😳 That sub kick is so dope. Not a lot of bass emphasis, it really is about the weight more than the volume.

[@fieldcar]

Yeah. I waa looking at the FR on drop and it's 5dB under the Harman target from 20-100Hz. I bought the shuoer tape's instead and I like them more than my tin t4's.

[@r0r0r0j]

Not trying to dismiss your opinion but there are some reports of QC issues and some of them have no bass at all: www.head-fi.org/threads/drop-jvc-ha-fdx1-dual-carbon-iem-available-in-the-us.912737/page-33#post-15421198 let's say you got a lemon just like this dude so definitely I can see why you'd disagree strongly.

[@johnellison3173]

I think its the treble issue thats putting me off buying these. Apparently even the 100% dampening foam tip still does not completely eliminate that harsh peak.

[@competitivegamingpakistan]

Should I get these, Etymotic ER4XR or Moondrop Blessing 2?

[@SuperReview]

My personal preference is Blessing 2 = FDX1 > ER4XR. I use Blessing 2 most often because it fits me better than FDX1.

[@competitivegamingpakistan]

Super* Review Thanks for the reply! Would it be okay to go for FDX1 if I prefer wearing IEMs cable-down rather than over-the-ear?

[@SuperReview]

👍

[@YUYU-qv5le]

Jvc are really popular in JP, but not that popular in other countries, Jvc are actually amazing:)

[@YUYU-qv5le]

If you can do some review of their wood series, such as HA-FW 01, it will be awesome!

[@SuperReview]

I've heard a friend's briefly, not long enough to say more than it seemed they had some unique quality to the sound and I liked it, but it did seem slightly ✌️off✌️

[@Jubeihong]

Have some issues for whom? For me are perfect my fd01, each person have different tastes.

[@SuperReview]

Yes.

[@amritkaluri1509]

This isnt a headphone question but what mic do you use?

[@SuperReview]

Nothing special, this one: amzn.to/2v2Q7uK

[@anatol1204]

These or blessing 2 ???

[@SuperReview]

I like Blessing 2.

[@iplaydrunk9979]

this is my main iem's !! beside my fh5

[@SuperReview]

Both got nice bass.

[@OzymandiasAlhazred]

Which is better or what would be the differences??? THANKS!!!

[@BLNKT.]

Do you need an amp to drive these?

[@SuperReview]

No.

[@BLNKT.]

@@SuperReview Thank you!

[@laiwoh5001]

I tried one time ,use good dac drive absolutely better

[@Isaac_L..]

Ever gonna start getting into headphones?

[@SuperReview]

I do headphones occasionally, but harder to store a bunch of them 🙃

[@Isaac_L..]

Makes sense.

[@disastrousemouse]

No squid link?

[@SuperReview]

squig.link/?share=Super_Review_Target,JVC_FDX1_(f000),JVC_FDX1_(f050),JVC_FDX1_(f100)

[@tonyynot484]

What does the box say? Made in china or japan?

[@SuperReview]

Not sure.

[@我スープラ好きなり]

日本の商品を宣伝してくれて ありがとう！😊

[@fazzxides8429]

If the FDX1 and the P1 could have a baby

[@disastrousemouse]

Your opinion on these got me to re-try them again. I got them before I got into Chi-Fi. I had comfort issues then, and also, they were clear, but weirdly emotionally disengaging. This time around, I can appreciate them more, but they still aren’t as engaging as a typical BBGAR-preference. I hear mid-range details I don’t have with other sets. Some songs where I’m used to mid-bass being more prominent (“Summer Girl” by HAIM) don’t have that punch. It was disorienting enough that I did bass sweeps. No, the bass is there, but I don’t feel it the same way.

[@SuperReview]

I've also been listening to these lately, though TBH I think I like them more now than I did then :D

[@disastrousemouse]

@@SuperReview I got some brain burn in after I wrote this, and now I like them quite a lot!

[@disastrousemouse]

Now I wanna track down more IEMs that meet your preferred tuning. So glad I stumbled on this video.

[@sakarivaariskoski7700]

These are coming the mail soon with a hi-rez usb-c DAC, should a be killer portable setup :D

[@SuperReview]

What's the DAC?

[@sakarivaariskoski7700]

@@SuperReview Meizu Hifi Audio Pro, should be sufficient since these are easy to drive. Also I don't want the extra bulk from say dragonfly, even though the sound quality might be slightly better..

[@c12aalris]

That's very expressive 😢😢😢

[@VamseeNunna]

Did you try the 1More Quad Driver?

[@SuperReview]

I have not.

[@VamseeNunna]

@@SuperReview It's got the reputation and the potential to be an endgame IEM in the $130 to $150 range. I would be interested in your thoughts on that one.

[@SuperReview]

Looking at Crinacle's graph, it looks pretty goofy -- massive mid-bass boost and roll off on the sub-bass frequencies, may make it sound pretty V and muddy. crinacle.com/graphs/iems/1more-quad-driver/

[@Weareonenation303]

Quad Drivers are garbageeeeeeeee. Don't believe none of the 1more hype, it's a load of BS.

[@VamseeNunna]

@@SuperReview after listening to other, better IEMs like the Tin T3, I can say the 1More does sound bloated and muddy

[@nightwlf7637]

Plz make a video bluetooth earphones cheap price...

[@SuperReview]

Check this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z33YZnWnhdaeg6M

[@johnbrav9025]

You right, armaturas good for electronic music, clear and fast. Weird to hearing, the k5 is vieled compared to the jvc. And i dont really like the BA based bass driver. Just not enough deep. Sadly this jvc is to expensive..

[@SuperReview]

DD bass is usually better, yeah -- though as more of a mids guy, I can typically accept that with a BA set :D

[@blizzliftie]

5 stars in 2020

[@SuperReview]

✨

[@hetul784]

@@SuperReview that's just 3 stars let me give the remaining 2 🌟🌟

[@SuperReview]

Thank you for the assist 👍

[@hetul784]

@@SuperReview hehe

[@Wingedmagician]

Too bad they don’t make these anymore. It makes no sense why would they discontinue something this popular.

[@SuperReview]

They only sold ~3,000 according to the Drop page. drop.com/buy/drop-jvc-ha-fdx1-dual-carbon-iem

[@nikolaygramchev]

All true, except for the best bass. Great bass but not the best. All other true, according to me.

[@skengasaurus]

It's not a pretty box tho

[@SuperReview]

It's a real plain box.

[@frogyafro]

I still wouldn't buy it. The price is outrageously stupid.

[@SuperReview]

(For you.)

[@frogyafro]

@@SuperReview and for most people.