Orpheus soundstage spreads a little bit wider than FT, while both have a similar depth/height.  And that width expansion is mostly in mids, stretching wider, creating a more holographic image.  But relative to 1960 4w cable, using Traillii as IEM for comparison, FT soundstage is bigger than 1960.  The sub-bass extension is similar, but mid-bass punch is faster in FT while Orpheus bass is a little slower and more relaxed.  As a result of that, Traillii bass sounds faster and punchier and performs more like BA bass w/FT and more relaxed and slower and performs more like DD bass w/Orpheus.  Mids and treble are smoother with Orpheus, like a smoother analog blanket over the sound of Traillii, while FT is a little brighter and with a higher level of micro-detail retrieval.  The same with treble, FT is crisp with more airy sparkle while Orpheus is smoother and more relaxed.  Both FT and Orph exhibit a very black background, though a faster and punchier sound of FT creates a perception of faster transient response of notes which makes background even blacker in Traillii with FT cable.  Relative to Traillii, its stock 1960 4w cable performance is in between Orpheus and FT where Orpheus brings a smoother and more analog tonality to the sound and FT extracts more micro-details and tightens up the sound with more speed and even blacker background.  Both cables also improve soundstage width and imaging relative to stock 1960 4w.

First Times, standard edition, is not cheap, though cheaper than some other flagship cables or the shielded edition.  If you already invested into $4k-$6k flagship IEMs, like Traillii, Erlkonig, Phoenix, Mason FS, and looking to maximize their performance with bigger soundstage, blacker background, and higher level of micro-detail retrieval, FT can help you get there.  It still has a natural smoother tonality and will not make your IEM sound brighter, harsher, or colder.  Instead, it elevates the level of micro-detail retrieval and lifts the faint veil off the sound.  Especially with Traillii, it was quite noticeable.  And if money no object and you don’t mind a bulkier cable weight while expanding the soundstage to an even higher 3D holographic level and moving into the direction of an even smoother analog tonality, Orpheus Shielding edition can take you there, but expect to pay a lot more.  After all, it’s your money.

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