The new ItsFitLab Fusion is a worthy contestant against pioneer audio manufacturers and even sets a new benchmark for top of the line models.
Led by CEO Kien Nguyen, ItsFitLab evolved from a small lab which specialized in sound and audio component research to a custom in-ear monitor (CIEMs) brand in Vietnam. Leveraging the global growing trend of CIEMs, ItsFitLab applies the best optimized sound technology. That, combined with experience in local handcraft, produces sonically and physically pleasing CIEMs for their customers.
The philosophy adopted by ItsFitLab is that “everyone deserves a better sound experience. We support our customers from consultation till we hand you the final product to assure complete satisfaction.”
The Fusion is their current top of the line (TOTL) product. As the world’s first triple hybrid IEM with Magnetostatic™, the Fusion is the result of ItsFitLab’s quest for truly innovative in-ear technology. According to ItsFitLab, the most remarkable trait of the Fusion is its ability to produce an incredibly wide soundstage which ultimately recreates the performance feel. Without further delay, let’s find out more!
Pros:
- »Good resolution across the frequency spectrum
- »Well extended, neutral, and natural highs
- »Sweet, airy, and spacious vocals
- »Rumbles in the sub-bass
- »Premium stock cable
- »High quality accessories included
Cons:
- »Shell of the universal model is large
Unboxing
ItsFitLab really put in effort to make the packaging classy and suitable for a TOTL product.
The Fusion comes in a black cardboard box. The box is plain and blank with the exception of the brand logo and name.
The black box containing Fusion.Opening the box, users can immediately see the Fusion on the upper part. Located at the lower part of the box is an envelope containing user manuals, the warranty guide, and a discount code for the next purchase.
Fusion and an envelope containing user manual, warranty info and discount code.
User manuals, warranty guide and discount code for next purchase.Underneath the envelope, there is a hard case containing the stock cable, a soft pouch, and a fiber cloth. Removing the Fusion from the box, there are four pairs of silicone ear tips and a cleaning tool sitting underneath the Fusion.
The hard case underneath the envelope.
Soft pouch, fiber cloth, Fusion, stock cable and the hard case.
Four pairs of silicone ear tips and cleaning tools are included in the packaging.Technical Specification
- Configuration:
- 1 Magnetostatic driver (high)
- 2 Balanced Armature drivers (high-mid & mid),
- 1 Electro-dynamic (low)
- Frequency response: 4Hz – 40kHz
- Sensitivity: 98 dB/mW @ 1kHz
- Impedance: 13.1Ω @ 1kHz
- Isolation: -26dB
Build
ItsFitLab uses acrylic shell for its universal line-up including the Fusion. The faceplate can be customised based on users’ preferences. I chose the most basic design – with ItsFitLab logo and brand name on both sides.
A close look on universal Fusion.The shell is relatively big when compared to other models that I recently reviewed, such as the Jomo Audio Haka and Symphonium Audio Aurora. This could be because additional space is needed to cater to the triple hybrid configuration in the Fusion. Although it is comparably larger, it is still an acceptable size.
There are three bores on the nozzle. ItsFitLab uses traditional passive filters in the Fusion. Each sound bore is connected to a specific type of driver. With this implementation, the manufacturer believed that reproducing sound at extremely wide frequency response without losing any sound details is efficient. There is a lip on the nozzle to hold the ear tips. This makes ear tip rolling easy for the users.
The nozzle of Fusion.
Three sound bores help delivering original sound through separate signal channels without sacrificing sound with traditional passive filters.Moving to the top of the shell, a recessed 0.78mm 2-pin port is utilised for the Fusion. A recessed 2-pin port is sturdier compared to the conventional flat 2-pin port because the largest area of the pin is protected by the shell. More shocks can be absorbed before breaking the pin.
Recessed 2-pin port is utilized for Fusion.The stock cable provided in the box is a four-wire twisted cable with a 3.5mm unbalanced jack. There is no available information with regards to the material used for the cable but I believe it to be silver-plated copper (SPC) which is commonly used.
The jack is sturdy and built with a strain reliever, making it durable and solid. On the jack, we again see the logo. Moving to the Y-split, I favor its simple design because a bulky Y-split could impose microphonics when the cable moves. There is a chin-slider to provide a more secure fit. At the 2-pin connector, the heat shrink ear guide ensures that the cable stays behind the ears.
The stock cable provided in the box.
The 3.5mm unbalanced jack with ItsFitLab logo and name.
A tiny Y-split with brand logo.
The 2-pin connector with heat shrink ear guides.Fit and Isolation
The acrylic shell is well polished. Its surface of the shell is smooth to the touch. I don’t experience any discomfort when wearing the Fusion. I believe the overall experience will be even better if it’s custom made. Although having a large shell, the Fusion sits in my ears perfectly with the correctly sized ear tips.
I am currently using it as my daily commuting option because of its ability to block out external noises – an impressive feat considering its three vents on each side to mitigate driver flex.
Triple vents on each side to mitigate driver flex.Drivability and Pairing
It is always a concern with regards to drivability when a triple hybrid is involved. The first few triple hybrid models in the market, such as Jomo Audio Trinity (electrostatic triple hybrid) and Noble Khan (piezoelectric triple hybrid), are power-hungry beasts. A significant amount of power is needed to properly activate the electrostatic or piezoelectric drivers in IEMs due to the low sensitivity of the drivers. Without proper driving, they sound awkward.
Rated at 13.1Ω at 1kHz for impedance and 98 db per mW at 1kHz for sensitivity, the Fusion is less power hungry. In fact, it is actually as easy to be driven as a pure balanced armature (BA) drivers configured IEMs based on my experience.
With the current flagship models of iBasso, DX220, I only need volume level of around 70/150 on low gain for most recordings. This makes the Fusion unique and easy, with no external amplifier needed.
Fusion can be easily driven by iBasso DX220 on low gain.Sound Analysis
Listening to the Fusion is like the feeling of sitting near your fireplace at home – comfortably warm.
The overall sound signature is smooth and warm. The Fusion hits the sweet spot – enough warmth is injected to produce the truest sound without compromising any details.
The soundstage is another pleasant surprise from the Fusion. Instruments and vocals are accurately positioned in their respective places and every note is precisely presented with amazing layering. I think this could be one of the best soundstages I’ve ever experienced within the price range of USD$1000.
The depth is extending deep by the 10mm electro-dynamic drivers while the height is reaching high by the 8mm magnetostatic driver. Based on my research, the Fusion is the first and only IEMs with such a unique configuration. This opens the door to other manufacturers to explore this configuration with a confirmed positive result.
Listening to the Fusion is just like sitting near your fireplace at home – comfortably warm.Lows
The coupled dynamic drivers handle the lows decently – the body is full and extends deep.
As mentioned earlier, the lows are handled by a 10mm electro-dynamic driver. The produced bass is refined and balanced. It has good extension in the sub-bass, creating rumbles. When slowly moving towards the mid-bass and upper-bass, the body starts to shrink, ready to create space for the mids.
This makes the bass well controlled. It’s balanced because of its position. Its power doesn’t overshadow the mids and highs. All three frequency spectrums can co-exist with no collision or congestion.
The attack and decay speed of the lows is also handled well – it is well controlled in its own region and the decay speed is in the perfect balance between bleeding to other regions and being too technical or dry. This makes the bass precise and accurate and even adds to the overall presentation.
The coupled dynamic driver handle the lows decently – the body is full and extending deep.Mids
The performance begins with reserved lower mids. However, they start to shine when moving towards the upper mids.
The lower mids, compared to the higher, are more reserved due to the transition from the slightly recessed upper bass. However, this reserved profile does not cause the lower mids to be shadowed. Male vocals are well resolved and lively with warmth injected from the overall sound signature.
Moving towards the upper mids, the performance shines even brighter. This makes female vocals to be sweet but not overwhelmingly bright. It is balanced by the warmth of the sound signature. The soundstage created allowed the vocals to stretch, yielding breathy, airy, and spacious vocals.
I would like to emphasis the layering in the Fusion. Every note from each frequency region plays coherently well together.
Fusion resting on top of the fiber cloth.Highs
This is the spotlight of the show; the Fusion redefined how highs should sound.
If I were asked to mention the most unique selling point of the Fusion, I would pick the highs. It is well-extended, smooth, and sweet. No adjective can accurately describe how impressive it is. Utilizing a new technology, the Fusion produces highs in the most neutral and natural manner. This could be the most comparable to a live performance I have ever heard.
The cymbals are crisp, smooth, and full. The notes are not overly harsh while it has a sufficiently thick body to sustain the process of decaying. This makes every note in the highs to extend well and the overall fidelity is improved drastically.
A lot of manufacturers face the same issue with electrostatic drivers – the highs overshadow the lows and mids, making the IEMs untamed, soaring in high pitch. I would say ItsFitLab successfully proved that the magnetostatic driver mitigated the issue and this will be a new benchmark for triple hybrid IEMs.
A good shot with Fusion sits on top of the case.Conclusion
ItsFitLab FusionThe Fusion retails for USD$950 and users can customize the faceplate as well as choose between a universal or custom shell. It can be ordered on ItsFitLab official website. An order for the universal Fusion can generally be fulfilled in 3 to 7 days while the made-to-order custom Fusions will require an additional 3 to 4 weeks upon receiving the ear impression.
The ItsFitLab Fusion is the new benchmark for TOTL products as well as triple hybrid IEMs. ItsFitLab’s ability to use strengths from different types of drivers to strengthen the performance of the Fusion in every frequency spectrum makes it one of the most competitive options within its price range.
As a relatively new company, I would like to salute to ItsFitLab for showing their passion, dedication, and wholehearted effort in making an outstanding IEM through the release of the Fusion. I hope that I will have a chance to experience more IEMs from ItsFitLab.
This is the first time I am giving five stars to an IEM. I am totally sold to the sonic performance of the Fusion.
Teo Yong Shun
A chemical engineer by training and an audiophile with years of experience in audio industry as an audio consultant in one of the major Hi-Fi shops in Singapore. Appreciating good music is my daily task and I love to share the greatness with the community. Love what you listen to, with what you have, where you are. Founder of The Audiolocheese.
2 comments
5 stars compared to what? what level is it? tia fourte or wraith empire ears or elysium
Hi Julio, I hope you can understand that the IEMs you mentioned are in a different price bracket. Fusion is priced at USD$950, I would say a fair comparison will be between Andromeda or InEar SD5.