Comparisons.

FLC 8N vs IE80S.

IE80S has a U shaped signature as a result of enhanced bass and treble (6kHz peak). In terms of tuning capabilities, it only has a bass tuning knob to adjust the sub bass. There is no way to bring the mid-range forward or reduce its 6kHz treble peak. This makes the IE80S not the best IEM for some genres. For example, the vocals sound recessed and the instruments do not sound accurate nor natural. This is purely a fun tuning.

The 8N on the other hand, because of its highly tunable feature, makes it a more versatile IEM than the IE80S. Even with the Green filter which is Med MF & Most HF, the mid-range is not as recessed as on the IE80S. While neither IEMs qualify to be called as accurate sounding IEM, 8N can get close to sounding accurate and has better transparency than the IE80S.

In terms of resolution, both are almost on the same level. One of the greatest strengths of the IE80S is its soundstage. 8N has a similar level of soundstage. But because the stage is not warmed up by the bass, it sounds more open and airy. This also results in better separation on the 8N. So in terms of sound quality, it is not even a contest. 8N takes the win with a comfortable margin.

In terms of physical features, 8N offers better comfort and more isolation. IE80S on the other hand has better build quality, reliability and a better cable.

FLC 8N (Gunmetal, Grey, Gold) vs Simgot EN700 Pro.

While 8N’s signature in the Gunmetal+Grey+Gold combo can be described as warm, balanced and laidback, 700P’s tuning is more neutral-like with a slightly enhanced bass. The bass response on these 2 IEMs are almost similar in the sense that both have similar level of impact and power. But 700P’s bass is warmer. But the overall bass quality is better on the FLC.

8N goes for a laidback sound with a slightly relaxed mids and treble. Whereas 700P goes for a more accurate sound with better presence in the mid-range, particularly in the upper mids and has a slightly brighter treble. There are no filters for 8N that can reproduce this tuning (because the green filter may help bring the treble up, but it relaxes the mid-range further). Due to these differences, 700P is just more transparent in the mid-range and is less forgiving in the treble.

8N has a more spacious soundstage and better overall resolution. As a result, 8N displays better instrument separation. 8N also has a darker background and a more precise imaging than the 700P. Overall, 8N is a bit laidback and musical in nature that you can play some of the poorly recorded tracks and not be punished. While the 700P does have a slightly enhanced bass to inject some fun aspect into the sound, it is still a more serious tuning. Both are balanced sounding and very versatile IEMs. 8N is laidback, whereas the 700N is engaging.

Source Pairings, Sensitivity and Hiss.

The 8N is not a demanding IEM when it comes to power. It just sings even straight out of a smartphone. Any current generation DAPs should have more than enough juice to drive the FLC sufficiently. When I tried the 8N on the Hugo 2 and the desktop amp, there was a nice jump in performance. But there was a slight hiss. But its hiss performance is well within the acceptable standard. Meaning, while it does hiss with sources that are powerful or have a high noise floor, it is hiss free from most portable sources.

As for tonal synergy, as the IEM is already laidback in character, it is better to stay away from sources that have a laidback or a soft sound. Also best to avoid thin sounding sources as it destroys the character of the 8N making the presentation feel empty.

Critical Comments and Suggestions.

• Replace Less Mid & Less HF filter with a Most Mid + Most LF filter
• Build quality and finish could be slightly better
• A more neutral color for the shell would be nice

Conclusion.

The portable audio has seen some accelerated progress over the few years with so many competitors entering the market. With such high competition, in order to survive, let alone succeed, manufacturers have been coming out with really nice products for very competitive prices. So it is not difficult to come across a nice product in the mid-fi segment. But there are some products that stand out from the rest of the competition, as they do things right and offer a little more than that. And FLC 8N is one such gem in the mid-fi realm.

While the signature of the 8N is completely neutral, its signature is not too far from the natural response of a speaker in a room. It is balanced and smooth and is just an easy listen. It may not be the most accurate IEM. But it immerses you in your music with a large stage and a musical signature. You could say, this is the fun sound done right. It may not be suitable for someone looking for accuracy or neutrality. But, if you are in the market for a balanced and smooth sounding IEM in the $500 price range, just get the FLC 8N, choose a filter combo that suits your preference and works for your music and take a break from this hobby.