Artti R2

Review Of The ARTTI R2​

Introduction​

Artti, a rising star in the realm of electro-acoustic technology, has quickly gained popularity for offering exceptional value at an affordable price point. Their range of in-ear monitors (IEMs) has drawn significant attention from audiophiles, with the launch of four distinct models - the R1, R2, R3, and T10. I recently had the opportunity to experience the impressive sound quality and compelling pricing of the Artti R1 and T10, leading me to eagerly anticipate evaluating their latest offering, the R2. Fortunately I got hands on a pair for review but before proceeding further I would like to clarify some points.

Disclaimer​

*This is a review unit, courtesy of Concept Kart. All thanks to them for providing. And as I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to thislink.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as “R2.”
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the R2 based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification​

Unlike its sister R1, the R2 features a single dynamic driver arrangement. The R2 employs medical-grade resin to 3D print a tiny shell that contains a 10mm beryllium diaphragm driver. Thank goodness, audiophiles with small ears won't have any problems with fit or comfort. The small factor nearly makes the R2 disappear on the ear, and because of the simple comfort and isolated fit, they have become the most pleasant IEMs for me. The word ARTTI is written in the center of the geometric design faceplate. The OFC cable that comes with the IEM is a high-quality, silver-plated cable that terminates in a 3.5mm L-shaped termination plug on one side and two pin connections on the other. Six sets of eartips in two different types and three sizes, as well as a safe storage container, are the additional accessories offered. Regarding the technical details, the sensitivity is 106dB and the impedance is 15 Ohms. The range of the frequency response is 20 Hz to 40 kHz.

***Above Credit Image***

Sound​

According to my understanding, the R2 is designed to generate a neutral sound with a boost in sub-bass frequencies. This sound characteristic produces a warmer and more pleasing tonal quality than related IEMs, such as the EPZ G10. EPZ has recently made a huge impression on the audio community, demonstrating that emerging companies can produce exceptional sound quality. ARTTI is another brand that is becoming famous among audiophiles. When compared to the EPZ G10, I believe the R2 has higher tonal accuracy and coherence. Furthermore, the R1, the older IEMs, has seen substantial advances in tuning across the frequency spectrum, making it a far superior option overall. Let's go further into sound and learn more about it.

Treble​

Between 9k and 15k Hz, the treble of R1 and R2 varies dramatically. The R2 features a more pronounced treble as a result of the muted mid-bass, producing a crisper and more detailed sound. The treble leans darker, although it is quite close to the G10 tuning, just with more clarity and openness in the upper treble. The high treble has strong extension, resulting in an open and expansive sound with a clear feeling of note fidelity. The lower treble energy is suitable for producing tonally appealing and detailed vocalists and instruments. However, the notes are smoother and broader, resulting in a well-rounded sound, rather than sparkling or glossy. The voices are upfront and vibrant, making them stand out, but the supporting instruments mix in seamlessly due to greater vocal-instrument separation. Overall, R2's treble area is clean, extensive, and upfront, making for a delightful listening experience.

Mid Range​

The middle range sound is prominent and dynamic, due to the lessened focus on the mid bass, which results in a cleaner, lighter tone that improves vocal clarity. In comparison to the R1 model, its response is leaner, but it has a more precise tonal balance, resulting in a refreshing listening experience. Moving into the upper midrange, the energy from the lower treble is carried over, but with better note weight and presence, resulting in a bright and open sound with detailed singers and instruments. Female vocals sound wide and airy, perfectly expressing their character, whilst masculine vocals present a forceful and robust lower range. This balance is accomplished by tweaking the lower midrange, which produces an organic yet clear sound while avoiding the muddiness that may dull upper frequencies, as heard in the R1 model. Warm undertones in the lower midrange offer depth to the entire sound without overloading it with bass, enabling upper frequencies to remain crisp and enjoyable. Overall, the midrange presentation is distinguished by its openness, lightness, and clarity.

Bass​

When it comes to the bass, I wanted for this type of shelf in the tuning of the R1 or any other IEM with a comparable response, which allows for a touch of warmth in the overall response, resulting in a natural and unified response throughout the whole mix. The focus is on the subbass area, with deep extension providing a solid sense of rumble and excellent punches. The heaviness and weight of the notes are prominent in the midbass range, which adds body to the entire response. The mid bass has good smashes and thumps, but they're not that impacting, and the same is true for the sub bass. As a result, the texture and detail are satisfactory. As a result, the bass is presented in a controlled, rumbly, and punchy manner.

Technical Performance​

Regarding the technical features of the R2, the response is very decent for an IEM that is tonally appealing and enjoyable to listen to, with no harsh or lean responses. I mean it fits the criteria for being among its peers by having beautiful details, a strong stage and depth, as well as good imaging skills. Let's be more specific.

Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation​

When it comes to note placement, the stage is wide spread from left to right and more in front than in the rear, implying that the response is wide enough to sound expansive. The notes have a reasonable feeling of quality and layering, allowing for a somewhat crisp and clear response, which is excellent for this tune. Even the gap between the notes is apparent and far enough away for me to determine where the music is coming from.

Speed & Resolution​

The details are actually good for the price, even if the micro details aren't as revealing, but the macro elements are well articulated, and the overall resolution is rather decent. The notes' onset and decay are well-paced, resulting in a clear sound throughout the mix.

Sound Impressions ​

Sources​

Sony WM1A - When I listened to R2 with the WM1A, the response was more spread out, allowing the vocals to come across more forward and the instruments to sound separate and more resolving, but the details aren't as expressive, though the rounded notes do provide a pleasing tonality that is enjoyable to listen to, particularly the instruments, which have more room to breathe and sound fuller and richer. Even in terms of bass response, it does not sound overly controlled or lean, but rather warmer and bigger, making for a really delightful and fulfilling response.



Tempotec V6 - When I listened to R2 paired with the V6, the response was clear, with a concentration on sounding more forward, particularly in the midrange. The bass and treble sound little subdued in the expansion. However, the bass is really effective.



Simgot DEW4X - After pairing the R2 with the DEW4X, I was struck by the amount of accuracy in the notes' attack as well as the device's ability to reveal minor subtleties. The DEW4X is a really clean and precise source, which helped us bring out the finer nuances of each note and brought a degree of clarity that other DAPs typically lack. What impressed me about the DEW4X was its ability to properly recreate the speed of each note. This improved the transience of the music, resulting in a more detailed and clear mix. Furthermore, I noticed that the R2's presentation was well-balanced, with no single frequency or area taking precedence over the others. Overall, I was extremely pleased with the DEW4X's performance and would strongly suggest it to anybody searching for a clear, detailed, and accurate source for their music.

Tracks​

Millet - Anytime Anywhere
Anri - I can’t stop the loneliness
Kohana Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Uru - Kimino Shiawasewo
Uru - Kamihitoe
Kujira Yumemi - Kenka
Majiko - Kokoronashi
Anly - Sukinishinayo
Kohama Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Miliyah - Kono Yumega Samerumade
Rokudenashi - The Flame Of Love
Yu-Peng Chen - A New Day with Hope
Yu-Peng Chen - Another Hopeful Tomorrow
Yu-Peng Chen - For Riddles, for Wonders
Valentino Khan - Satellite
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Jawns - Erotica
ISOxo - how2fly
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Weeknd - Popular
YUNGBLUD - When We Die(Can We Still Get High)
Bring to Horizon - Kool-Aid
Middle Kids - Bend
FLETCHER - Leads Me On
Loathe - Aggressive Evolution
The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
Sigrid - Burning BridgesAURORA - Black Water Lilies
AURORA -
X Ambassadors - Renegades
Lupe Fiasco - Words I Never Said
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Can’t Hold Us
Goyte - Somebody That I Used To Know
Jay-Z - Run This Town
Lady Gaga - Poker Face
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Ladytron - Ghost
Travis - Love Will Come Through
LINKIN PARK - Somewhere I Belong
DJ Shadow - Six Days (Remix)
Hoobastank - The Reason
Ricky Martin - I Don’t Care
Tool - 7empest
Tool - Vicarious
A Flock Of Seagulls - Space Age Love Song
Zack Hemsey - Vengeance
Elton John - I’m Still Standing
The Moody Blues - Nights In White Satin
Micheal Sembello - Maniac
Guns N’ Roses - Sweet Child O’ Mine
A.R. Rahman - Kun Faya Kun

Conclusion​

To summarize my review, the Artti R2 provides a pleasant and engaging sound thanks to its crisp treble, open midrange, and powerful bass, giving it a V-shaped sound. For the price and form aspect, they are the best in Artti's line. I really enjoyed the R2, thus this gets my recommendation.

Thanks to Concept Kart and gadgetgod for organising the tour of the Artti iems. Below is the review of the Artti R2.
All views of the iem are my own and have no incentives of any sort for the same.

Artti is a relatively new brand to hit the market with a set of iems that have gathered positive reviews quickly.

Build and fit

The R2 is a fairly small iem that dissappears into the ears fairly easily. The shell is resin based with a nice tesseract like faceplate in brown.

The R2 comes with a 2pin detachable cable and the the cable is a nice sturdy brown cable, but I dislike the L shaped taper.
The review unit came with a 3.5mm SE termination. The nozzles are fairly short and slightly above average in diameter, and did give me a fair bit of tip rolling
to get a semi decent fit. I wish the nozzles were a bit longer, and help get a deeper insert. This could be an overall dampener as the fit could be a bit of a compromise for people.

The driver is a beryllium DD. Wow, a BE diaphragm driver at this budget price is definitely welcome! Without going into the controversies in the annals of BE driver history (kbear believe et al),
the driver at this price is definitely an option to try atleast.

Sound impressions

While the iems drive alright at low volumes, I "believe" this will scale better with more power.

The sound is quite balanced, and quite reminiscent of the other BE iems that i mentioned earlier. Warmish neutral is how I would put it.

It is not a basshead or treblehead iem. The tuning is fairly neutral with very good detail retrieval and imaging. If I had a deeper fit with longer nozzles, I believe this iem has very good potential. Maybe a V2 will sort it out.

Bass - 3/5 - I was unable to get a deep fit and hence the bass was light overall. I think the bass body will definitely be helped with a longer nozzle.

Mids - 4/5 - Excellent textures and upfront presentation the vocals. Both male and female vocals are well represented

Treble - 4/5 - The treble speed is very good as expected from a BE based drivers. The iems are very nuanced on the treble end, without getting too bright.

Imaging - Above average imaging provides a very nicely done instrument presentation. Precise presentation of vocals and instruments are a highlight

Conclusions

The R2 is so full of potential, if only the nozzles were extended a little bit more. So close!

Specs:
Driver Configuration: 10mm Beryllium-plated Composite Diaphragm
Cable Material: 4-Core 92 Strands * 0.06mm Silver-Plated Copper Hybrid Wire
Impedance: 32Ω±1% (@1kHz)
Distortion: ≤1.5% (@1kHz)
Sensitivity: 106dB/mW (@1kHz)

Tonality wise it takes one for me; a very mild V-shape even leans towards the neutral side with a hint of warmth into the mix; the bass gives an organic feel to the male vocals while female vocals are not left behind. the mids are not that recessed like in some other set so they can feel a little emphasized in some cases. What makes this quite good for acoustic music is the feeling of having real strings in your ears while not breaking the bank. It’s worth his spot for me in the competitive market that is the single DD market. With the EPZ’s Simgot etc…

Bass is nice and punchy, the decay is okay, not the fastest. Sub bass and mid bass both have a good texture going for them feels organic, not forced. The driver is in control of the bass department. Some companies make the trait of less bass for more upper/treble; they are in harmony here.

Mids: get some warmth from the end of the bass self that makes this IEM slightly warm but it is quite minimal in my ears but there is some hem but just enough to help not to overpower. the real mids didn’t get a scoop out there and stayed nice and linear. For me it means that they are nice and clean, no funny business is going on all the way nice and flat upon you go into the upper mids where they got a pinna of 8db which is on the safe side. Maybe borderline boring for some people. The pinna peak is somewhere at 4k, quite a late peak but is a safe approach to the upper mids. It didn’t feel female voices where pushed back or husky sounding to me even instruments were well defined.

Treble: is again quite safely done there is detail in your music. are you gonna hear every single micro detail no but can you expect this for the price? it just starts to roll off around the 5k region. Cuz the problem for me is the 6k cuz my native language is Dutch and S sounds are very very sharp in some sets even my EA1000 hits them sometimes. But here again it didn’t find that it just rolls off at the right time. yes some under us wanted a bit more but that depends on your music library as well.

Soundstage is average wat is quite okay for an IEM at this price not to fault there. Layering well it's one driver that is in control, no funny business going on here to be honest. They did a really good job tuning a single DD. The Technicalities I said before are good for the price. They're not here to WAUW you from your chair here to do a job and that gives a feel good moment when you put them in your ears. If that is on your commute to work or even home.

But all said and done I can recommend these. I’m a bit unsure to be honest. I got them late and there are already 2 pairs of R3’s on the road for me. I probably have to see and wait cuz for the good of us the market is really competitive. what makes us a good selection of good Single DD to choose from that fit your music library better. That’s why I'm mixed about these, just the timing and the others on the market. They can’t fit everybody’s library. I see this one not fitting to someone that listens to a lot of classical or orchestra music then you need one with a higher top end.