I purchased the Fearless S8F from Linsoul. You can buy it here too: Fearless S8F
Music I use to test audio here.
Notice: Equipment I used to test the fearless: Fiio M11, Aune B1S Class A amp. This iem is so detailed I was able to pick differences in sources. I didn't like the clinical sound of the M11, I decided to use the B1S to give some warmth. So take that into consideration. Also, this is my first full BA set.
In the box
The s8f comes in an oversized box. It has a very nice presentation, but I can care less about packaging. The following accessories are in the box.
- 1 Cable, 2 pins to 3.5mm trs plug.
- 1 Leather round case
- 1 ear tip holder with various tips. Small, medium, and large. The s8f comes with tips already installed, so you will get 2 mediums.
- 1 cleaning tool.
Fit and finish
The shell is plastic-like material, maybe a special resin. I ordered mine in clear brown, but the custom faceplates can really take it looks to the next level. It has the fearless logo on the left side and the word fearless on the right side. It has a long thick nozzle.
The tips included were the only options available to me since I don’t have tips for that type of nozzle. Luckily, the ones included fit perfectly. It is kind of shallow fit, so it is very comfortable and can be worn for hours without fatigue or hotspots.
The leather case looks of top quality, it looks and smells like real leather. The inside is a swede material, so your s8f is going to be well protected. It can be difficult to open sometimes.
The cable is gorgeous; it is silver, 8 cores. The plug is metal with a matt finish. It feels very sturdy and durable. They also make the splitter and the chin slider of metal with the same finish as the plug. All excellent quality.
Sound
Bass
One of the major concerns I had before getting the fearless s8f was the bass. I was told and read in multiple forums that BA bass is not as good as a dynamic driver; that there will be no slam or extension, etc. Well, I tried it anyway and I am so glad I did. I can tell you the sub-bass in the s8f has good extension, good slam, and clarity I haven’t experienced in any other dynamic driver iem. You won't have the rumble of sub-bass in music with an extremely low end like a pipe organ, but for most music, it is very good. The clarity and tonality you get in the bass make it very musical and very enjoyable, sounds very natural to me. It also takes eq very well, so if you still crave more bass you can boost it and it will deliver. I have to warn you I am no basshead, but I enjoy good bass in the right amounts.
Mids
Low mids sound a bit recessed, but present. It has a mild V shape after all. Instrument separation is superb, but without being disconnected. You can hear all instruments clearly but as a group, cohesive without getting homogenous if that makes sense to you. Vocals are very clear and in front of the mix. From baritones, all the way to sopranos, they sounded right and pristine. This iem is very detailed, so listening to well-recorded music is very satisfying. Articulations, vocal noises, and subtle changes in pitch can be heard clearly. It definitely brings the best out of the good singers and punishes the auto-tuners. If there is music you want to listen to with the s8f is jazz. Heavy vocal jazz is truly an audiophile experience.
Treble
The treble is very crisp, well extended with a nice roll-off and the right dips to avoid getting overly sharp or harsh. However, it can present some sibilances with some tracks. It is very energetic and detailed, I can clearly hear the vibrato from big cymbals, giving me the impression I am right there were the music is happening.
Imaging and soundstage
I will say soundstage is above average for an iem, not to the level of an open back over-ear, but good enough.
Good positional cues in width and depth. I can place instruments on the horizontal plane.
Conclusion
This is my end game for now. It is very comfortable to wear for hours; it is very detailed, has good bass and treble extension and looks gorgeous. I can recommend it to anyone that is considering it. Just buy it.
