The Final Audio E1000 was developed with a particular goal in mind: to introduce high-end audio for a low cost. These $29 earphones merge Final Audio’s research from the rest of their E series line, as well as their flagship headphone, the D8000 Pro. They’ve shaped the sound based on psychological research and acoustic research and aim to introduce younger folks into the audiophile world. But how good do they really sound? Today, let’s take a closer look with this Final Audio E1000 Review.
In the Box – Final Audio E1000 Review
-Final Audio E1000 earphones
-Final Audio Eartips (xs, s, m, l, xl)
-documentation
Specifications – Final Audio E1000 Review
-Impedance: 16 ohms
-Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW
-Driver: 6.3 mm, dynamic
-Cable: 1.2 m, OFC
-Weight: 15 g
Design – Final Audio E1000 Review
Look
The Final Audio E1000 earphones have a simple look. They follow a nearly identical shape as the rest of the earphones in the E Series. A small, cylindrical driver housing attaches to a straight, manageable cable. The driver housing, which is made of plastic, sports the light branding of the Final Audio name along the side with the logo on the back.
Fit
Like the other earphones in the E Series, The Final Audio E1000 fits quite simply in the ear. Additionally, its wide arrangement of eartips will help folks with varying ear canal size. The lightness and smallness of the driver housings make everything feel more secure, even when, for example, wearing a hat.
Build
The Final Audio E1000 has a durable 3.5 mm connector. The cable feels tough and sturdy and the driver housings, although made of plastic, feel strong. I get a sense that these could take a little bit of a beating.
Sound – Final Audio E1000 Review
Low Frequencies
The low frequencies of the Final Audio E1000 are even and feel under control. A light, broad boost in the right above the sub frequency region provides a sense of punchiness and depth. Otherwise, the lows feel balanced and relaxed level-wise. As a result, the lows have a sense of naturalness, creating a sense of realism while maintaining good energy.
For example, when I was listening to the song Crash by Against Me!, the kick drum, comes through with a sense of punchiness and power despite its modest level. Additionally, the kick feels realistic and as a result, has a good sense of separation from the low-mids.
Middle Frequencies
The middle frequencies of the Final Audio E1000 have an impressive sense of even thickness. There’s a small, broad boost in the low-mids, providing power to electric guitars, synths, and bass guitars. Additionally, there is another light, broad boost in the high mids. As a result, vocals feel articulate and present.
For example, when I was listening to the song Hungry Ghost by Hurray for the Riff Raff, the bass guitar felt big, yet clear. Additionally, the vocals and their occasional distortion came through a little louder in the mix than normal. The dry guitars felt thick and powerful and I could hear the buzz of the strings sometimes hitting the neck. Additionally, those guitars as well as the keys came felt dynamically active harmonically complex.
High Frequencies
The high frequencies of the Final Audio E1000 have emphasis in areas of the upper treble and upper octave. These boosts balance with cuts in the lower treble. As a result, the high frequencies tilt upward but lack the same sort of realism one will experience with the low end and midrange. Regardless, the high frequencies are mostly aesthetically pleasing and provide both a sense of texture and height.
For example, when I was listening to the song Work by Rihanna, her vocal had a pretty sense air and texture. I could really hear the breath behind and in between her words.I could also hear the occasional distortion when she hit the compressor hard. Additionally, the top part of the high-hat had a sense of emphasis. As a result, it felt a little less thick than normal but had a sense of dainty detail.
Soundstage
The soundstage of the Final Audio E1000 feels balanced and accurate. The sense of width and panning feels accurately spread, with a strong phantom center. Additionally, the sense of height is good, with a clear contrast between the highs of cymbals and the lows of kick drums, for example. The sense of depth is slightly affected by the boost of the high-mids. As a result, many instruments take a step forward that otherwise might give more nuance to the depth. That said, the strong midrange gives room mics and reverbs plenty of room to show themselves. As a result, mixes that use those techniques to create space come through effectively with these earphones.
For example, when I was listening to the song Pacifist’s Lament by Ani DiFranco, the reverby horns contrast dramatically with the closer sounding horns, closer drums, and intimate vocals. Additionally, the vocal feels strongly in the middle, which contrasts well with the panned off guitars, strings, and horns. Lastly, the kick drum and bass guitar feel strongly anchored toward the bottom of the vertical domain. This contrasts well with the airiness of Ani’s vocal, the cymbals, and snare drum.
Overview – Final Audio E1000 Review
Overall the Final Audio E1000 is an amazing value for the price. It will be a great introduction for new audiophiles. Additionally, it is good for anyone looking for a durable, light earphone for portable listening who are on a tight budget.
The Final Audio E1000 is available right here at Audio46: