REVIEW: Renkforce/Yoga CD-340: small price, big sound! (Rise of the Rebrands part 1)

DISCLAIMER: This is part one of my "Rise of the Rebrands" series of reviews. The Brainwavz HM5/ Fischer Audio FA-003/ Yoga CD-880 is up next. Part one is about a Conrad.com rebrand of the Yoga CD-340. Yoga is the OEM manufacturer of, among others, Fischer Audio and Brainwavz headphones. This headphone shows similarities to the Fischer Audio FA-006, where the Yoga CD-880 shows similarities to the Fischer Audio FA-003 and Brainwavz HM5. Thanks to user Jack Nicholson for the (first?) head's up on these. 

Yes, the lighting in my office is pretty horrible. Might take some better pics later on. 

The Renkforce CD-340 / Yoga CD-340
 

Specs according to the packaging:
- load (max): 100 mW

- frequency range: 20 - 20.000 Hz

- impedance: 32 ohm

- sound pressure: 102 dB

- weight: 290 g.

- cable length: 3.1 m.
 

Build:
Although plasticky, these things seem to be built really well. Great materials, comfortable headband, flexible, sturdy yet light without feeling too cheap. Removeable cable, singly entry. The pads are some sort of pleathered-memory foam. They don't quite seal for me and aren't very comfortable to my, admittedly ginormous, ears. The pads aren't totally circumaural and rest on my earlobes, causing pressure that gets uncomfortable after a while. This can be less of a problem if you have small ears and will probably fix itself after the pads are worn in. I'm going to try and source some velours regardless. 

Sound:

First, these are closed but sound open. They also leak quite some sound and hardly isolate. They sound balanced, subjectively neutral with a VERY good soundstage for such a budget headphone. Slightly recessed in the mids and moderately lean. Not a front-row presentation. Not for bassheads but certainly not bass-light. Pretty impressive extensions for the price I paid. Decent seperation and they sound overall pleasant and, dare I say, polite, monitor-like and very unfatigueing. If I press down slightly on the pads I get higher bass quantity so I guess the pads are too stiff right now to really show me what they're capable of. Like Head-Fi guru LFF mentioned as well in his FA-006 review, they really remind me of the Brainwavz HM5/Fischer Audio FA-003's smaller brother. They also remind me a bit of my ATH-AD700. 

Use:

Gaming for their soundstage and positioning, monitoring for their neutrality, acoustic, classical and popmusic for their overall signature. Bassheads need not apply (basslight). Metalheads/rockers need not apply (recessed mids). EDIT: I am listening to some Explosions in the Sky right now on the CD-340 and, eventhough it contains a lot of guitarwork, it sounds wonderful with a wide soundstage and a really clean and soothing presentation. People that like spacious, neutral and unfatigueing headphones and don't want to spend an arm and a leg will go bananas. 

Pro:
- price
- build

- detachable cable
- soundstage

- neutrality

- unfatigueing treble

- positioning

- comfortable headband

Con:
- basslight

- uncomfortable pads before break-in
- slightly recessed mids

Renkforce CD-340 = Yoga CD-340 = Fischer Audio FA-006?

Regarding the similarities between the Renkforce, Yoga and Fischer Audio FA-006, I can't say if these are the exact same since I don't have a FA-006 laying around. According to a Twitter conversation between a Head-Fi user and FA they do use the same drivers. I personally can say that I am VERY surprised and VERY happy with these great sounding (and looking) cans. They cost me $35 incl. shipping from the Conrad webstore, which is a steal in my opinion. For me, they beat the Superlux HD668b, which is another great budget contender in that price category. The HD668b looks cheap and sounds screechy and sibilant in comparison.

When you compare these photos (and specs) of the Renkforce CD-340 (first), Yoga CD-340 (second) and FA-006 (third) I think it's more than possible they're the exact same headphone. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deckard1979 

Very interesting, thanks very much for the detailed review

 

Looks quite probable that those looking to purchase the FA-006 should look here instead and save some money.

 

The only difference I can see on paper is those specs - Renkforce is quoted as 20Hz-20KHz, whereas the FA-006 is quoted as 10Hz-22KHz.

 

So either:

 

1) Drivers are different

2) Someone's lying

You ARE right. The specs are slighty different. Can't be sure untill someone pops up with both a FA-006 and a CD-340 though. In the meantime I'll try to get some measurements of both. 

Turned the first impressions into a proper review. If someone knows another seller, or another Yoga-CD340 rebrand, let me know and I'll add it to the review. 

Recent development: Fischer Audio modified their version of the Yoga CD-340 to further differentiate it from the other rebrands.

"Our respectable competitors are always ready to make our llife more interesting and exciting. Well, here's how FA-006 will look from now on. APE-02S filter inside and excellent wooden housing.

We'll add some kind of label later - this sample just came from our workshop, and I want to answer those of you who asked if we even try to make some changes in OEM models. Yes we do. And we try like hell."

Quote:

Originally Posted by wijnands 

Well, you gotta admit, that Fischer suddenly looks like the price difference is more than justified

I think the new FA-006 with wood cups will cost more than the standard FA-006. Helaas. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfreshwes 

How does the sound quality and more importantly the bass on the Renkforce CD-340 compare to the Superlux HD681?  I saw that you listed the CD-340 as basslight.

I've got a bunch of Superluxes but the HD681 isn't among them. I'd take an experienced gamble that the HD681 is heavier on the bass though. The CD-340's bass can be compared with that of the ATH-AD700 and AKG K701 in quantity.