Victor HA-FW1500
A current JVC/Victor WOOD-series IEM using a wood dome carbon diaphragm (11 mm DD) with detachable MMCX cable. Published specs: 6 Hz–52 kHz, 16 Ω, 103 dB/1 mW. Third-party FR data exists; overall tuning trends warm/V-shaped. Sold new in Japan; typical new street price around 45,430円 (~300 USD).
Overview
Released in October 2019, the HA-FW1500 is a Japan-market model in JVC/Victor’s WOOD series using an 11 mm wood dome carbon diaphragm, “acoustic purifier,” detachable MMCX cable, and Hi-Res spec (6 Hz–52 kHz). Official specs list 16 Ω impedance, 103 dB/1 mW sensitivity, and 200 mW max input. It remains on the brand’s site and is sold new in Japan; representative new retail around 45,430円 (~300 USD) has been observed. [1][5]
Scientific Validity
\[\Large \text{0.5}\]Objective public data are primarily frequency-response (FR) measurements on IEC60318-4 fixtures. Crinacle’s database shows the HA-FW1500 follows a warm/V-shaped tilt (not neutral/Harman-adjacent). Comprehensive public THD/IMD/isolation datasets are limited; manufacturer specs (16 Ω, 103 dB/1 mW, 6–52 kHz) are catalog values. Given the known FR trend and limited broader datasets, audible fidelity is middling rather than transparent. [1][2]
Technology Level
\[\Large \text{0.6}\]The wood dome carbon diaphragm and acoustic purifier reflect proprietary materials/process know-how within a conventional single dynamic-driver architecture. It shows in-house development but lacks modern multi-driver or DSP features. Incremental, not state-of-the-art—hence a slightly-above-average score. [1]
Cost-Performance
\[\Large \text{0.1}\]Price basis (this review, USD): 300 USD (≈ new JP street 45,430円).
Cheapest equal-or-better comparator: TANGZU Wan’er S.G — 17.10 USD (wired IEM, detachable 0.78 mm 2-pin cable, third-party FR data indicates closer-to-neutral tuning than HA-FW1500’s warm/V profile). Equivalence note: same user-facing function (wired IEM with detachable cable); measured FR is at least as balanced; published specs indicate low distortion. [3][4][6]
Calculation: 17.10 ÷ 300 = 0.057 → 0.1 (rounded to one decimal).
(Additional context: Truthear HOLA — 18.99 USD is similarly detachable and well-measured; although not the CP basis here, it also meets equal-or-better criteria. [6][7])
Reliability & Support
\[\Large \text{0.6}\]As of today the model remains listed by Victor with one-year warranty via official JP channels, and multiple retailers stock it new. Construction is simple (single DD, MMCX) and serviceability aligns with typical wired IEMs. No large-scale failure data is published; ongoing official availability/warranty lifts it slightly above average. [1][5]
Rationality of Design Philosophy
\[\Large \text{0.5}\]Pursuing natural timbre via wood diaphragms is a coherent materials-science route, yet publicly verified audible superiority over well-tuned conventional diaphragms is not established. Without clear measured advantages in FR neutrality/distortion, the approach scores neutral in rationality. [1][2]
Advice
If you specifically want the Victor/JVC wood-toned tuning, build and aesthetics, the HA-FW1500 remains purchasable new in Japan. From a measurement-first/value standpoint, TANGZU Wan’er S.G (17.10 USD) is the cheapest equal-or-better option, and Truthear HOLA (18.99 USD) is another low-cost, detachable alternative with strong published FR. Unless you prioritize the wood technology/housing or brand ecosystem, the HA-FW1500’s value case is weak. Ensure proper seal/fit and check MMCX integrity on arrival. [1][3][4][5][6][7]
References
[1] Victor (JVC Kenwood). “HA-FW1500” official product page. https://www.victor.jp/headphones/lineup/ha-fw1500/ (accessed 2025-08-25).
[2] Crinacle. “JVC HA-FW1500 — Measurement Data (IEC60318-4).” https://crinacle.com/graphs/iems/jvc-ha-fw1500/ (accessed 2025-08-25).
[3] TANGZU. “Wan’er S.G — Product Page & Price.” https://tangzu.net/products/tangzu-wan-er-sg-hifi-in-ear-new-10mm-dynamic-driver-earphone-iem-metal-composite-diaphragm-n52-magnet-0-78-2pin-angeldac-sales (accessed 2025-08-25).
[4] Crinacle Graph Tool — Wan’er (IEC60318-4/711 & 5128 views). https://crinacle.com/graphs/iems/graphtool/?share=Wan%27er&tool=711 ; https://graph.hangout.audio/iem/5128/?share=Wan%27er (accessed 2025-08-25).
[5] e☆イヤホン (e-earphone). “Victor HA-FW1500 — New retail listing.” https://www.e-earphone.jp/products/78762 (accessed 2025-08-25).
[6] Truthear. “HOLA — Product Page (price 18.99 USD; 0.78 mm 2-pin).” https://truthear.com/products/hola (accessed 2025-08-25).
[7] Crinacle. “Truthear HOLA — Measurement Data (IEC60318-4/5128).” https://crinacle.com/graphs/iems/truthear-hola/ (accessed 2025-08-25).
(2025.8.25)