First, I want to thank Cayin for organizing this product review tour, which provides me this great opportunity to try out this IEM. I used to have the Gadget Acquisition Syndrome (GAS), constantly chasing the latest gadget. As I aged and budget burns, the syndrome is cured in recent years. Now I settled down with FIIO M11 + AudioSense T800 as my daily gear with the philosophy that, instead of the endless chase of the better gadgets, I just need a set good enough. What is good enough? The answer is different for different people. The combination of FIIO M11 + AudioSense T800 works well for me; after I found this duo, I stopped buying new hardware. If it was not for this product tour, I would have not been able to experience this fantastic IEM.
Since the previous reviewers already uploaded many very nice product pictures, I will skip that. Now, let me get straight to my experience with Cayin Fantasy.
The tour package included a retail package of Cayin Fantasy and an upgraded 4.5mm balanced cable. For my ears, the stock cable is annoying because it tends to drag the IEM out of my ear; in addition, the metal body of the IEM makes it heavier than my resin-based T800, which also contributes to the out falling from my ears. The upgraded cable partially solved the problem; when I stay straight up, the IEM stays comfortably in my ears; but I lie down, it falls out often. The AudioSense T800 never has this problem.
I changed the stock eartips to the same SpinFit for both IEMs for a fair comparison. The sound of Cayin Fantasy is pleasing. I found the bass is just right to me, with deep reach and adequate quantity. The sound of cello and double bass is reproduced with authority and stride. Honestly speaking, I think T800 and Fantasy both sound excellent in the bass department; those who enjoy bass will enjoy Cayin Fantasy.
The mid is full-bodied, neutral with a slightly warm colorization, which, IMHO, is a perfect fit for chamber music. I found string quartets and string concerti are rendered with fully expressed emotion.
The treble is where Cayin Fantasy sets itself apart from peers. Many previous reviewers pointed out that the treble is bright, sibilant or grainy. I understand these assessments, but I would not go that far. When rosin is applied on violin bow, it enhances bowing grip on the string and brings out the texture of string vibration; but if excessive rosin is applied, the sound can become coarse and grainy. IMHO, Cayin Fantasy renders string music with more textures or grains than all earphones I tried so far, make the sound more edgy as if more rosin is applied than usual. It is a little bit more than my preference, but not to the degree to be called coarse; the sound is still enjoyable. Actually, the edgy sound brings the side effect of perceived high resolution, which some users may prefer. This is why I listed it as both Pros and Cons above.
In the first few days when I tried it, this sound effect was quite clear to my ears; toward the end of my 10-day allowance to keep the IEM, probably due to my ear burn-in, the sound become not as edgy.
Overall, Cayin Fantasy is an excellent IEM with its characteristics. I like it very much.
