Initial & information from the Rock Jaw website:
I happened across the Rock Jaw sponsor page listing the need to review their Resonate BA-Hybrid IEM. Not knowing much about either, I threw my hat into the ring, and did my research. In the course of waiting (which is hard, but kind of a cool game to play), Joe posted more information at the request of some, and updated us on where the tour stood. Before choosing the reviewers, Joe posted a poignant video about what has been happening across the pond (in US, I am…) with him, as well as some philosophical Chautauqua, with us dear readers. It was heartfelt, and much appreciated. I have always been of the opinion, that even if you expose yourself weaknesses, it is better to be honest up front. You know what you are getting, when that is done. And it is much appreciated.
So after watching the vid a couple of times, and with responses pouring in, Joe announced the tour. I was very humbled to be chosen for the tour. A small, but dedicated group, we turned out to be as it turns out. I find myself on my final listen with the Resonate as I scribe this introduction. I mention near the end, how confused I was as to why I liked the Resonate. I was thoroughly befuddled. I am still, a bit; but this is good. For it shows that I do like the little critter, and accept what it is. A very good mid-fi entry into a crowded Balanced Armature-Hybrid In Ear Monitor. It does not pretend to be some super-new-all-encompassing IEM. It does not promote itself as the next “be all/end all” for a hybrid. In fact, it does not presuppose at all…The RockJaw Resonate lets the filter system guide you down the line of musical choice. And along that path, you will encounter some hiccups, but I consider those to be the bumps on a wonderfully hilly mountain bike ride, adding to the experience. Not taking away. Showing the true character of the Hybrid, just like Joe did, in the video. And that makes it good and well in my book.
My review sample was provided by Joe all the way from the Midlands in England to the middle of the US of A, for the sole purpose of a proper and honest review. Nothing monetarily was gained from this partnership, just a chance to provide a manufacturer with an open and honest review. My time was short, but well worth it, and by the time you read this, the unit will be on its way back east to the next reviewer. And I will say it is pretty cool tracking shipments such as this on the web. We take that journey with the item in choice, before they take us for their journey.
Thank you Joe, aka @RockJaw for this honor.
Background from the Rock Jaw English site:
With not one but three signature sounds, your Resonate can adapt to your musical needs with a simple change of the included tuning filters.
Fusion, Energy and Emotion – you’ve got to experience them all!
And from the Rock Jaw US site:
With not one but three signature sounds, your Resonate can adapt to your musical needs with a simple change of the included tuning filters.
Fusion, Energy and Emotion – you’ve got to experience them all!
The earphone casing is designed to effortlessly grip your ear – running, walking, sitting and everything in between.
For the first time in a Rock Jaw IEM we are pleased to include a detachable micro-miniature coaxial (MMCX) cable, delivering premium sound isolation combined with limitless upgrade and customisation potential.
"Our tuning filters are colour coded and each offers a different sound 'signature' to help you fine tune you're listening experience."
The reason I post both (and it was hard to get the UK version to show, I kept getting re-directed to the US site) is that they contain different information, both of which are pertinent to the character of the Resonate. The complimentary information was much appreciated, as each side of the pond, so to speak provided necessary info. Take a look back, and I do believe you will agree. Enough said there, enjoy the reading.
Upon receiving the Resonate, I was a bit taken aback at how small the package itself was. I love getting packages from overseas, because of the different packaging and this was no different. I keep the envelopes, and reuse them when I send the units on to the next, as packing material. Call it a souvenir from its journey into the heartland, and before.
Opening the simple package, one is presented (as you open, you can see the IEM through a plastic pane) with the IEMs, the two non-mounted filter colors, and a total of six pairs of tips (one mounted). On the pair I received, the double-flange silicons were mounted. Not one to question a manufacturers choice of tips mounted (my Nova review covers that what with the mounted Complys, Ken provided…), I left that alone until I had a chance to audition for a fair bit of time
Lifting the two-piece foam out you are presented with a foam lined tray, the instruction manual, a clip for working out, the storage bag, and the cable; complete with a three button microphone system. Nothing exotic or fancy, just the goods. Too often, I do believe we are spoiled by the wares manufacturers shower upon us within their packages…not here. Just the real deal, which to me means the they care more about the IEM itself as opposed to the “boutique” items. Simple in presentation. I like it.
A word about the cable itself. Covered in a tight-weave fabric, and fairly thin, it is a nice cable with a reinforced spring at the jack end…and, once you determine how it should be rolled for packing it is much better. I did a fair bit of cursing at how tangled it would get, until I figured rolling the cable on three fingers (the way I do all of my IEM’s) was the most efficient, and allowed for a non-knotting cable. Once this is done, one needs only be aware that the MMCX cable fits rather snugly in the drawstring bag provided as protection. I would have preferred a case, but when you factor in the cheap cost of a reasonable case, you really do not mind. Again, simple in presentation, and functional. The cable, once you are careful is quite nice. But be aware, tangles are lurking…
On first listen, I worked fit, and cable placement trying to determine what the best fit/placing would be for me. I will say, that I had a fair bit of confusion, and trouble determining what exactly would be best. The mounted double-flange silicons did not work for me. They were thin sounding, weak, and with much less than ideal isolation. I will say that most manufacturers take the middle ground when mounting tips…they go medium, and unless specified, usually silicons. My right ear canal is slightly wider, and I have often thought of trying two different sized tips…but not today.
Taking the silicons off, and mounting the appropriate sized Complys, I fiddled with fit and placement again (getting better, and now after my time easy-peasy to do), then turned on the sound…Aaaaahhhh much better. Isolation was good (above average), fit was very good (cable run over ear) MMCX connection at 40-45 degrees forward, I sat back and enjoyed. And enjoy I did. Fit in-ear is easy for my average sized ears, and comfortable. The IEM stays put, too. No movement, even on the one run I made with them in. I never had to adjust the IEM. The cable? Until I had that placing down pat, I was constantly adjusting the over-ear run. Almost like tucking bangs of hair behind my ear, it became habit. Until I reached the 45 degree forward placement of the IEM. Then all was good, and even the cable stayed in place.
So long story short (too late…), the Resonate takes a fair bit of adjusting to get right, but in the end, I consider that a minor annoyance on that journey the Resonate is taking me on…There is a fair bit of microphonics with the cable run down. Much less when the cable is run over-ear.
The Green filter bass oriented, but still quite hot up top, to me. It was the tip I used for 90% of my testing. My hope is that the other two reviewers will test the Blue and Yellow. I did enjoy the other filters, but preferred the Green.
I was wowed by the excellent sound stage. A wide, tall and deep stage it is while the IEM itself is quite easy to drive. Instrumentation is not the most clear, providing not a lot of separation. That said, you can still pick out the finer details of the music in question. Just not as easily as with my Aria or FLC8S for instance. The Resonate does combine well with the iFi iDSD BL and MacBook Pro. Easy to use…once you get past the initial trials with fit and tip.
To me, I heard a big push of mids. Not forward, but bulbous in nature…bleeding into the treble and bass, but almost caressing them, enveloping them…A nice arms-around to the highs and lows feeling is a good way to describe the sound.
A microphonic cable-but a well built one is included. I heard fewer microphonics, when run over ear, though…The cable is a thin, mostly tangle free set up using the standard MMCX connections. This is a nice benefit, because one can upgrade to a really nice MMCX cable in the future, should one desire. there is a spring attachment at jack end, which helps prevent stress from wearing the cable too quickly...I like it. A sure and easy to attach cable is the result, and it is labeled with their logo, too. When run down, microphonics are present, and fairly noticeable. Upon initial unwinding of the cable, it becomes a web of tangled spaghetti…not what I really like (the tangle of cable that is...). That said, I DO really like to tactility of the cable, but it just becomes a hot mess, when trying to undo…Once I started folding it over three fingers carefully, the tangled mess disappeared. So you can work around the mess.
Later listenings:
Approximately 10 hours into my sessions, SOME settling in was heard…Bass is more controlled, and fairly tight. Decay was still rather slow, which bled into the mids. More detail is listed below.
Specs:
Filter system:
From the RockJaw website:
TUNING FILTERS EXPLAINED BY COLOUR
Fusion (Yellow tuning filter) = Reference class. How the artist intended. A fun and exciting middle ground of all frequencies combined.
Emotion (Blue tuning filter) = Treble. Offering a reduced bass sound signature with more detail on the upper mids and treble.
Energy (Green tuning filter) = Bass. Whilst keeping plenty of detail in the music.
There are 3 filters; Fusion, Emotion and Energy (Gold, Blue, Green respectively) supplied with the Resonate. Each filter screws into the head of the driver nozzle in a few quick seconds. They care quite slippery, though…Fusion is a most neutral sound of the three (my least favorite) while Emotion provides a reduced bass and increased treble signature. Energy - increases bass response and reduces some of the treble energy. Just like @Takeanidea, I too like this filter the best.
I will say that when using the green filter in conjunction with an amp, bass can become quite untidy and boomy. I found this to be the case with my iFi Black Label, and the Bass Boost switch turned on. With Emotion (blue), I found myself pleasantly surprised. I really liked this treatment in conjunction with the Black Label. The bass became tamed, with enough thrust to satisfy me. I was also able to listen to the songs a bit easier…less rumble from the Bass Boost/Green combo was a satisfying result.
The ability to quickly (but CAREFULLY) change filters is a nice alternative to EQ’s. In a matter of 30 seconds, I could change, and be back to listening. I could see using the enhanced bass filter (Green), in home listening; while the Blue (decreased bass, enhanced treble) would be good for a workout session with a lot of background noise.
Speaking of which, I did find the isolation to be quite good. After a quick listen, which I found to be quite weak with the mounted silicons, I switched to the Comply’s…aaahhhh….much better. Isolation, emphasized bass, a better fit and an excellent wide, high and deep sound stage was the result, TO ME.
Gear used/compared:
MacBook Pro/iFi iDSD Micro Black Label
Fiio x5iii/A5
iPhone 6+
Vibro Labs Aria
FLC8S
thinksound ON2
MBP/BL:
What a lovely combination! The Resonates simply sing through the BL. Whether flat, or with the Bass Boost on or in conjunction with the 3D switch on, the combo is just superb. My only qualm is that with my favored filter (green), the upper mids/treble still run too hot for my taste, and the aforementioned bass-bleed (a bit). So, as a result I could not really drive the Resonate’s the way I would have liked. There is something said, for a lower volume, especially if it is a quality sound coming out!
Kitchen Sink by twenty one pilots, was almost magical in quality. That soft underlying Far East sound belies a song with huge lyrics. Brought together by not only Tyler, but his brother; the end result through the Resonate is an excellent example of why the Rock Jaw interpretation is pretty darn good. The soft bass tone brought together by Josh’s drums, the soft undertone of female voice, and the piano, oh the piano. You wait, on the edge for each note, almost falling off when it saves you at that precipice. And you are glad, because you get to enjoy the rest of the song, in that solitary moment…then you hit replay, just so you can feel that again...and again.
I must say, that the Resonate excelled here, showing its true color (green, if you have to ask). Bass was solid not bleeding too much into the mids, with faster decay, mids retreating to where they should be, in this song…support for the exquisite vocals, and…that…piano…at the front, only trumped by Tyler’s far reach of voice coming in distorted, but the way it should be…falling back to true. Ended by the piano, of course. An exquisite song, and an exquisite listen through the Resonate. I am impressed.
FiiO x5iii/A5:
A pleasant change streaming Tidal through the x5iii. Having recently just picked up the FiiO L17 cable, I decided what a better way to audition the cable than with the Resonates….And quite the audition it was!
Guns for Hands, by twenty one pilots was quite satisfying. Full, deep rich of tone, good reach of bass, with the bass boost switch turned on the A5, my initial reaction was that this combo provided a slightly warmer set up than the MBP/BL. Nothing Scientific mind you, but quite pleasing and an excellent portable sound coming out of all three. The Bass Boost switch overcame the lack of Tidal-streaming bass quite nicely. I enjoyed this combination, and would happily settle for such a set up on on a commute; or as an office portable unit. The trio would make a wonderful traveling kit, all had for less than $750 US. quite a bargain.
Listening to my native SD music on the Resonate/FiiO trifecta was a treat to be cherished. Sifting through on shuffle mode, I was treated to Los Lonely Boys, Dire Straits, Ziggy Marley, and Stevie Ray Vaughan all on my time playing the Resonate. All sounded true to the musician, albeit the Bass Boost I added and the green filter. In a nutshell, this is a very nice affordable combination, which will last you a good bit of time...Favor EDM? change to the Blue filter. Orchestral or Spanish Guitar? Yellow. Heavy Metal? Go Green. Yet again, the ease of changing filters makes tuning an ease.
IEM Comparisons:
FLC8S ($309) v Resonate ($157):
To me, there is better grab and bass from the FLC8S, as expected. Mids more forward, but treble, toned down and less prominent with the FLC8S. Resonate holds its ground here. Both systems used bass-oriented tuning. Green for Resonate, black/red/gunmetal (out to in) for FLC8S. The Resonate held up well here, but suffered from a less-than-full sound to me. The FLC8S provided the full meal so to speak, while the Resonate might be considered drive thru. Nothing wrong with that on occasion, though.
A more “brittle” sound was had by the Resonate v the FLC8S. Bass was good and solid, but the mids/treble tried too hard to compete sounding, to me as if they were straining to keep up. Kind of like that runner, who knows they are outmatched, but darned if they will quit! I applaud the Resonate here, because without a side-by-side with the FLC8S, they are quite acceptable. A quite decent sound, in their own right, they do provide. Only in comparison (albeit not fair, what with 2x the price and a multitude of more tuning options), do they fall behind the FLC8S. Standing alone, the Resonate has nothing to be ashamed of, not at all.
Vibro Labs Aria ($499) v Resonate ($157):
Again, not a fair comparison, but when you want to run with the big dogs, you aim high! Again, through no fault of the Resonate, the Aria provides a much more full sound. Better at bass, mids and treble; one would think this is a walkover. Almost, which should be applauded because the Resonate tries very hard (not like the runner in the FLC8S comparison) to mimic the bass signature of the Aria. And to me it does so, pretty well. While the Aria has more bass, is better contained, and of better quality; the Resonate comes so close, that one would be pretty satisfied knowing you spent 1/3 the cost, for a really solid sound signature. To be applauded, indeed! Again, acceptable and appreciated.
RHA CL750 ($140) v Resonate ($157):
I like the RHA, quite a bit. It provides a cleaner, more crisp sound than the Resonate, but at the cost (to me) of near-sibilant treble, and an OOOHHH so hard to drive stance. Clarity really is quite good with the RHA, but unfortunately, for me it is overshadowed by the two discrepancies I mention…drive-ability, and sibilant trebles. While maybe sibilant is the wrong word, but those trebles are hot. Too hot for me.
Where the Resonate wins here, is in its overall signature. Almost like the Midlands winning over the Scottish Highlands, if you will. A more pleasant rolling character, versus those jagged peaks of the Cuillin Mountains. While beautiful to look at, they are quite sharp in nature. Mind you, I wouldn’t turn down a trip to the Cuillin’s, as I’ve never been, but are quite an extreme environment, watching Danny Macaskill’s excellent video of the region. I could happily listen to the Resonates for long periods…the CL750’s? Not without pretty severe EQing.
English Midlands vs Scottish Cuillin's
Finale:
I find myself torn…I do like the Resonate, but cannot really fathom why. It is not that I am puzzled why I like them, I just don’t understand. This is not a knock, that I wasn’t expecting to like them, or that I shouldn’t, or that I think it is not a good set (oh no, they are quite nice). I find that I was torn until that song…that near-perfect twenty one pilots song. Indeed Kitchen Sink threw me over the edge, but as you read, the piano saved me; so that I could scribe across to you, why. Why I do in fact really like the effort wrought by Rock Jaw, and why the Resonate is a very fine addition to the mid-fi hybrid market. One listen to the song (me using Green) drives you to understand.
Maybe I understand the whole damn world after listening, but that would be the wrong praise to lump so heavily upon the Resonate. That would be out of character, based upon what I know of the company. More like, an appreciative stroll through not only the Midlands, but up to the Cuillin’s (or for me Lake Superior in the US) to fully understand why. In conversation with Joe, via the thread, his heartfelt video and PM I get the impression he is humble, and working things out. That to me, seems to be the key. Give people the chance to listen, and they will understand. But it must be in their way. And through that humbleness, I come to appreciate that sound permeating through me as Tyler continues to sing. Continues to craft a near-perfect song. You see, Joe and company didn’t need to craft the perfect hybrid IEM; they simply needed to give us the tools with which WE could craft that perfectness.
I do not know of a perfect IEM (albeit my short list experience), but isn’t it the goal of any good manufacturer to provide us the tools needed to pursue that end? I do believe it is…that would be why I dearly love my Aria’s, and the excellent FLC8S. To me, they give ME that option to pursue what I believe to be the perfect (or journey to…) opportunity to listen. To experience. To understand much from a listen. And in that regard, I do believe Joe and Rock Jaw have succeeded. They have given us their interpretation of a pretty good IEM, and given too the option to change. To change the sound matching our sound characteristics better…more closely to what WE want.
I have said in other reviews, that to me the highest respect I can give to a manufacturer, or their wares, is the ability to function without regard to ones self, in the background; only showing oneself when called upon. And in the Kitchen Sink the Resonate called upon me. Softly stating, that I am not perfect, but I will provide you with the opportunity to enjoy your music. To help you understand why you like what you do…and I will do so, unassumingly; much the way I interpret company. They just want a chance to prove to you it is worth it. And with that regard, I highly recommend a listen. Competing quite well in the crowded mid-fi sub $200 market; the Resonate does well, and in its own regard.
Well done, and thank YOU for this tremendous opportunity to participate in the tour. I am honored.
I happened across the Rock Jaw sponsor page listing the need to review their Resonate BA-Hybrid IEM. Not knowing much about either, I threw my hat into the ring, and did my research. In the course of waiting (which is hard, but kind of a cool game to play), Joe posted more information at the request of some, and updated us on where the tour stood. Before choosing the reviewers, Joe posted a poignant video about what has been happening across the pond (in US, I am…) with him, as well as some philosophical Chautauqua, with us dear readers. It was heartfelt, and much appreciated. I have always been of the opinion, that even if you expose yourself weaknesses, it is better to be honest up front. You know what you are getting, when that is done. And it is much appreciated.
So after watching the vid a couple of times, and with responses pouring in, Joe announced the tour. I was very humbled to be chosen for the tour. A small, but dedicated group, we turned out to be as it turns out. I find myself on my final listen with the Resonate as I scribe this introduction. I mention near the end, how confused I was as to why I liked the Resonate. I was thoroughly befuddled. I am still, a bit; but this is good. For it shows that I do like the little critter, and accept what it is. A very good mid-fi entry into a crowded Balanced Armature-Hybrid In Ear Monitor. It does not pretend to be some super-new-all-encompassing IEM. It does not promote itself as the next “be all/end all” for a hybrid. In fact, it does not presuppose at all…The RockJaw Resonate lets the filter system guide you down the line of musical choice. And along that path, you will encounter some hiccups, but I consider those to be the bumps on a wonderfully hilly mountain bike ride, adding to the experience. Not taking away. Showing the true character of the Hybrid, just like Joe did, in the video. And that makes it good and well in my book.
My review sample was provided by Joe all the way from the Midlands in England to the middle of the US of A, for the sole purpose of a proper and honest review. Nothing monetarily was gained from this partnership, just a chance to provide a manufacturer with an open and honest review. My time was short, but well worth it, and by the time you read this, the unit will be on its way back east to the next reviewer. And I will say it is pretty cool tracking shipments such as this on the web. We take that journey with the item in choice, before they take us for their journey.
Thank you Joe, aka @RockJaw for this honor.
Background from the Rock Jaw English site:
Liberate Your Listening
Innovation is at the core of the Resonate, featuring the latest in hybrid technology. A balanced armature combined with our powerful dynamic driver delivers superior sound and immense freedom to enjoy music the way you intended.With not one but three signature sounds, your Resonate can adapt to your musical needs with a simple change of the included tuning filters.
Fusion, Energy and Emotion – you’ve got to experience them all!
And from the Rock Jaw US site:
Take control of your music
It’s a pleasure to welcome Rock Jaw Resonate to the family. We can’t wait for you to get acquainted!Liberate Your Listening
Innovation is at the core of the Resonate, featuring the latest in hybrid technology. A balanced armature combined with our powerful dynamic driver delivers superior sound and immense freedom to enjoy music the way you intended.With not one but three signature sounds, your Resonate can adapt to your musical needs with a simple change of the included tuning filters.
Fusion, Energy and Emotion – you’ve got to experience them all!
Comfort for Any Commute
Whether you are super-active or just want to kick back and listen to some great tunes, the Resonate has you covered.The earphone casing is designed to effortlessly grip your ear – running, walking, sitting and everything in between.
Dependable Design
Rock Jaw Resonate headphones are British-engineered, utilising an elegant, lightweight aluminium housing.For the first time in a Rock Jaw IEM we are pleased to include a detachable micro-miniature coaxial (MMCX) cable, delivering premium sound isolation combined with limitless upgrade and customisation potential.
"Our tuning filters are colour coded and each offers a different sound 'signature' to help you fine tune you're listening experience."
The reason I post both (and it was hard to get the UK version to show, I kept getting re-directed to the US site) is that they contain different information, both of which are pertinent to the character of the Resonate. The complimentary information was much appreciated, as each side of the pond, so to speak provided necessary info. Take a look back, and I do believe you will agree. Enough said there, enjoy the reading.
Upon receiving the Resonate, I was a bit taken aback at how small the package itself was. I love getting packages from overseas, because of the different packaging and this was no different. I keep the envelopes, and reuse them when I send the units on to the next, as packing material. Call it a souvenir from its journey into the heartland, and before.
Opening the simple package, one is presented (as you open, you can see the IEM through a plastic pane) with the IEMs, the two non-mounted filter colors, and a total of six pairs of tips (one mounted). On the pair I received, the double-flange silicons were mounted. Not one to question a manufacturers choice of tips mounted (my Nova review covers that what with the mounted Complys, Ken provided…), I left that alone until I had a chance to audition for a fair bit of time
Lifting the two-piece foam out you are presented with a foam lined tray, the instruction manual, a clip for working out, the storage bag, and the cable; complete with a three button microphone system. Nothing exotic or fancy, just the goods. Too often, I do believe we are spoiled by the wares manufacturers shower upon us within their packages…not here. Just the real deal, which to me means the they care more about the IEM itself as opposed to the “boutique” items. Simple in presentation. I like it.
A word about the cable itself. Covered in a tight-weave fabric, and fairly thin, it is a nice cable with a reinforced spring at the jack end…and, once you determine how it should be rolled for packing it is much better. I did a fair bit of cursing at how tangled it would get, until I figured rolling the cable on three fingers (the way I do all of my IEM’s) was the most efficient, and allowed for a non-knotting cable. Once this is done, one needs only be aware that the MMCX cable fits rather snugly in the drawstring bag provided as protection. I would have preferred a case, but when you factor in the cheap cost of a reasonable case, you really do not mind. Again, simple in presentation, and functional. The cable, once you are careful is quite nice. But be aware, tangles are lurking…
On first listen, I worked fit, and cable placement trying to determine what the best fit/placing would be for me. I will say, that I had a fair bit of confusion, and trouble determining what exactly would be best. The mounted double-flange silicons did not work for me. They were thin sounding, weak, and with much less than ideal isolation. I will say that most manufacturers take the middle ground when mounting tips…they go medium, and unless specified, usually silicons. My right ear canal is slightly wider, and I have often thought of trying two different sized tips…but not today.
Taking the silicons off, and mounting the appropriate sized Complys, I fiddled with fit and placement again (getting better, and now after my time easy-peasy to do), then turned on the sound…Aaaaahhhh much better. Isolation was good (above average), fit was very good (cable run over ear) MMCX connection at 40-45 degrees forward, I sat back and enjoyed. And enjoy I did. Fit in-ear is easy for my average sized ears, and comfortable. The IEM stays put, too. No movement, even on the one run I made with them in. I never had to adjust the IEM. The cable? Until I had that placing down pat, I was constantly adjusting the over-ear run. Almost like tucking bangs of hair behind my ear, it became habit. Until I reached the 45 degree forward placement of the IEM. Then all was good, and even the cable stayed in place.
So long story short (too late…), the Resonate takes a fair bit of adjusting to get right, but in the end, I consider that a minor annoyance on that journey the Resonate is taking me on…There is a fair bit of microphonics with the cable run down. Much less when the cable is run over-ear.
The Green filter bass oriented, but still quite hot up top, to me. It was the tip I used for 90% of my testing. My hope is that the other two reviewers will test the Blue and Yellow. I did enjoy the other filters, but preferred the Green.
I was wowed by the excellent sound stage. A wide, tall and deep stage it is while the IEM itself is quite easy to drive. Instrumentation is not the most clear, providing not a lot of separation. That said, you can still pick out the finer details of the music in question. Just not as easily as with my Aria or FLC8S for instance. The Resonate does combine well with the iFi iDSD BL and MacBook Pro. Easy to use…once you get past the initial trials with fit and tip.
To me, I heard a big push of mids. Not forward, but bulbous in nature…bleeding into the treble and bass, but almost caressing them, enveloping them…A nice arms-around to the highs and lows feeling is a good way to describe the sound.
A microphonic cable-but a well built one is included. I heard fewer microphonics, when run over ear, though…The cable is a thin, mostly tangle free set up using the standard MMCX connections. This is a nice benefit, because one can upgrade to a really nice MMCX cable in the future, should one desire. there is a spring attachment at jack end, which helps prevent stress from wearing the cable too quickly...I like it. A sure and easy to attach cable is the result, and it is labeled with their logo, too. When run down, microphonics are present, and fairly noticeable. Upon initial unwinding of the cable, it becomes a web of tangled spaghetti…not what I really like (the tangle of cable that is...). That said, I DO really like to tactility of the cable, but it just becomes a hot mess, when trying to undo…Once I started folding it over three fingers carefully, the tangled mess disappeared. So you can work around the mess.
Later listenings:
Approximately 10 hours into my sessions, SOME settling in was heard…Bass is more controlled, and fairly tight. Decay was still rather slow, which bled into the mids. More detail is listed below.
Specs:
- Drivers: Balanced armature + 8mm dynamic - Hybrid
- MMCX detachable cables
- 3x Interchangeable tuning filters
- Can be worn as a standard earphone, or upside down with the cable over the ear
- Compatible with iOS / Android Windows Smartphones
- Impedance: 16 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 103+/-3dB
- Frequency response: 20 – 20000Hz
- Cord Length: 1.25M
- Jack type: Gold plated 3.5mm (spring loaded)
- MIC with universal pause/play button
- Eartips included: (S/M/L) silicone | (M/L) memory foam | (S) double flange.
Filter system:
From the RockJaw website:
TUNING FILTERS EXPLAINED BY COLOUR
Fusion (Yellow tuning filter) = Reference class. How the artist intended. A fun and exciting middle ground of all frequencies combined.
Emotion (Blue tuning filter) = Treble. Offering a reduced bass sound signature with more detail on the upper mids and treble.
Energy (Green tuning filter) = Bass. Whilst keeping plenty of detail in the music.
There are 3 filters; Fusion, Emotion and Energy (Gold, Blue, Green respectively) supplied with the Resonate. Each filter screws into the head of the driver nozzle in a few quick seconds. They care quite slippery, though…Fusion is a most neutral sound of the three (my least favorite) while Emotion provides a reduced bass and increased treble signature. Energy - increases bass response and reduces some of the treble energy. Just like @Takeanidea, I too like this filter the best.
I will say that when using the green filter in conjunction with an amp, bass can become quite untidy and boomy. I found this to be the case with my iFi Black Label, and the Bass Boost switch turned on. With Emotion (blue), I found myself pleasantly surprised. I really liked this treatment in conjunction with the Black Label. The bass became tamed, with enough thrust to satisfy me. I was also able to listen to the songs a bit easier…less rumble from the Bass Boost/Green combo was a satisfying result.
The ability to quickly (but CAREFULLY) change filters is a nice alternative to EQ’s. In a matter of 30 seconds, I could change, and be back to listening. I could see using the enhanced bass filter (Green), in home listening; while the Blue (decreased bass, enhanced treble) would be good for a workout session with a lot of background noise.
Speaking of which, I did find the isolation to be quite good. After a quick listen, which I found to be quite weak with the mounted silicons, I switched to the Comply’s…aaahhhh….much better. Isolation, emphasized bass, a better fit and an excellent wide, high and deep sound stage was the result, TO ME.
Gear used/compared:
MacBook Pro/iFi iDSD Micro Black Label
Fiio x5iii/A5
iPhone 6+
Vibro Labs Aria
FLC8S
thinksound ON2
MBP/BL:
What a lovely combination! The Resonates simply sing through the BL. Whether flat, or with the Bass Boost on or in conjunction with the 3D switch on, the combo is just superb. My only qualm is that with my favored filter (green), the upper mids/treble still run too hot for my taste, and the aforementioned bass-bleed (a bit). So, as a result I could not really drive the Resonate’s the way I would have liked. There is something said, for a lower volume, especially if it is a quality sound coming out!
Kitchen Sink by twenty one pilots, was almost magical in quality. That soft underlying Far East sound belies a song with huge lyrics. Brought together by not only Tyler, but his brother; the end result through the Resonate is an excellent example of why the Rock Jaw interpretation is pretty darn good. The soft bass tone brought together by Josh’s drums, the soft undertone of female voice, and the piano, oh the piano. You wait, on the edge for each note, almost falling off when it saves you at that precipice. And you are glad, because you get to enjoy the rest of the song, in that solitary moment…then you hit replay, just so you can feel that again...and again.
I must say, that the Resonate excelled here, showing its true color (green, if you have to ask). Bass was solid not bleeding too much into the mids, with faster decay, mids retreating to where they should be, in this song…support for the exquisite vocals, and…that…piano…at the front, only trumped by Tyler’s far reach of voice coming in distorted, but the way it should be…falling back to true. Ended by the piano, of course. An exquisite song, and an exquisite listen through the Resonate. I am impressed.
FiiO x5iii/A5:
A pleasant change streaming Tidal through the x5iii. Having recently just picked up the FiiO L17 cable, I decided what a better way to audition the cable than with the Resonates….And quite the audition it was!
Guns for Hands, by twenty one pilots was quite satisfying. Full, deep rich of tone, good reach of bass, with the bass boost switch turned on the A5, my initial reaction was that this combo provided a slightly warmer set up than the MBP/BL. Nothing Scientific mind you, but quite pleasing and an excellent portable sound coming out of all three. The Bass Boost switch overcame the lack of Tidal-streaming bass quite nicely. I enjoyed this combination, and would happily settle for such a set up on on a commute; or as an office portable unit. The trio would make a wonderful traveling kit, all had for less than $750 US. quite a bargain.
Listening to my native SD music on the Resonate/FiiO trifecta was a treat to be cherished. Sifting through on shuffle mode, I was treated to Los Lonely Boys, Dire Straits, Ziggy Marley, and Stevie Ray Vaughan all on my time playing the Resonate. All sounded true to the musician, albeit the Bass Boost I added and the green filter. In a nutshell, this is a very nice affordable combination, which will last you a good bit of time...Favor EDM? change to the Blue filter. Orchestral or Spanish Guitar? Yellow. Heavy Metal? Go Green. Yet again, the ease of changing filters makes tuning an ease.
IEM Comparisons:
FLC8S ($309) v Resonate ($157):
To me, there is better grab and bass from the FLC8S, as expected. Mids more forward, but treble, toned down and less prominent with the FLC8S. Resonate holds its ground here. Both systems used bass-oriented tuning. Green for Resonate, black/red/gunmetal (out to in) for FLC8S. The Resonate held up well here, but suffered from a less-than-full sound to me. The FLC8S provided the full meal so to speak, while the Resonate might be considered drive thru. Nothing wrong with that on occasion, though.
A more “brittle” sound was had by the Resonate v the FLC8S. Bass was good and solid, but the mids/treble tried too hard to compete sounding, to me as if they were straining to keep up. Kind of like that runner, who knows they are outmatched, but darned if they will quit! I applaud the Resonate here, because without a side-by-side with the FLC8S, they are quite acceptable. A quite decent sound, in their own right, they do provide. Only in comparison (albeit not fair, what with 2x the price and a multitude of more tuning options), do they fall behind the FLC8S. Standing alone, the Resonate has nothing to be ashamed of, not at all.
Vibro Labs Aria ($499) v Resonate ($157):
Again, not a fair comparison, but when you want to run with the big dogs, you aim high! Again, through no fault of the Resonate, the Aria provides a much more full sound. Better at bass, mids and treble; one would think this is a walkover. Almost, which should be applauded because the Resonate tries very hard (not like the runner in the FLC8S comparison) to mimic the bass signature of the Aria. And to me it does so, pretty well. While the Aria has more bass, is better contained, and of better quality; the Resonate comes so close, that one would be pretty satisfied knowing you spent 1/3 the cost, for a really solid sound signature. To be applauded, indeed! Again, acceptable and appreciated.
RHA CL750 ($140) v Resonate ($157):
I like the RHA, quite a bit. It provides a cleaner, more crisp sound than the Resonate, but at the cost (to me) of near-sibilant treble, and an OOOHHH so hard to drive stance. Clarity really is quite good with the RHA, but unfortunately, for me it is overshadowed by the two discrepancies I mention…drive-ability, and sibilant trebles. While maybe sibilant is the wrong word, but those trebles are hot. Too hot for me.
Where the Resonate wins here, is in its overall signature. Almost like the Midlands winning over the Scottish Highlands, if you will. A more pleasant rolling character, versus those jagged peaks of the Cuillin Mountains. While beautiful to look at, they are quite sharp in nature. Mind you, I wouldn’t turn down a trip to the Cuillin’s, as I’ve never been, but are quite an extreme environment, watching Danny Macaskill’s excellent video of the region. I could happily listen to the Resonates for long periods…the CL750’s? Not without pretty severe EQing.
English Midlands vs Scottish Cuillin's
Finale:
I find myself torn…I do like the Resonate, but cannot really fathom why. It is not that I am puzzled why I like them, I just don’t understand. This is not a knock, that I wasn’t expecting to like them, or that I shouldn’t, or that I think it is not a good set (oh no, they are quite nice). I find that I was torn until that song…that near-perfect twenty one pilots song. Indeed Kitchen Sink threw me over the edge, but as you read, the piano saved me; so that I could scribe across to you, why. Why I do in fact really like the effort wrought by Rock Jaw, and why the Resonate is a very fine addition to the mid-fi hybrid market. One listen to the song (me using Green) drives you to understand.
Maybe I understand the whole damn world after listening, but that would be the wrong praise to lump so heavily upon the Resonate. That would be out of character, based upon what I know of the company. More like, an appreciative stroll through not only the Midlands, but up to the Cuillin’s (or for me Lake Superior in the US) to fully understand why. In conversation with Joe, via the thread, his heartfelt video and PM I get the impression he is humble, and working things out. That to me, seems to be the key. Give people the chance to listen, and they will understand. But it must be in their way. And through that humbleness, I come to appreciate that sound permeating through me as Tyler continues to sing. Continues to craft a near-perfect song. You see, Joe and company didn’t need to craft the perfect hybrid IEM; they simply needed to give us the tools with which WE could craft that perfectness.
I do not know of a perfect IEM (albeit my short list experience), but isn’t it the goal of any good manufacturer to provide us the tools needed to pursue that end? I do believe it is…that would be why I dearly love my Aria’s, and the excellent FLC8S. To me, they give ME that option to pursue what I believe to be the perfect (or journey to…) opportunity to listen. To experience. To understand much from a listen. And in that regard, I do believe Joe and Rock Jaw have succeeded. They have given us their interpretation of a pretty good IEM, and given too the option to change. To change the sound matching our sound characteristics better…more closely to what WE want.
I have said in other reviews, that to me the highest respect I can give to a manufacturer, or their wares, is the ability to function without regard to ones self, in the background; only showing oneself when called upon. And in the Kitchen Sink the Resonate called upon me. Softly stating, that I am not perfect, but I will provide you with the opportunity to enjoy your music. To help you understand why you like what you do…and I will do so, unassumingly; much the way I interpret company. They just want a chance to prove to you it is worth it. And with that regard, I highly recommend a listen. Competing quite well in the crowded mid-fi sub $200 market; the Resonate does well, and in its own regard.
Well done, and thank YOU for this tremendous opportunity to participate in the tour. I am honored.