Dynamic driver x 1.
Front : Titanium.
Body : Titanium (only MMCX part is resin).
Rear : Various types of wood, stainless steel, brass, copper. https://634ears.com/en/products/loak2-ticl/
The body housing of the conventional LOAK-PROTOTYPE01 has been changed to NC-machined titanium. Although the same titanium, there are slight differences in sound compared to the original 3D printed model.
Sound Characteristics
Speed of sound response.
Sharpness and agility of sound.
Balance between resolution and dynamics of sound.
This model is based on the LOAK2-TS(CL), but with the body housing made of titanium, it exhibits improved responsiveness and sharpness, with enhanced clarity and precision in sound. The transition to titanium enhances the speed of sound response and sharpness, while adding definition and elasticity to the lower frequencies. The balance between a moderately rounded mid-bass and a solid sound is well-maintained, offering a dynamic driver-like power and a contemporary sense of resolution.
Pros: Musical and fun tonality
expansive and lush mid focused tuning
Excellent mid-bass
Weighty and splashy treble without being sibilant
Beautiful aesthetics with lots of customization options
Solid build quality
Price to performance ratio
Cons: All cons are nitpicks but
Long, angles nozzles cause picky fit (personal issue)
Not for analytical/clinical listeners
Stock accessories
Strange ordering process, though not an issue
Driver flex (tip dependent)
I have owned the LOAK2-Ti(Cl) since May of this year. I went with the Copper Blue version, and paid full price. At the time of this writing, it is around $675 dollars (subject to YEN conversion rates). There is an additional charge for a balanced cable that I regret not doing, simply because I lack MMCX cables.
Emailing with Mr Musashi before ordering is advised, he can help advise the best sound match to your personal tastes. Once you decide on an IEM, he will send you a PayPal link. Once paid, he will advise on a time frame to be shipped via DHL. At first I was hesitant about this process, but it worked flawlessly and a month and a half later, I received my IEM.
Packaging / Accessories
Simple, cost efficient. It came with some paperwork that was so hand made that it was very endearing. The stock case and tips are very standard, I have such a large collection of both, there was nothing that stood out.
The stock cable is also barebones, but inoffensive. No ear-hooks, it is a little stiff/thin, overall I just don't think it is on par with the luxurious quality of the rest of the IEM. However, the connections do look and feel rather nice, and the OVERALL appearance had a retro feel I enjoy. So a bit of a mixed bag for me on the stock 3.5mm cable. Sound-wise, its perfectly acceptable as well if you don't believe in cable rolling. I did not feel it held back anything extreme from cable swaps until I went to my Vortex (which is quite a bit of money).
Build Quality / Aesthetics
Front: Titanium.
Body: Titanium (only MMCX part is resin).
Rear: Copper (Various types of wood, stainless steel, brass also available)
I will not lie, the aesthetics of the 634Ears IEMs were initially my main draw to the brand outside of them specifying in single DD implementations. In my humble opinion, these IEMs are a work of art. Very classy look, they feel EXTREMELY solid in hand, and ooze style with their various back plates. The copper blue on my model has begun peeling and while that may seem like a big issue, underneath is a gorgeous copper hue that makes it look like its ageing with character. Absolute class.
The nitpicks? Not everything is perfect after all...
The filters came out of the box not looking their best, unsure if it was the glue used or what but it's worth noting.
Long/angled nozzles. This is a personal issue but not one I am alone in, I have seen. You have to insert these IEMs a certain way, and tip rolling was very important for me.
Some driver flex. Seems very tip dependent as well, as it was far worse on some others I tested (Baroque, for example).
Tonality
The LOAK2-Ti is an extremely musical/colored IEM that leans neutral/warm in its tonality. One of the best ways I have seen it described is like seeing a live act in a small bar, and that's honestly totally accurate. Huge mid-bass that support a lush mid-range, weighty and far extended treble, an "intimately large" soundstage, vocals to die for and everything is enveloped in an analog warmth that makes it a joy to listen to for hours.
Bass
The mid bass steals the show in the lower frequencies. Drum hits sound full and weighty, bass solos hit with accuracy, and while the decay is not a quick as some would like, it's just right for me. The sub bass is no slouch by any means, but it's certainly not as much of a standout in comparison and that's perfectly fine. The mid bass is too good. Speaking of...
Mids/Vocals
Everything sounds so full and correct. There is a push in to the upper mids that add an incredible depth to vocals and guitar solos that never feels TOO energetic once you get the right tip fit. The weight and space within the mids that is truly something to behold, bringing back the "live setting" point. The mids are quite forward, but again in a tasteful and elegant way.
Treble
It was initially described to me as their "brighter" option and that worried me, but what that more means is their is a crispness to the to treble hits thats really balances everything beautifully. It has a very pleasing shine and weight that push through the warmth and give that inital "bright" thought but to me, its just right.
Soundstage/Imaging
Intimate, but not in a negative way. You can feel the space between instruments, but it's not the furthest reaching. Instead, the weight of instruments is felt and melded together, and I feel like this is where that "live setting" sense is best evident. Everything blends together in a beautiful analog tone. The imaging on display is kind of incredible for a single DD, its very holographic for how much else is going on.
Power/Source Pairing
While I simply do not have the specs, the LOAK2-Ti is easily powered by any 3.5mm port I have used. Going to a Balanced 4.4mm connection does not seem to matter to much for this one (even said as much by the creator). I use the DC-Elite for 99% of my listening, but it is one of the few IEMs I can use in SE in any other circumstance.
I want to compare 4 different IEMs, so I am going to use the track Ethel Cain - Gibson Girl for these comparisons, a lovely Gothic Americana pop artist I recently found that I cannot get enough of. There are some key moments I will call out, and describe the differences of each.
Intro - An overpowering synth rumbling adds atmosphere as a guitar noodles along before the female vocal kicks in. On the LOAK2-Ti and the QT-X, this atmosphere is overpowering and intoxicating, while on the MP145 and Szalayi it's much less natural and engaging.
LOAK2-Ti > QT-X > Szalayi > MP145
Vocals - Ethel has a husky voice that melts away between autotune and being very raw. The LOAK2-Ti takes this for the sheer natural tone and quality, while being so forward. The QT-X is similarly in your face, however it is a little more peaky. The Szalayi is presenting a softer vocal here with less peaks than all, and the MP145 vocals are balanced in the mix.
LOAK2-Ti > Szalayi > QT-X > MP145
Cymbal splashes (3:23) - I am sensitive to cymbals, so I like to find a clear moment to compare. LOAK2-Ti; Weighty, splashy, not sharp. Szalayi; duller in weight and splash/shine. QT-X; Sharpest and least weighty. MP145; nice and splashy, not too sharp, not very weighty.
LOAK2-Ti > Szalayi > MP145 > QT-X
Separation (4:40ish) - The track gets REALLY busy around 4:30, it was fun to pick out which was the clearest.
Szalayi > LOAK2-Ti > MP145 >QT-X
Closing thoughts -
I highly recommend looking into getting your own 634Ears set. It's so rare to see someone with a genuine love for the craft make things like this, and by one person. Lush mids, a thumping mid bass, a fun analog-ish tuning, vocals to die for... It's the perfect every genre IEM. My one note is I have not found it suitable for anything beyond music... If you are looking for your movie and gaming IEM, this is not for you. However, it is for pretty much anyone else.
Great review! I got the OP version, and comparing to Szalayi seems to get almost the same result as your comparison. I'd say that LOAK is inherently wetter sounding than Szalayi, which personally I prefer.
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