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.Â
- 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.Â
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
- @Barra – Anthem, AZ
- REVIEWER: @seamon67 – WEST LAFAYETTE, IN
- @solstice15 – Rochester NY
- @toaster – NY, NY
- @darkestred – Denville, NJ
- @tawmizzzz – Somerville, MAÂ
- @bvng3540 – Bothell WA
- @rwelles – Florence, OR
- @koven – Santa Clara CA
- @eTHE2 – Diamond Bar, CA
- @[email protected]Â – San Juan Capistrano, CA
- hamhamhamsta – Santa Ana, CA
- forkofnature – Annapolis, MD
- Towa – Nashville, TN
- uthood – Prosper, TX
- wildcatsare1 – Lexington, KY (HOLD)
Tour Kit 2 – Full Lineup
- @Barra – Anthem, AZ
- REVIEWER: @darmanastartes – Arlington, VA
- REVIEWER: @dbstechtalk – LOGANSPORT IN
- REVIEWER:@ngoshawk – Warrensburg, MO
- REVIEWER: @ahnguyen – Lynnwood, WA
- REVIEWER: @audio in –Â Merced, CA
- REVIEWER: @csglinux –Â Los Angeles, CA
- @wardo783 – Porter Ranch, CA
- @hypermuteki –Â Las Vegas, NV
- @drunkenmunkey –Â Highlands Ranch, CO
- @tybot – Albuquerque, NM
- @rmsanger – South Jordan, UTÂ
- @gnahra – Fort Myers, FL
- @SLC1966 – Utah
- REVIEWER: @audiokeyreviews – Eau Claire, Wisconsin (8/7/21)
- Gc335 – Cumberland, RI
- guani360 – Little Elm, TX
- @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
- Â
Fir Audio US 5×5 IEM Bonus Tour
Tour Kit 3
- Barra – Anthem, AZ
- REVIEWER: Seamon67 – West Lafayette, INÂ
- Towa – Nashville, TN (5/11/21)
- Kadinh – Amarillo, TX
- Barra – Anthem, AZ
Tour Kit 4
- Barra – Anthem, AZ
- REVIEWER: csglinux – Los Angeles, CA
- eTHE2 – Diamond Bar, CA
- Â
Tour Kit 5 (Closed)
- Barra – Anthem, AZ
- REVIEWER: antdroid – Seattle, WA
- Â Wildcatsare1 – Lexington, KY (HOLD)
Tour Kit 6 (Closed)
- Barra – Anthem, AZ
- REVIEWER: Ngoshawk – Warrensburg, MO
- uthood – Prosper, TX
- Barra – Anthem, AZ (HOLD)
Tour Kit 7
- Barra – Anthem, AZ
- REVIEWER: Drunkenmonkey – Highlands Ranch, CO
- Â
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.
- Â 3
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.
My preference is for the full lineup tour kit.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
forgot to mention – only want the 4 and 5.
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.
TOUR Kit 1 (just 4 and 5)
I live in NY, NY and agree to the terms.
Thanks, B.
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.
As a full reviewer, please move me to the front of the line, and I would prefer the whole kit.
Cheers.
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.
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.
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.
You are good to go, however, I will be reaching out to everyone soon to see if I can get some help filling in the account information in each persons account if you would like to help with that. 🙂
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.
REVIEWERS: You will notice that we now have tags on the tour threads next to your avatar that shows your membership status. This way we can see who is a reviewer to get them started first while we finalize the standard tour signups and logistics. Reviewers are not required to review all tour kits that they receive, but to get reviewers first privileges on the tour, they do need to agree in their tour participation request to do a full review as many below have already done.
I am ready to get the review portion of the tour started and will be reaching out by PM.
theodore Lee – Full (I/P),
antdroid – Full,
dbstechtalk – ?,
ngoshawk – Full,
seamon67 – HE
@darmanastartes – Full,
Those that do not have reviewer status but wish to do occasional reviews can PM me to have their status updated. I will be updating those below that are offering a review but are not showing it in there current status assuming that they wish to be updated.
Official Tour Kickoff
We are now officially kicking off the Fir Audio CIEM US tour. The logistics table is updated if you want to check out the order.
LATECOMERS: All latecomers are still welcome, but will not be added first come first serve to the end of the list.
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!
U live in Logansport, IN and would like to participate in the full review experience.
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.
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.
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.
END OF LOGISTICAL SIGN UPs – FIRST COME FIRST SERVE GOING FORWARD
Yes, this includes reviewers. I am breaking my own rules a little bit with late signups given the transition from HEADFI, but going forward for this tour, everyone will be added to the end of the list.
Reviews go first only applies to those that sign up on time during the logistically friendly signup period to be fair to those that have been waiting their turn.
WELCOME TO THE TOUR
Please note that this is a seven day audition, please be ready to ship on day 8 to the next participant. To do so, you will need to reach out to the next two on receipt to ensure that you have a ready participant with an approved address on day 8 to ship. The receipt and the outreach sound be mentioned here in the comments so everyone can follow the tour progress. Also, do not forget to SHIP SIGNATURE REQUIRED.
FYI, I am PMing everyone with a special announcement – stay tuned and make sure that you are being notified of your PMs.
Finally, REVIEWERS – please let me know when you are ready to post your review so we can get it up on our site. My goal is to allow self serve review postings, but I am unsure of everyone’s capabilities currently so we will work through it one by one.
I am looking forward to hearing what everyone thinks so please let us know what is going on and what you are thinking in the comments here – enjoy!
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].
added
Shipped HE kit to next participant
solstice15
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.
added
Received the HE kit today
updated
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!
added
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.
added
Hi, I’m a reviewer and I live in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Please add me to the list.
confirming receipt of m4/m5 from solstice (10.7.20)…all good.
thx!
Added, assuming full kit.
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.
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.
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!
added
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.
Have you contacted Barra with what to do next if the people you have messaged have not replied back?
Yes I have. I am awaiting an answer.
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]
added
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.
added
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
added
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
Added
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
M4/M5 Tour Package mailed out to Halim. Thanks for the great listen!
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?
I live in Prosper, TX and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour.
added
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.
added
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.
added
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!
Perfect. I have been telling people to just post on HEADFI and to send me the link so we can get it copied to AUDIOTIERS ASAP. We have Wildcatsare1 joining us on the review team to assist in posting our reviews to get us caught up so it will not be long. 🙂
I have finished my time with the units and have shipped them to
hypermuteki today. They will be missed.