Overview

A10000 combines a solid diamond foil diaphragm (grown on silicon and released by dissolving the substrate), a newly formulated polyurethane surround, a precisely milled stainless-steel housing with Côtes de Genève, and an ePTFE-insulated silver-plated OFC cable. US street pricing is 2,999 USD, and the Collector’s Edition is limited to 300 units worldwide[1][2][3].

Scientific Validity

\(\Large \text{0.6}\) End-to-end independent datasets (full-band THD, ear-gain-normalized FR, group delay) are still scarce, so we start from 0.5. Manufacturer data are explicit: 99 dB/mW sensitivity, 13 Ω impedance, and a new DU targeting ≤1/100 of conventional distortion below 100 Hz via the diamond foil + new surround[1]. Adhesive-free diaphragm bonding and the ePTFE cable are technically rational routes to lower loss; audible deltas await broader third-party confirmation[1][3].

Technology Level

\(\Large \text{0.9}\) The Solid Diamond diaphragm, vacuum + thermal molding for molecular bonding, the new polyurethane surround, precision-milled stainless enclosure with Côtes de Genève, and the Junkosha-collab ePTFE MMCX cable represent state-of-the-art materials and processing for IEMs. The bobbin-equipped coil and focus on LF distortion reduction address known mechanisms directly[1][3].

Cost-Performance

\(\Large \text{0.1}\) Review-target price: 3,000 USD (representative US market)[3].
Cheapest equal-or-better comparator: Etymotic ER4SR — wired IEM, 35–42 dB official passive isolation and independent results showing ~39 dB broadband isolation and up to ~48 dB at treble; FR adherence and low distortion are reference-grade for the class[4][5][6].
Calculation: 309.99 USD ÷ 3,000 USD = 0.103… → score 0.1.
Equivalence note: same use case (wired IEM, no ANC); on user-relevant metrics (isolation, FR adherence, low distortion) ER4SR is at least equivalent[4][5][6].

Reliability & Support

\(\Large \text{0.8}\) The housing and DU use screw fastening (no adhesive) to enable long-term serviceability; stainless construction and an improved in-house MMCX with ePTFE cable point to robustness. The MMCX fit is intentionally tight and frequent swapping is not recommended except for failure/replacement[1]. Overall, above average for a passive IEM.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

\(\Large \text{0.8}\) The design targets measurable issues—LF distortion, bonding variability, and dielectric effects—using testable engineering (diamond foil + new edge, adhesive-free molding, cable dielectric control)[1][3]. Non-acoustic aesthetics/limited-edition value contribute to cost, so we stop short of 1.0.

Advice

• Choose the A10000 if you prioritize microdetail retrieval with minimized LF distortion. Optimize seal and isolation with the included Fusion-G/Type-E tips[1].
• If you want measurement-backed value, Etymotic’s ER4SR/ER4XR remain benchmarks at a fraction of the cost[4][5][6].
• Avoid unnecessary cable detachments; the MMCX is high-precision and not intended for frequent swaps[1].

References

[1] final — “A10000” product page (specs, construction, JP price). https://final-inc.com/products/a10000-jp (accessed 2025-08-22).
[2] final — News release (JP pricing and CE pricing). https://final-inc.com/blogs/top/news-207 (accessed 2025-08-22).
[3] Bloom Audio — “Final A10000 | Dynamic Universal IEMs” (US price 2,999 USD; CE 3,299 USD). https://bloomaudio.com/products/final-a10000 (accessed 2025-08-22).
[4] Stereophile — “ER4SR/ER4XR Measurements” (broadband isolation ≈–39 dB etc.). https://www.stereophile.com/content/25-years-making-good-thing-better-etymotic-er4sr-and-er4xr-measurements (accessed 2025-08-22).
[5] Rtings — “Etymotic ER4XR Review” (isolation by band: ~22 dB bass / ~29 dB mids / up to ~48 dB treble). https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/etymotic/er4xr (accessed 2025-08-22).
[6] Etymotic — “ER4SR Earphones” (price 309.99 USD, isolation 35–42 dB). https://etymotic.com/product/er4sr-earphones/ (accessed 2025-08-22).

(2025.8.23)