Preface:
I borrowed this unit from a dear friend to audition.
Also, I’m not a seasoned reviewer, so whatever I say is purely my observation and your results may vary.
I’m not the one to usually focus on specifications and numbers. I focus more on how happy I am with the equipment’s sound and that’s it.
Disclaimer: All impressions and opinions in this review are my own. I have not been paid or compensated by Artpical or any other entity for this review. My assessment is based solely on my personal experience with the product.
Sources used:
- Dita Navigator
- L&P W2 Ultra
- D16 Taipan
- RME ADI-2 Pro FS R
- XI Audio Broadway S + Gungnir A2
Introduction to Artpical:
Artpical is a lesser known brand in the community that specializes in visual art and acoustic art. They are dedicated to fusing high-quality audio products with visual art. Their goal is to enhance the user's perception of music, life and beauty in an innovative way. They want to bring users high-quality visual and auditory enjoyment.
The company was founded in 2016 by a group of artists and engineers who were passionate about creating unique and immersive experiences. They believe that art has the power to transform lives, and they are committed to creating products that will inspire and delight their customers.
Design and Build:
The faceplate showcases a striking, intricate design that draws inspiration from the image of Lucifer. It's a captivating blend of sharp, angular lines and a more organic, swirling pattern, perhaps hinting at the duality often associated with the figure. The dominant color is a deep, lustrous red, further enhancing the bold visual impact.
The shell has a glossy finish, giving it a luxurious sheen made of resin with intricate detailing and vibrant color.
While the Lucifer's design is undeniably eye-catching, its shape proved a bit tricky for my ears. The IEM felt a tad thick and didn't quite nestle into my concha as comfortably as I'd hoped. Thankfully, switching to ear tips with longer nozzles largely solved this issue, providing a more secure and comfortable fit. It's also worth noting that the Lucifer's nozzle is on the smaller side in terms of depth, so those long-nozzle tips were essential for a good seal.
The cable has a striking combination of red and black, intertwined in a visually appealing braided pattern with smooth, slightly glossy finish. While it's not overly thick or rigid but it has some heft and does pull down a little causing discomfort over longer listening sessions. It's similar to Effect Audio Code 23/24 cable if that helps you understand the ergonomics of the cable better.
Sound Analysis:
Tonality
The Lucifer leans towards a fun and engaging sound signature, with a focus on clarity and impact. It's not the most neutral or balanced IEM out there, but it knows how to deliver a thrilling ride, particularly for genres that thrive on energy and excitement.
Sub Bass
The sub-bass is a definite highlight, hitting hard and deep when called upon. Tracks like "Why So Serious?" by Hans Zimmer had me feeling the rumble in my chest, adding a visceral dimension to the music. However, it's not all perfect. In more complex tracks like "Can't Hold Us," by Macklemore & Ryna Lewis (Feat. Ray Dalton) the sub-bass can get a bit loose and lose some definition, missing out on those finer textural details.
Mid Bass
The mid-bass strikes a good balance, offering both punch and control. It's got that satisfying thump that makes basslines and drums feel alive, without ever becoming bloated or overpowering. I enjoyed how it added a sense of realism and drive to "Another One Bites the Dust," by Queen but I did notice a slight softness in the landing of bass notes in tracks like "Radioactive," by Imagine Dragons leaving me wanting a bit more impact.
Lower Midrange
The lower midrange is generally smooth and well-balanced, allowing instruments and vocals to shine through with clarity. However, there's a hint of leanness that can make some vocals sound a bit thin, as I noticed in Ray Charles' "Georgia On My Mind." It's not a deal-breaker, but it prevents the Lucifer from achieving that full-bodied, rich sound that some audiophiles crave.
Upper Midrange
The Lucifer's upper midrange delivers a presentation that is clear, present, and energetic, though it occasionally exhibits a slight digital sheen and can lack some bite and attack, particularly with instruments like the piano in Coldplay's "Clocks." In Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'," the upper midrange accentuates the clarity and presence of Steve Perry's voice, allowing every word and inflection to be heard distinctly, even amidst the energetic instrumentation. However, his voice can sound slightly digital, lacking a bit of the natural warmth and organic texture. The electric guitars benefit from the well-defined upper midrange, showcasing their characteristic bite and articulation in Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine," where the pick attack and subtle nuances of the guitar playing are clearly audible, adding to the "edge" and excitement of the track. The upper midrange walks a fine line between aggression and smoothness, offering enough bite and edge to sound raw and powerful without becoming harsh or fatiguing
Lower Treble
Listening to "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers, the Lucifer's lower treble gave the snare drum a satisfying snap and the hi-hats a crisp sizzle. The energy and excitement were undeniable. However, on some tracks with prominent cymbal crashes, like "In the Air Tonight" by Phil Collins, I noticed a slight harshness that could be fatiguing at higher volumes.
Upper Treble
The Lucifer's upper treble extends well, providing a good sense of air and openness. In "November Rain" by Guns N' Roses, the soaring guitar solos and orchestral swells had room to breathe. Yet, compared to some higher-end IEMs, the treble can lack a bit of body and richness, occasionally sounding a touch thin.
Staging (Width, Depth, and Height)
The Lucifer's soundstage is wider than I expected at this price point. In "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, the instruments and vocals were spread out nicely, creating a sense of space and immersion. The depth and height are decent but not mind-blowing, leaving a bit to be desired in terms of creating a truly holographic 3D image.
Layering and Separation
The Lucifer handles complex arrangements admirably. Listening to "Baba O'Riley" by The Who, the multiple layers of instruments and vocals remained relatively distinct. However, during the climactic instrumental sections with the swirling synthesizers and pounding drums, the separation could become a bit muddled, losing some clarity and definition. Similarly, in "November Rain" by Guns N' Roses, the orchestral swells and layered guitar parts can occasionally blend together slightly, obscuring some of the finer details in the arrangement.
Timbre
Overall, the Lucifer's timbre is natural and engaging. Acoustic instruments like the guitar in "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton sounded believable, with good texture and resonance. However, there's a slight leanness to the overall presentation that can make some instruments and vocals sound a touch thin, especially in the lower registers. For instance, the upright bass in "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen could benefit from a bit more warmth and body to fully capture its emotional depth.
Detail Retrieval
The Lucifer is a detail monster, effortlessly revealing the subtle nuances that often go unnoticed in other IEMs within its price range. In "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin, the intricate guitar picking and delicate cymbal work were brought to life with astonishing clarity, making me appreciate the song in a whole new light.
The Lucifer is a treasure trove of both micro and macro details. In "Hotel California" by The Eagles, I could hear the subtle reverb tails on the vocals and the finger movements on the guitar strings, adding a sense of realism and immersion to the listening experience. However, while the Lucifer does a decent job of presenting the overall picture of the music, the sense of space and ambience in recordings could be more pronounced, creating a more holographic and immersive soundstage.
Dynamics
This attention to detail extends to both micro and macro dynamics. In Norah Jones' "Don't Know Why," the Lucifer captured the subtle inflections in her voice and the gentle vibrato with finesse, drawing me into the emotional core of the song. On the other hand, it wasn't afraid to go big when the music called for it. In "Beethoven's 5th Symphony," the explosive crescendos hit hard, showcasing the IEM's ability to handle large-scale dynamic shifts without flinching.
Conclusion
The Artpical Lucifer offers a thrilling and engaging listening experience that punches well above its price point. It's not without it's flaws, but it's strengths in clarity, detail retrieval, and dynamics make it a compelling option for those seeking a fun and revealing IEM for way less.
