Ok so this is my first time with earbuds, like a virgin.
Let's say it, i do prefer IEMs. Better isolation, better look and style.
I just wanted to do a look at the Earbuds world without any expectation so i jumped on the Crossroads train.
Earbuds got their pro and cons for sure, it goes just into personal preferences. Most of the time they can deal better soundstage then IEMs, bad error to neglet it.

HR1 and HR2 in my hand











BUILD QUALITY

I'm totally into crossroads on this aspect. I do really like their IEM build quality and the same happened for the earbuds.
They are just like they should. Most of you have noticed they have almost the same look as Yuin, yea they do
What about the cables? Just fantastic, they are like Westone's cables, damn flexibles and light weight, it is like not having them. Great really.
They come with a gold plated 1/4" adaptor, sponge covers and a wooden box.

HR1
Driver: 15mm
Sensitivity: 120 + 3dB/mW
Impedance: 150 ohms
Freq. Resp.: 20Hz ~ 24kHz
Max. Input Power: 1000 Mv

HR2
Driver: 15mm
Sensitivity: 123 + 3dB/mW
Impedance: 16 ohms
Freq. Resp.: 20Hz ~ 20kHz
Max. Input Power: 500 mV

Ok did you notice the HR1 impedance? Quite high, they need an amp to do their best. Out of my ampless Ipod the output volume is way too low.
Plugging in my GoVibe Magnum totally changed my experiences.
Different story for the HR2, 16ohms impedence make them easy to drive and the only choice if you are not into amps.

SOUND QUALITY

Ok I got impressed, nothing else to say. Both HR2 and HR1 deal a damn good sounding experience.
They do share almost the same sound signature.
HR2 has a more neutral sound, less coloured then HR1 with a good balance over all frequencies. Bass are there but not punchy, if you are a basshead HR2 are not for you. HR2 do shine on mids and vocals, there is a good amount of air and space for the sound and vocals are really defined and upfront. Trebles are totally not harshes and not so pronunced, they are controlled and not fatiguing even if you listening them for a long session. This is a big pro for people like me who are not into spiking trebles but could be a con looking at the amount of details coming out.
Here is where they lack the most, HR2 could be better on details. As I said trebles are there but they do not extend until the end of the frequency, they sound limited sometimes.
To best honest they remember Shures sound, not the 530 indeed.
HR1 as a bigger body, sound is “bigger” like coming out from something big.
Basses are almost the same as HR2 but HR1 can reach better details on mid highs and a more redefined sound. They are an improvement over the HR2 for sure.

COMPARING TO PK3

I wanted to compare them with Yuin’s since they are an alternative.
Quanganh101090 was so kind to lend me his PK3.
Compared to HR1\HR2 they are incredibly bassy and punchy. PK3 as a “fun” sounding, less balanced but enphatized on both treble and bass.
What I didn’t like on the Yuins is the sibilance, they may sound detailed on some songs but sometimes highs are really harsh and hurting. Also PK3 has less soundstage and air, it is like listening to music in a small room.
Too bad I could not try PK1:/

At the end, both HR1 and HR2 are a great choice if you don’t like something inside your ear canal. HR1 are definitely better then HR2 but they do require an amp, don’t even try to use them without one, would be a waste of money.
And if you want more, look here :




Didn’t have the luck to try it but look awesome!

Crossroads HR1 and HR2 can be found here:

Jaben Online Store

nice review and nice pic look like the iem solution for crossroad is better than Yuin's OK series do you have any information about those iem things ? I bet that HR's bass will be better with it

If I am not mistaken, those custom earmolds are Westone's Style No. 7.

Quote:



Yes, those are the Style No.7. Saw them with my eyes personally

nice find guys

"Bass are there but not punchy"

That's not an indicator of neutrality - rather a recession/roll-off in the low end.

I'd like to know to what frequency treble extends on both earphones, how the op feels about bass depth (if any) and definition (different from weakness, like he might be suggesting), and some hints about midrange tone. Vocals clarity is important too, as well as if they convey enough emotion (and in which way). I have had enough of earbuds, but I am curious to know if one has to consider these two buds above or below the Yuin PK2 and similar products, since it's not clear to me after reading the review.