Remember Fischer Audio? Last year I reviewed a handful of their earphones, specifically the Omega Twin, Spark, and Ace. Exactly a year later, Fischer Audio introduces another 3 earphones under the entry-range Totem series. This time round, the earphones are even more affordably priced. The Totem Paco, the priciest of the 3, is just S$38, while the Tipi and Joy are S$28. Does the price reflect the audio quality? You will find out after reading this article.
Totem Paco FE-131
When Fischer Audio informed me of the earphones they want me to review, I requested for the Rose gold model, because I know my wife will like it. And sure enough, she likes it and asked me to give it to her after I was done with the review.
The Totem Paco is so petite and comfortable, it literally disappears into my ears. The design is so minimalistic, even the in-line microphone looks deceivingly plain but is actually clickable to control play and answer calls. Double click skips to the next track and triple-click returns to previous track. The lack of volume buttons may be an inconvenience but it is to maximise compatibility among the various smartphone models. The L-shaped 3.5mm connector is fatter than other earphones, and that is probably going to improve the durability.
Coming to the sound quality, the Totem Paco is bright-sounding with good airiness, rather unforgiving in the treble details. This means tracks with poor treble mix will show up and ruin the experience. Vocals might sound a little metallic, but they are salvaged by the good sound staging that spreads the instrumental details all around my head.
The bass is described as “emotional”, which means expressive. There is nice boom and rumble but not fat and heavy like Sony Extra Bass series. They are definitely not the stars for the Totem Paco, merely offering good supporting role in the audio spectrum.
This earphones play well with instrumental, classical, jazz genres, and other modern track mixes that are not already boosted at the highs. One small undesirable issue is that there is cable rubbing sound (microphonics) that channels to the earbuds.
Rating: 3.2/5
Specs:
Driver diameter: 7 mm
Frequency range: 16-18000 Hz
Sensitivity: 98 dB
Impedance: 16 Ohm
Maximum power input: 50 mW
Cable length: 1.25 m
Jack: 3.5 mm
Microphone: Yes
Colour: Rose Gold, Classic Silver, Forest Green
Totem Tipi FE-112
There are 2 other budget earphones that Fischer Audio passed me at the same time. The Tipi comes with 2 colours: white and black.
The earbuds are coated with matt silicone with shiny silver at the front driver, while the in-line controls are in gloss plastic. The flat cable reduces tangle, further improving the fuss-free experience with these earbuds.
It is interesting to note that Fischer Audio has separated the microphone module from the playback controls, which makes sense because the in-line controls are located at the L-R cable intersection which is too low for the mic to pick-up the voice. Fischer Audio thinks Tipi users make a lot of voice calls, for instance working executives. Unlike the Paco, the Tipi comes with analogue volume slider control which feels smooth, and the 3.5mm connector is the straight type.
Listening to the Tipi, I find that the treble is noticeably veiled with emphasis on the mids area, while the bass is more prominent supported by the stronger mids. Clearly, the Tipi lacks the bright sounding characteristics but consumers who do not like treble-heavy audio, especially when their existing music choices are already treble-heavy, will enjoy the Tipi, which delivers the bass closer to them.
Rating: 2.8/5
Specs:
Driver diameter: 9 mm
Frequency range: 20-20000 Hz
Sensitivity: 94 dB
Impedance: 16 Ohm
Maximum power input: 50 mW
Cable length: 1.25 m
Jack: 3.5 mm
Microphone: Yes
Colour: Black, White
Totem Joy FE-111
The last earphones of the Totem series is the Joy, which comes in black, lime green, and red.
Clearly positioned for a different segment, the Joy looks like a fun earphones to wear compared to Tipi. The cables are the usual round and thin type, the microphone is integrated with the in-line control, different from the Tipi. I suppose Joy is meant for users do not use the earphones much for conversations. Like the Tipi, the Joy has a volume slider which feels tighter to slide.
Another interesting feature on the Joy is the magnetic earbuds that clips together, forming a heart shape. It does nothing other than keeping the earbuds together when storing, as well as looking cute. Valentine’s Day gift potential, perhaps?
There are no L-R markings on the Joy unlike the other Totem models, so how does one tell from the other? According to the descriptions printed on the retail package, the right earbud protrudes while the left earbud recedes at the magnetic area. Come to think of it, this makes it even easier to distinguish rather than looking out for the markings printed on the earbuds.
After listening to Joy, I have come to a personal conclusion that Fischer Audio is segmenting the audio preference just like last year’s Omega trio series. The Paco is like the premium of the 3 with emphasised high and lows, the Tipi is heavy at mids and bass. For Joy, it delivers the clarity of the Paco but is flat on the bass response, making the Joy the earphones suited for listeners who likes their music to be less bassy-sounding.
Rating: 3/5
Specs:
Driver diameter: 9 mm
Frequency range: 20-20000 Hz
Sensitivity: 90 dB
Impedance: 16 Ohm
Maximum power input: 50 mW
Cable length: 1.25 m
Jack: 3.5 mm
Microphone: Yes
Colour: Black, Lime Green, Red
Totem Series 2016: Verdict
There are earphones that are made for audiophiles regardless of price. And there are earphones that are made for fashion regardless of price. Then there are earphones that offers good style, thoughtful design, yet at a price point that make perfect gifts or for casual enjoyment.
The Fischer Audio Totem series will not win critical audio listeners, but given their established brand in the high-end audio industry, the Totem earphones have the looks and adequate quality to bring delight to the user.
Availability and Promotion
The Totem Paco is now available at good retail and electronic stores in Singapore. Highly recommended as thoughtful gifts for this season of giving.
Don’t miss their ongoing promotion: after your purchase of the Totem Paco earphones, follow the steps below to redeem your $5 llaollao voucher:
1) Whatsapp or SMS to 8465 3530 a photo of the original purchase receipt and your details in the following format:
Name <space> NRIC <space> Mailing Address
2) The voucher will be mailed to your address.
3) Enjoy your llaollao yogurt!
Promotion ends 31st December.
Official product website: http://fischeraudio.com.sg/FischerAudioAsia/Earphones/Earphones_Series.jsp?Category=Earphones&Type=In-Ear&Series=Totem
Official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FischerAudioAPAC/
