[REVIEW] Thinksound ms01 - Feel the Rumble - Page 3

I'm one of the proud owners of Thinksound TS02mic. I got them about a year ago and I really enjoyed it so far. Back in March, my TS02mic has some crackling noise on the right earphone. I have consulted Thinksound and they are kind enough to send me a new pair of TS02mic. Kudos to Thinksound for their great customer service and fast response.

 

Just today I noticed the right earphone of my replacement TS02mic is having some problem again. This time, the sound cuts off when I move the cable near the earphone. I suspect the wires inside had damage. Don't get me wrong. I am not trying to complain that there is some quality issue with Thinksound products. They make great lovely products. It could be someone accidentally pulled the cable when I'm not around. I have been away for a few days.

 

Now I'm really worry that the right channel will be totally 'deaf'. So I am currently looking to get a replacement before worst thing happens. I have been fancy about the MS01 for a while. However I'm really not sure if it is an improvement when compare to the TS02 or it's just a minor difference. I love the warm sound from the TS02 but sometimes I find that it is not clear or detailed enough in some area. The soundstage and separation might not be the best too. Is the MS01 better in these areas?

 

I have read some reviews (including yours, Swimsonny ) of the MS01 and most of the highlighted that the highs are a bit too harsh. Is it really that bad? Will it be harsh to a level that is fatiguing after a long period of listening? I work mostly in front of my laptop and I listen music only using earphones. So if it is fatiguing, it might not be the best option for me.

 

What are the other options in this price range? I really hope someone can give me some opinion and advice.

 

Currently I'm using TS02mic connected to FiiO E17. I find that the sound of TS02mic noticeably improved when used with FiiO E17.

 

Thanks!

 

I wouldn't call the MS01 highs harsh in any means.  Maybe a little sibilant, if that.  The TS02 do it worse in this case though than the MS01.  The MS01 are a more balanced version of the TS02, but have lost vocal sweetness. Neither IEM needs an amp. 

The best wood IEM ever!!! 

 

They're also a great catch for about ~100

 

I'll say slightly sibilant, but not harsh

 

 

This normally creates a resonant sound as the peak is normally within our resonant frequency.  Too much of this will create a painful sound (literally, painful to our ears; similar to a screech).  I didn't get this from the MS01.  I didn't get it from the TS02.  I did get slightly aggressive from the TS02 and sibilant from the MS01. 

Edited by tinyman392 - 9/3/12 at 9:35am

Thanks tinyman392 and Swimsonny for your replies and input.

 

If I understand correctly, tinyman392 mentioned that the TS02 is on the aggressive side and MS01 slightly sibilant?

 

According to http://www.stereophile.com/reference/50/ :

aggressive Reproduced sound that is excessively forward and bright.

sibilance A coloration that resembles or exaggerates the vocal s-sound.

 

TS02 might not be the most accurate IEM, but I find it to be quite enjoyable and fun when listening to a variety of music. Although I don't mind getting another TS02 as replacement to my faulty earphone, but I thought I would love to try something different. If the MS01 is not annoyingly sibilant and the overall sound is more balance and accurate, I don't mind getting it to replace my TS02.

 

Usually I listen to vocal, jazz, pop and movies. :)

 

Thanks guys!

 

The MS01 is definitely more accurate and balanced than the TS02.  It'll work for what you want, except you may be wanting a slightly better vocal performance.  TS02 are an absolutely wonderful, fun, and enjoyable IEM. 

Since my now-dead SE530 i've been without iem's till 3 days ago - when these arrived. Before we go on, my regular listen is courtesy of an LCD-3 and a pair of T5p so the ms-01 wasn't really something i purchased in search for the ultimate audio truth or anything of vague resemblance. I have nothing to which to compare these (except for the afore mentioned) so i'll just spew some opinions hoping they'd be useful to some.

Sound quality:
(~50-70 hours old) For $100 they're pretty impressive out of an iPhone 4S. Seem pretty balanced actually. Through a CLAS -db & Rx-3b the sound is "meatier" but at the same time the treble seems a little strange. Not hd800 bright, but to me sound oddly like they're separated from the rest of the sound somehow. I'm not saying by much, but it's as if someone turned up the 'treble' knob somehow. Apart from that they're a bit veiled and can get confused when too many things are going on but we're talking 100 bucks here. Out of the same sources but through my Lehmann Audio Linear, it's pretty much the same thing - but more pronounced to the extent that they sound thinner. More detailed, but that's the amp, really.

Build/comfort:
I drive a hybrid so i like the way they packaged these. They're light but feel sturdy. The plug works with my phone case which is nice but look like they can be a little more substantial. Can't complain about the fit and they keep things quiet and if you're not like jogging microphonics is not a problem. The wood looks good too.

Conclusion:
I rather like these. Apart from the look and feel and all that eco stuff, they sound pretty good for what you pay. Most importantly, i think they sound best straight out of my iPhone and i guess some tuning was done for playing straight of of your DAP. That's probably how they're intended to be used (to be honest i doubt anyone would listen to these amped - well, at least not these amps) and if that's the case, these are very nice iem's for "fun" listening. If you want to stick them in and relax and close your eyes etc., the treble might not work for you, however.

P.s. these don't sound to me to have exaggerated bass. But may ne that's just me.

Would these sound good with alternative rock and metal?