The MEE Audio RX18P was sent to me from MEE Audio with the intention to compare it to some of the most popular Chinese budget offerings and let Mike know the result of my findings. The idea was not really to do a full review but since I think it deserves more attention I choose to do it anyway. I’d like to thank MEE Audio and Mike for sending me the sample. The price at the time of this review was $6,99 for the version without a mic and $9,99 with mic.
The RX18 is available from the MEE Audio website and many other places:
http://www.meeaudio.com/rx18-bk
http://www.meeaudio.com/RX18P-BK/
I’m not in any way affiliated with MEE Audio.
Built and accessories:
The MEE Audio RX18 is a single dynamic IEM featuring a 10mm driver. They’re available in five different colors (black, white, pink, purple and light blue) both with and without a microphone. The one I’ve got is the version with microphone in black.
The cable is ok and quite typical at this price point. It does carry some microphonics but not more than average. The 3.5 mm connector has a 90 degree angle which I personally like.
The build in general seem solid without being anything extra. The housings are all plastic but still feel quite sturdy and reliable.
The L/R marking is black on black on my pair and although not the most easy to spot it still works ok. I’d have preferred the marking to be easier to see by using another color/colors that he one on the housing. On the other hand the design makes them fit correct one way only so it’s not a big deal.
The retail package is a standard one for low price IEM’s to be sold in major stores. Nothing fancy but rather what one would expect at this price point.
The accessories pack is in line with the pricing and features nothing more than 3 pairs of silicon tips (S,M,L).
The RX18’s are quite easy to drive and worked very well with all the sources I’ve tried it with including cellphones.
The specs:
Fit and ergonomics:
I find the RX18’s to be very comfortable and got no problem wearing them for several hours. They are deigned to be worn straight down but can be worn over the ears as well all though looking a little awkward.
Isolation is above average.
Sound:
I’ve used them on and off for the last six weeks now and they’ve played for well over 100 hours. I’ve used them both around the house, when travelling and when out and about and I haven’t really found any significant weaknesses in the way they’re designed.
I’ve used them primarily with my LG G3 phone but I’ve also tried it with other sources and they’ve worked well with all of them.
For this review I’ve used them with the medium stock tips..
Demo list:
The overall sound signature on the MEE Audio RX18 is pretty well balanced with an warm, soft and smooth presentation.
The sub-bass extension and presence is a bit subdued and the character is slightly on the soft side. . Mid-bass presence is enough to give the sound an engaging character and good drive with pop music but not (as so often I this price class) causing a lot of bleed into the upper frequencies. The overall bass presence is still enough for them to be enjoyable with all kind of music.
The midrange is well in line with the rest of the frequencies and only slightly recessed, the lower midrange a bit more so than the upper. Male vocals sounds full and female voices are smooth and natural sounding.
The treble is thick and smooth but rolls off a bit earlier than I’d have preferred ideally.
Clarity and resolution is not the RX18’s biggest assets but I wasn’t expecting that at this price point either. Soundstage width is decent and the full and lush presentation gives a good sense of 3D imaging.
Summary:
The MEE Audio RX18p is one dirt cheap IEM that offers a more than acceptable sound that will be a good upgrade from a number of stock IEM’s that comes together with smart phones.
Although they’re not the greatest I’ve heard in resolution their very easy going, laid back and lush presentation without overwhelming bass offers a very non-fatiguing listening experience. To me they’re a great alternative to many sub $15 Chinese no brand offerings that (if your in the US) will be able to take their place in your ears in a day or two after ordering them.
The RX18 is available from the MEE Audio website and many other places:
http://www.meeaudio.com/rx18-bk
http://www.meeaudio.com/RX18P-BK/
I’m not in any way affiliated with MEE Audio.
Built and accessories:
The MEE Audio RX18 is a single dynamic IEM featuring a 10mm driver. They’re available in five different colors (black, white, pink, purple and light blue) both with and without a microphone. The one I’ve got is the version with microphone in black.
The cable is ok and quite typical at this price point. It does carry some microphonics but not more than average. The 3.5 mm connector has a 90 degree angle which I personally like.
The build in general seem solid without being anything extra. The housings are all plastic but still feel quite sturdy and reliable.
The L/R marking is black on black on my pair and although not the most easy to spot it still works ok. I’d have preferred the marking to be easier to see by using another color/colors that he one on the housing. On the other hand the design makes them fit correct one way only so it’s not a big deal.
The retail package is a standard one for low price IEM’s to be sold in major stores. Nothing fancy but rather what one would expect at this price point.
The accessories pack is in line with the pricing and features nothing more than 3 pairs of silicon tips (S,M,L).
The RX18’s are quite easy to drive and worked very well with all the sources I’ve tried it with including cellphones.
The specs:
| Housing | Plastic |
| Driver Unit | Dynamic 10 mm |
| Frequenzy range | 20Hz-20KHz |
| Sensitivity | 98dB |
| Impedance | 16 Ohms |
| Weight | 3 g |
| Cable lenght | 1,2 m |
Fit and ergonomics:
I find the RX18’s to be very comfortable and got no problem wearing them for several hours. They are deigned to be worn straight down but can be worn over the ears as well all though looking a little awkward.
Isolation is above average.
Sound:
I’ve used them on and off for the last six weeks now and they’ve played for well over 100 hours. I’ve used them both around the house, when travelling and when out and about and I haven’t really found any significant weaknesses in the way they’re designed.
I’ve used them primarily with my LG G3 phone but I’ve also tried it with other sources and they’ve worked well with all of them.
For this review I’ve used them with the medium stock tips..
Demo list:
Mark Knopfler – Sailing to Philadelphia
Røyksopp (Feat.Susanne Sundfør) – Save Me
Ane Brun – These Days
Michael Jackson – Dirty Diana
Metallica – Die Die My Darling
The Peter Malick Group – Immigrant
Eva Cassidy – Songbird
Thomas Dybdahl – A Lovestory
Norah Jones – Don’t Know Why
Celldweller – Unshakeable
Jack Johnson – Better Together
Seinabo Sey – Younger (Kygo remix)
Dire Straits- So Far Away
Tracy Chapman – Baby can I hold you
Lupe Fiasco - Deliver
Morrissey – Earth Is the Loneliest Planet
Adele - Hello
Røyksopp (Feat.Susanne Sundfør) – Save Me
Ane Brun – These Days
Michael Jackson – Dirty Diana
Metallica – Die Die My Darling
The Peter Malick Group – Immigrant
Eva Cassidy – Songbird
Thomas Dybdahl – A Lovestory
Norah Jones – Don’t Know Why
Celldweller – Unshakeable
Jack Johnson – Better Together
Seinabo Sey – Younger (Kygo remix)
Dire Straits- So Far Away
Tracy Chapman – Baby can I hold you
Lupe Fiasco - Deliver
Morrissey – Earth Is the Loneliest Planet
Adele - Hello
The overall sound signature on the MEE Audio RX18 is pretty well balanced with an warm, soft and smooth presentation.
The sub-bass extension and presence is a bit subdued and the character is slightly on the soft side. . Mid-bass presence is enough to give the sound an engaging character and good drive with pop music but not (as so often I this price class) causing a lot of bleed into the upper frequencies. The overall bass presence is still enough for them to be enjoyable with all kind of music.
The midrange is well in line with the rest of the frequencies and only slightly recessed, the lower midrange a bit more so than the upper. Male vocals sounds full and female voices are smooth and natural sounding.
The treble is thick and smooth but rolls off a bit earlier than I’d have preferred ideally.
Clarity and resolution is not the RX18’s biggest assets but I wasn’t expecting that at this price point either. Soundstage width is decent and the full and lush presentation gives a good sense of 3D imaging.
Summary:
The MEE Audio RX18p is one dirt cheap IEM that offers a more than acceptable sound that will be a good upgrade from a number of stock IEM’s that comes together with smart phones.
Although they’re not the greatest I’ve heard in resolution their very easy going, laid back and lush presentation without overwhelming bass offers a very non-fatiguing listening experience. To me they’re a great alternative to many sub $15 Chinese no brand offerings that (if your in the US) will be able to take their place in your ears in a day or two after ordering them.
I'm now laughing so hard I think I'm crying:blink: 
