Reviews by suicideup
KZ ZVX Review!
Good day! After 5 days of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the KZ ZVX. Probably the cleanest they’ve done so far!
- I don’t read and read FR graphs. I only use my ears, as how earphones should be used.
- KZ sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.
Source/s used:
- -Hiby R3 Pro Saber
- -Fosi Audio DS1
- -Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96 Samsung), Laptop.
- -Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
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Sound signature:
- U-shaped or mild-V-shaped is where the KZ ZVX is at. However, this IEM is quite different from the usual “fun-sounding” sound quality. This sounds clean, and is a midbass-focused IEM.
- The bass characteristics of the ZVX are snappy and clean. It's definitely elevated, but it's punchier than rumbly in comparison to their previous offerings. Attack and decay are both quick and above average. Bassheads may find it lacking due to its less rumbly subbass, but for the majority of people, it is adequate and will handle EDM tracks well.
- The mids are well-placed, with minor recession on some pairings and tracks. However, because the bass never bled into the mids, it never sounded too distant or drowned out. Lower mids are sufficiently thick and textured. The upper mids are more elevated than the lower mids, with excellent clarity, air, and sparkle. The upper mids may sound "too much" to some, but they never sounded sibilant or harsh to me during my listening sessions.
- Moving on to the highs, it is also well extended, elevated, and sparkly. There are still no instances of peaks and pierce being found here. Detail retrieval is average and managed to pick up most details needed.
- Everything about the ZVX's technical performance is average. The soundstage is not narrow or cramped, but it is significantly smaller in terms of expansion than the KZ Ling Long. Separation and layering are above average, as it was able to render very busy tracks reasonably well. Imaging is also average.
- One of the cleanest-sounding KZ I have encountered.
- Clean, snappy, all-rounder, overall sound quality.
- Punchy, clean midbass.
- Clean, well-placed mids.
- Elevated, clear treble.
- Above average technical performance, particularly on the separation and imaging department.
- Excellent build quality for its price. Literally heavy metal!
- Very good fit and comfort.
- Easy to be driven to its full potential.
- Upper frequencies may be “too much” for some people, especially those people who are sensitive to upper frequencies.
- Subbass enjoyers may find its subbass not rumbly enough.
- Soundstage is a bit smaller and/or “in-your-head” in terms of width and expansion, when compared to the KZ Ling Long.
- Foam tips aren’t the best option for daily usage in terms of longevity (nitpick, subjective).
- Barebone accessories. A pouch or a cable winder would’ve been a great treat for everybody.
Verdict
The KZ ZVX is one of those IEMs made by KZ that I find somewhat unique, along with the AS16 Pro. Along with the AS16 Pro, they are by far the cleanest sounding KZs I have encountered. If you are not sensitive to treble and you’re looking for an all-rounder, clean sound, consider the KZ ZVX to be one of your choices.
Pairing recommendation/s:
- Source: This IEM is easy to be driven to its full potential. However, pairing it with a warmer source make things a bit smoother.
- Eartips: I don’t prefer using foam tips on this one, use your preferred silicone eartips.
- Cable: Cable is as good as it gets, but you may always use your preferred cable.
Thank you for reading!
Non-affiliated link here:https://kz-audio.com/kz-zvx.html
Additional Photos here:
Attachments
KZ Ling Long Review!
Good day! After 5 days of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the KZ Ling Long. The ED9’s distant cousin!
(Random Fun Fact: The Ling Long is a Chinese name/word which means clink of jewels / exquisite / detailed and fine / clever / nimble).
Disclaimer:
- I don’t read and read FR graphs. I only use my ears, as how earphones should be used.
- KZ sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.
Source/s used:
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber
- Fosi Audio DS1
- Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96), Laptop.
- Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
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Sound signature:
- One may say that the KZ Ling Long exhibits a warm-v-shaped sound, a u-shaped sound, or even a neutral-bass boosted sound signature as well. All of those are somewhat correct and are within the common ground. The KZ Ling Long to my ears sounds L-shaped. It sure is bassy, and exhibits smooth, non-fatiguing upper frequencies.
- The lows are definitely present and elevated here, and they may be the highlight of this IEM. Because of its rumbly presentation, it is subbass dominant. To my liking, the speed and decay are average, and they improve as you feed it more power (using it with high gain). Some people may describe the bass as "slow" and "soft," especially on bass-heavy tracks. Budget-conscious bassheads may enjoy this IEM and use it as their daily beater for commuting.
- Moving on to the mids, it sounds "perfectly placed" to me. However, when underpowered, it may experience a slight recession (like pairing it with a non-LG smartphone). The lower mids are warm and have a lot of texture and thickness, which is especially noticeable on the main vocals. Upper mids are also well-positioned in terms of presence, though they may be slightly elevated depending on the track and setup. Despite the lack of sibilance, peaks, or harshness, the Ling Long managed to provide adequate clarity and sparkle for the majority of users, but will be described as "lacking or lifeless" by some due to its "unelevated" presence most of the time.
- The treble is well-extended here, with no harshness or noticeable peaks. I wouldn't call it rolled off because it extends well and smoothly, but it can be described as "lifeless or flat" by those who prefer an engaging, fun sound, just like its mids. Detail retrieval is adequate, as it captures the majority of details fairly well.
- In a nutshell, the technical performance of the Ling Long is average for its price. It has no negative or underwhelming qualities, but it isn't the "best IEM under 15USD" or anything along those lines. Because of its "semi/open-back" design, the soundstage here is above average in terms of width, depth, and height. Separation and layering are average and will suffer from congestion on extremely busy tracks, especially heavy metal tracks. Imaging is average, at best, as it accurately presents vocal and instrument positions.
Sound Comparison/s:
- Vs the KZ EDA Balanced
- The KZ EDA Balanced is more “neutral” and lighter when compared, in terms of sound quality and presentation. It is less bassy and has more upper frequency presence. Both are really good for its price but you should only choose one if we’re being practical.
- Vs the Tanchjim Zero
- They are literally the complete opposite in terms of sound as the Zero is bass-light, neutral, and will somewhat sound “dry” when compared to the Ling Long. Technicalities is where the Zero excels at within this price range, but the Ling Long takes the cake in the soundstage department.
- Vs the Tanchjim Tanya
- Hard to drive, rolled off treble. Ling Long is better.
- Vs the Moondrop Quarks
- Hard to drive, generic Moondrop sound. Ling Long is better, price-to performance-wise.
- Vs the Final Audio E3000
- Man, that’s old. Brings me back to my newbie days, 2017 era. It is better tonally but still has rolled off treble and definitely harder to drive. The Ling Long is about 80% the same in terms of sound quality when compared while being cheaper.
Pros:
- One of KZ’s “better” budget options. A bassier alternative to the EDA Balanced (subjective).
- All-rounder, bassy sound.
- One of their smoothest-sounding IEMs as well.
- Rumbly, fairly-controlled bass.
- Well-positioned mids in terms of presence (subjective)
- Fatigue-free upper frequencies without sounding rolled off.
- Decent-good technical performance for its price point.
- Easy to drive and scales well depending on the setup paired.
- Very good build quality for a budget IEM.
- Very good fit and comfort.
- Decent quality of accessories. The included hard case is a very good treat!
- Bass presentation and quality may improve depending on how much power you pair with the IEM, particularly in its speed.
- Vocals and instruments may come off as “lifeless” or “boring” to some. (subjective).
- Separation and layering may degrade on very busy tracks (nitpick).
- Driver flex is present on this IEM due to lack of a/some pressure vent/s. Eartip rolling may help.
- Cable microphonics is slightly present on this IEM. They could’ve included a shirt clip to lessen that.
- L/R indicators are a bit too small and hard to be seen at a glance. Colored/dotted markings would’ve helped.
Verdict
KZ hasn't released a bullet-type IEM in a long time. The KZ Ling Long reminded me of their older model, the ED9, which was considered "revolutionary" by some at the time due to its interchangeable nozzles and very good sound quality for the price. Despite not having any gimmicks like the latter, or most earphones released and available in the saturated "audiophile" market, the KZ Ling Long managed to impress me in that regard. No, it isn't the "best" or a "killer" in its price range, but it does provide very good sound quality and is designed as a daily driver IEM to cater to most people, including non-audiophiles who simply want a decent sounding set of earphones - and sometimes, that is enough!
Pairing recommendation/s:
- Source: It is easy to drive, but pair it with a neutral source if possible, for better results.
- Eartips: The eartips are soft and comfy enough for daily usage. However, you may use your preferred third party eartips. Eartip rolling may also lessen the driver flex of the IEM.
Thank you for reading!
Non-affiliated link here: https://kz-audio.com/kz-ling-long.html
Additional Photos here:
Fosi Audio DS1 USB DAC Review!
Good day! After a week of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the Fosi Audio DS1 USB DAC. Might be the swiss knife dongle under 100USD!
Disclaimer:
- Fosi Audio sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will be free from any form of bias/s as much as possible.
- I have not tested this with MQA files or MQA streaming since I don’t use MQA at all.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- I have only tested this with earbuds and IEMs and earbuds.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
IEMs/Earbuds/Source used:
- Celest Pandamon
- Etymotic ER3SE
- Cat Ear MiMi Pro
- NiceHCK EB2S 4.4
- VE Monk Espresso
- VE Asura 2.0
- VE VE Monk V2s
- Shaytan Customs’ Lamia
- Tinhifi C3
- Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96, Teclast T-Pad)
- Desktop PC, Laptop.
- Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
Essential Product Specifications:
- Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.5dB)
- THD+N: SE: 0.0006%(32Ω); BAL: 0.001%(32Ω); S/N: ≥120 dB
- Recommended headphone impedance: 16-300Ω(SE); 16-300Ω(BAL)
- Dual headphone outputs: 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone jack;
- Power Output: 3.5mm - 120mW(SE); 4.4mm - 220mW(BAL)
Sound signature:
- The Fosi Audio presented itself as a neutral, clean-sounding DAC. It greatly avoided major colorations to the sound and is evident when paired with Etymotic ER3SE. There is a bit of an additional tinge of warmth (but not as much as when compared to the Ifi Hip DAC or the likes) to the sound to keep things from sounding too clinical, but it is very negligible, depending on the gear paired with it. Despite not being too technical, it still showed the technical capabilities of my IEMs and earbuds. Interestingly, it also managed to add a bit of body to the Asura 2.0 when paired with it. In general, the Fosi Audio DS1 delivers the power the IEMs or earbuds need when paired. I never experienced "underpowered" instances throughout my tests.
- Sturdy—that is the first thing that came to mind when I held the DS1 in person. It is literally solid and hefty. It might be too heavy for some. If I’m going to compare it to other dongles, my guess is that it would be as heavy as an Ifi Go Bar. The volume buttons are really satisfying, as they are tactile and crisp. Adjusting the volume via the hardware volume buttons adjusts the device’s software volume as well.
- It is literally plug-and-play. There is no need to install any proprietary drivers, regardless of what device you are going to pair with it.
- The DS1’s battery consumption is average. It is nicely proportioned for the power it delivers. It lasted around 5–7 hours on my smartphone and tablet.
Power and volume:
- The volume here was mostly handled by the device itself, and the DS1 will base the volume on what volume you were at last time. Here are some IEMs and earbuds I have tried with their respective listenable or loud enough volumes:
- Etymotic ER3SE - 20/100
- Celest Pandamon - 16/100
- VE Asura 2.0 - 25/100
- NiceHCK EB2S 4.4 - 16/100
- Most IEMs - 14/100
- Earbuds - 25/100
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Comparisons!:
VS the VE MEGATRON
- The VE Megatron is more powerful when compared, but lacks cleanliness when compared to the DS1. There is a perceivable noise floor on the MEGATRON, whereas the DS1 does not have one. Both contribute the same lack of coloration to the sound of the paired gear. The MEGATRON seems to emphasize the midbass just a little bit, while the DS1 exhibits a tinge or warmth to the mids. Both are well made in terms of build quality. The DS1 is smaller and has volume buttons, while the MEGATRON is complete with the essential ports but lacks the physical volume buttons that the DS1 has.
- The Tempotec Sonata HDV looks more elegant as it is a literal glass sandwich, while the Fosi Audio DS1 aims for a more robust, sturdy, all-metal, industrial design. In terms of sound, both share the same level of minimal coloration but are quite different in terms of where they are leaning. The DS1 has a tinge of warmth, while the Sonata HD V seems to emphasize the upper frequencies a bit. The DS1 is also more powerful and has a 4.4mm BAL port and volume buttons, which the Sonata HD V does not have.
- A powerful, relatively neutral sounding USB DAC.
- Clean, detailed sound.
- Slight tinge of warmth to the sound makes it not too clinical (subjective).
- Free from any perceivable noise floor.
- Minimal battery consumption compared to the power it can give.
- Hefty, solid build quality.
- Excellent device compatibility - literally just plug and play.
- Very tactile, hardware volume buttons.
- DSD support is always a good treat.
- 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm BAL ports makes it very versatile.
- Very competitive and might be the best dongle I’ve encountered under 80 USD (obviously subjective).
- DAC gets warm to touch on long usage. (subjective).
- Might be too hefty to some people (subjective).
- A pouch would be a treat for everybody (a nitpick).
Verdict
The Fosi Audio DS1 truly is a hype-worthy dongle! I must say, if we’re talking about practicality, you will be more than fine with this dongle throughout your 100-200 USD IEM, earbud, and maybe even headphone journey. I did not experience any major flaws or issues with this dongle, up to the point that the only things that I found were only nitpicks. It’s that good for a dongle. The Fosi Audio DS1 is my top USB DAC recommendation under 200 USD as of Q1 2023!Who is the Fosi Audio DS1 for?
- For those people who want an all-rounder, fairly powerful dongle .
- For those people who want a bit of warmth to their listening sessions.
- For those people who want a robust usb dongle on-the-go.
- None, actually. This might sound shilly, but if you have the budget and do not have a proper source, buy the Fosi Audio DS1.
Non-affiliated links here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5ZR9GFJ/
https://www.fosiaudio.com/product/headphone-amplifier/ds1-dac-headphone-amplifier/
Additional Photos Here:
Attachments
Celest Pandamon Review!
Good day! After 5 days of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the Celest Pandamon. Metal Yin-Yang!
(Random Fun Fact: The whole motif of the Pandamon is based on a giant panda named "Mo", a creature Emperor Wanhu had in his garden along with other interesting creatures. Variously transliterated as "mo," "mé," or "mih," this creature had teeth strong enough to bite through iron, copper, and the joints of bamboo and could chew the nails off a city gate. Its stomach acids could easily dissolve these tough items, hence the name "Iron-Eating Animal." Mo were said to have lived in the areas of Sichuan and Guizhou (especially on Mount Emei in Guizhou), and sometimes ate tripods and cooking utensils if these were mistakenly left out by travelers, hence its metal faceplate and black IEM housing. The name Pandamon, however, seems to be a reference to a Digimon character of the same name.)
Disclaimer:
- Kinera sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.
Source/s used:
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber
- Tempotec Sonata HD V
- Venture Electronics Megatron
- Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96 Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018))
- Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
Sound signature:
- The Celest Pandamon, unlike the Gumiho, attempted a more neutral response this time. To my ears, it can sound "midcentric" at times due to the forward mids presentation while keeping the bass controlled and not emphasized too much on most of my test tracks and casual music library, but it is safe to say that it will sound more or less "neutral" in most cases, depending on the pairing. It may sound “dry” for some people especially those who use bassy or warm IEMs on a daily basis but not for me, probably because I mostly use my Etymotic ER3SE during critical listening sessions as my “reference” IEM. Once again, the SPD benefits come into play with this IEM, which is technically competent for the asking price.
- The lows are almost linear, almost Etymotic ER3SE/XR-like, but not quite; it is textured, quick, and clean, and never lacked presence in my opinion. Midbass and subbass levels are roughly equal in quantity, with the midbass having a slight dominance in some cases, resulting in a punchy bass presentation. Although bassheads may prefer more quantity to the subbass, it has never lacked for most genres and will deliver well-done, clean bass regardless of genre.
- As for the mids, it is open and forward most of the time during my assessment and casual listening period. There is a tinge of warmth here but well done, just like on what most people hear with the Etymotic ER2XR; it never got recessed or drowned out, even on complex passages. Despite being open and forward, it retained the adequate thickness, detail, and smoothness of Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran’s voices. The upper mids are slightly more elevated when compared to the lower mids, exhibiting above-average clarity, air, and sparkle without any instances of fatigue or sibilance. In my opinion, the mids of the Pandamon are one of the best mids I’ve heard within this price bracket if you’re looking for well-presented, forward mids.
- Moving on, the treble is well-extended but not as elevated as the mids, with good clarity and air. The cymbal crashes in this set are well done, and they never lack the crash and splash that I look for during my tests. Detail retrieval is average, as it can easily pick up most details.
- The Pandamon, like the Gumiho, is an excellent value in this category. The soundstage is expansive and immersive, with plenty of height and depth. My guess is that because the shell seems to sport a semi-open back design, but I am uncertain. Nevertheless, it is wide. Separation and layering are above average, as they never struggled badly on my busy test tracks. Imaging is also precise, allowing for very accurate instrument and vocal positioning.
Sound Comparison/s:
- Vs the Celest Gumiho
- The Gumiho is noticeably bassier and has recessed mids when compared to the Pandamon. The mids are also meatier or thicker on the Pandamon. It is also brighter in terms of treble, probably because it has a BA driver, whereas the Pandamon does not. The rest are more or less the same, with the Gumiho having a bit more wider stage but lacks the immersiveness when compared. In my opinion this isn’t an upgrade nor a sidegrade, but a different flavour.
- Vs the Tinhifi C2
- The Tinhifi C2 is brighter and less neutral when compared to the Pandamon. It also has less smoother sound and warmth. The soundstage is wider on the C2, but lacks the immersiveness the Pandamon has.
- Vs the Dunu Titan S
- The Titan S is also brighter, more u-shaped, and has more extension on the treble when compared to the Pandamon. Bass is more present in terms of quantity on the Pandamon. Soundstage is wider on the Titan S and less immersive when compared.
Pros:
- The most “neutral” sounding IEM Celest has done so far.
- Neutral, midcentric at times, non-fatiguing sound signature.
- Fast, clean bass response.
- Open, forward, lush mids.
- “Naturally” extended treble.
- Excellent technical performance for its price (well-tuned SPD advantage/s I guess).
- Immersive soundstage for its price (at least to my ears).
- Easy to drive.
- Excellent fit and comfort.
- Very good packaging and accessories. The metal bookmark returns!
- Another unique IEM release from the company that quite stands out from the market.
- Visually-pleasing, industrial design cue/s (subjective).
- Probably my favorite IEM existed this year under 100 USD (obviously subjective).
- Faceplate design isn’t for everyone (but I like it though) (subjective).
- Bassheads may find the bass too "clean" or "lacks subbass" (subjective).
- Cable is a bit of a downgrade compared to the Gumiho in terms of twist/braid structure.
- I would’ve preferred a pancake/hard case for its price (nitpick).
Verdict
The Celest Pandamon is quite a banger for a year-ender IEM in 2022. Celest once again nailed the uniqueness of this IEM in terms of its motif, presentation, and sound quality. Despite being a relatively new type of driver technology on the market, I'm starting to like how Celest crafts and tunes their SPD. It did not try to sound identical to the current IEM market, wherein most sets sound the same, u-shaped sound to each other, just with different emphasis. Instead, Pandamon attempted to achieve "true" neutrality in the budget IEM realm, and they got it really close in my book (and ears)—truly one of the few I find interesting and worthy of my overall recommendation!
Pairing recommendation/s:
- Source: Rated at 9 ohms, I find the Celest Pandamon easy to drive. But for better results and pairings, a neutral or warm sounding dongle fits this well.
- Eartips: The eartips are soft and comfy enough for daily usage. However, you may use your preferred third party eartips.
- Cable is more than enough for the most part, but you can always use your preferred cable.
Thank you for reading!
Non-affiliated link here: https://www.kineraaudio.com/product/celest-pandamon
Additional Photos here:
QOA Gimlet Review!
Good day! After 5 days of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the QOA Gimlet. Cocktail Classic!
- Kinera sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.
Source/s used:
-Hiby R3 Pro Saber
-Tempotec Sonata HD V
-Venture Electronics Megatron
-Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96 Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018))
-Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: stock large wide bore eartips, stock cable, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 40-60% volume, low gain and high gain,with and without extra amplification.
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Sound signature:
- The QOA Gimlet adheres to the current budget chi-fi trend, in which most IEMs under $100 USD have a u-shaped, all-rounder sound signature. The QOA Gimlet, like its cocktail counterpart, provides a thick, smooth, warm experience without becoming boring or lifeless.
- The lows are elevated, thick, and well-controlled. Most of the time, the midbass and subbass have equal levels of presence, with the midbass being dominant when needed. Decay and attack are average, resulting in the "natural" effect. Despite not being a "basshead" set, bassheads may be able to enjoy the bass on this IEM.
- The mids are a little recessed for my liking, but they never sound thin, distant, or drowned out. It managed to retain its composure, presence, and thickness even on poorly mastered tracks or at lower file bitrates. There is a bit of midbass bleed here, making the lower mids a bit thicker than usual. Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran’s voices still have sufficient detail but are a bit smoother. Upper mids are elevated with a good amount of clarity, sparkle, and air. There are no instances of sibilance, peaks, or harshness throughout my listening experience and testing, which is a good sign for those who are sensitive to upper frequencies.
- The treble is well-extended, airy, and elevated, though not as elevated as the lows. It may appear "too sparkly" at times for some people, but it never became "too much" or “harsh” to my ear or the majority of the people I asked to test this IEM. Detail retrieval is average and can easily pick up most microdetails.
- Moving on to the technicalities, the soundstage is wide and has average expansion. It also has good depth and height, but nothing extraordinary. Separation is average, and it can handle busy tracks without becoming too congested on heavy passages like metal or rock. Imaging is adequate, accurate, and capable of rendering vocal and instrument positions adequately.
Pros:
- A warm, all-rounder sounding IEM.
- Just like most LCP-Based drivers, these managed to balance it tonal and technical quality quite well.
- Non-fatiguing sound.
- Elevated, fairly controlled lows.
- Lush mids.
- Sparkly, airy treble.
- Fairly wide soundstage.
- Excellent fit and comfort.
- Premium packaging and quality under 60 USD.
- Very good amount and quality of included accessories.
- Mids are a bit recessed to my liking (subjective).
- Treble may be perceived as “too sparkly” by treble-sensitive people (subjective).
Verdict
In terms of build quality and sound, the QOA Gimlet is a really good package and is quite different from their previous releases. The Gimlet entered the market with this ceramic driver shell and an LCP diaphragm, where most have the same driver material but not the same driver shell. In terms of sound, I see (or hear) no major flaws or negative aspects with this IEM because it retains the "enjoyment" I seek when listening to music while keeping things safe for everyone. This is a very good and compelling package for less than $60 USD on its own, partly because the overall packaging and motif screams elegance and class while delivering pleasing sound quality. I recommend this as your first (or even last) LCP-based set under $100!
Pairing recommendation/s:
- Source: I find the QOA Gimlet easy to drive. But for better results and pairings, a neutral or warm sounding dongle fits this well.
- Eartips: The eartips are soft and comfy enough for daily usage. However, you may use your preferred third party eartips.
- Cable is more than enough for the most part, but you can always use your preferred cable.
Thank you for reading!
Non-affiliated link here: https://qoa-audio.com/product/qoa-gimlet/
Additional Photos Here:
Tinhifi C3 Review!
Good day! After 5 days of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the Tinhifi C3. The C stands for Carbon!
Disclaimer:
- Keephifi sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.
Source/s used:
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber
- Tempotec Sonata HD V
- Venture Electronics Megatron
- Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96 Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018))
- Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: stock medium preinstalled normal bore eartips, stock cable, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 40-60% volume, low gain, without extra amplification.
Sound signature:
- In a nutshell, I consider the Tinhifi C3 to be a refresh of the Tinhifi T3 Plus, which was released a year ago. When compared to the T3 Plus, there is a slight difference in sound, particularly in how "more neutral" it presents itself. Don’t get me wrong, it is still a balanced-warm, or u-shaped, sounding unit, but it is noticeably less warm when compared and has a bit more treble presence up top.
- It is still elevated, but not to the point where I can call it a basshead IEM. It is elevated whenever the tracks want it, to keep things somewhat alive and upbeat. It is less impactful and chunky than the T3 Plus when compared, but retains its composure and control even on bassy tracks. Its subbass is a bit more dominant than the midbass. Decay is on the average side of the spectrum and decay and can keep up easily depending on the track.
- Moving on the mids, it is still mildly recessed but is noticeably a bit more upfront to my ears in a specific test track of mine (Everglow by Coldplay, same web file and streaming platform). It is still warm and lush, just like its year-old brother, but is less thick. The lower mids are still bodied, with good texture and detail. Upper mids are slightly elevated, but not significantly, while maintaining good clarity, air, and sparkle. Again, Tinhifi managed to avoid any harshness, peaks, or sibilance on this IEM, which is a plus point for me to recommend it to upper-frequency sensitive folks.
- As for the treble, it is again naturally extended, not too bright nor too dark. It has a good amount of air but not enough to be called "airy." Cymbal crashes still sound satisfying, but I would’ve preferred a bit of a bite, which might be achieved with eartip rolling. Detail retrieval is average to above average and can pick up most details in a track easily.
- Hearing the T3 Plus before made me conclude that the technical performance you’ll get here in the C3 is nearly the same. The soundstage is still the same, as it exhibits wide width with average expansion. Separation seems to be a bit better here when compared to T3 Plus, as it suffered less congestion on my busy test tracks. Imaging is more or less the same and is still accurate.
Pros:
- A very good T3 Plus refresh.
- A more “neutral” sounding T3 Plus.
- All-rounder, non-fatiguing sound.
- Chunky, controlled lows.
- Warm, lush mids.
- Naturally-extended treble.
- Very good technical performance for its price.
- Elegant, minimalist design (subjective)
- Easy to drive.
- Excellent fit and comfort.
- Very good cable and eartips quality when compared to T3 Plus.
- Cheaper than the T3 Plus for nearly having an identical sound.
- While it does have some differences to the T3 Plus, it isn’t that big and some may find this as a “visual and accessory refresh only” for the most part.
- Oddly priced in my opinion because this is cheaper than the T3 Plus while keeping 90% of its sound, but with better cable and eartips.
- A pouch or a case would’ve been a great treat for everybody (subjective).
Verdict
The Tinhifi C3 is a worthy refresh of the T3 Plus at a cheaper price. Aside from its non-metal nozzle, I do not see or hear any compromises or any serious flaws. There are even some instances where this is better and more aligned with what I prefer, particularly because it has less bass impact, a bit better separation, and more open upper frequencies. However, I will leave the decision to you on whether I will recommend this IEM to you or not due to it having the same DNA and experience as its year-old brother but with better cable and a subjectively better visual appearance. But if you don’t have a T3 Plus yet and you want an all-round, competent-sounding IEM for 50 USD, this will be one of my top recommendations within that price range, along with the Tinhifi C2.
Pairing recommendation/s:
- Source: I find the Tinhifi C easy to drive. However, I do recommend using a 2vrms dongle or a dedicated DAP for good measure.
- Eartips: The eartips are soft and comfy enough for daily usage. However, you may use your preferred third party eartips.
- Cable is more than enough for the most part, but you can always use your preferred cable.
Thank you for reading!
Additional Photos Here:
Tinhifi C2 Review!
Good day! After 5 days of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the Tinhifi C2. Speedy tank!
Disclaimer:
- Keephifi sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.
Source/s used:
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber
- Tempotec Sonata HD V
- Venture Electronics Megatron
- Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96 Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018))
- Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: stock large normal bore eartips, stock cable, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 40-60% volume, low gain, without extra amplification.
=============================================================Sound signature:
- The Tinhifi C2 has a neutral-bright, or mild-v, signature that leans toward the brighter end of the spectrum in some sources. The amount of clarity and cleanliness in sound you get on this IEM is almost on par with the Tinhifi T4, my personal favorite Tinhifi IEM among their lineup, followed by the T3 Plus.
Lows:
- The Tinhifi C2 exhibits an elevated, quick, punchy, clean, and impactful bass. It never came across as boomy or slow during my tests. Its midbass is more dominant than the subbass, but not by much. Bassheads on a budget may still enjoy the C2's bass, but they may notice that it does not dig as deep as other basshead sets in this price range, such as the KBEAR Rosefinch.
- The mids are slightly recessed, but not to the point of sounding distant. It is still present, detailed, and free from any midbass bleed without sounding too thin, which I really like. Lower mids have good thickness, detail, and texture, but they aren't as lush or smooth as their Tinhifi T3 Plus and aren't as thin as their T2 and T3. Upper mids are elevated with very good air, clarity, and sparkle. This isn’t sibilant, harsh, or peaky by any means, but those people who are sensitive to upper frequencies may find this "too much to their liking." I do believe that this is because of the LCP driver’s nature, because I also experienced this type of midrange quality on some of the LCP-based IEMs and earbuds I encountered and owned.
- Moving on to the treble, it is well extended, airy, and has a good amount of sparkle. It was noticeably more elevated in presence when compared to the lows, but it never became distracting or overwhelming on my tests. Cymbal crashes exhibit good definition and extension. Detail retrieval was average to above average during my tests, as it managed to present most details with ease.
- The Tinhifi managed to balance the quality of its tonality and technicalities in this IEM. and it really shows. The soundstage is wide, with average expansion. Separation and layering are clean for their price, with minimal congestion on very busy tracks but not up to the point where everything becomes blurry. I can even say that in this department, the C2 has better separation and layering than their T3 Plus. Imaging is accurate and can present vocal and instrumental positioning with decent accuracy.
Pros:
- A well-tuned, all-rounder IEM for 30 USD.
- One of the best tuned Tinhifi IEM in my book, surpasses the Tinhifi T4 which was my personal favorite of their products (subjective).
- Very good balance between tonality and technical quality.
- All-rounder, mild-V-shaped sound signature.
- Well-controlled, punchy, fast lows.
- Clear, detailed mids.
- Extended, airy, detailed treble.
- Very good technical performance, price-wise.
- Sturdy, metal build quality.
- Decent, soft eartips.
- Very good fit and comfort.
- Upper mids and treble may come across “too sparkly” or “grainy” for some people, especially those who have low treble tolerance. It is by no means sibilant or harsh though.
- Fit may become fatiguing for some people due to its edged corners. I personally had no problems with it, but it may be experienced when it is fitted flush or closer in your ear.
- Minimal accessories. A pouch or a case would’ve been a good treat for everybody (my nitpick).
Verdict:
The Tinhifi C2 shows that you don’t need to spend too much just to get very good sound quality. At this price range of 40-60 USD, the Tinhifi T2 managed to truly balance the fundamentals I seek. Its clear, detailed sound, accompanied by very good quick decays, enables it to stand up to most genres and pairings you throw at it. This is probably the best budget LCP IEM under 50 USD in my book, assuming that you are looking for a brighter sound signature.
Pairing recommendation/s:
- Source: I find the Tinhifi C2 easy to drive. However, I do recommend using a 2vrms dongle or a dedicated DAP for good measure.
- Eartips: The eartips are soft and comfy enough for daily usage. However, you may use your preferred third party eartips.
- Cable is more than enough for the most part, but you can always use your preferred cable.
Thank you for reading!
Additional photos here:
Salvation Sariel Premium Upgrade Cable Review!
DISCLAIMER/S:
- I am one of those people who is gifted (and cursed) enough to hear minor nuances in setups. Please keep in mind that everything you read here may or may not be experienced by your own ears. Both cases/instances are completely fine, never a problem, and have nothing to do with how "good" your ears are. YOUR MILEAGE MAY AND WILL VARY.
- This unit was sent to me by a friend in an exchange for an honest review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to avoid any bias/es as much as possible.
- No monetary compensation was given to me before, during, and after the creation and publishing of this review.
Pros:
- Premium Craftsmanship and build quality (as it should).
- Premium packaging and accessory/ies (as it should)
- Soft yet reasonably lightweight cable weight.
- Smoothes out any peaks or dips present on the paired gear.
- Has minimal coloration to the sound of the IEM.
Cons:
- There is a chance that the splitter will turn yellowish over time.
- Expensive (of course)
Cable Specifications:
- Litz 6N silver mixed graphene
- 1.25m cable length
- Plug/s available: 3.5mm SE, 2.5mm BAL, 4.4mm BAL
- Conductor: 50% Litz 6N Pure silver mixed with 50% Graphene
- Connector: 2Pin 0.78, QDC/Fitear/JH Audio/IE80/IM/IE600/IE500 silver copper alloy CuAg6 patented MMCX, can also be modular.
- Price: 422 USD
Test setup/s:
- BQEYZ Autumn
- TangZu Shimin Li
- Venture Electronics MEGATRON USB DAC
- CDs, Local Files, Streaming sites.
Findings:
- The Salvation Sariel is a premium cable aimed at excellent aesthetics, build quality, and sound quality for its price. The sound improvements depend on the setup itself, whether it is responsive to subtle changes or not.
- The cable tries to make everything smooth and neutral without any perceived detail loss. Floor noise seemed to be perceived less compared to stock cables, which also means an improved, blacker background. Technical performance is similar and, once again, is determined by the IEM and eartips rather than the cable used.
Verdict
The Salvation Sariel is an excellent premium flagship cable if you have the resources to avail it for your expensive IEM. Even disregarding its "promised sound improvement" alone, the Sariel sure is worthy of its price in terms of its build quality and materials used for its craftsmanship.
Thank you for reading!
Hakugei Skyrim Premium Upgrade Cable Review!
DISCLAIMER/S:
- I am one of those people who is gifted (and cursed) enough to hear minor nuances in setups. Please keep in mind that everything you read here may or may not be experienced by your own ears. Both cases/instances are completely fine, never a problem, and have nothing to do with how "good" your ears are. YOUR MILEAGE MAY AND WILL VARY.
- This unit was sent to me by a friend in an exchange for an honest review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to avoid any bias/es as much as possible.
- No monetary compensation was given to me before, during, and after the creation and publishing of this review.
Pros:
- Premium Craftsmanship and build quality (as it should).
- Premium packaging and accessory/ies (as it should)
- Soft feel yet has sturdy build quality
- Adds a bit of warmth to the sound while keeping the clarity and technical performance.
- Has minimal coloration to the sound of the IEM.
- Minimizes noise floor by a lot.
Cons:
- Cable is slightly on the heavier side.
- Expensive (of course)
Cable Specifications:
- Litz 6N pure silver shielding coaxial structure
- High-end, premium shielding
- Shielding Lay: Litz Pure Silver 112 cores 22awg
- Centre Lay: Litz 6N OCC 133 cores 22awg
- Plug/s: 3.5MM SE, 4.4MM BAL, 2.5MM BAL
- Connector: 2Pin 0.78, QDC/Fitear/JH Audio/IE80/IM/IE600/IE500 silver copper alloy CuAg6 patented MMCX, can also be modular.
- Price: 610 USD
Test setup/s:
- BQEYZ Autumn
- TangZu Shimin Li
- Venture Electronics MEGATRON USB DAC
- CDs, Local Files, Streaming sites.
Findings:
- The Hakugei Skyrim is a premium cable aimed at excellent aesthetics, build quality, and sound quality for its price. The sound improvements depend on the setup itself, whether it is responsive to subtle changes or not.
- The cable noticeably added a bit of warmth to the BQEYZ Autumn. Even in Autumn with neutral filters, it sounds like it is using the bass filter. Despite adding warmth, it never made the sound blurry or bloated. It still maintained the clarity and crispness of the sound while also reducing the perceived floor noise. The soundstage seemed to be a bit wider compared to the stock cable.
Verdict
The Hakugei Skyrim is an excellent premium flagship cable if you have the resources to afford it for your expensive IEM. Aside from its top-notch build quality, it managed to make things a bit warm, and I do find it pairs well with brighter IEMs. It sure is worthy if you pair it with an expensive IEM, as most expensive IEMs are the most sensitive to changes as well.
Thank you for reading!
DestinoAzell
.
KZ EDC-X Review!
Good day! After 5 days of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the KZ EDC-X. Warm well-done!
Disclaimer/s:
- This unit was sent to me by KZ themselves in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will be free from any bias/es as much as possible.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.
Source/s used:
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber
- Tempotec Sonata HD V
- Venture Electronics Megatron
- Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96 Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018))
- Local Files via Foobar and Roon, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
=================================================================Sound signature:
- The KZ EDC-X for me is the alternative of the KZ EDA Balanced Version as it is the warmer sounding of the two, but still falls within the u-shaped sound signature. It never tried to sound neutral in my tests but presented itself as an all-rounder for casual listening or even conference calls.
- I’d say that this is a bass well-done from a KZ IEM. It is fairly controlled for its price, elevated but not too much and isn’t too rumbly nor too punchy, making it a suitable “bassy” IEM for budget bassheads, by a stretch. There are times that the subbass is dominant over the midbass, particularly on EDM or bass heavy tracks, but it never got softened in attack and decay.
- The mids are mildly recessed and get a bit distant to my liking when it is underpowered, which is quite odd since despite being distant when underpowered, it didn’t sound thin at all. But when powered enough from a 2vrms dongle or DAP, it sounds “natural” in terms of position. Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran’s voices are a bit thicker here due to some warmth in the mids. Upper mids are extended well, with decent clarity, air, and sparkle. It isn’t as clear as what I would prefer, like what I experienced with the KZ EDA Balanced, but this is clear enough for most people who just want to listen to their music casually. With that being said, there is no sibilance or harshness present during my tests, so that itself is good news for most people.
- Moving on to the treble, it is extended but not too bright nor dark at all. Cymbal crashes sound decent most of the time. I would prefer a bit of additional brightness to it but KZ did the right thing here to make the treble sound “closest to natural”, so there are no problems here. Detail retrieval is average and can pick up most of the details you’ll usually hear in your music library.
- As for the technicalities, it is average to my ears, but in a good way. The soundstage is wide but not like an out of your head experience. It is just enough for the user not to feel “closed in”, if that makes sense. Separation is also average and will show a bit of congestion on very heavy passages. Imaging is also average and will deliver good rendition of positions for the most part.
=================================================================
Pros:
- Fun, all-rounder sound signature.
- Thick, smooth overall sound.
- Inoffensive upper frequencies.
- Thick, fairly controlled bass.
- Decent balance between tonality and technicality under 10USD.
- Sturdy ear guide.
- Finally, a decent pair of stock pairs of eartips!
- Visually pleasing aesthetic (subjective).
- A bit harder to drive when compared to most KZs (needs to be at least 6/100 in volume at VE Megatron, and 55/100 high gain in my R3 Pro Saber).
- Non-removable cable. I mean, KZ already did an IEM with removable cable under 10 USD before, so this is “unusual”, at least to me.
- A pouch or a case would’ve been a good treat for everybody (subjective).
- Aside from that, nothing really serious flaws under 10USD.
Verdict
The KZ EDC-X is my top recommendation under 10 USD if you are looking for a well tuned IEM with mostly decent technical performance. It’s all-rounder, warm sound is quite refreshing to hear from KZ because most of the time before they always had their upper frequencies boosted on their older IEMs. By a stretch, this type of sound has a bit of similarity to an IEM I auditioned years ago, the Tanchjim Cora, which cost around 30-60 USD that time. This is good news for most people because KZ finally managed to trickle this type of sound for just under 20 USD. Hopefully soon they’ll release a version of this with a removable cable for longevity, because this really sounds good!
Pairing recommendation/s:
- Source: I find the KZ EDC-X to be a bit harder to drive than usual when compared to most KZ IEMs before. I suggest using a 2VRMS dongle here or a DAP, preferably neutral, to pair the best.
- Eartips: It all has the eartips you need included but you can always use your preferred eartips.
Additional Photos here:
Tangzu Wan'er S.G. Review!
Good day! After 5 days of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the Tangzu Wan’er S. G. Top notch budget tonality!
Disclaimer/s:
- This unit was sent to me by Tangzu themselves in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will be free from any bias/es as much as possible.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.
Source/s used:
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber
- Tempotec Sonata HD V
- Venture Electronics Megatron
- Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96 Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018))
- Local Files via Foobar and Roon, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
Sound signature:
- The Tangzu Wan’er S.G. is quite different from the previously released IEMs by the company, as it is the most "neutral" in terms of sound signature. If we’ll describe the signature in exaggeration, this exhibits a mild-u, borderline-bright sound, tastefully done as it avoids any form of harshness, peaks, and sibilance.
- The lows here in the Wan’er S.G. are almost linear to my ears, but well done. It never sounded out of place in my preferences or library, but that doesn't mean it's a basshead or a bassy IEM. Far from it, actually. There are times that the midbass is dominant over the subbass, creating that punchy bass presentation. The decay is average with a little bit of quickness to it, especially on metal tracks.
- Moving on to the mids, it is "naturally placed" or mildly recessed, depending on the track. At first, I thought it managed to go toe-to-toe with my Etymotic ER3SE in terms of linearity. Still, it isn’t as linear, but the coloration of the Wan’er S.G.s is very minimal. The lower mids exhibit very good thickness and depth while keeping the majority of the detail, such as raspy male vocals and instruments, within this region. Upper mids are slightly elevated, just enough to give them that "airy," "clear," and "sparkly" quality while avoiding any peaks, harshness, or sibilance. Vocals may sound intimate at times, especially on vocal-oriented tracks, but they never gave the impression of being "claustrophobic."
- The treble is well extended, almost as much as the level of elevation of the upper mids. It is airy and sparkly. Cymbal crashes sounded really satisfying to my ears. Detail retrieval is average and manages to pick up most of the details needed easily.
- As for the technical performance, everything sounds average to my ears. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t bad at all compared to the other budget IEMs I've tried, but the technical performance here will not blow your mind either. It's more than enough for daily listening and has never sounded choppy, even on my busiest tracks. The soundstage is wider than deep, with average expansion. The separation is also average and may suffer some congestion on very heavy passages, particularly with metal tracks. Imaging is also average, with most spatial cues rendered fairly.
Pros:
- One of the most “balanced/neutral”, smooth sounding IEM under 20 USD.
- The most “tonally correct” IEM under 20 USD to my ears (subjective).
- Controlled, well-done lows.
- “Naturally placed” mids.
- Well-extended, non-fatiguing upper frequencies.
- Decent technical performance.
- Excellent two sets of eartips; does not degrade the full potential sound of the IEM. It even has a cleaning cloth!
- Easy to drive to its full potential.
- Very good fit and comfort (subjective).
- Decent build quality and aesthetics.
- Enticing, motif-driven design cues and box art (subjective).
- May sound “bright” to some (subjective).
- Technical performance is average (nitpick).
- QDC connection kinda ruins the looks of the IEM (subjective)
- A pouch or a case would be a good treat for everybody (subjective)
Verdict
As of now, the Tangzu Wan’er S.G is now my top recommendation under 20USD, if you are looking for a neutral sounding IEM, but with removable cable. It is almost as “flat” when compared to the Tanchjim Zero, the most flattest IEM under 20 USD yet, but with more dynamic bass response and well-controlled treble. The Wan’er S.G. also by far is the most “tonally correct” sounding IEM for me under 20USD. This IEM is literally the embodiment of a quote I try to live by: “a jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” Well done, Tangzu!
Pairing recommendation/s:
- Source: The Wan’er S.G is easy to be driven to its full potential. Any dongle, neutral or warm sounding dongle will do.
- Eartips: It all has the eartips you need included but you can always use your preferred eartips. Tip: try Final E eartips for pleasing results.
- Cable is more than enough for the most part, but you can always use your preferred cable.
Thank you for reading!
Additional Photos here:
Attachments
CCZ Warrior Review!
Good day! After 5 days of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the CCZ Warrior. All hits, almost no misses!
- This unit was sent to me by Keephifi in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will be free from any bias/es as much as possible.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
Source/s used:
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber
- Tempotec Sonata HD V
- VE Megatron
- Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96 Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018))
- Local Files via Foobar and Roon, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
===============================================================Sound signature:
- The CCZ warrior never came across as aggressive-sounding to me, despite its name. The exact reverse was true, in fact. It is a more versatile, smooth, mildly v-shaped IEM with a sound similar to the combination of the CCZ Coffee Bean, Emerald, and Melody, but with higher technical performance and control over the frequencies. When listened to at lower volumes, it does sound "neutral" with a little bit of enhanced lows.
- Here in the CCZ Warrior, the lows are regulated, dense, and just a little bit elevated. It was able to maintain a clear distance between itself and other frequencies. Midbass and subbass presence are typically equal, with certain songs having midbass dominance when necessary. As a result of the decay leaning slightly to the faster side, the lows become more polished and clean. Budget-conscious bassheads might love the punch and rumble the Warrior possesses, but if they would rather have a bit of that deep, luscious bass, they might want to choose the KBEAR Rosefinch or maybe another model.
Mids:
- The Warrior had a slight recession to it and kept the presence of the lower mids from being too recessed or thin at all at the same time. The lower mids are smooth, well-textured, and have great thickness, especially on male vocals like Sam Smith's or Ed Sheeran's. The upper mids are slightly elevated with a very good amount of clarity, air, and sparkle. The Warrior avoided any peaks, pierces, harshness, or sibilance in this region. However, I would like to note that the mids and the treble in general are quite "laid back" or "linear" to my liking when listened to at lower volume levels. It isn't really a negative point, to be honest, but should be taken as a "heads up" for those people who want a "spice" to their listening experience. During my tests paired with my Hiby R3 Pro Saber, there was a noticeable difference when I listened to the Warrior with 40% volume in low gain compared to 40% volume in high gain. It is more noticeable to my ears when compared to the other IEMs I reviewed recently.
Highs:
- The treble has the same level or amount of elevation when compared to the upper mids. It is well-extended, has a good amount of air, and still manages to avoid any harshness. But as I have said before, at lower volumes, the treble may sound "laid back" or "lifeless" to some people, especially whenever the cymbals show up in a track. Detail retrieval is above average on my tests as it reveals a good amount of macro and microdetails easily.
- Technical performance is where the CCZ Warrior kicked it up a notch when compared to its older triplet siblings. I first noticed the separation and imaging as it is cleaner, precise, and finessed my busy test tracks fairly well, based on my realistic expectations for its price point. The soundstage is more or less the same in terms of height, width, and depth when compared to the CCZ Emerald, Coffee Bean, and Melody: average in size with average expansion.
Pros:
- Another safe, all-rounder IEM from CCZ.
- Smooth, warm sound signature.
- Managed to improve the technical performance compared to their first triplet budget IEMs.
- Controlled, impactful lows.
- Smooth, “organic” mids.
- Non-fatiguing, well-extended treble.
- Above average technical performance under 35 USD.
- Excellent fit, comfort, and isolation.
- Easy to be driven to its full potential.
- It has a slight scaling capability depending on the source paired with the IEM.
- At lower volumes, the vocals up to the treble region may sound "lifeless" to some.
- Barebone accessories for its price. A pouch, case, or extra ear tips would be a treat for anybody (subjective)
Verdict
Pairing recommendation/s:
- Source: The CCZ Warrior is very easy to drive. It does, however, "change" in character or sound profile at lower volumes. It can be a bad or a good thing depending on your preferences, but a neutral or warm source should justify its full potential for sure.
- Eartips: The included eartips are more than fine for the most part, but you may always use your preferred eartips.
- Cable: The cable is more than usable but you may always choose the cable of your choice.
Non-affiliated link here: https://keephifi.com/products/ccz-warrior?_pos=1&_sid=a007ce80d&_ss=r
Additional Photos:
Yincrow Calf Review!
Good day! After a week of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the Yincrow Calf. Small name, opposite sound!
- I bought this brand new from shopee, without any discounts or any acknowledgement from Yincrow themselves. Rest assured that this review will be free from any bias/es as much as possible.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
Source/s used:
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber
- VE MEGATRON USB DAC
- Tempotec Sonata HD V
- Cyberdrive DAC
- Whizzer DA1 DAC
- Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96, Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018)
- Local Files via Foobar and Roon, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
========================================================================Sound signature:
- The Yincrow Calf is an almost neutral sounding earbud that slightly exhibits a hint of brightness and forward mids, just enough to get that amount of engagement and details in a track. When used without foams, it becomes a midcentric-bright performer, but still not as bright as what you would hear with the Yincrow RW-1000. Just like other Yincrow’s flagship earbuds, the Yincrow Calf excels in technical performance as it showed very good immersiveness in terms of soundstage, imaging, layering, and separation.
- The lows here in the Calf is what you would expect from an earbud - mostly midbass focused, punchy, clean, with good thickness and depth. I dare say that the lows of this is nearly the same as what you would get with the HZSound Heart Mirror - minus the leanness. Despite being midbass dominant, there’s still a good amount of subbass here but not the same as what you would get with an IEM, particularly with most IEMs that have sub bass elevation. All in all, the lows are presented in a detailed, well-done and controlled manner.
- Moving on to the mids, it is almost linear with a good amount of slightly forward mids to keep the vocals and instruments forward and alive. Despite not having any perceivable midbass bleed, the lower mids have good thickness and texture presented throughout my tests. Upper mids are slightly elevated with very good clarity, air, and sparkle. In this region I experienced some tinge of brightness especially on female vocal oriented tracks, but greatly avoided any harshness, sibilance, or peaks. I would still say that if you are sensitive to brightness or brighter sound signatures, you may want to use this with thicker, double foams, or maybe just look somewhere else. This Calf by far has the most engaging, open, and detailed mids I got from a Chi-Fi, mass-produced earbud under 100USD.
- As for the treble, it has the same level of elevation to the upper mids. It is also airy with a very good amount of extension. Detail retrieval here is excellent for the price as it picks up microdetails easily, given that you are using this without any disturbances from excessive outside noise.
Technicalities:
- Again, the technical performance of this earbud follows the signature Yincrow fashion. The soundstage is just so immersive that it made me feel that I am using headphones most of the time. It is wide with a very good amount of height and depth. Separation and Layering is well-done as it manages very busy tracks with ease. Imaging is precise as you can render vocal and instrument positioning easily.
Pros:
- Sounds better than the Yincrow RW1000 in terms of tonal and technical performance.
- All rounder, detailed sound.
- Controlled, non-lacking bass for the most part.
- Forward, open, detailed mids.
- Non-fatiguing, airy treble.
- Excellent technical performance for a Chi-Fi earbud under 100USD.
- Exhibits holographic, wide soundstage.
- Very good fit and comfort.
- Excellent build quality and accessories.
- Removable cable.
- Easy to drive.
- Premium packaging (as it should)
- This earbud slightly leans to the brighter sound spectrum and may be too much for some (but not as bright as the RW-1000 and LBBS though).
- Subbass may sound lacking at times, especially for those people who crave for that IEM type of bass (subjective).
Verdict
There’s a reason why I put my Yincrow Calf in the S Tier in my ranking list: it is because it deserves the title, mainly on technical performance. The Yincrow Calf is a must have IEM if you want to experience an immersive listening experience. Or maybe quit using your budget IEM, Just kidding. But if you happen to have an opportunity to personally hear this one, do give it a try!Pairing recommendation/s:
- Source: The Yincrow Calf is an easy to drive earbud, even easier than driving a vido earbud, more or less. However, I do recommend using a USB DAC or a powerful source for this one for very good improvements, or just to sound to its full potential.
- Earbud foams: The plethora of foams included with the Calf are more than enough, but you are free to use any brand or material to your liking.
- Cable: Cable is already good and usable for the most part, but you may always change the cable to your liking.
Additional Photos Here:
Attachments
Celest Gumiho Review!
Good day! After 5 days of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the Celest Gumiho. As sly as a fox!
(Random fact: A Gumiho is the Korean version of a nine-tailed fox. Legends say that it is a fox that transforms into a human, specifically a woman and wants to become a full human after 1000 years. In some Korean folklore, it is said that in order for a Gumiho to become a “true human”, she is supposed to eat a thousand livers of men within the span of a thousand years.)
Disclaimer:
- This unit was sent to me by Kinera themselves in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will be free from any bias/es as much as possible.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
Source/s used:
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber
- Tempotec Sonata HD V
- Venture Electronics MEGATRON
- Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96 Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018))
- Local Files via Foobar and Roon, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
Sound signature:
- Some say that the Celest Gumiho sounds neutral, neutral with a bass boost, or even neutral bright to them, which are all correct for me. If we’re being specific, the Gumiho exhibits a good mild u-shaped to my ears. It has the bass whenever the tracks need it, and also has that sparkly treble for treble-oriented tracks.
- The lows in this IEM are powerful, but the slam is still quick and clean. Despite having a newly developed driver, the Celest Gumiho managed to exhibit the qualities of a traditional planar driver: quick in decay but keeping its texture. The midbass is a bit more dominant than the subbass, equating to a punchy bass response. Subbass still reaches deep whenever the track calls for it while keeping its composure during my tests with EDM and bass heavy tracks. To me, this would fit a basshead's needs, but if the user seeks a more hefty, thick, slurpy bass response, you may want to look for something else.
Mids:
- This portion of the sound frequency is the most "delicate" region in the Gumiho; its quality and presentation vary depending on what eartips you use. Using the white stock eartips included will make it sound more "correct" than the included opaque gray stock eartips. The lower mids are slightly recessed but are free from any perceivable midbass bleed. With the stock gray eartips installed, it will sound really thin and textureless to my ears. That is why I prefer the white eartips. With the white eartips, the lower mids exhibit good thickness, detail, and position. Sam Smith’s voice did not sound compressed at all, unlike what I experienced with the stock gray eartips. The upper mids are slightly elevated when compared to the lower mids, exhibiting a very good amount of clarity, air, and sparkle. The Gumiho managed to avoid any peaks, pierce, or sibilance during my tests, but I would still say that this has a tinge of brightness to it, and will become more evident when paired with the gray eartips. So, if you are sensitive to upper frequencies, you may want to look for something else, or use foam tips.
Highs:
- Moving on to the treble, it is elevated but not by much, well-extended, and airy. This is also affected when paired with the stock gray ear tips as it sounded “distracting” when paired with the said gray eartip. But with the white stock eartips, it is more airy, soothing, and detailed. Detail retrieval is above average during my tests as it managed to pick up small details easily.
Soundstage, Imaging, and separation:
- The technical performance here in the Gumiho lives up to its name-as sly as a fox. The soundstage is wide with moderate expansion, depth, and height. Separation is the first thing I noticed when using this IEM because it is really excellent and performs admirably when tested on very busy tracks, in my opinion. Imaging is also excellent and leans toward the more precise end of the spectrum, as it was able to render precise positioning of vocals and instruments, particularly in raw and live performances.
- All-rounder, non-lacking sound for its price.
- Despite sporting a newly-developed driver, this managed to somehow “fix” or improve both DD and Planar’s shortcomings.
- Fast, impactful bass quality and response.
- “Natural” mids presentation in terms of position, texture, and detail.
- Excellent, extended, airy treble.
- Very good technical performance for its price, particularly on the separation and imaging.
- Very good fit and comfort.
- Great packaging motif. Only few companies and IEM models care about the packaging presentation and Celest is one of them.
- Very good amount of accessories. It even comes with a metal Gumiho bookmark!
- IEM design hits the Celest’s motif and assignment (subjective)
- Upper frequencies may sound brighter than usual when paired with the stock grey eartips.
- Instances of a slight BA timbre are perceived on some tracks.
- Mids, especially the lower mids may sound thin and/or recessed when paired with the stock grey tips.
- Fit may be a bit shallow for some people (subjective)
Verdict
Despite being Celest’s first (technically) product, the Celest Gumiho overall impressed me. From its theme, accessories, fit, and sound quality, the Gumiho is a must-try-and-own IEM for anyone. Its all-rounder sound makes it versatile for any track you use it with, as long as you are setting your standards for what it is worth. Not to mention that its drivers are the first of their kind I have heard of, which makes it a bit of a good risk for the company. Hats off to these companies who always do their best to offer new things to the table!
Pairing recommendation/s:
- Source: The Celest Gumiho is fairly easy to be driven to its full potential. Any dongle, neutral or warm sounding dongle will do.
- Eartips: It all has the eartips you need included but the stock white eartips is recommended. Otherwise, KBEAR 07 eartips and spinfit CP100s are some of the good options.
- Cable is more than enough and really good for the most part, but you can always use your preferred cable.
Thank you for reading!
Non-affiliated link here: https://www.kineraaudio.com/product/celest-gumiho
Additional Photos Here!:
B
BrownDrake122
I agree, tips impact these alot. Wide bore tips are the way to go with these 
Audiosense AQ7 Pro Insight Review!
Good day! After 3 days of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the Audiosense AQ7 Pro Insight! A mid-fi technical virtuoso!
- This unit is a tour unit by Audiosense, and organized by Sir Law Loo. Rest assured that this review will be free from any bias/es as much as possible.
- I have used my own eartips (Whizzer Easytips) for this review. This may or may not affect the sound quality of the IEM.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 3 days.
Source/s used:
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber
- Whizzer DA1
- Tempotec Sonata HD V
- Cyberdrive Feather DAC
- Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96 Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018))
- Local Files via Foobar and Roon, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
=========================================================Sound signature:
- The Audiosense AQ7 Pro Insight is the latest flagship by Audiosense, and is well deserved in terms of its neutral-reference sound quality. Unlike most Audiosense IEMs that feature a thick, boosted or elevated lower end, this IEM chose to keep things precise and accurate, and will reveal any flaws or variances of tracks transparently.
- The lows presented by the AQ7 Pro insight isn’t really elevated the majority of the time - it is only elevated when the track needs it. Despite having a somewhat balanced (or neutral, if you may) Its presence never lacked during my tests, even on bass heavy tracks. The midbass and sub bass seem to have the same amount, controlled, punchy, and are fast in terms of attack and decay.
Mids:
- While not being emphasized, I would say that this is the AQ7 Pro Insight’s highlight along with its technical performance. It is very clean, open, detailed, without any form of bloat and bleed. Lower mids exhibit very good thickness and texture. Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran’s voices here have that good texture and emotion. Upper mids are almost the same in characteristics with the lower mids, but with an additional amount of sparkle and air. It never sounded sibilant, peaky or harsh, but it never tries to “fix” flaws exist in a track either, making things really transparent.
Highs:
- The treble is presented here in a slightly elevated, well-extended, airy manner. Cymbal crashes and hi-hats exhibit very good definition and keep their presence in any track. Detail retrieval here is excellent and will pick up any microdetails present in any track.
Soundstage, Imaging, and separation:
- As a fan of technical performance, I am very impressed by how the AQ7 Pro Insight presented everything in this section. Everything feels “correct” for me albeit being subjective. The soundstage here is immersive and does not try to make things artificial like some IEMs do just to be called “that IEM with a large soundstage”. Separation here is excellent for its price and is somewhat better than the QDC Anole V3 I personally tried before as it handles the busiest of my test tracks with ease. Imaging in return is also top-notch here in its price category as I can determine air between spaces of the vocals and instruments, particularly with live tracks.
Pros:
- One of the best IEM you can get for 400-500 USD in terms of technical performance.
- Neutral-reference sound signature that never lacked in any genre tested.
- Controlled, speedy lows.
- Clear, hyper detailed mids.
- Crisp, non-fatiguing treble.
- Excellent technical performance for its price.
- Very minimal sound coloration without sounding too boring.
- Excellent resolution.
- Above average fit, comfort and isolation.
- Easy to drive.
- Very good and practical amount of accessories, particularly on the Pelican-esque hard case.
- This IEM will reveal any flaws or inconsistencies on tracks you played with it (subjective).
- This IEM may sound a bit “bright” for some people.
- Fit may be bulky for medium sized ears since this IEM has a snug fit in my large ear.
- Cable is more than enough, but can be better for its asking price (my nitpick).
- The design could’ve been at least refreshed to minimize the confusion between this version and the older (AQ7 2020) version (also my nitpick).
Verdict
- The Audiosense AQ7 Pro insight proved itself to be a well-deserved brand’s current flagship as it has the technical prowess that every 400-500 IEM should have, in my opinion. Its clean, resolving, relatively neutral sound signature really got me hooked as I really am looking for a very technically competent IEM. I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone who wants a 400-500USD IEM and wants their listening experience to have the transparency and detail it deserves.
Pairing recommendation/s:
- Source: The Audiosense AQ7 Pro Insight is very easy to drive. However, a decent dongle would be very good for pairing with this IEM. I recommend a neutral or warm sounding source for this one.
- Eartips: It all has the eartips you need included but an aftermarket ear tip of your choice wouldn’t hurt.
Thank you for reading!
Additional Photos here:
Brionced
nice! Concise and direct to the point.
KZ PR1 (HI-FI Version) Review!
Good day! After a week of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the KZ PR1 (HI-FI). KZ’s Planar Warrior!!
- KZ sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will be free from any bias/es as much as possible.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
Burn-in time: 5-10 hours per day, 5 days.
Source/s used:
- -Hiby R3 Pro Saber
- -VE MEGATRON USB DAC
- -Tempotec Sonata HD V
- -Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96, Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018)
- -Local Files via Foobar and Roon, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
Sound signature:
- Much like the KZ EDA Balanced, the KZ PR1 HI-FI version aims to sound “neutral” while keeping the company’s promise to be an all-rounder IEM for the masses. If we’re being specific, it sounds neutral-u shaped to my ears most of the time, with very good technical performance as most planars should be.
- Planar sheen - Its definition is quite difficult for me to describe with words, but it’s a certain characteristic where the transients seem to exhibit shimmer, sparkle, and air quickly. A bit better and less prone to peaks versus what piezo do. It is better to hear and observe IEMs and headphones with planar drivers to fully grasp what I am experiencing. Credits to Goji-Fi and sir Eiji for giving me the idea for this definition.
Lows:
- The lows of the PR1 HIFI is slightly elevated, midbass-focused, but never skimped with subbass presence as it is present at a very good amount whenever the track calls for it. Its decay and attack are snappy and still managed to sound really good and alive on bass heavy and EDM tracks. In a nutshell, its bass is punchy and clean while giving the fun factor the song needs.
- The mids are slightly recessed and may even sound “too relaxed and thin” when underpowered, or plugged in directly in a non-hifi smartphone like LG G/V series. But when powered, it is “naturally” bodied with a very good amount of texture and detail. Male vocals and instruments exhibit good thickness and texture in this IEM. It might come across as “lifeless” on some tracks but I think it is more of a driver characteristic than intended tuning (since it aims to sound neutral at most) , but I might be wrong so there’s that. Female vocals are slightly elevated, clear, detailed, and airy. However, this is the part where the PR1 HIFI will sound unforgiving and quite revealing for me. Poorly remastered tracks will sound compressed and unrefined here in this IEM. This doesn’t bother me at all but I do see people that might find this as a con, so I have to acknowledge it. Despite it being unforgiving, there aren’t any abnormal peaks, pierce or any sibilance present - much like what the KZ EDA Balanced exhibited for me.
- Moving on to the treble, it is well extended, airy, and detailed. Cymbal crashes have that extra shimmer depending on the track, maybe because of the planar sheen. Detail retrieval is above average because it manages to pick up microdetails easily.
- In terms of technical performance, KZ and the Planar driver did the PR1 HIFI really well here. Soundstage is wide with above average expansion. It is more or less as wide as the KZ ESX. Soundstage and layering here is also excellent for its price and manages busy tracks easily without being congested. Imaging falls on the precise side in my book, but if I have to nitpick it could be better since it sports a planar driver. Nevertheless, it still manages to render vocal and instrument positioning clearly with good spacing between the elements.
Pros:
- Well-tuned, first (technically) planar IEM from KZ.
- One of the “neutral” sounding planar currently under 200 USD.
- Excellent technical performance for its price (as it should, it’s a planar).
- Snappy attacks, decays, and transients.
- Fatigue-free sound.
- Controlled, non-lacking lows.
- Open, musical mids.
- Well-extended, non-fatiguing treble.
- Very good layering and separation.
- Excellent fit and isolation
- Sturdy build quality.
- Actually decent stock eartips! Managed to sound the same to KBEAR 07’s sound effect.
- Industrial design cues will fit most modern aesthetic/motif (subjective)
- The sound follows the KZ EDA Balanced sound philosophy, which means it may sound “relaxed or laid back” due to it targeting neutrality. (subjective)
- Like most current Planar IEMs, this has the “Planar Sheen” driver characteristic to it. Still, it isn’t sibilant, harsh, or anything in between by any means.
- This IEM may be unforgiving and revealing on poorly mastered/recorded tracks.
- Barebone accessories should not exist for its asking price.
- As most planars do, this needs an extra power from a dongle to sound to its best. (not really a con since that’s how planar works).
Verdict
The KZ PR1 HIFI is now my top planar IEM recommendation under 100USD! If it only managed to exist as I wrote my 2022 IEM ranking list, it would’ve been in the S Tier as it balances both tonal and technical performance really good. However, I will only recommend it if you have a dongle or a beefier source for it to sound to its full potential. As a KZ IEM, the PR1 HIFI is almost perfect overall, it just needs that ZES cable, AS16 Pro packaging, a hard case, and a cable winder for it to be the “complete KZ package” for its price. Highly recommended KZ IEM, but as always, try it yourself first and judge to see where it takes you!
Pairing recommendation/s:
- Source: The KZ PR1 HIFI needs at least 2vrms of power to sound to its full potential. I recommend using warm or neutral sounding dac/dongles to pair best.
- Eartips: The eartips included are more than fine for most use-case scenarios. However, any preferred eartip of yours won’t hurt. I recommend KBEAR 07 eartips or stock Tanchjim Zero eartips for best comfort and sound improvement.
- Cable: Cable is fine and usable for the most part, but you may always change the cable to your liking.
Thank you for reading!
Non-affiliated link here!: https://shopee.ph/KZ-PR1-Planar-Mag...usic-Bass-Best-Sports-i.345922933.19547278563
Additional Photos here:
Attachments
CVJ Shine Review!
Good day! After a week of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the CVJ Shine. The bodied bling!
==============================================================================
Disclaimer:
- CVJ sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will be free from any bias/es as much as possible.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
Source/s used:
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber
- VE MEGATRON USB DAC
- Tempotec Sonata HD V
- Cyberdrive Feather DAC
- Whizzer DA1
- Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96, Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018)
- Local Files via Foobar and Roon, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
==============================================================================
Sound signature:
- Contrary to its name, the CVJ Shine excels in giving a smooth, warm tonality. I’d say it is a warm, mild-v, well-done sound signature that fits any track you play with it, if you are just enjoying the music more than criticizing it.
- The lows of the Shine are the highlight of this IEM as this is the most elevated among the three main frequencies. It is elevated, digs deep whenever the track needs it without being overdone or lacking. Its subass are more dominant than the midbass and keeps itself fairly controlled even when the heavy bass kicks in. it leans to a more punchy side of bass than being boomy despite it having an elevated bass. I can recommend this to bassheads who want their bass to be enjoyable while keeping it decently clean at the same time.
- The mids here are a bit recessed to my preference and have some slight midbass bleed that may make the vocals sound distant at times. However, it isn’t too bad that it made the vocals muddy, but it made the lower mids a bit thicker in presentation. Moving on to the upper mids, it is decently extended with the right amount of air and sparkle. It avoided any form of harshness, sibilance, or peaks regardless of what I play it with.
- As for the treble, it is decently extended, but not too much for me to call it bright, or lacking for me to call it rolled off. Cymbal crashes here never sounded muted and still have good definition. Detail retrieval is average and can pick up the fundamental details of a song easily.
- This is the part where I would say that the CVJ Shine needs a bit of improvement for its asking price. Its soundstage is average in terms of width, height, and depth with below average expansion. Separation here is decent and may suffer some haywire depending on how busy the tracks are. Imaging is decent at most and can present a good amount of accuracy, particularly on live tracks.
Pros:
- One of the better tuned CVJ IEMs I have heard.
- Non-fatiguing, all rounder sound signature.
- Well-extended treble without being too much or lacking.
- Elevated, rumbly bass (subjective)
- Warm, lush tonality.
- Very easy to be driven to its full potential.
- Decent set of accessories and packaging.
- Very good fit and isolation.
- “Blingy”, feminine design (subjective)
Cons:
- Midbass bleed may make the vocals a bit distant on some tracks, particularly vocal-centric tracks.
- Technicalities are far from being bad, but could be better for its asking price.
- Visual cues/design may not be for everyone (subjective)
- A hard case would be a treat for everybody for its asking price (my nitpick)
Verdict
Despite all the things I have mentioned above, I actually enjoyed the CVJ Shine. Its ease of use and being an all rounder made me use it most of the time wherever I am. That warm, lush, bassy sound reminds me of my childhood inner basshead days. I even listen back to EDM more whenever I use it, it’s that good for that genre. I do hope that their next release will nail the improvements I have stated. Overall, if you are looking for a warm, lush, fatigue free sound signature, you may want to add this IEM to your choices, or maybe to your collection!
Pairing recommendation/s:
- Source: The CVJ Shine is very easy to drive. However, if you want to make the sound better, a neutral sounding dongle may help.
- Eartips: The eartips included are more than fine for most use-case scenarios. However, any preferred eartip of yours won’t hurt.
- Cable: Cable is more than fine for the most part, but you may always change the cable to your liking.
Thank you for reading!
- Non-affiliated link here!: https://shopee.ph/CVJ-Colored-Glaze-Shine-Diamond-Studded...
Additional Photos Here:
KBEAR Dumpling Review!
Good day! After a week of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the KBEAR Dumpling. The mighty sleeper!
- Keephifi sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will be free from any bias/es as much as possible.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
Burn-in time: 5-10 hours per day, 5 days.
Source/s used:
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber
- VE MEGATRON USB DAC
- Tempotec Sonata HD V
- Cyberdrive Feather DAC
- Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96, Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018)
- Local Files via Foobar and Roon, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: Stock large eartips, stock cable, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 40-60% volume, both high and low gain, with and without extra amplification.
==============================================================================
Sound signature:
- The KBEAR Dumpling shares the same warm-v/u shaped sound signature just like what you’ll hear with its sibling, the Little Q. However, this sounds better in some aspects, particularly in its technical and treble performance.
- The lows here are elevated, maybe more or less elevated than the Little Q, but not as elevated when compared to the Rosefinch. Still, I can still say that this can satisfy bassheads on a budget as it really packs the punch and rumble needed for EDM and bass heavy tracks. Being subbass dominant, some people may find the bass a bit soft to their liking. However, the Dumpling made up for it by presenting the bass with an average decay.
- As for the mids, the Dumpling exhibits recession, with some midbass bleed, making the vocals sound thicker than usual but not to the point that they are muddy or muffled. Male vocals and instruments still have good definition, but with added thickness. Upper mids here are a bit elevated when compared to the lower mids, with good clarity, air and sparkle. The Dumpling avoided any peaks, sibilance, or harshness present here, making it enjoyable for long listening sessions, or even when sleeping (yes, I have slept with these on for three nights as I write this review).
- The treble is slightly elevated here, and extends quite better than the Little Q, which also adds a bit of energy. Despite being not as relaxed when compared to the Little Q, this still is smooth and non fatiguing. Detail retrieval is average and can present the majority of the details clearly and sufficient. Still, I wouldn’t call this a detail monster or a “heart mirror in a bullet form” since this is geared towards longer listening sessions, commutes, and sleeping, apparently.
- The soundstage is average, with above average expansion, depending on the track played and paired. It is wider than deep and has good height for its price. Separation is average and may experience some difficulties managing very busy tracks. Imaging is also more accurate than precise as it presents vocal and instrumental positioning clearly.
Pros:
- A more mature and better sounding Little Q.
- All-rounder sound signature.
- Elevated, fairly controlled lows.
- Lush, thick mids.
- Non-fatiguing treble.
- Good technical performance for its price.
- Sturdy, well-built build quality (can literally carry a container full of water according to their promotional video).
- Non-bulky, comfortable fit.
- Decent set of eartips.
Cons:
- There is a midbass bleed that is evident on very busy tracks.
- Since the IEM itself is literally the nozzle, some eartips may not fit the Dumpling when ear tip-rolling.
- A pouch/shirt clip/chin slider would be a treat for everybody (my nitpick)
Verdict
The KBEAR Dumpling really shows how an IEM can sound really good and cater the masses for a very affordable price. This IEM improves most of the Little Q’s shortcomings and puts in a quite unique, bullet-type form factor. I mean, the IEM itself is literally the nozzle. I find myself using these whenever I just want to listen to music casually, watch movies, listen to podcasts, to sleep, or even play games on my phone. Sometimes I also use this whenever I am too lazy to use my Etymotic ER3SE. I’m not saying that this is an alternative for the ER3SE (obviously), but I just love how it makes up for it by being very reliable, especially when going to places when isolation is really needed.
Pairing recommendation/s:
- Source: The KBEAR Dumpling is very easy to drive. Your smartphone or any dongle is more than enough for this IEM.
- Eartips: The eartips included are more than fine for most use-case scenarios. However, the nozzle (or the IEM itself) is quite big and may not fit most aftermaket eartips. I find KBEAR’s own 07 eartips fits it really well, or maybe the TRI Clarion (I haven’t tested it though, I am just basing on the official photos, so proceed in your own risk).
Thank you for reading!
Non-affiliated link here!: https://www.amazon.com/Microphone-Kbear.../dp/B0B9Y14PWC/
Additional Photos Here:
Headphones and Coffee
I like these very much considering the cost.
Whizzer DA1 Review!
Good day! After a week of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the Whizzer DA1 USB DAC. Unexpected ESS performer!
Disclaimer:
- Whizzer sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will be free from any form of bias/s as much as possible.
- I have not tested this with MQA files or MQA streaming since I don’t use MQA at all.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- I have only tested this with earbuds and IEMs and earbuds.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
Burn-in time: 5-10 hours per day, 10 days.
IEMs/Earbuds/Source used:
- Shaytan Customs’ Mr. Stark V2
- KBEAR Ormosia
- Etymotic ER3SE
- Tanchjim Zero
- Whizzer OS1BEAT
- VE Monk Go Final Edition
- Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96, Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018))
- Desktop PC, Laptop.
- Local Files via Foobar and Roon, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
Essential Product Specifications:
- Input Type: USB
- DSD (Direct Stream Digital): Yes
- Output Power: 70mW@32Ω
- Model Number: Whizzer DA1
- DAC Model: ESS 9270
Sound signature:
- Despite being equipped with an ESS DAC, the Whizzer DA1 exhibits a good, balanced-warm sound signature that will pair most IEMs or audio gears that is very easy to be driven. Everything sounds musical while keeping things detailed. There is little to no added obvious coloration perceived to the IEM when paired with the DA1 but if I have to nitpick, there is a bit of coloration on the midbass and lower mids, making it slightly thicker, textured, and punchier. Technical performance seems to be untouched as it is still transparent, clean, and a bit revealing.
Build Quality:
- The build quality here is what I would say sturdy yet lightweight. It is lighter by heaps when compared to my Tempotec Sonata HD V. It is also less warmer when used as well. However, the connector cable isn’t removable and will be needing some extra care to prolong the dongle’s lifetime usage. Whizzer did quite make up for it by using a thick, braided brown cable though. This also has hardware volume buttons that are really tactile and textured, and an RGB indicator that changes color depending on the file format played (Blue indicates the file is in general format, green indicates DSD64, while yellow green indicates DSD128 or higher).
- I had no problems connecting the Whizzer DA1 on all of my devices. I haven’t tried it with apple devices though, but the official website and listing says it is also compatible with apple devices if you have a type-c to apple lightning adapter. It also does not have any problem with HibyMusic and UAPP on my end and it does the job well.
- The Whizzer DA1 does not drain the battery too much despite giving enough power to my IEMs and earbuds. The DA1 was used for around 6-7hours continuous with my old Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018).
- The volume here was mostly handled by the dongle itself and will remember the last volume you set it with. Here are some IEMs and earbuds I have tried with their respective listenable/ enough volumes (do take note that the volumes indicated are only based on adjusting the volume with the hardware button and not with the software volume adjusted. 30/30 = 100% max volume):
- VE Monk Plus 5th Edition (64 Ohms) - 20/30
- Shaytan Customs’ Mr. Stark V2 - 18/30
- Most IEMs - 12-16/30
- BQEYZ Topaz and Autumn, KBEAR Ormosia - 16/30
Pros:
- An unexpected balanced-warm sounding dongle despite sporting an ESS DAC.
- Musical yet detailed sounding IEM.
- Clean, black background.
- Minimal battery consumption.
- Lightweight yet sturdy build quality.
- Excellent device compatibility - literally just plug and play.
- Very tactile, hardware volume buttons.
- DSD support is always a good treat.
- Versatile synergy/pairing with most IEMs and easy to drive gears.
- Reasonably priced given that it is quite rare to see a warm-sounding ESS Dongle.
Cons:
- Non-detachable cable means extra care is needed for longevity.
- Power output could be better or greater for its asking price.
- A pouch or a case would be a treat for everybody (a nitpick).
Verdict
It is really quite surprising for me to hear a warm-sounding dongle that sports an ESS DAC. Now that I have mentioned it, it is quite rare for me to hear a technically-competent, warm sounding DAC and Whizzer did that eventually. Despite asking for more power output for power demanding gears such as planar IEMs in general, I never had problems with lack of power with the DA1, given that I haven’t tested headphones yet (and may not be a good idea to do so). The Whizzer DA1 proved itself to be very versatile and paired my gears really well, without any excessive coloration, bloat, shrill, or anything in between. Very recommendable USB DAC for everyone!Who is the Whizzer DA1 for?
- For those people who want an all-rounder dongle .
- For those people who want a bit of warmth in their mids.
- For those people who want a very lightweight usb dongle on-the-go.
- For those people who have bright sounding gear and want to complement the sound with some warmth.
Why should you not buy the Whizzer DA1?
- If you look or seek for more power output.
- If you are looking for a setup for your headphones.
- If you worry about the non-detachable cable.
Non-affiliated link here!: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004290859068.html
Additional Photos here:
Attachments
twistnoir
Have you tried the hiby fc1? I'm trying to decide which one to buy. Exactly the same specs and price.
Etymotic ER3SE Review!
Good day! After 5 days of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the Etymotic ER3SE. Speedy realist!
- I bought this unit from the 2nd hand marketplace. Rest assured that this review will be free from any bias/es as much as possible.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
Burn-in time: 5-10 hours per day, 5 days.
Source/s used:
- Hidizs AP80
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber
- VE MEGATRON USB DAC
- Tempotec Sonata HD V
- Cyberdrive Feather DAC
- Non-HiFi smartphone (realme 5i, Samsung Galaxy On7)
- Local Files via Foobar and Roon, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
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Sound signature:
- Etymotic IEMs need no introduction. The Etymotic ER3SE follows the Etymotic’s Diffuse Field (DF) Target. As a result, the sound will be flat, uncolored, and unforgiving. This also reflects to the technical performance as well.
- The lows here are linear, tight, clean, fast, and punchy. The subbass will only show itself when the track needs it. This will never be the basshead’s dream and maybe the ER3XR/2XR fits the title better if we’re talking about a “bassy” Etymotic IEM.
- The mids here are still, neutral, uncolored, and clean. Everything has an “accurate” note weight and articulate. No instances of peaks or harshness are present here in nature unless the track itself is poorly recorded, mastered, or sibilant prone.
- The treble here is also linear and has that usual accurate extension from an Etymotic IEM. Some people may find it lacking, unenergetic, or dry, especially for those people who loves elevated presence. Detail retrieval here is excellent in its class and can pick up nuances with ease.
- Etymotic IEMs are more on the realists side - which means they stick to their principle that the soundstage perceived will depend on how your mind or ear perceives it, and depends if the track is recorded widely, narrow, or compressed. Separation and imaging here is precise but again, depends on the track itself.
- The most accurate-sounding IEM (according to them)
- Uncolored, true neutral, flat sound signature.
- Speedy, clean attack and decay.
- Excellent clarity and resolution.
- Top-class isolation in the UIEM form factor.
- Non-fatiguing sound.
- Excellent technical performance in its class.
- Excellent fit and comfort (when fitted properly).
- Fit will not be for everybody.
- Cable microphonics is present when the chin slider and shirt clip are unused.
- Subbass might be lacking for some (but not me though, get the ER2XR/3XR for a bass boost)
- There is a slight hint of metallic timbre on certain tracks.
- Semi-proprietary MMCX connection.
- Unforgiving and will slap you with the reality that a soundstage in an iem is all made up inside your head.
- Does not have a better value due to ER2SE having nearly the same, or even sometimes better while being cheaper.
- A cable winder and a hard case would be a treat for everybody (nitpick).
Verdict:
The ER3SE is good and a top performer in my book for being technical and “true to life”. However, the ER2SE is cheaper, has no BA timbre, nearly has the same sound for cheaper price, so that would be my recommended go-to, unless you find a cheaper ER3SE over a brand new ER2SE.
Pairing recommendation/s:
- Source: The ER3SE is relatively easy to drive. However, a decent source like Tempotec or Ibasso dongle will help it unleash its full potential.
- Eartips: Etymotic has given you sets of eartips to test and fit according to your comfort. The triple flange preinstalled eartips worked for me well, but may not on your ears.
Additional photos here:
7keys
I love mine. Last Feb I bought the er3xr and loved it. I've been buying and reviewing headphones for the last ten years and these hit the spot. The tone is exactly what I'm looking for. To me soundstage and separation are perfect, it does depend on the song. I liked it so much I bought the er2xr and recently the er3se. I like all of them but the er3xr and er3se is a level up from the er2xr, and that has to do with non existent soundstage. IMO.
pail
Do normal ear tips (like the Spin Fit) fit in these earphones?
7keys
I actually like the 3 flange tips that come with these. They block out a lot of noise.
