Cable Comparisons
As always I’ll test how the F1 Pros respond to cable rolling, which will be interesting given their single-driver configuration – I find multi-driver IEMs generally benefit more from cable upgrades.
NiceHCK Blacksoul (USD $50)
Blacksoul is a cable that’s useful for rolling off excessive treble to create a darker sound, though it doesn’t seem to blunt the F1 Pros’ treble terribly much in this somewhat disappointing pairing.
Vocals come forward and dynamics improve slightly, and there’s a bit more note weight. However there’s more upper-midrange presence why may explain why I actually prefer the stock cable’s tonality.
Penon Vocal (USD $69)
In this decent pairing the F1 Pro midrange tonality does improve slightly, perhaps as the result of more midbass being added which also seems to result in slightly better note weight.
The soundstage is a little narrower but a touch deeper, the presentation is a little flatter & less excited, which would be nice for long listening sessions but I do miss the extra treble sparkle of the stock cable.
NiceHCK FirstTouch (USD $89)
FirstTouch tones down the treble down as expected, but also delivers a blacker background that results in sharper imaging & improved midrange resolution – the trait I most associate with this cable.
The soundstage is deeper but slightly narrower, and the overall tonality feels a bit smoother & more natural making this quite a good cable pairing.
Effect Audio Ares S 4 Wire (USD $179)
If you like midbass then Ares S is always a solid bet, so it’s no surprise the F1 Pro’s midbass is boosted which helps make bass feel a bit punchier, and the tonality also becomes a bit earthier & more natural.
Vocals also feel a bit more defined & spotlit against instruments around them, treble feels muted but only slightly and not to the extent it’s reduced by some of the other cables. Soundstage dimensions feel largely unchanged, but on the basis of tonality & bass improvements this is an impressive pairing.
Page 1 – Introduction, Packaging & Ergonomics
Page 2 – Sound Impressions & Technical Performance
Page 3 – IEM Comparisons
Page 4 – Cable Comparisons
Page 5 – Conclusion
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