Earbud Thailand Black Onyx Earbud (BOE)

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*Introduction*

Black Onyx is the flagship product from Earbud Thailand. Designed produce a neutral and clear sound signature, without any added bass.

http://www.earbudthailand.com/product/14/black-onyx-earbud
 
 
                                         ~All Photos Taken By Me~

                                               
 
**Disclamer - A sample of the BOE was provided to me in return for an honest review (Cost is $24USD +$5 Shipping)**



*Tech Specs*

Driver Size - 14mm
Impedance - 32ohm
Cord Length - 1.2m
Cord Type - Y
 

 


*Contents*

Warranty Card
Round Carrying Case
Two Sets of Inside Hole Foam Covers

The warranty card is a nice personal touch. It shows you that you have a special product produced for individual enjoyment. Apparently mine was made in 1958, if I am reading it right, or that is a secret code for my demo set, not sure.

The case is simple, but does the job just fine. The BOE is protected inside with room for the two sets of foam covers.
 

 

 


*Build*

Materials and design are typical of earbuds of this nature. Cord thickness is about middle of the road compared to other earbuds and has sufficient strain relief at the 3.5mm plug.
 

 


*Comfort*

For earbuds, fit is a very personal. Some enjoy them naked, some like the inside hole foams and some like full foam cover. Like eartips for earphones, foam tips for earbuds can be quite different in their build and can change sonic qualities of the product. For my testing of the BOE, I found using the included in hole foams worked the best for me.
 

 


*Sound*

On Earbud Thailand's website, there is a graph on how the BOE compares to the other units they make. As you can see, the Black Onyx has an intended use of better highs and mids with a big soundstage. Forgoing any boost in the bass. To my ears, they are dead on with their description.
 
 
(This graph is slightly outdated, but shows how the BOE was tuned)

Lows - While purposely not exaggerated, the lows are still very much present, but just not a defining feature. Instead you get a nice warm whiff of sub-bass with a touch of mid bass kick that are very well controlled. These are not bass light.

Mids - The mid section of the Black Onyx rand is quite good, with clear tones that are just the smallest bit forward. Vocals come through with good clarity and accuracy. Earbud Thailand did a wonderful job tuning here in the middle.

Highs - The BOE extends well into the upper range before any roll off is noticed, resulting in nice detail. These do not give any indication of being harsh, no matter how hard I pushed them, as there is a softness to the highs that comes in at just the right time, making these wonderful for extended listening.

Soundstage - The first thing I noticed with the BOE was how big the soundstage was, distance is quite impressive. Instrument separation is decent enough for this price range as well.

Isolation - They are normal earbuds, they really don't isolate at all.
 

 


*Comparison*

Earbud Thailand's Black Onyx vs Sunrise AS-Feeling II

These are two good earbuds to compare because of their price range, both being around $30 USD and both having a similar clear, neutralish sound signature.

Differences start right away though with the design. The As-Feeling II is a lot smaller and thus effects fit. For me, I am able to get a much better fit and seal with the BOE. The Sunrise does have a bit better form and design. The Black Onyx does not have any logo or any labeling at all to let you know what earbud you are using. While I am a big function over form kind of guy, it would be nice if the BOE at least had some sorta name or distinctive markings for Earbud Thailand. The Sunrise comes with a microphone, the BOE does not.

Accessories also differ a lot between these two. The Sunrise comes with this VERY strange felt, soft "case" that is basically useless. While the BOE case is cheaper and carries no name, it still is perfectly useful for earbud storage.

Sound wise, they seem to both sound similar at first. Clear tones and neither earphone stressing bass emphasis. They quickly drift apart with the BOE soundstage that is decently bigger than the As-Feeling II. Clarity is good with both earbuds, with a slight edge going to the Black Onyx as it extends just a bit higher up. Both earbuds also react well to EQ inputs. Both being on the neutral side allows them to be molded to ones personal taste a bit easier. While both are good earbuds, the Sunrise As-Feeling II does not do anything better than the BOE, while the Black Onyx does a lot very well.
 


*Overall Thoughts*

The Black Onyx is a quality earbud andeven more so for the price. What really impresses me with the BOE is how it does from the lows all the way up to the highs, as the whole range is represented so accurate and clear. For just under $30, the BOE is a great value.
 
 
 
*More Information*
 
The English website will be finish in about 1 - 2 months.

Those interested can contact through:

1. earbudthailand@hotmail.com

2. https://www.facebook.com/earbudsthailand
 
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