Fir Audio Tour - M5

Tour: Fir Audio CIEM Lineup, Plus Bonus 5×5 Tour

Out of Nowhere and to the Top

August 2020

The CIEMs in this tour are available for purchase here: https://www.firaudio.com/

While Fir Audio seems to have come out of nowhere and reached the tops of the performance charts overnight, there is a lot of history behind this achievement. The founder, Bogdan Belonozhko, is one of the Belonozhko brothers of 64 Audio fame. He brings with him the knowledge of 64 Audio performance, but with a twist. With his M5, he has created a tribrid CIEM before 64 Audio has come out with theirs. If you have heard any of the stellar 64 Audio products, then you probably have high expectations for the Fir Audio lineup, and based on the reviews I have read, Bogdan has delivered. This is why I reached out to set up a tour so we can all hear them for ourselves.

2/28/21 Update: Great news, we have a Fir Audio bonus tour featuring their new 5×5 hybrid IEM. For those who have not heard about the new release, this is a dynamic bass driver with 4 BA, 2x mid, 1x high, and 1x ultra-high and it is priced at a more affordable $999. We have 5 units coming in so everyone gets to hear it quickly. Please comment below that you would like to join the 5×5 tour and we will add you and ship out soon. Enjoy!

Two Fir Audio Tour Kits

We have arranged for two tour kits to keep our tour moving. However, this time we have two differently complemented tour kits to serve different audiences:

Tour Kit 1 – High-End

This simplified kit only has the two high-end offerings, adapters, and some two-pin cable adapters in addition for those that know they want the best and are looking to roll their favorite cable.

  • M5: RCX cable terminated in 4.4m with round leather case
  • M4: RCX cable terminated in 4.4m with round leather case
  • Balanced Cable Adapters:
    • 4.4m to 3.5m
    • 4.4m to 2.5m
  • Cable Pin Adapters: 1 pair RCX to 2-pin
  • Assorted Tips: Available, but best to work with your own favorites

Tour Kit 2 – Full Lineup

This is the full lineup for those that want to hear it all. However, this kit is missing the 2-pin adapters and has a missing 4.4m to 3.5m adapter that may require some cable swapping.

  • M5: RCX cable terminated in 2.5m with round leather case
  • M4: RCX cable terminated in 4.4m with round leather case
  • M3: RCX cable terminated in 2.5m with round leather case
  • M2: RCX cable terminated in 2.5m with round leather case
  • Balanced Cable Adaptors:
    • 2.5m to 3.5m
    • 2.5m to 4.4m
    • 4.4m to 2.5m
  • Assorted Tips: Available, but best to work with your own favorites

Fir Audio Tour Kickoff Video

Tour Kit Pictures

Barra’s Quick Initial Impressions

The best part of managing tours is getting to hear all the great gear for myself. Here are some brief impressions from what I have heard so far between the tasks required to set up this tour:

  • M5: Nailed it! This is that big bassy sound that i have so been craving. Yes, it rivals my EE LX as the bass king with a different take on bass. My first impressions is WOW as it is that different that my other CIEMs in a good way. The sound stage is huge, with players/instruments huge as if I was there. While this is not as warm of a signature as my LX, it is more intimate and close up for in your face fun. Yet it checks all the boxes for audiophile performance. This reminds me a bit of the A18 with the M20 module, but with better bass and lighter treble. Will be doing a full written and video review on this one so hang tight for comparisons and deeper insights. 
  • M4: The M4 is extremely close to the M5 with more of a treble presence. All the bass is there, but the treble stands out more with more splash, sizzle, and air without ever being harsh. But going back to the M5, it is not missing any of this detail, just not as pronounced and more integrated. This is a great option to save some cash for treble lovers that want that M5 bass.
  • M3: Again, that same bass driver is delivering the goods with a well defined house sound. The M3 is close to the SQ of the M4, but set back a little maybe one section back. While I prefer the M4’s more intimate signature, the M3 is pretty darn close in sound and retains the M4’s larger treble presence.
  • M2: This was my biggest surprise and the greatest value play in the lineup. It has all that bass goodness the rest of the more expensive models boast which makes this lineup so much fun. However, the signature becomes more intimate closer to the M4 than the M3. While I do think that the M4 and M3 have more detailed performance, you would not notice without an A/B sampling as it feels like I am splitting hairs. 
End-to-end all models have that same wonderful bass driver that is very distinctive. The M5 stands out as more refined using the EST top end drivers, but there are many that prefer the BA treble splashiness and could prefer the M4. The M2 is remarkably close in signature to the M4 with a little less detailed presentation and screams value. Don’t just take my word for it, join the tour and see for yourself.
 

Overall, I have to say that we are dealing with another CIEM manufacturer that is continuing to drive the top tier bar even higher. Yet they have carved out a new signature that is unique to the other manufacturer’s offerings that will definitely drive some solid sales. This lineup is a must hear if you are considering a CIEM purchase.

Rules and Responsibilities

Most of our tours are offering 7-day auditions which you are required to ship out to the next participant on day 8. Yes, you pay the shipping to the next participant, but we organize into logistically friendly orders to minimize the shipping expense.

The tour membership rules and responsibilities are described here. The key idea is that we must be communicative to participate and to keep the tour moving and interesting. It is our responsibility to follow these rules and to ensure the ability to ship out on day 8 when our turn is over.

Signing up for the Tour

To sign up for the tour, you must be a verified tour member and have joined our new AUDIOTIERs platform. The membership qualifications and requirements are described here if you are not already a member. Whether a HEADFI tour member that needs to transfer their membership to the new platform or you are a new member looking to apply for tour membership, please follow the instructions in the GETTING STARTED box below. We are now accepting applications from both US and Canadian citizens.

Getting
Started

NEW TOUR MEMBERS: 1) Register, 2) Subscribe, 3) Apply, 4) Join Tours

EXISTING HEADFI TOUR MEMBERS: 1) Register, 2) Subscribe, 3) Join Tours

Tour Signups for Verified Members: If you would like to be part of this tour, please feel free to post your request in the comments below.

Reviewers First Tour: This is a REVIEWERS GO FIRST TOUR, so if you would like to skip to the front of the line, please note that you would like to be a full reviewer in the request as in the sample below:

Sample Signup Request: I live in Anthem, AZ and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to [email protected]. AS A FULL REVIEWER, PLEASE MOVE ME TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE.

Tour Participant Logistics

We have two tour kits to minimize wait and are offering 7-days auditions to each participant. This logistics list is updated as I can to show you were we are in the order with each participant bolded to signify that they received the kit. This is where you will find the next two participants to contact when you receive the kit.

Signup Period: During our signup period, we collect the initial participants and provide them with a logistically friendly portion of the tour. This is the lowest cost portion in terms of shipping. Once this closes, we move to the latecomer portion.

Latecomer Period: Latecomers are welcome to the tour on a first-come, first-serve basis. We will continue taking latecomer requests until we run out of participants or the manufacturer asks us to end the tour.

Fir Audio US Tour Logistics

Tour Kit 1 – High-End

  1. @Barra – Anthem, AZ
  2. REVIEWER: @seamon67 – WEST LAFAYETTE, IN
  3. @solstice15 – Rochester NY
  4. @toaster – NY, NY
  5. @darkestred – Denville, NJ
  6. @tawmizzzz – Somerville, MA 
  7. @bvng3540 – Bothell WA
  8. @rwelles – Florence, OR
  9. @koven – Santa Clara CA
  10. @eTHE2 – Diamond Bar, CA
  11. @[email protected] – San Juan Capistrano, CA
  12. hamhamhamsta – Santa Ana, CA
  13. forkofnature – Annapolis, MD
  14. Towa – Nashville, TN
  15. uthood – Prosper, TX
  16. wildcatsare1 – Lexington, KY (HOLD)

Tour Kit 2 – Full Lineup

  1. @Barra – Anthem, AZ
  2. REVIEWER: @darmanastartes – Arlington, VA
  3. REVIEWER: @dbstechtalk – LOGANSPORT IN
  4. REVIEWER:@ngoshawk – Warrensburg, MO
  5. REVIEWER: @ahnguyen – Lynnwood, WA
  6. REVIEWER: @audio in – Merced, CA
  7. REVIEWER: @csglinux – Los Angeles, CA
  8. @wardo783 – Porter Ranch, CA
  9. @hypermuteki – Las Vegas, NV
  10. @drunkenmunkey – Highlands Ranch, CO
  11. @tybot – Albuquerque, NM
  12. @rmsanger – South Jordan, UT 
  13. @gnahra – Fort Myers, FL
  14. @SLC1966 – Utah
  15. REVIEWER: @audiokeyreviews – Eau Claire, Wisconsin (8/7/21)
  16. Gc335 – Cumberland, RI
  17. guani360 – Little Elm, TX
  18. @blueshound24 – Sioux Falls, SD

Potential Canadian Tour

We are checking participation levels for Canadian tour members. If we get 8 requests, we will move to extend our tour to Canada. If we get 16 requests, we will ask for an additional tour kit to start an additional tour right away. Again, Fir Audio will have to agree, but this should not be an issue if we get the numbers.

  • @gasdoc – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
  •  

Fir Audio US 5×5 IEM Bonus Tour

Tour Kit 3

  1. Barra – Anthem, AZ
  2. REVIEWER: Seamon67 – West Lafayette, IN 
  3. Towa – Nashville, TN (5/11/21)
  4. Kadinh – Amarillo, TX
  5. Barra – Anthem, AZ

Tour Kit 4

  1. Barra – Anthem, AZ
  2. REVIEWER: csglinux – Los Angeles, CA
  3. eTHE2 – Diamond Bar, CA
  4.  

Tour Kit 5 (Closed)

  1. Barra – Anthem, AZ
  2. REVIEWER: antdroid – Seattle, WA
  3.  Wildcatsare1 – Lexington, KY (HOLD)

Tour Kit 6 (Closed)

  1. Barra – Anthem, AZ
  2. REVIEWER: Ngoshawk – Warrensburg, MO
  3. uthood – Prosper, TX
  4. Barra – Anthem, AZ (HOLD)

Tour Kit 7

  1. Barra – Anthem, AZ
  2. REVIEWER: Drunkenmonkey – Highlands Ranch, CO
  3.  

Potential Canadian Tour

We are checking participation levels for Canadian tour members. If we get 8 requests, we will move to extend our tour to Canada. If we get 16 requests, we will ask for an additional tour kit to start an additional tour right away. Again, Fir Audio will have to agree, but this should not be an issue if we get the numbers.

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darmanastartes
darmanastartes(@darmanastartes)
US Tours Reviewer
Reply to  Barra
08/29/2020 4:54 pm

I live in Arlington, VA (DC metropolitan area) and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to [email protected]. AS A FULL REVIEWER, PLEASE MOVE ME TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE.
My preference is for the full lineup tour kit.

Theodore Lee
Theodore Lee
Guest
08/18/2020 3:41 am

I live in Redwood City, CA and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID info and been verified previously. As a reviewer, please move me to the front of the line.

My preference is for the full lineup tour kit.

antdroid
antdroid(@antdroid)
US Tours Reviewer
08/18/2020 3:56 am

I live in Lynnwood, WA (Seattle-area) and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to [email protected]. As a reviewer, please move me to the front of the line.

My preference is for the full lineup tour kit.

Tybot
Tybot(@tybot)
US Tours
08/18/2020 4:02 am

I live in Albuquerque, NM and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to [email protected].

My preference is for the full lineup tour kit.

solstice15
solstice15(@solstice15)
US Tours Reviewer
08/18/2020 4:07 am

I live in Rochester NY and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I will email my required ID verification documentation to [email protected].

My preference is for the high end tour kit.

eTHE2
eTHE2(@ethe2)
Admin
08/18/2020 4:48 am

I live in Diamond Bar, CA and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I will email my required ID verification documentation to [email protected].

My preference is for the high end tour kit.

bvng3540
bvng3540(@bvng3540)
US Tours
08/18/2020 4:53 am

I live in Bothell WA and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I will email my required ID verification documentation to [email protected].

My preference is for the high end tour kit

koven
koven(@koven)
US Tours
08/18/2020 6:59 am

I live in Santa Clara CA and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to [email protected].

My preference is for the high end tour kit.

dbstechtalk
dbstechtalk(@dbstechtalk)
US Tours Reviewer
08/18/2020 9:10 am

I live in Logansport, IN and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to [email protected]. As a reviewer, please move me to the top of the list.

Darkestred
Darkestred(@darkestred)
US Tours
08/18/2020 6:12 pm

I live in Denville, NJ and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. My info should still be on-file and verified.

Darkestred
Darkestred(@darkestred)
US Tours
08/18/2020 6:13 pm

forgot to mention – only want the 4 and 5.

Cscol
Cscol(@cscol)
US Tours
08/18/2020 8:41 pm

I live in San Juan Capistrano, California. I would love to join this tour for the 4 and 5. I will agree to follow all of the terms and conditions of the tour. I’ve been waiting to try these. Thanks for making this possible. My info should still be available from the head-fi forum, as I participated in other tours.

Toaster
Toaster(@toaster)
US Tours
08/19/2020 1:08 pm

TOUR Kit 1 (just 4 and 5)

I live in NY, NY and agree to the terms.

Thanks, B.

ngoshawk
ngoshawk(@ngoshawk)
US Tours Reviewer
08/20/2020 12:55 am

I live in Warrensburg, MO and would like to participate in the tour. I plan on doing a formal, full review as per past tours.

Cheers.

ngoshawk
ngoshawk(@ngoshawk)
US Tours Reviewer
08/20/2020 12:57 am

As a full reviewer, please move me to the front of the line, and I would prefer the whole kit.

Cheers.

seamon67
seamon67(@seamon67)
US Tours Reviewer
08/20/2020 2:32 pm

I live in West Lafayette, IN and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to [email protected]. AS A FULL REVIEWER, PLEASE MOVE ME TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE. I will do a full review of the Fir M5.

My preference is for the high end kit.

wardo783
wardo783(@wardo783)
US Tours
08/20/2020 7:38 pm

I live in Porter Ranch, CA and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. Verification documents submitted for prior tours are still current and accurate. Please notify me if resubmission is required for this new site and future tours.

rwelles
rwelles(@rwelles)
Admin
08/23/2020 6:20 pm

I’m in Florence, OR and would like to participate in the high-end tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have previously submitted my info for the Wraith tour.

I am NOT a reviewer.

Last edited 3 years ago by rwelles
hypermuteki
hypermuteki(@hypermuteki)
US Tours
08/24/2020 10:00 pm

I live in Las Vegas, NV and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to [email protected].

My preference is the full lineup tour kit as long as there is an adapter for 2.5mm to 3.5mm and a cable for 2.5mm so I can use the adapter.

Drunkenmunkey
Drunkenmunkey(@drunkenmunkey)
US Tours Reviewer
08/26/2020 7:21 pm
  • I live in Highlands Ranch, CO and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to [email protected] (and have already been approved)!
  • My preference is for the full lineup tour kit.
tawmizzzz
tawmizzzz(@tawmizzzz)
US Tours
08/29/2020 9:46 pm

I live in Somerville, MA and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to  [email protected].

My preference is for the high-end kit, Tour Kit 1. Thanks!

dbstechtalk
dbstechtalk(@dbstechtalk)
US Tours Reviewer
08/29/2020 10:33 pm

U live in Logansport, IN and would like to participate in the full review experience.

Blueshound24
Blueshound24(@blueshound24)
US Tours
08/30/2020 5:59 pm

Thanks Bill! I live in Sioux Falls, SD and would like to participate in the full lineup kit, TOUR KIT 2.

I agree to follow the terms of the tour and I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to [email protected] and all information is still current and correct.

Audio In
Audio In(@audio-in)
US Tours Reviewer
09/03/2020 9:46 pm

I live in Merced, CA and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to [email protected]. As a reviewer, please move me to the front of the line.
My preference is for the full lineup tour kit.

csglinux
csglinux(@csglinux)
US Tours Reviewer
09/06/2020 12:05 am

I live in Los Angeles, CA and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to [email protected]. AS A FULL REVIEWER, PLEASE MOVE ME TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE.
My preference is for the full lineup tour kit.

Gasdoc
Gasdoc(@gasdoc)
CA Tours
09/11/2020 6:37 am

I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and would like to participate in the Fir Canadian Tour if it goes forward. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have joined AUDIOTIERS, subscribed to the tour announcements, and applied for tour membership.  I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to [email protected].

seamon67
seamon67(@seamon67)
US Tours Reviewer
09/24/2020 4:46 am

Shipped HE kit to next participant  solstice15

rmsanger
rmsanger(@rmsanger)
US Tours
09/24/2020 11:37 pm

Please add me to the tour list for Fir. I live in SLC, UT and would like to participate.

I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to [email protected].

Full lineup kit would be my preference.

solstice15
solstice15(@solstice15)
US Tours Reviewer
09/27/2020 4:43 am

Received the HE kit today

gnahra
gnahra(@gnahra)
US Tours
09/29/2020 6:39 pm

Hi Barra, apologies for being late to the party, but I would love to join this tour.
I live in Fort Myers, FL, and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to [email protected].
My preference is for tour kit #1.
Thanks!

SLC1966
SLC1966(@slc1966)
US Tours Reviewer
10/01/2020 12:07 pm

I live in Utah and agree to the terms. I would like to participate in the Fir high End tour. I have done all the ID documentation.

AUDIOKEYREVIEWS
AUDIOKEYREVIEWS(@audiokeyreviews)
US Tours Reviewer
10/06/2020 10:18 pm

Hi, I’m a reviewer and I live in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Please add me to the list.

Toaster
Toaster(@toaster)
US Tours
Reply to  AUDIOKEYREVIEWS
10/07/2020 7:54 pm

confirming receipt of m4/m5 from solstice (10.7.20)…all good.

thx!

Darkestred
Darkestred(@darkestred)
US Tours
10/14/2020 8:35 pm

I have received the M4 and M5 tour kit from  Toaster. Just making note that both units have some knicks on them. Hopefully, they were like this before the tour started. Otherwise, everything else seems to be in order.

hamhamhamsta
hamhamhamsta(@hamhamhamsta)
US Tours
10/14/2020 9:34 pm

I live in Santa Ana, CA and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to [email protected].

My preference is for the high end tour kit.

bhschap
bhschap(@bhschap)
US Tours
Reply to  hamhamhamsta
10/23/2020 5:53 pm

I live in Orange, CA and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I will email my required ID verification documentation to [email protected].
My preference is for the high end tour kit. Thank you!

ngoshawk
ngoshawk(@ngoshawk)
US Tours Reviewer
11/19/2020 11:47 pm

I am finishing (by tomorrow) with the quartet and will be ready to ship off to the next. Messaging the peeps who follow me has been an unsuccessful endeavor. I really would like to ket the kit sent out Saturday to the next. How shall I proceed? And yes, the quartet are a REAL treat. As I scribe this the M2 plays Dave Matthews through my Dethonray DTR1.

hypermuteki
hypermuteki(@hypermuteki)
US Tours
Reply to  ngoshawk
11/26/2020 11:42 pm

Have you contacted Barra with what to do next if the people you have messaged have not replied back?

ngoshawk
ngoshawk(@ngoshawk)
US Tours Reviewer
Reply to  hypermuteki
11/27/2020 1:19 am

Yes I have. I am awaiting an answer.

hamhamhamsta
hamhamhamsta(@hamhamhamsta)
US Tours
11/20/2020 9:15 am

I live in Santa Ana, CA and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to [email protected]

forkofnature
forkofnature(@forkofnature)
US Tours
11/20/2020 2:55 pm

I live in Annapolis, MD and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I already have emailed my required ID verification documentation to [email protected].

My preference is for the high-end tour kit.

Last edited 3 years ago by forkofnature
Towa
Towa(@towa)
US Tours
11/24/2020 4:20 am

I live in Nashville, TN and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. My membership information is up to date.

My preference is for the high-end tour kit

Gc335
Gc335(@gc335)
US Tours
12/06/2020 3:03 pm

If it’s not too late…. I live in Cumberland, RI and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. My information is on file and up-to-date! Thx

hypermuteki
hypermuteki(@hypermuteki)
US Tours
12/10/2020 7:45 pm

Is the tour on hold? I got iem money burning in my pocket and I don’t know what to buy. I’d like to give these an evaluation

eTHE2
eTHE2(@ethe2)
Admin
12/17/2020 6:33 pm

M4/M5 Tour Package mailed out to Halim. Thanks for the great listen!

csglinux
csglinux(@csglinux)
US Tours Reviewer
01/15/2021 4:48 am

I’m pretty much finished with the M2, M3, M4 & M5 and am ready to ship them on to  wardo783.  wardo783, can you please pm me your mailing address?

uthood
uthood(@uthood)
US Tours
01/28/2021 2:24 am

I live in Prosper, TX and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour.

  • My membership information is up to date.
  • I have applied for membership and have emailed my required ID verification documentation to [email protected].
Wildcatsare1
Wildcatsare1(@wildcatsare1)
Admin
02/02/2021 4:21 am

US your,  Wildcatsare1@gmail.com, Ilive in Lexington, KY, not a reviewer yet, but heading that way, I’m interested in the 4 and the 5.

guani360
guani360(@guani360)
US Tours
02/03/2021 8:31 am

live in Little Elm TX and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I will email my required ID verification documentation to [email protected].
My preference is for the full lineup tour kit.

csglinux
csglinux(@csglinux)
US Tours Reviewer
02/04/2021 9:07 pm

I’m not 100% sure where to post my review, since I’m not able to get it up on AudioTiers right now. As a stop-gap, I got it posted here:

https://www.hypethesonics.com/fir_audio_mini-hype/

TLDR: Bill is right with his ‘to the top’ comment. The M3, M4 and M5 are all absolutely top class. But you do need a very low output-impedance source!

wardo783
wardo783(@wardo783)
US Tours
02/04/2021 11:32 pm

I have finished my time with the units and have shipped them to  hypermuteki today. They will be missed.