DISCLAIMER
I would like to thank Penon for providing this review unit.
The Shozy MXN can be obtained here (no affiliate links):
https://penonaudio.com/SHOZY-MXN.html
SPECIFICATIONS
- Driver configuration: 15.4 mm dynamic driver
- Frequency response: 18 Hz - 22 kHz
- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Sensitivity: 110 dB
- Cable: non-detachable; no info on cable materials. Option for 4.4 mm or 3.5 mm termination
- Tested at: $49.90 USD
ACCESSORIES
Other than the earbuds, these are provided:
1) Carrying case
2) Red high-density full foams
3) Black medium-density full foams
4) Blue low-density full foams
5) Donut foams
The provided accessories are excellent for a sub-$50 USD flathead packaging, can't complain much here.
We have 4 types of foam covers. The red full foams are the densest, bestowing the most warmth and bass. The blue ones are are the thinnest full foams, and they decrease bass but add some brightness to the equation. The blacks ones are a mid-point between the two in terms of sound. Lastly, we have the donut foams, which burnish the midrange and make the sonics less bassy. Do foam-roll and explore what suits your preferences.
We have a very practical zipper carrying case. This is semi-rigid, with the insides lined by a soft material and webbing.
There's no information on the cable materials. FWIW, this cable is on the thinner side, but is well-braided and tangle-free. It has minimal microphonics, with a chin cinch for added grip. When placing an order, one can opt for a 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm termination, depending on your source preference.
The rest of this review was done with the stock donut foams. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.
BUILD/COMFORT
The MXN uses the common MX500 shell type, and is fashioned from plastic. It is very light and ergonomic, and I had no issues using it for long listening sessions.
INTERNALS
This earbud's engine is a 15.4 mm dynamic driver.
DRIVABILITY
I tested the Shozy MXN with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Chord Mojo 2
- Fiio KA11 dongle
- Fiio KA17 dongle
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone
This earbud is relatively easy to drive, though it will scale with amplification, in terms of bass tightness, dynamics and soundstage.
SOUND & TECHNICALITIES
Tonally, the Shozy MXN sports a warm mid-centric signature. As discussed, the MXN comes with a selection of foams, and the donut foams will augment the midrange, whereas the full foams will make it more bassier and warmer.
The following impressions below are with the donut foams installed.
Like most earbuds, there is a sub-
bass roll-off, but the mid-bass is textured and punchy without much mid-bass bleed.
Midrange is the star of the show, with a thick and lush lower midrange adding much heft to the note weight. Upper mids are forwards without shout, and this flathead is a superb option for vocals and acoustic genres. Dare I say, the vocals are creamy and even addictive.
Treble is smooth without harshness or sibilance. It lies towards the dark side of the spectrum, and this earbud will be a kindred spirit our treble-sensitive brethren, but perhaps trebleheads will yearn for a bit more sparkle.
The MXN is extremely organic in
timbre, and this will be a delight when listening to acoustic genres.
I would consider $50 to lie in midFI territory for a earbud transducer. Compared to similarly priced competitors, the MXN has above average
technicalities. No doubt the tuners embraced a musical soundscape over something highly technical or analytical, but even with blunting of note edges (to relief harshness) and the darkish treble, the MXN still has decent resolution. It isn't the last word in micro-detailing or clarity, but makes it up with an expansive soundstage, coupled with good layering and imaging.
COMPARISONS
The Shozy MXN will be compared against other midFI earbuds.
Fiio FF3S
The FF3S is a warmer earbud, with more bass than the MXN. The FF3S has weaker micro-detailing and soundstage, but has similar levels of imaging.
The FF3S has a detachable cable with 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm modular terminals, however this cable is semi-proprietary, so one needs to get a similar cable from Fiio directly, which kind of defeats the purpose.
DUNU Alpha 3
The Alpha 3 has a neutral bright tuning, with less bass and note weight than the MXN. The Alpha 3 has a more metallic timbre and doesn't sound as organic.
The Alpha 3 has a more extended treble, which furnishes more clarity and micro-detailing, though it can potentially be sibilant and fatiguing. The Alpha 3 has a smaller soundstage but tighter imaging.
The Alpha 3 has a non-detachable cable too. The Alpha 3 housing is much heavier and longer in the stem, so the ergonomics are not as comfortable as that on the MXN.
CONCLUSIONS
The Shozy MXN is a flathead for long late-night relaxing sessions. The excellent timbre and lush note weight confers a musical and agreeable sonic profile, with a thick and sweet midrange showcasing vocals and acoustic instruments to the fullest (no pun intended). The non-peaky upper midrange and sibilant-free treble are a great match for treble-sensitive ears. While there is a sub-bass roll-off - this is a common gripe for most earbuds - the mid-bass is textured and fast.
Due to the blunted note edges and darkish treble, the MXN is not an analytical or micro-detailed focused flathead, but the soundstage and imaging are still solid, even when compared back-to-back with pricier midFI benchmarks like the DUNU Alpha 3 and Fiio FF3S.
This earbud is easily driven, with a nice accessory spread, and is comfortable to wear. It has a non-detachable cable, but we routinely see TOTL earbuds - some costing near a grand - also being non-detachable, so I can close one eye here.
For earbud aficionados that are searching for a midFI earbud that is warm, silky smooth and tranquil, with midrange being a highlight - the Shozy MXN is a great option to consider.
