Photo by Bonus Action
The realm of IEMs (in-ear monitors) is a daunting jump for most budding audiophiles. With sound fidelity on a different level from the standard lossless earbuds and audio akin to standing in a recording booth with the singer.
The IM4 IEMs that are Fosi Audio’s debut in the IEM space are the perfect solution for listeners looking to try out a pair of these luxurious earbuds at a reasonable price point. The open-backed IM4s combine quality with versatility. The CNC Aluminum Alloy body of the device is lifted with powerful drivers and a silver-plated OFC cable that is thin and lightweight, so it won’t bother you while it is looped over the ear.
The silicon ear cups can be swapped for different sizes and thicknesses to tune your experience while listening. I am particularly fond of the Bass options while listening to music, and the balanced when gaming. It’s a very different type of listening than the earbuds and headphones I typically use, and I don’t know that I can go back.
Key Details
- Developer: Fosi Audio
- Style: IEM Earphones
- Where to Buy: Amazon
- Price: $99.99
- Sample Provided For Review: Yes
- Test Time: 400 Hours
The Perfect Launch Point For New IEM Users
If you are brand-new to IEMs, the Fosi Audio IM4s are a fantastic option. The set costs only $99.99, a wild price for a sleek pair with good specs. The IEMs come with a leather case, all the earpieces you need for tuning, the silver-plated OFC cable, and the open-backed monitors.
After getting the cable hooked up and finding the right fit for the IM4s, I hooked them up raw to my audio jack on my PC to test them without an amp. I was stunned at the power of the noise-cancelling. When the seal for the ear cups is correct, it eliminates any outside noise when they are in use. I want so badly to be able to use them with my phone so I can enjoy that level of noise cancelling from anywhere in my house.
As always, you want to make sure that your ears are dry and you can’t put them on right out of the shower, as that snug fit can cause an ear infection if you aren’t careful, but the power of the seal is the key to delivering the high-quality sound that the dual-cavity of the IEM is capable of delivering.
I am also happy to report that, even without an amp, these IEMs sound incredible when listening to music or gaming. The audio quality is crisp and immersive, plunging the listener into a sound-first space where even your most played songs sound new. Hooked to a desk amp, that sound is elevated even further, adding to the power and clarity of the sound.
The Fosi Audio IM4s Are The Best Option For Your Nintendo Switch 2
Now, I typically don’t think too much about the type of audio options I am pairing with my console; however, the IM4s have changed that on a dime. After listening to them while playing Hollow Knight: Silksong on my PC and marveling at the sound quality, I let my curiosity take the wheel, and I popped them into the Nintendo Switch 2.
Now, I don’t have an amp option for my Switch 2, so I was operating on the quality of sound that the audio card in the console can deliver when paired with the drivers of the IM4s, but I am sure it is the best sound I have had out of any portable device.
I play quite a few cinematic RPGs, Otomes, and Rhythm games. I’ve hooked earbuds and headphones up via Bluetooth, but the sound quality has never been incredible, even on my favorite Sennheiser Momentum 4 Headphones. The Bluetooth connection on the Switch 2 is similar to the original, but it doesn’t hold up well due to compression and loss.
The Fosi Audio IEMs cut through this issue with the direct connect and the natural quality of the audio delivery that the device is capable of. This turned Theatrhythm Final Bar Line into a live orchestra in my ear as I played through levels, and shot the beautiful background music of Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar to a different level as I worked on my farm.
The IM4s are cheaper than most popular headphone and wireless earbud brands, and their audio quality is in a league of its own. If you are a music listener, these are amazing. If you use them for gaming, you are going to have an experience unique to these IEMs, and for a very reasonable price.
Final Score 9.5/10 – A Sleek Debut
Fosi Audio is making waves with its high-quality audio accessories, but the IM4s are proof that they will be a competitive force to be reckoned with as they continue to expand their options. The beautiful design, high-quality sound, and reasonable price point make these a standout option for new and seasoned audio aficionados alike.
The IM4s are perfect for anyone who wants high quality on a budget, is just starting with IEMs, or wants to try something new outside of standard earbuds and headphones. While they don’t offer the crazy fine-tuning and power of the ultra-premium bracket of IEMs, for the price, they are exceedingly comfortable and deliver a balanced, bass-forward listening experience that is smooth and stable with or without an amp.
If you are looking for a way to enhance gaming on the Nintendo Switch 2, I can’t recommend these enough. You can wear them for hours with no issue, and you’ll get a whole new depth of audio out of familiar soundtracks while you play.
Fosi Audio is stepping into the IEM scene with a strong and carefully crafted debut, and the IM4s are an indicator that audiophiles should keep a close eye on this brand moving forward.
**A sample of the Fosi Audio IM4 IEMs was provided to Bonus Action for the purpose of this review.**
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