Introduction
FiR Audio is renowned for its innovation and premium handmade in-ear monitors. Having previously launched groundbreaking products like the Xenon 6, Radon 6, and Krypton 5, FiR Audio now introduces the Electron 12 (e12) IEM. Equipped with a 12mm dynamic driver featuring Tactile Bass and SwapX innovative technology, we delve into this review, also comparing it with the Sennheiser IE 900, Final Audio A8000, and Nightjar Singularity in-ear monitors.
Design and Build Quality
The FiR Audio Electron 12 (e12) boasts a handmade faceplate IEM with an aluminum shell, facilitating bass reverberation and ensuring solid durability. The e12 comes with a SwapX faceplate, allowing users to personalize the appearance. The default blue sea shell design, adorned with the FiR Audio logo on the left and e12 model branding on the right, showcases an innovative and durable shell design.
The premium-quality cable, similar to the Radon 6 cable, features TPE material for flexibility and a soft touch feel. The inner core sleeve is crafted from brown nylon cloth, while metal components such as the audio jack holder, Y-splitter, chin slider, and 2-pin holder are painted in matte black. The package includes a standard round leather case, silicone eartips, and memory foam eartips in S/M/L sizes, providing users with a range of options to customize their listening experience.
Comfort and Fit
The e12's compact shell size, reminiscent of the Frontier series IEM, coupled with a long nozzle design, ensures comfort during extended use. With a personal preference for the stock memory foam eartips, I experienced a perfect fit and optimal sound output during 5-6 hours of continuous use.
Sound Quality
In my immersive experience with the FiR Audio e12, I utilized the Sony ZX-NW 707 digital audio player and Questyle M15 portable DAC. Achieving the optimal fit and a tactile bass encounter, I experimented with various eartips, ultimately finding the stock memory foam to be the most suitable. Prior to diving into the auditory exploration of the FiR Audio Electron 12, I subjected it to a 15-hour burn-in process—an essential step in maximizing its sonic potential. The selection of eartips is a crucial facet in unveiling the e12's potential.
The e12 effortlessly embodies a mildly V-shaped sound profile, featuring a rich interplay of elements. The bass is both tactical and fuller, the midrange exudes a natural and clean tonality, and the treble resonates with crispness, transparency, and intricate details. The overall presentation is characterized by a grand richness, a wide soundstage, and a holographic quality.
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Bass: Renowned for their distinctive bass performance, FiR Audio introduces the groundbreaking "Tactile Bass" technology with the e12. This innovative approach utilizes the entire solid shell to allow the bass to reverberate through, creating a textured and tactile sensation in the low end. The result is a fuller and head-filling bass experience, occasionally inducing a sense of bass vibrations for an immersive touch. Despite the grandeur of the bass, there's a notable cleanliness, avoiding any excess in quantity.
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Midrange: The midrange delivery on the e12 is effortless, maintaining a natural tonality in vocal renditions. Exhibiting a clean and clear sonic profile, the midrange remains unscathed by low frequencies, devoid of any sharpness or vocal strain. The midrange imparts a borderline weight and body, revealing that the e12 isn't merely about unique bass performance but also offers an additive midrange experience.
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Treble: The treble spectrum on the e12 is both crispy and smooth, capturing intricate details with surprising finesse. Despite being a single-driver IEM, the e12 handles treble akin to hybrid driver in-ear monitors. Its transparent and layered treble performance, observed throughout my listening sessions, showcases consistent control, avoiding any sharp or harsh tones. Notably, the treble has a tall and spatial quality, creating an illusion of emanating from the head.
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Soundstage & Imaging: The e12's soundstage impresses with its expansiveness and rounded presentation. Listening to the e12 gives the distinct impression of sitting in front of a grand stage. The accurate sound placement of instruments and vocals contributes to a commendable sense of imaging, allowing for precise pin-pointing of their positions in the audio landscape.
Value and Competition
Priced at Rs.1,64,990 in India, the FiR Audio Electron 12 faces formidable competition in the market, especially considering the scarcity of single dynamic driver in-ear monitors (IEMs) at this price point. Let's delve into a comprehensive comparison with the Sennheiser IE 900, Final Audio A8000, and Nightjar Singularity.
FiR Audio e12 VS Sennheiser IE 900:
Having a sentimental attachment to the IE 900, which I've been using for over a year, I embarked on a sonic journey, starting with the track "Laal Meri Pat" from Coke Studio Season 10: Episode 3 - EP. The IE 900 seemed to struggle with details in background instruments and vocals, lacking a certain weight and body. Switching to the e12 for the same track revealed crystal-clear clarity and effortless auditory immersion.
While the IE 900 offers a relaxed sound from a distance, the e12 boasts bold and immersive sound that surrounds you. In the bass department, both deliver clean and punchy tones, but the e12 stands out with more power and a tactile bass experience, enhancing the pleasure of music sessions. The midrange on the IE 900 is warmer and textured, while the e12 presents a cleaner and more energetic profile. Vocals on the e12 are bold and grand, surpassing the IE 900. In the treble section, the e12 excels, providing detailed and fuller body presentation compared to the IE 900. Despite the IE 900's spacious soundstage, the e12 competes admirably in imaging. Choosing between the two depends on whether you prefer an easy-listening, controlled sound (IE 900) or a grand and richer experience (e12).
FiR Audio e12 VS Final Audio A8000:
Transitioning from the IE 900 to the Final Audio A8000, I noticed the A8000's detailed and fuller sound. However, moving to the e12 revealed a more natural, fuller, and cleaner auditory experience. The e12's bass, enriched by tactile and physical sensations, outshines the A8000. In the midrange, the e12's upper midrange is more aggressive and bold, with smooth and fatigue-free vocals on both earphones. The e12's treble is detailed and musical, showcasing a holographic presentation that distinguishes it from the A8000. Notably, the A8000 offers a wider soundstage, but its harder-to-drive nature contrasts with the e12's ease of use. Choosing between the two hinges on whether you prioritize powerful, tactical bass without compromising on detail (e12) or controlled, deep bass with a wider soundstage (A8000).
FiR Audio e12 VS Nightjar Singularity:
Both the e12 and Nightjar Singularity share similar sound tonality, detailed presentation, and soundstage. The Singularity's bass is deeper and rumblier, while the e12's tactile and physically felt bass provides a more enjoyable and mesmerizing experience. The Singularity excels in a more textured midrange, but the e12's midrange is no less captivating. In the treble section, the e12 stands out with layering and air, setting it apart from the Singularity. Both IEMs offer tough competition, with the e12's bass and physical sound experience distinguishing it from the Singularity. The e12's ease of driving contrasts with the Singularity's power requirement. Opt for the e12 if you seek a lifelike sound experience with the physical feeling of bass, or choose the Nightjar Singularity for deeper bass with a more textured midrange.
In conclusion, each of the four IEMs presents an exceptionally high-quality sonic experience, making it challenging to determine a clear winner or loser. The opinions shared here are subjective, and individual preferences may vary.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Tactical bass | Cable is a bit stiff |
| Clear and natural midrange | |
| Detailed and musical treble | |
| Holographic sound | |
| SwapX Faceplate | |
| Easy to drive | |
| Compact and sturdy IEM shell |
Conclusion
For enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of single dynamic driver in-ear monitors (IEMs) delivering a mild V-shaped sound, the FiR Audio e12 stands as a top contender on your audio journey. Renowned for their tonal excellence and groundbreaking bass performance, FiR Audio has once again showcased their mastery with the e12, crafting an exceptional sounding IEM.
Positioned as an ideal upgrade over well-regarded competitors such as the Sennheiser IE 900, Final Audio A8000, 64 Audio Duo, and 64 Audio Neo, the FiR Audio e12 promises a perfect blend of mild V-shaped acoustics. Throughout my exploration, I couldn't help but marvel at how the e12, equipped with a unique 12mm dynamic driver, emanates a sound reminiscent of multiple driver IEMs. This achievement reflects FiR Audio's profound research and development depth, as evident in the distinct sonic character of the e12.
To all audiophiles, we extend an invitation to visit The Audio Store's Pune experience studio and immerse yourselves in the captivating sounds of the FiR Audio Electron 12. Should you have any queries or require assistance, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or reach out to us via WhatsApp. For the latest updates on personal audiophile products, reviews, and unboxing clips, follow our WhatsApp channel.
Once again, we express our gratitude for joining us on this auditory adventure. Happy listening!
