Today I bring you the MagicOne, Aful's dramatic release that got many tongues going. This IEM is a science novel put into practice, aiming for a new breakthrough by maxing out a single BA driver's potencial into a full frequency range, whilst shocking the world in the meanwhile.
I don't find it a warm design, rather a neutral tune with some light boosts on bass, upper mids and treble, almost resembling a soft W-shape (in between U and W shape). I find it versatile across music genres but it has its quirks, especially regarding the IEM insertion, which I suspect is what caused the online controversy.
This set was sent to me by Headfi for my honest review, of wish I honor and thank for the opportunity, and I shall be as transparent as I've always thrived to be.
Onwards to what has brought you here.
Fitting and Comfort
This time I'm moving this factor up in priority given how important it is having this IEM set well accommodated in your ear canal.
The MagicOne full experience totally relies on achieving the correct nozzle positioning considering your own ear canal anatomy.
It doesn't rely on deeper insertion but if there is a loss of seal or a nozzle misalignment you start losing access to the full frequency range and it will sound wrong.
The unvented nature of the MagicOne is a challenge to be overcome that adds another level of difficulty, and I reckon this is where people's opinions start diverging. Upon placing the IEMs on you can immediately feel a suction effect that might resemble the pressure build up of a driver flex. For pressure sensitive people this can be quite discomfortable to endure.
To minimize this I always started by decompressing my ears by yawning and thrusting my jaw sideways during it, and then I would insert the set while having my mouth open.
To then correct the nozzle alignment I have to furtherly push the IEM inwards into the ear canal, applying force in the IEM shell's lower third zone (where the shell is pointier, its apex). This final touch proved essential for me to be able to fully grasp the MagicOne's capabilities.
Besides this I'd recommend you on tip rolling, picking ear tips that have a more rugged surface for better traction, so that the IEM stays secure after you find its placement's sweet spot.
The practical end result of all these fitting and comfort hassles is that you may only be able to enjoy this set in a very comfortable non-moving position. For me, laying down with my head slightly tilted back (like at the dentist) yielded the best results. And only then could I finally enjoy and review The MagicOne.
Exercising with this IEM on is not doable, at least for me, performing inconsistently and often having to adjust its positioning inside the ear.
Sub Bass
Lightweight in nature but tidy.
I do miss some more rumble gargling and body on bass lines - on Basses, Double Basses and Synth Basses.
The sub is very short lived, decaying faster than expected, which promotes this feeling of tidiness.
I found myself trying to insert the IEM deeper trying to find a bit more sub, but that's a personal take.
Although lean, it is omnipresent, never shying away when tracks get busier, and you can trust the sub to perform when you expect it to.
Midbass
Impressive given the driver type.
I've never heard a full BA IEM, and ever since the beginning of my ChiFi quest I have been conditioned to DD's being responsible for the sub and midbass.
This subconscious prejudice against BA timbre on Bass lowered my expectations, just then to be blown away by it.
Hear me out, it isn't the most tactile nor snappy midbass, it doesn't even indulge the occasional saturday night basshead, but it sounds natural and just enough intense to become dynamic and lively.
Kickdrum slamming is average and this is where I think it may sound like a "BA".
The sub/midbass ratio is 35/65 I would say, and it sounds timbre correct to me. This means accurate bass response, with some light coloring.
This splash of bass boost brings the MagicOne out of Flathead territory, benefiting dynamics whilst offering a versatile performance across many music genres.
Lower Mids
Moderately dipped, the main setback of this set in my opinion, but I can understand it is a must in order to avoid midbass mudiness and have a tuning cohesion glue at the "middle" of the frequency range. We're talking of a single driver unit here.
Guitars, pianos played around middle C and some synth pads are a bit pushed back, and when they do they become lacking in texture. When the mix benefits these instruments, they are presented at full resolution, appearing a tad more detailed.
Percussion elements (toms, congas) are not shined upon but perform naturally and their dynamics are evident, having their part on the overall musicality factor that is a perk of the MagicOne.
On older recordings that tend to have weaker bass and treble performances when compared to the mids, they sound extra hollow given the dip in this region.
Upper Mids
Balanced, not shouty, comfortable and very well polished.
Higher pitch register pianos, pads, synth and guitar leads come forward in presentation, becoming more evident of its details.
Snares and claps are snappy but not peaky, not making me squint my eyes when very transient rich ones come by, like some rimshots on R&B music are.
This area can sometimes get congested when too many frequency overlapping instruments are at play, but that comes down to a technicality aspect.
It is pinna gain safe (I'm extra sensitive to it).
Treble
Crisp on attacks, a bit slower on decay, but overall sounds natural.
It is non offensive while retaining brightness, so I would say it is safe for treble sensitive people, but it is not by default a tame treble.
Hi-hats are texturized and don't amalgamate into noise. They can sometimes feel intense but I haven't had them distorting. Other metal percussion instruments have that good ringing sound to them.
Trumpets and Violins are textured, intense and they don't pierce, nor distort when played hard.
Soundstage
Wider than taller, spacious and slightly holographic when properly inserted. The soundstage is highly affected by the nozzle alignment with the ear canal. When you get it right, it performs slightly above its price bracket.
Technicalities
Not a technical set, rather musical by prioritizing dynamics.
Not strong in details at the bass and lower mids ranges, but way more revealing at the upper mids and treble.
Instrument separation and layering is acceptable and actually impressive for a single BA, however might be underwhelming when compared to hybrids of the same price range.
Harder to Drive (needs amp power).
Design and Aesthetics
The tubing work really squeezes the driver potencial turning it into a design quality statement. It achieves the intended purpose of a breakthrough/novelty IEM that vigorously stamps the seal of quality engineering all over Aful's name. If a listener can spend the time, money and effort getting to understand and use MagicOne properly, I think they are in for an unique experience.
I personally enjoy the shell and how it looks - the transparent shell allows the driver and tubing visualization which are the main selling point of the MagicOne. The decorative triangles can make it look cheaper than it actually is (girlfriend's opinion).
Cable and Accessories
The circular metal case is very welcomed, being rigid and big enough to store the IEM, cable and even a dongle.
The included cable is of above average quality and looks for its price range.
Final Words
I can understand the divergence of opinion between listeners, considering the non-vented suction effect and nozzle misalignment upon insertion, that may be a deterrent of a full experience.
Overcoming these, the listening experience is unique and paradigm shifting, reassuring Aful's dominance in the IEM's market.
It is still a novelty IEM, somewhat exotic in design but with a more versatile and fresh sound signature.
I think this is a must have for collectors and a sneak peek into future Aful iterations, and I will definitely be revisiting this IEM to check how it sustains the test of time.
I must congratulate Aful for their bold design move and courage.
Thank you for reading this,
Miguel Esteves
