I've had the impression that JVC never release their high-end IEMs like FW10000 in the US. It's great to get these FW1800 from drop as a legit dealer of JVC. I'd love to see FW10000 being brought in by Drop at some point, but this "dealership" will probbaly not work well, knowing that folks here are looking for discounts instead of full prices.
I'm surpriced by the transparency of the mids/highs. This allows me to pair with the Sony Kimber Kable, which adds a bit thinkness without muddying the sound. The overall performance is a little better than hifiman RE2000 (not as transparent) and Faudio Minor (not as meaty in bass). FW1800 is also way better than audio technica CK2000Ti from all aspects. For those who prefer this flavor, you can argue that FW1800 is more enjoyable and less pericing than the faster Final A8000. On the other hand, Campfire Atlas only shines in bass and cannot keep up with these in any other things. I would say FW1800 is pretty competitive at this price among the dynamic driver IEMs.
I wouldn't recommned this if you only want 1 or 2 IEMs, but I highly recommend it if you are collecting IEMs. The best technical performance (usually people consider it as best value) at this price point still comes from hybrid options. The timbre of these though is unique and worth listerning to.
The review was helpful to me ^. I ended up purchasing it and I love this IEM's warmth, very enjoyable with R&B which is the type of music I listen to mostly.
aleyanhi, may I know how is the high of FW1800? I own FW01 and I found that the high extension is not that well. Overall it is warm and bass and mid are on my taste, just high is not that crystal clear.
evoljeft1992I own FW01, too. FW1800 has more sparkling high than FW01 for sure. I cannot speak to the very top end that much cause I cannot hear 18-20khz anymore, but there is definitely more air between 10-15khz in FW1800. Overall it's a great V-shape tuning that I like.
DareToBethank you for your reply, from your sentence, meaning that FW1800 has more detail retrieval as compared to FW01 right? I love the bass from FW01 but the high from it really bother me, I would consider it for sure. Again, thank you. Have a good day!
evoljeft1992I own FW01 and the Japan only version of FW1800, named FW1500. There is a night and day difference between 1500 and 01. Much more detail and less muddiness and distortion with FW1500. Fully recommended for this price. Paid something like US 600 for it in Japan and it is my favourite IEM ever since. (Wish I could try FW10000 at some point:)
svduffelWhat's target price range? That matters a lot for which one to get.
Just noticed Drop is offering these FW1800 at $399 now - that's a no brainer iem to buy for me.
DareToBeI am still trying to figure out why these are not 'singing to my soul' as I expected.
Trying to drive these direct on my mobile devices, not so good, and I try to avoid max volume.
Will try swapping out the cable next.
citysinzIt could be the included tips
I just completed a review of the FW1800. Here's an excerpt:
Spiral Dots (IEM worn as intended, down)
No bueno for my ears. They would start with a good seat (not seal), but over the span of 5 minutes, walk their way out. To the point of being ready to fall out of my left ear, if I moved around. Sound was bright, vocals lacked depth, with an overpowering, splashy mid-bass.
Foams (worn as intended, down) to the rescue. FW1800 stays firmly seated. With a good seal, the sub bass has come out to play.
LGCiThank You! Was planning to give these another go with tips from the DROP + Etymotic ERX IEMs.
My expectations were high at 'discounted price' of $399 USD, included tips should be good to go out of the box. At current discount to $219 USD, I am wondering if the market agrees.
citysinzJust got mine. At $219 it's a steal. It's much better than the FX1 by a large margin (I have both and have been A/B'ing) and competes well with iems in the $500+ range and higher - it certainly bests anything CA puts out at the kilobuck level. The FW1800 sounds organic, slightly warm signature, but overall balanced in a way that surprised me given its graph, clear, never muddy. Technicalities are great, detail, instrument separation and sound stage are all excellent. Love it.