JOYODIO SHINE

Disclaimers

I bought this iem with my own money. This review is completely subjective.




Accessories

Shine comes with a really good quality carrying case, bunch of eartips, cable and iem itself.

Build

Shine comes with plastic housing and metal faceplate. Plastic quality is pretty good. Cable quality is decent too. Overall, shine have a good build quality. Don't forget the tuning swithches tho.

Sound-Tonality and Technicalities

Shine sounds so good that im still trying to buy a second one. Shine have a pretty good soundstage depth and decent imaging. Detail production is just ok but you can fix this issue with tuning switches! Shine is a non fatiguing iem with a really good tonal balance. Lacks mid bass and note weight but again, you can fix this with tuning switches! Dynamics are decent for price and shine have a really good sub bass amount and weight. I just love this IEM!

𝑱𝑶𝒀𝑶𝑫𝑰𝑶 𝑺𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒆: 𝑮𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑱𝒐𝒚


|| 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 ||

JOYODIO is a “new’ company debuting their newest and first IEM, the JOYODIO Shine. With all the hints toward JOYODIO being a sub-brand or a sister company of the well-known budget oriented company KZ that is known for their budget sets with questionable reputation.

Sporting a mix of 1DD + 2BA with tunable switches priced under the $100, will this be able to penetrate one of the most competitive price ranges in the hobby and stand as a company on its own without the aforementioned associations?


|| 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 ||

I don’t consider myself as an audiophile or an enthusiast, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.

I prefer to keep our reviews simple without too much confusing lingo and terminologies

This review set is a part of a review tour and was sent free of charge in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for us to do this review.

I guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.

My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.


** 𝗛𝘂𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 Linsoul Audio 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝗿 𝗘𝗶𝗷𝗶 𝗭𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽. 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗴 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝘁: 𝗲𝘂𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀.𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁.𝗰𝗼𝗺 **


| 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 |

It comes with a simple and somewhat compact box with an illustration of the IEMs in the front and a couple of branding throughout the box. Nothing much going on here really.




| 𝗨𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 |

Upon removing the other parts of the packaging, greets you another nice black textured box that flips open. After that is some envelope-like cardboard that holds all the paperwork. They also provide a handy little guide for what configurations this IEM has with its switches. After those are the IEM drivers themselves encased in foam, ear tips that are neatly organized and arranged with an ear tip holder and another box pertaining to the included faux leather case in blue.



The case holds the remaining accessories such as the included stock QDC Cable and a pin ejector tool used for flipping the switches on and off. The included case is quite small and because of the accordion-style mechanism, putting in objects can be quite tedious but it feels nice to the touch.



Great inclusions coming from JOYODIO that are also nicely presented.

𝗜𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻:

Paperwork
Tuning switch guide
8-core silver plated QDC cable
A set of normal clear ear tips (S,M,L)
A set of KZ silicone tips that has a whirlpool-esque design (S,M,L)
Blue faux leather accordion case
Pin ejector tool


| 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 & 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 |

The JOYODIO Shine is built from a 3D-printed resin for the body and a type of alloy for the faceplate. It’s nice and light but still has a nice amount of heft to feel good in the hand. The tuning switch is located in the rear of the shell and a singular vent beside the nozzle.



The design is quite subtle with the faceplate just having a different type of black than the rest of the body making it a more gray color with a nice gloss coating. This can attract fingerprint and is more prone to scratches but is quite nice and shiny once wiped down with a microfiber cloth



The Shine also uses a QDC connection that can introduce cable compatibility issues since the standard 2-pin and QDC is not as 1:1 as some people think.



The Shine is composed of a 1DD + 2BA setup that is quite common in the sub $200 category for its renowned flexibility and great performance.


| 𝗜𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 |

Isolation on these is below average, as I could not get a deeper insertion depth for this set to muffle out sounds in the environment more.


| 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 |

It fits well in my ears and allows me to wear it for hours on end without hurting my ears or having to remove them to let my ears rest from time to time. The occlusion effect on this is similar to most IEMs which is no issue given that it's a downside of IEMs themselves

I do however like to have a deeper insertion depth.


**𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗽 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀(𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹) 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗭𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝟭**





|| 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 ||

I really enjoyed this set as this offers me a sound signature that is energetic but is not too fatiguing to listen to in longer sessions.





| 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 |

I did find these to require more volume to be at a listenable level but it’s not too power hungry that it requires more power.




| 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝘀 |

Sub-bass is present, bodied, and with great texture and doesn't spill over other frequencies. Grit of the sub-bass is easily distinguishable with great execution.

Mid-bass has a nice punch and body but on rare occasions sound quite hollow. Bleed of the low-end is non-existent or if there was, I wasn’t able to pick it up during playback.


| 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝘀 |

Female vocals tend to sound a bit forward than their male counterparts and in some occasions, male vocals sound thin whilst female vocals have no such issue. Male being thin sounding could also be because they tend to not be as prominent as other sound sources and or due to my playlist not consisting of male vocalists that is on the lower end of voices .

“S” and “T” sounds can sound a tad bit harsh but this is no big issue on lower volumes and is tolerable. I like listening to brass instruments with either orchestral tracks or Video Game OSTs. Cymbal strikes sound great being full and decaying long but still natural


| 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘀 |

Highs are well extended, detailed and have more than enough room for air. Sound sources sound full and don't deliver any splashy-ness during the most time with my playback.

There is also a minor issue of this set sounding metallic. This could be what they refer to as the “balanced armature timbre”, but I have not encounter this on other sets with BAs I’ve tried, therefore I won’t conclude this as having that “timbre”

As someone who is quite sensitive to treble, I find loving this set as it has a more treble forward sound without being intolerable for my ears.


| 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 |

Imaging is above average, meaning it’s greater than most IEMs I’ve tried. Distinguishing things with this set is a breeze.

This could be the benefit of having treble forward sound. Layering is great with no mushing of sounds but staging is a little narrower than the competition but it still suffices my needs.


|| 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 ||

This set is quite a unique one, as this is a really engaging set that does not have a weird spike around the 8khz that I find really uncomfortable to. The JOYODIO shine is one great IEM for the price especially with the tunable switches, which is turning to be quite the trend nowadays after modular cables which is a good thing.

Tunable switches offer customizable in the performance of sound that can’t be sufficed by outer factors such as ear tips. I did find the stock tuning to be the best out of all of them and suits my taste really well.

Overall a great contender for a fun and engaging sound that isn’t taxing on the ear. Definitely recommending this for those, who like me have a weird sensitivity on the 8 khz region but still have an engaging playback, and recommend this for anyone looking for a great IEM under $100 in general.

Review OF The Joyodio Shine​

Introduction​

I was unable to find out much more about Joyodio, a recently established Chinese company, but from what I did find out, they have introduced and released their new IEM. They have taken a very unique approach to entering the IEM market, neither being very affordable nor very expensive, coming in the sub-100 dollar market. They feature a four-switch mechanism built in for various tunings, which the owner may change to any tuning they like. This doesn't imply a significant alteration in the original tune, but rather that it favours the preferences of the user, particularly an audiophile. Although it could seem like a good method to give someone what they want, the absence of logic in this concept typically doesn't interest an audiophile much. However, it will become clear once I examine Shine, their self-titled debut. But let's first go over some topics I need to clarify before we delve into it's sound.

Disclaimer​

*Since this unit tour was organised by the kindly people at Linsoul, I am grateful to them. And as I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as "Shine."
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Shine based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification​

The Shine has a hybrid driver configuration where there are two balanced armature drivers and one dynamic driver. The dynamic driver is a 7mm dual magnetic and dual cavity driver which handles the bass. The other two driver handles the mid range and the treble, which are the 29689 and 30019 balanced armature drivers. The shells are 3D printed resin housing 3d printed sound tubes and high end zinc alloy faceplate. The shell also have a 4-level adjustable tuning switches as well. The cable is a 8 strand silver plated cable with 2 pin connectors ending with a 3.5mm termination L-shaped plug. The accessories which comes the Shine are 7 pairs of eatips with different sizes(small, medium and large and they come in two different types) except a pair of medium one. Other than the eartips, a good quality storage box, a metal needle for tuning adjustment and a manual with instructions for tuning adjustment is provided. Coming to the technical specification, the impedance is 11-31ohms with sensitivity of 106dB. The frequency response ranges from 20Hz to 40kHz.

I should also include that the placement of the tuning switch tray is opposite to one another, below is the picture of what I meant.

​

Sound​

I will only discuss the set's standard tuning in this review; however, I will go into more detail about other specific tunings as well. To be completely honest, I chose to compare the shine with my Monarch MKII because these are that good. The shine sounds balanced and relaxed right out of the box, and it has a sizable soundstage, making it one of the best IEMs on the market, in my opinion. First and foremost, the technical aspects overall aren't the best; you could find better technical IEMs in this price range. However, the only problem I experienced was with the softness of the details, which while appealing to some may not be for others. While the midrange is present in the mix and may feel somewhat recessed, the treble is very expansive and airy. The control, timing, and speed of resolution more than make up for the bass' lack of the best texture or details. I mean, none of these qualities are the worst that can be found. I think these sound above average in terms of technicality in the current market. When it comes to tonality, these perform tones that are calming and pleasing. To make it more understandable, I'll go into more detail about various areas so you can make up your mind. Some people may have the opposite reaction, feeling boring and loose. However, as a whole, these IEMs are a good set to own. Let's explore the sound more.

Treble​

One aspect of these IEMs that really stands out and gives it a competitive edge on the market is the treble. The treble is expansive and has a pleasant synergy between all of the elements in the region. In addition to sounding relaxed, it pays fairly to the other regions and improves the presentation of the entire mix. The mix is kept informative and from dissolving thanks to the excellent far and wide extension of the upper treble. Due to the details' soft dynamics and lack of dissolution, the sound matches the details exactly. The response has a richer note weight and is rounded. In the presentation, it feels appropriate and correct. The vocals are clear and don't stutter or break down into isolated tones. The vocals sound melodic and entrancing because they are soft and warm. The instruments' response is satisfactory; they sound natural and a little muted, similar to how the snare hits are absolute and have good note analogies but the cymbal crashes don't sparkle or shine. The best way to describe them is that they have a denser approach that sounds more natural and makes the instruments sound recognisable but not particularly clear or transparent. When it comes to the lower treble, there is enough energy to bring out the best in the vocals and the instruments. While the instruments complement and sound a little more detailed with better dynamics, the vocals seem more presentable with a slightly more forward approach. Nothing sounds particularly offensive because the vocals and instruments are less approachable. The information is conveyed clearly and without creating any annoyance. Overall, the treble region has a pleasant, expansive, and smooth sound with subtle details and rounder, warmer characteristics.

Mid Range​

Regarding the mid range, Shine may not be particularly strong in this area, but I assure you that everything sounds flawlessly mixed in this area. Nearly identical traits and behavior's can be found in the upper mid range and lower treble. The presentation of the upper mid range is more organic. While not as overt, the vocals and instruments have a more harmonious and beautiful sound. The listening becomes more enticing and loving as a result of the soothing and pleasing approach. Some people who enjoy excitement and high levels of energy in this area may find this type of approach dull or boring. However, the harmony between each of these regions is what distinguishes them. In other words, even though the mid-range is not particularly high-achieving, it still plays a role in keeping the harmony. When we return to the upper midrange, the instruments have a thick, organic approach with good note weight and density. This area has a very welcoming atmosphere and non-offensive sound. The best part is that, whether you listen for a short while or a long time, the entire response never makes you feel stressed or fatigued. The lower mid range is defined, much to my surprise. It sounds clearer and acceptable with details rather than muddy or hollow. The instruments don't sound muddy or blurry, and the vocals don't get lost in the background noise. Even the bass line maintains a certain level of clarity while having good thick notes. Although there is undoubtedly bass bleed into the lower midrange, this results in a warmer and tonally denser response at higher frequencies. I do think they are well recessed, but nothing outside of the lower mid range comes out worse or weird. The mid range is presented in an appealing, organic, and balanced manner overall.

Bass​

Even though the bass lacks any details or texture, it still manages to make the entire response sound perfectly placed with just the right amount of lows in the overall mix. The sub bass is highlighted. Although it doesn't rumble much, the sub bass extends far enough to sound punchy. One could argue that these lack the low-end rumble, which I think is quite accurate. The lows don't feel particularly shocking or exciting, but rather supportive. However, when it comes to bass-heavy tracks, these function as intended because there is enough rumble and punch in the mix to make it sound full of sub bass and mid bass playfulness. Moving on to the mid bass, the same is audible here as well, and there are just the right amount of slams and bomminess to keep the response from sounding vile or bloated. The overall response is enhanced by the bass's tight control and effective surround sound. Although this IEM's bass details and texture aren't worth evaluating, the driver does its best to bring out a good amount of bass. It gives me comfort to know that, more than any other IEM in this market, complex tracks that are challenging to resolve are being handled well when I'm listening to them. The bass region's overall presentation is effective, efficient, and well-controlled.

Technical Performance​

Technically, these function perfectly much like an IEM in this price range; there are some areas where they compare favourably to other IEMs and others where they excel. Let's take the soundstage as an example. It is very wide and has a very distant sound, and the elemental separation is better than with other IEMs but the imaging is not clearer . The resolution is a little bit alright because some details are plainly apparent and the pace is fairly quick. Although it is not particularly impressive, it does, as I said, bring out the best in any tracks. Let's go into this in more detail.

Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation​

These have one of the best soundstages I have ever heard in an IEM, even above the price range these are available at, based on my observations and experiences I have had with many IEMs in this price range. The stage is so vast and deep, with a great sense of depth, that occasionally some tracks overwhelm me, but I also notice a lack of clarity and details. This is not to say that they do not deliver, but I feel that if these had better imaging, there would have been no question as to whether or not I would call them a "Baby Monarch MKII", even though I still believe they are deserving of that credential. I apologise for my exaggeration. Resuming, the separation is really impressive because the components are far apart and easy to distinguish to the listener, and I have no trouble identifying the directions the sound is coming from.

Speed & Resolution​

The resolving power of these IEMs isn't that great, they lack details, and the notes have a softness to them that makes them sound less resolved and clear. I'll just come right out and say that. I can accept that because the stage is to blame, but I'm still amazed that such an IEM which produces such a stage can even reveal this much information. Please excuse my exaggeration once more; I'm sorry. The notes hit quickly and resolve quickly, which makes the mix clean but has no effect on the notes' clarity. As a result, I don't hear any loose or wandering sounds in the mix.

Sound Impressions​

Tuning Switches​

I know that most tuning switches don't result in significant tuning changes based on my experiences with devices that have one, two, or three tuning switches, but when I learned that there is a reasonably priced IEM that is embedded with four switches, my mind was completely blown, not because I found that interesting but rather because I had doubts about the possibility of a change in the sound. Before I played around with the switches, I almost convinced myself that this was the case. Although I was taken aback by the differences, I wasn't fascinated because it was always customary to flip the fourth switch to alter the sound. I will only discuss the switches listed on the card included in the box and share my observation because when I used only those three switches, the other three did not produce the same differences.



R&B/Rock - With sufficient bass response and a configuration that elevates the treble and upper midrange, most tuning adjustments are made as the details become more vibrant and lively. After hearing them on standard configuration, it seems like a lot of the response is directed at your face. The treble becomes lively, detailed, and slightly sibilant, while the midrange emerges slightly more forward and with a hint of metallic flavour. The sub bass region is where the bass is more prominent, but the slams and punches sound largely the same; it just comes out more. Of course, with better imaging, resolution, and layering, the stage is more populated and sounds fuller. Everything else remains unchanged. I prefer this configuration over the other three in general.



HIFI - The treble is given a sparkly appearance in this arrangement, and it is given more emphasis than the other parts. The bass loses its weight and slams, and it feels flat. The fulling bass improves in accuracy and prominence in punchy characteristics. The treble has the clearest and most vibrant sound, and the mid range supports the treble. I believe the technicalities have improved and gotten more noticeable. A closer look has a slight negative impact on the stage, but all other aspects feel mature and well-defined. The treble becomes a little harsh on the ears, with notes merging into one another and forming singular tones. Overall, I believe that this tuning works best to add life to soothing or pleasing songs.

Classical - This set up sounds similar to the HIFI set up, but the midrange is more prominently pronounced with the treble. The vocals become more expressive, the treble drops, and the instruments sound more lively. If not for the punch in the sub bass, the bass feels almost nonexistent. The stage is affected, but other than that, the technical aspects feel the same while the rest has improved. The metallic flavour I detected in the HIFI configuration is lessened, and the sibilance in the treble is less noticeable. Overall, I don't think this tuning suits my taste. True, listening to classical music with this tuning may calm you down, but I would have preferred a little warmth in the mid bass and lower mid range.

Pop - So while this configuration is intriguing, it still isn't any better, especially since I don't like it. When all the switches are turned on, everything goes into overdrive but remains under control because everyone wants to shine in their own way. The midrange sounds forward and playful with the instruments, where I find them competing with each other for the lead position, and the treble sounds livelier but not that much detailed, in fact feels a little clustered. In fact, the fun I had with the bass when it wasn't even altered is gone. The bass feels better with more resonance and a meatier approach, but the details or texture feel spoiled. Not many offensive sounds were present in the mix. The technicalities feel like they haven't changed all that much, and the stage I was proud of is gone in this tournament that combines all of its components. Overall, the setup doesn't sound particularly impressive at all; it almost sounds like any generic Chi-fi IEM with a proper V-shape sound.

Sources​

Tempotec V6 - When listening to this pairing through the V6, the sound is even, laid-back, and spacious with a sense of airiness. The treble is open and well-extended, and the midrange is, in my opinion, roomy and natural. With the punches and slams, the bass feels a little flat, but it still sounds good. The technical performance is impressive because even with the same stage and separation, the resolution is better. This pairing is my favourite overall.



iFi Hipdac - I have fun with this combination of Shine and the hipdac. Less extended and airy, but still appropriate, is the treble. It seems more rounded to me, which makes it more cosy. The instruments complemented the vocals' increased expressiveness and mid-range prominence. When the punches and slams have good weight, the bass improves significantly. The bass has more impact in the mix and is absolute. The sound has changed to sound more playful and interesting rather than monotonous. Technicality suffers a little but still functions in the same way. Overall, the pairing makes me feel good, but I still believe that this IEM's distinctive quality—which I didn't notice with the tempotec V6—has been lost, turning it into just another enjoyable-sounding IEM.

Tracks Used​

Earth, Wind & Fire - September
Earth, Wind & Fire - Let's Groove
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere(Remastered)
Toto - Africa
The Police - Every Breath You Take
Daft Punk - Tron Legacy (End Titles)
GOJIRA - Amazonia
Fergie - Glamorous
50 Cent - In Da Club
Skrillex - XENA
Skrillex - Torture You
The Neighbourhood - Sweater Weather
Luna Haruna - Overfly
Blck Cobrv - Candy Shop
LMYM - 0 (zero)
Indila - Love Story
Marina Hoiuchi - Mizukagami no Sekai
Wayne - Not Enough

Conclusion​

For me, it has been a rollercoaster journey with many ups and downs, as well as a lot of tuning and pairing, to conclude this review. I must admit that these are, in my opinion, "Baby Monarch MKII." Maybe it's because I had previously listened to the Monarch MKII or perhaps it's because I was ABing Shine with the Monarch MKII, but I still spent a lot of time listening to this IEM, and doing so now makes me feel the same way as it did before. Of course, these are just my opinions and they don't apply to everyone. I value other people's comprehension. The IEM shouldn't have tuning switches, in my opinion, as the standard tuning has always produced the best results. However, with this IEM, I consider the switches to be a bonus. Since I have already compared these to my beloved Monarch MKII and given them such a bold name, I can say without a doubt that I do not find any issues with these IEMs. I would therefore heartily recommend them.