YOU ARE AT
Home » Reviews » Earphones » Custom Art ME Review – Power and Control

Custom Art ME Review – Power and Control

Pros –

Very dynamic yet controlled sound, Spacious soundstage with holographic imaging, Comfortable design and excellent construction quality

Cons –

Might sound overly thick for some, Slower sub-bass

Verdict –

The ME is a strong bass-focussed IEM for those wanting lushness, dynamics and an expansive stage.


Introduction –

Spearheaded by former reviewer, Piotr, and hailing from Poland, Custom Art has secured a spot amongst the greats in custom IEM design. Anyone who has past experience with the company will vouch for their meticulous level of finish and Piotr’s generous accommodation of the buyer in after service support. Their most recent innovation includes the Fibae flat impedance in-ears that provide an effective solution to inconsistent source synergy by negating the effects of output impedance. The ME is one of their latest models, a Massdrop exclusive IEM featuring 6 balanced armature drivers and a bass-focused sound tuning. This is another earphone that features Custom Art’s delicate tuning set to strong technical ability. You can read more about the ME and order one for yourself here.

Disclaimer –

I would like to thank Piotr from Custom Art very much for his quick communication and for providing me with the ME for the purpose of review. All words are my own and there is no monetary incentive for a positive review. Despite receiving the earphones free of cost, I will attempt to be as objective as possible in my evaluation.

Customisation –

Though only offered as a custom on Massdrop’s website, the Fibae ME can be configured as a universal too (though you’ll have to contact Custom Art via e-mail). And, regardless of form, Custom Art’s designs are realised through an excellent manufacturing process that yields some stunning results. Of course, due to the nature of the earphones, they don’t possess the same level of consistency as a mass-produced product. However, in return, the Fibae ME is almost fully customisable to the buyer’s request.

Custom Art’s customiser is very comprehensive and reasonably flexible; offering the ability to customise nozzle and housing colour in addition to a huge selection of faceplates with the ability to print a user-specified design on top. Piotr also takes custom requests should the freedom offered by the customiser not suit your needs. Once ordered, Custom Art have a quicker turnaround, averaging between 3 and 4 weeks upon receiving the buyer’s ear moulds. Piotr is also exceptionally communicative, providing frequent updates and a very prompt response time. Additionally, the earphones were shipped using FedEx, further reducing turnaround.

Design –

The ME is typical Custom Art, superbly comfortable and realised through some of the best construction quality in the business. I let Piotr helm the design process for me and the results showcase the beauty in simplicity. My pair is a rich semi-translucent swirl blue with clean branding. Piotr also directs special attention towards the shape of the faceplates, ensuring symmetry and visual appeal.

DSC02674

In terms of construction, Piotr re-used the moulds (moulds can be shipped back to the buyer on request) used for my Fibae 2 unit and the ME fits just as well. Its edges are perfectly smoothed making the earphones incredibly comfortable to wear. Interestingly, this model is actually slightly more compact than the F2 though it also has a slightly shallower fit depth as far as customs go; though this may vary based on the customer’s individual ear anatomy. This makes the ME especially comfortable during longer listening sessions.

LRM_EXPORT_445539057210245_20190409_195839444

Isolation is excellent and better than what you would find from the best universal IEMs and noise canceling headphones. It also does so without developing any pressure, a trait aided by its modest fit depth. Up top, Piotr is using non-recessed 0.78mm 2-pin connectors that enable cable replacement and upgrade down the line. The included unit is a fairly standard OFC unit with a twisted 4-core braid. It’s soft and appears well constructed with a slim yet well-relieved 90 degree 3.5mm plug and y-split. The cable isn’t microphonic and coils easily for storage. Similarly, it isn’t prone to tangle and is easily uncoiled due to its smooth insulation. Memory wire ear guides provide additional fit stability.

Next Page: Sound, Comparisons & Verdict

SHARE.

ABOUT AUTHOR

Ryan Soo

Ryan Soo

Avid writer, passionate photographer and sleep-deprived medical student, Ryan has an ongoing desire to bring quality products to the regular reader.

RELATED POSTS

One Response

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent posts

Sponsors

Categories