Manufacturer website:
http://www.hum.hk/pristine/
The product was provided to me free of charge for the review purpose in exchange for my honest opinion.
* click on images to expand.
Intro.
In my opinion driver number wars are almost over. Nobody really won, and instead I see more emphasis is being put into sound quality rather than continuing with a race. As a matter of fact, I’m starting to notice a new trend where some manufacturers are challenging themselves with “less is more” approach to deliver the premium performance with less drivers. One of these products came out of nowhere from a newcomer HUM, known previously for their android based Pervasion DAP, who generated quite a buzz with their Pristine in-ear monitors after the recent CanJam in SGP.
It's a bold move to release your first IEM product with an aim at the TOTL premium market and to set a design challenge by limiting its building blocks down to only 2x BA drivers. I don’t think their intent was to re-invent the wheel, and instead they approached the design with a “pristine” idea of evaluating every single component in the chain and how it affects/contributes to an overall sound. They really did their homework and ended up acing the challenge. Now, let me share with you what I found after spending a month testing and analyzing their Reference in-ear monitor model Pristine-R (P-R).
Unboxing and accessories.
HUM packaging is another example of common Pelican 1010 micro case with everything stuffed securely inside. The case arrived with a personalized HUM plate on the cover, and the fact that I received P-R without a single scratch speaks highly for the case durability as it traveled half way around the world. The negative of minimalistic packaging is the lack of spec or any fancy artwork, though you can always visit their website in hope to find more details. Surprisingly, HUM seems to reveal just a little bit of info while keeping you in suspense and letting your ears be the final judge of the spec. There are no secrets about the internal guts or the number of drivers since the universal fit model I received for the review had a fully transparent shell.
Obviously, the packaging with Pelican case is also part of the included accessories. Here, due to the size of the cable with 4 thick braids and a beefy plug, you need some extra room to fit everything in, and 1010 micro case is just perfect for the job, not only to protect shells but also to fit the cable. Also, included was a set of silicone hybrid eartip pairs (with red core) in S/M/L size, and a basic cleaning tool for nozzle bores. This is definitely a very basic accessories selection, limited by the room inside of the Pelican case, but I still would suggest for HUM to include more tips for universal P-R model since you can never assume that users will have extras for tip rolling. Perhaps adding foam tips and maybe a set with double/triple flange tips would be a good idea.
Overall, packaging and selection of accessories is very minimalistic, though with an exception of maybe including a few extra sets of different eartips – nothing more is needed.
Cable.
For some people the beauty of the cable is within its look, personalizing the appearance of IEM/CIEM. For me, I don’t care as much how it looks as long as it's pliable and comfortable, neatly braided/twisted, and shows some sonic improvement. This improvement could vary from being very subtle to rather noticeable, and also depends on a pair-up and synergy with a source. In general, don’t expect a similar level of improvement from using the same cable with different pairs of headphones and sources.
While working on the design of P-R, the HUM team took under consideration every single piece of audio equation, including the custom cable (CX1 model) which comes standard with their reference monitors. They decided to go with a high purity copper Litz wires known for having one of the highest electrical conductivity property. The original CX1 cable was 0.1mm * 60 strands of pure 99.99% copper, covered by silk shielding. That made wire quite stiff after tooling which also introduced some microphonics. The new CX1 cable I received with my review unit is a modified version which has 40 instead of 60 strands sheathed by high quality Dupont TPE material which makes cable softer and more pliable.
The headphone plug was right angled heavy duty gold plated 3.5mm TRS connector with a shrink-wrapped strain relief. It's a good connector but doesn’t have slim enough collar to be more friendly with thick smartphone cases (for example, if you choose to use P-R with your Otterbox case). All 4 braids are neatly braided and separated going down to the connector where grounds get joined (though, making it easy to re-terminate cable balanced if you choose to later). Y-splitter is a neat slim metal cylinder; looks much cleaner than a typical shrink-wrapped solution. Chin-slider is just a clear piece of a plastic tube.
Thank God there was no memory wire, and twisted pairs going to individual mmcx connectors are soft enough to stay securely behind you ears for over-ear fit, though believe it or not you can still wear P-R with wire down. HUM used high quality Amphenol RF mmcx connectors which they recommend as a preferred option when you are customizing their monitors (2pin is also available), but the connector housing is very DIY-ish, just a shrink-wrap. When you look inside of the connector/housing you can see Red/Blue color to distinguish corresponding Right/Left sides.
As much as I enjoyed the sonic characteristics of the stock pure copper CX1 cable, which imho is so FAR from being plain "stock", I was still curious to try it with a few of my other premium mmcx cables to see if the sound will scale up.
Stock (CX1) vs ALO Litz SPC - ALO adds a little more rumble to sub-bass, lifts it up just a bit while mid-bass is unaffected. Furthermore, ALO smoothes out upper mids, making vocals a bit more organic and smoother; but it also takes away a bit of the revealing reference quality edge and reduces overall transparency. Treble becomes a bit smoother too. I also found the soundstage width improved a little bit. Even so the cable change improved bass and soundstage expansion, it took away some of the transparency and reference quality. I actually preferred going back to CX1 cable, though ALO cable looks stunning next to a clear transparent shell of Pristine.
Stock (CX1) vs Super BaX – the soundstage remained the same, but I did notice that sub-bass with Super BaX showed a little improvement with deeper impact, while at the same time I hear that mid-bass became a bit slower and more relaxed in comparison. Upper mids and treble became a little smoother and more organic, but that also took away some transparency of the sound, not as much as with ALO Litz, though. Performance of Super BaX cable was a compromise between the revealing brighter neutral sound of stock CX1 cable and smoother warmer change introduced by ALO cable. Definitely an alternative to consider if you find Pristine sound a bit too bright/revealing for your taste, but I still ended up going back to CX1.
Design.
In the intro of my review where I talked about the driver number wars, I already mentioned that HUM goal was to come up with a high resolution stage monitor design utilizing only 2x BA drivers with a 2-way crossover. Actually, it wasn’t much of a challenge but rather their belief in achieving the perfect coherency of a sound by using minimum number of drivers. Though only 2, those were carefully selected to cover the full bandwidth of frequency spectrum. Furthermore, HUM handpicked and carefully selected every single component of the design, from using brand name Vishay MELF resistors with a tight tolerance (resulting in more precise crossover point), to using a rather rare for IEM design electrolytic capacitors (with brand labeling stripped?) which intended to be more stable over the time/temperature. Even the internal wires connecting drivers, crossover components, and premium Amphenol RF brand name mmcx connectors were all 99.99% pure copper Litz wires, the same as a cable. I believe, they also used premium lead free solder. No expenses were spared, only the highest quality components were used.
The P-R is available in both universal and custom fit where you can customize the shell and the faceplate color, add faceplate artwork, and even choose connector type (though HUM has a preference for mmcx). In my opinion the best design to showcase the inner beauty of these monitors has to be the transparent acrylic shell which like a glass capsule reveals every component inside. The shell finish is very smooth, high quality, faceplate attachment is seamless, and I like the integrated look of the mmcx round connector where nothing sticks out or exposed out of the shell. Inside, you can clearly see 2x BA drivers, and a cylindrical electrolytic cap which is as big as the driver itself. There are also some discrete crossover components, and multi-strand thick litz copper wires. Nozzle has just a perfect length and you can see two bores connected to each driver. Due to a slightly thicker nature of the nozzle, I had no issue trying different eartips where they always stayed tight and secure.
The only thing I had a bit of a problem with was a lack of L/R marking. Since the shell design is not exactly symmetric, you can still figure out which one is left or right, but at a glance sometime it’s not that obvious since neither shells nor cables are marked. It’s not a show stopper, but I wish HUM would come up with some way to distinguish the sides, perhaps on the cable side. Regarding the actual fit, though preferred way would be with a wire over your ears (for a more comfortable and secure fit), I found it to work with a wire down too, still providing a good fit and a decent isolation.
The fit.
Sound analysis.
Due to a nature of premium components internal to the design, especially electrolytic capacitor and solder joints with litz wires, I left P-R on a burn in for 150hrs before starting my sound analysis.
I found P-R to have a reference quality highly resolving transparent non-fatigue sound with a flat neutral tonality that has a light hint of brightness. In general, I don't hear it emphasizing any particular part of the frequency spectrum, and it reaches its reference quality without a need for bright harshness. The signature and tonality is very effortless, just a coherent flow of the high resolution sound with an accurate natural tonality.
Low end is not exaggerated, starting with a deep extension of sub-bass where you can hear a textured rumble without feeling any extra weight or bulk. Mid-bass is fast, punchy, with a natural decay speed, and overall tight and articulate low end performance, under control and without any spillage into mids. Lower mids are not too thick or too thin, just an average natural tonality that adds to the body of the sound without any artificial coloring. Upper mids also oozing with a natural tonality, very clear and detailed, never harsh or bright. I don't hear too much warmth, but vocals are very smooth, organic, and detailed. Treble is bright, detailed, well defined, and with a realistic and natural level of airiness.
Soundstage has a nearly holographic expansion in all 3 directions, with a non-artificial natural spacing. These monitors have a great imaging and positioning with an excellent placement of instruments and vocals where I can accurate pin-point position of every sound in space. This goes along with an excellent layering and separation with air between the layers - a natural transparency of the sound.
The sound of these IEMs is perfect for those who want a reference quality performance without harsh revealing sound. Though I consider the tonality to be neutral, the sound is still very exciting and full of energy. The clarity level is high, you can pick up all the little nuances in sound, and at the same time the sound is smooth and natural. Everything is in moderation without any over-emphasis, just a non-fatigue detailed sound which is great during extended listening sessions.
Sound comparison.
Pristine vs ES60 - ES staging is a bit narrower and deeper, a little more sub-bass while overall low end is a little slower, not as tight or articulate in comparison to Pristine. ES lower mids have a little more body which adds more warmth and smoothness to the sound, especially in upper mids were ES sounds more organic, while Pristine is more detailed, more revealing, and more transparent. Pristine treble is also crispier and has more airiness. In comparison Pristine sound is more neutral and brighter.
Pristine vs Andromeda - Similar staging though Andromeda has a little more depth. Pristine low end is more neutral in comparison to Andromeda having more sub-bass and a little more mid-bass impact. Andro lower mids are warmer and have more body, and upper mids are smoother and more organic, not as revealing or detailed as Pristine. Pristine treble is also brighter, crispier, and with more airiness. One noticeable difference is that Pristine has a better layering/separation with more air between layers which gives sound more transparency, while Andromeda has a more fun tuned sound which is a bit congested in comparison.
Pristine vs Sirius - Soundstage depth/height/width are similar. Sirius has deeper, meatier sub-bass, while Pristine has faster mid-bass. Pristine lower mids are leaner and a little thinner in comparison, while Sirius has more body, and upper mids in Pristine are brighter and a little more revealing; Sirius upper mids sound smoother and warmer in comparison. Pristine treble is more crisp and brighter, but otherwise have a similar extension and level of airiness. While Sirius is more balanced with a smoother tonality, Pristine is more reference quality with a more neutral sound and revealing tonality.
Pristine vs K10UA - similar height/depth, but Pristine has more width. K10UA has more sub-bass and stronger mid-bass impact, while Pristine is more neutral in comparison. K10UA lower mids are a little thicker in comparison, and upper mids are not as revealing, but equality detailed and with a great clarity. Treble is very similar, both having a crisp, well defined treble with decent amount of airiness. In comparison K10UA sound is more balanced while Pristine is more neutral and reference with a better transparency.
Pair-up.
Micro iDSD - dead quiet, neutral detailed sound, good sub-bass extension (not much quantity), punchy fast mid-bass, lean detailed revealing mids, bright crisp airy treble.
LPG - noticeable white noise background hissing, flat sub-bass (quality vs quantity), punchy neutral mid-bass, flat detailed revealing mids, bright crisp treble. Great soundstage expansion.
N5 - rather noticeable hissing, wider soundstage, slightly better sub-bass but still with quality over quantity, fast punchy mid-bass, mids a little brighter and not as natural, and a bit pushed back. Treble is crisp and airy. Not too crazy about this pair up due to hissing.
X5ii - noticeable hissing, average soundstage, neutral flat presentation, sub-bass extension is not as noticeable, mostly mid-bass punch. Mids are on a thinner side, bright revealing, but lacking some body. Treble is bright and crisp. Not the best pair up.
DX80 - with a stock CX1 cable I hear lots of hissing, while with ALO Litz it was more under control. The sound was actually more balanced (using ALO cable). I hear more sub-bass, faster punchier mid-bass, overall tighter and more articulate bass, clear detailed smooth mids, bright, crisp, airy treble. Excellent pair up once you switch the cable. Great soundstage.
L3 - above average soundstage expansion, excellent balanced sound; I hear more sub-bass now with a tight punchy mid-bass and overall articulate low end. Clear detailed mids with natural smooth tonality, bright crisp airy treble. Excellent pair up. No hissing.
L5Pro - some hissing; excellent balanced sound; sub-bass has more quantity, though not as much as in L3, nice mid-bass punch; though overall low end is not as articulate as L3. Mids are clear and detailed, a little brighter than L3; treble is bright and crisp with nice airiness (a bit less than L3). Good pair up.
X7 w/AM2 - some hissing; above average soundstage; tight articulate bass with neutral sub-bass and punchy mid-bass (not as fast). Mids are clear and detailed, but more reference quality, not as organic, and treble is bright crisp and with plenty of airiness. This pair up did sound flatter.
Opus#1 - some hissing; above average soundstage; tight articulate bass with neutral sub-bass and punchy mid-bass. Mids are lean, bright, detailed, lacking some warmth, a bit harsh; treble is bright and crisp and airy. I was just OK this pair up. It’s a bit more on a bright neutral side.
For those who crave a flat reference sound, pair up with neutral and brighter tuned DAPs is more suitable, while warmer sig DAPs add more sub-bass and improve mids tonality, making them smoother and more organic.
Conclusion.
Not every product generating a buzz is actually buzz-worthy, but in my personal opinion HUM Pristine-R definitely deserves a praise. This is not just another multi-BA driver IEM trying to make its mark in already over-crowded TOTL market. P-R actually brings something refreshing to the table by thinking outside of the box with their crossover component selection, premium wiring inside and outside of the shell, and scaling up their sound quality by scaling down to a dual driver config. Every element of this design was well thought of and carefully selected to deliver a reference quality highly resolving non-fatigue sound. Plus, you get a premium beautiful cable, excellent isolation, a very comfortable fit, and a mesmerizing view inside of the shell with neatly arranged two BA drivers, shockingly big electrolytic cap, and all these pure copper wires. Can't wait to see and to hear what HUM is going to come up with next and how they are going to top Pristine-R release.
Nice review and I agree LPG doesn't pair too well with HUM,