Wow! Comments made about the VE MONKS shaming a good amount of in-ear earphones weren’t no joke! But, for quite a while great comments were made in the opposite side of the world on the TY-HiZ, as well! We’re talking about China! The TY Hi-Z HP-32, to be exact, is just as popular as the budget king of earbuds selling in the US and other foreign countries! A Chinese friend of mine going by the name of “Dance to Death”, not mentioning his real name of course, decided to get me the TY-HiZ. Oh? He actually writes for a famous headphone forum in China. Going back to the topic, while enjoying these for a time, I decided to purchase the MONKS on taobao to compare both and see if there were any similarities or differences, or if there is even a relationship between the two!? Hmmm? More about that later!
So, as curiosity killed the cat 9 times over, I was curious enough to do the same and live to write about it.
Before describing both sound signatures and the quality there-in, I decided to show their names, specifications, and where to buy them, first. Check below!
TY Hi-Z HP-32
Specification:
Sensitivity: 108 +/- 5 Db/mW
Impedance: 32 ohm
Frequency range: 18-21000 kHz
Cable length: 1.2M
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/TY-Hi-Z-HP-32-32ohm-HiFi-Earbuds-Earphone/32676147271.html?spm=2114.30010308.3.1.S2OBcO&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_8,searchweb201602_5_10017_507_401_10040_9999,searchweb201603_2&btsid=3aa89a88-b1c9-4c8e-bac6-93fbb45fc32
http://penonaudio.com/Earphones/earbuds/TY-Hi-Z-HP-32
https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z10.5-c.w4002-13354342823.21.Rn7TX5&id=529399390775
VE MONK
Specification:
Sensitivity: 112dB / mW
Impedance: 32 ohm
Frequency range: 18-22500 kHz
Cable length: 1.2M
NOTE: Due to the newer version -->VE MONK “PLUS”, which displays a different frequency range and carries extra accessories, I only can find the original MONKS on China’s taobao website.
https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.7.8rKI4V&id=525562034905&ns=1&abbucket=4#detail
Here are some pics!
For more information on package and accessories just go to the provided links.
When I first was introduced to the TY Hi-Z by my friend as a surprise gift, I was at a standstill just listening to these! As my mouth dropped out of disbelief I started understanding the hype I’ve been hearing about these. But, keeping in touch with my homeland, the US, there was the VE MONK at center stage, as well! And, just as much as I was frozen at a “ah, then, wow” with the Hi-Z’s, the same reaction accord when I purchased and received the VE MONKS! So, here are two different earbuds making “head waves” in two different countries and I’m the happiest camper to own both!
…..you ask me a year ago if I would ever buy earbuds in the later future and I’ll literally laugh! That’s how confident and wrong I was thinking that earbuds could not actually make a comeback like this, BUT I WAS DEAD WRONG!
So, here you go! …..Some comparisons for your favorite taste and preference!
Take your pick, or buy both! “Comparing the TY-Hi-Z and VE MONK”
TREBLE: Both the Hi-Z and VE MONK show great details on top with the MONKS sounding ever so slightly harsh at its peak, while the Hi-Z sounds crispier. But, though the Hi-Z’s are easier to listen to at its peak the MONKS can give just slightly better extension.
MIDRANGE: The midrange is fuller, forward and breathe taking with the Hi-Z’s showing off all instruments and vocals that travel through this range, while in the other hand, the MONKS sounds clear and vivid, with a more centered focus –nor forward or laid back.
BASS: The MONKS displays a fast and quick bass response that clearly sounds detailed for an earbud at such a budget price, while in the same way the Hi-Z displays a “wow” factor at the sub-bass range that clearly has me asking “how do they get that type of sub-bass to come out of an earbud?"
SOUNDSTAGE: This is where both might be a little different. When you first try on for the first time the Hi-Z’s, quickly you’re submerged in a stunning and wide soundstage that strikes you as being there “live”! With the MONKS, the presence of their clarity and detail, at first are just as surprising, as well! But, the width, height, and depth of the Hi-Z’s are just BIGGER and more engaging. So, while the VE MONKS sounds transparent the soundstage is smaller, but has a lot of detailed bass punch, but not in quantity, but more of originality and quality. The Hi-Z’s has an organic experience or a luscious feel to them, which personally I think falls at a higher price ratio for more of originality, soundstage and a quality sub-bass to kill for!
OVERALL EXPERIENCE: Overall, the sound signatures on both are excellent for earbuds. The VE MONKS has a totally digital sound to them –like hearing a digital amplifier through your favorite speakers, while the TY Hi-Z’s has an analog sound to them –like hearing a tube amplifier with your favorite speakers, as well. They both have different sound signatures that can be truly appreciated. My overall experience with both was everything one would have wished for on earbuds many years ago. But, knowing what I have now makes them somewhat priceless!
OK, for a surprise finale! …..According to my Chinese friend “Dance to Death”, these two companies have some type of affiliation…..both owners are really good friends, or one may say “best friends”, since several years now. So, it’s no surprise that even though they might have their own choice of sound preferences, the housing, looks, and labeling do closely resemble each other, almost as if it’s coming from one company.
Final thoughts! Though, both sound different from each other –like east to west, I can clearly say that I like both!
No doubt about it, if you can buy both? ….Just go for it!
-1clearhead
