Today went to Jaben and demo Roxanne and Fitear 435 and 335DW.
The demo is still equally huge as in Mook. I read from Headfi that the universal will be much smaller. I tried them once in Mook and again today. The experience is quite different. Probably more time was spent and the type of music played.
I used the below 4 tracks.
Glad You Came
Chasing Stars
Eyes on Me
Suteki Da Ne
The below are relative against each other. But I believe if you are coming from low to mid tier IEM, each are already very good on its own.
Putting on the Roxanne, due to its sheer size, its still quite heavy on the ears. The customs on Headfi are much smaller. Fit wise, the demo is not as comforting as the Fitear. (relative) Custom should solve this issue.
SQ wise, I've previously wrote that the treble spike heard on Mook. Today, it doesnt seems to be the case. Probably I've put extra effort in adjusting the earpiece. Playing the former 2 songs, it makes the music very much come alive. The soundstage is very wide (relative) and makes the music very exciting and make me wanna sing and dance along. I believe a concert recording will make it a deeper impression. It matches up with fast pace music and the bass is just amazing. Adjusting the bass to match personal preference is really an added bonus.
Fitting wise, Fitear is still as comforting as I had them during Mook. I find the Fitear 435 more laid back and isnt suited for this type. (relative) If you are coming from a low to mid tier IEM, I think 435 should be suffice. But vs the Roxanne, I still prefer the latter. In terms of making the songs come alive and making it more musical than being a sound recording. In another thread, some said that Roxanne has no fight against Fitear. I really beg to differ. It really depends on where the fight is fought at. And also personal choice of music. 435 really excels in the latter 2 songs, which I find, focus more on vocals and the extended treble (relative). I find 435 has a little resonance in a very good way. This is something not heard in 335DW. For pure vocals, I find 435 is a better choice vs Roxanne. The treble is well controlled and doesnt spike into my head. For 335DW, I find the base is like dropping a big lump into my head vs the Roxanne. I find 335DW vocal is still better than Roxanne, but the bass is not as well implemented. And I feel Roxanne is more alive and exciting IEM vs Fitears.
I remembered in Headfi someone mentioned Roxanne is like riding a horse. I strongly agreed. Fitear 435 is like rowing a boat in zen state.
This is my 2nd audition with Roxanne and the experience is quite different from the first, in a positive way. The 435 also makes a good impression on me vs the Mook experience. The Mook experience just totally CMI. If I could, I'd love to merge 435 into Roxanne. Even if it cost S$3k, I think its worth it.
Really looking forward to my Roxanne when it comes. If there are only 2 end game CIEM, I'll pick up Roxanne and Fitear 435 anytime. Hopefully ONE CIEM to rule them all in the future.
jkjk
