[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)][/color]
 
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]When I first discovered Thinksound, it was on my quest to find a good, full sounding replacement for my Macaw GT100s. However, given the high quality sound that I was already used to, I couldn’t get just any pair of IEMs. After doing some investigating, I found that not only does the Rain2 provide the level of sound quality I need, it also does so in a eco-friendly way. For $99 dollars, these were a steal. You can also often find them on sale on Amazon for $89.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Thinksound makes all of its headphones out of wood. This serves two purposes: one, to take advantage of the natural sounds that wooden earphones can make, and two: so that its earphones are recyclable. That’s pretty cool.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]As an added bonus, you can send in your old pair of Thinksound earphones for recycling, and get 25% off your next purchase. That’s some pretty hefty savings, especially if you are looking to get a flagship pair of earphones.[/color]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.439216)]Sound Signature[/color]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Highs are decent. They mesh well with the rest of the sound, without getting lost or muddied which is partly what makes the Rain2 have such a smooth sound. However, compared to titanium-driver IEMs, the highs a pretty recessed. When using a regular DAC, such as that inside a Nexus 6P or laptop, there is a pretty noticeable sibilance (harsh “s” sound in vocals). Equalization can somewhat fix this, but the problem persists regardless of the device I used. Only when using a proper DAC/amp combo could I fully remedy the issue.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Mids are good as well. Full sounding, and accurate. They have a very warm feeling to them and are balanced well with the rest of the sound, as they have a rather flat signature to them.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Lows are tight and controlled, while being defined and present, which is surprising for IEMs with an 8mm driver. Even in songs with active and complex lows, such as Recognizer by Daft Punk, they never became overblown.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Bass is just right. There is no extra sound, or sloppy reproduction. The bass lends depth and impact to songs that is hard to come by. Rock and Electric music is accentuated nicely by the sound signature of the Rain2.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Sound Isolation is good. Thinksound did a good job with the Rain2, as they are capable of blocking the noise of a hairdryer, loud children, and the screams of my enemies pretty nicely. No matter how good of a seal I got though, people talking loudly next to me tended to penetrate into the music I was listening to. Raising the volume fixed this.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Sound Staging is about as good as I could ask for from 8mm drivers. There is definitely a wideness to it, with defined directions that instruments can take on. A good example of this would be Outlands, by Daft Punk. There is also a decent amount of depth, with instruments also being able to take on a distance, as well as a position. I will update this section to reflect how well the Rain2 does on an airplane at a later date.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Sound Type: Warm[/color]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.439216)]Comfort[/color]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Comfort is superb with the Rain2. The included earbuds fit just right, and created a seal that didn't feel like a suction cup on the inside of my ear. The light construction of these IEMs also made them hold up well in extended listening sessions, as well as while walking or jogging. Unfortunately, it’s going to be pretty difficult to sleep or lay on your side while wearing the Rain2, as they will press inwards very hard.[/color]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.439216)]Portability[/color]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]The Rain2 is pretty portable. It is slick, and doesn’t have any weird extrusions. The relatively small size of the driver housing makes it easy to slip into my pocket, even when wearing tighter pants. There also an included carrying pouch made out of recycled materials.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)][/color]
 

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.439216)]Durability[/color]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]While I can’t speak for long term durability, as I’ve had these earbuds for about a week at this point, I can say that they appear to be pretty sturdy. Drops won’t pose an issue, simply because of how light the Rain2 is. It won’t gain much momentum on the way down, and the wooden casing is very hard, and won’t scratch easily. Thinksound put a lot of time and attention into the cable connections. They are all covered with an extra layer of stress-relieving plastic. The 3.5mm jack is very well constructed. This is the best stress-relieving job I’ve seen on a pair of earphones to date. If anything, it will be the last part of the cable to break.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Thinksound also claims that the Rain2 is “sweat resistant”. No specification is mentioned, but the casing and cables are rather easy to clean.[/color]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.439216)]Mic[/color]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]There is no mic on the Rain2. If you are someone who really uses it, you may wish to consider a different pair of IEMs.[/color]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.439216)]Accessories[/color]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]The Rain2 comes with a carrying pouch made from recycled materials, a shirt clip, and some extra earbuds. The carrying pouch feels solid, and the earbuds are decent.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)][/color]
 

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.439216)]Conclusion[/color]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]If you are looking for a good pair of earphones with a nice soundstage, detailed and a warm sound signature, that happens to be eco-friendly, and is under $100, then these are for you. However, if you want earth-shattering bass, or are a heavy user of inline-controls, then you may wish to look elsewhere.[/color]

Impressions with the Thinksound Rain 2
 
Thanks @d marc0 for including me in the Australian Thinksound Rain 2 Tour
 
Source: Itunes downloaded music - Equaliser Player app by Audio Forge (EQ set to neutral) - Ipad 3rd Gen Wifi+cell - Line out cable - Just Audio AHA 120 Portable Class A headamp set to 32 ohm- Think Sound Rain 2
 

 

 
 
The Thinksounds are a well built set of earphones. Wooden housings capped by a metal ring (aluminum?), sturdy tangle free cable, angled connector, but no inline mic or remote controls. It also comes with various sized silicone tips and a cable clip. They all come in a small white packaging, packed in compressed cardboard and a hessian bag carry pouch. Simple functional and ecologically sustainable.
 
 
  
 
 
SOUND:
 
Well I must say these are picky with amp pairings. I also have a C&C BH but that just made these sibilant in my opinion and the best pairing was to be found with with Just Audio's. It just seems to amplify whats good about these headphones namely the warm sound signature, the smoothness and the soundstage.
 
Songs listened to: Emeli Sande Maybe (Live at the Royal Albert Hall) Micheal Buble Me and Mrs Jones (Live from Madison Square Garden) and just for kicks How Low by Ludacris (MAAAAD BASSY Track)
 
Ludacris HOW LOOOOOwwwww: Well I must say thinksounds performed well in this track. The bass presentation is certainly what Im looking for here and it does go quite low. It has good bass impact and good decay. Texture is also quite nice. Vocals seem to be smooth and present, not drowned out by the bass, although i think its abit recessed but not by much. The highs are non fatiguing but it could use more sparkle and airyness. Its just not resolving in my opinion. (not that there is anything to resolve. This is a club dance track after all) PRAT seems to be just abit off so these I would think are more suited to accoustic music hence the next two songs.
 
Emeli Sande Maybe:  Now were more into what these Thinksounds are about! This is totally the perfect genre for the Thinksounds. Simple accoustic music, female vocals, a long listening session. Totally goes with the relaxed and smooth sound sig. Since this track is recorded live, there seems to be a huuge sound stage and its just seems that Im on stage with Emeli and the claps the shouts and other sounds from the crowd are portrayed clearly. Instrument separations is also excellent with each having room to breathe. Emeli does not sound sibilant here at all. Again the guitar and and other instruments could use more resolution/detail but I can forgive this shortcoming as Im totally enjoying what Im hearing.
 
Michael Buble Me and Mrs Jones: Now for some male vocals. This track has a lot of wind instruments and percussion and I must say it underwhelmed me a bit. This track starts out slow and slowly builds into a crescendo towards the end when everything is playing at once and then slowly fades . Perhaps the thinksounds are too smooth. Michaels Vocals are fine, soundstage is fine but when everything is playing at once, to me it just seemed unexciting. I had no emotional connection. With the Emeli track, I felt like I was standing there on stage with her. With Michael it seemed I am front row and the crowd is behind me (perhaps the differing way the tracks are recorded?) 
 
COMPARISON with my current favourite in ears Phonak PFE 122 Grey Neutral filter
 

 
 
Michael Buble Me and Mrs Jones: Now the first thing I noticed is that the Phonaks have a brighter signature, more detailed, less bassy but its still there and just right for me. Its just totally at a different level. I can hear more of the crowd, the texture of the individual instruments. Michael's vocals seem to get back the energy and forwardness that the song deserves. In a short word my emotional connection is back. The Phonaks just seem to be more dynamically alive with this track and its a pleasure to listen to.
 
Emeli Sande Maybe:  This is such an emotional song and it connects with me if the presentation is correct. On my favourite headphones (He400, HD 650, Fidelio L2) and earphones (Phonaks), when she starts singing, I get goosebumps. I did not get the goosebumps with the Thinksounds but with the Phonaks its just amazing. The details of her voice, the nuances, the vocalizations and pain that should radiate from her voice is just portrayed so well (and thats why I get the goosebumps) with the Phonaks. Every instrument is heard clearly and resolutely. Simply amazing for me. Now let me sit back and put the track on repeat a few times and recline my chair......................
 
AFTER 10 mins...
 
 
Ludacris HOW LOOOOOwwwww: I must say the bass goes deeper on the Phonaks but not a lot impact but its well textured. I wish it has more bass (but thats what the black and green filter are for, Included in the Phonaks packaging for a V shaped sound and finally a U Shaped sound, a definite plus for the Phonak user, its customisable). While PRAT was missing from the Thinksounds, its back with the Phonaks. It certainly got my head bopping. The track just seemed more alive dynamically. There are parts of the song that has a heartbeat sound it occurs about 3 times, that goes on for about 3 seconds. On the Thinksounds, I dont think I ever heard ít. It just shows the Phonaks are more resolving in the bass texture if not in quantity.
 
Final thoughts:
 
I think the Thinksounds specialize in a specific genre or type of music. Simple. Earthy. Accoustic vocals. Perhaps in its next iteration, they can make it more resolving and more exciting so it would pair with most types of music.

thinksound rain2 - A mini Review

 
Firstly, I'd like to thank @d marc0 for including me on this tour. It's always a great experience and privilege to be a part of such a great community which organises these tours for members like myself to try out new gear that we may not have a chance to audition. I do feel very lucky to be a part of it.
Disclaimer: I did not purchase these earphones and do not own them. I've had 1 week with them and the Philips Fidelio L2. So please take what I have to say with a grain of salt, or two.