INTRO :-

I have been reviewing some BA based earphones lately. But here I am reviewing the Tenhz K5, previously known as Audbos (I previously reviewed the P4). Audbos was one of their OEM. Tenhz, the Chinese manufacturer has now taken the matter in to their hand. They Have a few earphones in their kitty ranging from $80 to $200.

The K5 is a dual BA dual Dynamic earphone with a 4 way cross over, with 2 sets of acoustic tuning filter for 2 different sound signatures. Priced at Around $95 it comes in three colors, metal Grey, silver and black, faces very tough competition from other chinese makers like KZ, TFZ and Kinera. I will compare this with the TFZ Series4, Earnine EN210 and IT-01.

I would like to thank Selina from Tenhz for the Review unit.

Specification:-

Speaker drive mode ：2Balanced armature+2Dynamic

Impedance ： 32 Ω ±10%

Frequency Response : 10Hz---40KHz

Sensitivity ：99±2db

L&R Channel Banlance Sensitivity ：≤2db

Max Input Power ：10mW

Length ：120cm±5cm

wire material ：Tpe

Plug material ：3.5mm gold-plated

Distortion : ≤2%

ACCESSORIES & PACKAGING:-

There are 6 pair of tips out of the box, 3 pair of foam and silicone tips in S/M/L sizes. There is a straight plug 3.5mm cable, there are 2 sets of acoustic tuning filter for 2 different sound signatures, the reference filter is already installed on the nozzle. An aptly spacious case and a some documentation sums up the package.









BUILD AND CABLE:-

K5 is all metal, the company claims it to be an aluminum-magnesium alloy shell, it feels premium and one don’t need to worry about the durability of this earphone, I myself tried a few drop tests from various height ranging from 2 feet to 5, just to check if the shell will come off under shock, it didn’t.

The audio cable and MIC cable have similar attributes, both have memory problems, both are bouncy thanks to the rubber coat on them. Both the cables have straight 3.5mm jack, lack chin sliders and have memory cable guides. The MIC has average voice clarity at the receivers end.





COMFORT AND SEAL :-

The fit with silicone tips is good but swapping that with foam tips gives a more secure fitting.

Thanks to the longer nozzle the K5 is reasonably comfortable, but can be uncomfortable for those who have narrower ear canals as the nozzle is wider than average.

Thanks to the wider bore, the nozzle doesn’t go deep into the ear hence seal is just average.

CAUTION:- don’t use earphones where you have to be aware of your surroundings like driving and walking on the road, stay home and enjoy your music or at gym.

SOUND QUALITY:-

My impression was bad initially, I felt, here comes another which I will not like to review. But around 120hrs of burning changed my mind. The mid bass settled down, the sub-bass came up a bit and most importantly the treble region gained admirable amount of energy and extension.

The K5 is V shaped, the mids are in the valley, specially the vocals. You should have heard it before burning in.. it was worse.

The K5 sounds warmer with a darker tonality and has a metallic timber. Not the most natural sounding earphone for sure. It sounds very analytical, emotionless.

P.S. The earphone is burned for more than 150 hrs and I am using stock foam tips for this review. The K5 is slightly less sensitive but can be driven from mobile phones, no amping needed.





BASS:-

It uses two dynamic drivers, bigger of the is two is responsible for the

Compared to the Magaosi K3 pro the K5 has very similar bass attributes, let it be sub-bass, body or decay. Quantity and slam is slightly bigger.

The K5 doesn’t have a huge bass response, In fact it's not a bass friendly earphone. It still has a nicely rounded body, an average sized slam with low amount of air to it. The quantity and body are more than the EN210 but is far less when compared to the TFZ series4 or king, the twins are oozing with bass prowess, with huge impact and slam.

There is okay amount of sub-bass, it doesn't go very deep but has some rumble to it. Mid bass has a bit more energy but with some of the best decay in this price range it delivers better note presentation than the TFZ twins. As far as sub-bass is concerned the EN210 has the best reach.

Thanks to the accuracy with decay, the K5's bass has good amount of details and texture, it might not be the most detailed or has the best texture for the price but details is better than the Schmitt S10 and even the S20.

MID RANGE:-

Lately I have been reviewing BA based earphones and none of them were this much "V" shaped. When the typical BA sound is married with a metallic timber, things are sharper with an unnatural tonality. It does give it an edge when it comes to the amount of details. The K5 picks plenty of micro details. It's one of the most detailed $100 earphone available in the market as of now. It bites with sharper notes and on your face king of details.

The K5 exhibits plenty of attack, leaner notes makes the mid range feel thin and less emotional. EN210 does admirably

in this regards.

If the Schmitt S20, S10 and TFZ twins were thicker, the K5 vocals are considerably sharper, over doing the accuracy and precision both male and female vocals can use some thickness to them.

Going with the rest of the spectrum the upper mid range too has plenty of details and sharpness to them.

Stage is just average, very intimate and more inside the head, it has good height but lacks with width and depth. The TFZ twins are bigger in every direction when compared to it.

TREBLE:-

I have been dying to review an earphone with an energetic and lively top end. The K5 delivers at last.. Sigh of relief. Are people getting allergic to top end spark and energy? I hope not. If you are, trade with caution, as the spark might scare the kitty.

The K5 has very good amount of treble energy. IT doesn't lack details or definition and stand out with its accuracy. Extension and amount of details it delivers too is class leading, far better than any of the earphones mentioned in this article. It really delivers on my needs for extension and treble spark. Sigh..

Separation of instruments is good, thanks to sharper notes which let air between instruments. As the treble stage is considerably small, both layering and instrument placement is average.

The overall imaging and resolution of the K5 is very good. Its like a High res picture, you can see the details but it's not much engaging.

COMPARISON TABLE :- (out of 10)



Just for information :- This evaluation is an opinion of mine and only mine. It is subjective to differ from person to person. If you prefer to deny, you are welcome.

CONCLUSION:-

The biggest strength of the K5 is the amount of details it can deliver, putting all the 4 drivers to good work, it produces some of the best in class treble details, extension and energy. The biggest problem with it is the unnatural timber.

If you though your last earphone was subpar with details and lack treble extension and energy, get the Tenhz K5. Given than you can adjust to its un-cohesive, unemotional sharper notes presentation.

Its not for those looking for a Hip sound, it is for someone who is serious about his micro details.

Hope you guys are having a nice time. Cheers, Enjoy.

INTRO:-

Few days ago I reviewed the Schmitt S10, its time for the bigger brother Schmitt S20. Doubling on the Knowles drivers the S20 has one BA for Bass and other one churns out the mid and highs. It has the exact form factor, comes in only one color, White, priced at $250 it has plenty of competition.

Get one for yourself from here.

http://www.accessoryjack.com/headph...e-driver-in-ear-monitor-headphones-white.html

P.S. I will and have never received any money from any one of any amount of sale of any of the earphones I have ever reviewed.

ABOUT ME:-

Some of you might know me. I admire balanced sounding earphones without much emphasis on bass and specially mid-bass, and if it has mid bass, decay has to be snappy. Sub-bass is welcome.

I have been called a mid-head, was ridiculed for it, but man, for me all the magic happens here. For some, mids are not a big deal, they don’t listen to much vocals but I am more of a person who likes a good balance between vocals and instruments.

I like my highs with good amount of spark and energy, it is better if it has good extension. An early roll off is a no no. But then the price of the earphone comes into play. One can't ask an sub $50 earphone to have fantastic extension and that is understandable. You get what you pay for.

I listen to all kind of music, specially soft, alt and pop-rock, some pop (no K-pop, sorry) with good vocals and instruments, I don’t care about the artist, he should make some sense with his words and should not be a bit too cheesy.

I am not affiliated with anyone, I receive no money from any one, all my review are done with goodwill.

ACCESSORIES:-

I got the S20 in the S10 box, so no retail box here. the S20 has exactly same accessories package as the S10. Two cables, one with mic and other one is a braided audio cable. There are 6 pairs of tips out of the box, Foam (M/L), Single Flange and Triple flange (both S/M), all of them in two sizes. No cable clips out of the box.



BUILD AND ERGONOMICS, COMFORT AND SEAL:-

I like the way the S20 fits, the long narrow nozzle helps with a deeper fit and the curvy Westone like design gives it a nice and comfortable feel in ear. ergonomically its very good.

The S20 looks more sturdy than the S10, the semi-transparent shells looks very good.

The longer nozzle helps the S20 with a very good seal.

The S20 MIC cables is supple and not much bouncy but has memory problems, the audio cable is really nice with very supple feel to it, not bouncy at all. The best thing about both the cable is that they don’t have any cables guides make things uncomfortable.





SOUND QUALITY:-

With the increase in driver count, the level of details has gone significantly up. The S20 is fairly balanced with similar Signature with the S10, but the S20 is slightly V shaped at the vocal region. Its more natural sounding aiming for good amount of accuracy and precision the S20 doesn’t shy away from a bit of sharper notes.

The signature is slightly bright and fairly neutral. The S20 sounds lush and absolutely cohesive.The ability to fill the whole stage with instruments irrespective of the type of music is the best thing about the S20.

The S20 is burned for more than 100 hrs and I am using stock single flange tips for this review. Sources used are Plenue R and Shanling M2. (going balanced helps big time).

BASS:-

The smaller brother S10 was not bad at all, but the S20 still improves on that with added details, impact, nicely rounded body and better amount of air. It has better sub-bass presence than any of the 2BA earphones I have, let it be EN210 or q-jays. Yes S20 can't be compared to something like the King pro or Kaleido( The king pro and Kaleido are far more bassy and lack some of detailsas the decay is considerably slower) It has good amount of rumble to it and moves enough air, decay is slightly slower than what one can expect from a BA driver, giving the S20 a more organic timber.

Needless to say that the lower end of the S20 has very good extension, there is still some mid-bass emphasis, aided by faster decay it brings more texture and details to the mix. Upper bass has fair amount of energy and very good amount of details, which the S10 lacked.

The best thing about the Bass is the body, its fuller and makes the S20 stand out in the crowd of FiioF9/pro, DT500 and other BA based earphones, and the added texture gives it a more detailed presentation and it has better sense of space too.

MID RANGE:-

The S10 has a bit of vocal emphasis, the S20 has more even emphasis across the range. Transition from upper bass to lower mids is very good, yes its not as flaw less as the ER-4P or AF180 but it does better than F9/pro, DT500 and even the Onkyo E900m in this regards. All the instruments and notes are very clear.

The S20 performs admirably with the vocals. The flaw with the S10 has been taken care of with the S20. Notes are not overly thick or blunt anymore. There is good amount of sharpness to them, Female vocals still need a bit more sharpness to sound more natural, Someone like J-Lo still sounds sharp, but Nina Simone sounds unnaturally thick. Male vocals on the other end sound better with plenty of energy to the notes.

A dip around the upper mid range makes the S20 sound slightly less detailed, it lacks the required amount of energy. Another bigger problem is it doesn’t have "the" level of precision or accuracy with the instruments. And lack good bit of micro details.

Anything that rises above the veil prospers. Instruments do sound very pleasing and mild, doesn’t stress the ears at all. With that you know you are missing some details.

Sound stage too is bigger than the Fiio F9/pro. The s20 has better height, width but the depth is slightly lacking, still its more rounded in comparison.

HIGHS:-

Highs are far better compared to the S10. The S20 has good amount of energy to them and extends far more in to the spectrum compared to the Fiio F9 and the Lear Kaleido. Lear Kaleido is performs badly here. (lets save it for another review)

It might not have the spark or energy of the Q-jays which goes really deep into the spectrum, it still maintains good amount of energy to makes its presence felt and keeps any type of sibilance out of the equation. Extension is just above average.

Notes are better defined and is clearer and more transparent compared to the upper mid. The S20 has good amount of details, still average for the asking price.

Thanks to the lack of micro details at the ground level, layering and separation is subpar. Instrument separation in other hand is marginally better.




CONCLUSION:-

The biggest question is "if the S20 lacks details why should I buy it?"

The answer is, if you are critical about details, don’t buy this. buy it because..

The S20 is very engaging unless you are listening critically, it is one of the light hearted fun loving jolly sounding earphone which sounds very lush and cohesive, and delivers good amount of details. Let it be the synergy, energy or tonality the S20 delivers in every front, its not limping but not running as fast as q-jays as far as details are concerned.

And if you want more details, you can do one thing.. Go balanced, and re discover the S20 shine across the board with better female vocal accuracy, better spectrum wide notes sharpness, better micro details, top end energy and extension, layering and separation, the S20 becomes a UE900S, with slightly less micro details. Going balanced brings the best out of the S20. Just spend 30-50 usd and you are good to go. I used a $30 2.5mm OFC copper cable.

Above all the level of details is subpar with stock cable. (I would request Schmitt, Please provide a 2.5mm audio cable, instead of the Single Ended). But the synergy, the enthusiastic energy is hard to find irrespective of price range. It’s a very engaging earphone, unless you are looking for micro details.

(P.S. Schmitt audio is looking for distributors, if interested please, contact :- soundwellco@gmail.com & schmittacoustics@gmail.com) - Requested by unit provider.

I hope you guys are having a nice day, Enjoy your music, Cheers.

INTRO:-

Schmitt Acoustics Limited or say, Schmitt Audio operates from Hong Kong and is directed more towards those who want to have Quality products for a more reasonable price. They might not have made huge efforts at making their products shine in the eyes of consumer but have 3 very good Earphones Under their sleeves. (currently looking for distributors Please contact soundwellco@gmail.com if interested)

All of their Earphones use Knowles BA drivers. S10 uses one, S20 uses 2 and S30 uses 3 BA drivers.

I will be reviewing the S10 and S20, but This review is about the S10, the Single BA based earphone, which uses one High quality Full range driver to its best effect, comes in only one color, Blue , is priced very well at $99, reduced from MRP of $129, has standard mmcx interface.

I have reviewed many earphones in this price range and many BA based earphones too, But this one has a tonality (don’t confuse tonality for Sound quality) and balance worth admiring for a single BA earphone.

I will compare this with the TFZ Series 4, Fiio F9 and Earnine EN210.

Easily available at Accessoryjack, Get one for yourself from here.

http://www.accessoryjack.com/schmit...re-driver-in-ear-monitor-headphones-blue.html

ABOUT ME:-

Some of you might know me, I have more than 80 reviews here in head-fi. I admire balanced sounding earphones without much emphasis on bass and specially mid-bass, and if it has mid bass, decay has to be snappy. Sub-bass is welcome.

I have been called a mid-head, was ridiculed for it, but man, for me all the magic happens here. For some mids are not a big deal, they don’t listen to much vocals but I am more of a person who likes a good balance between vocals and instruments.

I like my highs with good amount of spark and energy, it is better if it has good extension. An early roll off is a no no. But then the price of the earphone comes into play. One can't ask an sub $50 earphone to have fantastic extension and that is understandable. You get what you pay for.

I listen to all kind of music, specially soft, alt and pop-rock, some pop (no K-pop, sorry) with good vocals and instruments, I don’t care about the artist, he should make some sense with his words and should not be a bit too cheesy.

ACCESSORIES:-

The S10 comes with a small and tidy retail box. The carry case is lurking out of the box, nothing fancy at all. What is fascinating is all of their earphones come with Two cables, one with mic and other one is a braided audio cable, for an earphone at $99 it’s a huge thing. There are 6 pairs of tips out of the box, Foam (M/L), Single Flange and Triple flange (both S/M), all of them in two sizes. No cable clips out of the box.





BUILD AND ERGONOMICS, COMFORT AND SEAL:-

I like the way the S10 fits, the long narrow nozzle helps with a deeper fit and the curvy Westone like design gives it a nice and comfortable feel in ear. ergonomically its very good.

Build might not be the best thing of the S10 or any Schmitt earphone, it's made of Translucent plastic material which seems like can withstand some abuse if not much.

Thanks to the Long nozzles the S10 seal pretty well and does a very good job of keeping away the outside noises.

Just like all the Schmitt earphones the S10 too ships with two cables, the MIC cables is supple and not much bouncy but has memory problems, the audio cable is really nice with very supple feel to it. The best thing about both the cable is that they don’t have any cables guides to bother about.

SOUND QUALITY:-

The first thing that caught my attention is the way it keeps the notes thick and clear of any type of sibilance, thicker notes make it sound more lush and gives it a more natural timber (slightly thicker than natural). There is not a single area with sharp peaks to make the listening uncomfortable.

With its warm, bright, and forward presentation the S10 is very engaging. The S10 aims for a balanced presentation without being dry, accurate or analytical.

I have burned the earphone for more than 80hrs, using stock rubber tips and my Plenue R for this review. The S10 doesn’t need an amp to sound the best it can.

BASS:-

Being a single BA based earphone its difficult to expect much from the bass region but surprisingly its far more potent than the Nicehck DT300 or even my Final audio F4100.

It has very good body, fairly rounded, moves good amount of air and the decay too is aptly fast. There is good amount of sub-bass presence, specially for a single BA earphone in this price. The extension might not be the best as there are players like Series4 who are deeper with huge bass impact.

There is no mid bass hump one has to worry about and the upper bass is nicely kept nicely under control.

I would not call it the most detailed bass cuz there are better earphones like the EN210 and DT300 with more details.

But the S10 has very good amount of details with an organic touch to it, it doesn’t sound tinny or boxy which in itself is a huge thing from a BA driver. There is nice texture to the notes too.

MID RANGE:-

Mid range is nicely balanced with the bass region with a bit more forwardness to them, vocals do take the center stage.

The S10 tires to be more engaging and pleasing and it succeeds. Smoother vocals with thicker vocal notes make both male and female vocals sound lush and comfortable without a hint of fatigue. There is very good texture to the notes, but the notes could have used a bit more sharpness to be a bit more accurate and natural.

Instruments too have similar presentation, they don’t bite, that’s a good thing as it keeps the signature smooth but that takes the shine off them which for someone looking for details and accuracy is not the best thing. Needless to say the S10 lacks details, specially micro details.

Separation and layering is just above average, there isn't much air between the instruments but its still better than something like the Nebula one.

The best things about the mid range is its stage, which is bigger than most of the BA based earphones in this price range. It's very tall and wide with good depth, married with the smoother and thicker notes it delivers a very engaging sound with good quality imaging. Another good thing is the way it keeps the lower and upper mid ranger energy intact.

HIGHS:-

Highs are a miss here. There is some extension till 8-9k, after that there isn't much energy to write home about. Overall all the highs lack energy, there isn't any spikes or uncomfortable sibilance to worry about.

There isnt much to write here. It’s a clear miss. Everything sound pale and veiled. If the EN210 was lacking energy, the S10 lacks much of the extension.




AGAINST THE ODDS:- (source - plenue R)

TFZ Series4 VS :- ($95)

The series 4 is a more capable earphone from every aspect, it has bigger bass(a bit mid-bassy), more accurate vocals with clearer instruments, have more extended and energetic highs and better spectrum wide details. Has bigger stage too.

Isolation is average and can be sibilant at times.

Fiio F9 VS :- ($109)

The F9 lacks sub-bass by a margin, there is better mid range details but with sharper notes presentation it sounds very tinny and the treble lack any type of extension, leave alone energy. S10 has slightly better extension.

Tonality is very bad, can be sibilant at times. Stage is smaller from every dimension.

EN210 VS:- ($119)

The EN210 is superior in every way expect the stage size (bass is on the leaner side but still has more sub-bass). It has far better details and micro details, sonically it’s the best of the bunch.

Only downside is the cables are not removable.


The EN210 lacks Removable cables.



CONCLUSION:-

Now as I had mentioned before, the S10 doesn’t try to be accurate, precise or analytical hence there is not plenty of details to gaze at, instead the overall presentation is very involving and engaging, it’s an earphone for those who want to enjoy the music, not to analyze it. It’s a very unique sounding BA based earphone.

Thicker notes without much sharpness to them leaves a very soothing impression, specially with vocals. The S10 delivers a very inoffensive, involving and engaging sound.

If you like to enjoy vocals and keep your earphones on for a long time (even when doing other work) this earphone can serve you very well.

Enjoy your music, Cheers.

INTRO:-

Last time I reviewed the HillAudio Vajra3, this one is the HillAudio S8. A Different looking earphone with Dual BA for highs and mid range and a Dynamic Driver for Bass. Priced from RM250-270, which translates to around $62 is made of CNC machined aluminum alloy, comes in two colors, Black and Metallic blue.

It goes against the likes of Shozy hibiki, Brainwavz B150, Whizzer A15 and many more earphones as this space is very crowded, We will see if the S8 holds its own in this competition or not.

P.S. :- I just received the Earpieces and accessories, No cables out of the box, this will be the cable shipping with the retail package.



Here are some features of the Earphone:-

● Using 6063 Aluminium alloy shell material, CNC-machined and polished to a fine exquisite finish with smooth & quality texture.

● Proprietary hybrid tuning configuration with 1 dynamic driver and 2 balanced armature drivers.

● 10mm custom tuned dynamic driver enhanced with graphene diaphragm for a deeper bass impact with low distortion.

● Custom dual BA driver from China Armature (AMT) produces clear and crisp sound with rich details yet not piercing to the ears.

● 3 pairs of acoustic tuning filter for 3 different signature profile. Blue for reference sound; silver for bass boost; black for treble boost.

● Detachable cable design with universal MMCX interface. Easily upgrade to various aftermarket cables available.

● Simple packaging yet comes with rich accessories content. Within the package you will find a pouch + a 4 cores silver plated cable + silicon eartips set (S/M) + foam tips set (S/M/L)

● New version now upgraded with brand new 8 cores 6N silver plated OCC copper cable for improved audio experience.

Specifications -----------------------

Brand: HillAudio

Model: S8 Hybrid

Transducer principle: hybrid 1dd + 2ba

Transducer specs: 10mm DD + Custom AMT dual BA

Frequency range: 20hz - 20khz

Impedance: 16Ohm

Sensitivity: 100 +/- 1 dB

Rated power: 1mW

THD: < 2%

Cable length: 1.2M

Connection profile: MMCX

Plug type: 3.5mm TRS

With mic: NO

Get one for yourself from here.

https://shopee.com.my/HillAudio-S8-Hybrid-3-Driver-In-Ear-Earphone-i.6548893.1119979999



BUILD, ERGONOMICS, ACCESSORIES AND MISCELLANEOUS:-

Its build with aluminum alloy and I don’t think one need to worry about the build quality, Ergonomically its pretty comfortable, one will need a few moments to put it on for the first time around, but its not uncomfortable from any side, thanks to its rounded shape. There are no sharp edges but the short nozzle may lead to a bit of struggle for seal. If you struggle with silicone tips, put on the foam tips that comes out of the box.

There are Bass Vents on the earpieces, which gives it a Classy look thanks to its placement.

It comes with Plenty of accessories, there are 2 pairs of Silicone tips and 3 pairs of Foam tips and two extra pairs of tuning filters, and a carry case completes the list of accessories.

Isolation is just above average thanks to the shallow fitting.

SOUND QUALITY:-

What I like the most about the S8 is its synergy, its sounds very dynamic for an BA based IEM and very soothing thanks to less sharp upper mid and treble region. It’s a balanced IEM with emphasis on bass, I am shying away from calling it V shaped even with elevated bass is because the vocals are really forward, not lying low and drowned in the valley and the highs are not supporting the valley either. You can call it W shaped.

I have burned the S8 for more than 100 hrs, I am using Stock silicone tips and no S8 don’t need amping to sound up to the mark. It’s a pretty sensitive IEM.

Reviewed with Reference Filter.

BASS:-

The first thing one will notice is the rumble and texture it brings to the table. But sadly it lacks a bit of extension and lacks some sub-bass and most of the rumble is from the lower mid-bass region of 50-80hz, If Avicii can't take it there, Who you gonna call? Ghost busters!! Obviously, Here we have Bass filter, Silver one!! And the bass arrives. Still not very deep. We will stick to the Blue Reference filter for this review.

The decay is decent for a Dynamic driver, its not slow and brings in plenty of details and texture, making it more enjoyable. Sadly the bass is mostly dominated by mid-bass, it's not the bothering kind thank fully, which was the case with some earphones a couple of years ago.

It Sounds full with a nicely rounded body, moves good amount of air with good slam.

Upper bass lack energy and don’t bring much to the table. That’s a good in this case.

MIDS:-

I have to say that the mid range is very good, its forward and more accurate tonally with very good texture to notes which helps the overall imaging. Sonically its above average and better than many at this price range.

I should mention that Lower mids do lack desirable amount of energy and sound very pale, as I mentioned, it’s the first dip of the W shaped signature. Same goes for the upper mid, not as low on energy compared to the lower mids, still not in balance with the vocal range.

Vocals are the main focus here. They have very natural signature and tonality, notes have accurate notes depth, let it be for male or female vocals, both sound pretty accurate with required amount of notes width and sharpness. No need to worry about sibilance of any type.

Thanks to Lesser amount or energy with the upper mids, instruments do sound pale, they lack the bite a bit.

Another plus here is the stage size, Its taller and wider than average and have good depth too, and thanks to its sonicality, the S8 is very engaging.

HIGHS:-

Highs are in shallow water, to put it in another way, they have a considerably smoother presentation, they do lack some the energy I am used to with the TFZ series4, but that is a good thing for some, making it devoid of any type of sibilance. Extension too is average at best, even with the Treble filters. Amount of details is acceptable.

Transparency is average. Separation and instrument placement is average, clarity could have been better but look as the price point, I am really asking for a bit too much.

Compared to something like the Whizzer A15, the S8 is far far better with treble.


See them vents, They look sexy!!! And scary!!







FILTER EFFECT:-

Filters do change the signature, the bass filter(silver) makes the S8 sound V shaped with some more emphasis on the bass region, still not enough sub-bass. Mids do lose their forwardness and highs get a bit more than mids.

Treble filter (black) don’t really affect the Bass much but makes the tonality a bit unnatural with a slight emphasis on the treble and upper mid region.

I totally prefer the Reference filter(blue). They have the best balance of the three.

CONCLUSION:-

I haven't reviewed something in this price range for a while, and all I have been listening to these days are BA based earphones of $500 range, so I might have been a bit more critical of the S8.

For just $60, I don’t think I will recommend something better. It has a very enjoyable balance of details, clarity and vocals. Sounds sweet and tonally appropriate.

If you are looking for something like $60-70 in the market, do consider these, and with all these filters and accessories, I think these are pretty good.

Have a nice time, Enjoy, Cheers.

INTRO:-

Not many of you have heard about HillSonicAudio, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Operated by Vincent (A good friend of mine) Sells mostly KZ earphones and Chinese OEM products for less than what others will sell you for. He will ship out to any country if you are willing to pay for shipping.

Here is his Online Shop:-
https://shopee.com.my/shop/6548893/search/

What I am reviewing here is the HillAudio Vajra 3 (Factory UNIT, Retail units may look different), Vajra a Sanskrit word which basically means weapon, Vajra 3 is a 3BA earphone, One for each, Bass, mid range and highs with a 3 way crossover, is an OEM product which can be better indentified as the NiceHCK GT300. Both are exactly same earphones with different names.

The Vajra3 houses drivers from Bellsing, heavily used by many Chinese manufacturers, is really good considering the price to performance of the Vajra3. It splits fire, in other words it’s a fantastic earphone for the price of RM380 or $95.

I will compare this with the TFZ Series 4, Earnine EN210 and Brainwavz B200.

P.S. :- The seller is a friend of mine, I received just the earpieces for review, the retail pack comes with this SPC cable. Not the one seen in other Pictures.



Here are some information about the earphone:-

https://shopee.com.my/HillAudio-Vajra3-3-Driver-Professional-In-Ear-Monitor-i.6548893.1379207595

Features ---------------
● Triple driver fully balanced armature design with drivers targeting each frequency range (lows , mids , highs)
● Using high quality yet cost effective BA driver made by Bellsing for same great performance
● Professionally tuned sound with 3-way electronic crossover between the BA drivers.
● Ergonomically designed shell for good comfort and isolation.
● Detachable cable system with universal MMCX connector.
● Comes with professional quality braided silver-plated OFC cable for better sound performance.
● Included with 2 pairs of memory foam eartips for a more customisable fit.

Specifications -----------------------
Brand: Hill Audio
Model: Vajra 3
Transducer principle: Triple balanced armature Transducer
specs: Bellsing custom driver
Frequency range: 20hz - 19khz
Impedance: 22Ohm
Sensitivity: 109dB
Connector type: MMCX
Plug type: 3.5mm
Cable length: 1.2M
With mic: NO


Schmitt S10 making an appearance, Those Shells maybe similar but The S10 houses only one driver per side. And if you pay a bit more stain on your eyes you can see a Filter on the Schmitt S10, lacking with the Vajra3 (DT300).





BUILD, ERGONOMICS, FITMENT AND MISCELLANEOUS:-

Even though the Vajra 3 is made out of plastic, its not bad when it comes to build quality, yes it will not be able take much pressure but it will survive well if you don’t abuse it.

Ergonomically it tries to emulate Shure design, making it a very comfortable earphone.

I don’t see the Vajra3 giving anyone any trouble with fitment, it will fit most without any struggle, and the long and narrow nozzle gives it a deep and secure fitting, and with the provided foam tips comfort is not an issue.
Isolation of this earphone is better than average thanks to a deeper in ear fiting.

The retail Package includes earphone storage pouch, Vajra3 earpiece, braided SPC MMCX cable, 2 pairs foam tips.

SOUND QUALITY:-

I have a bit too much experience with sub $100 earphones, I have reviewed around 30 of them, and the Vajra 3 holds its own in that bunch.

If you are looking for bass, if you listen to EDM or like your music calm and docile, this is not for you.

Aiming for accuracy and balance, the Vajra 3 delivers a very detailed and fairly controlled sound. Overall signature is bit bright and fairly neutral with attacking notes presentation, it won't be easy to overlook the sound.

I am using plenue R and D for this review. The Vajra 3 is very sensitive and don’t need amping to sound better. I am using stock rubber tips and the Earphone has been burned for more than 120 hrs.



BASS:-

Yes, its not flat, not as flat as the ER-4P or AF180 but don’t expect too much, its doesn't move plenty of air, it doesn’t have the slam, lacks a bit of body but isn't that true for all the Accuracy minded earphones?

Vajra3 has one of the fastest decay when it comes to this price point, it has plenty of details too. There isn't much sub-bass but it's not missing by much. The extension is good for an Armature based earphone but it is not as deep as something like a Brainwavz B200, B200 does have bigger bass quantity with better body but falls behind when it comes to details and accuracy.

Mid bass is slightly more prominent still under good amount of control, one doesn’t have to worry about it. Upper bass doesn’t do anything undesirable, it very nicely goes into the lower mids with plenty of details.

What really makes the Vajra3 stand out is its ability to keep the upper bass and lower mids energy intact.

MID RANGE:-

The first thing which catches the attention is that the vocal range is not clumsy or compressed, it’s a bit more forward compared to rest of the spectrum and yes, the tonality is slightly sharper than what one will find with something like B200 or EN210 but the dynamic range and stage size is one of the best you will find from an earphones in this price range.

Notes have slightly more depth and energy to them but that doesn’t introduce much sibilance, there is a bit, but it's not bothering. Vocals have very good texture to them, not as much as a dynamic driver like the Series4 but more than B200 and EN210.

As I said earlier it is tuned to go for accuracy and details, to achieve that The Vajra3 likes to attack with on your face kind of details, which it has plenty of. It is a very transparent and clear sounding earphone. There is not plenty of micro details which one can experience with something like ATH-IM03 or ER-4P but the amount of details it has is very clear.

What really helps the mid range is the beautiful stage size, it is hollow graphic with no voids in it. It has nice height, the width is average and the depth deeper than 95% of earphones in the price range of $100.

Upper mid do have some more energy than usual but it's not as aggressive as the AF180, it bodes very well with me as this energy makes the Vajra3 sound more detailed compared to competition.

For an earphone with a price tag of under $100 the Vajra3 has one of the best separation.
The only thing that goes against the Vajra3 is its tonality, which is a bit metallic compared to something sounding more neutral and natural like EN210.

HIGHS:-

Highs are not as impressive as the rest of the spectrum. it does starts very well with lower treble, there is good amount of energy, good amount of details but it gradually loses energy as it gets deeper into the spectrum. There is barely any energy left after 12khz.

Till then there is good amount of spark to it, its not as sharp as the upper mid still has enough to keep me seated. If you are not listening critically you will not even bother about it.

Layering and separation is up to the mark, if not better than the competition. There is good amount of air between the instruments.

Top end stage is not as good as the mids but is okay.

VS DT500:-
Refrain from buying the 5ba model (DT500), it has serious issues with upper mid range. The 3BA model is tuned better and delivers better upper mids with lesser issues, and has better top end energy too.

Both have similar bass, mid range vocals and tonality of the DT500 is more natural but things go bad from upper mid range, stage is smaller from there on, lacks serious amount of upper mid clarity and details, high too lose the energy, a bit too much to be precise, it feels very bad, considering how beautifully the Vajra3 (DT300) is tuned.

Not sure If the DT500 have different drivers for mids and highs but they do look smaller than the 3BA unit.


This is the DT500, You can see All the 5 drivers in this Picture.





CONCLUSION:-

It’s a very capable earphone, if the tonality were a bit more accurate and had a bit more cleaner separation it could have killed all the $100-200 earphones, it still is very good for $100.

If you are in the market for an earphone around $100 which has plenty details and energy to its note, you simply should not overlook the Vajra3.

I hope I covered everything, if you have any questions, drop me a message.

I hope you guys are having a nice time, Cheers, Enjoy.

INTRO:-

Not all of us have heard about earnine9, it’s a Japanese brand which has concentrated on only BA based earphones, 4 to be exact, and all of them are either single or two BA based earphones. Their EN2J was a well received earphone but was still didn’t got as much popularity as others, maybe it was the lack of media exposure.

I hope this won't happen to their newest earphone in their EN lineup, the EN210 (which is still at production stage). The EN210 slots between the EN2J and EN1J, houses 2 BA drivers with a 2 way crossover, without removable cables. One for bass and the other is a full range driver, will be priced at around $120 and comes in only one color, smoke black, it's one of the cheapest dual BA setups if you don’t get into the Chinese foray into the audiophile arena.

It will face stiff competition from TFZ king, King pro, A&D D6, Magaosi K3 pro and fiio F9.

PS :- I would like to thank Sean from earnine9 for the review unit.

ABOUT ME:-

Some of you might know me, I have more than 80 reviews here in head-fi. I am an admirer of balanced sounding earphones without much emphasis on bass and specially mid-bass, and if it has mid bass, decay has to be snappy.

I have been called a mid-head, was ridiculed for it, but man, for me all the magic happens here. For some mids are not a big deal, they don’t listen to much vocals but I am more of a person who likes a good balance between vocals and instruments.

I like my highs with good amount of spark and energy, its better if it has good extension. An early roll off is a no no. But then the price of the earphone comes into play. One can't ask an sub $50 earphone to have fantastic extension and that is understandable. You get what you pay for.

I listen to all kind of music, specially soft, alt and pop-rock, some pop (no K-pop, sorry) with good vocals and instruments, I don’t care about the artist, he should make some sense with his words and should not be a bit too cheesy.

ACCESSORIES & PACKAGING:-

The EN210 comes with 4 pairs of tips, 3 pairs of silicone tips and a one pair of Foam tips. There is a nicely spacious carry case and the instruction booklet sums up the package.

BUILD AND CABLE:-

The EN210's shell is made out of smoke black semi transparent plastic, one can see the internal drivers if not the whole circuit like the audbos P4. Even though the shell is made of plastic, the EN210 has good build quality. The all metal nozzle with metal mesh protection is a nice thing and I hope other brands will follow this.

There are no vents at all. L/R channels can be identified with red and Green dots on the inside of the earpieces.

The cable has to be some of the best cables on the market along with the TFZ cables. Looks premium thanks to the braiding, isn't bouncy, nicely supple and doesn’t have much memory either. The cable guides too are not wire supported hence aren't needed to adjusted every time. The 90 degree 3.5mm plug is nicely presented with chrome plating. There are enough stress relievers at the 3.5mm jack and y splitter.




COMFORT AND SEAL :-

First time I put it inside my ears, I instantly felt that the fit is shallow for me and the earpiece kept falling out every now and then. The foam tips are more stable in this regard.

As far as comfort is concerned the EN210 fits nicely inside the ear and is very comfortable. It's not as comfortable as the Brainwavz B200 but is comfortable enough.

With the stock silicone tips seal was good but as it kept falling I used the Foam tips and isolation is equally good with it.

CAUTION:- don’t use earphones where you have to be aware of your surroundings like driving and walking on the road, stay home and enjoy your music or at gym.

SOUND QUALITY:-

The EN210 is impressive instantly. The smooth inoffensive presentation is the best attribute of the 210. It is slightly warm and mostly neutral with minimal coloring. I can say that its one of the most neutral sounding earphones in its price range.

No part of the spectrum is over emphasized more than other.

I am using KZ tips because the stock silicone tips tend to fall off and foam tips sound considerably different. Source is plenue D + fiio Q1 mk2 or plenue R and I have burned the earphones for more than 100 hrs.

BASS:-

Most of the BA based earphones lack bass presence, even the UE 900s with dual BA for Bass lacks bass. But the EN210 doesn’t lack it thank fully. Its not full or big like the TFZ series 4 but has a nicely rounded impact with good body. The good thing about the bass is its not horrid, doesn’t vanish into thin air allowing the listener to enjoy the note.

The best thing about the EN210 bass is its reach, it has really nice sub-bass rumble with authority, it goes really deep into the spectrum, as low as 20khz and the sub-bass presence is not hampered by mid bass as the mid bass is fantastically controlled, letting the 210 deliver pleasant bass notes, that’s a win win situation in my eyes.

There is very good amount of details and nice texture to it, I won't call it the most detailed but it's fairly detailed. You might end up wanting a bit more than what is delivered as the competition is oozing with bass power, let it be the TFZ king or Series 4 or the King pro, all of these are loaded with oodles of bass. Excepth the K3 pro which has lower amount of bass body and impact in comparison.

MID RANGE:-

This is where the EN210 takes advantage over the competition, where the competition mostly goes with a slightly thicker and less sharper notes presentation the EN210 aims for accuracy and precision, still it has the smoothness one can enjoy, thanks to the slightly less emphasized upper mids, it doesn’t try to bite too hard, still bites well without any sibilance to worry about.

Don’t take it any other way, if you like the TFZ king's mid range which is lush and slightly wider, the EN210 shows a bit more attack, more forwardness, better focus and even more accurate notes presentation and thickness.

Out of the lot, with the Brainwavz B200 included, the EN210 has the most neutral mid range, best balance of the lot. Not forward or in the V.

The vocals get the best of the accurate and neutral notes. Both male and female vocals sounds to the point, if the King is 7.5 out of ten, EN210 will get 8.3 for vocals. It does lack a bit more texture we see with the TFZ trio, EN210 makes it up with equally good amount of details and smoother upper mids. You are not missing any notes, yes they are not as good as the big boys like Q-jays and ER-4P at picking micro details but does a hair better than the TFZ king (not pro).

Stage has very nice depth buy it lacks with width and height when compared with the TFZ trio. Its bigger than the K3 pro, so it's not small by any means.

HIGHS:-

One can say that these highs are slightly less forward and they are up to the point. EN210 lacks a bit of energy when compared to the competition. It still has very good amount of spark to it, helped by really nice extension. IT doesn't lack details or definition and stand out with its accuracy. The smoothness flows into the highs too, the EN210 has no treble sibilance at all.

Layering and separation are as good as it gets, TFZ 100 usd duos can sound overly thick at the notes base making it slightly inferior with its instrument distribution. There is nice amount of air between the instruments.

Top end stage is not as good as the mids but is sizeable. I would have liked a bit more energy with the treble as it tend to get lower as it goes deeper into the spectrum.






AGAINST THE ODDS:- (source - plenue R and plenue D + Q1 mk2)

VS King PRO:- ($175)

Here comes the King pro, with its Huge and deeper bass and sub-bass impact the king shows its authority. Has far better Body, moves more air and has far far better details too.

Mids are slightly lacking with forwardness, details and transparency. Has slightly thicker notes and are not as sharp as the EN210. Vocals and all the instruments sound more calmer with lesser attack.

High are in a different league, very good energy, has better extension and the biggest stage of the lot helps with the spectacular layering and separation.

And then the King pro has removable cables.

VS TFZ series 4:-

The series 4 has considerably bigger bass, bigger impact, more air, and better body. It slightly lacks control in comparison and the EN210J has better sub-bass presence.

Stage size of the Series 4 is leaps and bounds bigger than the averagely sized stage of the EN210J.

The EN210J has better mid range clarity, better micro details, more natural notes with a slightly laidback presentation. Layering and separation too is better with the EN210J.

Highs are a hit and miss nor both as these two are very different, the 4 is more energetic and has more spark and energy to it. Where the 210 has a very easy on the ear presentation, very smooth and has has slightly better extension too.

Both are very good at what they do but the series 4 has removable cables.

VS Magaosi K3 pro;-

K3 pro has a very similar tuning to the 210 except the K3 pro sounds drier all across the spectrum and more energetic where as the 210 sounds smoother, a bit laidback and juicy.

The bass is similar but the 210 has slightly bigger sub-bass, smoother body but K3 has slightly more details. Stage wise both are above average and neck in neck with the overall size.

It’s the mid range where the 210 beats the K3 without much effort. Details of the 210 is very much effortless and smoother with a more forward presentation, the k3 sounds a bit harsh, a bit higher on the energy. Both have similar details but the 210 has better transparency.

High and upper mid are where K3 pro is more active, it has more energy and has better extension too.

Choose 210 if you like your music a bit mellow and juicy, or else K3 pro will rock you up.

CONCLUSION :-

The EN210J is a beautiful looking earphone with very good details and clarity. Notes are barely missed and the level of details is up there in its price bracket. The smoothness is very much pleasing, easy on the ears, easy on the soul.. Just melts inside ones ears.. Oh my my..

Everything is outstanding about its just that it lacks removable cables.

I would recommend the EN210 J to anyone who is looking for an earphone for around $100-120, give this one a shot, you won't be disappointed.

Thanks for reading, Cheers!!

INTRO:-

This, most of us have heard of, was released back in 2013, it didn’t made much waves, neither got plenty of reviews or had loads of people talking about them. The one that caught the most attention from this Sonic Pro line-up was the ATH-im02. Even though the IM03 is more capable, no one really bothered about these as they were not available to reviewers, and when I reached Audio Tehnica, Guess what, they were not interested.

Housing 3BAs (one for bass, mid and highs, each) is not a small thing from a power house like Audio Technica.

So, I bought one, after 5 years, who in their right mind can deny a very good deal on an earphone which can be compared to the ER-4P, yes, succeeding the ath-ck100 is not a small thing on its own.

I will compare this with other earphones Like the 64audio U3 and ER-4P. Fire in any questions you have.

P.S. :- This is not a paid review, I bought the ATH-IM03, I am just warming up before I start writing the review of the Empire ears Bravado and some more.



ACCESSORIES, AND MISCELLANEOUS:-

There aren't many accessories to boast about there, a small carry pouch, 3 pairs of rubber tips and a pair of Comply tips.

The stock tips are not exactly good, using a longer tip really brings the best out of this earphone.

The cable guides too are not exactly easy to handle. But once molded, the fit is really nicely and isolation is very good. Can't give the ER-4P run for its money but man, its good.

The build is totally plastic, but the shape of the Shell is nice, its doesn't hurt any part of the ear and is fairly comfortable.

SOUND QUALITY:-

Bass:-

Bass is what one should expect from a mid tier BA based earphone, aiming for accuracy and precision, instead of going for fun and engaging presentation

The bass quantity is just over what one can consider linear, thank fully its not as lean or as dry as the ER-4P and has slightly better details. The 03 moves slightly more air and has equally good depth, sub-bass has good amount of presence when compared to other flat sounding earphones and the mid bass is exceptionally controlled. Upper bass is not a problem either. It has a hair slower decay than the ER-4P, making the 03 sound juicier. It moves a bit of air, slam is acceptable too. If you are not a person who likes accuracy and details, please stay away, you will be heavily disappointed.

Mid Range:-

Its sonic abilities are uncovered here and man its mesmerizing, Its doesn’t sound as detailed as the ER-4P because the ER-4P has a more brighter and forwarded presentation. Let it be instrument placement, accuracy, layering, positioning, the 03 is not behind in anything. And Sonically, the IM03 is better than ER-4P. Till date ER-4P is my favourite earphone, but the IM03 is very very engaging with its sonic qualities. I would to give some more emphasis on layering, its exceptionally good, very accurate and precise.

Vocals and instruments are accurate with natural tonality and the details is slightly better than the 64audio U3. U3 has more forward presentation and is slightly more engaging in comparison.

When it comes to stage, its not very tall but has fantastic width and depth. Its more like a reverse cone. Big for an earphone irrespective of its innards and pretty big for BA based earphone.

Highs:-

It lacks energy in comparison but has equally good extension and details. You will not miss anything, but you might have to pay slightly more attention to it. There are no spikes one has to worry about but still it can be slightly sibilant.

Transaction from upper mids to lower treble is not exactly flaw less, there is small dip and it gets more evident when compared to the ER-4P.

It’s the highs where the IM-03 loses points. It needs a bit more refinement in this area, but still can hold its own with very precise layering and details with outstanding sonic abilities.







Conclusion:-

No I will not recommend anyone to buy this, cuz (I am selfish and) I don’t think many will like to buy something which is 5 years old. But if you get a chance to listen to this pair of earphone, don’t miss it.

Who knows you might fall in love with its accuracy, precision and sonicality.

I hope you guys liked it. Enjoy, Cheers.

INTRO:-

The Fragrant zither, better known as TFZ has raised its head as one of the biggest Chinese brands in the world of audiophile. They only make dynamic driver earphones with dual magnetic drivers. Their series 5 first gen was caught the eyes of bass-heads with its pounding bass. After a few revisions they now came with Exclusive series. And the released the King pro as an upgrade to the Exclusive king with 2pin connector. I had the exclusive king, and it was one of the best $100 earphone. Most of the Reviewers and the audience too concur with that.

The King pro being a upgrade gets better looks with metal housing and retains the 2pin interface. Houses 12mm deal magnetic two way graphene driver with 8.9mm diaphragm. Comes in 4 colors, Green, blue, red and red + blue and is currently priced at $158 it faces competition from.. its brother TFZ Series 4, Earnine EN210, iBasso IT01 and Fiio F9 pro.

You can grab one from here:- (I Would like the thank LMUE for the review Unit)

http://www.lendmeurears.com/tfz-king-pro/

Specification:

• Driver: 12 mm Dual-magnetic two-way graphene driver
• Magnet material: NdFeB N50
• Diaphragm material: graphene
• Diaphragm diameter: 8.9MM
• Diaphragm thickness: 6U
• Voice coil material: copper clad aluminum wire
• Frequency response range: 5HZ ~ 40000HZ
• Harmonic distortion: 0.7%
• Impedance: 55 ohms
• Sensitivity: 108dB
• Lowest power: 8 mW
• Connectors: 2-pin 0.78mm
• Plug 3.5mm straight
• Magnetic flux: 9000KGS
• Wire: core count 4 * 18 * 0.05 5N oxygen-free copper
• Outer: high flexibility transparent PVC

ABOUT ME:-

Some of you might know me, I have more than 80 reviews here in head-fi. I am an admirer of balanced sounding earphones without much emphasis on bass and specially mid-bass, and if it has mid bass, decay has to be snappy.

I have been called a mid-head, was ridiculed for it, but man, for me all the magic happens here. For some mids are not a big deal, they don’t listen to much vocals but I am more of a person who likes a good balance between vocals and instruments.

I like my highs with good amount of spark and energy, its better if it has good extension. An early roll off is a no no. But then the price of the earphone comes into play. One can't ask an sub $50 earphone to have fantastic extension and that is understandable. You get what you pay for.

I listen to all kind of music, specially soft, alt and pop-rock, some pop (no K-pop, sorry) with good vocals and instruments, I don’t care about the artist, he should make some sense with his words and should not be a bit too cheesy.

ACCESSORIES & PACKAGING:-

The King pro Comes with a premium looking box.

First thing you see is the earphone itself without cables attached. There is a cable in the other chamber of the box, all the color variants come with the same rose gold cable. You will find 6 pairs of rubber tips in S/M/L sizes and a pair of foam tips , stuffed into tip holders inside a hard carry case, now this is a very good addition to the package and will keep your precious safe from harm. There is a Shirt clip too and some documentation completes the package.

The king pro one of the most complete accessories set in its price range.





BUILD, FIT AND CABLES:-

Like most of the TFZ earphones the King pro too looks stunning with CNC machined all metal housing. The body and front nozzle are made out of a single piece of metal and the back plate is fused into it. There are two vents where the two pieces meet, giving the drivers some space to breath out those bass airs.

The King pro is on the heavier side of the weight scale but one doesn’t need to worry about it thanks to its over the ear wearing style. Size on the other hand can be a problem for people with smaller ears. It fits perfectly inside my ears and nicely stays in place. If it keeps slipping out you should use the foam tip which comes out of the box. Or just.. Clean your ears.

The .78mm 2pin cable with nicely braided 4 cores is one of the lightest and equally supple 2pin cable you will find in the market. The cable guides are without any internal wire support, giving it a more comfortable fit. There is no microphonics to worry about either. But the heavy Y splitter weights it down a bit, thank fully this has a cable or say chin slider.

COMFORT AND SEAL :-

If your ears are of the size to accommodate the King pro inside it, it’s a very comfortable earphone. There are no uncomfortable side to it, everything is nicely rounded, nothing uncomfortable except the weight maybe. Let it be the cable guide or the earpiece, the series 4 is a pleasantly comfortable earphone.

The rubber tips seal very well and if you want more comfort, use the foam tips.

PICTONARY:-










SOUND QUALITY:-

Like all the TFZ earphones the King pro uses an interesting earphone housing single driver with dual magnetic circuits and voice coils which acts like two drivers but actually are one.

It has a warmer and V shaped signature with natural and uncolored timber to it. A bass head will love its sub-bass power, a details hog will like its ability to deliver fantastic separation and very good amount of details.

Driving the King pro is a child's play, anything can drive it. It's that easy. Let it be your mobile phone or lowly powered DAP, anything and everything will drive the King pro with ease and matchability is very very good.

FYI the king pro has 100+ hours on it, I am using my Plenue R and D for this review and stock single flange wide bore tips on the earphone. Use wide bore tips for lesser bass and narrow bore tips for bigger bass. As the tips used matters big time.

BASS:-

The king pro is tuned to sound fun and it succeeds to entertain, a bass lover will enjoy it to the fullest.

What was your last bass head earphone, mine was Wooduo2 (the bass power house), that one had nonsensical amount of bass, lacked much of details sadly. King pro qualifies as a bass head earphone and the best thing is that the King pro has far better details, texture and definition.

The problem with bass heavy earphones is that they can't control the bass notes, any note around the bass region tends to fire up both sub-bass and mid-bass even when one of these is lacking. Which is not the case with the King pro.

The King pro's bass is very well defined, sub-bass and mid-bass notes are nicely separated from each other while delivering a class leading punch and impact. The sub-bass reach and rumble is better than 99.99% of the earphones in the market which includes DK-3001and UE-900s too. In other words, when it hits, it hits hard and big with very good amount of air and the full bodied impact leaves a lasting impression. Mid bass feels better thanks to the faster decay. Its slightly better than the King exclusive. There no mid-bass emphasis to worry about.

I love the way it maintains the bass notes. It doesn’t have any kind of shyness when it comes to it, its tuned outstandingly to deliver effortless bass notes. When there is sub-bass you will be served with visceral impact.

I have no doubts in saying that one will be hard-pressed to find a better bass response than this for this price. You are treated with fantastic amount of details and definition and notes presentation is fantastic too. You are not going wrong with it as even I tend to miss the bass impact, body, sub-bass reach and sub-bass rumble after I switch to other earphones.

MID RANGE:-

The V shaped tuning pushes the mid range a bit into the valley. This mid range is not as forward as the bass but has very good amount of details and resolution.

Now the transition from upper bass to lower mid is not as good as the Earnine EN210 or the more superior UE900s but still is better than Fiio F9 and Meeaudio M7 pro. The King exclusive and Series 4 are better in this regard.

Leaving the Lower mid behind, the King pro has very good amount of details. Vocal notes are more precise with slightly sharper and deeper notes compared to the King exclusive and Series 4 duo. The King pro's vocals are more true to the nature than most. Its neither thick nor overly sharp. Both Female and male vocals sound more natural and accurate. Vocal notes are presented with beautiful texture, resolution and transparency, it is far more satisfying than the competition.

Instruments too are up to the mark. they have nice attack and bite which the Series 4, Exclusive king and specially fiio F9 lacks big time, F9 pro sounds slightly better. Thanks to the maintained energy with the upper mid range, instruments are lively with really nice details, clarity and transparency. There is no sibilance to worry about, one can easily have long listening sessions.

The king pro's big plus here is the size of the stage which is huuuuggee!! Comparable to the 64audio U3 and bigger than the Exclusive king in every dimension. Nothing for under $200 can come close to the King pro's stage size.

HIGHS:-

I will say it again, this is how you do it. brands like Vsonic should take a note from TFZ. This how you maintain energy and extension without being hopelessly sibilant and sharp.

The King pro has very good forwardness and energy with its top end. There is beautiful spark to it, nothing bothering at all unless you don’t like energy (yes energy, not sibilance) with your highs. It's got the details and extension worthy of writing home about.

Thanks to its fantastic amount of effortless details you are treated with a presentation unlike anything else. Let it be pianos, trumpets or cymbals the sharpness and the finishing of the note along with the presentation is really nice. All you do is sit back.. and enjoy!!

Helped by the huge stage the King pro is very good with its layering and separation. There is plenty of air between the instruments and instrument placement too is up to the mark. This is one of the best highs you will see on an around 200 dollar earphone.

AGAINST THE ODDS:- (source - plenue R)

VS EN210:-

First thing is EN210 sounds smoother and has better balance, it has bass with respectable sub-bass impact but is just a fraction of what the King pro delivers.

Mid range is very much comparable, both have very good details, EN210 delivers a hair more micro details with King pro delivering 3-4 times bigger stage and better instrument placement. Highs of the King pro has better energy and extension to it, but the EN210 can't be written off, it has acceptable depth and energy.

All in all it’s not a real competition for the King pro. But if you want accuracy EN210 is good. (210 doesn’t have removable cables)

VS iBasso IT01:-

The hotly talked earphone from iBasso really lacks sub-bass depth and impact size when compared to the King pro. Lacks some definition too. Decay is similar but sounds more mid-bassy.

Mids are a similar story, IT01 sounds decent against King pro, king pro sounds more natural and smoother and thanks to its huge stage size, it just brings the IT01 down to earth, the IT01 has a decent stage but sounds more hollow. Highs too are a similar case. King pro has better imaging and details. And the stage helps the Pro to deliver fantastic instrument separation.

If you can forgive the weight, IT01 is not in the league if the King pro.

VS Fiio F9 pro:-

This lacks the bass impact, body and fullness, King pro delivers huge bass in comparison but lacks with decay making it more enjoyable. Both have good control over the mid bass.

Mids on the F9 pro have better details, sounds more transparent but doesn’t have the engulfing stage of the king pro. Instrument placing is not on par with the King pro, which just blows everything away with its stage and imaging. Highs of the Fiio has some of the best bite but king is not behind. Very good details and energy into the spectrum and similar extension.

F9 pro aims for accuracy and gets on the King pro when it comes to details. King pro sounds smoother, cleaner, more natural with a huge stage size.

VS UE 900S:-

Recent reduction of price has brought the EU 900S in to the realm of mid rangers where nothing really delivers the Amount of details and cohesion of the same quality. Nothing mentioned in this article delivers more details than this. And the sonic abilities of the 900s is mind blowing too.

It lacks bass impact size and body, has good depth but King pro has better, bigger sub-bass presence. Needless to say that UE900s has faster decay.

Mid range is far more detailed on the 900s with very food micro detailing and equally good instrument placement thanks to similar mid range stage size. Instruments sound more leaner with better precision. Highs are equally good with very good energy and extension but sounds clumsy in front of the King pro.

Again, the stage size of the King pro is Huge!!

CONCLUSION:-

King pro really defines what an earphone can do for under $200. It delivers impactful bass with very good sub-bass rumble without losing composure or details. One just can't love ahead of it if looking for bass. Mid range too defines the class with its exceptional tonality, notes thickness, stage size and instrument placing. Highs too have equally good details and energy.

If you are looking for a $200 earphone, look no further, the King pro can deliver a foot taping experience. A total value for money earphone. Gold standards in my eyes.

I hope you like my review. Cheers, Enjoy your music.

Intro:-

Last year I reviewed a Quad BA master class from an Australian brand, Audiofly. Hailing from Australia. Highly recognized for their multi-driver technology. It's one of the few brands which has a full series of dynamic and BA based earphones. They have a couple of hybrid earphones for the lovers of V shaped sound signature and then they had two BA based earphones, AF160 (triple BA) and AF180 (quad BA), has now come up with an exceptionally equipped earphone, their new flagship the AF1120, available in only clear option ( which I think looks really beautiful) comes equipped with "SIX" balanced armatures per side, priced at $699 going head on with earsonic ES3 and 64 audio U4 to name some.

Audiofly on AF1120 -

"The AF1120 brings a sextet of balanced armature drives into a universal IEM form factor. The six highly tuned armature drivers are arranged in a dual low, mid and high configuration where the 3 way crossover creates a sense of space and clarity that is simply incredible to experience."

I will compare the AF1120 with the DUNU DK-3001, Earsonics ES3 and my personal favorite ER-4P.

PS : I would like to thank Michelle for the Loaner.






ABOUT ME:-

Some of you might know me, I have more than 80 reviews here in head-fi. I am an admirer of balanced sounding earphones without much emphasis on bass and specially mid-bass, and if it has mid bass, decay has to be snappy.

I have been called a mid-head, was ridiculed for it, but man, for me all the magic happens here. For some mids are not a big deal, they don’t listen to much vocals but I am more of a person who likes a good balance between vocals and instruments.

I like my highs with good amount of spark and energy, its better if it has good extension. An early roll off is a no no. But then the price of the earphone comes into play. One can't ask an sub $50 earphone to have fantastic extension and that is understandable. You get what you pay for.

I listen to all kind of music, specially soft, alt and pop-rock, some pop (no K-pop, sorry) with good vocals and instruments, I don’t care about the artist, he should make some sense with his words and should not be a bit too cheesy.

ACCESSORIES & PACKAGING:-

AF1120 comes with plenty of accessories. upon opening the box first thing that greets you are the beautiful looking earpieces and the Waxed canvas storage wallet, in other words, the carry case, I have to say it's one of the best looking carry cases around, not strong like the DUNU cases, but this one looks good. The good thing is it has a softer padding over a harder protective layer under it giving it the required amount of solidity. Audiofly are generous with the size too, outer dimension of 6in by 4in with a depth of one inch means you can easily carry your portable player in it.

You can find 3 pairs are comply T100 tips, 3 pair of single flange tips and 3 pairs of triple flange tips in the box. There is an airplane adapter, a quarter inch adapter and a user manual sums up the list of accessories.

the AF1120 comes with white cable which is an Audioflex™ cable reinforced with CORDURA® fiber technology.

I would have liked a cable clip out of the box but its fine without it.

BUILD AND CABLE:-

AF1120 is totally made out of plastic still the build quality is good, not as good as the ODS-1 or the 64audio U3 but feels better than the ER4-P.

AF1120 comes with their trademark Audioflex cable ( most of their earphone do), the cable is one of the best when it comes quality, it's really light weight compared with cables from other brands and doesn’t have any microphonics to complain about. It's not bouncy at all and nicely supple. The Audioflex cable is reinforced with CORDURA fiber technology, a layer of fiber that covers the cable from the 3.5mm jack to the cable splitter, protecting it from any kind of mishap. I have to admit that these cable guides are some of the best one can find on earphones.

3.5mm jack has a really small profile to it, it's not really stress relieved but it has the layer of CORDURA fiber protecting it, which is good enough.

There are L/R markings on the front side of the earpieces which is kind of hard to see thanks to the white ink used on a clear shell, Audiofly.. Please go with black ink next time. Still you don't really need to look because wrong earpiece won't fit the wrong ear.

Audiofly is really generous with the cable and its long.. really long .. It's like 170cm which is really long even for a 8 feet tall guy.

COMFORT AND SEAL :-

AF1120 is really comfortable, ergonomically speaking its far better than many earphones out in the market, its designed to sit effortlessly in the ear even when its slightly longer than the AF180. The AF1120 sits plush in my ears without sticking out, easy on ears and comfortable to say the least, the longer and narrow nozzle plays a good part here. I love the way the supple cable guides do their job, it sits firmly and comfortably over the ear holding the ears tightly without any scope of uncomfortable movements, no adjustment required. If AF180 was good, AF1120 is equally good when it comes to comfort, unless you have smaller ears.

Isolation with foam tips is better than many and one doesn’t have to worry about passive noise while enjoying their music. Silicone tips are good too. Triple flanges are above average with isolation but are slightly uncomfortable.

CAUTION:- don’t use earphones where you have to be aware of your surroundings like driving and walking on the road, stay home and enjoy your music or at gym.

PICTONARY:-











SOUND QUALITY:-

the AF1120 has 6 BAs to handle the work load with 3 way crossover, 2 for low, mid range and highs, one sad thing is with two BAs bass could have had slightly more rumble, but the AF1120 is tuned towards flatter sound signature with a slightly more emphasized upper mid range and superbly energetic highs.

One of the most neutral sounding earphones with a slight brightness thanks to the boosted mid range.. or it would have been a benchmark in this scenario.

It has some of the best details, we will talk about it soon.

TIPS PREFERENCE:-

I advice to use foam tips as they give a better sense of space and sounds more out of the head where as triple flange and single flange silicone tips produce more in the head type of stage. With foam tips sound stage is slightly better than average with decent depth and width with good height. With silicone tips its becomes taller, conical and shallow.

Use silicone tips if you want sharper tonality and slightly more bass in expense of stage.

TECHNICALITY AND MATCHABILITY:-

Just like the specs suggest, with an impedance of 10ohm and 110db sensitivity at 1k AF1120 is really easy to drive. Using an amplifier helps with stage and makes the bass slightly more present.

You can drive the AF1120 out of any portable device, it will not be able bring the best out of it (specially mid and lower end mobile phones) as AF1120 demands power.

Sounds perfect out of my cowon plenue D. It sounds slightly darker out of the J3 but it's not a problem. Overall matchability is average.

BASS:-

AF1120 as I said earlier has two dedicated BAs for bass, but that doesn’t make it bassy by any means, it has slightly more bass emphasis than the ER-4P as mids and highs take the center stage. Bass is the least emphasized part of the spectrum with the AF1120. Try EQ if you want more bass as the AF1120 responds well to EQ.

It doesn’t move much air, doesn’t have the slam or body either and is on the leaner side with some of the best decay speed one can find on an earphone. I am one of those guys who is a fan of faster bass decay, it should hit and vanish and this decay is faster than ER-4P. Thankfully the bass is more focused towards lower bass with no mid bass emphasis which lets the lower-bass revel itself better. The bass isn't as deep as other earphones in this price, it lacks with sub-bass reach but as I said the lower-bass region gives it a well rounded presentation saving it from being a bit too linear.

Thanks to the faster decay and lacks of any mid bass hump AF1120 has outstanding control over bass notes. Transparency and clarity too is of top class. Nothing in this price can come close to its control and accuracy leading to class leading resolution and details.

If it was not clear enough, let me make it clear that AF1120 is not an earphone for you if you want airy, impactful bass with body, its nor ruler flat but won't make a bass lover happy either, and the bass stage is the smaller than competition.

Those who thought ER-4 was really flat and would like a bit more life with the bass will love the AF1120. Good quality bass I must say. I just sit back and admire the way it keeps up with fast paced music without being too analytical or too flat.

MID RANGE:-

The magic begins here, as I mentioned earlier, mid range is a bit more forward when compared to the bass, the transaction from upper bass to lower mid is class leading, after all the blabbering about the decay and lack of mid-bass I don’t need to tell you that AF1120 has not even a trace of bass bleed.

If the bass was accurate, welcomes to mid range with pinpoint accuracy and details.

There is fantastic amount of details with vocals and, female vocals are really enjoyable, male vocals sound slightly sharper than usual but that’s not a new thing for BA based earphones. Vocal notes are presented with slightly above average depth and sharpness with a beautiful texture, resolution and transparency, it aims for accuracy instead of trying to be pleasing, that added notes depth. AF180 is tuned to give a really tight and controlled vocal presentation. Other earphones in this price tend to sound a bit more thicker and in that process lose some notes depth. It’s the details and resolution which makes the experience more enjoyable.

AF1120 has slightly better tonality with vocals, where the AF180 slightly sounded tinny.

Just like the AF180, the AF1120 holds up the upper mid range like a boss, where other earphones struggle to keep the energy and spectrum in level AF1120 does that effortlessly, every instrument maintains its clarity and have plenty of instrumental attacks, if you are used to V shaped sound signature or like relaxed or smoother upper mid range this will be slightly hard to swallow.

Let it be layering or separation or spacing between the instruments, AF1120 beats the likes of ES3 and 64 audio U3 with its clearer and more vivid presentation. It’s the shear amount of resolution and details which gets the AF1120 critical acclamation. Most of the earphones produce really clear center acts but struggle to portray the background sounds with equally impressively the audiofly does it with ease.

Only complain of can make here is that and I agree with it, I doesn’t sound as organic as ES3 or dunu DK-3001.

HIGHS :-

Highs are perfectly balanced with the mids, there is a small bump around the lower treble region giving the extra sense of resolution. Where others tend to tune it down, AF1120 has that nicely covered.

First thing that catches the attention is the amount of extension it has, it's as deep as it gets, just like the AF180, AF180 was slightly sharper than usual but the AF1120 is slightly more forgiving, it doesn’t bite hard, but bites with enough force to leave an impression. In other words it isn't overly aggressive, cutting the sibilance out with ease. It's not as smooth as the ES3 or 64audio U3 though.

Let it be pianos, trumpets or cymbals the sharpness and the finishing of the note along with the presentation is up to the mark.

If you are the kind of person who enjoys top end energy and spark, AF1120 will shake your senses up. It's just spectacular, for the price the amount of details, resolution and energy is up to the mark.

Let it be the layering, separation or presentation AF1120 is fantastic. With plenty of air and nicely spaced instruments it’s a delight. The only drawback is its slightly narrower stage.

AGAINST THE ODDS:- (source - plenue R)

VS earsonics ES3:-

ES3 is an unique sounding earphone, for a BA based earphones its bassy and Vshaped in comparison. It lacks the urgency all these typical BA earphones strive for.

Has bigger and better body, more slam, air and extension too. Has slightly more texture to it with equal amount of details. Sub-bass impact is best of the lot. Has the best texture and finishing too.

Mid range of the ES3 is slightly recessed and sounds more thicker and natural against the sharper AF1120. ES3 struggles to maintain the lower mid energy where AF1120 is flawless. AF1120 has an extra layer of details with equally good imaging.

Highs are where there are some similarities, both have good extension, ES3 is more smooth with good amount of energy. Both have equally good separation and layering but AF1120 has more details and smaller stage sadly.

VS 64audio U3:-

The U3 bass has to lead the class with its impact and details, its slightly faster decay than the ES3 helps big time. Has better body, air, impact and sounds fuller with more sub-bass and mid-bass presence. AF1120 is close with details but cant attain the texture and fullness.

Mids are slightly V shaped, Has plenty of details but lesser than AF1120. Sounds thicker, has slightly better timber. Separation is good but AF1120 is better. Mid range stage is small.

Highs don’t bite like the AF1120, its more gentle with slightly more energy than the ES3, sadly lacks extension. Has better texture and bigger stage height but lacks stage depth.

VS audbos P4 :-

This is what I am currently working on. Houses 4BAs, from china but has the quality to bring the U3 down. Against the AF1120 it has bigger bass, better sub-bass presence, a bit of mid-bass presence too. Has equal amount of details. Not sharp like the AF1120 or thick like U3, it hits a middle ground with everything, let it be impact, body air or fullness.

This too is a mid forward earphone, and it beats the competition fairly with its more accurate tonality and notes sharpness, AF1120 by a hair, thanks to its more natural thickness with the vocal notes and slightly better spaced instrument thanks to its bigger than competition mid range stage size ( ruled by DUNU DK-3001, you just can't beat it, I dare you). Details wise AF1120 is ahead with a small margin. After all P4 is priced at $200 only.

Highs are similar to the U3 but has slightly more sharpness. Sounds closer to my liking. Lacks extension and bite of the AF1120. Layering and separation is better than U3 but not up to the mark of AF1120.

If you are buying stuffs like me, give this a try. Thank me later.

VS ER-4P:-

Smaller bass impact, better extension into the spectrum, mids are more balanced, more natural with pinpoint accuracy with its notes depth and thickness. Has slightly less amount of details. Highs are slightly less sharp, AF1120 has better treble extension and bite.

CONCLUSION:-

I don’t feel the need to say that AF1120 is one of the best earphone in its price range. For around 700 us dollars, if it is not the one to set the benchmark, it is the one to beat for sure. Let it be the balance or accuracy or its ability to maintain lower mid and upper mid energy, AF1120 is nothing short of excellent.

If you are in the market for a TOTL earphone, give this a try.

Enjoy!! and cheers.

INTRO:-

Most of us have never heard about audbos, originated in china, audbos is really new in the market, make its entry last year when Magaosi split up due to some conflict between them, giving the audbos owner an opening to come up with their own line of earphones. They already have some earphones under their inventory. They have a Magaosi K3 clone with 2BA and one DD, there is a single BA earphone too (review coming soon of this single BA too) and some more cheaper ones.

What I have here with me is their flagship audbos P4, has 4 BA drivers with a 3 way cross over. One BA for lower frequencies (Knowles 22955), 2 midrange BA (propeietary db-K3), 1 high frequency BA (Bellsing 29689). Priced at around 788 myr or around $210, comes in clear Blue and clear White color only.

It doesn't face much competition for what it houses inside but within this price range there is Fiio F9 pro, TFZ king pro and even the UE900s with its reduced price should give this a tough time, but will they?

I will compare this with the UE900s, 64audio U3 and TFZ king pro.

I would like to thank Merry from audbos and Vincent from Hill audio for this sample unit.

Buy yours from here:-

https://shopee.com.my/Audbos-P4-4-BA-Driver-HiRes-In-Ear-Monitor-i.6548893.776865884

https://world.taobao.com/item/561196721454.htm






ABOUT ME:-

Some of you might know me, I have more than 80 reviews here in head-fi. I admire balanced sounding earphones without much emphasis on bass and specially mid-bass, and if it has mid bass, decay has to be snappy. Sub-bass is welcome.

I have been called a mid-head, was ridiculed for it, but man, for me all the magic happens here. For some mids are not a big deal, they don’t listen to much vocals but I am more of a person who likes a good balance between vocals and instruments.

I like my highs with good amount of spark and energy, its better if it has good extension. An early roll off is a no no. But then the price of the earphone comes into play. One can't ask an sub $50 earphone to have fantastic extension and that is understandable. You get what you pay for.

I listen to all kind of music, specially soft, alt and pop-rock, some pop (no K-pop, sorry) with good vocals and instruments, I don’t care about the artist, he should make some sense with his words and should not be a bit too cheesy.

ACCESSORIES & PACKAGING:-

My review unit came without the retail box but came with all the accessories. The faux leather case looks fantastic and has plenty room to store the earphone comfortably. There are 3 pairs of rubber tips and 3 pair of foam tips in S/M/L sizes. There is no cable clip or cable guides ( which people rarely use any way).

BUILD, FIT AND CABLES:-

P4's build is totally plastic, nothing fancy here at all. The back plate is fused into the main body. Now the transparent shell means the P4 looks gorgeous. Even though the build is all plastic, it doesn’t feels weak or feeble.

The plastic build helps with weight too, where the TFZ series 4 feels heavier with smaller form factor, the P4 is lite even with its bigger size.

With its more ergonomic wing like design, it sits nicely in the ear. One of the most comfortable large sized earphones I have ever experienced.

The stock cable is one of the better ones you will find in the market, not as good as the IT01 or UE900s cables but better than most. It's slightly on the stiffer side, not bouncy thanks to its plastic coating and is built to last for years while looking premium. Let it be the straight 3.5mm jack or the transparent mmcx connector everything looks good. You can obviously use upgrade balanced cables just like me as I think this stock 3.5mm cable doesn’t do much justice to the potential of this highly capable earphone.

COMFORT AND SEAL :-

P4 is one of the most comfortable earphones I have ever came across, it doesn’t get uneasy even after elongated period of listening. It doesn’t fall off either thanks to its slightly deeper into the ear nozzle.

It has better than average seal with stock tips, not to worry about unnecessary noise interrupting your pleasant listening sessions.

SOUND QUALITY:- (with SGaudiohive 2.5mm balanced pure copper cable)

I find the audBos P4 to be one of the most engaging earphones under $200, I haven't come across an earphone which can beat this with its balance and accurate tuning, it doesn't forget about bass either.

With its slightly warm and brighter signature, I dare to say that " come beat it for around $200". I just don’t see an earphone with this much balance, details and clarity in this price range.

It won't please those who like thumping, dominating, impactful and pounding bass, if you can live with bass slightly bigger than the UE900s, you will love this.

I am using stock single flange rubber tips for this review (And SGaudiohive pure copper cables). And using my Plenue R for this review. (only high-res flac).

(P.S:- I would suggest you to get a balanced cable too, the stock cable lacks bass impact and details)

BASS:-

To make one thing clear, It's not flat, with the stock cable too you won't feel that its dead flat like the ER-4p or somewhat flatter the EU900s. It packs a punch, if not big enough to knock a bass head out but the P4 has enough bass to make its presence felt with good amount of impact and body, body which is nicely rounded and aptly full when compared with similarly equipped BA based earphones in its price. It moves good amount of air too and the impact is on the softer side.

Now keep no doubts that bass is not the forte of the P4, its respectable at it with class leading amount of details and clarity. The amount of details it has is hard to beat, helped by texture, accuracy and fantastic decay, which is neither unnecessarily fast nor lazy to fade off.

It doesn’t have the sub-bass rumble of the King pro but has good presence. There is no unnecessary mid bass bloat but with some Eminem tracks which lacks sub-bass will leave you wanting. There is not much upper bass emphasis saving the P4's bass from sounding harsh.

Extension too is good, which goes deep into the sub-bass region but doesn’t go past 25hz.

The best thing is P4 manages to pull off a slightly deeper, better and more rounded bass than the DK-3001.

MID RANGE:-

The audbos P4 is a mid centric earphone, aided by two dedicated BA drivers, it delivers one of the best quality mid range for under $300. The first thing you will notice is the amount of clarity it has, let it be vocals or instruments P4 has the clarity to please some of the most demanding audiophiles.

The transition from upper bass to lower mid even if not as forward as the AF1120 is not as drowned as UE900s either. It retains very good amount of details and energy there.

Vocals on the P4 is not as sharp or as peaky as some of the BA based earphones like AF180, AF1120 or q-jays, these earphones can introduce some vocal sibilance with some tracks but the P4 has nothing like that. It has good amount of sharpness and energy but doesn’t have any peakiness or spikes to cause any discomfort. Let it be male or female vocals, both sound fantastic with good amount of thickness and details.

Vocal notes are presented with plenty of details, beautiful texture, resolution and transparency, it is not as organic as dynamic driver earphones like the TFZ king but then the King doesn’t have the amount of details and accuracy and precision of the P4.

With the P4, instruments have fantastic attack, thanks to the slightly boosted upper mid range, it delivers one of the best amount of details and clarity in its class. Let it be live music, acoustic jams or synthetic music the P4 effortlessly deals with any type of music without showing any shortcomings. Just be prepared to be served with serious amount of details exhibiting serious amount of bite, not for faint hearted listeners. Instrumental cues placement is fantastic.

I won't say this stage to be the biggest is class but its slightly bigger than theUE 900s, has better width, better height and similar depth. In comparison the TFZ king delivers slightly bigger stage.

HIGHS:-

If you like lively, energetic highs you will love the P4's highs. Its slightly less forward compared to the mid range but has good amount of spark and extension, not as good as the 64audio U3, ER-4P or af1120 but good enough to keep me seated.

If you don’t like much energy with your highs, this is not what you want. With its accurately sharp higher notes the P4 delivers really detailed highs.

Let it be pianos, trumpets or cymbals the sharpness and the finishing of the note along with the presentation is up to the mark.

If you are the kind of person who enjoys top end energy and spark, you will not be disappointed. Let it be the layering, separation or presentation the audbos P4 is up to the mark. With good amount of air and nicely spaced instruments it’s a delight thanks to its nicely spacious stage size.

Pictonary:-


Driven by the ZX300.


Stock cable.


SGaudiohive pure copper 2.5mm cable.



Giving company.








The P4 is bigger but lighter.


The Frequency graph of the P4.


AGAINST THE ODDS:- (source - plenue R)

VS King PRO:- ($175)

The king pro is a different creature altogether, it excels with bass impact and stage size, unlike the P4 the King pro aims to entertain and excels. Has far bigger bass impact and quantity and moves more air. The sub-bass reach is fantastic, it gives the feeling of a subwoofer in ears. The King pro has class leading lower end performance with good amount of decay and details. The P4 has faster decay and better precision.

Due to the V shaped signature the king pro lacks mid range attack, if you are listening it after listening to any other $200 earphone you will be pleased but against the P4 the King pro is unable to deliver similar amount of details, clarity, resolution, precision and accuracy, the king pro here is simply, inferior. Vocals sound less attacking and a bit more thicker which lets it deliver more of a organic tonality.

Highs too in comparison lacks the definition and transparency. The king pro do have similar amount of extension but notes lack details.

Layering and separation even though is good, not on par with the P4.

The king pro has one of the biggest stage on an earphone, you can say is 20% deeper and wider compared to the P4, the P4 has better height.

VS 64audio U3:- ($500)

The 64audio U3 is one of the best earphone for around $500. It has bigger bass body, bigger impact, has slightly deeper sub-bass and a hair more details too. It has an immersive stage which is one of the biggest one can find under $500 on a closed back universal earphone, it has better width and depth with similar height. Thanks to this stage the U3 sounds so involving and cohesive that one can easily fall in love with them.

But the P4 beats the U3 yes, it does, the P4 beats the U3 when it comes to the amount of details with mid range, P4 sounds clearer, cleaner and more transparent with slightly better micro details. P4 notes are sharper and ready to attack where the U3 feels veiled in comparison. It’s a similar story with the highs too. U3 lacks spark but aided by bigger stage and slightly better treble extension, The P4 is not far behind with extension

U3 has better presentation and imaging, P4 has better details, accuracy and transparency.

VS EU900s:- ($250)

Even though equipped similarly the UE900s an old horse, released back in 2014 it’s the 2nd gen UE 900 with slightly better build and different tuning. Tuned to be a flat sounding earphone UE 900s delivers in that front with no part of the spectrum getting the center stage.

UE900s Lacks the impact or body of the P4, 900s has a more active mid bass region which fires most of the time when a bass note arrives. It lacks a bit of sub-bass rumble too but has equally good extension. It lacks a bit of bass details too.

UE 900s sounds a bit grainy in comparison, mid range has nice clarity but the stage is slightly narrow which limits the note's penetration. It sounds slightly less energetic but has equally good amount of details and transparency.

Highs are the region where the UE900s beats the P4, 900s bas better emphasis and notes sound more forward and active because the 900s doesn’t have the upper mid bump. Highs have better stage, best top end of the lot here. Has slightly lesser amount of transparency but has better separation and extension.

The biggest flaw of the Ue900s is its graininess which reflects all across the spectrum.

Overall if you want more details P4 beats the UE900s handily.

CONCLUSION :-

The P4 has quickly become one of my favorite earphones. It has what I look for in most of the earphones, resolution, details, clarity, transparency and a decent stage. P4 lacks no where when it comes to audio attributes.

If you love mid range clarity, instrumental bite, enforced with good bass and highs, you will love the P4 without any thoughts. With its ergonomics its one of the most comfortable earphones around.

I totally recommend it to someone who is looking for earphone around $200 which is loaded with details and clarity. The best $200 earphone, I dare to say, beat it, beat the P4 for around $200.
And at the same time would like to welcome Audbos to the scene of audiophiles.

Cheers, I hope you liked my review. Enjoy!!

INTRO:-

We Indians are passionate about music, we love our music, our movies have songs built into them, so you can figure. Sadly we are not really known for our technology, specially not in the field of music equipments and accessories related to it. But Signature acoustics, from the house of Pro Audio Home is trying their best to bring some decent stuff for our Indian music enthusiasts, I like their tag line too which goes like Signature Acoustics Hear the Call. They have recently came up with a revised version of their already popular wooden earphone C-12, named Elements C-12 version 2.0 or say C-12 V2.

C-12 V2 looks similar to the version 1 but now comes with a built-in MIC and slightly different tuning. The C-12 V2 is priced at 3000rs or $45 (currently retailing for 999rs on amazon.in, thanks to the New Year promotion) and comes in lite colored wooden housing only.

Now the V2 doesn’t face much competition from inland brands ( ha ha, there are none) but will face stiff competition from brands like Sony and audio-technica earphones but I will be comparing it with the new Final Audio E3000, my good old XB90EX and Xiaomi MI pro HD.

Here is the Specification of the C-12 Version 2.0:-

Model: Elements C-12 Version2.0
Impedance: 22Ω±15%
Sensitivity: 94±3dB ＆1KHz; 1mW; IEC318
Frequency response: 20~20KHz
Distortion: Max: 3% ＆ 1KHz
Rated Input Power: 3mW
Maximum Input Power: 5mW
Level difference average: ≤3dB ＆ 1KHz

Microphone:-
Directivity Omni-directional
Impedance: Max： 2.2KΩ
Sensitivity: -42±4dB & 1KHz; 2.2KΩ 3V ,0dB=1V/Pa
Decreasing voltage: -3dB &VS=4.5V,RL=2.2KΩ
Current consumption: 200uA-350uA
S/N ratio Min: 58dB & 1kHz




ACCESSORIES AND PACKAGING:-

My package came within a handmade jute bag, and I was so humbled by it.. Yes, that’s what we need, break out of the common practice, lets promote our culture!!

Let's get inside the package and the best thing you will find is the genuine leather case, I like the design of it. There are 3 extra pair of tips, two of them are rubber tips in Small and large sizes, medium size being installed on the earphone itself. There is a pair of medium size foam tips to keep up with the market and provide the customer with the comfort.

There is a cable clip or shirt clip already attached to the left side cable so you don’t have to struggle with it. There is some documentation which sums up the whole package.



BUILD, FIT SEAL AND CABLE:-

The C-12 V2 looks fantastic thanks to its wooden housing. the whole shell is made out of two pieces of wooden housings, the back chamber is glued to the front nozzle and looks strong enough to withstand some beating.

The straight barrel design is not something one should complain about, it fits nicely and if the rubber tips tend to fall out, use the foam tips for better traction. It seals pretty well and isolation is better than average.

The internally braided, rubber covered cable is strong but the problem is its microphonics which is higher than average. The 3.5mm 90 degree jack is nicely stress relieved.

The one button remote embedded MIC unit is on the right earpiece cable hence it's easier to tell the L/R channels apart. The sound quality of the MIC is better than average and is a necessity for someone always on the move.




SOUND QUALITY:-

C-12 V2 is bassy but not V shaped, its more L shaped, there is plenty of bass, good amount of mids and lacking highs. It's warm, neutral, and smoother. The wooden housing is a factor for this smoothness, it sounds more natural and true to nature when compared to most of the earphones in this price range.

I have used my Plenue R and D with stock tips on the C-12 version 2 for this review. The C-12 V2 doesn’t need any type of amplification to sound at its prime. It sounds fine out of my Lenovo P2 and S7.



BASS:-

The C-12 V2 is just shy of bass head-level of bass. It's still bassier than most of the earphones out there in the market. with a its bigger impact and slam it directly compete with the likes of Hisound Crystal and sony XB series. It moves plenty of air thanks to its nicely rounded full bodied nature. Sub-bass has good presence and lower end extension is better than most of the XB series earphones out there. Mid bass is slightly elevated to give it the fullness, upper bass is nicely controlled but still it can bleed into the lower mid range sometimes.

Decay on the other hand is lacking the speed when compared to the UE600 and 11 neo and slightly losing to the Final audio E3000 but has bigger and better sub-bass presence compared to these three. It lacks the control of the 11 neo and pro HD but doesn’t lack in details.

The C-12 beats all the earphones mentioned above with its true to the nature bass quality, its neither soft like the E3000 not lacking like the UE600, nor overpowering like the Hiosund crystal and is more enjoyable than the 11 neo and HD pro, unless you are not a fan of bass.

MID RANGE:-

Even though it doesn't have the smoothest presentation it's still more natural than most of the earphones. There are no unnecessary sharpness or notes depth to sound unnatural. Yes it's not as smoother and sublime as the Final audio E3000 as the C-12 is slightly spiky and more sharper with the presentation. The mid range is not exactly balanced with the bass but it's still has enough energy to stay nicely relevant. Lower mid range lacks a bit but the vocal region has good amount of energy.

Male vocals sound natural with good amount of sharpness and depth but it could have been slightly less deeper, Female vocals sound more natural compared to the 11 neo or pro HD with good amount of thickness and required amount of depth. Instruments have good amount of details but doesn’t have the amount of details you will find with the UE600 or A151p.

C-12 V2 has good resolution, details, layering and separation, slightly better than the E3000 but the UE600 and A151p are far better with their BA setup when it comes to details, separation and layering.

This mid range does far better when compared to other bass heavy earphones like XB90EX or Brainwavz S0 and Twinwoofers.

HIGHS:-

In this mix of things, treble region is the least emphasized part of the spectrum, and nothing to write home about. There is little extension to it as it steeply roll off around the 7-8k region. There isn't enough energy hold it up. Everything beyond that mark is veiled and unclear.

All the instruments are under a layer of smoke. It's worse than the E3000. If the E3000 was average, C-12 V2 is below average. Layering and separation too are not up to the mark, so are the details.

Now the best thing here is the lack of any kind of sibilance. It doesn’t have any type of spikes to worry about either.




STAGE AND IMAGING :-

C-12 V2 has bigger stage compared to the UE600, A151p or 11neo. It has nice height and width but lacks some depth, highs being the reason behind the lack of depth.

Even though layering and separation is not exactly good with the highs, mid range has good separation and layering, all the instruments have some amount of air between them. Imaging is lacking thanks to the lack of highs but the available spectrum holds the imaging up with nice sharpness and speed.

Yes it's not perfect, but has enough to keep itself relevant.

COMPARISONS:-

VS XB90EX:-

XB90EX is one of the bassiest earphone you will find in the market, going neck in neck with the Hisound Wooduo. It has a huge body and a drier slam, yes it lacks some sub-bass rumble in comparison and the mid bass is as big as it gets. Upper bass too lacks the required amount of control. Stage is similar with lesser depth.

Mid range and highs are seriously veiled, let it be vocals or instruments, both lack much of the details and layering. If the C1-2 was just lacking with the highs, 90EX lacks everywhere. The saving grace is the slightly more extended high, even though there isnt much details, its there with slightly better energy.

The good thing about the 90EX is that its cable is less microphonic.



VS MI pro HD:-

MI pro HD is far more balanced, it lacks much of the bass, there isnt enough air, body, slam or even extension. Sub-bass is okay but still lacking in comparison. Mid bass is more prominent hence sounds less natural. The decay on the other hand is faster.

Mid range and highs are considerably clearer, highs have far better details and extension but the mod range is more grainy, both male and female vocals are sharper than natural sounding more unnatural.

Stage is deeper but lacks with width and height.

Even though the pro HD is technically a superior earphone, its unable to engage the listener.

The cable is similarly microphonic and isn't supple enough, just like the C-12 V2.



VS E3000:-

E3000 is more balanced, has smaller bass, lesser sub-bass rumble, lesser air, smaller impact, has slightly better decay. Details is similar.

Mid range is smoother, notes are thicker, timber is more natural, instruments lack attack in comparison. Layering and separation is slightly better. Upper mid range is superior. Stage has similar width, slightly smaller height and better depth. Highs have slightly better depth and energy.

This cable is one of the best in this price range, least microphonic of this lot.

CONCLUSION:-

The C-12 version 2 is one of the best earphones available in India at this price range. Its more engaging and more cohesive when compared to others which are either a bit too bassy or lacking mid range or high end clarity.

If you are after an earphone in this price range, with plenty of bass, without any type of sibilance, you should consider the C-12 Version 2.

Grab one for yourself from here from these link.

https://proaudiohome.com/p/signatur...ion-2-0-in-ear-wooden-iems-with-mic/itemNTQ5/

https://www.amazon.in/Signature-Acoustics-Elements-Earphones-Earphone/dp/B075WT5T5R

I hope you guys are enjoying your music. Enjoy!! Cheers!!

Intro:-

Final audio, most of us might not have heard about this brand, we are blinded by many chi-fi brands and some dazzling brands who make multi driver earphones and like to keep in the lime light. Hailing from Japan, the land of rising sun and the land of technology, Final Audio Design is one of the best known brands for its premium looking single driver earphones. They don’t like to put too many drivers cramped into a small space still make fantastic utilization of that single driver.

I am reviewing 4 of their earphones, F4100, F3100, E2000 and E3000. But this review is about the E3000, their take on budget earphones with a single dynamic driver, just placed above the E2000 and priced at $60 and sometimes retails for under $50. Comes in only one color, chrome and two versions, one with MIC and other without. I have the non-MIC version with me.

In final audios words E3000 has:-

" Sound quality design based on the latest acoustic engineering and psychological research results.With high definition and flat, natural sound quality, this product could be considered a "standard"

Now at this price it faces competition from its own brother E2000, MEZE 11 and 12 classics, and many more. I will compare this with the E2000, meze 11, UE600 and signature acoustics C-12 V2 earphones.

Here are the specs of the E3000:-

Product code :- FI-E3DSSC

Housing :- Stainless steel mirror-finished

Driver :- 6.4mmΦ dynamic driver

Sensitivity :- 100 dB/mW

Impedance :- 16Ω

Weight :- 15g

Cord length :- 1.2m





ACCESSORIES & PACKAGING:-

All of these 4 earphones have simple packaging, nothing to struggle or fight with while unboxing it. The only thing is the earpieces are placed inside a plastic pouch, which can be a slight struggle to get rid of.

You cant expect plenty from a $60 earphone, but this has plenty to keep one going. There are 4 extra pairs of tips in 5 sizes (one already on the earphone). now these are top quality silicone tips, not those average rubber ones. There is a pair of ear hooks if you want to go over the ear and there is a draw string pouch to keep the earphone safe from external elements.

With the E3000C you will get an additional MIC to work with your mobile device.





BUILD, FIT AND CABLES:-

If final audios is to be believed E3000 is made with highly rigid machined stainless steel housing, suppressing any unnecessary vibrations. There is a stainless steel housing mesh, helping with the low frequencies and prevents some sound leakage too.

E3000 comes with unique swing fitting ear tips mechanism, basically the ear tip can adjust to some degrees to give a better seal and fitment.

The cable is one of the best you can get with a $50 earphones, its supple, its tangle resistant and low on microphonics too. To reduce the microphonics even further you should use the cable guides out of the box. there are no stress relievers at the ear piece side but it's okay, there is L/R marking in front of the cable.

COMFORT AND SEAL :-

E3000 to be precise is a fantastic looking earphone, the chrome on it shines like nothing else. Its comfortable, the straight barrel design is nothing one should complain about, with the right tip it seals pretty well too. Doesn’t fall our either and if it does, use the cable guides. There is no driver flex to worry about either.

SOUND QUALITY:-

The 6.4 mm dynamic driver is tuned pretty well. It's quite natural with a slight warmth and smoothness to it. Now FYI E3000 is easier to drive, no need to map, I have used stock tips for this review and mostly used my Plenue R and Plenue D for this review. Sounds good out of my Lenovo P2 too.

BASS:-

E3000 has a pretty well rounded bass impact, it has the body and slam which we all like from a dynamic driver earphone. There is some sub-bass rumble, mid bass is more prominent but no upper mid bass hump to worry about. upper bass to take a back seat here. It moves good amount of air with a sizeable impact. Lower end extension is nothing to write home about, but its still better than earphones like EU600 and 11 neo

Decay is not the best for this price, it lacks behind the 11 neo but has better and bigger sub-bass and body to go with. Yes the control is not class leading either but overall its something which wont let you down. Yes it cant beat the details and precision of the 11 neo or 12 classic or the UE600, it can entertain you in a way none of these can do.

Now when compared to the Shozy Zero, E3000 has better balance, better control and feels less bloated, so E3000 is in the middle of the mix with a slightly bassy tilt. And the best thing is E3000 sounds more natural and real than any of these earphones mentioned above.

MID RANGE:-

It’s where the smoothness takes over, its silky smooth, no harshness at all, no super deep notes, no shallow depth either. In other words its nicely balanced without any unreasonable elevation to the vocal region. Upper mids too are smooth and doesn’t drop deep to make it sound lacking.

Male vocals has the thickness I like, notes are deep enough to be cohesive, if it were any deeper or wider it would have sounded more sharp or blunt. Female vocals sadly lacks some depth and can sound slightly shallower than natural. Instruments too sound pretty true to nature and organic, they have the natural body which I like.

E3000 does lack the resolution ant micro details, instrument separation and layering of the UE600 or 11 neo but it has good details and airiness to go with it.

Now the best about this mid range is that it doesn’t lack energy at any point and keeps it lush and smoother throughout the spectrum, its doesn’t lack thickness either. It's the E3000's smoother, natural, livelier imaging and presentation which sets itself apart from the competition.

HIGHS:-

E3000 does a fantastic job of keeping the highs relevant without being sparky or energetic, in fact the energy can be slightly lower than some BA based earphones like EU600 and A151p. Now one should keep in mind that most of the budget friendly earphones try to emulate more detailed presentation by introducing some more energy or say more peakyness to the upper mids which the E3000 doesn’t try to do.

Now I have to admit E3000 one for the best treble presentation in this price range, it donest try to overdo anything with more than enough details to it. It does loses some energy as the spectrum gets deeper, hence extension and top end energy is not the best. Layering and separation are good but not as airy as others.

Yes the cymbals and pianos and strings don’t excite the way it does with A151p or 11neo butE3000 has the more natural and smoother presentation which all of these earphones fail to deliver.

STAGE AND IMAGING :-

Over all the E3000 stage is satisfyingly big with good width and height and better depth than most of the earphones in this budget. It has a bigger and wider stage compared to the MEZE twins and far better overall stage compared to the A151p.

Even though layering and separation is not the strong points of the E3000, all the instruments have good amount of air between them. Imaging is slightly lacking as it lacks the speed and sharpness.

I have to say, for this budget you will be hard pressed to find an earphone with better stage presentation than the E3000.





COMPARISONS:-

VS E2000:-

E2000 is essentially the same earphone, exact design and packaging with slightly different tuning just the way we see with the MEZE twins.

E2000 is slightly faster and sharper with notes hence sounding a bit less muddy. It has smaller bass impact, slightly less sub-bass, doesn’t have that amount of air and decay is faster. Mids are similar but slightly less lush, has the same kind of approach with tuning without boosted upper mids. Highs are essentially the same with slightly better layering.

VS EU600:- (discontinued, retailed for $100)

UE600 was one of the best single driver earphone a few years ago. Its BA is a bit better than the E3000 when it comes to the amount of resolving details and clarity.

It has smaller bass impact, air movement and body, its not meaty either but has better details and decay. Mid range is better with vocals and instruments shine a bit more thanks to the slightly boosted upper mids. Highs are where the EU600 fails to deliver with down tuned lower treble and spiked mid treble it creates a mess on its own.

Stage is more flat with smaller depth.

VS MEZE 11 NEO:-

MEZE 11 is one of the biggest competition for the E3000 with similar attributes.

Its bass is smaller, with smaller body less air and impact. details is slightly better with faster decay. Mid range is sharper and sounds slightly unnatural in comparison. male vocals lack the required amount of thickness to their tone, female vocals are better. Upper mid instruments are more energetic thanks to the boosted frequencies. Highs are better here with more details and better layering.

E3000 bets the 11 Neo with its bigger stage, better timber, more natural tonality and its smoother and lush presentation.

Cables are less supple and more microphonic.

SIGNATURE ACOUSTICS C-12 V2:-

This one is 2nd version of the C-12, out of my own country, from pro audio.

C-12 V2 has bigger bass impact, has similar sub-bass presence but the lower mid-bass takes off and brings plenty of air and impact with it. Decay slightly worse and details are more or less same. Mid rage is more hollow as the stage is bigger with instruments and vocals struggle to fill up the space properly (throwing cues further than required). Has plenty of details and sounds similarly smoother and a bit more brighter. Highs have better extension thanks to the mid treble boost.

It has similar layering and separation, imaging too is more or less similar. you can say that C-12 V2 has a more general tuning where the E3000 has a bit more mature tuning.

Of all the earphones C-12 V2 has the highest amount of microphonics.

CONLCUSION:-

E3000 is a fine creation from Final Audio Design. It has the finish of an maturity of a more expensive earphone. It does lack some refinement, sounds a bit more thicker than usual and a bit less detailed but it has the smoother and lush tuning with fantastically balanced upper mid and highs. Sibilance is nowhere to found.

For the price.. you won't get an earphone with this type of tuning. Me likey!!

Grab one for yourself from here:-

https://www.amazon.com/Final-Audio-Design-Resolution-Headphone/dp/B072MKR1BC

INTRO:-

Earsonics is one of the most popular earphone brands from Europe, hailing from France , Earsonics are known for their array of products for audiophiles, enthusiasts and artists. Their custom made earphones for artists are highly recommended and their universal earphones are some of the best earphones in their own price range. Their SM series (last gen, now replaced with ES series) was one of the most popular BA based series with praises from everyone, let it be the SM2, SM3 or the last one from that lineup, SM64, all of them enjoyed fantastic reception and appreciation from anyone who have owed or auditioned them.

Earsonics recently came out with two new earphones, dual BA housing ES2 and the classic triple ES3.

The ES3 is not an exception, housing 3 Balanced armatures per side( just like SM3 or SM64), one for bass, one for mids and one for highs with a 3 way crossover, comes in only one color and is priced at around 500 dollars or 399 Euros, it faces stiff competition from Westone W40, 64audio U3 and UE 900s.

Lets have a look at the specifications of the ES3 :-

• Sensibility: 116 dB/mW
• Frequency Response: 10 Hz -20 kHz
• DCR: 31.5 ohms
• Driver: 3 drivers, 3 way crossover with impedance corrector

I will compare this with the 64audio U3, AF1120 and the onkyo E900m. All are similarly equipped or priced.

















ACCESSORIES & PACKAGING:-

Even though the price is on the higher side for a 3 BA earphone, this one doesn’t come with plenty of accessories, there is a pair of medium sized rubber tip on the earphone and two other pairs in small & large sizes. There are two pair of foam tips (not comply), small and large, no medium and two pair of double flange tips in small and medium sizes. Nothing fancy here. ( comply T-200 tips will fit fine with this)

There is small carry case and a 2pin .78mm cable. The cleaning tool and the instruction manual rounds up the package.

BUILD, FIT AND CABLES:-

Even though the shell is totally plastic, it looks nice with polka dot prints on the shells of both the earpieces, right side has ES on it and left side has 3, that way you can tell the channels apart with a single look at them. Now the build quality is sturdy and fealt good until I removed the ear tip from the nozzle, the nozzle look like it has thin walls which makes me refrain from pushing the tips too hard on the nozzles. Now Earsonics won't tell you but the ES3 has a dual bore design, look into the nozzle and you will see the bores, I think one is for bass and other for mids and highs.

ES3 cable comes with a 90 degree 3.5mm jack, a nicely stress relieved splitter and a none memory wired cable guides with aluminum wire inside. The good thing about this cable guide is its shorter than others hence one doesn’t need to fight with them every time.

This braided cable looks strong, feels supple and low on microphonics. There is no MIC & remote cable in the box but you can get a aftermarket cable if you want to use your ES3 with your mobile device.

I think I should point out that this Stock Earsonics cable sounds better than the stock 64audio cable. Earsonic cable has better extension, better stage depth and better treble spark too.

COMFORT AND SEAL :-

ES3 fits perfectly but at first one has to shape the cable guides according to its comfort, once the guides are shaped it's easier to put it on next time.

Comfort can be an issue for those with smaller ears and will find a triple flange tips more comfortable, sadly there are no such tips out of the box. Thankfully there are no sharp edges to worry about like the DUNU DK-3001 (which can be really uncomfortable at times, especially in longer listening sessions). Thanks to its shape, I find the ES3 even more comfortable and stable when compared to the 64audio U3.

Now It maybe just me but I experienced some driver flex with single flange rubber tips. foam tips are more comfortable but I like the more forward nature of the rubber tips. I do think the fit is kind of shallow, but not a problem at all.

Isolation is fantastic with both the tips, I just can't pick one here.

SOUND QUALITY:-

Now the best thing about ES3 is even though it is not a hybrid, it has good amount of bass especially when compared to other multi BA based earphones like EU 900s, 64audio U3 and Audiofly AF180.

Just like our friendly neighborhood spiderman keeps on saying.. "with great power comes great responsibility" I gotta say here that.. " With bigger bass come some V shaped sound". Which is not bad at all, it just takes the seat on the back but is nicely active on its own.

Now the saddest thing is I don’t have a more V shaped earphone like FLC 8 or DUNU DN2000/J in this price range. All I own are these dangerously flat sounding ones like AF180, AF1120, ER-4p, and some with slightly better bass than these like Onkyo E900m, U3 and UE 900s.

I had auditioned a few good earphones a few months ago like the XBA-H3, SM64, talking from memory will be a crime here but yes they were more V shaped.

Its easy to drive this earphone even out of your day to day mobile phone. It doesn’t need amping to sound good but it does sound better with a bit more power.

TIPS PREFERENCE :-

ES3 come with 3 types of tips, I prefer the single flange tip over the foam tips because foam tips take some energy away from the instruments, if you done like your highs sparky then opt ofr foam tips.

Double flange tips sounds fantastic but the stock tips are not comfortable to me.

The best tip for the ES3 is sipnfit. It has the best balance between length of the stem and bore size for ES3.

I am using stock single flange large sized rubber tips for this review.

BASS:-

As I said earlier, unlike other BA based earphones I have, this one has the best balance of bass impact and quality. It has the body and impact which I had not experienced with any of my previous all BA earphones in this price range.

ES3 has a nicely rounded body with good amount of sub-bass, slightly more present mid bass and nicely tamed upper bass, making it one of the best BA based earphone for bass I have. It has a nice slam and moves good amount of air too. Impact is on the softer side making it more enjoyable unlike the U3 which has a bigger mid bass impact and hits slightly harder. Decay is good but slower than U3. Its good because it gives you a fraction of a second more to enjoy the bass note as it doesn’t vanish into thin air as soon as it hits.

Oh, I forgot, ES3 has better sub-bass extension when compared to the U3.

With its bigger deeper and fuller bass ( compared to UE 900s, AF180, AF1120) ES3 has plenty of details, it sounds more natural and closer to what the musician intended with its track. Nope.. it's not for bass heads by any means, it is much more controlled and neutral with its presentation when compared to something like XBA-H3.

All in all this bass can be described as balanced, thicker, warmer, cohesive, natural and enjoyable.

MIDS:-

Now the transition from upper bass to mid is not as good as the AF180, EU 900s or the more superior AF1120 which has flawless transitions. There is a small dip around the lower mid but hardly a problem.

As I said earlier mid range has taken the back seat in this setup but still has plenty going for it. It has one of the most spacious mid range and with a bit more power it shows its true quality. With this stage, layering and its top class separation with desired amount of air between instruments, ES3 delivers a fantastic Imaging.

Vocal on the ES3 doesn't feel like being restricted like others, it has a good amount of poise and desired amount of finish to it. Let it be male or female, both sound equally engaging with exact amount of thickness to notes without being sibilant, which is admirable. Unlike AF180 which sounds more dry, less dynamic and slightly more prone to sibilance in comparison.

Upper mid range is slightly more energetic, every instrument maintains its clarity and has good instrumental attacks, It doesn’t sound strident or over excited like the AF180 but it has plenty of bite in a controlled manner, in other words "without being sibilant at all".

The best thing about the ES3's mid range is its dynamism, its more dynamic than the ER-4p, AF180 or even the U3, its timber too is more natural compared to the others.

With its dynamic, spacious, natural and smoother presentation ES3 sounds more juicy, cohesive and less straining.

HIGHS:-

I am personally a fan of top end spark, it keeps the musical factor for me and ES3 is satisfyingly energetic. I have experienced many earphones who can't really control their top end and end up being too sparky or sibilant. Even though is ES3 has good amount of energy and has fantastic extension it doesn’t have any type of sibilance at all.

Another thing is it's not as eager as the AF180, which has the bite and attack of a borderline sibilant earphone. ES3 has less forward and slightly smaller notes depth which makes it sound more engaging and balanced. There are no early roll off to worry about either.

Layering, instrument separation and transparency is up to the class and the bigger than average sound stage plays a part here too.

Overall presentation is smooth and easy on the ear while maintaining the level of clarity and details.

COMPARISONS:-

VS 64audio U3:-

Similarly equipped with 3 BAs U3 sounds more orthodox compared to the ES3. U3 lacks sub bass rumble, more mid and upper bass dominated, decay is faster, body it slightly bigger but it doesn’t have the reach thus doesn’t move much air.

Mid range on the U3 is more serious, not V shaped and sounds drier where ES3 sounds more juicy and smoother. It has similar amount of details but the stage is considerably smaller on the U3, it lacks height and width, depth is similar.

Now my complain is with highs, even though It doesn’t lack extension it lacks energy maybe due to an early roll off. Everything else is similar like layering and separation. But the lack of energy puts me off.

It’s a no brainer unless you like rolled off highs, ES3 all the way.

VS Onkyo E900m:-

These two earphones have slightly different approach. Where ES3 entertains, E900m is more accurate still being natural and musical at the same time.

One of the best sounding hybrid I have ever heard for under 500 usd, fantastic accuracy and timber, oh my my... Bass on the E900m has fantastic control, it has some body and better sub bass balance with mid-bass. Impact is smaller, moves half the air with a little bit of rumble, but has better details. Decay is what I exactly desire, faster than ES3 and closer to ER-4P. better balanced.

It has better clarity and transparency, all the instruments, vocals are so clear and vivid, I sometimes forget that I am listening to an earphone. Yes it doesn’t have the mid range stage size of the ES3 but still bigger than U3 and there is plenty of air between instruments. There is a small dip in the upper mid but that’s okay.

Highs are another area it does slightly better than the ES3, it has similar extension but keeps the energy under control at the same time being nicely relevant. Has slightly better clarity, layering and separation.

VS Audiofly AF1120:-

Totally contrasting approach, AF1120 is red dead serious about details and accuracy (with double the drivers, 6 that is), ES3 is more musical and entertaining.

Its bass is considerably smaller, little body, little air, there is little sub bass rumble but smaller mid bass and upper bass emphasis. Has the typical BA level decay, details is better thanks to the faster decay.

Mid range is where these two are really comparable. AF1120 has sharper drier and more energetic approach to it. Stage is similar but ES3 has better depth. AF1120 sounds more detailed thanks to its better energy around the upper mid region.

Highs are far more extended and has more energy, sounds drier, sharper and are more detailed, it has better air between the instruments too.

The outstanding thing about AF1120 is it has one of the best balance I have seen, there are no obvious crossover dips or lack of energy anywhere across the spectrum.

CONCLUSION:-

With their expertise in this area, Earsonics has done a fantastic job here. It takes a slightly different approach by being more entertaining and enjoyable than rest of the bunch. ES3 is mildly colored with slightly laidback mids, compensated with bigger stage, air, details and smoother and lush presentation.

It’s a winner. With its quality of bass, entertaining mids and engaging highs it doesn’t fail to impress. I love the fitment too, its ear guides are of the right length.

The only question is

1. are you buying an earphone for critical listening?

or

2. you want to appreciate and enjoy the music, music which makes your foot tap in the mean time?

If you are More for the 2nd type, nothing beats the ES3 for around $500. It has the X factor.

Have an nice Time. Cheers and enjoy the music!!

Pictures:-

INTRO:-

We might not associate Rosewill with earphones but is well known for its IT peripherals like cables, computer components, small home appliances and gaming accessories like cases keyboards, mouse, headsets, speakers and PSUs.

Recently Rosewill decided to jump into the audiophile world and have introduced the EX-700 and its subordinate the EX-500 with budget buyers in mind, both are "Hi-Res" certified earphones which comes in only one colour option gun metal, which in person looks as good as anything else. Officially priced at $70 and $60 respectively are currently going for $40 and $30 on newegg.com which is a value that cannot be achieved easily, why? I will tell you in the sound and comparison section.

Both these earphones have a dynamic driver and a balanced armature placed inside their housing making these some of the cheapest hybrid earphones on the market. The EX-700 has a 8mm dynamic driver and the EX-500 has a 12mm dynamic driver. The ex-700 is a straight barrel and the EX-500 being slightly angled.

For the price these two earphones are retailing, they don’t really have any competition in their price bracket but I had recently compared the EX-700 with the Meze 11 neo and the 12 classic which were the talk of the town back then and I find the EX-700 performing fairly well when compared to those two. I will add another earphone to the comparison the Brainwavz B100.

Look out for comparison of these 2 again with the EX-500 in the mix.

ACCESSORIES AND MISCELLANEOUS:-

Both these earphones have exactly same sets accessories, once you open the front flap, you are greeted with the earphone itself and you will find 6 pairs of tips inside the box, in S/M/L sizes. The clear set of tips are said to enhance the treble (we will find out if it does that or not) and the darker set are the usual ones we get with most of the earphones these days.

There is a spring operated faux leather carry case with Rosewill engraved on it, looks neat and works fine. There is a user manual which sums up the package contents.

Ergonomics and fitment:-

The EX-700 as I said earlier has a straight barrel and the EX-500 has a slightly angled design and both should stay in ear easily, but just like the Meze earphones these two too tend to slip out of my ears easily with both types of tips, more so with clear ones thanks to their more conical shape. Both are comfortable, I find the EX-500 a bit more thanks to its angled design and slightly bigger size which holds on to my ear better.

Isolation is average on both if you get a good seal, EX-500 being a bit better at it.

Cables & remote:-

Both the earphones have exactly same cables, supple, not heavy, internally braided and really low on microphonics. There is not much stress reliever at the earphone end, has a small y splitter and ends with a 90 degree 3.5mm jack. Both these earphones have a one button remote built into their left earpiece cable. Remote works fine with all android devices and call quality is good too.

SOUND QUALITY:-

Both these earphones have similar sound signature, warm, slightly darker upper mid range and brighter treble. This signature feels really good and I find this signature slightly better than the Meze house sound.

Both these earphones scale well with my mobile devices, Lenovo P2 and Asus zenfone 2 to be precise and don’t need any type of amplification to sound good. And FYI I have burned these earphones for more than 200hrs and is using both the stock tips for this review.

We will start with the EX-700 and later I will tell you guys how its differs from the EX-500.

Bass:-

EX-700 has bassier signature with stock dark tips. EX-700's bass hits with good amount of slam and moves good amount of air while sub bass providing good amount rumble to it. I won't call this bass extension as "deep into the sub bass" like the Meze 12 classic (which for me has the best subbass presence in this price bracket without the mid bass hump) but it does reaches to respectable depth and is good enough at making its presence felt. decay can be described as slow at best when compared to earphones like the Meze 12 classic and Brainwavz B100.

Slower decay results into a bass which feels heavier and full bodied, thankfully it doesn't interfere with other parts of the spectrum even when it's a bit more anxious to make its presence felt.

There is some mid bass presence which is bothering with tracks which lack deeper bass notes like "Good for you" from Selena Gomez. It sounds fine with tracks like "Hello" from Adele.

Even though the bass is slow and dominant its well controlled and does what its supposed to do.

Mid range:-

Mid range of the EX-700 cannot be exactly categorized as balanced but its not much V shaped either. It feels forward till the bass and treble doesn't come out to show their supremacy over the spectrum.

It has impressive instrument and vocal clarity, there is some micro detailing too. Yes, it lacks the accuracy and clarity we can find with more expensive earphones but it's bright signature makes up for it as it makes the EX-700 sound more alive and eager to go.

Vocals are nicely sharp and favours female vocals more than male. Male vocals sound slightly sharper than usual as the notes slightly deeper and faster with decay. Overall the enegy is good. Instruments on the hand sound fantastic with sharper and deeper presentation.

Sound stage is good for an earphone. It has good height but not equally wide or deep which restricts it from being exceptional.

When compared to earphones like the Meze 12 classic EX-700 sounds slightly metallic, less meatier and sharper.

Treble:-

It’s the treble which sets this earphone apart from others. It doesn’t shy away from energetic and sparky notes presentation. With plenty of sharpness it can sound seriously detailed (even though it lacks micro detailing) and engaging. One should keep in mind that even though its sharp it's not too sharp and not bothering at all.

Instruments are nicely separated and well layered too, it would have been nice if the stage had a bit more depth to it.

Treble extension is another thing which sets it apart from most of the earphones in this price range. Advertized for having ultra high resolution and it shows.

EX-500 VS 700 :-

I have to say both these earphones have exactly same sound signature and characteristics. Both are V shaped, the 500 a bit more so, but both are tuned to sound similar.

The 500 produces bass which is bigger and has more impact, moves more air with similar amount of sub bass presence and body. Decay is slightly slower and mid bass is a bit more prominent, extension is a bit more recessed but still reaches deep enough. The 700 feels a bit more dynamic overall.

Mid range is a bit more V shaped and lacks some details that the 700 can pull off, some instruments sound a bit less on energy. Vocal are equally good but sound stage is slightly smaller all round.

Highs too are slightly less sparky but that's a good thing for most of the users. Has similar layering and separation for instruments but feels a bit more cramped thanks to smaller stage size. This too shows exactly same type of characteristics when switched to treble friendly clear tips.

The difference is really small, an average listener will be hard-pressed to tell the difference in sound quality except the stage.



With Clear Treble Tips:-

Ex-700 has good bass and acceptable amount of treble spark and extension with the stock darker tips. With the clearer treble tips bass is slightly less pronounced at the mid bass region, sub bass too loses some thump but feels snappier with better decay.

Upper mid and treble gets noticeably boosted with sharper notes which grabs attention as it makes the earphone sound more detailed even when it lacks micro detailing, thankfully notes are not overly sharp or energetic to make the listener feel uncomfortable. Treble tips as named gives a good boost to extension too as the darker tips sound a bit dull as we go deeper into the spectrum.

Treble tips brings some changes to the mid range too, while darker tips make it sound a bit more forward and meatier, clear tips makes it sound sharper, clearer, slightly recessed with marginally better accuracy. It would have been nice if there were a tip which can make it sharp and forward at the same time.

I prefer the sound with the clear tips but if you like your music calmer at the upper end you will use the darker tips more often.


COMPARISONS:-

VS Meze 12 classic:-

Even though the 12 classic is priced more than twice of what the EX-700 is retailing for, these two compare really well. 12 is a bit more balanced, has smaller bass but has better sub bass impact and extension is better. It doesn't have the mid bass hump that is there with these two earphones. Has better decay.

Mid range is slightly more defined and more forward with slightly better details, sound stage on the other hand is slightly deeper but smaller overall when compared to the EX-700 but better than the EX-500.

Treble of the 12 is similar in characteristics of these with treble tips but is less forward and lacks some bite. It has similar attack and sharpness but feels slightly dull. Layering and instrument separation is slightly better.

VS Brainwavz B100:-

B100 is a fantastic earphone with BA inside and the best balance of this lot, has better sub bass impact and rumble, doesn’t have the mid bass hump, has better decay and is more agile.

Mid range sounds a bit more flatter, notes go up but doesn’t go down making it sound a bit trimmed at the bottom. It has better clarity attack and accuracy, instruments too are better defined. Sound stage is like a dome, bottom half missing. And is considerably smaller than the EX-700 and slightly smaller than EX-500.

Treble is good but doesn’t have the attack or extension of these two. It lacks much clarity up top and sounds veiled in comparison.

CONCLUSION:-

I have to say these two are fantastic earphones for the these are retailing for. One just can't go wrong with these and the value for money ration is as high as it can, even better than those Chinese earphones. It's just un beatable.

If you are looking for an earphone for around $40-30.. Take my words for it and go for one of these. If you can live with that mid bass hump.. These two are fantastic earphones to have. Durable and versatile.

I hope you guys are having an awesome time, cheers. Enjoy.

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INTRO:-
 
 MEZE is a relatively new entrant in this world of head gears. Hailing from Romania they have made an promising and grand entrance into this crazy and ever so exciting world of headphones with their 99 classic which won hearts of experts and consumers with its true to nature sound quality and classic looking wood back design.
 
 This time around they have come up with a newer addition to their earphone line up, MEZE 12 classics, housing a titanium coated 8mm driver with aluminum voice coil, with a walnut wood housing which gives it its classic looks, there is a MIC unit on the right earpiece cable, no non-MIC version. 12 classics is placed above the 11 neo. Priced $79 will face competition from similarly priced earphones like Brainwavz B100, M100, RE-400, TZF 5 series, VSD5/S and many more!!
 
 You can buy from these links:-
 https://www.amazon.com/Meze-Classics-GunMetal-fidelity-earphones/dp/B01LLXG6QQ
 https://mezeheadphones.com/products/meze-12-classics-gun-metal-wood-earphones
 
  I would like to thank MEZE team for this review unit.

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 ACCESSORIES AND ERGONOMICS:-
 
 12 classics comes in a nice looking box, easy to open unlike some other brands. Inside the box one can find 4 pair of silicone tips inside, one of them Is bi-flange, a pair of comply T-500 tips, a sweet looking carry case and a cable clip.
 
  It has a good looking strong cable ending with a 90 degree jack. There is enough stress relieving at both ends and at the MIC unit too, flexible and will do the job. There is no chin slider. Even when the cable is not bouncy the biggest problem with this cable is its microphonics which is bad, make sure to use the cable clip. L/R marings are hard to locate, they are on the stress relievers of the earpieces but for your info. put the side with the MIC unit in your right ear.
 
 It’s a beautiful looking earphone, I love it when companies use wood. Ergonomically it’s a straight barrel but it takes time to get a comfortable fit and nice seal.
 
 Isolation too is just about average.

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 REMOTE AND MIC :-
 
 MEZE has put a single button remote and a MIC on its right earpiece cable. This remote operates like all other one button units, has good feedback when clicked and works fine with all my android devices. Sound quality at both ends is good, only complaint is that it tends to sound a bit unnatural.
 
 All in all it has nice clarity and quality, gets the work done.

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SOUND QUALITY:-
 
 Let me confirm that this earphone is burned for more than 120hrs and I have used stock single flange tips for the review. These are really nice out of any mobile device and won't need an amp sound good, but if you have one use it, why? Go to the "mid range" section and I will tell you.
 
 This one has a nice and easy type of signature, neutral and laid back to be precise. I love this type of signature. But there is something not so good with this earphone and we will talk about it in the mid range section.
 
 BASS:-
 
 Everything apart, I have to admit 12 classic has one of the best sub bass presence for under $100, last one in my quiver is the WooDuo 2, before that Hisound crystal. It moves good amount of air, has nice slam, impact is oh oh.. splendid, someone who loves bass will admire this impact. And the perk is that, it's not snappy still relatively fast, Brainwavz B100 is snapy, yes B100 doesn’t have this kind of impact but it too has a big one when it comes to sub-bass. For extension, let me do a Kanye here "Don’t talk about extension you will ---- embarrass you" ( Kanye goes like"  don’t talk about style you will ___ embarrass you"). In other words One of the best when it comes to lower end extension.
 
 It has good body and rumble, moves better amount of air compared to B100. The awesome thing about this bass is that it doesn’t swell out of proportion, it stays nicely under control with no mid bass or upper bass hump. Mid bass just goes with sub-bass and keeps a lower profile. There is plenty of details with acceptable amount of control, no bleeding at all. Sounds full bodied and seriously meaty.
 Add an amp and Bass gains some speed but loses a little bit of impact.
 
 This bass is better than Shozy Zero, Nebula one even IM-70, as I said earlier, one of the best.
 
 Mannn… I Am impressed with the bass.
 
 MID RANGE:-
 
 Mid range is acceptable for me, has good amount of details, one can pick some micro details too. Has good instrument clarity and transparency. Notes are really nice with thickness, its thick and meaty for male vocals and sharp and deep for female vocals. It doesn’t lack much energy but doesn’t sound full of it either.
 
The problem starts here, Bass was splendid and meaty, mid range is kind of pale in comparison. It lacks the level of decibels  of the bass and fells like falling into the V but it's not really drowned but downed, specially the vocal range, there is a dip. Another problem is the consistency of the lower vocal range, which is better than average but the texture is inconsistent and is kind of grainy, not the cleanest of the lot, similar to what I had experienced with the RE-400.
 
 Vocals are good though, I love the way it keeps the notes deep and keeps one seated with its natural and cohesive nature. Both male and female vocals are equally energetic.
 
 Presentation and imaging is really good, I have not seen better from other earphone in this price range, Zero was good too but meze is better, VSD5/s even better though. Sonicality of the 12 is really good too, not as good as GR-07 or RE-400 but slightly less.
 
 Sound stage is average, but the good thing is its nicely rounded off with good width height and acceptable depth which manages to give a nice sense of space.
 
 Welcome an amplifier (E5 in my case) and things change for good, the graininess is gone, mid range gains some energy, things start to sound cleaner with better imaging. If you can manage an amp while you are on the move, please do.
 
 Not the best mids, I have seen better, it sounds average when out of mobile device and good when amped.
 
 HIGHS:-
 
 Highs are not exactly the best from an earphone in this price but it has good presence, enough for me. Highs have good clarity, good extension ( there are better performers like VSD5/s) and energy with nice sharpness with the notes and instruments, it has the bite I look for. Transparency and imaging too are up to the mark, all the instruments are clear and nicely pronounced, you won't miss any beat.
 
 Things go wrong when it comes to space. Don’t mix it up with separation or layering, separation and layering is acceptable, 12 Classic lacks the sense of space, instruments are clear but they kind of feel crammed, you have to put a bit of mind into it to feels the separation and layering. I would have liked a bigger sense of space for sure.
 
 VSD5/S, HA2, Brainwavz S3, R3 and RE-400 all are better with highs, all have better extension. VSD5 is sharper, and all other have smoother and more even presentation.
 
 Good highs nevertheless.

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COMPARISON:-
 
 VS- B100 :-  B100, priced $60, has similar impact but lacks some body and rumble. 12 sounds more natural and meaty. Both have similar extension, decay is good on both. 100 sounds a bit more to the point or say a bit more accurate. Mid range is better on B100, more precise, and more consistent, 12 has better timber. On highs, 100 is better with good extension and better space. 12 has better sonicality, dynamics and better mid range stage size.
 
 B100 has better micro details retrieval. When it comes to fitting comfort and isolation B100 beats the 12 hands down.
 
 Rosewill EX-700 :-  EX-700, priced $50 for an hybrid earphone with an 8mm dynamic driver inside is more V shaped and has better overall bass presence where 12 has more of sub bass presence and lacks dynamics when it comes to upper bass. 12 has better extension, far better decay. 700 sounds more enjoyable with bigger impact and more rumble. Even though mids are slightly less emphasized it's not grainy like meze, it has good details, notes are better defined and sounds really good for its price, meze sounds more organic and natural, has similar sonicality but better dynamics. Highs are better on the EX-700, has better sense of space, even better than B100. 700 has the bigger stage too. Its a fantastic performer for just $50.
 
 700 is biger in size, has a full metal shell, build quality is awesome, has better cables with lower microphonics.
 
 If you love bass, and don’t love it tight and fast, EX-700 is the one to get. Newegg has it. ( I am not fan of bass as big as this one)
 

 
 11 Neo:- 11 neo is essentially a 12 classic with different shell and smaller sub bass impact. Everything else is same, let it be design or cable or package. 11 neo sounds more balanced and slightly clearer with mid range with similar sound signature and presentation. Highs are exactly same. 11 has a bit of more even mid bass but that’s it.
 
 You just simply can't chose one.
 
Let me try and sum this up with a table.
 

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CONCLUSION:-
 
 It’s one of the best looking earphone you can buy for under $100, comes with a MIC and remote unit and should grab the eyes of anyone who is in the market for an sub-bass heavy earphone for their daily useage. It has really nice timber, sounds really natural and has good sonicality.
 
 Yes it doesn’t have awesome isolation, earpieces do lose seal for reasons unknown to human kind ( let me tell you a magic trick, use foam tips out of the box), yes it doesn’t have the best midrange nor the highs, even doesn’t sound all so cohesive for an earphone like the B100 or the Rockjaw Clarito, but it does have everything done good with nearly perfect bass.
 
 Add an amp if you can, cuz for me these are intended for mobile phone users. If you add an amp you will be treated with better mids, tighter but slightly smaller bass, a bit more sense of space with highs.
 
 If you have an appetite for sub atomic bass ( I mean sub-bass) rumbling your eardrums for good, Do yourself a favor, grab one. You will thank me.
 
 I hope you guys are having an awesome time, cheers. Enjoy.

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GETTING STARTED:-
 
 After being tired of people, specially reviewers requesting Brainwavz to introduce new BA based earphones, (there was a rebranded dual BA we all loved!!) Brainwavz have introduced 3 BA based earphones, I reviewed the B100 recently and it was one of the best earphone one can buy for $60, you can have a look at it here is the link.
 
 http://www.head-fi.org/products/brainwavz-b100-balanced-armature-earphone/reviews/17783
 
 Spoiler alert :- If B100 is really really nice, believe me, B150 is better. And yes, you pay the premium.
 
 Just like the 100, 150 too doesn’t have a MIC version, comes in black and looks exactly like the 100, priced 50 cents less than $110. Pandora even warned me to not to mix these two up but it's not that hard to tell them apart, how? I will tell you.
 
 It's in a really busy segment for sure and will face competition from earphones like ETY HF-5, Vsonic GR-07, Dunu Titan-1, but the B150 has a place of its own and in my eyes I will pick this beauty over all of the above.
 
 Before I tell you guys what this one doesn’t need to worry about competition and how it stands out let me first thank Pandora and Brainwavz for this beautiful earphone.
 
 You can get one for yourself from these links:-
 
 http://www.brainwavzaudio.com/collections/earphones/products/b150-balanced-armature-in-ear-earphone
 
 https://www.amazon.com/Brainwavz-Balanced-Armature-Refrence-Earphones/dp/B01NBM8KNC

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WHAT'S IN THE BOX, FITMENT AND MISCELLANEOUS:-
 
 

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 B150 comes with 7 pairs of tips out of which 6 are silicone single flanges and one comply T-100 tips, and "the all so familiar" carry case. There is a cable clip,  cable tie and an instruction manual cum warranty card.
 
 Now let me tell you how you can tell the B100 and B150 apart, B100 has a simple rubber coated cable, B150's cable is internally braided like the M1 & M-100.
 
 I have to admit that this cable is really nice when it comes to microphonics, I loved it on the M100 and I am absolutely loving it here. Not bouncy, slightly rigid but still supple. Cable splitter is small and light weight and nicely stress relieved. There is Enough stress relievers at the 3.5mm jack to keep it safe. There are L/R markings on the front side of the earpieces but you don't really need that because wrong earpiece won't fit the wrong ear.
 
 Ergonomically its one of the best earphones one can ever come across (in its price range at least, along with the B100). Sometimes I just forget that I am wearing this earphone, The least bothering earphone I have ever used. I can put it on, pull my upper ear, push the earphone in and it's done, no further adjustment required and its good for hours!! You can use it at your gym and still It won't give you problems, it’s the narrow and slightly longer nozzle which helps big time. Over the ear design with this awesome memory wire means it won't fall out easily. There is a cable slider too to make it even more tidy.
 
 Isolation too is really nice. No complains here at all.

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 SOUND QUALITY:-
 
 running the whole show is a single Balanced Armature driver. I am a fan of BA based earphones, they sound cleaner and clearer to me. B150 is better than most of the single BA earphones priced under $150, It might not be the most accurate earphone but its precise enough.
 
 Most of the BA sound dry and lack the juiciness we find with dynamic drivers but B150 is not dry by any means. It has a potent bass with really nice and detailed mids with nicely balanced and equally energetic highs.
 
  Sound signature is neutral with a hint of warmth. The best thing is its devoid of any type of coloration.
 
 Even when specs suggest an impedance of 30ohm B150 doesn’t need any amplification to sound loud. Sounds fine out of my Vivo V3 and OnePlus 3T. I am using stock single flange tips for this review.

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BASS:-
 
 Just like its younger brother B100, B150 too has one of the best bass (quality and details wise) you can find in its price range, its juicy and meaty, slightly better than the B100 though. It has more than enough rumble and hits hard enough  when required with good impact, moves good amount of air. B150 has slightly tighter bass, in other words it has slighter faster decay, now just to be clear, it still is not faster than other single BA earphones like Hisound HA2 or A151p 2nd gen or mostly any other single BA earphones.
 
 Last BA earphone ( leaving the B100 out) I reviewed was Hisound HA2 which in my opinion is one of the best $100 earphones money can buy but the problem with it is that HA2 lacks the juiciness, body, the impact and the amount of air which the B150 is certainly not lacking.
 
 B150 has awesome sub-bass presence, it goes really low for an single BA earphone and that too with sizeable impact, yes its size of sub-bass impact is slightly smaller than other sub-bass friendly earphones like meze-12 classic and 11 neo, but its far better than other earphones in its price range.
 
 Mid bass and upper bass are tuned down slightly compared to the B100, maybe to give it a bit of cleaner presentation which we associate with BA earphones and it pays off. You are not going to miss any of the bass notes, it has more control and precision too.
 
Bass of B150 has plenty of details, its nicely rounded and wholesome when compared to other orthodox single BA earphones, and the best thing is it never fails to entertain.
 
 (If I have to chose an earphone for its bass quantity, impact, extension, control and cohesion I don’t think I will chose any other earphone for under $150, its not huge but sizeable and more than that, satisfying)
 
 One of the best quality bass I have experienced out of a single BA earphone. Double thumbs up from me.

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MID RANGE:-
 
 theirs mid range is nicely balanced with the lower end, but where the B100 has a more for ward presentation, B150 has more balance to it. Unlike the HA2 or ETY HF5 who have an on your face kind of presentation when it comes to mid range clarity and details B150 has a softer and easy to swallow kind of presentation for an average listener. B150 is less harsh, it has good clarity and details with a slightly relaxed presentation, not like really relaxed, it still has the bite and sharpness that one expects from a BA earphone. Instruments like piano, trumpets, and other upper mid range instruments really shine and won't be so easy to overlook them.
 
There is good amount of details with vocals and are really really natural. Notes are nicely presented with awesome depth and sharpness. Male vocals sound thicker and shallower while female vocals are deeper and sharper. It has a livelier and more forward vocal presentation which makes things effortless. One just needs to sit back and enjoy the vocals.
 
 This mid range has really nice clarity and transparency, its uncolored, ever so slightly on darker side but more like neutral. Compared to B150, HA2 is brighter.
 
 It has better clarity, transparency and details compared to B100 but still not in the league of HA2 and HF5 when it comes to clarity. Those earphones use their drier and sharper notes presentation to sound clearer where B150's presentation is more rounded, less sharp and juicy.
 
 The only problem I had with B100 has been addressed here, with the B150 instruments are well spaced, nicely layered giving it a bigger sound stage with awesome depth (better than most of the single BA earphones), good width and smaller than average height but still not small. Thanks to the increase in stage size everything sounds more intriguing. The best thing about this stage is that it doesn’t feel hollow at all like the Nebula one. ( which has a bigger stage but feels hollow).
 
 For this price range I have to say.. With this sound stage.. It's one of the best earphone.

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HIGHS:-
 
 If the B100 was slightly on the energetic side, B150 is more balanced, not a single thing that pops over the line and it still has the required amount of sharpness, spark and energy intact making it one of the most detailed still inoffensive earphones. All the instruments let it be cymbals, trumpets, flutes, everything sounds clear and transparent and one won't miss a note for sure.
 
 What really sets it apart is its extension which is awesome for an single BA earphone, better than the B100, A151p and even the HA2.
 
 Layering and separation of instruments is really nice, thanks to the bigger than average sound stage, has plenty of details clarity and transparency making it one of the best earphones in its price range.

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CONCLUSION:-
 
 To be clear, it's one of the rare earphones which has no or rarely any shortcomings and kind of flawless. Yes its not as detailed as the HF5 or HA2 but it much more enjoyable and there is not a single thing one can point out and say " I am not really happy with this part or thing or the way it sounds" Nope, no, none. Its one of those earphones which has not done everything perfect, but its one of those which has everything going for it.
 
 Testifying that is its awesome spectrum wide balance, bottom end with awesome sub-bass presence, Mids and Highs with plenty of details clarity and satisfyingly big sound stage, and you know that the best thing is the comfort and isolation which I don’t think I had ever experienced with an earphone before (bar the B100 which is the same thing when it comes to comfort, isolation and fitment).
 
 one of the best earphones from Brainwavz till date (leave the B2 out here). Should be a no brainer for anyone who is looking for an earphone for about $100, and as far as I am concerned, one has to have it.
 
 Finally.. Brainwavz "Catching fire.."
 
 What I would like to change? Lesser bass quantity with faster decay, that’s all, for an average listener.. It's perfect. (maybe removable cables? Next time I think, let's not get too far ahead of us.)
 For this price, you can't get an ETY ER-4XR can you? But you can buy this.
 
 Cheers guys!! Have a Nice day.

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Some more Pics!!

 

 

 

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INTRO:-
 
 When Brainwavz  decides to Launch earphones they don’t release one at a time, they like to launch 2-5 earphones in a short period of time. First the M100, first of its kind or say series and I believe we will see more of this series as the good old "R series" has been dormant for while, "S series" has not seen much movement off late, and now we have a new B series line up with two new BA earphones, and I want Brainwavz to add more earphones to this B series with multiple drivers for sure. Brainwavz has so many things up in their sleeves.
 
 All the latest earphones from Brainwavz are here with me, three to be precise, M100, B100 and B150.
 
 But this review is about the M100.
 
 Nearly a month ago They released the M100, all metal earphone housing a single dynamic driver, priced at $90 making it compete in the most crowded price segment. It comes with a MIC and remote unit, there is no plain version and has only one color option, Black.
 
 M-100 had been in the pipe line for long enough and I have it for more than 20 days. I have plenty of earphones which are priced around $100 and I will compare a couple of them with M-100.
 
 Before I start I would like to thank Pandora and Brainwavz for this review sample.
 
 You can buy one for yourself from these places.
 http://www.brainwavzaudio.com/products/brainwavz-m100-earphones
 https://www.amazon.com/Brainwavz-Isolating-Earphones-Microphone-Headset/dp/B01LZDZQL2
 
 Let's start!!

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Yeah.. Mine didn't came with the retail package.

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ACCESSORIES & ERGONOMICS:-
 
 Keep in mind that my unit was a pre-release unit and dint came with its original packing but it came with all of its accessories, there is the all so familiar Brainwavz carry case. There are 6 pairs of single flange tips, no bi or tri flanges this time around, but the pair of comply T-400 tip has gone nowhere. There is a cable clip in the box. A cable tie and a instruction manual.
 
 It has a nicely rubberised internally braided cable with really low micro phonics, really really low, believe me it's more like an over ear type microphonics so one really need not to worry about microphonics for sure. This cable is really supple and not bouncy at all, there is enough stress relievers at the earpiece end, at the MIC unit and at the 60 degree angled 3.5mm jack. There is a vent at the cable entry. L/R markings are located on the shells, or for your convenience put the side with the MIC unit in your right ear.
 
 Build quality is awesome, Brainwavz says the shell is made of aircraft grade metal and its nicely heavy too.
 
 Ergonomically things are nice and comfortable, straight barrel with a bullet type profile is not bad from any angle, you can wear these over your ears without any problem, the slightly heavier weight of the earpiece is awesomely distributed and fits nicely into my ears, better than Meze 12/11.
 
 Isolation is above average. There is some wind noise but nothing serious.

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REMOTE AND MIC:-
 
 This one has a 3 button remote with a MIC which we have seen on other earphones like the Jive, omega an XF200, I wonder that happened to the Clearwavz remote units, its exclusive to the S series " oh dear dear S series where art thou".
 
 Remote and MIC unit works with all the android devices and iphones. Works fine with my Vivo V3 and Redmi 3s. Single press picks and ends calls. If not on a call, single press will play music and another press will pause it, double and triple press results into skipping tracks forward and backward respectively. Easy and simple to operate, volume buttons do what they are there for.
 
 Clarity at the receivers end is really nice, clearly audible and doesn’t have anything artificial to them like some other MIC units.

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 SOUND QUALITY:-
 
 Running the show is an 8mm dynamic driver and it sounds really nice to me. Light hearted, fun, easy on ears, easy to drive out of nearly any portable device, for a minute I thought I have found a RE-400 replacement just to realize it's not up to the clarity, transparency and micro detailing of the RE-400, nor has the spectrum wide balance required to replace something like RE-400. But M100 sounds more cohesive and likeable!!
 
 M100 sounds nothing like any other Brainwavz earphone. Maybe kind of like the R3 but R3 was really balanced where as M100 has plenty of bass. The overall signature is Bright, warm and nicely forward. I like it.
 
 FYI I have burned this for more than 150 hrs and is using stock single flange tips for this review. M-100 is really loud, you don’t need to use an amplifier for sure. Sounds perfectly fine out of my Vivo V3.
 Here are some of the tracks used for this review.
 
 Eminem - Rap god, space bound, not afraid,
 
 Twenty one pilots - Heathens,
 
 Drake - one dance,
 
 The Weeknd - cant feel my face,
 
 Tom Odell - Another love,
 
 Coldplay - Adventure of a life time, Hymn for the weekend,
 
 Maroon 5 :- Maps, Animal,
 
 Alicia Keys :- It's on again,
 
 Tove Lo :- Habits,
 
 Royal Deluxe - Dangerous, Wanted man,
 
 Imagine Dragons :- Roots,
 
  Selena Gomez - Good for you,
 
 Zara Larson & MNEK - Never forget you,
 
 MO - Final song.
 
 So let's start..
 
 BASS:-
 
 M100 has one of the better bass presentation when it comes to mid range earphones from Brainwavz, S series was mostly boomier marred by lack of sub bass and mid bass prominence, the only one I liked was S3, R3 was flat.
 
 M100 on the other hand is not overly bass nor flat from any angle, has a bit of mid bass prominence but has complimenting sub-bass too.
 
 I have to say M100 has a really versatile bass, it has all the things in its trunk, it can be boomy, it can show its mid bas muscle, it can treat you with deeper sub-bass rumble and can even keep quiet if required. Has awesome impact and body, timber is natural. Hits hard when required with good amount of air. Notes are thick and full making the bass enjoyable. Details is good, you are not going to miss any note for sure but the extra thickness can make things boomy.
 
 Recently  I was listening to the MEZE 12 classic and that too has huge sub-bass impact but doesn’t have the fullness or overall body which M100 has.
 
 M100 has good amount of sub-bass, extension too is more than satisfying. The only problem is decay which is not really fast but good enough.
 
 MID RANGE:-
 
 Mid range starts off really nicely with awesome vocals. I love this type of vocals. Slightly thicker than natural which makes it sound more lush with a calmer presentation. Yes it makes it lose the shine and the attack but still it has enough body and forwardness which keeps things afloat. Things are neutral and not really colored.
 
 It does have nice vocal clarity and details, male vocals are thick and meaty, just the way I like it, female vocals too are good but not as sharp as one would expect it to be, B100 was better at female vocals with sharper notes.
 
 Things start to look bleaker when it comes to instrument clarity and details, lacks the required amount of energy and transparency. It lacks the resolution and reveling ability of similarly priced earphones like HA2, Nebula one and even the MEZE 12. Things going for it is the imaging, yes its low on details and clarity but it's the cohesive nature and the imaging which makes things stick.
 
 Another good thing is M100's sound stage, its really spacious, has good width, height and better than average depth.
 
 I am not exactly impressed nor disappointed.
 
 HIGHS:-
 
 Highs of M100 is low on spark and energy, It lacks much excitement and does take a laid back approach here. It does have some extension but things feel really pale as we move up the spectrum. Instruments lack clarity, liveliness and much required transparency for its price.
 
 Layering and separation on instruments is okay, stage on the other is really nice.
 
 this top end is not impressive from any angel but with this type of smoother, inoffensive and fatigue free presentation one can enjoy a longer listening session.

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 CONCLUSION:-
 
 People are really critical about all the critical things, but if you try to enjoy, M100 is a really fun sounding earphone. If you see the brighter side here, it leads me to the conclusion that M100 is an awesomely smooth and Fun sounding earphone. If you are a critical listener, change your point of view for a while, let the feelings go? And enjoy the bass, openness and the ever so cohesive vocals.
 
 If you are a casual listener, looking for lush and cohesive vocals with a smoother and relaxed presentation, you can give M100 a try, I bet you will enjoy the music. If you want more details, livelier mids and highs please look into earphones like Hisoundaudio HA2, Brainwavz B100 or the B150.
 
 M100 is eager to entertain, it's not trying to satisfy the analytical listener. So sit back, and enjoy the lush and mellow presentation of this nicely built mobile friendly earphone.
 
 I hope I was helpful, Cheers!! enjoy!!

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INTRO:-
 
 Oh come on, Brainwavz it is, no intros please.
 
 Still with this earphone, it's more like " Metroplex heeds the call of the last prime" type of thing. Brainwavz are here with 2 new single BA earphone, B100 and B150, both are over ear, I have both but this one is for the B100, remember the B2? Hell yeah, B2 was one of the best dual BA earphones around back in its time, " yup it was an rebranded one" but.. It was Brainwavzed wasn’t it?
 
 B100 is priced $60, for an Armature based earphone it’s reasonably priced. Meelec 151p 2nd gen goes for $50, this one can go for a bit more for sure. One thing to notice is that this one doesn’t have a MIC version and has only one colour option black. B100 Will face stiff competition from Meze 12 classic, 11 neo, VSD 5/s, A151p 2nd and many other earphones in this range but let me tell you, this one has plenty going for it to hold its own.
 
 Grab one for yourself from these places.
 http://www.brainwavzaudio.com/products/b100-balanced-armature-in-ear-earphone
 http://www.mp4nation.net/brainwavz-b100-balanced-armature-reference-monitor-earphones ($50 from here)
 
 Pan, Pandora.. Thanks, Brainwavz.. Thank you for listening to the community and a big thanks from this small guy..
 

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ACCESSORIES & ERGONOMICS:-
 
 Typical Brainwavz, Nothing un usual, they come with their stock tips package, a pair of comply tips, their new longer carry case, a cable clip, a cable tie.
 
 The cable is nice, just like other Brainwavz earphones but has better microphonics, Wire is not bouncy, not thin, good stress relievers at the 60 degree bent 3.5mm jack end. Use the cable clip, it keeps the cable in place. L/R markings are on the inner side but you can't wear these earphones in wrong ears.
 
 It’s an all plastic earpiece, build is pretty good, nothing fancy here.
 
 Ergonomically B100 is really comfortable, snug to be precise, memory wire is soft and one won't face any comfort or wearing issues. It's so comfortable that anyone can wear this even when they like to sleep side wise. I like this very much but I would have liked the nozzle a bit longer, its personal.
 
 Isolation is nice, there is some wind noise but not bad.
 

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 SOUND QAULITY:-
 
 Running the show is a single Balanced Armature driver. I love BAs, they sound clean and precise to me. B100 is better than many single BA earphones. Most of the BA sound dry and lack the juiciness we can find with dynamic drivers but B100 is not dry by any means. B100 has a potent bass with really clear and detailed mids with nicely balanced and equally energetic highs.
 
  Sound signature is neutral with a hint of warmth. The best thing is its devoid of any type of coloration.
 
 Even when specs suggest an impedance of 50ohm this one doesn’t need any amplification to sound loud. Sounds fine out of my Vivo V3 and Redmi 3s prime. I am using stock single flange tips for this review. This earphone is really comfortable I have to say.
 
This is one of the first BA earphone from Brainwavz along with B150. Let's find out how this one sounds.
 
 Here are some of the songs used in this review,
 
 Eminem - Rap god, space bound, not afraid,
 
 Twenty one pilots - Heathens,
 
 Drake - one dance,
 
 The Weeknd - cant feel my face,
 
 Tom Odell - Another love,
 
 Coldplay - Adventure of a life time, Hymn for the weekend,
 
 Justin Bieber -  what do you mean,
 
 Felix Jaehn - Aint nobody loves me better,
 
 Shawn Mendes - Treat you better,
 
 Royal Deluxe - Dangerous, Wanted man,
 
 Will.I.am & Pia Mia - boys & girls,
 
 Will.I.am - Freshy,
 
 Selena Gomez - Good for you,
 
 Zara Larson & MNEK - Never forget you.
 

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 BASS:-
 
 Mostly single BA earphones are lean or say flat when it comes to bass, B100 on the other hand has bass which is nowhere close to flat or lean, its meaty with good amount of body. It has plenty of rumble and hits hard enough  when required with nice impact, moves good amount if air. Decay is really nice, yes, not as fast as the HA2 or the A151p 2nd gen still comparatively faster.
 
 Last BA earphone I reviewed was hisound HA2 which in my opinion is one of the best $100 earphones money can buy but the problem with it is that it lacks bass rumble, body and impact which this beauty doesn’t.
 
 B100 has plenty of sub-bass (implying that it has nice extension), coming from Meze 12 classic this sub-bass is smaller with size and impact but still really nice when compared to others in this price range where you can find earphones like Soundmagic E50 and Shozy Zero not being really good at it. Mid bass and upper bass bring the fullness to it and stays nicely under control with plenty of details.
 Overall B100 has plenty of bass details, awesome control and clarity, you will enjoy the bass and will not miss a note.
 
 It has plenty of control, just like other BA drivers, the best thing here is that it doesnt go boom boom on all the tracks, if there is no bass in the track you wont encounter any. In other words it doesn't overdo anything and does everything in a controlled manner.
 
 One of the best quality bass I have experienced out of a single BA earphone. Double thumbs up from me.
 
Mid Range:-
 
 these mids are nicely balanced with the lower end. Most of the BA earphones have more like on your face kind of presentation when it comes to mid range clarity and details. B100 is not that much harsh, it does have good clarity and details but has a bit of relaxed presentation, not like really relaxed, instruments like piano, trumpets, and other upper mid range instruments really shine and won't be so easy to overlook them.
 
There is good amount of details with vocals and are really really natural. Notes are perfectly presented with awesome depth and sharpness. Male vocals sound thicker and shallower while female vocals are deeper and sharper. It has a livelier and more forward vocal presentation which makes things effortless. One just needs to sit back and enjoy the vocals.
 
 This mid range has really nice clarity and transparency, neutral and uncolored, its not dark like A151p 2nd gen or extra bright like she9850. It's neutral and colorless, more like HA2.
 
 Now I have to admit that this mid range is not all so revealing type, it has enough of clarity details and transparency but does not have HA2 type revealing ability of picking micro details.
 
 One big problem is sound stage, it has good width but has more than taller height with really shallow depth.
 
P.S. If you have an amplifier put it to use, when amped things get better, one can experience some more clarity and stage gains some depth.
 
 HIGHS:-
 
 Highs are good with nice energy and spark. Has good extension too. Sibilance is nowhere to be found, yes it can be high on energy but never reaches to the level where it will bother anyone.
 
 Layering and separation of instruments is good, has plenty of details clarity and transparency but it’s the stage which makes things feel clumsy and cramped. Synthesizers and cymbals sound vivid though.
 
Extension is good for a single BA earphone. I would have liked a bit more sense of space.
 

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 CONCLUSION:-
 
 If you are in the market looking for an BA earphone for under $70 that has a balanced sound with deep and impactful bass, smooth mid range with natural vocals and lively highs get yourself the B100. Looks really durable and seriously comfortable to wear, isolation is better than average and is plenty loud too.
 
 B100 has really nice spectrum wide clarity, nice transparency and details, good enough to keep an audiophile like me seated. And the best thing is, you will enjoy any kind of music with this earphone. It keeps up with trance, house music, rock and pop are really enjoyable too.
 
 My only grief is the lack of depth with stage or else everything is just like one will expect it to be.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 Cheers guys!! Happy new year!!

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INTRO:-
 
 More than a few months ago Rockjaw audio had broguht us the Rockjaw Clarito. I was given an unit back in July I think and I regret this delay, as I should have had brought this review to you guys sooner.
 
 I don’t think I need to introduce Rockjaw Audio to you guys as it has been in the scene for last 3-4 years and rose to fame with their Rockjaw Alfa genus and RJ kommand..
 Clarito is an introduction to music for beginners who are new to this crazy still ever so exciting word of audiophiles and not willing to pay more than $30 or 20euros. This one priced exactly at 24euros, comes in only one color and doesn’t have an variant with MIC will face fierce competition from MI hybrid pro, Vsonic VSD2/s/I, Tennmak pro (other Chinese  earphones) and Brainwavz Delta.
 
 You can grab one from these places:-
 https://rockjawaudio.com/collections/earphones/products/clarito
 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Clarito-Lightweight-Earphones-Finished-Aluminium/dp/B01GOG3W7G
 
 Let me thank Rockjaw and Joe for this review sample.
 
 ACCESSORIES AND ERGONOMICS:-
 
 
 
 
 
 RJ Clarito is equipped with 4 pairs of red core rubber tips, a draw string pouch and thank fully a cable clip (RJ have them). Nothing fancy at all, and one doesn’t really need much.
 
 Ergonomically it will never bother anyone, with a slim slender body its not the one which will give you tough time while getting a proper seal or any type of discomfort. Build quality has never been a problem for RJ earphones and this one too is plenty strong. L/R markings can be easily found on the body.
 
 It has bad microphonics but thank fully there is a cable clip to tackle it. As I had stated earlier RJ Clarito too has one of the thickest cable I have seen on an earphone and even my $400 Sennheiser Amrerior has an slimmer and weaker cable. There are good amount of stress relievers at both earphone and 90 degree 3.5mm jack end.
 
 Isolation is average at best.
 
 SOUND QUALITY:-
 
 RJ is marketing this by saying that Clarito has perfectly balanced sound signature but let me tell you its not as balanced as they say it to be, it has a basshead grade bass and cannot qualify as a balanced earphone.
 
 I have burned this for more than 150 hrs and don’t think it will change any more. Using stock tips for this review.
 
 Some songs used for this assessment of sound reproduction:-
 Eminem - Rap god, space bound, not afraid
 Drake - one dance,
 The Weeknd - cant feel my face,
 Justin Bieber -  what do you mean,
 Felix Jaehn - Aint nobody loves me better,
Shawn Mendes - Treat you better,
 Royal Deluxe - Dangerous, Wanted man,
 And many more..
 
 BASS:-
 
 As I said earlier this one has a basshead grade bass quantity and impact, the good thing is Clarito doesn’t have the urgency to go boom whenever it can, it holds its horses and unleashes when required. With this type of attributes comes a few perks too like lack of precision and slower than average decay still for an bassy earphone Clarito has good control and acceptable decay, better than other bassy earphones like S0 and twinwoofers. Its not loose like AD D2 which makes me prefer this bass over the D2.
 
 where it goes wrong? Practically nowhere, it’s an earphone for bassheads, still for nit pickings there is a slight elevation around 45-70hz which is not bad but not pleasing either. Good thing is, it has nice body and good impact with good amount of air. Details is above average but not as good as AD D2.
 
 It has a nice, airy and impactful bass, doesn’t hit too hard or too softly, Keeps all that essence of a crowd pleaser.
 
MID RANGE:-
 
 Mid range is really nice, even with its V shaped signature. It has plenty of body and sounds natural. Bright and warm is the signature I like. It does lack any type of micro details and that’s not a thing which bothers me much given its price point, what it does good is it sounds cohesive and engaging making the experience more enjoyable rather than analytical. Even with this deficiency Clarito sounds remarkably likeable.
 
 The main reason being the thickness of notes, slightly slower decay and the spaciousness of the imaging helps notes and all available instruments fill up the head space, hence even without being so critical it manages to entertain.
 
 Both male and female vocals sound as they should, thick and meaty for male and sharp and to the point for female ( slightly thicker though), none is more emphasized. What I really like is that there are not much ups and downs in the vocal region. There is a dip around 2-5k region which makes instruments lose their shine sound less pronounced.
 
 Sound stage is really nice, bigger than many in this price range. It can throw cues far enough.
 
 It does have its share of details, which one can hear with mostly any earphone.
 
 HIGHS:-
 
 Does it has sparky highs? Nope, even when its V shaped, it doesn’t have the bite of a Brainwavz Jive or a BA in it. Its comparatively smoother and not so sparky but still has enough life in it, making it easy on ears and pleasing at the same time .It lacks some extension, I don’t think an average buyer or a not so demanding listener will mind it.
 
 Top end lacks fine tuned layering or separation, everything sounds clumsy and overlapping each other, still manages to keep things in place. Clarity suffers, instruments sound blended, notes are far more thicker than required.
 
 Still better than S0 and many other bass heavy earphones, it's better to have something than nothing right?
 
 
 
 
 
 CONCLUSION:-
 
Put this earphone inside your ears, close your eyes.. Enjoy the music.. Relax..
 
This is not an earphone for someone who is looking for best in class details and clarity. It's for the one who just wants to lose themselves in the flow of music, wants to get drowned in the feeling.
 
 Its one of the most enjoyable earphones for around $30. Clarito is the other name of not being harsh, it just doesn’t have any type of harshness, bass is juicy, mids are melodic, highs are the least bothering type.
 
One just doesn't need to bother about wearing comfort too, its really comfortable and its signature lets anyone wear this earphone for hours.
 
 Its an earphone for the mass market, a crowd pleaser I have to say. Its plenty loud, no amping required, and sounds pleasing too, what else do you want?
 
 I just want RockJaw to have a MIC version of the Clarito.
 
 I hope you guys are having an awesome time, Christmas coming!! Enjoy!!
 
 
 
 
 
 

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INTRO:-
 
 What I have here is the PENON IEM V1 and V2 both, yes, PENON IEM, both in one article, as I don’t think these earphones need separate reviews. PENON is an well known audio head gear seller from HONG KONG, known for their diverse collection of earphones, amps and DAPs.
 
 I feel I don't need to give you guys much intro on this as PENON themselves are not exactly selling these earphones and these earphones don’t even come with a retail package. These earphones are given for additional $10 when you buy something from their store (non-accessories), V1 has a MIC version too ( mine has not). MRP is $100 but you can't buy it, if you end up buying one they will refund it.
 
 Now as I said earlier, there are two versions, V1 with straight plug, single line cable, V2 with 90 degree jack and dual line cable. Earpieces are exactly the same, no differences at all. Both have 10mm drivers and sound different to an extent.
 
 Now I don’t think these have any competition as PENON is not exactly selling these. But for $10 you can buy KZ ATR and KZ ED9, not to forget VE monk +.
 
 I would like to thank PENON for these sample units.
 You can add one to your cart from this link:-
 http://penonaudio.com/PENON-IEM
 
 ACCESSORIES:-
 
 
 First Pack of tips from V1, 2nd from V2.
 
 Both these earphones come with a spacious carry pouch, 4 pairs of single flange tips, V2 has an extra pair of clear bi-flanges. Both comes with PENON branded cable ties. Nothing fancy at all.
 V1 has a really nice copper body, design is simple and easy on ears. Ergonomically its really comfortable, one can wear these over ear too. Cable on these are strong, non bouncy without much microphonics. Has a straight jack.
 
 V2 has the same body, exact ergonomics, no problem with fitment here too. What I like here Is that it has thicker cable and comes with a 90 degree 3.5mm jack. Cable is not bouncy nor has much microphonics.
 
 Both have vent below the chamber, behind the cable entry. There is no cable slider on both.
 Isolation is average at best and the wind noise can be bothersome.
 
SOUND QUALITY:-
 
 Both these earphones are bassy, V1 has more of it, V2 has enough of it. Both are burned for more than 100 hrs and I am using stock single flange tips for this review.
 For your info, both these earphones are loud enough right out mobile devices, you can use an amp but not necessary.
 
 Here are some of the tracks used for this review.
 Eminem - Rap god, space bound, not afraid,
 Twenty one pilots - Heathens,
 Drake - one dance,
 The Weeknd - cant feel my face,
 Tom Odell - Another love,
 Coldplay - Adventure of a life time, Hymn for the weekend,
 Justin Bieber -  what do you mean,
 Felix Jaehn - Aint nobody loves me better,
Shawn Mendes - Treat you better,
 Royal Deluxe - Dangerous, Wanted man,
 Will.I.am & Pia Mia - boys & girls,
 Will.I.am - Freshy,
  Selena Gomez - Good for you,
 Zara Larson & MNEK - Never forget you,
 And some more.
 
We will start with the V1.
 
 Bass:-
 V1 is the bassier one of the two and bass takes the driving seat here. Its not exactly full but has good body after the 30-35hz mark, its the rumble which keeps me seated but I would have liked a bit more body with sub bass and bit more depth too. Decay is slower when compared with the V2 but is on par with other bassy earphones, slightly Better than WooDuo 2 but Wollduo 2 is a monster in different level of its own.
 It moves good amount of air with good slam, impact is nice, doesn't over do anything. Details is acceptable, precision is kind of compromised, it feels like it can deliver but something is holding it back. There is some mid bass emphasis, not bothering by any means but does makes it sound a bit less enjoyable. FYI there is no bleeding into the mids.
 One should not expect much from it. This bass can keep one seated but won't please a basshead like a Hisoundaudio Wooduo 2.
 
Mid Range :-
 V1 has a V shaped signature which does put the mids in the velly but thankfully doesn't drown it. Mid range has good clarity and nice sharpness, details are good too when compared with ha-fx40 or fx-101.
 Male vocals do sound a bit unnatural with slightly more sharpness than usual, if you like sharper notes you will like it, same with female vocals too but it's more acceptable. Not full bodied but not lean too. Has good amount of clarity and details. Lacks micro details but it's enough for its price.
 Instruments are sharp and clear, one can hear most of instruments and separation is good too, yes, you can't hear those micro details.
 Separation and layering is acceptable, sound stage is good too, has good overall dimensions, nice depth, better than average height with narrower width, still overall stage is better than S0, M1 and Meelec M7P.
 
 Yes.. It doesnt have the natural timber and sounds a bit dry too.
 
 Highs:-
 It has nice highs, nice sharpness, doesn't have the type of spark I love but its good, makes it's presens felt sadly lacks extension which makes this high end a bit less exciting.
 There is good amount of details, don't expect anything like a BA or even the Brainwavz Jive but when we take S0 or twinwoofers into account Penon IEM has good bite and more than engaging amount of details.
 
 I will give it 2.4 out of 5, its not bad, but.. Nothing special about it. Go for the MIC version.
 
Lets move on to the V2.
 
Bass:-
 V2 has a bit more balanced signature still there is healthy amount of bass for someone to enjoy. I like this one more. It has nice air movement, good slam, acceptable body, there is some rumble too with better decay. Just like the V1, V2 too lacks sub bass quantity and extension.
 When compared with soundmagic E50, E50 has softer slam, bit more mid bass, some sub bass presence.
 Here we have better details and precision, no bleeding, has mid bass emphasis but not bothering at all.
 
Mid Range:-
 Mid are more forward here and has better details and slightly better transparency. Instruments have more details to them and sound clearer. Separation and transparency are better, sound stage is more or less the same with slightly better Width.
 Everything else is similar to the V1.
 
 Highs:-
 I like these highs, has better extension to start with and retains the sharpness of the V1. As I said extension is good but not as good as a VSD2/S or Brainwavz Jive but better than V1.
 Has good details, instruments sound good, has more than acceptable layering. Just like the V1 this one too sounds unnatural with some instruments like cymbals and trumpets tend to lose their neutrality.
 
 This one gets 3.2 out of 5. It has better clarity and details. And for $10, this one is the one one should go for of the two (if you can live with lesser bass).
 
 
 Nicely spacious carry pouch.
 
 V1 with straight plug.
 

 This is the V2 with 90 degree jack and bigger y splitter.
 
 Conclusion:-
 
 Both these earphones are good for their price, one should Pick one if they are buying things from PENON. Its just not better at anything.
 
 But for $10 it has its own merits, first of all build quality is really nice, microphonics is low and doesn’t sound downright cheap too, there is enough to keep an average listener seated, someone who is not critical about details or anything. All in all you can gift it to someone, for $10 these are cheap and good looking earphones.
 
 I hope next time PENON makes an IEM they will tune it better with more sub-bass and bit more extension.
 
 I hope you liked this article, happy shopping!! Festive season Coming up, Enjoy!!