The Fearless S8F was my first purchase from Linsoul and back then (March 2019) the website looked very different. It was my first foray into the detailed segment of the IEMs in general and boy, was I hooked. It is one of my most cherished IEMs, although I have bought more expensive ones later but this is where the journey really started.
Link to product page which has technical specs: https://www.linsoul.com/products/fearlessaudio-s8freedon-s8pro
Unboxing/Packaging: I won't dwell on this one very long because, back when I bought the S8F, it was a "new" IEM and Fearless did not have the fancy box - rather it came in a plain cardboard box. Inside the box there was a black plastic hard case, which housed the IEMs, some tips, a 3.5mm terminated cable, a cleaning tool, a plaque with Fearless certification. That's all one could ask for really, but I have seen Fearless update and really refresh their presentation in the latter parts of 2019 and throughout 2020 when the brand was a staple in the IEM world.
Sound Impressions: Firstly, if you are a detail junkie and if you love highly resolving IEMs, this (was/is) it! However, the caveat is, if you are extremely treble sensitive, I guess this won't be your cup of tea. Now, I will discuss briefly on the separate elements of the SQ.
Treble: This is the highlight of the IEM. The treble is where it truly shines, and really hits the standards (and often outshines some $1000-$1500 IEMs, I'm looking at you EE Zeus). Very detailed with great separation of instruments. However, as pointed out, seldom it could be a bit tad too much (for me). So, if you are looking for a lush, laid-back sound - these are not it. If you want all the micro-details, then this top end does it and in a grand style. It gets a 10/10 from me.
Mids: The midrange has an overall clear presentation. Vocals come out with great clarity and guitar riffs really has the proper bite one would expect from rock tracks. I did not find any sort of veiling which several renown BA IEMs suffer from. A clear 9/10.
Bass: Okay, this I feel is the where I really wished the IEM could have a bit more bass shelf. Although I truly love the IEM, some more midbass presence would really serve well on heavy metal and rock tracks - which predominantly encompasses my library. Don't be misled though. It has great extension. The lows go really low, but it would shine most in well recorded jazz tracks in my finding. But if only a bit more bass could have been thrown in, it would become more of what it already is - an extremely detailed monitor. I'd give it a 7/10.
Resolution, Soundstage and Imaging: The imaging is stellar. It rivals the likes of the IER-M9 which is known for its great instrument placements. I could point out every instrument in David Chesky's Rock Re-imagined album - which btw. I feel everyone should listen to. While the separation and detail was stellar, there was not as much air between instruments that one might find in Campfire Andromeda or Sony IER-M9. Lastly, and most importantly, in the resolution front, this specific IEM really cemented Fearless as a serious player up there with Campfire, Empire Ears, JH Audio - only to name a few.
Concluding Thoughts: As the title suggested, I believe this is a landmark IEM that made the western market took notice of what is happening in the east. If the S8F had started the soccer match at the beginning of 2021, it looks like the Clairvoyance, Monarch and SA6 are bringing the ball to the goal-post to score (or hit it out of the park if you like baseball references). One thing to take notice is, I mentioned the likes of Sony, Empire Ears, Campfire Audio in this short review; which essentially is big praise in my book. If you would ask me to describe the S8F in one sentence, I'd say "It is a closest thing to the Empire Ears Zeus XIV - in fact more refined."
