After the previous article I wrote introducing Fischer Audio (FA), I am back with a review of a new product series. The Omega Series are the first earphones that FA designed specifically for Asia market.
The ear-loop design caters to consumers who engages in active lifestyle but do not require high IPX rating. The malleable memory cable lets you loop the earphones behind the ear for the desired shape and form. The Omega earphones are great for a run as they do not fall off your ears even if you accidentally tug the cables.
The earbuds are also angled so that the drivers lay within the ear cavity and do not protrude out. All earphones come with in-line microphone and button to let you answer phone calls.
Fitting the Earbuds
It is important to get a good fit on the earbuds, or else you will experience a totally different sound balance, where the bass may be flat, or the treble may lack clarity. I find the foam tips give me the most consistent quality due to the conforming seal, but they are the easiest to soil and spoil. If you happen to be visiting any stores to test the in-ear phones, please make sure you use the right size earbuds.
Now that you know about the importance of earbuds, let me dive into each of the earphones.
Omega Ace (FE-301)
The Omega Ace is tuned for bass lovers and people who do not like sharp treble tones. The vocals and treble are not bright at low volumes but when turning the volume up, the vocals are balanced enough against the strong bass. The higher treble frequencies are there to offer some presence but you are probably not interested in them.
I find myself enjoying Omega Ace at higher volumes, when all I wanted was the bass groove beating in my ears to push me on during workouts, while the treble is not piercing.
Driver diameter: 9 mm
Frequency range: 20 – 22 000 Hz
Sensitivity: 88 dB
Impedance: 16 Ohm
Maximum power input: 50 mW
Cable length: 1.2 m
Audio Jack: 3.5 mm
Microphone: Yes
Colour: Transparent Black
Omega Spark (FE-321)
The Omega Spark is tuned for listeners who love bright clear sounds. Where the Ace lacks in the treble tone, the Spark delivers. Despite tuned for treble sparkle, the bass is not weak. Once you get a good seal with your earbuds, the tight bass sound will satisfy listeners who have no particular demands for bass levels. I enjoy listening to instrumental music with Spark.
Since the emphasis of the Omega Spark is on the treble, the highs may sound somewhat thin and lack tonal control if the source recordings are already very bright-sounding, especially brass instruments and hi-hats. If your music tracks often lacks clarity, then you should get Spark.
The Spark is also the most prominent-looking among the Omega series: its cable is red and the earbuds are so small that you almost can’t see them once you fit snugly into your ear canals.
Driver diameter: 7 mm
Frequency range: 20 – 22 000 Hz
Sensitivity: 95 dB
Impedance: 16 Ohm
Maximum power input: 50 mW
Cable length: 1.2 m
Audio Jack: 3.5 mm
Microphone: Yes
Colour: Transparent Red
Omega Twin (FE-351)
From top: Omega Twin, Ace and Spark
The Omega Twin, as the name suggests, comes with 2 dynamic speaker drivers. One driver takes care of highs and mids, and the other driver is dedicated for bass. The overall sound characteristics may appear to be similar to Ace (both even shares similar product colour) but careful listeners will pick up more audio details. The vocal range remains warm and not sparkling, while the bass pumps with such tonal clarity that I can actually hear the notes instead of just a mass of boomy sounds. Despite the less-transparent highs, they sound detailed and definitely not muffled, so when you turn up the volume, the treble will come to you.
Driver diameter: 9 and 7 mm
Frequency range: 20 – 22 000 Hz
Sensitivity: 95 dB
Impedance: 10 Ohm
Maximum power input: 50 mW
Cable length: 1.2 m
Audio Jack: 3.5 mm
Microphone: Yes
Colour: Transparent Black
Verdict
Overall impression I get from Fischer Audio Omega earphones is that they are created by audio engineers who know what sound they want to deliver out of each model. When I reviewed the earphones and read the product website, I see that the sound characteristics are accurately described for the respective models: warm, punchy, crystal clear, bright, etc.
The packaging is attractive, the opening flap allows would-be buyer to get a good look at the product. The earphones come with a generous set of accessories that includes a hard durable case, 3 pairs of single flange silicone ear tips (S/M/L), 1 set of double flange silicone ear tips (M), 1 set of premium foam tips and a shirt clip. Very generous and thoughtful for earphones that sell below S$100.
Which one should I get?
If you love bright sounding music, you gotta go for Spark. If you are a meticulous listener who fancies detailed bass and balanced treble, go for Twin. If you enjoy music at high volumes, the Ace offers powerful sound without hurting your ears.
If you want bright treble and detailed bass, well, you might want to consider the Dubliz. I personally prefer Dubliz (my review here), but they cost above S$100.
The Omega series earphones are available at many electronic stores in Singapore (link). You may visit the product website for more photos and details.
Suggested retail prices:
Omega Ace (FE-301) : S$68
Omega Spark (FE-321) : S$78
Omega Twin (FE-351 Dual drivers) : S$98
