Final Audio A4000 IEM Earphones

Final Audio A4000 IEM Earphones

The Final Audio A4000 IEM Earphones represent a significant advancement in sound quality within their price range. They feature a newly designed driver unit called [f-Core DU], which delivers remarkably clear sound. Achieving this level of sound quality required not only new parts but also a complete redesign of production machinery to accommodate the 6mm diameter dynamic driver.

The sound design of the A4000 was conducted based on Final Audio's proprietary sound evaluation method, which was refined during the development of their flagship A8000 model. This method aims to achieve "transparent sound," allowing for clear perception of sound images even at a distance, across various music genres. It represents a significant advancement in sound evaluation techniques, considering various listening conditions that users may encounter.

One of the key innovations in the A4000 is the completely redesigned [f-Core DU] driver unit. This involved the development of new parts and production technologies. For example, the driver unit front housing is made of brass instead of traditional aluminium, offering higher resistance to magnetism and improved sound quality. The voice coil employs an ultrathin CCAW (Copper-Clad Aluminium Wire) to enhance time response, while minimal adhesive usage lightens the moving parts for better performance.

Comfort and fit are paramount in earphone design, and the A4000 excels in this aspect as well. It features a chassis design derived from Final Audio's B Series, ensuring a superior sense of fit without feeling oppressive. This design limits the contact area with the ear, reducing fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the earphones come with ear hooks that incorporate a lock mechanism to reduce cable touch noise, enhancing overall comfort.

The A4000 comes with original ear tips that have a colour difference between the left and right bushes, facilitating easy identification. This ensures a comfortable fit and effective sound insulation. Furthermore, the earphones are accompanied by a silicon carry case for convenient storage and protection.

One intriguing aspect of the A4000 is the phenomenon of aging, where the sound produced by the earphones changes over time with regular use. Final Audio suggests that using the earphones for 150-200 hours under normal conditions can lead to subtle improvements in sound quality. This aging process is influenced by factors such as diaphragm movement and adhesive settling, contributing to a more refined listening experience over time.

Features

• Newly Designed Driver Unit [f-Core DU]
• Advanced Sound Evaluation Method
• Redesigned [f-Core DU] Driver Unit
• Customised Fit
• Dual Silicon Ear Tips
• Convenient Carry Case
• Acknowledgment of Aging

Featuring the completely redesigned [f-Core DU] driver unit, which entails new design, parts and production technology.

In order to achieve sound quality impossible at this price range, we newly developed 6mmφ [f-Core DU] dynamic driver unit from the scratch. To realise the brand new driver, we established new production facility overseas and newly designed not only parts for the driver unit such as diaphragm, voice coil, magnet, magnetic circuits, adhesives, but also the production machinery used in the manufacturing process. As material for the driver front housing, rather than the traditional aluminium, we used brass, a material that is both highly resistant to the effects of magnetism and also boasts a high specific gravity. In order to increase the time response characteristic of the diaphragm, the voice coil employs a 30μ ultrathin CCAW, and a minimum of adhesive is used for assembly to thoroughly lighten the moving parts. Moreover, the diaphragms are neatly pressed in small lots of roughly 1/3 the normal size in order to constrain pressure deviation to a minimum and realise uniform shaped diaphragm with no deformation.

The Feeling of a Customised Fit

Based on the chassis design that serves as an ideal solution for the IEM that become established during development of the B Series, the A4000 realises a superior sense of fit. Whether or not earphones offer a superior sensation of fit is determined by the sensation of oppression. While at first glance it may seem correct to select an ergonomic shape and hold it in place with the elasticity of silicone, this always places pressure on the ear which creates an unwary burden and leads to the accumulation of fatigue. By limiting the area that comes in contact with the ear in contrast to an ergonomic shape that comes in contact with a large area of the ear, this product aims to achieve a sense of fit with no feeling of oppression. The green section of the diagram below (earpiece) is the 1st position, the blue section (Tragus) is the 2nd position, and the pink coloured section (cavity of the concha) is the 3rd position which contribute to the ultimate stability and fitting. For that reason, it is suitable for the ears of many different people. To the extent that there is no feeling of oppression at any of the points of contact, that makes for such a comfortable, superior feeling of a customised earphone fit.

2-Pin connector + original OFC cable

The 2-Pin connector is a high precision part that was developed in-house. The plug employs the highest versatility φ0.78 standard. The cable employs soft, supple coating material designed with consideration to touch noise and bends flexibly when used in conjunction with an ear hook to achieve a good fit.

Ear hooks that alleviate cable touch noise (incorporaties lock mechanism)

An ear hook is effective in reducing touch noise; wearing it when walking dramatically reduces the unpleasant rustling sound that may occur when the cable rubs against the body (cable touch noise). In the past, our company’s ear hooks have characteristically been slimmer than ordinary and virtually indistinguishable from a wire or rosin filled cable, making it so comfortable that it is easy to forget that one is even wearing it. This is the type with an affixed lock (B Type) that is capable of holding the cable firmly in place.

Original ear tips with a colour difference between the left and right bushes.

Two types of silicon differing in rigidity are employed for the sound conduit and for the earbud that comes into contact with the user’s ear. The silicon used for the sound conduit is more rigid than that used for the earbud, and by having groove processing applied to it, combines both strength and flexibility. Soft silicon has been employed for the earbud, making for a comfortable fit and a high level of sound insulation.

One of the bushes is grey, while the other is red; by pulling the earpiece back slightly to check the colour of the bush, it is easy to distinguish between left and right, even in places with subdued lighting. Since the bush colours of neighbouring sizes are different (the grey bushes alternate between dark and light grey; the red bushes alternate between red and pink), it is also easy to distinguish between sizes.

Silicon carry case

With this silicon carry case, the cables can be rolled up and stored easily. The earphones themselves are gently secured using thin dome-shaped silicon covers.

Aging

Aging refers to the phenomenon whereby the sound produced by the earphones changes over time as they are used. There is a small driver unit – what could be called a speaker – inside the earphones; a diaphragm of extremely thin film is attached to this using a coil and an adhesive agent. With aural signals, the diaphragm moves in micronic increments while the coil moves, giving off sound. While it can’t be proven, we believe that in this situation, the adhesive section may possibly influence these infinitesimal movements. Using the product over a set period of time, the diaphragm moves more easily, and sound quality approaches the original design intent. This product has a small aperture, and so an extended period of time is necessary for changes through aging to become indecipherable. In general, if the product is used in a normal way over a period of 150 ~ 200 hours, it should feel that sound has become more subtle. A more favourable outcome can be obtained through aging of the product by listening to the music you normally listen to at a volume you usually listen at, rather than expediting aging through very high volumes or aging through noise. While not an accurate metaphor, when you make unnecessary movements to break in a pair of shoes, you’re bound to cause wrinkles different to those that occur when you walk normally. In the same way, rather than having the diaphragm move unnecessarily, it is better to think that it is more natural to break it in in the environment in which it is used.

There is also a psychological aspect to aging. Buying a new set of earphones, the impression you had of these earphones prior to buying them is by no means set in stone. You’re actually making a relative comparison between these and the earphones that you use on a daily basis. When you buy a new set of earphones and continue to use them for a set period of time, those earphones become the standard. An evaluation of sound quality based on continuing to use them until they become such a standard makes it easier to choose a product that you don’t get tired of over the long term.

Specification

• Product code: FI-A4DPLDN
• Housing: ABS
• Driver: Dynamic driver
• Connector: 2Pin
• Cable: OFC Black cable
• Sensitivity: 100dB/mw
• Impedance: 18Ω
• Weight: 18g
• Cord length: 1.2ｍ

About Final Audio

Final Audio, established in 2007 as a subsidiary of Molex before becoming independent in 2014, specialises in high-end audio earphones and headphones. Renowned for their unique sound quality and design, Final has carved out a distinct niche in the market, both in Japan and abroad. They aim to create products with lasting value, akin to mechanical wristwatches, emphasising design and repairability. As an organisation, Final seeks to engage employees at every level, making every aspect of their work meaningful and interesting.