Reviews by Berry108
๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ: ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ซ๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฎ๐ฉ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ
|| ๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ||
Amidst all the recent releases of tuning switches on budget sets, TRN is back once again with an entry around the $20 range. The ST1 Pro is equipped by a trusty dynamic driver, a balanced armature driver, and 3 tuning switches on each earpiece.
TRN is no stranger in this budget segment for a long time now but I feel has been on the sidelines up until recently. After my review of the MT1 Max, I found myself to be optimistic in TRNโs comeback to the spotlight of the endless sea of budget IEMs.
|| ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ||
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๐๐๐ด๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ๐ ๐๐ผ Linsoul Audio ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฒ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ป ๐ง๐ฎ๐ป๐ด ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐น๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ ๐๐ป๐ถ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐. ๐ฃ๐น๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฎ๐๐ฑ๐ถ๐ผ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฐ๐ต ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐.
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| ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
Most of you are familiar with this kind of packaging, especially those who are well-versed and informed in the budget segment of this hobby of ours.
It comes in a small white box with a render of the IEM earpieces along with a couple of text and branding all around the box. Nothing noteworthy to highlight as I assume most of you are familiar with this already.
| ๐จ๐ป๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ด & ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Opening the box will unravel the ST1 Pro earpieces encased in foam with all of the included accessories underneath along with paperwork. It comes with 3 pairs of normal-bore eartips, Stock QDC cable, a tuning pick, and a single pair of TRNโs very own T-Tips.
๐๐๐ฒ๐บ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ป:
Paperwork
ST1 Pro Earpieces(Green)
Stock 4-core SPC QDC L-shaped cable
3 sets of normal-bore ear tips(S/M/L)
1 pair of TRN T-Tips
Tuning pick/Sim ejector tool
Pretty bland inclusions take account that the ST1 Pro comes in at around $20. The quality of cable is pretty cheap, it tangles, and overall feeling doesnโt give off confidence but it is serviceable. The inclusion of their T-tips is a pretty nice addition despite only including one size as I find myself liking them.
| ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ & ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
They are primarily built with this transparent plastic for the most part with a segment in the faceplate that seems to be also plastic with a different coating similar to the recent MT1 Max. The circular part of the faceplate also acts as a vent with more holes compared to the MT1 Max. Two smaller vents are located on the inner side of the IEM. The nozzle is also plastic with very small ridges to help the ear tip stay in place also seen from the MT1 Max.
TRN offers the ST1 Pro in three color variants with green, white/clear, and smokey black, all of which have this transparent motif. The shape of it is universal, with no extreme protrusions/wings that may bother few people.
The design of the ST1 Pro is very similar with the MT1 Max and other TRN products. They look quite alright and I find the green variant to actually be quite beautiful. They are also equipped with both a dynamic driver and a balanced armature driver on each ear pierce
| ๐๐๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
Seeing as this has a huge vent outwards, sound from outside can easily disrupt your use case of the ST1 Pro without going for more volume. They do also leak a little bit of sound in return so using this on public transport is not preferred but can do well in a pinch.
| ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ |
Sporting a more rounded and universal fit, the ST1 Pro sits nice and comfortably in my ears. The open-back nature of it helps with pressure management and the
occlusion effect is experienced less on this set.
** ๐จ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ง๐ฅ๐ก ๐ง-๐๐ถ๐ฝ๐ | ๐ญ๐ถ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ป ๐จ๐ญ **
| ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ |
Efficient, and has a really low noise floor. It can be easily run with a modern smartphone but as always a cleaner dedicated device is recommended.
|| ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ||
TRN provided 4 official tuning configurations for the ST1 Pro. Iโve tried all four and picked which combination suits my taste which will then be the basis of the rest of the review. The provided configurations are straight-up the same as with the MT1 Pro as both have the same amount of switches on board.
๐๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ๐ฅ
As the name suggests, it is the most balanced in the choices of configurations. It has a nice mix of warmth and rumble but not too muddy sounding. Unlike the MT1 Max, I do find this the best sounding configuration with the Xtra-bass coming close second.
๐๐น๐ฑ๐ข๐ฏ๐ด๐ช๐ท๐ฆ ๐๐ณ๐ฆ๐ฃ๐ญ๐ฆ(๐๐ณ๐ฆ๐ฃ๐ญ๐ฆ-๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ฉ๐ข๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ๐ฅ)
Sounds more open and clearer. Lessened overall note weight, and mid bass hits are much less but are still present. Bass guitars can sound a bit behind on this configuration and sibilance and harshness are much more obvious.
๐๐ถ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ด๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐๐ข๐ด๐ด(๐๐ข๐ด๐ด-๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ฉ๐ข๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ๐ฅ)
Makes the mid bass the star of the show. Better execution of the similar config on the MT1 Max. With the BA doing the lifting of the higher frequencies, it doesnโt sound as muffled as with the MT1 Max. Good for those wanting a bass oriented sound, it still does overshadow other frequencies but not to the point of sounding really dark.
๐๐ต๐ณ๐ข-๐๐ข๐ด๐ด
Increases the amount of both sub bass and mid bass with excellent execution. Doesnโt change the overall sound as much. Makes the sound really thick. The warmth this setting brings is similar to that of the MT1 Max but Iโd pick the Balanced setting more in this scenario probably due to the introduction of a balanced armature driver.
** ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐น๐น ๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ป ๐ฑ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ โ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ โ ๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ป๐น๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ผ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ **
| ๐๐ฎ๐๐ |
Ample in amount and good in quality. There is a nice balance of both sub bass and mid bass in the ST1 Pro. The sub bass rumbles really well and has good texture whilst the mid bass hits are full, fast in attack and doesnโt bleed to the midrange.
| ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ |
Vocals have nice air and are full sounding. Sibilance is still present but is tolerable. Instruments sound energetic and shouty-ness isnโt a major issue. Crashing cymbals though can sound splashy at times.
| ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ |
Quite an improvement from the MT1 Max, better air and extension but is still average in terms of details. Harshness is still an issue on higher volumes, but suggest listening to this with a lower volume.
I have an inkling of a thought that it does have a plastic-y timbre, but I canโt conclude on that as I havenโt noticed it consistently during testing.
| ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Staging is taller than wide but still has enough perceived space. Layering is decent as it can get congested along with imaging during busier passages. One can use the Treble-Enhanced mode to make the sound more clearer and analytical if need be and the Xtra-bass mode can be quiet and experience for immersion like watching movies or playing role-playing games.
|| ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ||
The TRN ST1 Pro is for all intents and purposes a more polished MT1 Max. I recommend buying this instead of its little sibling since the difference in price isnโt that big. Hence why all of the comparisons I stated on this review are quite abundant against the MT1 Max.
You can get a slightly better albeit still cheap feeling cable, a green color variant, and a more polished sound performance. Overall great output from TRN for an offering for the $20 price range.
|| ๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ||
Amidst all the recent releases of tuning switches on budget sets, TRN is back once again with an entry around the $20 range. The ST1 Pro is equipped by a trusty dynamic driver, a balanced armature driver, and 3 tuning switches on each earpiece.
TRN is no stranger in this budget segment for a long time now but I feel has been on the sidelines up until recently. After my review of the MT1 Max, I found myself to be optimistic in TRNโs comeback to the spotlight of the endless sea of budget IEMs.
|| ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ||
- I donโt fancy confusing lingo, therefore, the reviews will be simple without too much confusing terminology.
- I am in no way, shape, or form affiliated with the brands I review and do not give out preview privileges.
- This set is sent in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for me to do this review and I guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.
- My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
- I donโt do rankings or tier lists as they can get outdated immediately as a reviewer can change their thoughts of a product to a certain extent. If you do want a recommendation then feel free to reach out so I can help out
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๐๐๐ด๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ๐ ๐๐ผ Linsoul Audio ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฒ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ป ๐ง๐ฎ๐ป๐ด ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐น๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ ๐๐ป๐ถ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐. ๐ฃ๐น๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฎ๐๐ฑ๐ถ๐ผ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฐ๐ต ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐.
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| ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
Most of you are familiar with this kind of packaging, especially those who are well-versed and informed in the budget segment of this hobby of ours.
It comes in a small white box with a render of the IEM earpieces along with a couple of text and branding all around the box. Nothing noteworthy to highlight as I assume most of you are familiar with this already.
| ๐จ๐ป๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ด & ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Opening the box will unravel the ST1 Pro earpieces encased in foam with all of the included accessories underneath along with paperwork. It comes with 3 pairs of normal-bore eartips, Stock QDC cable, a tuning pick, and a single pair of TRNโs very own T-Tips.
๐๐๐ฒ๐บ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ป:
Paperwork
ST1 Pro Earpieces(Green)
Stock 4-core SPC QDC L-shaped cable
3 sets of normal-bore ear tips(S/M/L)
1 pair of TRN T-Tips
Tuning pick/Sim ejector tool
Pretty bland inclusions take account that the ST1 Pro comes in at around $20. The quality of cable is pretty cheap, it tangles, and overall feeling doesnโt give off confidence but it is serviceable. The inclusion of their T-tips is a pretty nice addition despite only including one size as I find myself liking them.
| ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ & ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
They are primarily built with this transparent plastic for the most part with a segment in the faceplate that seems to be also plastic with a different coating similar to the recent MT1 Max. The circular part of the faceplate also acts as a vent with more holes compared to the MT1 Max. Two smaller vents are located on the inner side of the IEM. The nozzle is also plastic with very small ridges to help the ear tip stay in place also seen from the MT1 Max.
TRN offers the ST1 Pro in three color variants with green, white/clear, and smokey black, all of which have this transparent motif. The shape of it is universal, with no extreme protrusions/wings that may bother few people.
The design of the ST1 Pro is very similar with the MT1 Max and other TRN products. They look quite alright and I find the green variant to actually be quite beautiful. They are also equipped with both a dynamic driver and a balanced armature driver on each ear pierce
| ๐๐๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
Seeing as this has a huge vent outwards, sound from outside can easily disrupt your use case of the ST1 Pro without going for more volume. They do also leak a little bit of sound in return so using this on public transport is not preferred but can do well in a pinch.
| ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ |
Sporting a more rounded and universal fit, the ST1 Pro sits nice and comfortably in my ears. The open-back nature of it helps with pressure management and the
occlusion effect is experienced less on this set.
** ๐จ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ง๐ฅ๐ก ๐ง-๐๐ถ๐ฝ๐ | ๐ญ๐ถ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ป ๐จ๐ญ **
| ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ |
Efficient, and has a really low noise floor. It can be easily run with a modern smartphone but as always a cleaner dedicated device is recommended.
|| ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ||
TRN provided 4 official tuning configurations for the ST1 Pro. Iโve tried all four and picked which combination suits my taste which will then be the basis of the rest of the review. The provided configurations are straight-up the same as with the MT1 Pro as both have the same amount of switches on board.
๐๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ๐ฅ
As the name suggests, it is the most balanced in the choices of configurations. It has a nice mix of warmth and rumble but not too muddy sounding. Unlike the MT1 Max, I do find this the best sounding configuration with the Xtra-bass coming close second.
๐๐น๐ฑ๐ข๐ฏ๐ด๐ช๐ท๐ฆ ๐๐ณ๐ฆ๐ฃ๐ญ๐ฆ(๐๐ณ๐ฆ๐ฃ๐ญ๐ฆ-๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ฉ๐ข๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ๐ฅ)
Sounds more open and clearer. Lessened overall note weight, and mid bass hits are much less but are still present. Bass guitars can sound a bit behind on this configuration and sibilance and harshness are much more obvious.
๐๐ถ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ด๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐๐ข๐ด๐ด(๐๐ข๐ด๐ด-๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ฉ๐ข๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ๐ฅ)
Makes the mid bass the star of the show. Better execution of the similar config on the MT1 Max. With the BA doing the lifting of the higher frequencies, it doesnโt sound as muffled as with the MT1 Max. Good for those wanting a bass oriented sound, it still does overshadow other frequencies but not to the point of sounding really dark.
๐๐ต๐ณ๐ข-๐๐ข๐ด๐ด
Increases the amount of both sub bass and mid bass with excellent execution. Doesnโt change the overall sound as much. Makes the sound really thick. The warmth this setting brings is similar to that of the MT1 Max but Iโd pick the Balanced setting more in this scenario probably due to the introduction of a balanced armature driver.
** ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐น๐น ๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ป ๐ฑ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ โ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ โ ๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ป๐น๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ผ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ **
| ๐๐ฎ๐๐ |
Ample in amount and good in quality. There is a nice balance of both sub bass and mid bass in the ST1 Pro. The sub bass rumbles really well and has good texture whilst the mid bass hits are full, fast in attack and doesnโt bleed to the midrange.
| ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ |
Vocals have nice air and are full sounding. Sibilance is still present but is tolerable. Instruments sound energetic and shouty-ness isnโt a major issue. Crashing cymbals though can sound splashy at times.
| ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ |
Quite an improvement from the MT1 Max, better air and extension but is still average in terms of details. Harshness is still an issue on higher volumes, but suggest listening to this with a lower volume.
I have an inkling of a thought that it does have a plastic-y timbre, but I canโt conclude on that as I havenโt noticed it consistently during testing.
| ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Staging is taller than wide but still has enough perceived space. Layering is decent as it can get congested along with imaging during busier passages. One can use the Treble-Enhanced mode to make the sound more clearer and analytical if need be and the Xtra-bass mode can be quiet and experience for immersion like watching movies or playing role-playing games.
|| ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ||
The TRN ST1 Pro is for all intents and purposes a more polished MT1 Max. I recommend buying this instead of its little sibling since the difference in price isnโt that big. Hence why all of the comparisons I stated on this review are quite abundant against the MT1 Max.
You can get a slightly better albeit still cheap feeling cable, a green color variant, and a more polished sound performance. Overall great output from TRN for an offering for the $20 price range.
Attachments
Berry108
I would like to correct that Ms. Carina Chen was the one who helped me make this review possible and not Ms. Kareena Tang
๐๐ข๐ฐ๐ข๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ: ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ข๐ซ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ฌ
|| ๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ||
Kiwi Ears as a brand has been really active recently with consistent releases in various price points from their budget-friendly Cadenza and the Orchestra Lite. Now KiwiEars is here once again with their brand new Quartet.
Sporting a 2 BA + 2 DD driver configuration, medical grade resin build and tunable switches, all for the $109. KiwiEars aims to win over the ever so competitive $100 price range with this new release, and weโre here to see if that is indeed the case.
|| ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ||
I donโt fancy confusing lingo, therefore, the reviews will simple without too much confusing terminologies
This set is sent in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for me to do this review and I guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.
My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
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๐๐๐ด๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ๐ ๐๐ผ Linsoul Audio ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐๐ฒ ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐. ๐ ๐ฑ๐ผ ๐ป๐ผ๐ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐ณ๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฒ๐ณ๐ถ๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฑ๐ผ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐บ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ ๐บ๐ ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ป๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ๐ผ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐ฑ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐. ๐๐น๐น ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ด๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐ฑ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐บ๐ ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ป๐ถ๐ผ๐ป, ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐บ๐ ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ป๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ป๐น๐. ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ปโ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐น๐ถ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐๐ฏ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ. ๐ฃ๐น๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ฑ๐ผ ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐๐ฒ๐ฏ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐๐ฑ๐ถ๐ผ ๐ด๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ ๐๐๐ฐ๐ต ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐๐ฒ๐ฏ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ at https://www.linsoul.com
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| ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
The Quartet comes with the box that is very much in line with their packaging design philosophy with their other products with a more minimal box and an illustration of the earpieces in front. Additional information such as specifications are on both the side and back of the box if needed.
| ๐จ๐ป๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ด & ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Very simple mechanism in opening the box with a simple sliding action. You are immediately greeted with the IEM earpieces encased in foam with logos and typography.
Underneath is the provided hard shell case and some paperwork. Inside the case is the provided cable and 3 sets of eartips.
Not as packed with goodies like other sets especially for the price, but the accessories included is more than enough to get you up and running.
๐๐๐ฒ๐บ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ป:
Paperwork
IEM earpieces
Hard shell case
4 core SPC straight 2-pin cable
3 sets of normal-bore eartips(S,M,L)
I just got to give KiwiEars praise for how consistent and amazing they are on the packaging of they're products even at differing price points.
| ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป๐, ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ, & ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
KiwiEars only has the Quartet in purple as of writing this review. Built with medical grade resin, the Quartet feels really nice in the hand without any rough edges albeit a bit too light, but still a great build nonetheless. It sports a pseudo-custom fit with some grooves and a mild wing.
A very small vent is located beside the 2-pin slot and a pair of switches is on the rear of the earpiece. The nozzle is made out of resin as well with 2 holes with no mesh or filter. It is a bit short or stubby in my opinion though.
The overall design is great with this purple color that is vibrant enough unlike the earlier Cadenza that is a tad too dark for the color to pop. It looks as if itโs nail polish that shines and sparkles when lit up in certain angles with a dope depth effect going on too.
Equipped with 2 titanium dynamic drivers in an isobaric alignment for the lows and a pair of custom balanced armature drivers for the remaining rest, the Quartet utilizes both driver types to their advantages along with the fact that it also has tunable switches. This is the first time I've tried an IEM of this configuration and it interests me as to what is the benefit of such a specific orientation and compositions of drivers.
| ๐๐๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
Being a pseudo-custom fit, it does isolate quite well, albeit a deeper insertion depth will probably be more beneficial. Outside noises are muffled out, good for passive noise cancellation but is still miles away from actual active noise canceling. I did use this during my commute and it did quite well blocking sounds of horns and what not.
| ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ |
These fit snugly to my ear because of the fit but these do tend to create hotspots, as my ear doesnโt respond well with protrusion like wings for longer periods of time which requires me to remove them after a good few hours to relieve my ears. The occlusion effect is the same as others, not great and not bad either.
** ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ด๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐(๐บ๐๐๐๐) ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ1 ๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ฌ ๐จ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ซ๐จ๐ช**
|| ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ||
The Quartet has 2 switches that primarily change the treble and bass. I do find that the bass is what undergoes changes more when fiddling with the switches. This review will primarily be done with all the switches on/up, but a few references to other configurations will be stated.
I find the Quartet really fun and engaging to listen to without much fatigue. Timbre on this didnโt feel or sound weird in my opinion but I do think that tips (and maybe sources?) play a somewhat significant role on who this sounds.
| ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ |
I did find myself pushing this more than most hybrid IEMs that Iโve tried, but not that power hungry than your standard planar. This can be easily ran off a dongle dac. I did find that I typically dislike using warm sources with these and will often pick a more neutral to bright sources to synergize this with.
| ๐๐ฎ๐๐ |
This is definitely one of the strong suits I noticed and adored the Quartet for. Bass is a bit more in the midbass than the rumbly subbass. Despite this fact, they do still have a certain amount of rumble to the playback. The bass is fast, bodied and and really well textured.
Note weight is quite great and doesn't feel lean but is affected by ear tip choice (I found that the Moondrop Spring tips actually tightens low frequencies)
| ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ |
Mids proper is a bit recessed but doesnโt get drowned that much in the overall experience. Vocals are not per se, but they are โokayโ is what I found them to be. They are still bodied and not lean but don't particularly excel in that regard, though sibilance is minimal, it is still present and is noticeable.
Upper mids however are great, instruments that go to this frequency are quite thick and textured without ever feeling or sound shouty. I feel the โpluckโ of string instruments in my experience.
| ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ |
Treble can be quite spicy especially in high volumes but is otherwise decent with good enough extension and details. They donโt particularly โsparkleโ that much but Iโm willing to take that over a really harsh treble.
| ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Very run of the mill and average. Maybe because of the general tuning but technicalities are average. Imaging is okay but could be better, I can still pin point sources during playback albeit not as clean cut as other more brighter sets.
Staging is quite intimate and not as wide as I would have preferred. Layering is good though among all things, instruments doesnโt overstep in other fellow instruments and turn into a garbled mess. This is great for things such as gaming that benefits from good bass performance like RPGs and story-based games but maybe not so much for hyper-competitive FPS games.
|| ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ||
This is one of the very rare instances of upper midrange forwardness that I enjoyed without the caveat of being shouty. Despite it being quite bassy, which is one of the primary highlights of this product as per my observation and how they are marketed as, I do find the upper midrange to tread that fine line of between forwardness and shouty-ness which it executes with flying colors.
|| ๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ||
Kiwi Ears as a brand has been really active recently with consistent releases in various price points from their budget-friendly Cadenza and the Orchestra Lite. Now KiwiEars is here once again with their brand new Quartet.
Sporting a 2 BA + 2 DD driver configuration, medical grade resin build and tunable switches, all for the $109. KiwiEars aims to win over the ever so competitive $100 price range with this new release, and weโre here to see if that is indeed the case.
|| ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ||
I donโt fancy confusing lingo, therefore, the reviews will simple without too much confusing terminologies
This set is sent in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for me to do this review and I guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.
My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
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๐๐๐ด๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ๐ ๐๐ผ Linsoul Audio ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐๐ฒ ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐. ๐ ๐ฑ๐ผ ๐ป๐ผ๐ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐ณ๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฒ๐ณ๐ถ๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฑ๐ผ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐บ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ ๐บ๐ ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ป๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ๐ผ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐ฑ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐. ๐๐น๐น ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ด๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐ฑ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐บ๐ ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ป๐ถ๐ผ๐ป, ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐บ๐ ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ป๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ป๐น๐. ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ปโ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐น๐ถ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐๐ฏ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ. ๐ฃ๐น๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ฑ๐ผ ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐๐ฒ๐ฏ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐๐ฑ๐ถ๐ผ ๐ด๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ ๐๐๐ฐ๐ต ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐๐ฒ๐ฏ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ at https://www.linsoul.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
The Quartet comes with the box that is very much in line with their packaging design philosophy with their other products with a more minimal box and an illustration of the earpieces in front. Additional information such as specifications are on both the side and back of the box if needed.
| ๐จ๐ป๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ด & ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Very simple mechanism in opening the box with a simple sliding action. You are immediately greeted with the IEM earpieces encased in foam with logos and typography.
Underneath is the provided hard shell case and some paperwork. Inside the case is the provided cable and 3 sets of eartips.
Not as packed with goodies like other sets especially for the price, but the accessories included is more than enough to get you up and running.
๐๐๐ฒ๐บ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ป:
Paperwork
IEM earpieces
Hard shell case
4 core SPC straight 2-pin cable
3 sets of normal-bore eartips(S,M,L)
I just got to give KiwiEars praise for how consistent and amazing they are on the packaging of they're products even at differing price points.
| ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป๐, ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ, & ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
KiwiEars only has the Quartet in purple as of writing this review. Built with medical grade resin, the Quartet feels really nice in the hand without any rough edges albeit a bit too light, but still a great build nonetheless. It sports a pseudo-custom fit with some grooves and a mild wing.
A very small vent is located beside the 2-pin slot and a pair of switches is on the rear of the earpiece. The nozzle is made out of resin as well with 2 holes with no mesh or filter. It is a bit short or stubby in my opinion though.
Equipped with 2 titanium dynamic drivers in an isobaric alignment for the lows and a pair of custom balanced armature drivers for the remaining rest, the Quartet utilizes both driver types to their advantages along with the fact that it also has tunable switches. This is the first time I've tried an IEM of this configuration and it interests me as to what is the benefit of such a specific orientation and compositions of drivers.
| ๐๐๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
Being a pseudo-custom fit, it does isolate quite well, albeit a deeper insertion depth will probably be more beneficial. Outside noises are muffled out, good for passive noise cancellation but is still miles away from actual active noise canceling. I did use this during my commute and it did quite well blocking sounds of horns and what not.
| ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ |
These fit snugly to my ear because of the fit but these do tend to create hotspots, as my ear doesnโt respond well with protrusion like wings for longer periods of time which requires me to remove them after a good few hours to relieve my ears. The occlusion effect is the same as others, not great and not bad either.
** ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ด๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐(๐บ๐๐๐๐) ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ1 ๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ฌ ๐จ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ซ๐จ๐ช**
|| ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ||
The Quartet has 2 switches that primarily change the treble and bass. I do find that the bass is what undergoes changes more when fiddling with the switches. This review will primarily be done with all the switches on/up, but a few references to other configurations will be stated.
I find the Quartet really fun and engaging to listen to without much fatigue. Timbre on this didnโt feel or sound weird in my opinion but I do think that tips (and maybe sources?) play a somewhat significant role on who this sounds.
| ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ |
I did find myself pushing this more than most hybrid IEMs that Iโve tried, but not that power hungry than your standard planar. This can be easily ran off a dongle dac. I did find that I typically dislike using warm sources with these and will often pick a more neutral to bright sources to synergize this with.
| ๐๐ฎ๐๐ |
This is definitely one of the strong suits I noticed and adored the Quartet for. Bass is a bit more in the midbass than the rumbly subbass. Despite this fact, they do still have a certain amount of rumble to the playback. The bass is fast, bodied and and really well textured.
Note weight is quite great and doesn't feel lean but is affected by ear tip choice (I found that the Moondrop Spring tips actually tightens low frequencies)
| ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ |
Mids proper is a bit recessed but doesnโt get drowned that much in the overall experience. Vocals are not per se, but they are โokayโ is what I found them to be. They are still bodied and not lean but don't particularly excel in that regard, though sibilance is minimal, it is still present and is noticeable.
Upper mids however are great, instruments that go to this frequency are quite thick and textured without ever feeling or sound shouty. I feel the โpluckโ of string instruments in my experience.
| ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ |
Treble can be quite spicy especially in high volumes but is otherwise decent with good enough extension and details. They donโt particularly โsparkleโ that much but Iโm willing to take that over a really harsh treble.
| ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Very run of the mill and average. Maybe because of the general tuning but technicalities are average. Imaging is okay but could be better, I can still pin point sources during playback albeit not as clean cut as other more brighter sets.
Staging is quite intimate and not as wide as I would have preferred. Layering is good though among all things, instruments doesnโt overstep in other fellow instruments and turn into a garbled mess. This is great for things such as gaming that benefits from good bass performance like RPGs and story-based games but maybe not so much for hyper-competitive FPS games.
|| ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ||
This is one of the very rare instances of upper midrange forwardness that I enjoyed without the caveat of being shouty. Despite it being quite bassy, which is one of the primary highlights of this product as per my observation and how they are marketed as, I do find the upper midrange to tread that fine line of between forwardness and shouty-ness which it executes with flying colors.
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ค ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฅ: ๐๐จ๐ญ ๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ง๐๐ฆ๐ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ญ
|| ๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ||
HIDIZ, a company known for their wide range of audio gear offers from and not limited to dongle DACs, DAPs and IEMs, just released this new midrange set named the MS5 Dark Angel.
Coming at under $400 and sports a 4 Sonion BA + 1 Liquid Silicone DD configuration, tuning nozzles and a wide arrangement of included tips, the MS5 aims to take the reign of the ever so competitive and packed mid range price bracket.
|| ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ||
I donโt fancy confusing lingo, therefore, the reviews will simple without too much confusing terminologies
This set is sent in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for me to do this review and I guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.
My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ค๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ Hidizs ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐จ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฌ๐๐ฅ๐. ๐๐ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ค ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ข๐ซ ๐ฐ๐๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ก ๐ฆ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐จ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ ๐๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ญ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ค๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ. ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ฌ๐จ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ง๐จ๐ญ ๐ฌ๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ ๐ญ๐จ
๐จ๐ง๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐. ๐ ๐ ๐๐ญ ๐ง๐จ ๐ข๐ง๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐จ๐ซ ๐ค๐ข๐๐ค๐๐๐๐ค ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ข๐ฌ๐ง'๐ญ ๐๐ง ๐๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ญ๐ ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ค.
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| ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
The MS5 comes in a big black box with an illustration of the IEMs themselves along with branding and text. Itโs packed pretty well and the bulky box is to accommodate the sheer amount of other things included in the box.
| ๐จ๐ป๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ด & ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
The unboxing is straightforward with a simple slide, and with the IEMs themselves greet you and is encased with foam.
Underneath that layer lies the assortment of accessories included in the package that being an included faux white case, 3 sets of special eartips and 2 sets of tuning nozzles placed on a metal plate, an included 2-pin cable, and of course some paperwork.
The included cable is quite thick and stiff but it was never microphonic or memory-prone. A generous amount of extra accessories coming from HIDIZ.
๐๐๐ฒ๐บ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ป:
Paperwork
IEM Drivers
Faux leather white zipper case
6N Single crystal copper silver-plated 2-pin cable
3 sets of bass, vocal and balanced tips (S,M,L)
2 sets of tuning nozzles(Red = Bass, Silver = Treble)
| ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ & ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
The MS5 is built using an aluminum alloy cavity that feels great on the hand and with a nice amount of heft. You can clearly feel that it is built well with no sharp edges and no coarse spots.
The faceplate of the MS5 has this rose gold trim around it while the rest of the body is a matte black in color and an open grill design. I have yet to see a design like this on an IEM, itโs a nice mix of subtle but still unique design cues that looks good.
Overall shape of the MS5 is universal with no pronounced curves and angles. The MS5 only has this big vent on the rear for alleviating the pressure and a nozzle that can definitely sit real deep in oneโs ear.
One of the highlights of the MS5 is the tuning nozzles with the rose gold(balanced) being the default. They can be easily removed by rotating counter-clockwise and don't come undone easily.
HIDIZ packed the MS5 with 4 Sonion BAs + 1 Liquid Silicone DD to produce good sound that has both the benefits of BAs and DDs.
| ๐๐๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
These isolate well, probably because I was able to get it really deep inside my ears. Passive isolation here can be comfortably used to block out sounds from things like daily commutes.
| ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ |
The MS5 being a universal fit makes it really comfortable to my ears. However I do find myself taking a breather from time to time after a few hours because of how deep I put these on and the fact that the nozzle feels quite chonky. I suggest using ear tips that don't have stiff stems.
Occlusion effect on this is nothing special, itโs not exceptionally bad nor exceptionally good either.
** ๐บ๐๐๐ ๐ฌ๐ท-๐ฌ๐ฟ11 ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐(๐๐๐ ๐๐๐) ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฏ๐ฐ๐ซ๐ฐ๐ ๐ฟ0 ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ซ๐จ๐ช ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐ (๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ) ๐๐๐๐๐๐**
|| ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ||
I find this set overall engaging with great coherence and clarity and exceptional bass performance on the default Rose Gold(Balanced) nozzle. However after a while, I find that the treble of the MS5 is too much for me to handle comfortably as Iโm really sensitive to that region.
The Silver(Treble) nozzle tightens things up and makes the sound overall leaner but at the cost of severing my issue with the treble by boosting it.
I find the Red(Bass) nozzle to help tame the treble Iโm so uncomfortable with at the cause of making the bass a bit more forward and less tight. I prefer this over the other two but I still opted to use the default Rose Gold(Balanced) nozzle to get the best of both worlds.
| ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ |
These are really efficient and easy to drive so itโs almost an issue using them with more powerful sources like the XO Dongle DAC and even the VE Avani Dongle DAC.
This becomes an issue as youโll be limited with control the volume down especially if the said DAC or AMP of yours donโt have physically hardware volume control, leaving you to the hands of digital volume management.
| ๐๐ฎ๐๐ |
The bass is really great especially with the Rose Gold(Balanced) nozzle but the bass performance of the Red(Bass) nozzle is just a tad bit more warm. Hits are fast and are meaty with an ample amount of rumble for those who like their sub-bass. Texture is great with nice grit while not being too in your face.
Definitely one of the best Iโve tried with its great mix of quality and quantity of the low-end.
| ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ |
Another great performance coming from the MS5. Instruments have their place and sound great and clean execution. Vocals don't sound too intimate and have good enough space to breathe.
Both vocals sound full bodied and caters both equally as per my experience. Sibilant voices may be an issue on the MS5 even with the Red(Bass) Nozzle, harsh โSssโ and โTssโ was still audible with the current configuration but it never sounded shouty in my experience.
| ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ |
I went through a lot of mixing and matching to find something to fix the peaky treble(Do note that Iโm really sensitive to treble). While it still has good extension, amazing detail and clarity, It made me feel uncomfortable while listening especially on high volumes.
The Silver(Treble) nozzle boosts my issue on this further but to those with high tolerances that want something more bright then that will definitely deliver. Transients are great still and air is abundant on the MS5 too.
| ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Great in every aspect, amazing even, layering, imaging, and staging, all of those aced by the MS5. This is probably due to the treble performance and clean bass execution. You can easily pinpoint audio sources in a breeze. Instruments have their place and never overlap with each other. Sources have a clear boundary which is which and where theyโre positioned.
Things like analytical listening and even competitive gaming may find the MS5โs technical performance to fit their needs but maybe not so much for movies and more story driven games.
|| ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ||
The MS5 Dark Angel is still a great set for what it offers, from the sheer amount of accessories and tunable nozzles, to the really clear and detailed presentation, the MS5 will definitely cater to someone out there and sadly Iโm not one of them. Everything else is great with the MS5 and the only glaring issue is the treble performance being harsh during my experience.
Now, we all have different ears, tolerances and preferences, this set is simply not for me but it will definitely be the perfect set for someone out there. But me not liking it due to my own preference invalidates the great things the MS5 does. I would still recommend this to someone looking for a midrange set with an amazing array of accessories and customizable sound but warn them still about the treble.
|| ๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ||
HIDIZ, a company known for their wide range of audio gear offers from and not limited to dongle DACs, DAPs and IEMs, just released this new midrange set named the MS5 Dark Angel.
Coming at under $400 and sports a 4 Sonion BA + 1 Liquid Silicone DD configuration, tuning nozzles and a wide arrangement of included tips, the MS5 aims to take the reign of the ever so competitive and packed mid range price bracket.
|| ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ||
I donโt fancy confusing lingo, therefore, the reviews will simple without too much confusing terminologies
This set is sent in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for me to do this review and I guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.
My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ค๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ Hidizs ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐จ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฌ๐๐ฅ๐. ๐๐ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ค ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ข๐ซ ๐ฐ๐๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ก ๐ฆ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐จ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ ๐๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ญ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ค๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ. ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ฌ๐จ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ง๐จ๐ญ ๐ฌ๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ ๐ญ๐จ
๐จ๐ง๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐. ๐ ๐ ๐๐ญ ๐ง๐จ ๐ข๐ง๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐จ๐ซ ๐ค๐ข๐๐ค๐๐๐๐ค ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ข๐ฌ๐ง'๐ญ ๐๐ง ๐๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ญ๐ ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ค.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
The MS5 comes in a big black box with an illustration of the IEMs themselves along with branding and text. Itโs packed pretty well and the bulky box is to accommodate the sheer amount of other things included in the box.
| ๐จ๐ป๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ด & ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
The unboxing is straightforward with a simple slide, and with the IEMs themselves greet you and is encased with foam.
Underneath that layer lies the assortment of accessories included in the package that being an included faux white case, 3 sets of special eartips and 2 sets of tuning nozzles placed on a metal plate, an included 2-pin cable, and of course some paperwork.
The included cable is quite thick and stiff but it was never microphonic or memory-prone. A generous amount of extra accessories coming from HIDIZ.
๐๐๐ฒ๐บ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ป:
Paperwork
IEM Drivers
Faux leather white zipper case
6N Single crystal copper silver-plated 2-pin cable
3 sets of bass, vocal and balanced tips (S,M,L)
2 sets of tuning nozzles(Red = Bass, Silver = Treble)
| ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ & ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
The MS5 is built using an aluminum alloy cavity that feels great on the hand and with a nice amount of heft. You can clearly feel that it is built well with no sharp edges and no coarse spots.
The faceplate of the MS5 has this rose gold trim around it while the rest of the body is a matte black in color and an open grill design. I have yet to see a design like this on an IEM, itโs a nice mix of subtle but still unique design cues that looks good.
Overall shape of the MS5 is universal with no pronounced curves and angles. The MS5 only has this big vent on the rear for alleviating the pressure and a nozzle that can definitely sit real deep in oneโs ear.
One of the highlights of the MS5 is the tuning nozzles with the rose gold(balanced) being the default. They can be easily removed by rotating counter-clockwise and don't come undone easily.
HIDIZ packed the MS5 with 4 Sonion BAs + 1 Liquid Silicone DD to produce good sound that has both the benefits of BAs and DDs.
| ๐๐๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
These isolate well, probably because I was able to get it really deep inside my ears. Passive isolation here can be comfortably used to block out sounds from things like daily commutes.
| ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ |
The MS5 being a universal fit makes it really comfortable to my ears. However I do find myself taking a breather from time to time after a few hours because of how deep I put these on and the fact that the nozzle feels quite chonky. I suggest using ear tips that don't have stiff stems.
Occlusion effect on this is nothing special, itโs not exceptionally bad nor exceptionally good either.
** ๐บ๐๐๐ ๐ฌ๐ท-๐ฌ๐ฟ11 ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐(๐๐๐ ๐๐๐) ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฏ๐ฐ๐ซ๐ฐ๐ ๐ฟ0 ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ซ๐จ๐ช ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐ (๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ) ๐๐๐๐๐๐**
|| ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ||
I find this set overall engaging with great coherence and clarity and exceptional bass performance on the default Rose Gold(Balanced) nozzle. However after a while, I find that the treble of the MS5 is too much for me to handle comfortably as Iโm really sensitive to that region.
The Silver(Treble) nozzle tightens things up and makes the sound overall leaner but at the cost of severing my issue with the treble by boosting it.
I find the Red(Bass) nozzle to help tame the treble Iโm so uncomfortable with at the cause of making the bass a bit more forward and less tight. I prefer this over the other two but I still opted to use the default Rose Gold(Balanced) nozzle to get the best of both worlds.
| ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ |
These are really efficient and easy to drive so itโs almost an issue using them with more powerful sources like the XO Dongle DAC and even the VE Avani Dongle DAC.
This becomes an issue as youโll be limited with control the volume down especially if the said DAC or AMP of yours donโt have physically hardware volume control, leaving you to the hands of digital volume management.
| ๐๐ฎ๐๐ |
The bass is really great especially with the Rose Gold(Balanced) nozzle but the bass performance of the Red(Bass) nozzle is just a tad bit more warm. Hits are fast and are meaty with an ample amount of rumble for those who like their sub-bass. Texture is great with nice grit while not being too in your face.
Definitely one of the best Iโve tried with its great mix of quality and quantity of the low-end.
| ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ |
Another great performance coming from the MS5. Instruments have their place and sound great and clean execution. Vocals don't sound too intimate and have good enough space to breathe.
Both vocals sound full bodied and caters both equally as per my experience. Sibilant voices may be an issue on the MS5 even with the Red(Bass) Nozzle, harsh โSssโ and โTssโ was still audible with the current configuration but it never sounded shouty in my experience.
| ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ |
I went through a lot of mixing and matching to find something to fix the peaky treble(Do note that Iโm really sensitive to treble). While it still has good extension, amazing detail and clarity, It made me feel uncomfortable while listening especially on high volumes.
The Silver(Treble) nozzle boosts my issue on this further but to those with high tolerances that want something more bright then that will definitely deliver. Transients are great still and air is abundant on the MS5 too.
| ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Great in every aspect, amazing even, layering, imaging, and staging, all of those aced by the MS5. This is probably due to the treble performance and clean bass execution. You can easily pinpoint audio sources in a breeze. Instruments have their place and never overlap with each other. Sources have a clear boundary which is which and where theyโre positioned.
Things like analytical listening and even competitive gaming may find the MS5โs technical performance to fit their needs but maybe not so much for movies and more story driven games.
|| ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ||
The MS5 Dark Angel is still a great set for what it offers, from the sheer amount of accessories and tunable nozzles, to the really clear and detailed presentation, the MS5 will definitely cater to someone out there and sadly Iโm not one of them. Everything else is great with the MS5 and the only glaring issue is the treble performance being harsh during my experience.
Now, we all have different ears, tolerances and preferences, this set is simply not for me but it will definitely be the perfect set for someone out there. But me not liking it due to my own preference invalidates the great things the MS5 does. I would still recommend this to someone looking for a midrange set with an amazing array of accessories and customizable sound but warn them still about the treble.
๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐ค ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ: $๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฐ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ
|| ๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ||
Simgot recently has been the talk of the town because of their newly released and highly acclaimed EA500. However, unbeknownst to others, SIMGOT released a new IEM in the competitive $20 price range with the all new Shark EW100P (Not to be confused with the EW100).
Sporting a translucent plastic housing, Liquid Crystal Polymer(LCP) dynamic driver, detachable cable, and big shoes to fill, the EW100P aims to stand out against the sea of IEMs in the $20 price range.
|| ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ||
I donโt fancy confusing lingo, therefore, the reviews will simple without too much confusing terminologies
This set is sent in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for me to do this review and I guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.
My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
๐๐๐ด๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ๐ ๐๐ผ Linsoul Audio ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐๐ฒ ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐. ๐๐ผ ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐บ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐๐ฑ๐ถ๐ผ-๐ฟ๐ฒ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ผ๐ณ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐๐ฐ๐ต ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ฒโ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ผ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
The EW100P comes in a compact reflective box with an adorable shark illustration and a branding all over. Additional information is present on the back of the box like a provided FR graph and details about the IEM.
| ๐จ๐ป๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ด & ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Unpacking everything is a breeze with a simple slide mechanism. The IEMs themselves immediately greet you encased in foam with an accessories box right beside it. Under the IEMs are the included cable and some paperwork while the accessories box only holds the provided ear tips.
I love how unobtrusive the included cable is. Cables these days are becoming more and more thicker and harder to maneuver, and an included cable that feels nice but discrete at the same time is really refreshing. Iโm a bit bummed out that they didnโt include a chin cinch though.
Item Breakdown:
IEM earpieces
Paperwork
A set of ear tips(S,M,L)
Unbraided copper L-shaped 2-pin cable
| ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ, ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป๐, ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
The EW100P is built with a high quality black plastic that is somewhat translucent and a circular segment in the faceplate that is made out aluminum, where the SIMGOT logo with text sits. Speaking of the faceplate, a vent is visible and is facing outward whilst the other remaining two on each earpiece sit around the nozzle area. The nozzle itself is made out of the same material as the majority of the build of EW100P which is plastic, and has this ridge to better hold the ear tip in place.
This uses a 2-pin connection which is great for a budget set whereas other offerings use QDC. Not really a big deal, but Iโd pick 2-pin over QDC any day of the week.
The overall build feels nice despite the relatively low asking price and being made out of plastic. No rough edges are present and everything is nicely polished. It feels really light but not at the cost of feeling cheap. This set has a universal fit. There are no grooves and pronounced wing that may bother other people and is quite lowkey in the ear.
This uses an Liquid Crystal Polymer dynamic driver, which, as you know, is a very capable and well-liked dynamic driver configuration popularized by the likes of the Moondrop Aria 2021 and the TinHifi T3+ that were released for quite some time now.
| ๐๐๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
The isolation on these are below average, probably because of the plastic build not being thick or enough to block outside noise or the presence of the vent pointing outward.
You can still use this for passive noise canceling but still a far cry from actual active noise canceling.
| ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ |
These are really comfortable in the ears. It doesnโt weigh down my ear, and the fit is snug when jammed in my ear. I found myself having enough insertion depth, which the shape of EW100P helped for how universal it is. No pronounced wing or grooves that may hinder oneโs experience here too.
**๐บ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐(๐บ๐๐๐๐) ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ฌ ๐จ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ1**
|| ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ||
This is probably going to be my number 1 set in the $20 price range. Dethroning my TinHifi C2, which I still love. It sounds so balanced and clean. Frequencies don't sound as if theyโre fighting for dominance.
I can listen to this set for hours on end without being fatigued and enjoy every second of it.
| ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ |
These are pretty efficient and you can easily add more power without much worry of distortion. Be careful of noise floor though, as it can still persist while feeding it more power than it needs.
| ๐๐ฎ๐๐ |
Bass despite being light, it still kicks quite well and has nice tightness and fast attack. Mid-bass is more pronounced than the sub-bass but so rumble is still somewhat present.
A clean presentation of the low-end that can definitely fit a lot of genres, making the EW100P more versatile.
Bleed is minimal, if not non-existent. I do however would like a little bit more grit and texture to really sell the decay of kick drums.
| ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ |
Vocals are nicely spaced and don't feel obnoxiously intimate, allowing the vocals to breathe a little. Male vocals are a tad bit more forward than their female counterparts. Female vocals can sound thin sometimes though.
S-sounds and T-sounds can sound harsh in really loud volumes. Not really surprised as this is a common problem for IEMs not just in this price range. It is really tolerable though as I find myself ignoring for the most part and doesnโt seem to be bothered by it.
| ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ |
This is the area that made the EW100P better than the TinHifi C2 purely because of the C2โs issue of having treble that is quite coarse whereas the EW100P is more tame yet is a smooth experience. I found the extension to be good, as well as details.
Cymbals rarely sound thin and the overall performance is inoffensive in my opinion as a treble sensitive guy.
| ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Layering is great while imaging can be quite middling, Staging feels wider than tall. Middling imaging can be due to the warm-neutral-ish sound signature which is a good trade-off if you ask me.
I still prefer the C2 over this in terms of technical performance but one can comfortably use this for things other than music listening like gaming for example.
|| ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ||
A great relaxing set coming from SIMGOT. This will be my favorite set around $20 overall, with its great mix of clean sound and inoffensive tuning. There are still a few points where they can improve upon, but Iโm probably nitpicking at this point considering the price the EW100P goes for.
Some may not find the plastic build and design to be alluring but the sound that this produces is a perfect match for what Iโm looking for in a set that revolves around my taste.
|| ๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ||
Simgot recently has been the talk of the town because of their newly released and highly acclaimed EA500. However, unbeknownst to others, SIMGOT released a new IEM in the competitive $20 price range with the all new Shark EW100P (Not to be confused with the EW100).
Sporting a translucent plastic housing, Liquid Crystal Polymer(LCP) dynamic driver, detachable cable, and big shoes to fill, the EW100P aims to stand out against the sea of IEMs in the $20 price range.
|| ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ||
I donโt fancy confusing lingo, therefore, the reviews will simple without too much confusing terminologies
This set is sent in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for me to do this review and I guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.
My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
๐๐๐ด๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ๐ ๐๐ผ Linsoul Audio ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐๐ฒ ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐. ๐๐ผ ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐บ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐๐ฑ๐ถ๐ผ-๐ฟ๐ฒ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ผ๐ณ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐๐ฐ๐ต ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ฒโ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ผ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
The EW100P comes in a compact reflective box with an adorable shark illustration and a branding all over. Additional information is present on the back of the box like a provided FR graph and details about the IEM.
| ๐จ๐ป๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ด & ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Unpacking everything is a breeze with a simple slide mechanism. The IEMs themselves immediately greet you encased in foam with an accessories box right beside it. Under the IEMs are the included cable and some paperwork while the accessories box only holds the provided ear tips.
I love how unobtrusive the included cable is. Cables these days are becoming more and more thicker and harder to maneuver, and an included cable that feels nice but discrete at the same time is really refreshing. Iโm a bit bummed out that they didnโt include a chin cinch though.
Item Breakdown:
IEM earpieces
Paperwork
A set of ear tips(S,M,L)
Unbraided copper L-shaped 2-pin cable
| ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ, ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป๐, ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
The EW100P is built with a high quality black plastic that is somewhat translucent and a circular segment in the faceplate that is made out aluminum, where the SIMGOT logo with text sits. Speaking of the faceplate, a vent is visible and is facing outward whilst the other remaining two on each earpiece sit around the nozzle area. The nozzle itself is made out of the same material as the majority of the build of EW100P which is plastic, and has this ridge to better hold the ear tip in place.
This uses a 2-pin connection which is great for a budget set whereas other offerings use QDC. Not really a big deal, but Iโd pick 2-pin over QDC any day of the week.
The overall build feels nice despite the relatively low asking price and being made out of plastic. No rough edges are present and everything is nicely polished. It feels really light but not at the cost of feeling cheap. This set has a universal fit. There are no grooves and pronounced wing that may bother other people and is quite lowkey in the ear.
This uses an Liquid Crystal Polymer dynamic driver, which, as you know, is a very capable and well-liked dynamic driver configuration popularized by the likes of the Moondrop Aria 2021 and the TinHifi T3+ that were released for quite some time now.
| ๐๐๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
The isolation on these are below average, probably because of the plastic build not being thick or enough to block outside noise or the presence of the vent pointing outward.
You can still use this for passive noise canceling but still a far cry from actual active noise canceling.
| ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ |
These are really comfortable in the ears. It doesnโt weigh down my ear, and the fit is snug when jammed in my ear. I found myself having enough insertion depth, which the shape of EW100P helped for how universal it is. No pronounced wing or grooves that may hinder oneโs experience here too.
**๐บ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐(๐บ๐๐๐๐) ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ฌ ๐จ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ1**
|| ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ||
This is probably going to be my number 1 set in the $20 price range. Dethroning my TinHifi C2, which I still love. It sounds so balanced and clean. Frequencies don't sound as if theyโre fighting for dominance.
I can listen to this set for hours on end without being fatigued and enjoy every second of it.
| ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ |
These are pretty efficient and you can easily add more power without much worry of distortion. Be careful of noise floor though, as it can still persist while feeding it more power than it needs.
| ๐๐ฎ๐๐ |
Bass despite being light, it still kicks quite well and has nice tightness and fast attack. Mid-bass is more pronounced than the sub-bass but so rumble is still somewhat present.
A clean presentation of the low-end that can definitely fit a lot of genres, making the EW100P more versatile.
Bleed is minimal, if not non-existent. I do however would like a little bit more grit and texture to really sell the decay of kick drums.
| ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ |
Vocals are nicely spaced and don't feel obnoxiously intimate, allowing the vocals to breathe a little. Male vocals are a tad bit more forward than their female counterparts. Female vocals can sound thin sometimes though.
S-sounds and T-sounds can sound harsh in really loud volumes. Not really surprised as this is a common problem for IEMs not just in this price range. It is really tolerable though as I find myself ignoring for the most part and doesnโt seem to be bothered by it.
| ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ |
This is the area that made the EW100P better than the TinHifi C2 purely because of the C2โs issue of having treble that is quite coarse whereas the EW100P is more tame yet is a smooth experience. I found the extension to be good, as well as details.
Cymbals rarely sound thin and the overall performance is inoffensive in my opinion as a treble sensitive guy.
| ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Layering is great while imaging can be quite middling, Staging feels wider than tall. Middling imaging can be due to the warm-neutral-ish sound signature which is a good trade-off if you ask me.
I still prefer the C2 over this in terms of technical performance but one can comfortably use this for things other than music listening like gaming for example.
|| ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ||
A great relaxing set coming from SIMGOT. This will be my favorite set around $20 overall, with its great mix of clean sound and inoffensive tuning. There are still a few points where they can improve upon, but Iโm probably nitpicking at this point considering the price the EW100P goes for.
Some may not find the plastic build and design to be alluring but the sound that this produces is a perfect match for what Iโm looking for in a set that revolves around my taste.
๐ฉ๐ณ๐ถ๐ต ๐ฟ ๐ฏ๐ฉ๐ฉ ๐300: ๐จ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ญ๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐?
|| ๐๐ก๐ง๐ฅ๐ข๐๐จ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก ||
BLON, the infamous company that made the BL03 years back, which is highly regarded by many to be a great set and even some claiming it to be TOTL, is now back with a new released together with Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews(HawaiiBadBoy) for a new iteration of their Z series with the all new Z300.
The Z-series of BLON hasn't been receiving positive press as of late with their previous release. Many were disappointed and that includes HBB, which in a weird twist of fate is the one in collaboration with BLON with the product weโre taking a look at today.
Sporting a 10mm silicone diaphragm at an attractive price tag of under $50, letโs see if BLON will make a comeback after being absent from the limelight for so long.
|| ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ||
I donโt fancy confusing lingo, therefore, the reviews will simple without too much confusing terminologies
This set is sent in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for me to do this review and I guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.
My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
** ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ค๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ Linsoul Audio ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ฌ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ฌ๐ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ. ๐๐จ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ค ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ข๐ซ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ข๐จ-๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐จ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐๐ก ๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ ๐ฐ๐โ๐ซ๐ ๐ฌ๐ก๐จ๐ฐ๐๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ .**
| ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
You canโt expect much for $50, hence the packing on this one is similar to those budget offerings with the same box and layout, only differing in the illustration and branding.
The box is compact and in white with a neat illustration of a dragon, a couple of branding, and the signature tagline BLON had been synonymous with(Oppoty, LetMusicBurn, Dreams)
Itโs nice to see for them to embrace this funny mistake even though there are multiple people pointing it out,
| ๐จ๐ป๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ด & ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
The unboxing experience is really straight-forward. Youโll be immediately greeted with the IEMs themselves and some text. The IEMs are encased in foam for protection and underneath is the assortment of accessories.
BLON provides a nice looking and great feeling 4-core cable with a chin cinch (albeit kind of tight), 2 sets of normal-bore ear tips(S,M,L) and their signature sack-like pouch for you to store your IEMs in. Great to see BLON changing the cable included from in their offerings as previous releases have cables that were an issue for some people. I also like that they still provide the pouch for this price and at this small of a package.
๐๐๐ฒ๐บ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ป:
Paperwork
IEM drivers
4-core High purity copper cable
2 Sets of normal-bore ear tips(S,M,L)
Sack Pouch
| ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ & ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
The Z300 is made out of a zinc alloy shell that feels really nice and with a nice amount of heft too. This is what I liked with my previously owned BLON IEMs, a good amount of heft that feels great. The overall shape is of a universal fit without pronounced curves and the faceplate has this rose gold dragon design that is very similar to the box art.
The nozzle seems to be at a proper length this time as this was an issue with some of their models which is nice to see. Speaking of the nozzle, right beside is the only vent on the IEMs, once of each driver.
As for the connection type, one can say that itโs quasi-QDC because of the protrusion, but a weird thing with BLON is that they have this non-standard connection type that looks like QDC, but it actually isnโt. Iโve seen some weird reports of people having to sand down the corners just to make QDC cables fit. 2-pin still works, but that configuration looks fragile as the protrusion and the 2-pin can create a potential weak area. The nearest connection in the market is the NX7 typically used by TFZ products. However, even that doesnโt go the full length of the port.
| ๐๐๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
Because of the relatively slim and low-profile form factor the Z300 has, isolation is below average in blocking out outside noise. It does get better with if you try get a deeper insertion depth
| ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ |
I find these comfortable because of the form factor and the great finish it has. I never felt uncomfortable for long periods of time using these and even though it only has one vent, pressure is managed greatly and doesnโt suffer an incredibly bad occlusion effect.
Thereโs no wing/protrusion on the shape of the IEM hence a much safer fit. Some people may find the weight to be annoying, especially those who are used to plastic or resin-based IEMs.
** ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ด๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ1 **
|| ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ||
At first listen, This reminded me of my beloved BLON BL03. Sound is really meaty with the bass being upfront and center during playback. As much as I appreciate other tunings, my taste for sound definitely changed a lot since first acquiring the BL03 back in 2019. The Z300 however struck me similar to what I experienced at that time and then some.
This type of sound performance may not be for everyone though. Some people may find this a bit too warm for their tastes whilst some will adore this set very much
| ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ |
These are quite efficient in general, however I do sometimes find myself pushing to volume more to make the vocals audible.
| ๐๐ฎ๐๐ |
The forte of the Z300. As we all know, HBB is a person who tends to like warm sets that have a bass performance that works greatly with his library and this set along with all of the Collab IEMs heโs done also fits the category.
Mid-bass has an amazing body and fast attack and the sub-bass despite being less prominent than the aforementioned Mid-bass, rumble is still present as per my experience. You can clearly hear and feel the note weight on this set purely because of its execution of the low-end.
| ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ |
The mids on these are somewhat reserved despite the sheer amount of low-end present. Instruments though, feel bodied but I do, however, find myself bumping the volume a tad to hear vocals on certain songs.
Male vocals are more forward than their female counterparts with a hint of mild sibilance on both sides and the absence of the ethereal feeling of female vocals in certain occasions. I would also like to say that there was no instance of it being metallic sounding during testing.
| ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ |
The treble here is quite decent, it doesnโt sound as sparkly as other sets that could be either a pro or con depending on your stance and tolerance treble. I still hear the harshness of peaks around the 8khz area on this but it is very tolerable. This issue is non-existent during low volume listening. Details are average, allowing to pick them up during playback with no issue and air is also decent but could be better.
This is definitely not the highlight of the Z300, but considering the target market for this kind of tuning and its tunerโs preference, I wouldn't consider this such a deal breaker.
| ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Because of how especially warm it is, you may have a hard time pinpointing audio sources clearly especially in the presence of an instrument or something that generates the tons of low-end, therefore hindering your experience during those types of passages during songs. Layering is decent and the staging is quite intimate than average.
For other uses other than music playback for example, professional audio work or even gaming, the warm signature may deter consumers that are looking for a more analytical set for more involved listening.
|| ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ||
The BLON x HBB Z300 may not fit my current preferences at the moment, I do believe that it has its place in the market, especially for those looking for a bassy set. This set is clearly made to appease a certain category of people, and to that I do think it delivers quite well.
There are still some areas of improvement though like the seemingly present treble roll-off, the quiet intimate staging and the non-standard connection type.
|| ๐๐ก๐ง๐ฅ๐ข๐๐จ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก ||
BLON, the infamous company that made the BL03 years back, which is highly regarded by many to be a great set and even some claiming it to be TOTL, is now back with a new released together with Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews(HawaiiBadBoy) for a new iteration of their Z series with the all new Z300.
The Z-series of BLON hasn't been receiving positive press as of late with their previous release. Many were disappointed and that includes HBB, which in a weird twist of fate is the one in collaboration with BLON with the product weโre taking a look at today.
Sporting a 10mm silicone diaphragm at an attractive price tag of under $50, letโs see if BLON will make a comeback after being absent from the limelight for so long.
|| ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ||
I donโt fancy confusing lingo, therefore, the reviews will simple without too much confusing terminologies
This set is sent in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for me to do this review and I guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.
My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
** ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ค๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ Linsoul Audio ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ฌ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ฌ๐ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ. ๐๐จ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ค ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ข๐ซ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ข๐จ-๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐จ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐๐ก ๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ ๐ฐ๐โ๐ซ๐ ๐ฌ๐ก๐จ๐ฐ๐๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ .**
| ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
You canโt expect much for $50, hence the packing on this one is similar to those budget offerings with the same box and layout, only differing in the illustration and branding.
The box is compact and in white with a neat illustration of a dragon, a couple of branding, and the signature tagline BLON had been synonymous with(Oppoty, LetMusicBurn, Dreams)
Itโs nice to see for them to embrace this funny mistake even though there are multiple people pointing it out,
| ๐จ๐ป๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ด & ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
The unboxing experience is really straight-forward. Youโll be immediately greeted with the IEMs themselves and some text. The IEMs are encased in foam for protection and underneath is the assortment of accessories.
BLON provides a nice looking and great feeling 4-core cable with a chin cinch (albeit kind of tight), 2 sets of normal-bore ear tips(S,M,L) and their signature sack-like pouch for you to store your IEMs in. Great to see BLON changing the cable included from in their offerings as previous releases have cables that were an issue for some people. I also like that they still provide the pouch for this price and at this small of a package.
๐๐๐ฒ๐บ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ป:
Paperwork
IEM drivers
4-core High purity copper cable
2 Sets of normal-bore ear tips(S,M,L)
Sack Pouch
| ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ & ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
The Z300 is made out of a zinc alloy shell that feels really nice and with a nice amount of heft too. This is what I liked with my previously owned BLON IEMs, a good amount of heft that feels great. The overall shape is of a universal fit without pronounced curves and the faceplate has this rose gold dragon design that is very similar to the box art.
The nozzle seems to be at a proper length this time as this was an issue with some of their models which is nice to see. Speaking of the nozzle, right beside is the only vent on the IEMs, once of each driver.
As for the connection type, one can say that itโs quasi-QDC because of the protrusion, but a weird thing with BLON is that they have this non-standard connection type that looks like QDC, but it actually isnโt. Iโve seen some weird reports of people having to sand down the corners just to make QDC cables fit. 2-pin still works, but that configuration looks fragile as the protrusion and the 2-pin can create a potential weak area. The nearest connection in the market is the NX7 typically used by TFZ products. However, even that doesnโt go the full length of the port.
| ๐๐๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
Because of the relatively slim and low-profile form factor the Z300 has, isolation is below average in blocking out outside noise. It does get better with if you try get a deeper insertion depth
| ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ |
I find these comfortable because of the form factor and the great finish it has. I never felt uncomfortable for long periods of time using these and even though it only has one vent, pressure is managed greatly and doesnโt suffer an incredibly bad occlusion effect.
Thereโs no wing/protrusion on the shape of the IEM hence a much safer fit. Some people may find the weight to be annoying, especially those who are used to plastic or resin-based IEMs.
** ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ด๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ1 **
|| ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ||
At first listen, This reminded me of my beloved BLON BL03. Sound is really meaty with the bass being upfront and center during playback. As much as I appreciate other tunings, my taste for sound definitely changed a lot since first acquiring the BL03 back in 2019. The Z300 however struck me similar to what I experienced at that time and then some.
This type of sound performance may not be for everyone though. Some people may find this a bit too warm for their tastes whilst some will adore this set very much
| ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ |
These are quite efficient in general, however I do sometimes find myself pushing to volume more to make the vocals audible.
| ๐๐ฎ๐๐ |
The forte of the Z300. As we all know, HBB is a person who tends to like warm sets that have a bass performance that works greatly with his library and this set along with all of the Collab IEMs heโs done also fits the category.
Mid-bass has an amazing body and fast attack and the sub-bass despite being less prominent than the aforementioned Mid-bass, rumble is still present as per my experience. You can clearly hear and feel the note weight on this set purely because of its execution of the low-end.
| ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ |
The mids on these are somewhat reserved despite the sheer amount of low-end present. Instruments though, feel bodied but I do, however, find myself bumping the volume a tad to hear vocals on certain songs.
Male vocals are more forward than their female counterparts with a hint of mild sibilance on both sides and the absence of the ethereal feeling of female vocals in certain occasions. I would also like to say that there was no instance of it being metallic sounding during testing.
| ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ |
The treble here is quite decent, it doesnโt sound as sparkly as other sets that could be either a pro or con depending on your stance and tolerance treble. I still hear the harshness of peaks around the 8khz area on this but it is very tolerable. This issue is non-existent during low volume listening. Details are average, allowing to pick them up during playback with no issue and air is also decent but could be better.
This is definitely not the highlight of the Z300, but considering the target market for this kind of tuning and its tunerโs preference, I wouldn't consider this such a deal breaker.
| ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Because of how especially warm it is, you may have a hard time pinpointing audio sources clearly especially in the presence of an instrument or something that generates the tons of low-end, therefore hindering your experience during those types of passages during songs. Layering is decent and the staging is quite intimate than average.
For other uses other than music playback for example, professional audio work or even gaming, the warm signature may deter consumers that are looking for a more analytical set for more involved listening.
|| ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ||
The BLON x HBB Z300 may not fit my current preferences at the moment, I do believe that it has its place in the market, especially for those looking for a bassy set. This set is clearly made to appease a certain category of people, and to that I do think it delivers quite well.
There are still some areas of improvement though like the seemingly present treble roll-off, the quiet intimate staging and the non-standard connection type.
HiFiRobot
Thanks for pointing out the weird non standard 2-pin connector. The Z300 connectors looks square compared to QDC rounder edges.
๐ฒ๐ฉ ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐: ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐โ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
|| ๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ||
KB EAR is no stranger to budget sets of IEMs especially under the $100 with a couple of notable releases such as the KB Ear Diamond and Aurora, which, if my memory serves me right, are sets that definitely caused a buzz in the hobby.
Packed with a single dynamic driver and a transparent shell, KB Ear is once again back with a new release aiming to take the reins of the ever so competitive sub $20 dollar IEM market.. Spoiler alert, KB Ear is brewed quite a storm of an IEM here(pun definitely intended).
|| ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ||
I donโt consider myself as an audiophile or an enthusiast, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.
We prefer to keep our reviews simple without too much confusing lingo and terminologies
This review set is a part of a review tour and was sent free of charge in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for us to do this review. I guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.
My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
** ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ค๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ข๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ข ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐จ ๐๐ง๐ Keephifi ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ข๐ญ ๐ข๐ง ๐ข๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ฌ. ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ค ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ขโ๐ฌ ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐ฐ๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ง ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ ๐๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ก๐จ๐ง๐ข๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ.๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ.๐๐จ๐ฆ **
| ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
It comes in a compact box with an illustration of the IEM with all of its available colors. This kind of box is common in the sub $20 market especially with the likes of KZ and TRN doing similar packaging.
| ๐จ๐ป๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ด & ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
After removing the initial cardboard, the IEM drivers immediately greet you whilst being covered by a clear plastic layer and are enclosed with foam. Underneath that is the included stock cable, a manual and a few sets of normal-bore silicone ear tips that can more than cover your needs.
It comes with a generic braided L-type QDC cable and a few stock tips that can more than cover your needs.
Similar to the packaging, nothing noteworthy here for the unboxing, itโs a straightforward experience, probably to cut costs which is evident for the asking price.
๐๐๐ฒ๐บ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ป:
Paperwork
IEM Drivers
2 Sets of ear tips in black and white(S,M,L)
Stock L-type QDC cable
| ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ & ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
The KB Ear Storm is made out of some sort of hard plastic. I was unable to disclose whether this is a 3D resin or not but quite light for a resin based shell. Speaking of it being light, the Storm is quite comfortable to the ear because of it not weighing that much but does suffer from โfeeling cheapโ due to its heft not alluding quality.
Overall the fit is universal and the contours are rounded and safe enough for those folks who donโt like protruding wings.
But this type of build is common for sub $20 blowers therefore not a huge knock for the Storm. The nozzle is made out of alloy with a ridge to help the stability of ear tips when worn. Right beside the nozzle is a vent, and another is located at the top of the IEM as well as each shell of the Storm has branding on its faceplate.
The Storm comes in three different colors namely a purple(Which what we have today), black and a mix of purple and blue that are all translucent. Version with a mic is also available for sale.
This uses a QDC connector which is honestly disappointing as most consider 2-pin as the standard. Whilst QDC being able to support 2-pin cables, the extra length introduced by the protruding female point can be a massive point of failure if pressure is introduced
Inside the Storm is a trusty single dynamic driver setup, which you can actually see inside because of the shell). This driver is really prominent in the budget space for their great cost to performance ratio.
| ๐๐๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
These isolates less than what your average IEM can, with background noise more audible than other passive isolated IEMs. This is probably due to the thickness of the plastic used for the shells not being that thick to restrict outside noise from entering.
| ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ |
With the Storm having safe curves and no extreme protrusions, I find them comfortable for long periods of time before introducing ear fatigue. Occlusion effect here isnโt as sever as most IEMs which is definitely a plus.
** ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ป๐น๐ต ๐ป-๐ป๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ฌ ๐จ๐๐๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๐**
|| ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ||
These caught me off guard as I didnโt expect such treble extension without being fatigued on such a budget set. These had theyโre issues but it was quite an experience using these during my testing.
| ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ |
These are a very efficient set that don't require much power to run on a satisfying volume. Do be wary of using high gain on these as IEMs in general are quite sensitive and may introduce audible noise floor.
| ๐๐ฎ๐๐ |
The bass on these lean more on quantity over quality. mid-bass is much more prominent than sub-bass which only offer minimal rumble. Texture of both could use work and the speed of the attack can definitely be improved upon. Hollowness on the mid-bass is also audible in some tracks
Bleed is noticeable and looms over the mids making it seem so that the mids are quite veiled. Therefore I think this is probably the weakest part of the Storm, not for its lack of bass but more so the execution of such is its issue.
| ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ |
Like I said earlier, mids are quite veiled over by the bleed from the bass. Because of this some instruments get drowned over the bleed but also have the weird side effect of making the male vocals feel more present than their female counterparts.
However, the upper midrange rise gives instruments like electric guitars a distinct presence in the playback which I find quite enjoyable.
| ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ |
The rise of the upper midrange continues in the highs where transients, air, and details executed well without being overbearing to the ears. The treble performance on this set is quite stellar as some people coin those terms.
Things like cymbal strikes resonate for quite some time before being inaudible. Just overall a great extension coming from a budget offering.
| ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Because of the bleeding lows, layering and imaging suffer a little on track with looming bass notes, otherwise it is quite decent in being distinct with other sound sources(again, excluding low sounding source) whilst the staging is just average.
|| ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ||
Even though this set has issues, I found that using specially curated ear tips to tighten and clean up the bass will greatly benefit the overall performance of this set. That was one of its only major drawbacks and even EQ-ing can help if that suits your fancy. This set is decent and could be a gem for the price but I wish that bass presentation is cleaned up a little bit but that extension for the price is quite an experience.
|| ๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ||
KB EAR is no stranger to budget sets of IEMs especially under the $100 with a couple of notable releases such as the KB Ear Diamond and Aurora, which, if my memory serves me right, are sets that definitely caused a buzz in the hobby.
Packed with a single dynamic driver and a transparent shell, KB Ear is once again back with a new release aiming to take the reins of the ever so competitive sub $20 dollar IEM market.. Spoiler alert, KB Ear is brewed quite a storm of an IEM here(pun definitely intended).
|| ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ||
I donโt consider myself as an audiophile or an enthusiast, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.
We prefer to keep our reviews simple without too much confusing lingo and terminologies
This review set is a part of a review tour and was sent free of charge in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for us to do this review. I guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.
My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
** ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ค๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ข๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ข ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐จ ๐๐ง๐ Keephifi ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ข๐ญ ๐ข๐ง ๐ข๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ฌ. ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ค ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ขโ๐ฌ ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐ฐ๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ง ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ ๐๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ก๐จ๐ง๐ข๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ.๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ.๐๐จ๐ฆ **
| ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
It comes in a compact box with an illustration of the IEM with all of its available colors. This kind of box is common in the sub $20 market especially with the likes of KZ and TRN doing similar packaging.
| ๐จ๐ป๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ด & ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
After removing the initial cardboard, the IEM drivers immediately greet you whilst being covered by a clear plastic layer and are enclosed with foam. Underneath that is the included stock cable, a manual and a few sets of normal-bore silicone ear tips that can more than cover your needs.
It comes with a generic braided L-type QDC cable and a few stock tips that can more than cover your needs.
Similar to the packaging, nothing noteworthy here for the unboxing, itโs a straightforward experience, probably to cut costs which is evident for the asking price.
๐๐๐ฒ๐บ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ป:
Paperwork
IEM Drivers
2 Sets of ear tips in black and white(S,M,L)
Stock L-type QDC cable
| ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ & ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
The KB Ear Storm is made out of some sort of hard plastic. I was unable to disclose whether this is a 3D resin or not but quite light for a resin based shell. Speaking of it being light, the Storm is quite comfortable to the ear because of it not weighing that much but does suffer from โfeeling cheapโ due to its heft not alluding quality.
Overall the fit is universal and the contours are rounded and safe enough for those folks who donโt like protruding wings.
But this type of build is common for sub $20 blowers therefore not a huge knock for the Storm. The nozzle is made out of alloy with a ridge to help the stability of ear tips when worn. Right beside the nozzle is a vent, and another is located at the top of the IEM as well as each shell of the Storm has branding on its faceplate.
The Storm comes in three different colors namely a purple(Which what we have today), black and a mix of purple and blue that are all translucent. Version with a mic is also available for sale.
This uses a QDC connector which is honestly disappointing as most consider 2-pin as the standard. Whilst QDC being able to support 2-pin cables, the extra length introduced by the protruding female point can be a massive point of failure if pressure is introduced
Inside the Storm is a trusty single dynamic driver setup, which you can actually see inside because of the shell). This driver is really prominent in the budget space for their great cost to performance ratio.
| ๐๐๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
These isolates less than what your average IEM can, with background noise more audible than other passive isolated IEMs. This is probably due to the thickness of the plastic used for the shells not being that thick to restrict outside noise from entering.
| ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ |
With the Storm having safe curves and no extreme protrusions, I find them comfortable for long periods of time before introducing ear fatigue. Occlusion effect here isnโt as sever as most IEMs which is definitely a plus.
** ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ป๐น๐ต ๐ป-๐ป๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ฌ ๐จ๐๐๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๐**
|| ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ||
These caught me off guard as I didnโt expect such treble extension without being fatigued on such a budget set. These had theyโre issues but it was quite an experience using these during my testing.
| ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ |
These are a very efficient set that don't require much power to run on a satisfying volume. Do be wary of using high gain on these as IEMs in general are quite sensitive and may introduce audible noise floor.
| ๐๐ฎ๐๐ |
The bass on these lean more on quantity over quality. mid-bass is much more prominent than sub-bass which only offer minimal rumble. Texture of both could use work and the speed of the attack can definitely be improved upon. Hollowness on the mid-bass is also audible in some tracks
Bleed is noticeable and looms over the mids making it seem so that the mids are quite veiled. Therefore I think this is probably the weakest part of the Storm, not for its lack of bass but more so the execution of such is its issue.
| ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ |
Like I said earlier, mids are quite veiled over by the bleed from the bass. Because of this some instruments get drowned over the bleed but also have the weird side effect of making the male vocals feel more present than their female counterparts.
However, the upper midrange rise gives instruments like electric guitars a distinct presence in the playback which I find quite enjoyable.
| ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ |
The rise of the upper midrange continues in the highs where transients, air, and details executed well without being overbearing to the ears. The treble performance on this set is quite stellar as some people coin those terms.
Things like cymbal strikes resonate for quite some time before being inaudible. Just overall a great extension coming from a budget offering.
| ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Because of the bleeding lows, layering and imaging suffer a little on track with looming bass notes, otherwise it is quite decent in being distinct with other sound sources(again, excluding low sounding source) whilst the staging is just average.
|| ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ||
Even though this set has issues, I found that using specially curated ear tips to tighten and clean up the bass will greatly benefit the overall performance of this set. That was one of its only major drawbacks and even EQ-ing can help if that suits your fancy. This set is decent and could be a gem for the price but I wish that bass presentation is cleaned up a little bit but that extension for the price is quite an experience.
๐ป๐น๐ฐ ๐ ๐ฏ๐ฉ๐ฉ ๐ฒ๐๐: ๐ด๐๐
๐โ๐ ๐ท๐๐๐๐
|| ๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ||
TRI Audio is an IEM company that seems to be in the limelight of releases as of late. Together with a well known audio reviewer Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews, they released a new set sporting a Diamond-like Carbon(DLC) Dynamic Driver, a shiny exterior and a sub $100 price tag.
Derived from the Hawaiian word โKaiโ which means the ocean or sea, the Kai is appropriately named with a distinct Hawaiian origin akin to its tuner and with its tuning being ranges from smooth and calm to a crashing wake.
|| ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ||
I donโt consider myself as an audiophile or an enthusiast, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.
We prefer to keep our reviews simple without too much confusing lingo and terminologies
This review set is a part of a review tour and was sent free of charge in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for us to do this review.
We guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.
My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
** ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ค๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ข๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ข ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐จ ๐๐ง๐ Keephifi ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ข๐ญ ๐ข๐ง ๐ข๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ฌ. ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ค ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ขโ๐ฌ ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐ฐ๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ง ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ ๐๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ก๐จ๐ง๐ข๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ.๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ.๐๐จ๐ฆ **
| ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
It comes with a vibrant blue small box with simple typography of the product and branding of both HBB and TRI on the front. Specifications are listed behind the with additional information from the manufacturer.
| ๐จ๐ป๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ด & ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
The unboxing experience is as straightforward as it gets. Removing all the covers greets you with a small card with a โKaiโ typography in gold and the manual/warranty card along with the included faux-leather case that contains all of the items included in the product.
The case contains both IEM drivers packed in a zip lock bag, stock 2-pin cable, some ear tips, a cleaning brush and a microfiber cloth.
๐๐๐ฒ๐บ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ป:
Paperwork
normal bore and wide bore ear tips(S,M,L)
Silver-plated OFC 0.78mm 2-pin 4-core cable in 3.5mm termination
Cleaning brush tool
Microfiber cloth
TRI stays consistent with the inclusions on their offering around and under $100 which is nice to see. Not all manufacturers provide cleaning tools for IEMs in their accessories.
| ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ & ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
The Kai is made out of aviation-grade 7 series aluminum alloy material with a shiny coat of glossy gold and blue. The construction feels nice in hand with a good balance of heft and in-hand feel albeit a bit too much of a fingerprint magnet.
The overall design of the IEM is quite flashy with it being majority gold color but it does look nice for a showroom set. The faceplate has a blue cutaway to generate interest along with TRI and HBB branding on both sides of the IEM Drivers.
Contours on the Kai are quite safe with it not having a protruding wing that can deter some people and an overall universal fit. Two vents are present with one being at the top and one sitting near the nozzle. Speaking of the nozzle, it has a ridge to help the ear tip stay in place and the filter inside is made out of metal.
Drivers are composed of a diamond like carbon dynamic drive, that is commonly used by the likes of KBear and TRI and is also a highly regarded driver.
| ๐๐๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
The passive isolation here is average, with it being such a universal fit, deeper insertion is very limiting and results in a bog average isolation. If youโre looking for something to block the noise, ANC devices are definitely the way to go
| ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ |
I find this fits very snugly in my ear and doesnโt get fatiguing for longer periods of time. Like I said earlier no extreme protrusion/wing is present, hence a person like myself who finds those things uncomfortable finds them nice to wear. The occlusion effect on this is nothing noteworthy as it is just as occlusive as most IEMs
**๐ป๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ด๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐(๐บ๐๐๐๐) ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ1 ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐**
|| ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ||
The sound overall is obviously warm yet still sounds balanced and coherent. I find using these on more modern music is quite satisfying, partly to the great bass response that is definitely the highlight of this set.
| ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ |
This is a pretty efficient set and doesnโt require much power, albeit I did find I pushed the volume knob on this a bit higher than other hybrids, but not too demanding that it needs a power source.
| ๐๐ฎ๐๐ |
As the highlight of this HBB tuned set, the bass is forward punchy and is full bodied. Bleed is very minimal if not non-existent in some tracks. Grit and texture is also executed really well.
Mid-bass is more present than the Sub-bass but rumble is still there and is in ample amounts to feel enveloped. An amazing experience overall.
| ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ |
Despite the bass being really forward, the mids doesnโt feel drowned out and actually very distinct from the lows with male vocals particularly more forward and bodied than their female counterparts.
The early rise in the gain results in a great performance of the mids without cutting back with the bass to avoid bleeding, not to mention instruments sound full and complete without sounding dark
| ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ |
With such a warm set one can only assume the Highs mustโve taken a toll, in this case however it still performs quite decently. Transients sound natural and don't feel cut off. Details are average but enough. Cymbal strikes can sound a bit thin though and lack a bit of sparkle to the top in some instances but still a decent performance overall.
I do like to highlight that this set doesn't probe to my sensitivity in the 8khz region and sibilance being very minimal, which is a huge plus in my book. This makes this IEM very comfortable for me to use for higher volumes.
| ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Again despite this set being quite warm, Imaging, staging, and layering are all great. I can easily pinpoint the source of sound with relative ease.
I find this set great for activities such as movie watching and gaming as the warm signature envelopes the user making them more immersive
|| ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ||
Another banger of a release coming from TRI and Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews. After trying out the Zetian Wu: Heyday Edition of which HBB also tuned, Iโve never been disappointed by any of the IEMs tuned by HBB and the Kai continues that impression of mine.
The great mix of warmth and clean sound makes this a great set. Iโll happily recommend this to someone looking for a bassy or a warm set that doesnโt want any bleed and still sound concise, or to someone looking for something that they want to feel enveloped by the lows and just anyone wanting anything under $100 that is okay with the downsides stated.
|| ๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ||
TRI Audio is an IEM company that seems to be in the limelight of releases as of late. Together with a well known audio reviewer Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews, they released a new set sporting a Diamond-like Carbon(DLC) Dynamic Driver, a shiny exterior and a sub $100 price tag.
Derived from the Hawaiian word โKaiโ which means the ocean or sea, the Kai is appropriately named with a distinct Hawaiian origin akin to its tuner and with its tuning being ranges from smooth and calm to a crashing wake.
|| ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ||
I donโt consider myself as an audiophile or an enthusiast, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.
We prefer to keep our reviews simple without too much confusing lingo and terminologies
This review set is a part of a review tour and was sent free of charge in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for us to do this review.
We guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.
My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
** ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ค๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ข๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ข ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐จ ๐๐ง๐ Keephifi ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ข๐ญ ๐ข๐ง ๐ข๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ฌ. ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ค ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ขโ๐ฌ ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐ฐ๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ง ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ ๐๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ก๐จ๐ง๐ข๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ.๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ.๐๐จ๐ฆ **
| ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
It comes with a vibrant blue small box with simple typography of the product and branding of both HBB and TRI on the front. Specifications are listed behind the with additional information from the manufacturer.
| ๐จ๐ป๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ด & ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
The unboxing experience is as straightforward as it gets. Removing all the covers greets you with a small card with a โKaiโ typography in gold and the manual/warranty card along with the included faux-leather case that contains all of the items included in the product.
The case contains both IEM drivers packed in a zip lock bag, stock 2-pin cable, some ear tips, a cleaning brush and a microfiber cloth.
๐๐๐ฒ๐บ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ป:
Paperwork
normal bore and wide bore ear tips(S,M,L)
Silver-plated OFC 0.78mm 2-pin 4-core cable in 3.5mm termination
Cleaning brush tool
Microfiber cloth
TRI stays consistent with the inclusions on their offering around and under $100 which is nice to see. Not all manufacturers provide cleaning tools for IEMs in their accessories.
| ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ & ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
The Kai is made out of aviation-grade 7 series aluminum alloy material with a shiny coat of glossy gold and blue. The construction feels nice in hand with a good balance of heft and in-hand feel albeit a bit too much of a fingerprint magnet.
The overall design of the IEM is quite flashy with it being majority gold color but it does look nice for a showroom set. The faceplate has a blue cutaway to generate interest along with TRI and HBB branding on both sides of the IEM Drivers.
Contours on the Kai are quite safe with it not having a protruding wing that can deter some people and an overall universal fit. Two vents are present with one being at the top and one sitting near the nozzle. Speaking of the nozzle, it has a ridge to help the ear tip stay in place and the filter inside is made out of metal.
Drivers are composed of a diamond like carbon dynamic drive, that is commonly used by the likes of KBear and TRI and is also a highly regarded driver.
| ๐๐๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
The passive isolation here is average, with it being such a universal fit, deeper insertion is very limiting and results in a bog average isolation. If youโre looking for something to block the noise, ANC devices are definitely the way to go
| ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ |
I find this fits very snugly in my ear and doesnโt get fatiguing for longer periods of time. Like I said earlier no extreme protrusion/wing is present, hence a person like myself who finds those things uncomfortable finds them nice to wear. The occlusion effect on this is nothing noteworthy as it is just as occlusive as most IEMs
**๐ป๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ด๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐(๐บ๐๐๐๐) ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ1 ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐**
|| ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ||
The sound overall is obviously warm yet still sounds balanced and coherent. I find using these on more modern music is quite satisfying, partly to the great bass response that is definitely the highlight of this set.
| ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ |
This is a pretty efficient set and doesnโt require much power, albeit I did find I pushed the volume knob on this a bit higher than other hybrids, but not too demanding that it needs a power source.
| ๐๐ฎ๐๐ |
As the highlight of this HBB tuned set, the bass is forward punchy and is full bodied. Bleed is very minimal if not non-existent in some tracks. Grit and texture is also executed really well.
Mid-bass is more present than the Sub-bass but rumble is still there and is in ample amounts to feel enveloped. An amazing experience overall.
| ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ |
Despite the bass being really forward, the mids doesnโt feel drowned out and actually very distinct from the lows with male vocals particularly more forward and bodied than their female counterparts.
The early rise in the gain results in a great performance of the mids without cutting back with the bass to avoid bleeding, not to mention instruments sound full and complete without sounding dark
| ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ |
With such a warm set one can only assume the Highs mustโve taken a toll, in this case however it still performs quite decently. Transients sound natural and don't feel cut off. Details are average but enough. Cymbal strikes can sound a bit thin though and lack a bit of sparkle to the top in some instances but still a decent performance overall.
I do like to highlight that this set doesn't probe to my sensitivity in the 8khz region and sibilance being very minimal, which is a huge plus in my book. This makes this IEM very comfortable for me to use for higher volumes.
| ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Again despite this set being quite warm, Imaging, staging, and layering are all great. I can easily pinpoint the source of sound with relative ease.
I find this set great for activities such as movie watching and gaming as the warm signature envelopes the user making them more immersive
|| ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ||
Another banger of a release coming from TRI and Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews. After trying out the Zetian Wu: Heyday Edition of which HBB also tuned, Iโve never been disappointed by any of the IEMs tuned by HBB and the Kai continues that impression of mine.
The great mix of warmth and clean sound makes this a great set. Iโll happily recommend this to someone looking for a bassy or a warm set that doesnโt want any bleed and still sound concise, or to someone looking for something that they want to feel enveloped by the lows and just anyone wanting anything under $100 that is okay with the downsides stated.
Attachments
๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ซ๐ฐ๐ถ ๐บ๐๐๐๐: ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฑ๐๐
|| ๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ||
JOYODIO is a โnewโ company debuting their newest and first IEM, the JOYODIO Shine. With all the hints toward JOYODIO being a sub-brand or a sister company of the well-known budget oriented company KZ that is known for their budget sets with questionable reputation.
Sporting a mix of 1DD + 2BA with tunable switches priced under the $100, will this be able to penetrate one of the most competitive price ranges in the hobby and stand as a company on its own without the aforementioned associations?
|| ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ||
I donโt consider myself as an audiophile or an enthusiast, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.
I prefer to keep our reviews simple without too much confusing lingo and terminologies
This review set is a part of a review tour and was sent free of charge in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for us to do this review.
I guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.
My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
** ๐๐๐ด๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ๐ ๐๐ผ Linsoul Audio ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐๐ถ๐ท๐ถ ๐ญ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ผ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ด๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐บ๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฏ๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฎ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ด๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฝ. ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ๐น๐ ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ผ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐น๐ฒ๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ฏ๐น๐ผ๐ด ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐: ๐ฒ๐๐ฝ๐ต๐ผ๐ป๐ถ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐๐.๐ฏ๐น๐ผ๐ด๐๐ฝ๐ผ๐.๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ **
| ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
It comes with a simple and somewhat compact box with an illustration of the IEMs in the front and a couple of branding throughout the box. Nothing much going on here really.
| ๐จ๐ป๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ด & ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Upon removing the other parts of the packaging, greets you another nice black textured box that flips open. After that is some envelope-like cardboard that holds all the paperwork. They also provide a handy little guide for what configurations this IEM has with its switches. After those are the IEM drivers themselves encased in foam, ear tips that are neatly organized and arranged with an ear tip holder and another box pertaining to the included faux leather case in blue.
The case holds the remaining accessories such as the included stock QDC Cable and a pin ejector tool used for flipping the switches on and off. The included case is quite small and because of the accordion-style mechanism, putting in objects can be quite tedious but it feels nice to the touch.
Great inclusions coming from JOYODIO that are also nicely presented.
๐๐๐ฒ๐บ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ป:
Paperwork
Tuning switch guide
8-core silver plated QDC cable
A set of normal clear ear tips (S,M,L)
A set of KZ silicone tips that has a whirlpool-esque design (S,M,L)
Blue faux leather accordion case
Pin ejector tool
| ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ & ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
The JOYODIO Shine is built from a 3D-printed resin for the body and a type of alloy for the faceplate. Itโs nice and light but still has a nice amount of heft to feel good in the hand. The tuning switch is located in the rear of the shell and a singular vent beside the nozzle.
The design is quite subtle with the faceplate just having a different type of black than the rest of the body making it a more gray color with a nice gloss coating. This can attract fingerprint and is more prone to scratches but is quite nice and shiny once wiped down with a microfiber cloth
The Shine also uses a QDC connection that can introduce cable compatibility issues since the standard 2-pin and QDC is not as 1:1 as some people think.
The Shine is composed of a 1DD + 2BA setup that is quite common in the sub $200 category for its renowned flexibility and great performance.
| ๐๐๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
Isolation on these is below average, as I could not get a deeper insertion depth for this set to muffle out sounds in the environment more.
| ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ |
It fits well in my ears and allows me to wear it for hours on end without hurting my ears or having to remove them to let my ears rest from time to time. The occlusion effect on this is similar to most IEMs which is no issue given that it's a downside of IEMs themselves
I do however like to have a deeper insertion depth.
**๐ง๐ฒ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฎ๐น๐น ๐๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ ๐ผ๐ผ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฝ ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ง๐ถ๐ฝ๐(๐ฆ๐บ๐ฎ๐น๐น) ๐๐ต๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ด๐ต ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ถ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ป ๐จ๐ญ**
|| ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ||
I really enjoyed this set as this offers me a sound signature that is energetic but is not too fatiguing to listen to in longer sessions.
| ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ |
I did find these to require more volume to be at a listenable level but itโs not too power hungry that it requires more power.
| ๐๐ฎ๐๐ |
Sub-bass is present, bodied, and with great texture and doesn't spill over other frequencies. Grit of the sub-bass is easily distinguishable with great execution.
Mid-bass has a nice punch and body but on rare occasions sound quite hollow. Bleed of the low-end is non-existent or if there was, I wasnโt able to pick it up during playback.
| ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ |
Female vocals tend to sound a bit forward than their male counterparts and in some occasions, male vocals sound thin whilst female vocals have no such issue. Male being thin sounding could also be because they tend to not be as prominent as other sound sources and or due to my playlist not consisting of male vocalists that is on the lower end of voices .
โSโ and โTโ sounds can sound a tad bit harsh but this is no big issue on lower volumes and is tolerable. I like listening to brass instruments with either orchestral tracks or Video Game OSTs. Cymbal strikes sound great being full and decaying long but still natural
| ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ |
Highs are well extended, detailed and have more than enough room for air. Sound sources sound full and don't deliver any splashy-ness during the most time with my playback.
There is also a minor issue of this set sounding metallic. This could be what they refer to as the โbalanced armature timbreโ, but I have not encounter this on other sets with BAs Iโve tried, therefore I wonโt conclude this as having that โtimbreโ
As someone who is quite sensitive to treble, I find loving this set as it has a more treble forward sound without being intolerable for my ears.
| ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Imaging is above average, meaning itโs greater than most IEMs Iโve tried. Distinguishing things with this set is a breeze.
This could be the benefit of having treble forward sound. Layering is great with no mushing of sounds but staging is a little narrower than the competition but it still suffices my needs.
|| ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ||
This set is quite a unique one, as this is a really engaging set that does not have a weird spike around the 8khz that I find really uncomfortable to. The JOYODIO shine is one great IEM for the price especially with the tunable switches, which is turning to be quite the trend nowadays after modular cables which is a good thing.
Tunable switches offer customizable in the performance of sound that canโt be sufficed by outer factors such as ear tips. I did find the stock tuning to be the best out of all of them and suits my taste really well.
Overall a great contender for a fun and engaging sound that isnโt taxing on the ear. Definitely recommending this for those, who like me have a weird sensitivity on the 8 khz region but still have an engaging playback, and recommend this for anyone looking for a great IEM under $100 in general.
|| ๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ||
JOYODIO is a โnewโ company debuting their newest and first IEM, the JOYODIO Shine. With all the hints toward JOYODIO being a sub-brand or a sister company of the well-known budget oriented company KZ that is known for their budget sets with questionable reputation.
Sporting a mix of 1DD + 2BA with tunable switches priced under the $100, will this be able to penetrate one of the most competitive price ranges in the hobby and stand as a company on its own without the aforementioned associations?
|| ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ||
I donโt consider myself as an audiophile or an enthusiast, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.
I prefer to keep our reviews simple without too much confusing lingo and terminologies
This review set is a part of a review tour and was sent free of charge in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for us to do this review.
I guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.
My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
** ๐๐๐ด๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ๐ ๐๐ผ Linsoul Audio ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐๐ถ๐ท๐ถ ๐ญ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ผ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ด๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐บ๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฏ๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฎ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ด๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฝ. ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ๐น๐ ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ผ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐น๐ฒ๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ฏ๐น๐ผ๐ด ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐: ๐ฒ๐๐ฝ๐ต๐ผ๐ป๐ถ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐๐.๐ฏ๐น๐ผ๐ด๐๐ฝ๐ผ๐.๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ **
| ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
It comes with a simple and somewhat compact box with an illustration of the IEMs in the front and a couple of branding throughout the box. Nothing much going on here really.
| ๐จ๐ป๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ด & ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Upon removing the other parts of the packaging, greets you another nice black textured box that flips open. After that is some envelope-like cardboard that holds all the paperwork. They also provide a handy little guide for what configurations this IEM has with its switches. After those are the IEM drivers themselves encased in foam, ear tips that are neatly organized and arranged with an ear tip holder and another box pertaining to the included faux leather case in blue.
The case holds the remaining accessories such as the included stock QDC Cable and a pin ejector tool used for flipping the switches on and off. The included case is quite small and because of the accordion-style mechanism, putting in objects can be quite tedious but it feels nice to the touch.
Great inclusions coming from JOYODIO that are also nicely presented.
๐๐๐ฒ๐บ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ป:
Paperwork
Tuning switch guide
8-core silver plated QDC cable
A set of normal clear ear tips (S,M,L)
A set of KZ silicone tips that has a whirlpool-esque design (S,M,L)
Blue faux leather accordion case
Pin ejector tool
| ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ & ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
The JOYODIO Shine is built from a 3D-printed resin for the body and a type of alloy for the faceplate. Itโs nice and light but still has a nice amount of heft to feel good in the hand. The tuning switch is located in the rear of the shell and a singular vent beside the nozzle.
The design is quite subtle with the faceplate just having a different type of black than the rest of the body making it a more gray color with a nice gloss coating. This can attract fingerprint and is more prone to scratches but is quite nice and shiny once wiped down with a microfiber cloth
The Shine also uses a QDC connection that can introduce cable compatibility issues since the standard 2-pin and QDC is not as 1:1 as some people think.
The Shine is composed of a 1DD + 2BA setup that is quite common in the sub $200 category for its renowned flexibility and great performance.
| ๐๐๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
Isolation on these is below average, as I could not get a deeper insertion depth for this set to muffle out sounds in the environment more.
| ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ |
It fits well in my ears and allows me to wear it for hours on end without hurting my ears or having to remove them to let my ears rest from time to time. The occlusion effect on this is similar to most IEMs which is no issue given that it's a downside of IEMs themselves
I do however like to have a deeper insertion depth.
**๐ง๐ฒ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฎ๐น๐น ๐๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ ๐ผ๐ผ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฝ ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ง๐ถ๐ฝ๐(๐ฆ๐บ๐ฎ๐น๐น) ๐๐ต๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ด๐ต ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ถ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ป ๐จ๐ญ**
|| ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ||
I really enjoyed this set as this offers me a sound signature that is energetic but is not too fatiguing to listen to in longer sessions.
| ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ |
I did find these to require more volume to be at a listenable level but itโs not too power hungry that it requires more power.
| ๐๐ฎ๐๐ |
Sub-bass is present, bodied, and with great texture and doesn't spill over other frequencies. Grit of the sub-bass is easily distinguishable with great execution.
Mid-bass has a nice punch and body but on rare occasions sound quite hollow. Bleed of the low-end is non-existent or if there was, I wasnโt able to pick it up during playback.
| ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ |
Female vocals tend to sound a bit forward than their male counterparts and in some occasions, male vocals sound thin whilst female vocals have no such issue. Male being thin sounding could also be because they tend to not be as prominent as other sound sources and or due to my playlist not consisting of male vocalists that is on the lower end of voices .
โSโ and โTโ sounds can sound a tad bit harsh but this is no big issue on lower volumes and is tolerable. I like listening to brass instruments with either orchestral tracks or Video Game OSTs. Cymbal strikes sound great being full and decaying long but still natural
| ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ |
Highs are well extended, detailed and have more than enough room for air. Sound sources sound full and don't deliver any splashy-ness during the most time with my playback.
There is also a minor issue of this set sounding metallic. This could be what they refer to as the โbalanced armature timbreโ, but I have not encounter this on other sets with BAs Iโve tried, therefore I wonโt conclude this as having that โtimbreโ
As someone who is quite sensitive to treble, I find loving this set as it has a more treble forward sound without being intolerable for my ears.
| ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Imaging is above average, meaning itโs greater than most IEMs Iโve tried. Distinguishing things with this set is a breeze.
This could be the benefit of having treble forward sound. Layering is great with no mushing of sounds but staging is a little narrower than the competition but it still suffices my needs.
|| ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ||
This set is quite a unique one, as this is a really engaging set that does not have a weird spike around the 8khz that I find really uncomfortable to. The JOYODIO shine is one great IEM for the price especially with the tunable switches, which is turning to be quite the trend nowadays after modular cables which is a good thing.
Tunable switches offer customizable in the performance of sound that canโt be sufficed by outer factors such as ear tips. I did find the stock tuning to be the best out of all of them and suits my taste really well.
Overall a great contender for a fun and engaging sound that isnโt taxing on the ear. Definitely recommending this for those, who like me have a weird sensitivity on the 8 khz region but still have an engaging playback, and recommend this for anyone looking for a great IEM under $100 in general.
Attachments
๐ฒ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ธ๐๐จ ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐: ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐
|| ๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ||
Kinera QoA has been present in the IEM space for a decent amount of time now but isnโt as widely known as other IEM brands, specifically Chi-Fi ones and not to be mistaken for a similar brand named QDC.
Queen of Audio(QoA) is here with their new budget offering, the QoA Gimlet. Priced at under $100($59 specifically), will the Gimlet stand out from the very crowded sub-$100 competition?
|| ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ||
** ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ค๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ Linsoul Audio ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ข ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐จ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ ๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฉ. ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ค ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ ๐๐ญ: ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ก๐จ๐ง๐ข๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ.๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ.๐๐จ๐ฆ **
| ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
The Gimlet comes in a nice, decently-sized green box which reminds me of those geode gemstones with branding all around.
The backside of the box has your typical spec sheet and an FR graph along with additional information.
| ๐จ๐ป๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ด & ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
The unboxing is straightforward with no complicated mechanism just for opening the box. Upon opening the box, youโll see printed cards that show instructions on how to use IEMs, another spec sheet, official social media accounts and a photo of the apparent founder of the QoA, Sophie Yu, along with a printed signature.
After all the paperwork, youโll be greeted by the provided faux-leather case with QoA branding surrounded by foam for shock protection. The provided case houses the rest of items of the package that being the stock cable and IEM driver already connected and a set of bass and balanced tips according to QoA.
๐๐๐ฒ๐บ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ป:
Paperwork
QoA Gimlet Drivers
Stock 2-pin 3.5mm 4N 4-core OFC silver plated cable in white with gold plugs
Dark gray faux leather case
Bass eartips in translucent white(S,M,L)
Balanced eartips in translucent blue(S,M,L)
| ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ & ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
The Gimlet is made out of some sort of metal, of which we have no information of what it is specifically, but it feels nice in the hand and has quite a substantial amount of heft, especially compared to similarly priced IEMs. This kind of heft is very reminiscent of what my experience with the occult classic Blon BL03. The weight of the Gimlet can be both a pro or a con depending on oneโs preference. However I for one isn't really bothered by it especially with the provided cable having enough wire gauge to limit the heft of the drivers from swinging around.
The Gimlet shape is pretty safe, no wings and protrusion that may affect oneโs comfort is present and is pretty minimal in terms of grooves. The 2-pin slot is slightly recessed. Branding is present on both driver pieces with a QoA logo within a circular gold accent piece in the face plate area. A single vent is present near the nozzle, and speaking of the nozzle, QoA states that the nozzle is roughly 6mm wide, also colored in gold and has a metal filter with a pretty intricate design.
The unit we have today is the one of the two color options available, that being white and the other being a darker green. I like the design as it is unique compared to all of those black IEMs occupying most of the market. One may find this unappealing as itโs quite flashy compared to other IEMs and for that type of person I suggest for them to pick the other color variant.
Continuing with the theme of white and gold, the cable itself pairs well looks-wise with the IEM drivers itself. The stock cable is usable with no major gripes like it being memory prone or is microphonic.
The insides of the Gimlet are composed of a 10mm LCP Dynamic Driver. Many of you know this type of driver configuration as this is one of the most prominent configs especially in this price range.
(๐ ๐ธ๐ข๐ด ๐ฌ๐ช๐ฏ๐ฅ๐ข ๐ฉ๐ฐ๐ฑ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ด๐ฆ๐ฆ ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ณ ๐ต๐บ๐ฑ๐ฆ๐ด ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ฅ๐ณ๐ช๐ท๐ฆ๐ณ๐ด ๐ถ๐ด๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐ช๐ฏ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ช๐ด ๐ฑ๐ณ๐ช๐ค๐ฆ ๐ณ๐ข๐ฏ๐จ๐ฆ)
| ๐๐๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
This section is very subjective, but as per my experience, isolation on the Gimlet is almost average. This is due to it having less contours that could allow me to achieve a much better insertion depth, but then again YMMV.
Occlusion effect on this one too is lesser compared to other IEMs which is nice to see. Even though one vent is present, the Gimlet manages to alleviate pressure really well and one of the aspects that helped it achieve this is with a lesser insertion depth as stated earlier.
| ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ |
These are very comfortable as no protrusions can be the source of hotspot in your ear and can see myself wearing this for hours on end without much issue. Again, a very subjective matter.
**๐ป๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฒ๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐(๐๐๐๐๐) ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ1 ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐**
|| ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ||
To summarize, I found this sound very engaging, with elevated lows and forward highs. This is great for high energy music and can probably satisfy bassheads in a pinch.
| ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ |
The Gimlet is very easy to run and can be used simply with just your smartphone without amplification. Better power and sources are always recommended but bet weary of the issue of most IEMs in regards to the noise floor from sensitivity
| ๐๐ฎ๐๐ |
Lows on the Gimlet are very prominent, with a nice amount of sub and mid-bass. Impact sounds arenโt as solid or full as other IEMs, especially some V-shaped ones, but I find this more pleasing than those.
Subbass is present and has good texture as well as okay-ish congruency. It can sometimes come across as wooly or smeary depending on the song though. Some people may find this bass performance to be too overly bassy.
| ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ |
The mids on the Gimlet may be recessed, but that doesn't take away from the presence of it during playback. Despite being recessed among the three primary frequencies, it holds up well to not be too overtaken by one or the other.
Instruments feel full and have decent air, and vocals are rich and whole sounding as well. In some instances however, I feel as if some parts of the song's vocals sound nasal-y but sound dry in others
| ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ |
With the lows being elevated, the highs of the Gimlet are also battling to be up front and center. Sparkle is ample but still satisfactory, decent air and extends well so that it doesnโt sound abrupt. Details are okay but couldโve definitely benefited if it were to have more.
The highs are only slightly peaking and only in certain moments but sibilance can defer some people as this one has it, but is not as really that bad in my experience.
| ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
The Gimlet staging is fairly wide and doesn't sound โin your headโ with nice spacing and layering too. Imaging is decent with me being able to pinpoint sound source with no major issues.
I found no major gripes on the technical prowess of the Gimlet as I found it very uneventful, nothing bad but also nothing majorly noteworthy which is good in my book.
|| ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ||
The Gimlet is definitely one of the most appealing sets I tried in terms of looks at this price point in the sea of generic looking IEMs released every other week. The sound may not be for everyone but I did enjoy my time with the Gimlet with its engaging sound that isnโt fatiguing.
Not to mention the great accessories and great build quality, this is definitely going to be my go-to recommendation at this price.
|| ๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ||
Kinera QoA has been present in the IEM space for a decent amount of time now but isnโt as widely known as other IEM brands, specifically Chi-Fi ones and not to be mistaken for a similar brand named QDC.
Queen of Audio(QoA) is here with their new budget offering, the QoA Gimlet. Priced at under $100($59 specifically), will the Gimlet stand out from the very crowded sub-$100 competition?
|| ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ||
- I donโt consider myself as an audiophile or an enthusiast, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.
- We prefer to keep our reviews simple without too much confusing lingo and terminologies
- This review set is a part of a review tour and was sent free of charge in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for us to do this review.
- We guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.
- My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
** ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ค๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ Linsoul Audio ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ข ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐จ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ ๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฉ. ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ค ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ ๐๐ญ: ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ก๐จ๐ง๐ข๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ.๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ.๐๐จ๐ฆ **
| ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
The Gimlet comes in a nice, decently-sized green box which reminds me of those geode gemstones with branding all around.
The backside of the box has your typical spec sheet and an FR graph along with additional information.
| ๐จ๐ป๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ด & ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
The unboxing is straightforward with no complicated mechanism just for opening the box. Upon opening the box, youโll see printed cards that show instructions on how to use IEMs, another spec sheet, official social media accounts and a photo of the apparent founder of the QoA, Sophie Yu, along with a printed signature.
After all the paperwork, youโll be greeted by the provided faux-leather case with QoA branding surrounded by foam for shock protection. The provided case houses the rest of items of the package that being the stock cable and IEM driver already connected and a set of bass and balanced tips according to QoA.
๐๐๐ฒ๐บ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ป:
Paperwork
QoA Gimlet Drivers
Stock 2-pin 3.5mm 4N 4-core OFC silver plated cable in white with gold plugs
Dark gray faux leather case
Bass eartips in translucent white(S,M,L)
Balanced eartips in translucent blue(S,M,L)
| ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ & ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
The Gimlet is made out of some sort of metal, of which we have no information of what it is specifically, but it feels nice in the hand and has quite a substantial amount of heft, especially compared to similarly priced IEMs. This kind of heft is very reminiscent of what my experience with the occult classic Blon BL03. The weight of the Gimlet can be both a pro or a con depending on oneโs preference. However I for one isn't really bothered by it especially with the provided cable having enough wire gauge to limit the heft of the drivers from swinging around.
The Gimlet shape is pretty safe, no wings and protrusion that may affect oneโs comfort is present and is pretty minimal in terms of grooves. The 2-pin slot is slightly recessed. Branding is present on both driver pieces with a QoA logo within a circular gold accent piece in the face plate area. A single vent is present near the nozzle, and speaking of the nozzle, QoA states that the nozzle is roughly 6mm wide, also colored in gold and has a metal filter with a pretty intricate design.
The unit we have today is the one of the two color options available, that being white and the other being a darker green. I like the design as it is unique compared to all of those black IEMs occupying most of the market. One may find this unappealing as itโs quite flashy compared to other IEMs and for that type of person I suggest for them to pick the other color variant.
Continuing with the theme of white and gold, the cable itself pairs well looks-wise with the IEM drivers itself. The stock cable is usable with no major gripes like it being memory prone or is microphonic.
The insides of the Gimlet are composed of a 10mm LCP Dynamic Driver. Many of you know this type of driver configuration as this is one of the most prominent configs especially in this price range.
(๐ ๐ธ๐ข๐ด ๐ฌ๐ช๐ฏ๐ฅ๐ข ๐ฉ๐ฐ๐ฑ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ด๐ฆ๐ฆ ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ณ ๐ต๐บ๐ฑ๐ฆ๐ด ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ฅ๐ณ๐ช๐ท๐ฆ๐ณ๐ด ๐ถ๐ด๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐ช๐ฏ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ช๐ด ๐ฑ๐ณ๐ช๐ค๐ฆ ๐ณ๐ข๐ฏ๐จ๐ฆ)
| ๐๐๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
This section is very subjective, but as per my experience, isolation on the Gimlet is almost average. This is due to it having less contours that could allow me to achieve a much better insertion depth, but then again YMMV.
Occlusion effect on this one too is lesser compared to other IEMs which is nice to see. Even though one vent is present, the Gimlet manages to alleviate pressure really well and one of the aspects that helped it achieve this is with a lesser insertion depth as stated earlier.
| ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ |
These are very comfortable as no protrusions can be the source of hotspot in your ear and can see myself wearing this for hours on end without much issue. Again, a very subjective matter.
**๐ป๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฒ๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐(๐๐๐๐๐) ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ1 ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐**
|| ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ||
To summarize, I found this sound very engaging, with elevated lows and forward highs. This is great for high energy music and can probably satisfy bassheads in a pinch.
| ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ |
The Gimlet is very easy to run and can be used simply with just your smartphone without amplification. Better power and sources are always recommended but bet weary of the issue of most IEMs in regards to the noise floor from sensitivity
| ๐๐ฎ๐๐ |
Lows on the Gimlet are very prominent, with a nice amount of sub and mid-bass. Impact sounds arenโt as solid or full as other IEMs, especially some V-shaped ones, but I find this more pleasing than those.
Subbass is present and has good texture as well as okay-ish congruency. It can sometimes come across as wooly or smeary depending on the song though. Some people may find this bass performance to be too overly bassy.
| ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ |
The mids on the Gimlet may be recessed, but that doesn't take away from the presence of it during playback. Despite being recessed among the three primary frequencies, it holds up well to not be too overtaken by one or the other.
Instruments feel full and have decent air, and vocals are rich and whole sounding as well. In some instances however, I feel as if some parts of the song's vocals sound nasal-y but sound dry in others
| ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ |
With the lows being elevated, the highs of the Gimlet are also battling to be up front and center. Sparkle is ample but still satisfactory, decent air and extends well so that it doesnโt sound abrupt. Details are okay but couldโve definitely benefited if it were to have more.
The highs are only slightly peaking and only in certain moments but sibilance can defer some people as this one has it, but is not as really that bad in my experience.
| ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
The Gimlet staging is fairly wide and doesn't sound โin your headโ with nice spacing and layering too. Imaging is decent with me being able to pinpoint sound source with no major issues.
I found no major gripes on the technical prowess of the Gimlet as I found it very uneventful, nothing bad but also nothing majorly noteworthy which is good in my book.
|| ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ||
The Gimlet is definitely one of the most appealing sets I tried in terms of looks at this price point in the sea of generic looking IEMs released every other week. The sound may not be for everyone but I did enjoy my time with the Gimlet with its engaging sound that isnโt fatiguing.
Not to mention the great accessories and great build quality, this is definitely going to be my go-to recommendation at this price.
Attachments
๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ฒ ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐: ๐ฏ๐๐๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ป๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐ ๐ป๐๐ ๐ฏ๐๐๐๐๐๐?
|| ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ||
TKZK has been a brand in the budget Chi-fi space for quite a while now, but is overshadowed by other releases from more known brands. Today we'll get to try the new Ouranos by TKZK priced at around the $50 range.
Named after the god of heaven in Greek mythology, sporting a tried and trusted dynamic driver and a resin build, will the Ouranos pierce through the competition and give TKZK the spotlight in this competitive price range?
|| ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ||
** ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ค๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ Linsoul Audio ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ข ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐จ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ ๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฉ. ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ค ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ ๐๐ญ: ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ก๐จ๐ง๐ข๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ.๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ.๐๐จ๐ฆ **
| ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
It comes with a no-fuss compact box that shows the branding and the product name all throughout.
| ๐จ๐ป๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ด & ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Upon opening the box, the IEMs themselves immediately greet you and is encased in dense foam for protection. Underneath the foam is a another small white box pertaining the remaining included items and accessories.
It comes with a felt pouch containing the included cable and an adequate amount of included eartips that should cater your size.
No complex contraptions for opening the box present, just a simple sliding mechanism.
๐๐ฉ๐๐ข ๐ฝ๐ง๐๐๐ ๐๐ค๐ฌ๐ฃ:
Paperwork
Ouranos Driver Shells
1.2m Silver-plated 2 pin cable
Felt pouch
A few eartips
| ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ & ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
Sporting a mineral-esque design on a black base with hints of gold accents on the face plate with TKZK branding on both drivers. It follows the universal fit form factor but with a quite substantial wing that others like me find uncomfortable.
The Ouranos is made out of 3D-printed resin that feels high quality with a surprising amount of heft despite being made out of resin at this price point. It feels nice at hand and not too hefty that it weighs your ear down.
It is composed of a 10mm dynamic driver that should deliver proven and tested sound performance due to the prominence of how good dynamic drivers can be.
| ๐๐๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
It isolates passively as any other IEM Iโve tried. Still better to use ANC if youโre after total depletion of outside noise as this can only go as far as passive noise canceling can
| ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ |
The Ouranos fits me well with its grooves and curves akin to the universal fit of other resin-based IEMs but I do tend to feel a pain after an hour or so because of the protruding wing.
**๐๐จ๐๐ ๐ค๐ฃ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐๐จ๐๐๐ฃ ๐1 ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐ช๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ฉ๐ง๐ค๐ฃ๐๐๐จ ๐ผ๐ซ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฟ๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ก๐ ๐ฌ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐๐ค๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ง๐ค๐ฅ ๐๐ฅ๐ง๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐จ(๐๐๐๐๐ช๐ข)**
|| ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ||
The closest I can describe the Ouranos is a more engaging/exciting LETSHOUER Galileo with less exceptional mids. This can cater to a person who finds the Galileo quite boring and wants something more engaging and is okay with sacrificing the mids and it comes cheaper too.
| ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ |
These are pretty easily driven to listenable volume so no powerful dacs/amps specifically required
| ๐๐ฎ๐๐ |
Subbass is present but not too overbearing with an ample texture and grit. Midbass has a body and is quite punchy with minimal bleed. A great performance by balancing quantity and quality along with control.
| ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ |
Mids take a step back in the playback but are not drowned by other competing sounds with nice vocal performance from male vocals. Vocals on both male and female voices has voice but male singers do tend to be a bit more present. No thin sounds on the mids are present despite not taking the spotlight.
| ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ |
These have good highs with very nice extension and air to avoid feeling or sounding choked and are very engaging. Details are adequate without leaving anything out and no harshness or peaking present here which makes it a great somewhat inoffensive set. Sibilance is also almost non-existent here.
| ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Layering is great with imaging, but I do feel that this set is quite boxy in terms of the staging that it sounds and feels that sound doesn't go that much in the Z-axis. But that doesnโt retract from its ability to pinpoint sounds during playback
|| ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ||
I must say that this set is really like the LETSHOUER Galileo but with enough distinguishable differences to make it stand out like being more energetic and engaging along with a cheaper asking price point.
With very little issues, will this replace the spot in my heart that Galileo occupies? No, but I do think that this set is capable enough to stand right next to it. This will definitely be a set Iโd gladly recommend to those who have their wants aligned with what this set offers
|| ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ||
TKZK has been a brand in the budget Chi-fi space for quite a while now, but is overshadowed by other releases from more known brands. Today we'll get to try the new Ouranos by TKZK priced at around the $50 range.
Named after the god of heaven in Greek mythology, sporting a tried and trusted dynamic driver and a resin build, will the Ouranos pierce through the competition and give TKZK the spotlight in this competitive price range?
|| ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ||
- I donโt consider myself as an audiophile or an enthusiast, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.
- We prefer to keep our reviews simple without too much confusing lingo and terminologies
- This review set is a part of a review tour and was sent free of charge in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for us to do this review. We guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.
- My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
** ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ค๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ Linsoul Audio ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ข ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐จ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ ๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฉ. ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ค ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ ๐๐ญ: ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ก๐จ๐ง๐ข๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ.๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ.๐๐จ๐ฆ **
| ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
It comes with a no-fuss compact box that shows the branding and the product name all throughout.
| ๐จ๐ป๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ด & ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Upon opening the box, the IEMs themselves immediately greet you and is encased in dense foam for protection. Underneath the foam is a another small white box pertaining the remaining included items and accessories.
It comes with a felt pouch containing the included cable and an adequate amount of included eartips that should cater your size.
No complex contraptions for opening the box present, just a simple sliding mechanism.
๐๐ฉ๐๐ข ๐ฝ๐ง๐๐๐ ๐๐ค๐ฌ๐ฃ:
Paperwork
Ouranos Driver Shells
1.2m Silver-plated 2 pin cable
Felt pouch
A few eartips
| ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ & ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
Sporting a mineral-esque design on a black base with hints of gold accents on the face plate with TKZK branding on both drivers. It follows the universal fit form factor but with a quite substantial wing that others like me find uncomfortable.
The Ouranos is made out of 3D-printed resin that feels high quality with a surprising amount of heft despite being made out of resin at this price point. It feels nice at hand and not too hefty that it weighs your ear down.
It is composed of a 10mm dynamic driver that should deliver proven and tested sound performance due to the prominence of how good dynamic drivers can be.
| ๐๐๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
It isolates passively as any other IEM Iโve tried. Still better to use ANC if youโre after total depletion of outside noise as this can only go as far as passive noise canceling can
| ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ |
The Ouranos fits me well with its grooves and curves akin to the universal fit of other resin-based IEMs but I do tend to feel a pain after an hour or so because of the protruding wing.
**๐๐จ๐๐ ๐ค๐ฃ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐๐จ๐๐๐ฃ ๐1 ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐ช๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ฉ๐ง๐ค๐ฃ๐๐๐จ ๐ผ๐ซ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฟ๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ก๐ ๐ฌ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐๐ค๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ง๐ค๐ฅ ๐๐ฅ๐ง๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐จ(๐๐๐๐๐ช๐ข)**
|| ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ||
The closest I can describe the Ouranos is a more engaging/exciting LETSHOUER Galileo with less exceptional mids. This can cater to a person who finds the Galileo quite boring and wants something more engaging and is okay with sacrificing the mids and it comes cheaper too.
| ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ |
These are pretty easily driven to listenable volume so no powerful dacs/amps specifically required
| ๐๐ฎ๐๐ |
Subbass is present but not too overbearing with an ample texture and grit. Midbass has a body and is quite punchy with minimal bleed. A great performance by balancing quantity and quality along with control.
| ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ |
Mids take a step back in the playback but are not drowned by other competing sounds with nice vocal performance from male vocals. Vocals on both male and female voices has voice but male singers do tend to be a bit more present. No thin sounds on the mids are present despite not taking the spotlight.
| ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ |
These have good highs with very nice extension and air to avoid feeling or sounding choked and are very engaging. Details are adequate without leaving anything out and no harshness or peaking present here which makes it a great somewhat inoffensive set. Sibilance is also almost non-existent here.
| ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
Layering is great with imaging, but I do feel that this set is quite boxy in terms of the staging that it sounds and feels that sound doesn't go that much in the Z-axis. But that doesnโt retract from its ability to pinpoint sounds during playback
|| ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ||
I must say that this set is really like the LETSHOUER Galileo but with enough distinguishable differences to make it stand out like being more energetic and engaging along with a cheaper asking price point.
With very little issues, will this replace the spot in my heart that Galileo occupies? No, but I do think that this set is capable enough to stand right next to it. This will definitely be a set Iโd gladly recommend to those who have their wants aligned with what this set offers
Letshouer X Gizaudio Galileo Review: When stars align
|| Introduction ||
Letshouer is back with a new release in collaboration to a well known audio reviewer Timmy Vangtan of Gizaudio. Named after the renowned astronomer, physicist and engineer, Galileo Galilei, sporting a dynamic driver and a Sonion balanced armature and priced at around the $100 price range, can the Galileo be a relevant set as Galileo is in modern astronomy?
|| Disclaimers ||
We donโt consider ourselves as an audiophile enthusiast of the hobby, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.
** Huge thanks to LETSHUOER and Sir Neil Niรฑo Clark for giving me the opportunity to participate in the tour group for this item.**
| Packaging |
The Galileo comes in a compact, no-fuss box with an art of the night sky and Gizaudio and Letshout branding along with the name of the product with other design highlights.
| Unboxing & Accessories |
Unboxing the Galileo is really straightforward. Design of the box is really nice with minimal and professional branding. A couple layers of boxes in, reveals the IEM drivers themselves and the provided plastic square case enclosed with foam.Paperwork is also present within the box for additional information.
The provided case has a rubber coating and houses the rest of the accessories, that being the 4-core copper silver-plated 2 pin cable with a 3.5mm termination, 6 pairs of eartips and a nifty cleaning brush for your IEMs.
Iโd like to note that the case is weirdly difficult to use and work. The provided case needs a specific obscure procedure just to open it (squeeze the dimension where the latch is and open the latch upside down). Seeing as this is just a freebie case I donโt mind as much but a better implementation would be nice.
A pretty simple unboxing is always a good thing. (Except for the included case that is)
Item Breakdown:
The IEM themselves
Paperwork
Rubber-coated plastic case
6 pairs of standard eartips(S,M,L)
| Build & Driver Configuration |
The Galileo is made out of a 3D printed resin with a is really light but not too light that it feels cheap in the hand. To be honest, I was taken aback at first for how light this is seeing as there are other resin based IEMs around this price that are a tad bit heavier, helping them feel better in hand but this is still otherwise good.
The majority of the IEM shell is blue with the faceplate having this really nice design reminding me of those long exposure astrophotography shots, which fits well with this IEM called Galileo having space related references.
The bottom of the IEMs have some branding and their L and R indicators respectively not visible in the primary angle youโll be looking at. Vents are located in the inner part of the IEM near the nozzle and the other one in the rear. The Galileo also has a flush 2-pin slot and a really mild wing/protrusion on the shells but overall a safe shape with smooth curves.
The Galileo is equipped with a 10m dynamic driver in tandem with a Sonion 2389 balanced armature drivers.
| Isolation |
These isolates as well as most IEMs but if youโre looking for something the mutes the background noise more than ANC-equipped audio products would be better suited for that use case.
| Comfort |
Despite feeling somewhat bulbous when wearing it in the ear, it is still pretty comfortable in use.
I have no issues of it popping out or having to remove them frequently to alleviate pressure. Speaking of pressure, pressure build-up causing the so-called โocclusion effectโ is average (which is almost the case of any IEM besides those exceptionally bad ones).
**Tested using stock translucent eartips(small) through the Zishan U1(ESS Variant) | Venture Electronics Avani Dongle Dac | Straight to the phone(Qualcomm Aqstic Audio)**
|| Sound ||
A brief overview of the Galileoโs sound is what I call a โlaid-back safe soundโ. The Galileo is one of the only few IEMs that I found to execute the 8khz region which Iโm particularly sensitive to and which matched my tastes.
| Drivability |
These are pretty easy to drive with the current gear Iโm trying these on and can be easily be powered by your standard phone
| Bass |
The bass on here is good and well controlled with ample amount and punch but I think a decent amount of people will be dissatisfied with how the midbass hits. There is no bloat and is overall a clean performance but the Galileo could benefit with more grit and texture.
| Mids |
Instruments feel full, lush and natural with great vocals too. Female vocals tend to be a bit more forward than their male counterparts as per my experience depending on the song. They can compete with other frequencies and not lose their cohesiveness.
| Highs |
Highs are pretty tame which can deter other people looking for sparkle but I do like having this non-fatiguing sound. Sibilance is not an issue here which is a huge point in my book and shrillness is non-existent. Details are good, allowing me to pick out minute things on songs pretty easily. Transients are okay and extend pretty well as well as air being a good performance for this set.
| Technicalities |
These perform like any most IEM Iโve tried, which is not a bad thing per se but nothing commendable to highlight. Imaging, layering is good with a wide enough staging. It doesn't sound congested when on busy passages of songs too and performs cleanly.
|| Conclusions ||
I like this set very much despite being not as engaging as others. I really love how this sounds so clean, as well as relaxed and that 8khz range area execution is just perfect for my ears. I would recommend this for someone looking for a non-offensive sound and to those who are sensitive to the 8 kHz region similar to me.
Other than those specific demographics, I would still recommend this for IEMs around the $100 price range with its great combination of build, accessories, and sound.
|| Introduction ||
Letshouer is back with a new release in collaboration to a well known audio reviewer Timmy Vangtan of Gizaudio. Named after the renowned astronomer, physicist and engineer, Galileo Galilei, sporting a dynamic driver and a Sonion balanced armature and priced at around the $100 price range, can the Galileo be a relevant set as Galileo is in modern astronomy?
|| Disclaimers ||
We donโt consider ourselves as an audiophile enthusiast of the hobby, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.
- We prefer to keep our reviews simple without too much confusing lingo and terminologies
- This review set is a part of a review tour and was sent free of charge in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for us to do this review. We guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.
- My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
** Huge thanks to LETSHUOER and Sir Neil Niรฑo Clark for giving me the opportunity to participate in the tour group for this item.**
| Packaging |
The Galileo comes in a compact, no-fuss box with an art of the night sky and Gizaudio and Letshout branding along with the name of the product with other design highlights.
| Unboxing & Accessories |
Unboxing the Galileo is really straightforward. Design of the box is really nice with minimal and professional branding. A couple layers of boxes in, reveals the IEM drivers themselves and the provided plastic square case enclosed with foam.Paperwork is also present within the box for additional information.
The provided case has a rubber coating and houses the rest of the accessories, that being the 4-core copper silver-plated 2 pin cable with a 3.5mm termination, 6 pairs of eartips and a nifty cleaning brush for your IEMs.
Iโd like to note that the case is weirdly difficult to use and work. The provided case needs a specific obscure procedure just to open it (squeeze the dimension where the latch is and open the latch upside down). Seeing as this is just a freebie case I donโt mind as much but a better implementation would be nice.
A pretty simple unboxing is always a good thing. (Except for the included case that is)
Item Breakdown:
The IEM themselves
Paperwork
Rubber-coated plastic case
6 pairs of standard eartips(S,M,L)
| Build & Driver Configuration |
The Galileo is made out of a 3D printed resin with a is really light but not too light that it feels cheap in the hand. To be honest, I was taken aback at first for how light this is seeing as there are other resin based IEMs around this price that are a tad bit heavier, helping them feel better in hand but this is still otherwise good.
The majority of the IEM shell is blue with the faceplate having this really nice design reminding me of those long exposure astrophotography shots, which fits well with this IEM called Galileo having space related references.
The bottom of the IEMs have some branding and their L and R indicators respectively not visible in the primary angle youโll be looking at. Vents are located in the inner part of the IEM near the nozzle and the other one in the rear. The Galileo also has a flush 2-pin slot and a really mild wing/protrusion on the shells but overall a safe shape with smooth curves.
The Galileo is equipped with a 10m dynamic driver in tandem with a Sonion 2389 balanced armature drivers.
| Isolation |
These isolates as well as most IEMs but if youโre looking for something the mutes the background noise more than ANC-equipped audio products would be better suited for that use case.
| Comfort |
Despite feeling somewhat bulbous when wearing it in the ear, it is still pretty comfortable in use.
I have no issues of it popping out or having to remove them frequently to alleviate pressure. Speaking of pressure, pressure build-up causing the so-called โocclusion effectโ is average (which is almost the case of any IEM besides those exceptionally bad ones).
**Tested using stock translucent eartips(small) through the Zishan U1(ESS Variant) | Venture Electronics Avani Dongle Dac | Straight to the phone(Qualcomm Aqstic Audio)**
|| Sound ||
A brief overview of the Galileoโs sound is what I call a โlaid-back safe soundโ. The Galileo is one of the only few IEMs that I found to execute the 8khz region which Iโm particularly sensitive to and which matched my tastes.
| Drivability |
These are pretty easy to drive with the current gear Iโm trying these on and can be easily be powered by your standard phone
| Bass |
The bass on here is good and well controlled with ample amount and punch but I think a decent amount of people will be dissatisfied with how the midbass hits. There is no bloat and is overall a clean performance but the Galileo could benefit with more grit and texture.
| Mids |
Instruments feel full, lush and natural with great vocals too. Female vocals tend to be a bit more forward than their male counterparts as per my experience depending on the song. They can compete with other frequencies and not lose their cohesiveness.
| Highs |
Highs are pretty tame which can deter other people looking for sparkle but I do like having this non-fatiguing sound. Sibilance is not an issue here which is a huge point in my book and shrillness is non-existent. Details are good, allowing me to pick out minute things on songs pretty easily. Transients are okay and extend pretty well as well as air being a good performance for this set.
| Technicalities |
These perform like any most IEM Iโve tried, which is not a bad thing per se but nothing commendable to highlight. Imaging, layering is good with a wide enough staging. It doesn't sound congested when on busy passages of songs too and performs cleanly.
|| Conclusions ||
I like this set very much despite being not as engaging as others. I really love how this sounds so clean, as well as relaxed and that 8khz range area execution is just perfect for my ears. I would recommend this for someone looking for a non-offensive sound and to those who are sensitive to the 8 kHz region similar to me.
Other than those specific demographics, I would still recommend this for IEMs around the $100 price range with its great combination of build, accessories, and sound.
Attachments
Tangzu x HBB Zetian Wu - Heyday Edition Reviewer: Empressive First Planar
|| Introduction ||
The Tanzu x HBB Zetian Wu - Heyday Edition, or simply the Heyday is the newest planar in Tangzuโs lineup after its predecessor the Zetian Wu, which made waves in the IEM scene with its planar performance.
Named after the only empress China ever had named Wu Zetian, one can see this as a โSpecial Editionโ of some sort that is sold and in production along with the OG Zetian Wu Planar IEM released prior.
Priced at around $200 dollars, sporting the same driver type as its predecessor(Planar Drivers), a collab with a known IEM reviewer (HBB a.k.a HawaiianBadBoy) and a new color variant, does the Heyday perform as well if not better than the highly praised Zetian Wu?
Disclaimers:
I donโt consider myself as an audiophile or an enthusiast, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.
**Huge thanks to Sir Kent Aldriann Alfonso for making it possible for me to be part of the tour group for this IEM**
| Packaging |
It comes with a fairly large box with a nice illustration of what appears to be the empress the IEM were named upon, the being Wu Zetian. It also has multiple Tangzu and HBB branding with what seems to be Chinese text scattered around.
The box also has your typical spec sheet and additional information about the product and the manufacturer.
| Unboxing |
The unboxing experience is a breeze and pretty straightforward. Tangzu definitely didnโt skimp on the materials used for this product.
There is also thin sheet of printed paper with a message from Tangzu thanking the buyer for the purchase of this product
All the accessories and the IEM shells are encased with padding for protection and a gold accent piece with text in between the IEMs are placed.
The Heyday comes with multiple sets of classified ear tips with all the common sizes (S, M, L). It also comes with a single pair of foam tips for those who prefer that. The stock cable is a 2-pin sky blue 4-core modular cable with 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.5mm termination plugs to cover oneโs needs.
The included black case is quite large but feels nice to the hand. Not to mention the build it mold to allow you to store the IEMs in a pretty neat way while looking pristine. There are also mesh compartments on the case to allow you to store excess tips and the modular plugs in it.
| Build |
The Heyday has the same oriental engraving as its predecessor, the OG Zetian but in a different color of which is gunmetal gray. It is built with a CNC'd aluminum shell that feels nice to the touch and light enough for it not to feel cheap.
I really like the materials used here for having a nice mix of heft and lightness but do be cautious as the coating on the Heyday can attract fingerprints and be prone to scratches if not taken care of properly.
You can see a couple of vents around the driver shells and a Tangzu x HBB logo on each side and a somewhat protruded wing, so people who are particularly sensitive to those might want to try this one first before purchasing this set.
| Isolation |
This set isolates as good as most IEMs out there considering you get a good fit. It does block some sound passively but if you want total eradication of noise then most IEMs won't fit that description and go with TWS or full-sized headphones.
| Comfort |
This set sits nice and snug into my ears but needs me to readjust or let my ears rest after a couple of hours using it probably because of the aforementioned protruded wing poking my ears too much. This part is very subjective as your experience will not be identical to mine.
**Iโve used and tested this set primarily on desktop with the Zishan U1 with a Tanchjim TAPB narrow-bore eartips**
|| Sound ||
I found this set pretty neutral with a hint of warmth. The sound signature of this one greatly appeals to my playlist of various mix and match genres.
| Drivability |
This is a planar set so it is pretty well given that this can be more difficult and power-hungry than other driver technologies but these don't seem to be particularly hard to drive for a planar, but better sources are always advisable.
| Bass |
The subbass is present and the midbass has a nice punch but not massive amounts. Grit and texture are very well executed and don't smear over the midrange frequencies. This is not a basshead set, so if you consider yourself as one then this set can or canโt satisfy you with your idea of acceptable bass as a basshead.
| Mids |
The midrange of this set is well executed with instruments being rich and precise while sounding fully-bodied. Vocals sound full and not nasally and just a real tiny tinge of dryness with my experience on some artists for some reason.
| Highs |
High frequencies on the Heyday are well-extended and don't feel unnaturally cut-off and a nice air to it. I do however notice a bit of sibilance but itโs not as annoying and harsh as with my experience with the BQEYZ Winter I reviewer previously but I like the performance of the Highs on the Heyday very much. The Heyday is a very revealing set and is one of the most detailed sets Iโve tried to date.
| Technicalities |
The layering on the Heyday is pretty well segregated so that source of sound doesnโt muddied up the sound. Imaging is a pinpoint that I can identify which comes where but the soundstage for me sounded more wide than tall and has a pretty defined staging area that it sort of feels like itโs boxy.
|| Conclusion ||
The Heyday is the first planar set Iโve tried so I never had an experience. I can compare this set with other planar sets to measure things like drivability and the alleged โplanar timbreโ going around with some planar sets.
I enjoyed my time with this set very much and wouldnโt mind the minor nitpicks I had for this set for how much it caters with my playlist. Heyday being a nice yet engaging set with only a handful of dismissable cons makes it one of the sets Iโll recommend to someone looking for a planar, or just a good IEM in general.
|| Introduction ||
The Tanzu x HBB Zetian Wu - Heyday Edition, or simply the Heyday is the newest planar in Tangzuโs lineup after its predecessor the Zetian Wu, which made waves in the IEM scene with its planar performance.
Named after the only empress China ever had named Wu Zetian, one can see this as a โSpecial Editionโ of some sort that is sold and in production along with the OG Zetian Wu Planar IEM released prior.
Priced at around $200 dollars, sporting the same driver type as its predecessor(Planar Drivers), a collab with a known IEM reviewer (HBB a.k.a HawaiianBadBoy) and a new color variant, does the Heyday perform as well if not better than the highly praised Zetian Wu?
Disclaimers:
I donโt consider myself as an audiophile or an enthusiast, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.
- I like to keep my reviews simple without too much confusing and lingo
- This review set is a part of a review tour and was sent free of charge in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for me to do this review. I guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway my opinions on this product.
- My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
**Huge thanks to Sir Kent Aldriann Alfonso for making it possible for me to be part of the tour group for this IEM**
| Packaging |
It comes with a fairly large box with a nice illustration of what appears to be the empress the IEM were named upon, the being Wu Zetian. It also has multiple Tangzu and HBB branding with what seems to be Chinese text scattered around.
The box also has your typical spec sheet and additional information about the product and the manufacturer.
| Unboxing |
The unboxing experience is a breeze and pretty straightforward. Tangzu definitely didnโt skimp on the materials used for this product.
There is also thin sheet of printed paper with a message from Tangzu thanking the buyer for the purchase of this product
All the accessories and the IEM shells are encased with padding for protection and a gold accent piece with text in between the IEMs are placed.
The Heyday comes with multiple sets of classified ear tips with all the common sizes (S, M, L). It also comes with a single pair of foam tips for those who prefer that. The stock cable is a 2-pin sky blue 4-core modular cable with 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.5mm termination plugs to cover oneโs needs.
The included black case is quite large but feels nice to the hand. Not to mention the build it mold to allow you to store the IEMs in a pretty neat way while looking pristine. There are also mesh compartments on the case to allow you to store excess tips and the modular plugs in it.
| Build |
The Heyday has the same oriental engraving as its predecessor, the OG Zetian but in a different color of which is gunmetal gray. It is built with a CNC'd aluminum shell that feels nice to the touch and light enough for it not to feel cheap.
I really like the materials used here for having a nice mix of heft and lightness but do be cautious as the coating on the Heyday can attract fingerprints and be prone to scratches if not taken care of properly.
You can see a couple of vents around the driver shells and a Tangzu x HBB logo on each side and a somewhat protruded wing, so people who are particularly sensitive to those might want to try this one first before purchasing this set.
| Isolation |
This set isolates as good as most IEMs out there considering you get a good fit. It does block some sound passively but if you want total eradication of noise then most IEMs won't fit that description and go with TWS or full-sized headphones.
| Comfort |
This set sits nice and snug into my ears but needs me to readjust or let my ears rest after a couple of hours using it probably because of the aforementioned protruded wing poking my ears too much. This part is very subjective as your experience will not be identical to mine.
**Iโve used and tested this set primarily on desktop with the Zishan U1 with a Tanchjim TAPB narrow-bore eartips**
|| Sound ||
I found this set pretty neutral with a hint of warmth. The sound signature of this one greatly appeals to my playlist of various mix and match genres.
| Drivability |
This is a planar set so it is pretty well given that this can be more difficult and power-hungry than other driver technologies but these don't seem to be particularly hard to drive for a planar, but better sources are always advisable.
| Bass |
The subbass is present and the midbass has a nice punch but not massive amounts. Grit and texture are very well executed and don't smear over the midrange frequencies. This is not a basshead set, so if you consider yourself as one then this set can or canโt satisfy you with your idea of acceptable bass as a basshead.
| Mids |
The midrange of this set is well executed with instruments being rich and precise while sounding fully-bodied. Vocals sound full and not nasally and just a real tiny tinge of dryness with my experience on some artists for some reason.
| Highs |
High frequencies on the Heyday are well-extended and don't feel unnaturally cut-off and a nice air to it. I do however notice a bit of sibilance but itโs not as annoying and harsh as with my experience with the BQEYZ Winter I reviewer previously but I like the performance of the Highs on the Heyday very much. The Heyday is a very revealing set and is one of the most detailed sets Iโve tried to date.
| Technicalities |
The layering on the Heyday is pretty well segregated so that source of sound doesnโt muddied up the sound. Imaging is a pinpoint that I can identify which comes where but the soundstage for me sounded more wide than tall and has a pretty defined staging area that it sort of feels like itโs boxy.
|| Conclusion ||
The Heyday is the first planar set Iโve tried so I never had an experience. I can compare this set with other planar sets to measure things like drivability and the alleged โplanar timbreโ going around with some planar sets.
I enjoyed my time with this set very much and wouldnโt mind the minor nitpicks I had for this set for how much it caters with my playlist. Heyday being a nice yet engaging set with only a handful of dismissable cons makes it one of the sets Iโll recommend to someone looking for a planar, or just a good IEM in general.
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ: ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐โ๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐ญ
๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง:
BQEYZ is no stranger in the chi-fi scene with their well-received season-themed series of IEMs such as the Summer 1 & 2 as well as the Autumn. They are also known for sporting a piezo-electric driver on their IEMs which is somewhat rare in the sea of IEMs commonly with Balanced Armature and Dynamic Drivers as well as the recent boom of Planar Drivers.
Today BQEYZ offers the Topaz(A type of Mineral) for the $100 price range sporting their signature piezo-electric driver and a Liquid Crystal Polymer(LCP) driver akin to other popular IEMs in the price segment and see how it performs for the asking price and whether or not it deserves to receive similar recognition to its predecessors.
๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ฌ:
I donโt consider myself as an audiophile or an enthusiast, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.
๐ฏ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ด๐. ๐ฌ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐โ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐.
๐๐๐๐ค๐๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ :
The Topaz comes with a no frills, compact split-type box that has the name of the product, brand and other text. The back of the box sports the technical specifications for the IEM and other text that arenโt really relevant to most folks.
๐๐ง๐๐จ๐ฑ๐ข๐ง๐ :
Upon opening the box, another flip up cardboard is there to greet you with a BQEYZ branding and tagline.
Removing the flip up cardboard reveals the IEM themselves and the included circular zipper case with branding containing the 4-core silver cable(2-pin, 3.5 termination) with some paperwork.
Underneath the foam holding the IEMs are the 6 normal bore eartips with all the common sizes (S,M,L) and 6 Wide-bore tips having the 3 sizes. The wide bore tips are somewhat a tad bit smaller compared to the other type of tips provided. It also comes with a termination plug cap, a BQEYZ branded velcro strap and a small brush for cleaning the unit.
Overall a pretty nice unboxing experience despite having a less flashy packaging and a more compact box compared to its competitors in the $100 price range.
๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐:
The Topaz has a universal IEM fit made out of an outer aluminum face plate and a translucent black resin shell for the rest of the body. The outer aluminum shell has hints of gold trimmings and a Topaz text on the left driver and a BQEYZ text on the right. Both the O and Q are used to cleverly hide vents on both drivers neatly.
This unit has quite a number of vents with a total of 4 vents each driver. The plug used for the removable cable is a common 2-pin. The nozzle is golden colored and has ridges to help the tips be more secure. It also has an engraving on both sides near the vents to indicate which is the Left and Right driver with an L and R.
I found the unit pretty lightweight but does not feel cheap on the hand. The cable is pretty soft and nice in the hand for a stock cable while the ear tips are pretty uneventful. Both work and do what they are supposed to do.
๐๐ฌ๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง:
It isolates well given that you get a good seal with the Topaz. I would also like to note that the occlusion effect(itโs the annoying muted/in your head feeling often associated with in-ear gears) on the Topaz is less than your normal IEM which I find very nice since Iโm very sensitive to that sensation. I think itโs due to the substantial amount of vents present on this product compared to others I've tried so far.
๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ:
This section of the review is very subjective and varies person to person, but I do find it comfortable and is able to sit in my ear for long periods of time without much adjustment needed.
| ๐บ๐๐๐๐ |
๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ:
The bass on the Topaz is definitely the star of the show. Itโs textured, well controlled and it has a body. The subbass is more prominent than midbass which offers a nice rumble and warmth to the overall sound whilst the midbass is less prominent but still noticeably present. Midbass bleed is very minimal seeing as this doesn't push midbass front and center.
With this kind of bass some people especially to those accustomed to the Harman-sound or prefers midbass over subbass may find this set to be quite slow on the attack and somewhat soft especially on more modern music that is catered towards midbass.
๐๐ข๐๐ฌ:
Mids here are warm and has body and doesnโt sound thin. It may not be as forward as the lows but theyโre no slouch either and perform very well. Vocals are warm and lush with nice texture. Male vocals arenโt dry sounding and are more forward than the female vocals. I do think it couldโve used a little more extension to the mids. Itโs not that the mids are lackluster, itโs just that I think a little more extension would be nice.
๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ฌ:
This is the part of the sound that takes a step back. Despite not being as pronounced as the other frequencies, the highs are decent, offers okay-ish detail, and isnโt shouty. I do however find them quite sibilant. However similar to the mids, I do find the highs would have benefited heavily with a little more extension and sparkle and some would even find this set somewhat dark sounding. I understand that this product is supposed to be a more laid-back set, I donโt find it would hurt to have more extension on both highs and mids.
๐๐๐๐ก๐ง๐ข๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ:
Imaging and layering-wise is good in that I can accurately pinpoint sources of sound during playback. Staging is very good in my opinion; the Topaz offers a very unique presentation that I never experienced in IEMs Iโve tried prior to this review. The perceived stage is more open and wide and doesn't feel like itโs congested like most IEMs. The Topaz has surprisingly nice technicalities for a laid-back set and for the price.
๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง:
I adore this set for what it offers and its asking price. Itโs hard to find a unique sounding set in a price point crowded by Harman-esque tuning.This set is warm and full-bodied which I definitely enjoy especially for laid-back listening. It being such a unique experience, this set stands out from the pack of IEMs under the competitive $100 price range.
๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง:
BQEYZ is no stranger in the chi-fi scene with their well-received season-themed series of IEMs such as the Summer 1 & 2 as well as the Autumn. They are also known for sporting a piezo-electric driver on their IEMs which is somewhat rare in the sea of IEMs commonly with Balanced Armature and Dynamic Drivers as well as the recent boom of Planar Drivers.
Today BQEYZ offers the Topaz(A type of Mineral) for the $100 price range sporting their signature piezo-electric driver and a Liquid Crystal Polymer(LCP) driver akin to other popular IEMs in the price segment and see how it performs for the asking price and whether or not it deserves to receive similar recognition to its predecessors.
๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ฌ:
I donโt consider myself as an audiophile or an enthusiast, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.
- I like to keep my reviews simple without too much confusing and lingo
- This review set is a part of a review tour and was sent free of charge in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for me to do this review. I guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway my opinions on this product.
- My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
๐ฏ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ด๐. ๐ฌ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐โ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐.
๐๐๐๐ค๐๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ :
The Topaz comes with a no frills, compact split-type box that has the name of the product, brand and other text. The back of the box sports the technical specifications for the IEM and other text that arenโt really relevant to most folks.
๐๐ง๐๐จ๐ฑ๐ข๐ง๐ :
Upon opening the box, another flip up cardboard is there to greet you with a BQEYZ branding and tagline.
Removing the flip up cardboard reveals the IEM themselves and the included circular zipper case with branding containing the 4-core silver cable(2-pin, 3.5 termination) with some paperwork.
Underneath the foam holding the IEMs are the 6 normal bore eartips with all the common sizes (S,M,L) and 6 Wide-bore tips having the 3 sizes. The wide bore tips are somewhat a tad bit smaller compared to the other type of tips provided. It also comes with a termination plug cap, a BQEYZ branded velcro strap and a small brush for cleaning the unit.
Overall a pretty nice unboxing experience despite having a less flashy packaging and a more compact box compared to its competitors in the $100 price range.
๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐:
The Topaz has a universal IEM fit made out of an outer aluminum face plate and a translucent black resin shell for the rest of the body. The outer aluminum shell has hints of gold trimmings and a Topaz text on the left driver and a BQEYZ text on the right. Both the O and Q are used to cleverly hide vents on both drivers neatly.
This unit has quite a number of vents with a total of 4 vents each driver. The plug used for the removable cable is a common 2-pin. The nozzle is golden colored and has ridges to help the tips be more secure. It also has an engraving on both sides near the vents to indicate which is the Left and Right driver with an L and R.
I found the unit pretty lightweight but does not feel cheap on the hand. The cable is pretty soft and nice in the hand for a stock cable while the ear tips are pretty uneventful. Both work and do what they are supposed to do.
๐๐ฌ๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง:
It isolates well given that you get a good seal with the Topaz. I would also like to note that the occlusion effect(itโs the annoying muted/in your head feeling often associated with in-ear gears) on the Topaz is less than your normal IEM which I find very nice since Iโm very sensitive to that sensation. I think itโs due to the substantial amount of vents present on this product compared to others I've tried so far.
๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ:
This section of the review is very subjective and varies person to person, but I do find it comfortable and is able to sit in my ear for long periods of time without much adjustment needed.
| ๐บ๐๐๐๐ |
๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ:
The bass on the Topaz is definitely the star of the show. Itโs textured, well controlled and it has a body. The subbass is more prominent than midbass which offers a nice rumble and warmth to the overall sound whilst the midbass is less prominent but still noticeably present. Midbass bleed is very minimal seeing as this doesn't push midbass front and center.
With this kind of bass some people especially to those accustomed to the Harman-sound or prefers midbass over subbass may find this set to be quite slow on the attack and somewhat soft especially on more modern music that is catered towards midbass.
๐๐ข๐๐ฌ:
Mids here are warm and has body and doesnโt sound thin. It may not be as forward as the lows but theyโre no slouch either and perform very well. Vocals are warm and lush with nice texture. Male vocals arenโt dry sounding and are more forward than the female vocals. I do think it couldโve used a little more extension to the mids. Itโs not that the mids are lackluster, itโs just that I think a little more extension would be nice.
๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ฌ:
This is the part of the sound that takes a step back. Despite not being as pronounced as the other frequencies, the highs are decent, offers okay-ish detail, and isnโt shouty. I do however find them quite sibilant. However similar to the mids, I do find the highs would have benefited heavily with a little more extension and sparkle and some would even find this set somewhat dark sounding. I understand that this product is supposed to be a more laid-back set, I donโt find it would hurt to have more extension on both highs and mids.
๐๐๐๐ก๐ง๐ข๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ:
Imaging and layering-wise is good in that I can accurately pinpoint sources of sound during playback. Staging is very good in my opinion; the Topaz offers a very unique presentation that I never experienced in IEMs Iโve tried prior to this review. The perceived stage is more open and wide and doesn't feel like itโs congested like most IEMs. The Topaz has surprisingly nice technicalities for a laid-back set and for the price.
๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง:
I adore this set for what it offers and its asking price. Itโs hard to find a unique sounding set in a price point crowded by Harman-esque tuning.This set is warm and full-bodied which I definitely enjoy especially for laid-back listening. It being such a unique experience, this set stands out from the pack of IEMs under the competitive $100 price range.
Kiwi Ear Cadenza: Not so solo
|| Introduction ||
Kiwi Ears is a somewhat new brand in the IEM scene with only having 3 releases including the topic of our review today, that being the Kiwi Ears Cadenza. The Cadenza comes in green, red, blue, and what we have today, purple.
Priced at the sub $50 bracket, can the Kiwi Ears Cadenza stand out like a soloist in their passage at the end of a performance?
|| Disclaimers ||
I donโt consider myself as an audiophile or an enthusiast, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.
** Huge thanks to Linsoul and Sir Eiji Zerstorer Romero for giving me this opportunity to test this set and be part of a tour group. Kindly check out his reviews and other articles on his blog site at: euphoniareviews.blogspot.com **
| Packaging |
The Cadenza comes with a really compact dark violet slide box with branding and an overview render of the IEM drivers, color variant and other information for the product and itโs manufacturer.
| Unboxing & Accessories |
Upon opening the box and removing the outer layer of packaging paper, you are greeted with some paperwork and then the IEMs themselves. Underneath the piece that encloses the IEMs is the stock cable and some tips
Item Breakdown:
Paperwork
IEM shells
Stock L-type cable
3 Sets of medium-bore tips(S,M,L)
| Build & Driver Configuration |
The Cadenza sports a 10mm beryllium dynamic driver that was once one of the popular types of dynamic drivers that now is just replaced with LCP, eating majority of the the budget DD sets which is a refreshing sight to see.
The build is made out of a 3D printed housing according to KiwiEars which I find okay-ish, seeing as I just came from using and reviewing the TinHifi C2 which is more or less in the same price bracket but with a much more hefty and sturdy metal build. The Cadenza however is much lighter than the C2, which is a given for the material used.
The design is akin to those of much more pricier IEMs with a resin shell which is nice to look at, but is still less flashy due to the darker overall look. The other color options also look great. I find myself to quite like the green one compared to the rest.
There is a single golden KiwiEars branding on the left shell, in its faceplate, whilst the right side has no other design cues and interruptions. There are two vents on each driver facing upwards, and the other one facing towards your ear.
There is no wing on the Cadenza so myself as well as many others can find this not so intrusive in terms of the fit.
Fit is very subjective but this shell design is very safe in terms of curves to probably accommodate most potential buyers.
| Isolation |
I couldnโt get as sealed off of a fit on this compared to other IEMs, but itโs doable for the passive noise removal.
| Comfort |
As stated earlier, I couldnโt get a good enough seal for me to use this without much issue and or as little issues as possible. It hindered the experience because of the lack of curves. I almost find this โtoo safeโ that it hurts my ears because of how it doesnt contour to my ear. But then again this is VERY subjective.
(This is the same reason my ears hurt with flathead earbuds)
** I used the stock cable included with Tanchjim TAPB wide bore eartips(small) through the Zishan U1 **
|| Sound ||
Over the course of me using this for psychological burn-in and reviewing purposes, I find this very hard to fault with most complaints are nitpicks, as it plays safe with the sound that is great for new people who still havenโt acquired their tastes yet.
| Drivability |
I find these pretty easy to drive and most phones can power this IEM at a comfortable level
| Bass |
Subbass is good as it is present but not abundant. I think it could've used more texture on the lowest of lows.
The midbass punch is nice and adequate but probably lacking for those who like the really punchy bass performance but is definitely satisfactory to me.
Bleed is non-existent based on my experience.
| Mids |
Mids sound okay and have no major qualms about it. Instruments sound good and vocals do too with a few instances of being a tad bit thin sounding. I would also like it if this sounded more engaging.
| Highs |
The highs are smooth and are not sibilant, so no peeking present as per my experience. It extends relatively well with a decent amount of air. The issue still continues here that I would love if the Cadenza is a bit more exciting/engaging with more sparkle.
| Technicalities |
The technicalities of this set is quite uneventful, which means no major problems but also no major highlights in its performance. Staging is wider than tall and sound sources are spaced well. Layering is pretty good with no confusing overlaps from other sources and imaging is decent too.
|| Conclusions ||
This review is a hard one to write without sounding too much like a hard sell or a hater. I genuinely have a hard time finding issues with KiwiEars besides the 2 major things it highlighted: being โover-smoothingโ and the safety of a shell for an IEM. These things are also one of itโs capabilities as it can probably cater to multiple people and find this pleasing but not being the best at it. This is still great value for this price and would definitely recommend it to a newcomer to the hobby that is dabbling about his tastes as they are a blank canvas.
|| Introduction ||
Kiwi Ears is a somewhat new brand in the IEM scene with only having 3 releases including the topic of our review today, that being the Kiwi Ears Cadenza. The Cadenza comes in green, red, blue, and what we have today, purple.
Priced at the sub $50 bracket, can the Kiwi Ears Cadenza stand out like a soloist in their passage at the end of a performance?
|| Disclaimers ||
I donโt consider myself as an audiophile or an enthusiast, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.
- We prefer to keep our reviews simple without too much confusing lingo and terminologies
- This review set is a part of a review tour and was sent free of charge in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for us to do this review. We guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.
- My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
** Huge thanks to Linsoul and Sir Eiji Zerstorer Romero for giving me this opportunity to test this set and be part of a tour group. Kindly check out his reviews and other articles on his blog site at: euphoniareviews.blogspot.com **
The Cadenza comes with a really compact dark violet slide box with branding and an overview render of the IEM drivers, color variant and other information for the product and itโs manufacturer.
| Unboxing & Accessories |
Upon opening the box and removing the outer layer of packaging paper, you are greeted with some paperwork and then the IEMs themselves. Underneath the piece that encloses the IEMs is the stock cable and some tips
Item Breakdown:
Paperwork
IEM shells
Stock L-type cable
3 Sets of medium-bore tips(S,M,L)
| Build & Driver Configuration |
The Cadenza sports a 10mm beryllium dynamic driver that was once one of the popular types of dynamic drivers that now is just replaced with LCP, eating majority of the the budget DD sets which is a refreshing sight to see.
The build is made out of a 3D printed housing according to KiwiEars which I find okay-ish, seeing as I just came from using and reviewing the TinHifi C2 which is more or less in the same price bracket but with a much more hefty and sturdy metal build. The Cadenza however is much lighter than the C2, which is a given for the material used.
The design is akin to those of much more pricier IEMs with a resin shell which is nice to look at, but is still less flashy due to the darker overall look. The other color options also look great. I find myself to quite like the green one compared to the rest.
There is a single golden KiwiEars branding on the left shell, in its faceplate, whilst the right side has no other design cues and interruptions. There are two vents on each driver facing upwards, and the other one facing towards your ear.
There is no wing on the Cadenza so myself as well as many others can find this not so intrusive in terms of the fit.
Fit is very subjective but this shell design is very safe in terms of curves to probably accommodate most potential buyers.
| Isolation |
I couldnโt get as sealed off of a fit on this compared to other IEMs, but itโs doable for the passive noise removal.
| Comfort |
As stated earlier, I couldnโt get a good enough seal for me to use this without much issue and or as little issues as possible. It hindered the experience because of the lack of curves. I almost find this โtoo safeโ that it hurts my ears because of how it doesnt contour to my ear. But then again this is VERY subjective.
(This is the same reason my ears hurt with flathead earbuds)
** I used the stock cable included with Tanchjim TAPB wide bore eartips(small) through the Zishan U1 **
|| Sound ||
Over the course of me using this for psychological burn-in and reviewing purposes, I find this very hard to fault with most complaints are nitpicks, as it plays safe with the sound that is great for new people who still havenโt acquired their tastes yet.
| Drivability |
I find these pretty easy to drive and most phones can power this IEM at a comfortable level
| Bass |
Subbass is good as it is present but not abundant. I think it could've used more texture on the lowest of lows.
The midbass punch is nice and adequate but probably lacking for those who like the really punchy bass performance but is definitely satisfactory to me.
Bleed is non-existent based on my experience.
| Mids |
Mids sound okay and have no major qualms about it. Instruments sound good and vocals do too with a few instances of being a tad bit thin sounding. I would also like it if this sounded more engaging.
| Highs |
The highs are smooth and are not sibilant, so no peeking present as per my experience. It extends relatively well with a decent amount of air. The issue still continues here that I would love if the Cadenza is a bit more exciting/engaging with more sparkle.
| Technicalities |
The technicalities of this set is quite uneventful, which means no major problems but also no major highlights in its performance. Staging is wider than tall and sound sources are spaced well. Layering is pretty good with no confusing overlaps from other sources and imaging is decent too.
|| Conclusions ||
This review is a hard one to write without sounding too much like a hard sell or a hater. I genuinely have a hard time finding issues with KiwiEars besides the 2 major things it highlighted: being โover-smoothingโ and the safety of a shell for an IEM. These things are also one of itโs capabilities as it can probably cater to multiple people and find this pleasing but not being the best at it. This is still great value for this price and would definitely recommend it to a newcomer to the hobby that is dabbling about his tastes as they are a blank canvas.
TinHifi C2: Sanded Down Shine
|| Introduction ||
TinHifi is no stranger in the IEM market not only in the east but also in the western side of the world after the release of their popular Tin T2 IEM back in the day. Nowadays, TinHifi hasn't been in the limelight of IEMs after releasing products that didnโt quite make it big like their T2.
We will be looking at the Tinhifi C2, the smaller of the two C-series IEMs released as of the writing of this review. Priced at around $30 and sporting a unique mechanical look and a well-known driver setup.
Tinhifi released their new line of IEMs named the C-series aiming at the price range where the T-series of IEMs were once and still revolve around. Will they once again capture the hearts and ears of the masses with this value oriented release?
|| Disclaimers ||
I donโt consider myself as an audiophile or an enthusiast, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.
** Huge thanks to Linsoul and Sir Eiji Zerstorer Romero for giving me this opportunity to test this set and be part of a tour group. Kindly check out his reviews and other articles on his blog site at: euphoniareviews.blogspot.com **| Packaging |
The C2 comes in a no-fuss compact white box with a mecha/robot illustration in the front and branding. There are also other branding surrounding the box and manufacturer information, but oddly enough no spec sheet or a manufacturer provided graph like most IEMs comes with.
(Not that it matters anyway)
| Unboxing & Accessories |
The unboxing is really straightforward and smooth. No unnecessary bells and whistles with bad execution, just clean one and done action. Once the box is opened you are greeted with some paperwork and immediately followed by the IEMs themselves surrounded by foam for protection. A separate box is present for the stock eartips (2 pairs of each standard size), and a non-braided, L-type, 0.78mm 2-pin cable with a 3.5mm termination and pre-formed earhooks.
I would like to note that I really like the stock cable similar to the one that comes with the SSR and SSP models from Moondrop. Just a simple, and minimal cable with no thick braids and has an L-type 3.5mm jack. Too bad thereโs no chin slider for better adjustability.
Item Breakdown:
| Build & Driver Configuration |
The drivers on these are said to be a โnewly developedโ 10mm dynamic LCP+PU driver unit. Iโm not quite sure about the โPUโ characteristics of a driver and what it can delivery but โnewโ innovations is always welcome, though LCP is quite a common driver in the budget range as of recently from popular sets such as the Moondrop Aria 2021, DUNU Titan S, and the TinHifiโs own Tin T3+
The C2 shells are made out of CNC'd 6063 aviation-grade aluminum that feels light but robust and sturdy in the hand. This is one the best feeling IEMs Iโve tried in this budget segment and is definitely a positive for me.
Each shell has a Y-shaped vent in the main faceplate and a small circular vent right under the nozzle area. The main faceplate also has 3 allen nuts that is most probably for the looks than a functioning feature (or maybe a way to holding the main faceplate to the rest of the shell instead of plastic tabs or glue).
Engravings are present towards the inner part of the shell to indicate the left and right drivers.
There are no wings on this shell design which is a huge thing for people like me who particularly find them uncomfortable and the nozzle having a nice length protruding from the body for better insertion depth.
I would like to note that the 2-pin slots are quite recessed(or one can say encased) so there may be a potential incompatibility issue with other cables that don't have a protruding pin.
Overall the drivers are shaped with sharp chamfered corners and less curves to better insinuate the industrial/mechanical look.
| Isolation |
This isolates really well as with almost any type of IEM out there, so no qualms here.
| Comfort |
This stays comfy in my ear for long hours without having too much fatigue especially with the absence of a wing. The somewhat sharp looking design doesnโt impede on comfort as per my experience with it. The occlusion effect on this one is good that it doesn't have it as bad as other IEMs, probably because of the Y-shaped vent pointing outward similar to the BQEYZ Topaz Iโve reviewed recently.
** I used the stock cable included with Sony EP-EX11 eartips(small) through the Zishan U1 **
|| Sound ||
The overall sound is a mild U-shape in my ears with ample rumble that doesn't impede other frequencies and a forward but slightly grainy treble. The C2 sound natural with no weird quirks to the playback.
| Drivability |
I find these to be very efficient and don't require much power to run properly. Better and more powerful sources are still advised by be careful with the noise floor on IEMs.
| Bass |
The bass is good, speedy, and with enough โoomphโ and punch to satisfy me in my experience. Light rumble can be heard/felt for the sub-bass performance with minimal to no bleed at all. Texture and grit could be improved too as well.
Some may find this too lean or too soft depending on oneโs bass preference but this isnโt for bassheads.
| Mids |
Instruments sound great with enough air and texture but vocals can sound a tiny bit thin at times depending on the song. Male vocals in particular are less forward than their female counterparts. Speaking of female vocals, theyโre rich and engaging which I enjoyed very much. Though still depending on the song and the artist, they can sound mildly shouty at times.
Overall the mids don't sound drowned or veiled despite being a U-shape set. Itโs exciting and has energy despite not being as forward as the other two frequencies.
| Highs |
One of the highlights of this set, some may even call this somewhat bright but to my ears itโs just a tad bit treble forward from the pack without the harshness, peaking and fatigue. It extends pretty well, doesnโt feel cut-off/capped and has good detail retrieval.
Although this may be itโs highlight in my opinion, I have experienced it sounding coarse/grainy like what other people have reported to experience.
Despite being really sibilant sensitive, I find this set to handle sibilance pretty well. It doesnโt sound โetherealโ or anything of the same description but itโs still something special.
| Technicalities |
The C2 is a very competent set when it comes to the technicalities and I for one used it on other activities other than music listening and worked quite well.
Imaging is good, I can easily pin-point the origins of the sound pretty well with ease. Layering is decent without turning the playback into a mess. I feel the soundstage may be more wide than length but sounds boxy in some instances oddly enough as if I can the โshapeโ of the sound.
|| Conclusions ||
This is a really good set for its price point of $30. The TinHifi C2 is definitely one of the things Iโll recommend to people looking for a great set on a budget. Combined with a great build, decent accessories, and a well executed overall sound, whatโs more to ask for something under $50 price range. There are clear shortcomings, but that doesnโt take away from what it delivers well.
Overall this set is a pretty enjoyable experience for me and for my friend who tried it and immediately contemplated buying it.
|| Introduction ||
TinHifi is no stranger in the IEM market not only in the east but also in the western side of the world after the release of their popular Tin T2 IEM back in the day. Nowadays, TinHifi hasn't been in the limelight of IEMs after releasing products that didnโt quite make it big like their T2.
We will be looking at the Tinhifi C2, the smaller of the two C-series IEMs released as of the writing of this review. Priced at around $30 and sporting a unique mechanical look and a well-known driver setup.
Tinhifi released their new line of IEMs named the C-series aiming at the price range where the T-series of IEMs were once and still revolve around. Will they once again capture the hearts and ears of the masses with this value oriented release?
|| Disclaimers ||
I donโt consider myself as an audiophile or an enthusiast, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.
- We prefer to keep our reviews simple without too much confusing lingo and terminologies.
- This review set is a part of a review tour and was sent free of charge in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for us to do this review. We guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.
- My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
** Huge thanks to Linsoul and Sir Eiji Zerstorer Romero for giving me this opportunity to test this set and be part of a tour group. Kindly check out his reviews and other articles on his blog site at: euphoniareviews.blogspot.com **
The C2 comes in a no-fuss compact white box with a mecha/robot illustration in the front and branding. There are also other branding surrounding the box and manufacturer information, but oddly enough no spec sheet or a manufacturer provided graph like most IEMs comes with.
(Not that it matters anyway)
| Unboxing & Accessories |
The unboxing is really straightforward and smooth. No unnecessary bells and whistles with bad execution, just clean one and done action. Once the box is opened you are greeted with some paperwork and immediately followed by the IEMs themselves surrounded by foam for protection. A separate box is present for the stock eartips (2 pairs of each standard size), and a non-braided, L-type, 0.78mm 2-pin cable with a 3.5mm termination and pre-formed earhooks.
I would like to note that I really like the stock cable similar to the one that comes with the SSR and SSP models from Moondrop. Just a simple, and minimal cable with no thick braids and has an L-type 3.5mm jack. Too bad thereโs no chin slider for better adjustability.
Item Breakdown:
- TinHifi C2 Shells
- 2-pin Stock cable (non-braided, 0.78mm, L-type)
- 2 pairs of each S,M,L size eartips (12 tips in total)
| Build & Driver Configuration |
The drivers on these are said to be a โnewly developedโ 10mm dynamic LCP+PU driver unit. Iโm not quite sure about the โPUโ characteristics of a driver and what it can delivery but โnewโ innovations is always welcome, though LCP is quite a common driver in the budget range as of recently from popular sets such as the Moondrop Aria 2021, DUNU Titan S, and the TinHifiโs own Tin T3+
The C2 shells are made out of CNC'd 6063 aviation-grade aluminum that feels light but robust and sturdy in the hand. This is one the best feeling IEMs Iโve tried in this budget segment and is definitely a positive for me.
Each shell has a Y-shaped vent in the main faceplate and a small circular vent right under the nozzle area. The main faceplate also has 3 allen nuts that is most probably for the looks than a functioning feature (or maybe a way to holding the main faceplate to the rest of the shell instead of plastic tabs or glue).
Engravings are present towards the inner part of the shell to indicate the left and right drivers.
There are no wings on this shell design which is a huge thing for people like me who particularly find them uncomfortable and the nozzle having a nice length protruding from the body for better insertion depth.
I would like to note that the 2-pin slots are quite recessed(or one can say encased) so there may be a potential incompatibility issue with other cables that don't have a protruding pin.
Overall the drivers are shaped with sharp chamfered corners and less curves to better insinuate the industrial/mechanical look.
| Isolation |
This isolates really well as with almost any type of IEM out there, so no qualms here.
| Comfort |
This stays comfy in my ear for long hours without having too much fatigue especially with the absence of a wing. The somewhat sharp looking design doesnโt impede on comfort as per my experience with it. The occlusion effect on this one is good that it doesn't have it as bad as other IEMs, probably because of the Y-shaped vent pointing outward similar to the BQEYZ Topaz Iโve reviewed recently.
** I used the stock cable included with Sony EP-EX11 eartips(small) through the Zishan U1 **
|| Sound ||
The overall sound is a mild U-shape in my ears with ample rumble that doesn't impede other frequencies and a forward but slightly grainy treble. The C2 sound natural with no weird quirks to the playback.
| Drivability |
I find these to be very efficient and don't require much power to run properly. Better and more powerful sources are still advised by be careful with the noise floor on IEMs.
| Bass |
The bass is good, speedy, and with enough โoomphโ and punch to satisfy me in my experience. Light rumble can be heard/felt for the sub-bass performance with minimal to no bleed at all. Texture and grit could be improved too as well.
Some may find this too lean or too soft depending on oneโs bass preference but this isnโt for bassheads.
| Mids |
Instruments sound great with enough air and texture but vocals can sound a tiny bit thin at times depending on the song. Male vocals in particular are less forward than their female counterparts. Speaking of female vocals, theyโre rich and engaging which I enjoyed very much. Though still depending on the song and the artist, they can sound mildly shouty at times.
Overall the mids don't sound drowned or veiled despite being a U-shape set. Itโs exciting and has energy despite not being as forward as the other two frequencies.
| Highs |
One of the highlights of this set, some may even call this somewhat bright but to my ears itโs just a tad bit treble forward from the pack without the harshness, peaking and fatigue. It extends pretty well, doesnโt feel cut-off/capped and has good detail retrieval.
Although this may be itโs highlight in my opinion, I have experienced it sounding coarse/grainy like what other people have reported to experience.
Despite being really sibilant sensitive, I find this set to handle sibilance pretty well. It doesnโt sound โetherealโ or anything of the same description but itโs still something special.
| Technicalities |
The C2 is a very competent set when it comes to the technicalities and I for one used it on other activities other than music listening and worked quite well.
Imaging is good, I can easily pin-point the origins of the sound pretty well with ease. Layering is decent without turning the playback into a mess. I feel the soundstage may be more wide than length but sounds boxy in some instances oddly enough as if I can the โshapeโ of the sound.
|| Conclusions ||
This is a really good set for its price point of $30. The TinHifi C2 is definitely one of the things Iโll recommend to people looking for a great set on a budget. Combined with a great build, decent accessories, and a well executed overall sound, whatโs more to ask for something under $50 price range. There are clear shortcomings, but that doesnโt take away from what it delivers well.
Overall this set is a pretty enjoyable experience for me and for my friend who tried it and immediately contemplated buying it.
Berry108
The eartips I used were the Sony EP-EX11 in the small variant
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ: ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐ง ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ง๐
|| ๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ||
BQEYZ is back again for another iteration of their series of IEMs themed and named around the 4 seasons the being the Spring (1&2), Summer, Autumn, and the newly released Winter which we have today.
The Winter is composed of a single 12 mm dynamic driver and a bone conduction driver. This driver configuration is the first Iโve seen since most bone-conducting drivers are used mostly by sports-oriented Bluetooth earbuds and are priced around the heavily competitive $200 price range.
Does having a well-known brand title and being a part of a popular series of IEMs along with a unique driver configuration make the BQEYZ Winter stand out against the rest of the pack in this crowded price range?
๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐:
I donโt consider myself as an audiophile or an enthusiast, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.
I like to keep my reviews simple without too much confusion and lingo
This review set is a part of a review tour and was sent free of charge in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for me to do this review. I guarantee no exchange has been done by both party to influence or sway my opinions on this product.
My thoughts and opinions are my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
** ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ค๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐ฌ. ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ก๐จ๐ฎ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ. ๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ข ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐จ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐๐ญ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ ๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฉ. ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ค ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ ๐๐ญ: ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ก๐จ๐ง๐ข๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ.๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ.๐๐จ๐ฆ. **
| ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
It comes with a simple compact box with branding all over it and a few Japanese-translated texts since this set is also available in Japan. It also comes with the typical product specifications on the back of the box with details of the manufacturer.
This no-fuss packaging is really nice without many irrelevant parts that are implemented poorly and just add to the overall manufacturing costs. Definitely quality over quantity
| ๐จ๐ป๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
Pulling the outer box reveals a shiny thicker flip box with BQEYZ Branding (good thing they didnโt use glitter for the shine). Opening the flip box reveals a cardboard cutout that showcases the IEM and the Winter name. Removing the cardboard window now fully displays the IEMs and the included case.
The IEMs are placed on foam with cutouts with the accessories box underneath. The color of the set I was provided was silver. The free case feels nice though Iโm not sure if this is genuine or just faux leather. The case has the stock cable, a cleaning brush, a pair of foam tips with a plastic case, and a metal tip holder with specialized tips.
They provide wide-bore tips(S,M,L) named โReferenceโ on the holder and a set of tips titled โAtmosphereโ which Iโm not sure whether or not theyโre standard tips or specialized tips(S,M,L). They also included extra tips(S,M,L) in the accessories box with some paperwork.
The case overall feels nice but the mesh compartment is somewhat loose the metal tip holder fits nicely and stays in place. Itโs also nice to see free foam tips and a cleaning brush as freebies.
The stock cable is a 4-core 2-pin cable that can be bought in 2.5, 3.5, and 4.4mm terminations(This is not a modular cable). The set we have today is of 3.5mm termination. The stock cable feels nice and has a chin slider which I use from time to time. The color of the cable matches the silver variant of the Winter and looks good with it. It is not microphonic in my experience and doesnโt form kinks.
Despite being simple packaging, it still provides a pretty nice unboxing experience for the price. The simplicity of the unboxing is really neat for me as some other audio gearboxes are quite hard to unbox and some required tearing parts of it just to get it open.
| ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ |
The IEMs at first felt underwhelming for me because of how light it is but over time I kinda liked them more since the material itself is sturdy yet light. The lack of heft is really nice for using it for long hours but having a hefty set tends to be a more premium feeling that doesnโt mean this set feels cheap, far from that actually.
The Winter has 4(3 of each are grouped into a triangle) visible vents on each driver. They have engraved markings on each set indicating the left and right driver. The left driver has the Winter branding whilst the right has BQEYZ. The shell is composed of 2 parts. The main face plate has this curvature similar to some IEMs in BQEYZโs season series with a glossy silver outline.
The 2-pin plugs somewhat protruded from the shell of the driver but not so much that it could be a fragile point of the build. There is also a pronounced wing that can be a deal breaker for people that do not have proper ear anatomy to comfortably use IEMs with a wing.
| ๐๐๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป |
This isolates almost similar to any IEM under the sun. I do want to highlight that the occlusion effect is not as prominent and annoying as most of the IEMs Iโve tried.
| ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ |
This section of the course is very subjective, but I do find these comfortable regardless and only had to adjust it after prolonged use. I also want to highlight that this set has a protruding wing that some people canโt stand so your mileage may vary
** ๐โ๐ฏ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐จ๐ง ๐ฆ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ค๐ญ๐จ๐ฉ ๐ฌ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ฉ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ก๐๐ง ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐จ๐ฆ๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐ ๐ก๐๐ฏ๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐ก๐๐ง๐ (๐๐ ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ข & ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐) ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐ง๐๐ก๐ฃ๐ข๐ฆ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ง๐๐ซ๐ซ๐จ๐ฐ-๐๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐ญ๐ข๐ฉ๐ฌ **
|| ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ||
In general, I find this set to be somewhat U-shaped, with more forward sub-bass and treble, unlike the more typical V-shape in todayโs IEM market. Treble seems to be the frequency that this set is more prominent on
| ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ |
This set can be run pretty easily with dongles but I suggest using more power to really open up the sound, especially in the highs
| ๐๐ฎ๐๐ |
The lows of this set are more prominent in the sub-bass than the mid-bass. Rumble is very present and detailed but not smeary while the midbass is enough for my needs but might be lacking for those who want a hard-kicking, high-impact bass. The quantity of the sub-bass may be less than the BQEYZ Topaz I tried recently but the texture and detail are much more noticeable.
| ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ |
Despite not being as forward as the other frequencies, the mids still preserve a nice bit of presence in the overall sound performance. It has a nice sense of air that can in my opinion satisfy most people who are particularly picky with their mids. Female vocals are more forward than male vocals.
| ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ |
The highs on this are definitely one of its highlights but for me honestly, this set is a tad bit sibilant. Do note that each and everyone have differentiating capabilities of handling sibilance and I particularly am sensitive to it. Otherwise, the highs on this thing are amazing.
There is air to let the sound breathe and transients are executed particularly.
This set would be perfect if werenโt for that sibilant aspect of it since I do use it on other things than music and heavily listen to sibilant voices for work so it is overbearing to hear sharp โTโ and especially โSโ sounds
| ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
The perceived stage on this set is pretty wide and open. There is a nice feeling of height as well. Imaging is spot-on and allows me to pinpoint sources pretty easily and clearly. Layering is great as well with no overlapping sound sources that just adds to the overall good technical performance of this set.
|| ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ||
In conclusion, I really like this set and would suggest it to people albeit taking into account that this can be sibilant on select ears like mine and for those who can fork out around $200. If it weren't for that single downside then this would be a perfect set for me.
This set sounds very exciting and engaging but a unique execution from the oversaturated V-shape genre of IEMs for those wanting something engaging. Not to mention the intriguing driver configuration of it having a bone conduction driver and is manufactured by one of the established names in Chi-Fi.
|| ๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ||
BQEYZ is back again for another iteration of their series of IEMs themed and named around the 4 seasons the being the Spring (1&2), Summer, Autumn, and the newly released Winter which we have today.
The Winter is composed of a single 12 mm dynamic driver and a bone conduction driver. This driver configuration is the first Iโve seen since most bone-conducting drivers are used mostly by sports-oriented Bluetooth earbuds and are priced around the heavily competitive $200 price range.
Does having a well-known brand title and being a part of a popular series of IEMs along with a unique driver configuration make the BQEYZ Winter stand out against the rest of the pack in this crowded price range?
๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐:
I donโt consider myself as an audiophile or an enthusiast, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.
I like to keep my reviews simple without too much confusion and lingo
This review set is a part of a review tour and was sent free of charge in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for me to do this review. I guarantee no exchange has been done by both party to influence or sway my opinions on this product.
My thoughts and opinions are my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
** ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ค๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐ฌ. ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ก๐จ๐ฎ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ. ๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ข ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐จ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐๐ญ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ ๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฉ. ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ค ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ ๐๐ญ: ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ก๐จ๐ง๐ข๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ.๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ.๐๐จ๐ฆ. **
| ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
It comes with a simple compact box with branding all over it and a few Japanese-translated texts since this set is also available in Japan. It also comes with the typical product specifications on the back of the box with details of the manufacturer.
This no-fuss packaging is really nice without many irrelevant parts that are implemented poorly and just add to the overall manufacturing costs. Definitely quality over quantity
| ๐จ๐ป๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ด |
Pulling the outer box reveals a shiny thicker flip box with BQEYZ Branding (good thing they didnโt use glitter for the shine). Opening the flip box reveals a cardboard cutout that showcases the IEM and the Winter name. Removing the cardboard window now fully displays the IEMs and the included case.
The IEMs are placed on foam with cutouts with the accessories box underneath. The color of the set I was provided was silver. The free case feels nice though Iโm not sure if this is genuine or just faux leather. The case has the stock cable, a cleaning brush, a pair of foam tips with a plastic case, and a metal tip holder with specialized tips.
They provide wide-bore tips(S,M,L) named โReferenceโ on the holder and a set of tips titled โAtmosphereโ which Iโm not sure whether or not theyโre standard tips or specialized tips(S,M,L). They also included extra tips(S,M,L) in the accessories box with some paperwork.
The case overall feels nice but the mesh compartment is somewhat loose the metal tip holder fits nicely and stays in place. Itโs also nice to see free foam tips and a cleaning brush as freebies.
The stock cable is a 4-core 2-pin cable that can be bought in 2.5, 3.5, and 4.4mm terminations(This is not a modular cable). The set we have today is of 3.5mm termination. The stock cable feels nice and has a chin slider which I use from time to time. The color of the cable matches the silver variant of the Winter and looks good with it. It is not microphonic in my experience and doesnโt form kinks.
Despite being simple packaging, it still provides a pretty nice unboxing experience for the price. The simplicity of the unboxing is really neat for me as some other audio gearboxes are quite hard to unbox and some required tearing parts of it just to get it open.
| ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ |
The IEMs at first felt underwhelming for me because of how light it is but over time I kinda liked them more since the material itself is sturdy yet light. The lack of heft is really nice for using it for long hours but having a hefty set tends to be a more premium feeling that doesnโt mean this set feels cheap, far from that actually.
The Winter has 4(3 of each are grouped into a triangle) visible vents on each driver. They have engraved markings on each set indicating the left and right driver. The left driver has the Winter branding whilst the right has BQEYZ. The shell is composed of 2 parts. The main face plate has this curvature similar to some IEMs in BQEYZโs season series with a glossy silver outline.
The 2-pin plugs somewhat protruded from the shell of the driver but not so much that it could be a fragile point of the build. There is also a pronounced wing that can be a deal breaker for people that do not have proper ear anatomy to comfortably use IEMs with a wing.
This isolates almost similar to any IEM under the sun. I do want to highlight that the occlusion effect is not as prominent and annoying as most of the IEMs Iโve tried.
| ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ |
This section of the course is very subjective, but I do find these comfortable regardless and only had to adjust it after prolonged use. I also want to highlight that this set has a protruding wing that some people canโt stand so your mileage may vary
** ๐โ๐ฏ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐จ๐ง ๐ฆ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ค๐ญ๐จ๐ฉ ๐ฌ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ฉ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ก๐๐ง ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐จ๐ฆ๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐ ๐ก๐๐ฏ๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐ก๐๐ง๐ (๐๐ ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ข & ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐) ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐ง๐๐ก๐ฃ๐ข๐ฆ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ง๐๐ซ๐ซ๐จ๐ฐ-๐๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐ญ๐ข๐ฉ๐ฌ **
|| ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ||
In general, I find this set to be somewhat U-shaped, with more forward sub-bass and treble, unlike the more typical V-shape in todayโs IEM market. Treble seems to be the frequency that this set is more prominent on
| ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ |
This set can be run pretty easily with dongles but I suggest using more power to really open up the sound, especially in the highs
| ๐๐ฎ๐๐ |
The lows of this set are more prominent in the sub-bass than the mid-bass. Rumble is very present and detailed but not smeary while the midbass is enough for my needs but might be lacking for those who want a hard-kicking, high-impact bass. The quantity of the sub-bass may be less than the BQEYZ Topaz I tried recently but the texture and detail are much more noticeable.
| ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ |
Despite not being as forward as the other frequencies, the mids still preserve a nice bit of presence in the overall sound performance. It has a nice sense of air that can in my opinion satisfy most people who are particularly picky with their mids. Female vocals are more forward than male vocals.
| ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ |
The highs on this are definitely one of its highlights but for me honestly, this set is a tad bit sibilant. Do note that each and everyone have differentiating capabilities of handling sibilance and I particularly am sensitive to it. Otherwise, the highs on this thing are amazing.
There is air to let the sound breathe and transients are executed particularly.
This set would be perfect if werenโt for that sibilant aspect of it since I do use it on other things than music and heavily listen to sibilant voices for work so it is overbearing to hear sharp โTโ and especially โSโ sounds
| ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ |
The perceived stage on this set is pretty wide and open. There is a nice feeling of height as well. Imaging is spot-on and allows me to pinpoint sources pretty easily and clearly. Layering is great as well with no overlapping sound sources that just adds to the overall good technical performance of this set.
|| ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ||
In conclusion, I really like this set and would suggest it to people albeit taking into account that this can be sibilant on select ears like mine and for those who can fork out around $200. If it weren't for that single downside then this would be a perfect set for me.
This set sounds very exciting and engaging but a unique execution from the oversaturated V-shape genre of IEMs for those wanting something engaging. Not to mention the intriguing driver configuration of it having a bone conduction driver and is manufactured by one of the established names in Chi-Fi.
Brionced
Great mate!
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ
|| ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ซ ||
- I donโt consider myself as an audiophile or an enthusiast, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.
- I like to keep my reviews simple without too much confusing and lingo
- This review set is a part of a review tour and was sent free of charge in exchange for an honest review. There is no material and financial incentive for me to do this review.
- My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity
|| ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ||
BGVP is new to the Chi-Fi scene and is now back with a new iteration of their flagship DX line of earbuds with their newest flagship properly named as the BGVP DX6, priced at a competitive $89.
||๐๐๐๐ค๐๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ ||
The Box offers a pretty nice. The outside shows an illustration of the earbuds themselves and opening the box reveals the beautiful presentation of the earbuds.
I was quite surprised at how big the box is, especially for the price. Other IEMs of the same price Iโve tried can't compare who much this package has.
|| ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐ ||
The earbuds themselves are made out of nicely polished light-weight aluminum alloy carrying a 14.2mm dynamic driver with LCP composite diaphragm. Which is the same diaphragm that is used by the likes of the ever so popular Moondrop Aria, Dunu Titan S and the Tin T3+.
|| ๐๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฌ ||
It comes with plenty of accessories and a pretty nice 6N OCC silver-plated hybrid cable with a swappable with a modular termination plug that can be converted to 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm jacks included in the box.
Other accessories are a pretty nifty faux leather case that fits the earbuds along with other accessories, a handful of earbud foams, a shirt clip, and a cable hook mold/guide, allowing you to use the earbuds over-ear style more easily.
|| ๐ ๐ข๐ญ ||
These fit very well to my ear and did not require me to use earbud foams. This is anecdotal as everyone of use has different ears.
|| ๐๐ฌ๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ||
None, itโs an earbud after all. They somewhat leak sound
๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐
**๐โ๐ฏ๐ ๐ญ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ข๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ข๐ญ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐ข๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ง ๐ฌ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ข๐๐๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐ง ๐จ๐๐ ๐ ๐ฉ๐ก๐จ๐ง๐**
|| ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐ฌ ||
Lows on this set lean more on mid bass than sub bass. I find the sub bass quite lacking but overall very punchy and has body. I like the bass on this despite the not so extended sub bass extension. It doesnโt smear over other frequencies. Earbuds typically suffer on this aspect compared to their IEM counterparts, but this one is different.
Iโve tried multiple earbuds both custom and off-the-shelf, and this one is one of the two earbud options I find to have very good bass for my liking. However bass head might want to try them out before pulling the trigger as this can be insufficient to someone.
|| ๐๐ข๐๐ฌ ||
This is where this set excels. This particular set is a mid-centric set in my ears. Vocals and instruments sound natural and clean. However one might still find this sibilant especially at high volumes. I find myself playing more classical and vocal oriented songs. They sound rich, warm and have body.
|| ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ฌ ||
Highs on these sound clean however some of the songs Iโve tried on these had some splashiness. Wind instruments have air and generally have a slither of sparkle. One can still find this fatiguing. Details are very good to the point Iโve noticed things on some songs that I didn't even know were present.
|| ๐๐๐๐ก๐ง๐ข๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ ||
Staging on these are a given, they are of course quite spacious because of their somewhat open-nature. I want it to be wider than taller but still more spacious than IEMs. Imaging is precise. You can easily pin-point source of sound such as instruments pretty well. Layering is great, each source of sound has their one place and is not spilling over others.
|| ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ||
This is one hell of an earbud, especially this being an off-the-shelf option. This is a great set for people looking for a mid-centric audio gear with very nice details and technicalities( I might even get one for myself). I like these more than most of the IEMs Iโve tried, even those that go over $100. Earbuds are a great value and offer a very unique experience.
|| ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ซ ||
- I donโt consider myself as an audiophile or an enthusiast, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.
- I like to keep my reviews simple without too much confusing and lingo
- This review set is a part of a review tour and was sent free of charge in exchange for an honest review. There is no material and financial incentive for me to do this review.
- My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity
|| ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ||
BGVP is new to the Chi-Fi scene and is now back with a new iteration of their flagship DX line of earbuds with their newest flagship properly named as the BGVP DX6, priced at a competitive $89.
||๐๐๐๐ค๐๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ ||
The Box offers a pretty nice. The outside shows an illustration of the earbuds themselves and opening the box reveals the beautiful presentation of the earbuds.
I was quite surprised at how big the box is, especially for the price. Other IEMs of the same price Iโve tried can't compare who much this package has.
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The earbuds themselves are made out of nicely polished light-weight aluminum alloy carrying a 14.2mm dynamic driver with LCP composite diaphragm. Which is the same diaphragm that is used by the likes of the ever so popular Moondrop Aria, Dunu Titan S and the Tin T3+.
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It comes with plenty of accessories and a pretty nice 6N OCC silver-plated hybrid cable with a swappable with a modular termination plug that can be converted to 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm jacks included in the box.
Other accessories are a pretty nifty faux leather case that fits the earbuds along with other accessories, a handful of earbud foams, a shirt clip, and a cable hook mold/guide, allowing you to use the earbuds over-ear style more easily.
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These fit very well to my ear and did not require me to use earbud foams. This is anecdotal as everyone of use has different ears.
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None, itโs an earbud after all. They somewhat leak sound
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**๐โ๐ฏ๐ ๐ญ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ข๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ข๐ญ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐ข๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ง ๐ฌ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ข๐๐๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐ง ๐จ๐๐ ๐ ๐ฉ๐ก๐จ๐ง๐**
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Lows on this set lean more on mid bass than sub bass. I find the sub bass quite lacking but overall very punchy and has body. I like the bass on this despite the not so extended sub bass extension. It doesnโt smear over other frequencies. Earbuds typically suffer on this aspect compared to their IEM counterparts, but this one is different.
Iโve tried multiple earbuds both custom and off-the-shelf, and this one is one of the two earbud options I find to have very good bass for my liking. However bass head might want to try them out before pulling the trigger as this can be insufficient to someone.
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This is where this set excels. This particular set is a mid-centric set in my ears. Vocals and instruments sound natural and clean. However one might still find this sibilant especially at high volumes. I find myself playing more classical and vocal oriented songs. They sound rich, warm and have body.
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Highs on these sound clean however some of the songs Iโve tried on these had some splashiness. Wind instruments have air and generally have a slither of sparkle. One can still find this fatiguing. Details are very good to the point Iโve noticed things on some songs that I didn't even know were present.
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Staging on these are a given, they are of course quite spacious because of their somewhat open-nature. I want it to be wider than taller but still more spacious than IEMs. Imaging is precise. You can easily pin-point source of sound such as instruments pretty well. Layering is great, each source of sound has their one place and is not spilling over others.
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This is one hell of an earbud, especially this being an off-the-shelf option. This is a great set for people looking for a mid-centric audio gear with very nice details and technicalities( I might even get one for myself). I like these more than most of the IEMs Iโve tried, even those that go over $100. Earbuds are a great value and offer a very unique experience.
Here's my Moondrop SSP Review
Introduction:
SSP is Moondropโs answer to those who fin their original $50 offering the SSR to be shouty and harsh. The SSP is supposed to be a less shouty twin of the SSR. Both come in around $50 and are supposed to be an upgrade to an in-ear earphone with a non-removable cable named the Moondrop Spaceship priced around $20.
Packaging: 4/5
The SSP comes in a nice dark blue square box with the signature anime portrait as expected from Moondrop. It comes with a nice and light non-braided silver cable as well as generic ear tips with your traditional SML sizes. It also comes with a fake leather ouch for storing your iems which is a nice addition.
Design, Fit, Build, & Isolation: 4.8/5
The design of the SSP is one of the major if not the major reason why I bought this set. It has a compact shell design with a dark blue finish with a nice gold accent and is made of metal. Despite being metal itโs still pretty light and doesnโt feel heavy on your ears. The shape of the iems is very reminiscent of Sennheiser over-ear/hook style iems or the Shure SE series iem where the connector (in this case itโs 2-pin) is slightly angled to help the cable form a hook-like shape in your ear.
The SSP Fits me nicely and doesnโt have this occlusion effect that happens to some iems when you wear them. I really love the fit and these and even considered this as my primary iem when taking naps and such. Isolation is decent, you can still hear objects around you. I donโt think itโs a dealbreaker though, I find myself liking iems that donโt block my surroundings entirely.
Drivability: 3/5
I only included this section as it is one of the major concerns of the SSP. The SSP requires power to fully maximize its sound. I used the Zishan U1 and the CX Pro Dongle DAC and investing in a decently powerful source is crucial to get the best of these iems. I find the CX Pro Dongle Dac not powering the SSP to its fullest extent. Using it on a phone is not enough to get these, sound the way they should.
Now itโs time for the Sound
Bass: 3.9/5
Midbass here is tight has body but not in your face. The impact is not as fast as I wanted it too and there is still some bleed but it depends on the song being played. Subbass is minimal, you can barely feel the rumble but itโs there although itโs weak if you're really keen on the subbass.
Mids: 4/5
Mids here is slightly recessed compared to the bass and treble. Vocals are nice although female vocals are more forward than male vocals. Upper mids are more audile and can annoy someone but I find it still decent. Although then again it can bother sensitive especially to really aggressive electric guitars. It can be still sibilant to some ears but then again people have varying tolerances in these frequencies
Treble: 4.2/5
Highs in the SSP are nice with nice details and decent air. It has sparkle but I find the air lacking. I donโt find these as harsh/peaky but I Do find the high to be insufficient but maybe thatโs because I was using a bright iem prior to reviewing these.
Technicalities: 3.7/5
The SSPโs soundstage has this almost in your head type of sound albeit a bit wider than intimate. The SSP has more width than depth. Imaging on these is decent, you can pinpoint instruments but struggle a bit with busy tracks
Quick Comparisons:
VS Moondrop Aria:
I like the SSPโs bass better but as the more present mids on the Aria because of its tonality. Aria is smoother on the treble whilst the SSP is more engaging. Aria has a better and wider soundstage whilst the SSP almost has this in your head soundstage but not fully intimate. Imaging is a little better on the Aria but both struggle slightly on busy tracks.
Conclusion: 3.9/5
With that said is the SSP a nice budget Moondrop or just skip it and go straight to the widely recommend Aria? In my opinion, it depends. If youโre starting out in the hobby, then an Aria is the better buy and just save more, but if your someone whoโs into the hobby already and has a powerful enough source and want the SPP for a specific reason then I think itโs still a pretty decent deal. This set despite not sounding the best, my love for the SSPโs shape and how this fits me outweighs their sound performance that Iโm thinking of keeping them as my set for sleepings or for when I'm lying down.
Introduction:
SSP is Moondropโs answer to those who fin their original $50 offering the SSR to be shouty and harsh. The SSP is supposed to be a less shouty twin of the SSR. Both come in around $50 and are supposed to be an upgrade to an in-ear earphone with a non-removable cable named the Moondrop Spaceship priced around $20.
Packaging: 4/5
The SSP comes in a nice dark blue square box with the signature anime portrait as expected from Moondrop. It comes with a nice and light non-braided silver cable as well as generic ear tips with your traditional SML sizes. It also comes with a fake leather ouch for storing your iems which is a nice addition.
Design, Fit, Build, & Isolation: 4.8/5
The design of the SSP is one of the major if not the major reason why I bought this set. It has a compact shell design with a dark blue finish with a nice gold accent and is made of metal. Despite being metal itโs still pretty light and doesnโt feel heavy on your ears. The shape of the iems is very reminiscent of Sennheiser over-ear/hook style iems or the Shure SE series iem where the connector (in this case itโs 2-pin) is slightly angled to help the cable form a hook-like shape in your ear.
The SSP Fits me nicely and doesnโt have this occlusion effect that happens to some iems when you wear them. I really love the fit and these and even considered this as my primary iem when taking naps and such. Isolation is decent, you can still hear objects around you. I donโt think itโs a dealbreaker though, I find myself liking iems that donโt block my surroundings entirely.
Drivability: 3/5
I only included this section as it is one of the major concerns of the SSP. The SSP requires power to fully maximize its sound. I used the Zishan U1 and the CX Pro Dongle DAC and investing in a decently powerful source is crucial to get the best of these iems. I find the CX Pro Dongle Dac not powering the SSP to its fullest extent. Using it on a phone is not enough to get these, sound the way they should.
Now itโs time for the Sound
Bass: 3.9/5
Midbass here is tight has body but not in your face. The impact is not as fast as I wanted it too and there is still some bleed but it depends on the song being played. Subbass is minimal, you can barely feel the rumble but itโs there although itโs weak if you're really keen on the subbass.
Mids: 4/5
Mids here is slightly recessed compared to the bass and treble. Vocals are nice although female vocals are more forward than male vocals. Upper mids are more audile and can annoy someone but I find it still decent. Although then again it can bother sensitive especially to really aggressive electric guitars. It can be still sibilant to some ears but then again people have varying tolerances in these frequencies
Treble: 4.2/5
Highs in the SSP are nice with nice details and decent air. It has sparkle but I find the air lacking. I donโt find these as harsh/peaky but I Do find the high to be insufficient but maybe thatโs because I was using a bright iem prior to reviewing these.
Technicalities: 3.7/5
The SSPโs soundstage has this almost in your head type of sound albeit a bit wider than intimate. The SSP has more width than depth. Imaging on these is decent, you can pinpoint instruments but struggle a bit with busy tracks
Quick Comparisons:
VS Moondrop Aria:
I like the SSPโs bass better but as the more present mids on the Aria because of its tonality. Aria is smoother on the treble whilst the SSP is more engaging. Aria has a better and wider soundstage whilst the SSP almost has this in your head soundstage but not fully intimate. Imaging is a little better on the Aria but both struggle slightly on busy tracks.
Conclusion: 3.9/5
With that said is the SSP a nice budget Moondrop or just skip it and go straight to the widely recommend Aria? In my opinion, it depends. If youโre starting out in the hobby, then an Aria is the better buy and just save more, but if your someone whoโs into the hobby already and has a powerful enough source and want the SPP for a specific reason then I think itโs still a pretty decent deal. This set despite not sounding the best, my love for the SSPโs shape and how this fits me outweighs their sound performance that Iโm thinking of keeping them as my set for sleepings or for when I'm lying down.
Attachments
Trying my first attempt at reviewing iems. Starting off with the TRI Starseas!
Introduction:
Iโve been looking for a pair under $200 at the time and the Starseas were the ones suggested to me because I wanted to try something different to my previous Moondrop Aria.
Packaging & Accessories: 5/5
The box is quite big and hefty for whatโs inside, but at least makes for a good unboxing experience. The stock cable is good enough but my only gripe with it is the chin slider is so the thing that trying to adjust is a pain. The included case is nice and can fit the iems with a bulkier cable, I even find myself fiddling with the case from time to time. They also include a microfiber cloth for cleaning purposes. It also comes with 2 pairs of Foam tips and a couple of your standard silicone tips. Note to the stock tips that itโs quite sticky and one of the foam tips I had started to break. The other tips are decent for using stock but I suggest using the Tanchjim T-APB tips (Iโll focus on why later)
Build Quality, Design, & Fit: 3.8/5
The TRI Starsea is made of 3d-printed resin. The iems are light yet durable. The design looks like painted brush strokes with a mixture of complementing colors primarily purple. The iems fit nicely to my ear as it has your typically pseudo-custom iem shape most resin iems have. The problem with these iems is that it reportedly has pressure build-up and driver flex issues which I experienced like most who made reviews on this set. The driver flex issue isnโt really a problem for me, unlike the pressure build. One of our members suggested using the Tanchjim T-APB tips as they are made to relieve some of the pressure which it did, but still not ideal imo.
Now onto sound
Bass: 4.5/5
Bass is thumpy, fast, and with impact but not too much. If youโre looking for a subbass set, this ain't it chief. Bass is tamed enough that it doesnโt veil much of other frequencies.
Midrange: 4.8/5
The midrange on these is really nice, it has presence even though the bass and treble are can overshadow it in some instances but doesnโt fall behind too much. Vocals are good but can feel โtoo fullโ like what Timmy Vangtanโs said in his review but it depends on the singer and the music playing really.
Treble: 4.3/5
Treble on these is elevated like the bass. Some may find this set as bright because of the subbass and having elevated treble. I myself as a self-proclaimed treble sensitive person and it's only on rare occasions that I find it too bright because of the music I was playing.
Imaging: 4.4/5
Imaging on here is good, I can pin-point instruments and I can feel the proximity of instruments on which is closer and which is farther away
Soundstage: 4.5/5
Soundstage on here is quite wide but not wide as the Moondrop Aria I feel, but still wide enough to not have a โin your headโ feeling on your music.
Conclusion:
These are a nice set if you want something livelier than Harman-tuning or if your coming from the Ariaโs but want more energy. I havenโt tried anything around this price point so I can only compare to my closest priced iem which is the Aria. These are a nice set for the price if you can deal with the issues like the pressure build-up and being too bright for some.
Introduction:
Iโve been looking for a pair under $200 at the time and the Starseas were the ones suggested to me because I wanted to try something different to my previous Moondrop Aria.
Packaging & Accessories: 5/5
The box is quite big and hefty for whatโs inside, but at least makes for a good unboxing experience. The stock cable is good enough but my only gripe with it is the chin slider is so the thing that trying to adjust is a pain. The included case is nice and can fit the iems with a bulkier cable, I even find myself fiddling with the case from time to time. They also include a microfiber cloth for cleaning purposes. It also comes with 2 pairs of Foam tips and a couple of your standard silicone tips. Note to the stock tips that itโs quite sticky and one of the foam tips I had started to break. The other tips are decent for using stock but I suggest using the Tanchjim T-APB tips (Iโll focus on why later)
Build Quality, Design, & Fit: 3.8/5
The TRI Starsea is made of 3d-printed resin. The iems are light yet durable. The design looks like painted brush strokes with a mixture of complementing colors primarily purple. The iems fit nicely to my ear as it has your typically pseudo-custom iem shape most resin iems have. The problem with these iems is that it reportedly has pressure build-up and driver flex issues which I experienced like most who made reviews on this set. The driver flex issue isnโt really a problem for me, unlike the pressure build. One of our members suggested using the Tanchjim T-APB tips as they are made to relieve some of the pressure which it did, but still not ideal imo.
Now onto sound
Bass: 4.5/5
Bass is thumpy, fast, and with impact but not too much. If youโre looking for a subbass set, this ain't it chief. Bass is tamed enough that it doesnโt veil much of other frequencies.
Midrange: 4.8/5
The midrange on these is really nice, it has presence even though the bass and treble are can overshadow it in some instances but doesnโt fall behind too much. Vocals are good but can feel โtoo fullโ like what Timmy Vangtanโs said in his review but it depends on the singer and the music playing really.
Treble: 4.3/5
Treble on these is elevated like the bass. Some may find this set as bright because of the subbass and having elevated treble. I myself as a self-proclaimed treble sensitive person and it's only on rare occasions that I find it too bright because of the music I was playing.
Imaging: 4.4/5
Imaging on here is good, I can pin-point instruments and I can feel the proximity of instruments on which is closer and which is farther away
Soundstage: 4.5/5
Soundstage on here is quite wide but not wide as the Moondrop Aria I feel, but still wide enough to not have a โin your headโ feeling on your music.
Conclusion:
These are a nice set if you want something livelier than Harman-tuning or if your coming from the Ariaโs but want more energy. I havenโt tried anything around this price point so I can only compare to my closest priced iem which is the Aria. These are a nice set for the price if you can deal with the issues like the pressure build-up and being too bright for some.
Berry108
Thanks! I will definitely will
