Ultimate Portable Audio System

The world’s first Ultimate Portable Audio System with “MEMS hybrid earphones + dedicated full analog portable amplifier + dedicated 16-core cable

The world’s first Ultimate Portable Audio System with “MEMS hybrid earphones + dedicated full analogue portable amplifier + dedicated 16-core cable

Earphone Technology

MEMS Hybrid Earphones

• PVD black coated pure titanium housing
• Ear hanger structure for improved wearing stability
• 8-driver 5-way configuration
• Wide frequency response over 100 kHz
• Multi-amp connection with original 7-pin connector
• Crossover circuitry integrated on the amplifier side

Portable Amplifier Technology

Dedicated Full-Analogue Amplifier

• Drive system
  – BA&MEMS: single-ended drive
  – Dynamic driver: Balanced drive
• 4-layer board (power supply) + 8-layer board (amplifier) 2-story structure
• Electronic volume MUSES72323 is used
• Active crossover for a total of 10 channels on the left and right sides
• Power amplifier with a total of 12 channels on the left and right sides

Dedicated Cable

• Ultimate grade of exclusive high sound quality processing.
• Original 16-wire pure silver cable
• Exclusively designed Ultimate grade sound quality processing

FUGAKU started as an “ultimate earphone” that only Brise Audio could make

FUGAKU began as an ambitious concept for an “ultimate earphone”—a product that only Brise Audio could bring to life. From the outset, the goal was clear: to create something that would meet our highest standards of quality, with sound performance as the top priority, and a design that would break free from conventional boundaries.

Initially, the idea of bi-amp driving with a dedicated portable amplifier seemed like a promising direction. But, with our ability to develop everything in-house, we realised we could push the boundaries even further. This led to the decision to integrate the band division into the portable amplifier, which gave birth to the multi-amp system FUGAKU.

FUGAKU was born from Bliss Audio’s pursuit of the ultimate earphones, prioritising sound quality above all. By integrating multi-amplification into a dedicated portable amplifier, it redefines performance with a unique configuration. Combining advanced drivers, precision tuning, and high-output amplifiers, FUGAKU delivers unparalleled sound, design, and convenience for an uncompromising listening experience.

FUGAKU’S BIGGEST FEATURE

• It is a  Three-type hybrid driver and a fully analogue multi-amp system.
• The left side of the figure below is a simple example of the conventional method, and the right is a simple example of FUGAKU’s multi-amp method.
• In the conventional method, the amplifier → the passive filter → the driver are in that order, while in the FUGAKU method, the active filter → the amplifier → the driver are in that order.

Beautiful appearance and high wear stability

The FUGAKU earphones combine comfort and aesthetics, designed by an industrial expert with years of experience in custom IEMs and earphones. The housing is made of pure titanium, offering durability and a balanced sound. A PVD black coating enhances longevity, while the sleek black-and-gold design reflects the three core elements of the product: cables, amplifiers, and earphones.

To ensure a secure fit, the earphones feature a TPE ear hanger that prevents shifting, especially when using the over-ear “sure-hanging” method. A built-in memory wire allows users to adjust the bend for added comfort.

Given the multi-amp system, each driver requires independent connections. Since no existing connectors met the size and pin requirements, a custom connector was developed. The detachable cable structure allows for easy replacement in case of damage. For an exceptional fit and sound isolation, the FUGAKU earphones come with XELASTEC II earbuds by AZLA, ensuring a comfortable and secure listening experience.

Crossover and selection of the right driver for the right position

Based on our extensive experience in developing both custom and universal IEMs, we have determined that a 5-way band division offers the best balance between implementation scale and sound quality. This configuration optimally separates low, mid-low, mid-high, high, and ultra-high frequencies.

For deep, rich bass, the low range is powered by an 8mm dynamic driver with an LCD polymer diaphragm. Two dynamic drivers are positioned opposite each other within a gold-plated OFC ring, cancelling unwanted vibrations and reducing distortion for a highly responsive low-end.

The mid-low range features three Sonion BA drivers, while the mid-high range is handled by a Knowles dual BA driver, ensuring clarity and precision.

For ultra-high frequencies, an advanced xMEMS side-port MEMS speaker enhances airiness and detail. Using the inverse piezoelectric effect, this silicon-based driver delivers superior responsiveness and wide-band playback, bringing a new level of realism to the sound.

A layout that achieves ideal frequency characteristics

Each driver is securely mounted onto a 3D-printed driver unit holder (purple part) with an integrated sound guide tube, then assembled into the titanium housing. The sound from the unit holder merges at the stem part, forming the final output.

The unit holder and stem design carefully align phase, control resonance, and refine peak and dip positions, shaping the foundation of FUGAKU’s immersive three-dimensional sound. Achieving this required extensive trial and error.

Thanks to its compact MEMS speaker, ample space remains for optimal sound guide tube placement. The OFC ring securing the dual dynamic drivers also connects to the low-pass filter structure, ensuring precise low-end reproduction.

To further enhance clarity, sound-absorbing material is strategically placed behind the dynamic drivers and inside the ear hook attachment area. By absorbing unwanted reflections from the rear ports of dynamic and BA drivers, this design prevents interference with the diaphragm, significantly improving low-frequency clarity.

Power supply configuration: Power supply circuits are thoroughly separated to prevent interference

FUGAKU features 14 independent power sources—7 per channel—ensuring a clean and stable power supply. A dual power supply generation circuit boosts and inverts battery voltage, separating low voltage/high current and high voltage/low current operations. This setup optimizes efficiency, reduces heat, and extends battery life.

An ultra-high-performance linear regulator, also used in TSURANAGI, eliminates high-frequency noise, enhancing clarity and separation. Though costly, this design prioritises sound quality above all. Each amplifier block has an independent linear regulator, preventing interference and improving resolution.

To maintain power stability, large-capacity capacitors are strategically placed throughout the circuit. Instead of a relay-based protection system, FUGAKU employs a switch-controlled circuit that grounds excess charge, ensuring safe shutdown and DC leak protection.

By eliminating output relays, the amplifier achieves low output impedance, allowing for a more direct and transparent drive to earphones—resulting in low noise, minimal distortion, and superior audio fidelity.

Amplifier configuration: Low noise and distortion throughout

Building on TSURANAGI’s foundation, the FUGAKU amplifier introduces a dedicated crossover circuit and refined circuitry for superior performance. A low-pass filter has been moved to the first stage, reducing overall noise and improving earphone driving responsiveness. This filter utilises an X2Y capacitor, designed for optimal balanced signal processing.

The input switching system has been upgraded with a low-resistance semiconductor switch, allowing automatic terminal selection and insertion detection. A redesigned differential line receiver splits a single IC into two, cutting residual noise to one-fifth of TSURANAGI’s levels.

For volume control, the amplifier features MUSES72323 by New Japan Radio, enhancing airiness and freshness in sound. The volume step size has been halved to 0.25dB, allowing for ultra-precise adjustments.

A FET-input OPAMP buffer amplifier minimises distortion and efficiently drives the crossover circuit’s large-capacity capacitors. The dynamic driver amplifier retains TSURANAGI’s fully differential and current feedback design, but with reduced output impedance and improved driving power. Other drivers benefit from a new voltage feedback amplifier, originally designed for headphones, offering exceptional performance.

Additionally, a DC servo amplifier eliminates the need for AC coupling capacitors, reducing noise and simplifying feedback. The MEMS driver now has a dedicated low-noise DC bias circuit, ensuring clean and stable power delivery, further enhancing FUGAKU’s uncompromised audio fidelity.

A new 16-core pure silver wire developed exclusively for FUGAKU

The FUGAKU cable is designed to connect the amplifier to the earphones and utilises a new wire material that differs from the SHIROGANE silver wire cable. While the material itself is the same, the wires have been made thinner, allowing for a 16-core configuration that is both practical and provides sufficient conductor volume.

16 Cores: Using 8 cores for GND ensures better stability and avoids confusion, especially when BA and MEMS GND are separated at the earphone terminal.

Pure Silver Litz Wire Inside Earphones: The wiring inside the earphones is also made of pure silver Litz wire. Since no suitable wire material existed for the internal wiring that met FUGAKU’s high standards, the team developed this wire specifically for FUGAKU.

Cable Assembly and Sound Quality: For ease of assembly, the cable is available in six coating colours. The amplifier side uses the same 16-core silver wire for the cable connecting the main board to the terminal board, maintaining consistency in material throughout the system.

Sound Processing: The use of silver wire enhances the sound quality by bringing out the best of the material’s natural characteristics. The sound processing is high-quality, and the cable design includes materials placed near the terminals and branching points to shield against electromagnetic interference, static electricity, and vibrations. The order and placement of these materials are carefully adjusted to ensure optimal sound.

Overall, the FUGAKU cable is a thoughtfully designed, premium-quality cable that enhances the overall sound experience and ensures high performance in both the amplifier and earphone components.