Review - Custom Art - FIBAE Black
Website - Custom Art
Specifications
- Single proprietary Balanced Armature
- Pressure Optimizing Design (P.O.D.)
- Flat Impedance technology (FIBAE)
- 108.5dB @1kHz @0.1V
- 5.2 Ohm @1kHz (+-0.8 Ohm 10Hz-20kHz)
- Low % THD
- 10-16000 Hz (+-10dB into IEC 60318-4 coupler)
- 3D printed acrylic shell
Available in Custom
or Universal fit.
Price: Starting
from €450.
The FIBAE Black arrives
in a very simple and plain black carton box with no info on the outside. Inside
there is a Pelican 1010 Micro case where the earphones are securely stored, an
extra small zipper case, a wax cleaning pick tool, drying pellet, and for the
universal version, 4 sets of silicone tips, 3 single flanges and 1 double
flange. The box is definitely nothing inspiring and you may find a more premium
unboxing presentation on much affordable universal IEMs; still, it is just a
box so nothing to care much about as long as package arrives safely to the
customer. However, for a universal fit model, a wider and better array of ear
tips could have been included, especially when the different tips can play a
critical role not just in fit or comfort but mainly in giving the optimal sonic
results.
Design
The shells on the
universal Custom Art models are now 3D printed. They are made of acrylic
material like the custom versions and previous universal fit which I have on
the Fibae 3 since last year. Build quality is very good as what plastic
materials go; the shells are thick and look solid enough. Also, despite the 3D
printing the finish is very nice and smooth. These are on a higher level in
terms of quality and finish over something like the Brainwavz 3D printed IEMs, which
is logical considering the price difference.
The shape still
resembles that of a custom IEM but compared to the previous Custom Art
universal they have now a more standard fit as a universal. The universal Fibae
3 has a more custom-like rounded shape on the inner part that sit more
ergonomically on the ear area, while the Black is flatter with wider nozzle
base. The change of the nozzle is a noticeable improvement as it now holds better
the different ear tips giving more flexibility when doing some essential tip
rolling for best sound results.
As for the shell
customization options, the Black IEM series, both universal and custom, are
limited to a black color inner part so only the outer faceplate design is open
to the customers' preference. Nevertheless, the all piano black theme looks
very cool and there are nice faceplate options to choose from the Custom Art
site or use a personal artwork. I only chose the artwork and let the color
options to the company team to decide and should say they made a very nice
design. It is hard to get in on a photo but on a close look you may see there
is some depth within the artwork and color design.
Fit is very natural as
for over-ear wearing style and with the nozzle length and right tips the Fibae
Black provides a deep fit into the ear canal. Depending on the ear tips used
the fit can be flush with a low profile around the ears. Comfort is excellent
too and the seal is usually very good. However, getting the best tips is very
important here, not only for best fit but more for optimal sound results.
Personally, I had to discard the included ones and opted for wider dual flange
silicone tips and also the Dunu/Sony tips (aka 'hybrids'); Spinfit work too if
you can find the new shorter versions. Like with the Fibae 3, the isolation is
also very good being a sealed shell and an ergonomic shape that fills a wide
area of the outer ear.
The cable is a new one
with silver-plated copper wire. It is a nice improvement over the previous
cables used on Custom Art earphones that were the standard ones found on
different CIEM manufactures with three twisted strands on the lower half and two
on the right and left sides. Instead, the cable is made of two separated
strands from the jack up to the 2-pin connectors, stick together on the lower
half and then divided to each channel. On a closer look each strand holds two
thin wires that are softly twisted and well covered by the outer cable sheath.
The cable itself is more comfortable to use and holds very low noise. It is
terminated in a standard 3.5mm stereo angled plug with a round y-split and
similar round piece that acts as slider, and on the top, there is a fixed
memory wire. For the universal fit it is only possible to choose a 2-pin
connection (0.78mm), with or without remote, while the custom fit allows MMCX
plugs. 2-pin is still the more recommended option for detachable cables as they
prove to be more durable and reliable over the time.
Sound Quality
Main gears used:
Custom Art Fibae 3, iBasso IT04, FLC 8N, Dunu DK-3001,
final E5000.
iBasso DX120, HiBy R6 Pro, Fiio M6, Lotoo Pico.
For the new model Custom
Art opted for a single Balanced Armature, which can sound surprising with all
the multi BA and hybrids IEMs that are so popular and get so much attention
nowadays. However, multi drivers' sets are not always safe from having known
issues on impedance, drivers' mismatch and coherence, crossover, etc. That's no
to say that single drivers are a better option, especially when referring to a
small single armature driver for a full range frequency response as there're
limitations in extension and power.
Nonetheless, here with
the Fibae Black, Custom Art really made an excellent work and the Black IEM not
only holds the strengths of a single BA unit but is also capable to compete
with multi drivers sets with a well extended and very full sound presentation. The
sound is nothing to be called neutral, linear or reference tuned, and probably
won't be referring to it as completely 'balanced'. Rather, it is colored with a
bit midrange forward presentation which is very rich, smooth, engaging and very
musical. As the name might suggest, the Black has a slightly dark and warm overall
tonality with a full bass response, well weighted notes, laid-back highs and yet
a still solid strong detail retrieval and accuracy typical of a good sounding
armature driver.
The bass strikes with a
strong impact and quite surprising for a single balanced armature. It is full
bodied and well textured with a bit more emphasis on the mid and upper region
but still capable of showing an impressive sub-bass reach. Quantity is
definitely more than just 'north of neutral' though still won't deliver a true
heavy-bass amount; it doesn't seem to be due the driver limitations but rather
the own tuning of the IEM. In fact, the is plenty bass in quantity and power
rivaling some good sounding hybrids and multi-BA sets, and just falls a tad
short in pure sub-bass extension and sheer rumble. Quality is just as good,
showing the usual capabilities of a balanced armature on speed, control, accuracy
and detail. The Fibae Black is not aggressive but it is fast in attack with very
natural decay. It is well balanced between sub and mid-bass response, well
defined and very good in dynamics and layering.
The midrange is still
the main focus on the Fibae Black. The bass transition to the lower mids is
linear and smooth leaving a very clean response. The midrange balance is well
done, though it usually goes a little bit more towards the lower mids (some
tips may help to adjust this a bit, though). The mid-centered tuning holds a
warm tonality with a fluid and very rich texture. It is sweet and articulated
with a very strong sense of musicality that sounds so immersive. The separation
is neat and instruments are presented with good weight and coherent positioning;
the preference still goes to lower instruments that sound fuller as the upper
ones are smoother and more laid-back in nature. The midrange is not to be
called 'transparent' on the Black, though it does show a subtle technical
transparency when paired with different sources. A warmer player will give a
thicker lower midrange and even darker tonality overall to the point of
sounding more off and veiled, but if paired with a brighter or detailed
oriented source then the midrange gains a better balance with more engaging and
energetic upper midrange. Vocals are particularly very nice on the Fibae Black,
a bit more forward on the whole presentation leaving instruments on a half
plane behind, very sweet and full bodied. They are very articulated, not too
thick as to blur the sound but yes have a delicate and beautiful texture with
nothing of sibilance to be found on them.
The treble is more
laid-back and completely smooth with no peaks that could be noticed. The
extension is still very decent without a serious early roll-off. While the
tonality is a tad dark there is still good quality on the highs. The detail is
present and not difficult to perceive, it is just not too forward to catch the
listener's attention. If there is some energy then it is more present on the
lower treble region, but overall sparkle is moderate in amount; guitars
definitely have more bite and cymbals more crash and light than what the Fibae
Black IEM can show. There is some air missing too, though doesn't sound
particularly congested and it always remains inoffensive, relaxed and very
forgiving.
Despite the mid-centered
signature the presentation is larger than average and very coherent. While it
tends to put vocals on the front stage it is not missing in stage dimensions. With
a center image it is well rounded and also quite spacious. It doesn't have a
too sharp right and left distance and won't sound too open and airy, but it
shows good depth and very decent width. However, where the Black IEM truly
stands is in resolution, and it is higher than the price would suggest, not
just for a single BA, but simply as an in-ear monitor set. Cannot say it can rival
top tier universal IEMs at $1K+ range, not because it couldn't but simply
because I yet have to listen to some of those to give a fair comparison, but it
the Fibae Black is quite remarkable. It surely sounds too good resembling more
a large dynamic driver than just a small micro driver.
Comparisons:
A comparison versus another
IEM from Custom Art like the Fibae 3 wouldn't make much sense, simply because
they were both tuned completely different, but just should be mentioned as
another offer from the company. The Fibae 3 which I had for around a year (and
on the previous universal shell) carries a three BA drivers' configuration with
a more treble and high detail oriented tuning. The Fibae 3 sound is more
spacious, open and airier with impressive micro detail and high treble control.
The bass is much lighter in body without the mass and impact the darker Black
offers. Soundstage is wider on the Fibae 3 when paired with a higher player
like the Hiby R6 Pro, while the Black hits with more depth and massive bass
impact. The midrange detail goes for the Fibae 3 that sounds more effortless
too, but in musical presentation the Black wins with a much fuller and sweeter texture,
excelling in the vocals performance. They both still share some transparency
when pairing with different sources, though the Black is more forgiving, while
the Fibae 3 can be more picky, especially on the treble performance requiring a
more resolving DAP to truly shine, like the iBasso DX120 or Hiby R6 Pro.
On the other hand, a
more relevant comparison should be against the iBasso IT04. Yes, it is a single
balanced armature versus a 4-driver hybrid IEM which contains a large 10mm
dynamic graphene driver and 3 BA Knowles units, and even so the Fibae Black
holds its ground pretty well and shines in certain areas over the IT04 (while
the IT04 still has its own strengths).
Before the sound comparison,
in terms of design both are made of plastic materials though seem to be of
different type. Build quality appears to be close, although it's hard to
comment on durability for the Fibae Black after roughly a month of use versus
the IT04 which already has more than half a year of regular listening. On the
shape of the shells they are much different for universal models; the IT04 with
is large and very custom-like form factor, while the new Fibae shell has now a
more universal fit. This is also reflected in fit and comfort as the IT04 can
be a bit of a challenge for smaller ears to achieve the best fit and can still
present some comfort issues after some use. The Fibae is not just more compact
but also offers a more relaxed yet secure fit with a similar level of
isolation.
Now, as for the sound, in
pure quality both sets perform at a similar level for what could be called 'mid-tier'
category. Bass is similar, both having a strong presence and powerful impact,
great layering and dynamics. The IT04 with the graphene driver used for lows is
more even between sub and mid-bass, while the Fibae gives a slight more
emphasis in mid-bass kick. As could be expected for a balance armature, speed
goes for the Fibae with faster attack and more precision, and while extension
is surprisingly very close, the IT04 may handle a little more reach and bit
more natural, slower decay (and mainly if used in balanced mode). Lower
midrange is very similar both having a full and bit thick texture with some
warm tonality, but they differ more in upper midrange where the Fibae remains
very smooth and rich, and the iBasso is more neutral and brighter. Vocals are a
sweeter and more forward on the Fibae and the IT04 has more balance and air
with sharper instruments separation; more energy on upper instruments and more
edgy female vocals, but also leaner next to the Fibae. Treble remains always
smooth and rather linear on the Fibae Black, very inoffensive in next to the
extra energy and crispiness the IT04 offers. While detail is more obvious due
the more treble presence of the IT04, the more laid-back Black IEM is capable
to show a same quality if not a bit more of detail. Extension is technically
very similar, and regardless the IT04 having a dedicated BA unit (single or dual),
the resolution is still higher on the Fibae with a more coherent centered image,
even just from its standard 3.5mm cable over the 2.5mm balanced sound of the
iBasso, and that says a lot.
Value
The Custom Art FIBAE
Black turns out to be a very capable in-ear monitor. The new 3D printed
shells are well built and prove to be very ergonomic, comfortable for long
listening times and also well isolating for everyday use. If there is anything
to point out on the design it would just be the limited customization to
faceplates alone, and even that is being too picky only because it arrives from
a custom-IEM company. You still get the all piano black shell which looks
rather classy and beautiful artwork designs to choose. The ear tips selection
is too minimal and the included ones may not bring the best sound out of the
earphones, so be ready to get some extra.
In terms of sound it is quite
impressive. The small single armature driver inside tuned with a slight
mid-centered signature is also powerful, engaging and very musical, yet
accurate, fast and precise. The final tuning may not appeal to everyone as it
goes very smooth and forgiving; those looking for pure detail and more energy
should consider the triple driver Fibae 3 as an option. However, the midrange
is very sweet and immersive, and the resolution is really good for the price.
