- Disclaimer
- Recommended for people like this
- Overview of FAudio Dark Sky
- Features of FAudio Dark Sky
- New Challenges, New Traditions - FAudio's New Flagship Model Challenges a New Generation
- Newly developed double-layer diaphragm structure
- Triple Built-in Acoustic Chamber Structure (T.B.A.C.)
- S.S.S." cable, a dedicated cable that matches the color of the enclosure
- "FA Premium+ EarTips" improved proprietary ear tips
- package
- Build quality
- Fit
- Sound quality
- Sound quality features
- General comment
- Purchase link
Disclaimer
- This review is based on "private purchases" or "items rented for a consideration".
- No remuneration or compensation, such as a manuscript fee, has been received for publishing this, and it is an honest evaluation based on measurement data from personal testing and personal opinion.
- Please read the privacy policy of this website.
Recommended for people like this
- Vocal-oriented people
- People who value resolution
- Design oriented
- Those who focus on packaging
Overview of FAudio Dark Sky
This review will give an overview of FAudio Dark Sky. A complete review of this product can be found here.
audio-sound Score
- Total Score: 9.3 / 10.0
- Package: 9.5 / 10.0
- Build quality: 9.0 / 10.0
- Fitment: 8.0 / 10.0
- High range: 8.5 / 10.0
- Mid range: 9.5 / 10.0
- Low range: 9.0 / 10.0
- Less distortion: 9.5 / 10.0
- Cost performance bonus: 11.5 / 10.0
- Want to see the score ranking? Click here!
Basic Specifications
- Frequency response: 15Hz to 38kHz
- Impedance: 24Ω
- Sensitivity: 114dB
- Connector: 0.78mm 2pin
Features of FAudio Dark Sky
FAudio, the Leader in Custom IEMs, Launches New Generation Flagship Universal Model "Dark Sky"
Newly developed dynamic driver produces the highest resolution sound in its class
Dark Sky continues the legacy of dynamic drivers, but with more open, high-resolution detail, low-frequency clarity, and a vast soundstage. The fiber material used in the vibrating plate is a high-frequency, low-frequency, low-pass filter. The D.L.C. coated diaphragm provides better extension in the high frequencies and improved detail expression, as well as a wider soundstage and better resolution. Dark Sky comes with an exclusive cable "S.S.S." in a color that matches the color of the chassis. Three types of conductors are used: silver alloy, German pure silver, and gold-plated silver alloy. A 2.5mm plug is used. By using the included conversion connector, output at 3.5mm or 4.4mm is also supported.
New Challenges, New Traditions - FAudio's New Flagship Model Challenges a New Generation
Dark Sky's sound design concept was "to create a sound far superior to Major", which was our sole goal. 2017's Major was launched with the goal of "producing the best sound with a single dynamic driver" and was hailed as a masterpiece around the world. However, the diaphragm coating technology at the time was not sufficient to achieve 100% of the sound we wanted, and although Major was a reach, we were not satisfied with its sound performance. Dark Sky marks the beginning of a new generation, a new challenge for FAudio, and a new musical experience that will change the image of dynamic drivers.
Newly developed double-layer diaphragm structure
Dark Sky employs a newly developed 10.2mm double-layer dynamic driver. Two diaphragms with different characteristics, one made of fiber material and the other coated with D.L.C., are arranged in a double-layer structure. The diaphragm made of fiber material is extremely responsive and delivers tight low frequencies with a fast rise and mellow vocals, while the D.L.C. coated diaphragm has better extension in the high frequency range and improved detail expression, resulting in a wider sound field and higher resolution. This results in greater low-frequency clarity and a more open soundstage.
Triple Built-in Acoustic Chamber Structure (T.B.A.C.)
The structure of the earphone housing, which is the key to driver tuning, is calculated with the same precision as an enclosure in a speaker. The robust aluminum alloy earphone enclosure contains three acoustic chambers that are responsible for driver tuning. 2 acoustic chambers optimize the volume of the housing and control the airflow inside the earphone enclosure, thereby enhancing the potential of the dynamic drivers installed in the earphones. The two acoustic chambers optimize the volume of the housing and control the airflow within the earphone housing to bring out the full potential of the dynamic drivers. The dynamic drivers, whose operation is exquisitely controlled, reproduce the full range of frequencies from low to high, resulting in a great sound. The final acoustic chamber is used in the sound tube to control the air pressure on the eardrums and the driver, thereby improving the resolution of low frequencies.
S.S.S." cable, a dedicated cable that matches the color of the enclosure
Dark Sky comes with a special cable "S.S.S." in a color that matches the color of the enclosure. Three types of conductors are used: silver alloy, German-made sterling silver, and gold-plated silver alloy; high-grade solder was selected to match Dark Sky's hifi sound. Each part is CNC-machined for a beautiful appearance with no joints. The cable jacket is made of soft PVC. This material is easy to handle and does not tangle easily. A 2.5mm plug is used. By using the included conversion connector, 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs are also supported.
"FA Premium+ EarTips" improved proprietary ear tips
FA Premium+ EarTips, which are improved versions of our proprietary FA Vocal and FA Instrument ear tips, are included. The newly adopted silicone material is highly flexible and reduces sound reflection in the ear tips compared to conventional ear tips, resulting in more accurate sound. The improved softness also reduces strain on the ear and greatly improves listening comfort. "FA Vocal+" reproduces vocal lines more clearly, while "FA Instrument+" focuses on instrumental sounds, reproducing tighter low frequencies and more vivid instrumental sounds.
package
The package meets the price standard. Contents are diverse and extremely gorgeous.
Package contents
- FAudio Dark Sky
- Eartips
- Silicon Cover for Earphone
- Earphone cover pouch
- Interchangeable earphone plug adapter (4.4mm/3.5mm)
- Carrying pouch
- Cleaning tool
- Manuals
Build quality
Build quality meets the price standard.
Fit
The fit is good. The contact with the ear is a little hard, so it may hurt a little if worn for a long time.
Sound quality
REW Frequency Response
audio status
Sound quality description
In this review, I use the standard eartips size L and drive it with the FiiO M15.
FAudio Dark Sky is a near-neutral, midrange-full sound signature.
Please see here for detailed reviews on sound quality.
Lows / Bass
The low end of the FAudio Dark Sky is rather deep and linear, but given the price, I honestly wish it had a little more depth.
The bass drum is thick and not bad in terms of weight, but the rumble is also adequate, but the sinkage is not enough for a high-end product.
The electric bass is also not bad in blackness and is quite deep, but still lacks a bit more of a ringing feel and sounds a bit bright.
The bass is not bad, but I don't think it's the kind of sound you'd pay $1000+ to hear.
Mids
FAudio Dark Sky has a relatively near-neutral midrange; although the official FAudio sound signature graph may make the midrange seem weak, it actually comes out much brighter up front in the overall picture. The midrange is slightly backward leaning and slightly emphasizes a sense of depth.
The midrange is tuned to be mild to the ear with a little less crunch and edge, and the contours are soft, but it is easy to hear a slight lump in the sound above the vocals and around the border between the upper midrange and the mid-high range. The area where the snare sounds hard is a bit unnaturally dull, and the sharpness is a bit poor, so it tends to sound muddy. The piano also lacks smoothness, and its color saturation is a little low, giving the impression of a lack of freshness, which is a slight drawback.
The midrange itself has high transparency and very good resolution, making it a worthy flagship of the FAudio lineup.
Highs / Treble
The high frequency range has been adjusted with an eye toward definition, and the connection is relatively good, allowing the listener to enjoy quite natural overtones. However, due to the single dynamic driver, expandability is probably lacking for a high-end speaker.
The slightly metallic glare is strong, and cymbal crashes in the high frequency range, which gives a somewhat dry impression, are a bit weak in extension, the luster is slightly dull, and a faint rusty feel tends to appear.
For example, the hi-hat and cymbal crash in Kishida Kyodan & The Akeboshi Rockets' "GATE - Sore ha Akatsuki no you ni" tends to sound muddy and dull, and the song's fast-moving exhilaration is not so apparent. The high frequency range may have been suppressed in order to emphasize the midrange in the tuning direction, but as expected of a model costing over $1000, I would have liked a little more subtlety and brilliance.
Sound quality general comment
- Original Sound Fidelity: A+
- Recommendation: A+
- Personal preference: A
FAudio Dark Sky is an ultra high-end earphone with high resolution, ultra-low distortion, and a fairly high quality midrange, and is truly FAudio's masterpiece. The sound is as dignified and well-defined as the elegant appearance of the earphones.
However, as is the fate of single-dynamic drivers, the range is not quite sufficient for a high-end product. While it will probably outperform its competitors in the same price range in all but range, its lack of range may put the Dark Sky a little far from the best earbuds.
Sound quality features
Pros
- Excellent resolution
- Excellent transparency
- Excellent Original Sound Fidelity
- Accurate texture
- Ample detail
- Considerable low-frequency depth
Cons
- Lacks a sense of build
- High frequency extension is quite lacking for high end
- Tends to be dry and metallic
- Could use a little more depth in the low end.
- Mids could be built up a bit more
General comment
The FAudio Dark Sky have a superior resolution that stands head and shoulders above the rest of the high-end market, and they have an attractive sound with a crystal-clear midrange that is also highly transparent. The package is so luxurious that it can be said to contain everything, and the experience of unpacking the earphones is quite enjoyable. FAudio confidently proclaimed, "We have created a sound that is worthy of a flagship," and this is certainly true. It is a model that has a divine touch in the areas where it excels. However, only the sense of range is quite lacking.
Purchase link
