Fidue A65 In Ear Headphone Review – A Load of Fun for Half a Ton

These days, you could almost pick a number and it would coincide with the model of a Fidue earphone’s name. But along with quantity there remains quality; something that Fidue is obviously keen to preserve in its lineup. The Fidue A65 is certainly in the midst of the budget price category, but stands tall in terms of sound quality.

Pros:

• Decent cable with mic included

• Well rounded, weighty sound

• Good soundstage

Cons:

• Lack of cinch on cable

Design and Appearance

The A65 has sturdy feeling and attractive metal capsules with a brushed copper texture, which looks like someone’s wound some copper wire tightly around them. Not inappropriate, since the A65 is driven by a copper winding-powered dynamic driver for a decent bass sound which starts low! The button/mic cable and jack is much the same as the higher-priced Fidue A73; a good quality rubber coated affair with decent strain reliefs.

As with most of Fidue’s models, there’s a small mic/button remote on the cable but nothing too intrusive for those who do not require it.

Durability and Build quality

The A65 gives the impression of a long-lasting earphone which will be a solid performer for a good long while. Despite its relatively entry-level pricing, the A65 looks as if it can withstand a fair amount of use and abuse; there’s no exterior plastic to be found other than the rubber-like material making up the strain reliefs, making it pleasing in a tactile way too.

Comfort

Comfort shouldn’t be an issue; the Fidue A65 can be worn with the cable down or over the ears depending on the wearer’s preference, and these particular pearls are light and small enough to nestle well in anyone’s shell-like. The cable does lack a cinch (slidey bit) as do many Fidue IEMs, not a deal breaker but some may miss this feature.

Sound isolation

Isolation is fair, this depends of course on how well they fit the individual but isolation is good enough to take the wearer’s mind off of anything which might spoil the fun.

Sound characteristics

Using the Chord Hugo DAC/Amp standard, the Fidue A65 belies its sub £50 position in terms of sound as well as build. The overall impression is one of a fun sound, but not at the expense of refinement.

• Bass

Bass is great on the A65, and that’s great in the older sense of the word too; the quality is punchy and quantity is perfectly balanced. It starts low and provides a solid foundation, but never loses control.

• Mids

Midrange is slightly laid back, but this is not really noticeable since the bass is so nicely controlled. There’s a very nice impression of space in the presentation. Vocals and harmonics seem larger than life in terms of definition and presence without being forced.

• Treble

There is a certain amount of graininess here in terms of clarity, but this doesn’t mean that there’s any roughness or noise. Things are smoothed off slightly so the Fidue A65’s talents are made the most of whilst still keeping a good balance between bass and treble. The overall impression is of an earphone at at least twice the price which this earphone is offered at.

Soundstage and Separation

Another excellent feature is the depth and width of presentation, with the clarity of the midrange stepping in to do its part. Harmonics and their accompanying instruments/parts take a step forward and vie for attention where the listener may not expect them, and it all feels completely natural.

Music genres good for and why

Rock music is one which should be mentioned first as the exceptional midrange is perfect for guitars and vocals. Pop, dance and hip-hop are also well served, with an expansive bass and good detail without any danger of sibilance to get in the way.

Classical fans may miss a little top-end resolution and detail, but the width and harmonics which come through make up for this.

Summary

Fidue’s no stranger to introductions, and they’re certainly presenting a challenge to this reviewer; there’s only so many ways of stating that something is good. If only it was as easy to trawl the English language for original words as Fidue finds talent and fine sound to put in its earphones!

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Intro:

Just when the heat of summer starts to loosen an Englishman’s resolve to keep a upper lip stiff, along comes something to turn it completely to mush, and give the thermostat a good twist to boot.

Fidue’s new A73 shows that IEMs under £100 are facing challenges unthought of until recent times – there’s fierce competition within the fertile £50 – £100 section of the market and it’s getting better all the time.

Design and appearance (e.g. attractiveness, feel)

The A73 is silver to the A83’s gold – literally. Well we’re talking about aluminium in this case, but the A73 bears a striking resemblance to its more expensive stablemate. Designed to fit in the ear ‘monitor style’ with cable trailing down the back of the ear, the A73 is relatively petite with one balanced armature rather than the A83’s two, along with a dynamic driver of course. Both ‘left and ‘right’ capsules are composed of the same translucent red plastic.

The cable is rubber coated with braided or twisted cable within. It has the feel of rubber at least, but does not stick to itself. It’s very well behaved.

Durability & build quality (e.g. cabling, connectors, materials)

Strain reliefs are composed of stout rubber sheaths which match the colour of the ear capsules. The straight jack may not be favoured by some but one gets the feeling that the build is sturdy enough to last very well. The jack, mic/button casing and cable join/Y-split are composed of a ridged cylinder which, along with the rest of the design, puts one in mind of the 1950s; in build quality as well as style. The cable is not of the detachable variety which isn’t unusual for an IEM under £100 but some users prefer them.

Comfort

Everyone’s different of course, but this design should suit everyone except those who really must have the cable dangling straight down from the ears. The small capsule size should be a good fit for all but the tiniest of ears.

Sound isolation

There’s a few eartips to try included in the box, and it is recommended that they be experimented with. I found the change in frequency response can be quite dramatic depending on whether the eartips are right for the ears or not. When a suitable fit is found, sound isolation is fair but not dramatic. Using Comply tips a little bit, and the sound is further enhanced (The Comply 200 range is correct for this model).

Portability

In the box, there’s a a decent case for the Fidue A73, with a near-rigid construstion which will protect the earphones in most scenarios. There is webbing within it so a few alternative tips may be carried without jumping out once the case is opened.

Sound characteristics:

Bass:

Bass is both tight and slightly elevated in volume compared to the midrange; there’s a real power to it which underpins kick drums and bass guitars, for example. It extends low so sub bass is not lost on the listener. There’s a good width to it as well, as there is across all frequencies here. It’s further enhanced by some very clear harmonics coming through from higher up in the frequency spectrum..

Mids:

As above, mid-range is pristine with very subtle details not at all lost on the A73. There’s a wonderful sense of space from vocals with a bit of reverb treatment in the production; it’s really involving, along with the harmonics which creates a real immersive 3D effect. I’ve noticed harmonics on synth basslines that I’ve not come across before – I’d probably be able to pick them out with other IEMs if listening for them, but the Fidue A73 serves them up on a plate.

Treble:

Treble is all there, it’s perhaps a little smoother than some would like but probably hits the mark with most people, without causing the discomfort of an all-too-present brightness. Details are laid bare, but bask in a tuneful glow.

Soundstage & Separation

This is another thing the A73 does really well! As alluded to earlier, the experience is involving and riveting. Soundstage is great for a closed IEM, and is as wide as your sense of disbelief will allow you to grasp! Separation is also excellent, as details are always there to be picked out by the discerning listener. Everything hangs together but individual elements can stand up and be counted at the same time.

Music genres good for and why

The Fidue A73 can do it all, however dance genres can be enhanced very well with the tremendous bass response. Also rap music and pop for the same reasons. Older pop also does very well on the A73 with the clear midrange offering a crisp presentation of tracks which are 50 years old, further enhanced by the clear reproduction of reverb equipment and compressors which were used back in the day.

Pros:

Great quality at this price

Good tuning

Wide soundstage

Sturdy build quality

Cons:

Cable not detachable

Lack of slider on cable

Our video review of the Fidue A73 IEM can be found below, happy viewing.

The post Fidue A73 Hybrid IEM Earphone – Expert Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Verdict

What’s not to like about the Fidue A83? From the unassuming ‘try me’ design to the expansive sound, the A83 could take us down many rabbitholes!

Pros

• Instantly engaging

• Lovely cable

Cons

• Case is a little ungainly

Fidue is another of those makers who are peppering the market with all sorts of models at various pricepoints, and the A83 occupies their top spot just now. Despite sharing its name with a minor road up in Scotland, the Fidue A83 is warm, fast and hardly ever congested. The Fidue A83 can however bring you to ‘The Mull of Kintyre’ if you really want to go that far.

Key Features

The left and right sides are denoted by the blue and red housings of the Fidue A83; they simply beg to be worn and seem to offer a fun experience just by looks alone. Supplied tips are what can be expected for a model in this price category; there’s a good range along with the nearly ubiquitous free Comply foam tips, but don’t differ that much from those given away with budget models. The case is of the chunky ‘Pelican’ style and along with the hard foam winder/storage insert will certainly protect the earphones. The case will not easily fit in the pocket however.

First Impressions

The clear translucent red/blue plastic of the housings is matched by the outer-facing housing part which although metallic-looking, is also plastic. However the overall impression is of a solid and well-built IEM along with the best of them. The cable is the most striking feature; it is braided and is coated to avoid too much friction. It’s nice and loose so tangles are unlikely.

Sound Quality

Far from a neutral sound, the Fidue A83 certainly packs a fun punch with deep and powerful bass when called for, adding weight beneath kick drums and basslines, but steering well clear of midrange bleed. There’s no more bass than dictated by the music. Midrange is clear with a lush hint; space is well preserved and harmonics make instruments shine. Up top, the Fidue A83 is not as rolled off as most universal IEMs but there is no hint of anything which might cause fatigue in the ear. Separation and imaging are very good for an in-ear too.

The A83 is amazingly faithful to your chosen genre; trying these with some 1970s production music, the dynamic compression used is beautifully rendered and makes the bass and midrange really work together. Conversley, with some clean and clear Level 42 from the 1980s, the presentation is as fresh and clean as a new pin. The A83 takes what’s good, and makes it even better.

Summary

The Fidue A83 really are as fun as they look; but don’t let this kid you into thinking they cannot be serious too. Think perhaps of looking in a mirror and actually seeing the person you imagine yourself to be – 10 years younger, spritely and in your best light – it’s the Fidue makeover!

Score – 9.5/10

The Fidue A83 features in our BEST HEADPHONES OF 2015 REVIEW

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