Reviews by ahammedsojib
★ Introduction :-
Tempotec audio, this Chinese brand once got huge popularity by launching audio adapter & portable player at affordable price. But with the evolution of time, they are a bit behind compared to other chi-fi manufacturers. Because their offerings are less than other competitors in number. However, their dongle lineup started with the sonata series. I was their sonata hd ii user and was inspired to purchase tempotec v1a dap which supported me for a long time. I got hold of their popular sonata series dongle dac bhd pro a few days back and since then have been using it on a regular basis. Today, I'm basically representing my complete experience about this dongle dac and I also going to highlight how strong position it will be in the current dongle market scenario.
★ Disclaimer :-
This unit was sent to me directly from Tempotec for review purpose. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. So the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box content at a glance :-
Unbox experience was quite satisfying. Sonata bhd pro comes with a medium sized box of black colour. Out of the box dongle dac, type c to type c cable, usb A adapter and a simple thin fabric pouch to carry the device along with some extra paperwork. If they had provided type c to lightning cable for iphone here, then iphone users would have got more benefits. Since it comes with almost all useful accessories, I don't see any room to complain in this regard.
1. Sonata bhd pro dongle dac ×1
2. Type c to type c short cable ×1
3. A thin fabric pouch ×1
4. Usb A adapter ×1
5. Some extra paperworks
★ Design, Build Quality & Compatibility :-
The compact size of this dongle looks very nice. The entire dongle dac is made of aluminum alloy chassis and the body has a solid feel when handled due to the matt finish. As its build construction is strong, it is also very light in weight (only 18 grams) so there is no difficulty in using it. bhd pro is available in several different colors, the unit in my hand is green and also has two color variants like black & grey. I personally find the gray color more eye-catching. However, what makes it attractive is the rgb lighting system on the front which basically lights up in different colors according to the sound sampling rate. I think this whole aspect has contributed more to the beauty of the dongle.The inner dac circuit is partially represented by giving a transparent look to the rgb light portion. This device has a regular single end port as well as a 4.4mm bal port and at the same time the placement of the ports seems to be strong enough. It also has the biggest advantage in its compatibility in all cases like windows, ios & android, it can be said that it has given quite appreciable results. I have not encountered any issues during my usage. I have been able to use it effortlessly with my local song collection on pc and streaming platforms like qobuz, tidal and even apple music on ipad without any driver installation but it's good to say my pc is running on windows 10 so it's compatible with previous versions. It becomes difficult for me to say how to perform. But its most useful feature is its physical volume controller which reaches upto 60 steps also tactile feel is obtained by pressing them. It is good to say here that I did not get any distortion even when using it at full volume level. Apart from that, the dongle doesn't have any kind of physical gain switching system and even tempotec doesn't provide any specific app support for it which seems a bit disappointing. A small fabric type pouch is provided in the box to protect the dongle, which is able to protect the dongle from minor scratches. On the other hand the stock c to c short cable feels pretty cheap to me which I hope won't last too long.
★ Specifications :-
Dac chip :- CS43131*2
Output option :- 4.4mm BAL & 3.5mm SE (both)
Interface :- USB Type C
Volume control :- hardware level button
SNR :- 131dB
Output Level :- 4VRMS@4.4mm/32Ω & 2VRMS@3.5mm/32Ω
Output Power :- 280mW/32Ω (4.4mm)
RGB light : ~ Red : Connected
~ Yellow : 32kHz~48kHz
~ Cyan : 64kHz~192kHz
~ Orange : >=352.8kHz
~ White : DSD64~DSD256
~ Purple : MQA
Decoding Capability :- PCM : up to 32Bit/384kHz
DSD : up to DSD 256(Native)
MQA : renderer 8X
System Support :- Windows, MAC OS, Android & iOS
Weight :- 18g
★ Tested With :-
Android phone
, Ipad, & Pc 
~ Sennheiser Hd660S2
~ Sony IER M9
~ Dunu Zen pro
~ Dunu Falcon Ultra
~ Tanchjim Origin
~ NF acous Nm20
~ Letshouer S08
~ Dunu Kima 2
★ Sound Aspect :-
The Bhd pro basically seemed to me to be a warmish-neutral sounding dongle dac. Many may disagree with me on this point as many have found it to be too warm which would be the root cause of the firmware.Tempotec has released a separate firmware for this dongle which is capable of changing the sound profile.
But it is good to say that I have not updated any firmware on my unit but in this case I'm pretty sure that it comes with their latest firmware. However, the widely used cirrus logic CS43131*2 dac chip has been used as its internal spec. But most of the dongles I tested with similar dac chips in the sub 100$ price range were on the neutral-slightly bright side. I am bound to say that where I missed the excess of fun factor, in this case bhd pro has brought some extra relief.
I found the sound of this dongle to be slightly engaging U profile. Where it is able to represent good midrange tonality along with proper presence of bass & treble. Talking about the sound in details let's jump to the bass at the beginning. Talking about the bass, this dongle is sub bass focused where the mid bass is relatively less. Sub bass region was a little more boosted but it doesn't overblown the lower mids.Very pleasing rumble can be enjoyed there, but due to the lack of punchy-ness of the mid bass, mid bass has lost its tactility and wetness which isn’t so enjoyable, This can be considered as a downside. It has shown the greatest strength in midrange presentation. The upper mids were clean but not overly forward and even the lower mids could be brought out with subtle detail without being harsh. Here I get the organic touch of cirrus house which takes the vocals a bit on the warmer side but overall lends a lively character to the vocal craft and the male & female artists Vocal articulation was decent authenticity & natural timbre dispersion without any hint of unwanted boost. It can be said that the treble section has also given good satisfaction here.The extension from upper to lower treble was absolutely on point, resulting in no roll-off issue anywhere.Treble has a polite manner with moderately detailed with sufficient airiness-sparkle. It is good to say here that those who seek more crispiness along with the brightness of the treble will not be very satisfied with the treble region of the Sonata. Its technical ability also deserves praise, the sound stage was quite wider and the height and width were found to be correct, although I expected the depth to be a little better.The imaging capability was excellent, the positioning of the instruments could be located accurately with good stereo separation and I got an immersive experience. So for those who are thinking about gaming, it will not bother them much. Apart from this, the dynamics presentation was commendable and managed to maintain the decent speed of note delivery, on the other hand, it gave average results in macro dynamics. Moreover, the tonality was not very natural but it was on the good side and the timbral accuracy was considered decent.
★ Synergy and Power :-
I mentioned earlier that this dongle is warmish-neutral sounding. Therefore, there will be no problem with synergy if a bright sounding IEM is paired here. Excellent pairing with neutral-bright and mildly warm sounding sets. I have paired several sets with this bhd pro dongle and managed to drive them with almost good authoritative strength while staging & imaging as well as dynamics were pretty good as expected. In this case, the advice will be to use easy to drive set & moderate demanding planar set and some low demanding headphones, then it is possible to benefit more from here. It will never be an ideal choice for sensitive sets (lower than16Ω). Because in that case easily hissing is found. I paired with it my open back headphone @Sennheiser hd660s2. I got decent loudness by plugging in the 660s2 but the staging & dynamics were lacking, the bass impact and depth were missing. As a result, it was understood that the dongle is not very capable to drive this 300ohm headphone with full potential. This can be considered normal as some desktop setups and the 660s2 become a bit difficult to drive properly. Usually, you don't have to worry too much about the power for regular usage. From its bal port provide (280mW@32Ω) good power output which is more than enough to drive most IEMs well. I would also like to say that its single end port has good output power but unfortunately I did not get any information about the exact power rating.This single end port has mic support which is a useful feature.
★ Comparison :-
~ Fosi audio ds1 vs Bhd pro ~
Ds1 another warm sounding dongle dac whose build quality is strong enough and it is heavier in weight than bhd pro. Although they are both solid in terms of build, there is a difference in the sound section. Ds1's detail retrieval felt a bit raw and definition was a bit weaker. Bhd pro does not provide a much fuller sound but retains a fair texture in the sound. Ds1 boosts up the mid bass section and lags behind the bhd pro in terms of quality. But the bhd pro contributes to the strong sub bass.Technically both of them have performed well but in terms of staging bhd pro winner but ds1 will get more number due to depth. It is possible for the ds1 to beat the bhd pro in terms of midrange tonality. Although they both have different internal configuration, ds1 features ES9038Q2M dac while bhd pro has CS43131. Even here the Ess chip is used in the ds1. Interestingly, it doesn’t offers harsh or splashy nature like generic ess house sound but It gave more or less natural-minimal colored sound. Functionality wise they're almost simple. Volume control buttons are present on both but none of them have gain control. Here bhd pro is giving extra benefit for more output power 280mw(BAL) Whereas ds1 had max 220mw at the same time sonata much more battery efficient than ds1.So in these aspects bhd pro is undoubtedly real winner.
~ Bhd pro vs ddhifi Tc44pro E2 ~
Tc44pro also uses similar CS43131 dac chip like bhd pro. In terms of design & aesthetic, both of them have their own merits, But since the Tc44pro e2 has a non-detachable cable and no volume control system, many will consider these as down sides, as it costs more than the bhd pro ($99). So in this price segment there are many dongles in the market which have detachable cable facility. Despite being a fixed cable, it offers a very robust build. When it comes to sound, it's basically a neutral-bright sounding dongle with a lack of sub bass with slight mid bass boost. On the other hand, the sub bass in bhd pro is stronger than the comparable mid bass. bhd pro lags a bit in bass section but will be ahead in other aspects. In sound stage & imaging capability, bhd pro is in a slightly better position. Besides, the output power is more than Tc44pro e2 (250mw@32ohm) of bhd pro (280mw@32ohm) and there is single end port which is missing in Tc44pro e2.
★ Conclusion :-
There are many dac dongles at affordable prices in the current market which are delivering more or less similar performance to the price ratio. Tempotec sonata bhd pro in the under 100$ range starting from the output capability and the sound it offers is not far behind the others. If someone has too much expectation from here. I would like to say that sonata bhd pro really good sounding dongle in the whole tempotec dac line up, which was less hype than its competitors. Honestly, if i think about this dongle's sound signature, It is definitely something worth recommending. If anyone is looking to buy a dongle around this budget range, I would suggest you to try the bhd pro. Hopefully no one will have to face such a disappointing situation with its sound quality.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Tempotec Ali express store (link isn’t affiliated)
Tempotec audio, this Chinese brand once got huge popularity by launching audio adapter & portable player at affordable price. But with the evolution of time, they are a bit behind compared to other chi-fi manufacturers. Because their offerings are less than other competitors in number. However, their dongle lineup started with the sonata series. I was their sonata hd ii user and was inspired to purchase tempotec v1a dap which supported me for a long time. I got hold of their popular sonata series dongle dac bhd pro a few days back and since then have been using it on a regular basis. Today, I'm basically representing my complete experience about this dongle dac and I also going to highlight how strong position it will be in the current dongle market scenario.
★ Disclaimer :-
This unit was sent to me directly from Tempotec for review purpose. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. So the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box content at a glance :-
Unbox experience was quite satisfying. Sonata bhd pro comes with a medium sized box of black colour. Out of the box dongle dac, type c to type c cable, usb A adapter and a simple thin fabric pouch to carry the device along with some extra paperwork. If they had provided type c to lightning cable for iphone here, then iphone users would have got more benefits. Since it comes with almost all useful accessories, I don't see any room to complain in this regard.
1. Sonata bhd pro dongle dac ×1
2. Type c to type c short cable ×1
3. A thin fabric pouch ×1
4. Usb A adapter ×1
5. Some extra paperworks
★ Design, Build Quality & Compatibility :-
The compact size of this dongle looks very nice. The entire dongle dac is made of aluminum alloy chassis and the body has a solid feel when handled due to the matt finish. As its build construction is strong, it is also very light in weight (only 18 grams) so there is no difficulty in using it. bhd pro is available in several different colors, the unit in my hand is green and also has two color variants like black & grey. I personally find the gray color more eye-catching. However, what makes it attractive is the rgb lighting system on the front which basically lights up in different colors according to the sound sampling rate. I think this whole aspect has contributed more to the beauty of the dongle.The inner dac circuit is partially represented by giving a transparent look to the rgb light portion. This device has a regular single end port as well as a 4.4mm bal port and at the same time the placement of the ports seems to be strong enough. It also has the biggest advantage in its compatibility in all cases like windows, ios & android, it can be said that it has given quite appreciable results. I have not encountered any issues during my usage. I have been able to use it effortlessly with my local song collection on pc and streaming platforms like qobuz, tidal and even apple music on ipad without any driver installation but it's good to say my pc is running on windows 10 so it's compatible with previous versions. It becomes difficult for me to say how to perform. But its most useful feature is its physical volume controller which reaches upto 60 steps also tactile feel is obtained by pressing them. It is good to say here that I did not get any distortion even when using it at full volume level. Apart from that, the dongle doesn't have any kind of physical gain switching system and even tempotec doesn't provide any specific app support for it which seems a bit disappointing. A small fabric type pouch is provided in the box to protect the dongle, which is able to protect the dongle from minor scratches. On the other hand the stock c to c short cable feels pretty cheap to me which I hope won't last too long.
★ Specifications :-
Dac chip :- CS43131*2
Output option :- 4.4mm BAL & 3.5mm SE (both)
Interface :- USB Type C
Volume control :- hardware level button
SNR :- 131dB
Output Level :- 4VRMS@4.4mm/32Ω & 2VRMS@3.5mm/32Ω
Output Power :- 280mW/32Ω (4.4mm)
RGB light : ~ Red : Connected
~ Yellow : 32kHz~48kHz
~ Cyan : 64kHz~192kHz
~ Orange : >=352.8kHz
~ White : DSD64~DSD256
~ Purple : MQA
Decoding Capability :- PCM : up to 32Bit/384kHz
DSD : up to DSD 256(Native)
MQA : renderer 8X
System Support :- Windows, MAC OS, Android & iOS
Weight :- 18g
★ Tested With :-
Android phone, Ipad, & Pc ~ Sennheiser Hd660S2
~ Sony IER M9
~ Dunu Zen pro
~ Dunu Falcon Ultra
~ Tanchjim Origin
~ NF acous Nm20
~ Letshouer S08
~ Dunu Kima 2
★ Sound Aspect :-
The Bhd pro basically seemed to me to be a warmish-neutral sounding dongle dac. Many may disagree with me on this point as many have found it to be too warm which would be the root cause of the firmware.Tempotec has released a separate firmware for this dongle which is capable of changing the sound profile.
But it is good to say that I have not updated any firmware on my unit but in this case I'm pretty sure that it comes with their latest firmware. However, the widely used cirrus logic CS43131*2 dac chip has been used as its internal spec. But most of the dongles I tested with similar dac chips in the sub 100$ price range were on the neutral-slightly bright side. I am bound to say that where I missed the excess of fun factor, in this case bhd pro has brought some extra relief.
I found the sound of this dongle to be slightly engaging U profile. Where it is able to represent good midrange tonality along with proper presence of bass & treble. Talking about the sound in details let's jump to the bass at the beginning. Talking about the bass, this dongle is sub bass focused where the mid bass is relatively less. Sub bass region was a little more boosted but it doesn't overblown the lower mids.Very pleasing rumble can be enjoyed there, but due to the lack of punchy-ness of the mid bass, mid bass has lost its tactility and wetness which isn’t so enjoyable, This can be considered as a downside. It has shown the greatest strength in midrange presentation. The upper mids were clean but not overly forward and even the lower mids could be brought out with subtle detail without being harsh. Here I get the organic touch of cirrus house which takes the vocals a bit on the warmer side but overall lends a lively character to the vocal craft and the male & female artists Vocal articulation was decent authenticity & natural timbre dispersion without any hint of unwanted boost. It can be said that the treble section has also given good satisfaction here.The extension from upper to lower treble was absolutely on point, resulting in no roll-off issue anywhere.Treble has a polite manner with moderately detailed with sufficient airiness-sparkle. It is good to say here that those who seek more crispiness along with the brightness of the treble will not be very satisfied with the treble region of the Sonata. Its technical ability also deserves praise, the sound stage was quite wider and the height and width were found to be correct, although I expected the depth to be a little better.The imaging capability was excellent, the positioning of the instruments could be located accurately with good stereo separation and I got an immersive experience. So for those who are thinking about gaming, it will not bother them much. Apart from this, the dynamics presentation was commendable and managed to maintain the decent speed of note delivery, on the other hand, it gave average results in macro dynamics. Moreover, the tonality was not very natural but it was on the good side and the timbral accuracy was considered decent.
★ Synergy and Power :-
I mentioned earlier that this dongle is warmish-neutral sounding. Therefore, there will be no problem with synergy if a bright sounding IEM is paired here. Excellent pairing with neutral-bright and mildly warm sounding sets. I have paired several sets with this bhd pro dongle and managed to drive them with almost good authoritative strength while staging & imaging as well as dynamics were pretty good as expected. In this case, the advice will be to use easy to drive set & moderate demanding planar set and some low demanding headphones, then it is possible to benefit more from here. It will never be an ideal choice for sensitive sets (lower than16Ω). Because in that case easily hissing is found. I paired with it my open back headphone @Sennheiser hd660s2. I got decent loudness by plugging in the 660s2 but the staging & dynamics were lacking, the bass impact and depth were missing. As a result, it was understood that the dongle is not very capable to drive this 300ohm headphone with full potential. This can be considered normal as some desktop setups and the 660s2 become a bit difficult to drive properly. Usually, you don't have to worry too much about the power for regular usage. From its bal port provide (280mW@32Ω) good power output which is more than enough to drive most IEMs well. I would also like to say that its single end port has good output power but unfortunately I did not get any information about the exact power rating.This single end port has mic support which is a useful feature.
★ Comparison :-
~ Fosi audio ds1 vs Bhd pro ~
Ds1 another warm sounding dongle dac whose build quality is strong enough and it is heavier in weight than bhd pro. Although they are both solid in terms of build, there is a difference in the sound section. Ds1's detail retrieval felt a bit raw and definition was a bit weaker. Bhd pro does not provide a much fuller sound but retains a fair texture in the sound. Ds1 boosts up the mid bass section and lags behind the bhd pro in terms of quality. But the bhd pro contributes to the strong sub bass.Technically both of them have performed well but in terms of staging bhd pro winner but ds1 will get more number due to depth. It is possible for the ds1 to beat the bhd pro in terms of midrange tonality. Although they both have different internal configuration, ds1 features ES9038Q2M dac while bhd pro has CS43131. Even here the Ess chip is used in the ds1. Interestingly, it doesn’t offers harsh or splashy nature like generic ess house sound but It gave more or less natural-minimal colored sound. Functionality wise they're almost simple. Volume control buttons are present on both but none of them have gain control. Here bhd pro is giving extra benefit for more output power 280mw(BAL) Whereas ds1 had max 220mw at the same time sonata much more battery efficient than ds1.So in these aspects bhd pro is undoubtedly real winner.
~ Bhd pro vs ddhifi Tc44pro E2 ~
Tc44pro also uses similar CS43131 dac chip like bhd pro. In terms of design & aesthetic, both of them have their own merits, But since the Tc44pro e2 has a non-detachable cable and no volume control system, many will consider these as down sides, as it costs more than the bhd pro ($99). So in this price segment there are many dongles in the market which have detachable cable facility. Despite being a fixed cable, it offers a very robust build. When it comes to sound, it's basically a neutral-bright sounding dongle with a lack of sub bass with slight mid bass boost. On the other hand, the sub bass in bhd pro is stronger than the comparable mid bass. bhd pro lags a bit in bass section but will be ahead in other aspects. In sound stage & imaging capability, bhd pro is in a slightly better position. Besides, the output power is more than Tc44pro e2 (250mw@32ohm) of bhd pro (280mw@32ohm) and there is single end port which is missing in Tc44pro e2.
★ Conclusion :-
There are many dac dongles at affordable prices in the current market which are delivering more or less similar performance to the price ratio. Tempotec sonata bhd pro in the under 100$ range starting from the output capability and the sound it offers is not far behind the others. If someone has too much expectation from here. I would like to say that sonata bhd pro really good sounding dongle in the whole tempotec dac line up, which was less hype than its competitors. Honestly, if i think about this dongle's sound signature, It is definitely something worth recommending. If anyone is looking to buy a dongle around this budget range, I would suggest you to try the bhd pro. Hopefully no one will have to face such a disappointing situation with its sound quality.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Tempotec Ali express store (link isn’t affiliated)
★ Introduction :-
Ddhifi's portable audio solutions are improving day by day and becoming a bigger part of our utility. Their audio adapters are able to meet our daily needs to a large extent because the way they guarantee a quality product with a fairly reasonable price tag has ensured a better position than other companies offerings. I have personally used several of their products which have given me good support. They always try to keep the quality of the product immaculate.Today I will mainly try to share my experience about Tc44pro E2 bal dongle dac, I have had this dongle for a long time which I've been using almost regularly. If i'm not mistaken it is one of the best sounding in their dongle game so far. So I'm going to clarify how equitable for its asking price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
This unit was sent to me directly from @ddHiFi for review purpose. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. So the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box content at a glance :-
The Tc44pro E2 dongle comes with a simple white color box similar to other ddhifi products. Out of the box you can find the dongle with attached leather rope and another extra rope is provided in the box.This dongle does not have any type of carrying pouch, I really don't know why they forget to provide the pouch, But this much is certain that it has made them miserable.Unfortunately the type c to usb A adapter is not provided in the box which is considered as a downside. It can be said that there is room for complaint in this regard.
1. A Tc44pro E2 dongle dac ×1
2. An extra leather rope ×1
3. Warranty card & Qc passed card
★ Design, Build Quality & Compatibility :-
The aesthetics of this dongle are capable of impressing anyone at first glance. This device of sleek design is not compact in any way because its shape is relatively large but lightweight. It's fixed detachable cable which is quite long in size, although long, was durable enough because of its combination of fabric type material with silver shield conductor, it offered simply excellent braid quality. Its internal pcb board is surrounded by a fully aluminum alloy chassis shell and the entire part has a smooth finishing throughout. The non-detachable type c cable is very strongly connected to the dac device part while the type c interface is covered by a metal jacket. They have attached a gold plated metal ring to ensure proper durability which at the same time can be seen at the end of the DAC device with a 4.4mm bal port with gold accent, where according to ddhifi they have attached the famous pentaconn connector. As I said earlier that its type c cable is a bit longer, but the interesting thing is that the company has made a separate segment for attaching a kind of leather rope on one side of its body and tc44pro e2 with ddhifi branding can be seen right next to it. Its fixed type c cable can be stuck with a leather rope very easily, so it is also convenient to carry. Seeing this system of theirs reminded me of the old days of mp3 player & pocket radio as they had some kind of lanyard attached which was really nostalgic feeling. However, its shell construction feels solid in hand and its assurance of longevity will match. The usability of the device was really amazing, along with the regular type c variant, they have made the extra lightning cable variant available in the market for use on the iPhone, which gave it a versatile character. I have not faced any compatibility issues in my usage. I have used it on android phone, ipad and even pc, it worked almost perfectly without any problem. The good thing is that there is no need to take any kind of driver installation hassel to use on PC. It can be said that it was very easy to get plug & play performance from here. Although this dac is not very functional, but a small led light indicator can be seen in the front part of its body, where the color changes according to the sound sampling rate. Normally, blue light will show for pcm format and turns to green color for native dsd. In fact ddhifi has managed to ensure that this dongle is a commendable pieced together with the use of premium materials.
★ Specifications :-
Plug Type :- USB-C / Lightning
DAC Chips :- CS43131 x2
Op-Amp Chips :- ES9603Qx2
Output power :- 250mW@32Ω load
SNR :- >125dB (A-wt)
Dynamic range :- >120dB (A-wt)
THD+N :- <0.0004%@1kHz
PCM decoding capability :- Up to 32bit/384kHz
DSD decoding capability :- Native DSD64/DSD128/DSD256
Status Indicator :- Blue(PCM), Green(DSD)
Dimensions (unit body) :- 60×20×10(mm)
Cable length :- 9cm
Weight :- About 20.7g
★ Tested With :-
Android phone, Ipad & Pc
~ Sennheiser IE900
~ Sony IER M9
~ Dunu Zen pro
~ Dunu Falcon Ultra
~ Tanchjim Origin
~ NF acous Nm20
~ Letshouer S08
~ Dunu Kima 2
★ Sound Aspect :-
Before discussing the sound, if you look at its internal spec, it will be seen that Cirrus logic C43131 x2 have been used for the dac section and ES9603Qx2 op amp chip used, which can ensure hight output power from this form factor by keeping good SNR balanced.125dB signal-to-noise ratio isn't very competitive in the current dongle game, but ya it was decent. Although these are technical aspects, but in terms of sound, they have been able to deliver clean performance with native dsd 256 support. Talking about the sound, let's jump to the bass at the beginning. In the bass section, it has less focus on the quantity and quality of sub bass. The presence of sub bass was naturally low while the mid bass section was slightly boosted which maximized the whole bass frequency but did not create an unpleasant situation. Bass didn't bleed at all with the mids, the body of the bass was decent enough even if it wasn't on the thicker side. But definition could have been better. I personally prefer a little tighter bass which was lacking here. The clarity of the vocal or midrange region was top notch where the subtle craft of the vocal has the ability to be presented nicely. But it is good to say that it pushes the upper mids slightly but does not add unwanted harshness and also handles the detail of the lower mids well. Although the lower midrange is not very fuller but thin and not in a middle position because the mids lacked the welcoming content of the lush-ier type. Regarding about the treble, the extension from upper to lower treble was absolutely on point, I didn't notice any roll-off issue. Treble delivery was smooth with no unwanted sharpness but sufficient airiness & detailed was intact, even resolution was decent. Technically, this dongle has performed very well, so there is no chance to complain much about the technical ability, although it does not seem highly technical or digital sounding. Its soundstage height was a little better than average, but the width was a little better than I was expecting, besides the stage depth was good. It was able to give satisfying results in imaging capabilities.The positioning of the instruments could be accurately portrayed, so it can be said that the benefit can be obtained in the field of gaming as well. However, It didn't have the most class leading technical ability but if better imaging is expected there are more options at similar price point. In terms of tonality & timbral accuracy it represents neutral characteristics with no unnecessary boost or shrillness. Dynamics & micro dynamics punch was nothing extraordinary. I found a bit congested micro dynamics also macro dynamics was laking where there was a definitely room complain for improvement.
★ Synergy and Power :-
The Tc44pro E2 dongle is a neutral-bright sounding source, better pairing is available with maximum sets. Its output power was also quite impressive (250mW@32Ω). Good synergy comes in regular sets whose impedance is above 16Ω, that is, this dongle does not perform well with sensitive sets (lower than 16Ω) and easily gets hissing from here. So it is important to keep in mind that pairing with sensitive stuff will not bring any benefit. I've used this dongle with most of the IEMs in my arsenal but haven't done any headphone testing because it's not capable of driving high impedance full size dd and magnetic planer headphones except moderately efficient dd headphones. That's not to say that its output capability is disappointing, It has been able to show such output capability from its own form factor is more than adequate for many IEMs. I got pretty good synergy from it with the IEMs that I tested and it was able to drive them to full potential. But the best synergy comes from warm-neutral sounding IEMs, so I think it would be wise not to pair anything bright sounding with it.
★ Comparison :-
~Tc44pro E2 Vs Sonata bhd pro ~
In design language, both of them have their own design philosophy and none of them lacks aesthetics. Although similar dac chip is used in both cases, but there is a big difference in sound signature. Tc44pro e2 neutral to slightly bright-ish tonality while bhd pro is warmish-neutral. In terms of output power, bhd pro will be slightly ahead (280mw@32Ω). Interestingly, bhd pro offers single end port and physical volume control facility despite being slightly lower price which is missing in case of Tc44pro E2. Bhd pro also has the advantage of type c to type c detachable cable considering these aspects which ddhifi's offering will be a bit behind. 44pro e2 has used premium materials in port and connector despite having fixed cable which is better than bhd pro. In the sound section, bhd pro plays warm harman-ish signature and Tc44pro E2 neutral-ish. Bhd pro focuses more on the midrange, the vocals seem much more soothing and vivid, but the lack of this property was noticeable in the ddhifi's dongle.Tc44pro E2 's biggest strength was mid bass punch which is major flaw of bhd pro but sub bass was better than ddhifi's offering. Detail retrieval was more in Tc44pro but real winner in the layering capability is bhd pro. In addition, the sound stage of bhd pro was wider, despite that stage depth of the ddhifi's dongle was better. Dynamics punch is slightly better in bhd pro but both are lacking in macro dynamics presentation.
★ Conclusion :-
Current dac dongle market has become very competitive.There are many options in the budget range, due to which it becomes difficult to make purchase decision. Apart from good sounds, ddhifi dongles will stand a strong position among other offerings with guaranteed longevity while ensuring a premium look along with a sturdy build. While there are many bal dongle dacs are available in the market, the Tc44pro E2 stands out from other competitors for its overall appearance. If someone has a budget to buy a dongle at such a price at the same the lack of a single end port does not seem too bothersome, hopefully this dongle can provide fairly good support as per the demand. From my point of view it can be recommended to buy. If anyone has such a budget definitely it will be a better choice.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Ddhifi Ali express store (link isn’t affiliated)
Ddhifi's portable audio solutions are improving day by day and becoming a bigger part of our utility. Their audio adapters are able to meet our daily needs to a large extent because the way they guarantee a quality product with a fairly reasonable price tag has ensured a better position than other companies offerings. I have personally used several of their products which have given me good support. They always try to keep the quality of the product immaculate.Today I will mainly try to share my experience about Tc44pro E2 bal dongle dac, I have had this dongle for a long time which I've been using almost regularly. If i'm not mistaken it is one of the best sounding in their dongle game so far. So I'm going to clarify how equitable for its asking price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
This unit was sent to me directly from @ddHiFi for review purpose. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. So the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box content at a glance :-
The Tc44pro E2 dongle comes with a simple white color box similar to other ddhifi products. Out of the box you can find the dongle with attached leather rope and another extra rope is provided in the box.This dongle does not have any type of carrying pouch, I really don't know why they forget to provide the pouch, But this much is certain that it has made them miserable.Unfortunately the type c to usb A adapter is not provided in the box which is considered as a downside. It can be said that there is room for complaint in this regard.
1. A Tc44pro E2 dongle dac ×1
2. An extra leather rope ×1
3. Warranty card & Qc passed card
★ Design, Build Quality & Compatibility :-
The aesthetics of this dongle are capable of impressing anyone at first glance. This device of sleek design is not compact in any way because its shape is relatively large but lightweight. It's fixed detachable cable which is quite long in size, although long, was durable enough because of its combination of fabric type material with silver shield conductor, it offered simply excellent braid quality. Its internal pcb board is surrounded by a fully aluminum alloy chassis shell and the entire part has a smooth finishing throughout. The non-detachable type c cable is very strongly connected to the dac device part while the type c interface is covered by a metal jacket. They have attached a gold plated metal ring to ensure proper durability which at the same time can be seen at the end of the DAC device with a 4.4mm bal port with gold accent, where according to ddhifi they have attached the famous pentaconn connector. As I said earlier that its type c cable is a bit longer, but the interesting thing is that the company has made a separate segment for attaching a kind of leather rope on one side of its body and tc44pro e2 with ddhifi branding can be seen right next to it. Its fixed type c cable can be stuck with a leather rope very easily, so it is also convenient to carry. Seeing this system of theirs reminded me of the old days of mp3 player & pocket radio as they had some kind of lanyard attached which was really nostalgic feeling. However, its shell construction feels solid in hand and its assurance of longevity will match. The usability of the device was really amazing, along with the regular type c variant, they have made the extra lightning cable variant available in the market for use on the iPhone, which gave it a versatile character. I have not faced any compatibility issues in my usage. I have used it on android phone, ipad and even pc, it worked almost perfectly without any problem. The good thing is that there is no need to take any kind of driver installation hassel to use on PC. It can be said that it was very easy to get plug & play performance from here. Although this dac is not very functional, but a small led light indicator can be seen in the front part of its body, where the color changes according to the sound sampling rate. Normally, blue light will show for pcm format and turns to green color for native dsd. In fact ddhifi has managed to ensure that this dongle is a commendable pieced together with the use of premium materials.
★ Specifications :-
Plug Type :- USB-C / Lightning
DAC Chips :- CS43131 x2
Op-Amp Chips :- ES9603Qx2
Output power :- 250mW@32Ω load
SNR :- >125dB (A-wt)
Dynamic range :- >120dB (A-wt)
THD+N :- <0.0004%@1kHz
PCM decoding capability :- Up to 32bit/384kHz
DSD decoding capability :- Native DSD64/DSD128/DSD256
Status Indicator :- Blue(PCM), Green(DSD)
Dimensions (unit body) :- 60×20×10(mm)
Cable length :- 9cm
Weight :- About 20.7g
★ Tested With :-
Android phone, Ipad & Pc~ Sennheiser IE900
~ Sony IER M9
~ Dunu Zen pro
~ Dunu Falcon Ultra
~ Tanchjim Origin
~ NF acous Nm20
~ Letshouer S08
~ Dunu Kima 2
★ Sound Aspect :-
Before discussing the sound, if you look at its internal spec, it will be seen that Cirrus logic C43131 x2 have been used for the dac section and ES9603Qx2 op amp chip used, which can ensure hight output power from this form factor by keeping good SNR balanced.125dB signal-to-noise ratio isn't very competitive in the current dongle game, but ya it was decent. Although these are technical aspects, but in terms of sound, they have been able to deliver clean performance with native dsd 256 support. Talking about the sound, let's jump to the bass at the beginning. In the bass section, it has less focus on the quantity and quality of sub bass. The presence of sub bass was naturally low while the mid bass section was slightly boosted which maximized the whole bass frequency but did not create an unpleasant situation. Bass didn't bleed at all with the mids, the body of the bass was decent enough even if it wasn't on the thicker side. But definition could have been better. I personally prefer a little tighter bass which was lacking here. The clarity of the vocal or midrange region was top notch where the subtle craft of the vocal has the ability to be presented nicely. But it is good to say that it pushes the upper mids slightly but does not add unwanted harshness and also handles the detail of the lower mids well. Although the lower midrange is not very fuller but thin and not in a middle position because the mids lacked the welcoming content of the lush-ier type. Regarding about the treble, the extension from upper to lower treble was absolutely on point, I didn't notice any roll-off issue. Treble delivery was smooth with no unwanted sharpness but sufficient airiness & detailed was intact, even resolution was decent. Technically, this dongle has performed very well, so there is no chance to complain much about the technical ability, although it does not seem highly technical or digital sounding. Its soundstage height was a little better than average, but the width was a little better than I was expecting, besides the stage depth was good. It was able to give satisfying results in imaging capabilities.The positioning of the instruments could be accurately portrayed, so it can be said that the benefit can be obtained in the field of gaming as well. However, It didn't have the most class leading technical ability but if better imaging is expected there are more options at similar price point. In terms of tonality & timbral accuracy it represents neutral characteristics with no unnecessary boost or shrillness. Dynamics & micro dynamics punch was nothing extraordinary. I found a bit congested micro dynamics also macro dynamics was laking where there was a definitely room complain for improvement.
★ Synergy and Power :-
The Tc44pro E2 dongle is a neutral-bright sounding source, better pairing is available with maximum sets. Its output power was also quite impressive (250mW@32Ω). Good synergy comes in regular sets whose impedance is above 16Ω, that is, this dongle does not perform well with sensitive sets (lower than 16Ω) and easily gets hissing from here. So it is important to keep in mind that pairing with sensitive stuff will not bring any benefit. I've used this dongle with most of the IEMs in my arsenal but haven't done any headphone testing because it's not capable of driving high impedance full size dd and magnetic planer headphones except moderately efficient dd headphones. That's not to say that its output capability is disappointing, It has been able to show such output capability from its own form factor is more than adequate for many IEMs. I got pretty good synergy from it with the IEMs that I tested and it was able to drive them to full potential. But the best synergy comes from warm-neutral sounding IEMs, so I think it would be wise not to pair anything bright sounding with it.
★ Comparison :-
~Tc44pro E2 Vs Sonata bhd pro ~
In design language, both of them have their own design philosophy and none of them lacks aesthetics. Although similar dac chip is used in both cases, but there is a big difference in sound signature. Tc44pro e2 neutral to slightly bright-ish tonality while bhd pro is warmish-neutral. In terms of output power, bhd pro will be slightly ahead (280mw@32Ω). Interestingly, bhd pro offers single end port and physical volume control facility despite being slightly lower price which is missing in case of Tc44pro E2. Bhd pro also has the advantage of type c to type c detachable cable considering these aspects which ddhifi's offering will be a bit behind. 44pro e2 has used premium materials in port and connector despite having fixed cable which is better than bhd pro. In the sound section, bhd pro plays warm harman-ish signature and Tc44pro E2 neutral-ish. Bhd pro focuses more on the midrange, the vocals seem much more soothing and vivid, but the lack of this property was noticeable in the ddhifi's dongle.Tc44pro E2 's biggest strength was mid bass punch which is major flaw of bhd pro but sub bass was better than ddhifi's offering. Detail retrieval was more in Tc44pro but real winner in the layering capability is bhd pro. In addition, the sound stage of bhd pro was wider, despite that stage depth of the ddhifi's dongle was better. Dynamics punch is slightly better in bhd pro but both are lacking in macro dynamics presentation.
★ Conclusion :-
Current dac dongle market has become very competitive.There are many options in the budget range, due to which it becomes difficult to make purchase decision. Apart from good sounds, ddhifi dongles will stand a strong position among other offerings with guaranteed longevity while ensuring a premium look along with a sturdy build. While there are many bal dongle dacs are available in the market, the Tc44pro E2 stands out from other competitors for its overall appearance. If someone has a budget to buy a dongle at such a price at the same the lack of a single end port does not seem too bothersome, hopefully this dongle can provide fairly good support as per the demand. From my point of view it can be recommended to buy. If anyone has such a budget definitely it will be a better choice.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Ddhifi Ali express store (link isn’t affiliated)
★ Introduction :-
Ddhifi has made portable audio more accessible in our daily life by releasing their latest offerings in the market. I have personally used ddhifi products and still do because they never compromise on quality. For several years we have been seeing that more or less smartphone manufacturers refrain from implementing 3.5mm audio jack port in their phones. Although all of us who are serious about quality audio, we purchase dongle dac from the market as an alternative, which sound performance is far superior than phone. But beyond that there are some people who find it too much hassle to use dongle dac with their phone even they need microphone as well as music, thinking of them ddhifi has recently released M130b coffee cable in the market which has type c interface (inbuilt dac & amp supported). For a few days, I have been using this cable with several IEMs in my arsenal. Now i will try to represent the full usage experience here.
★ Disclaimer :-
This unit was sent to me directly from @ddHiFi for review purpose. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. As always the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box content at a glance :-
The M130b coffee cable comes with a small white color box which can be called ddhifi's familiar packaging. Out of the box cable comes with nothing but some extra paperwork. One can expect a carrying pouch with such a premium cable, at least something of the fabric type. Unfortunately, we have to be deprived of that facility again, which bears the hallmark of ddhifi's stinginess.
1. M130b coffee cable × 1
2. Qc passed card & warranty card
★ Design, Build Quality & Compatibility :-
The design also matches the name of the cable as it looks like the color of coffee bean which makes its look more attractive. Talking about the build, it is a thick three core braided OCC copper cable that comes from the type c portion to the Y splitter and separates the two channels nicely which is also quite sturdy. Besides, the connectors used in it seem to be very robust because the connectors are premium metal constructed as well as the connection of the cable with them was durable enough.The connectors portion also have a touch of coffee color coating which improves the overall aesthetics of this cable. M130b is also available in 2pin as well as mmcx connector variant. In terms of design, ddhifi seems to have tried to apply as much premium as it needed to look. On the other hand, the quality of the single button mic on the good side, which enriched the calling feature. Although it is attached within the splitter itself. Since this cable has type c interface, inbuilt dac & separate amp chip has been used, so there is no need to carry an extra dongle, just plug & play performance can be found anywhere. The m130b can make daily commuting much easier whether at the office or at home. Tangle free feature greatly increases its usability even longevity is assured. To be honest, m130b's user-friendly characteristics can be ensure you to fully satisfied with regular usage. Apart from this, its compatibility was simply amazing because m130b performed very well with iPhone, iPad, Android phone and even laptop without any hassle like extra driver installation.The interesting thing is that, it is quite power efficient along with versatile device compatibility. I have noticed while using that its type c integrated portion does not generate any kind of heating issue at the same time it has lower battery consumption rate which has added a different dimension to its usability. It must be said that @ddHiFi has managed to make this coffee cable completely feature packed.
★ Specifications :-
Cable structure :- 0.06mm×49 strands OCC (3core) & 0.05mm×112 OFC (shielding)
Cable length :- 120cm
Weight :- Around 26g
In-line controls :- Supports CTIA standard
Connector :- MMCX and 2-Pin 0.78 for option
Plug Type :- USB Type-C
DAC chip :- ES9603Q
Decoding capability :- 32bit/384kHz (up to192khz)
Output power :- 45mW@32Ω THD+N < 1%
Dynamic range :- >120dB
SNR :- ≥112dB (32Ω load)
Frequency response :- 20Hz~20kHz
Noise floor :- <3μV
★ Tested With :-
Android phone , Ipad & PC
~ Tanchjim Origin
~ Dunu Kima 2
~ Nf Acous Nm20
~ Soratune Y01
★ Sound Aspect :-
Before discussing sound, it's important to raise an interesting thing. Its internal spec is basically the same as their previously launched tc35cm2 dongle. The main reason is that, ddhifi has just picked up the coordinated pcb of the similar dac amp and included it in this m130b coffee cable. So the sound performance should be more or less similar right? But there is a twist here, in the cables that include dac & amp in the fixed type c interface, that's why the SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) of the cable is very high. As a result, the dynamic range is greatly reduced and all instruments seem to play at the same volume. There is no exception here, but this thing will not bother normal users who want a complete package of all the benefits in one, but audiophile folks should never consider such a cable as ideal because music only cable has no microphone and inbuilt dac.The sound output from there is not as expected.That's why serious audiophile folk always use a separate cable with the dac amp. It is good to say that ddhifi has brought this cable in the market thinking of those people who want the convenience of music & microphone together and also find it a hassle to use dac dongle, this cable will undoubtedly be the best solution for them.Talking about the sound, it lacked bass punch but speed & texture managed to ensure cleanliness. Mids section was its biggest strength, can represent the vocal craft nicely without any coloration or harshness. Male & female vocal can maintain a good contract, so it has been able to shine well in mid centric genres. I got a moderate amount of detail retrieval in the treble region, although the upper and lower treble extension is not on spot, it is somewhat congested, the reason for which I have already mentioned. Technically it has performed fairly well, sound stage height & width is a little better than average but depth was lacking. Apart from that, tonality & timbral accuracy also gave average result and lastly micro & macro dynamic too, it is better not to expect much from here.
★ Synergy and Power :-
This is a neutral-ish sounding cable with minimal bright nature present. So, this cable is able to treat slightly warm or neutral sounding sets well, on the other hand, there is no chance of being benefited if used with bright sounding staff. But the big question here is the output power, right? Output power is just 45mw@32Ω same as the tc35cm2 which is considered to be the lower side, despite decent performance obtained with easy to drive sets. I have used several sets in my arsenal with this cable, I did not use planar set because of its low output power. Overall sound signature is not very impressive, but at least it does not create any disappointing situation. I fell in love with its plug-to-play functionality. If I don't just think about sound quality as first priority, I'd say it's tried to satisfy me in every way.
★ Conclusion :-
The M130b coffee cable has all the functionality, so even if no one complains in this aspect, I think it is reasonable to buy a dongle dac at a similar price for those who give more importance to music. It can be a very solid choice in the current market for those who want to use it normally but need everything in one package. The build quality of this cable is commendable as well as all its features will ensure long-term durability over other type c (included dac amp) upgradable cables. I would recommend buying it if anyone looking for such an all in one solution.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Ddhifi Ali express store (link isn’t affiliated)
Ddhifi has made portable audio more accessible in our daily life by releasing their latest offerings in the market. I have personally used ddhifi products and still do because they never compromise on quality. For several years we have been seeing that more or less smartphone manufacturers refrain from implementing 3.5mm audio jack port in their phones. Although all of us who are serious about quality audio, we purchase dongle dac from the market as an alternative, which sound performance is far superior than phone. But beyond that there are some people who find it too much hassle to use dongle dac with their phone even they need microphone as well as music, thinking of them ddhifi has recently released M130b coffee cable in the market which has type c interface (inbuilt dac & amp supported). For a few days, I have been using this cable with several IEMs in my arsenal. Now i will try to represent the full usage experience here.
★ Disclaimer :-
This unit was sent to me directly from @ddHiFi for review purpose. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. As always the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box content at a glance :-
The M130b coffee cable comes with a small white color box which can be called ddhifi's familiar packaging. Out of the box cable comes with nothing but some extra paperwork. One can expect a carrying pouch with such a premium cable, at least something of the fabric type. Unfortunately, we have to be deprived of that facility again, which bears the hallmark of ddhifi's stinginess.
1. M130b coffee cable × 1
2. Qc passed card & warranty card
★ Design, Build Quality & Compatibility :-
The design also matches the name of the cable as it looks like the color of coffee bean which makes its look more attractive. Talking about the build, it is a thick three core braided OCC copper cable that comes from the type c portion to the Y splitter and separates the two channels nicely which is also quite sturdy. Besides, the connectors used in it seem to be very robust because the connectors are premium metal constructed as well as the connection of the cable with them was durable enough.The connectors portion also have a touch of coffee color coating which improves the overall aesthetics of this cable. M130b is also available in 2pin as well as mmcx connector variant. In terms of design, ddhifi seems to have tried to apply as much premium as it needed to look. On the other hand, the quality of the single button mic on the good side, which enriched the calling feature. Although it is attached within the splitter itself. Since this cable has type c interface, inbuilt dac & separate amp chip has been used, so there is no need to carry an extra dongle, just plug & play performance can be found anywhere. The m130b can make daily commuting much easier whether at the office or at home. Tangle free feature greatly increases its usability even longevity is assured. To be honest, m130b's user-friendly characteristics can be ensure you to fully satisfied with regular usage. Apart from this, its compatibility was simply amazing because m130b performed very well with iPhone, iPad, Android phone and even laptop without any hassle like extra driver installation.The interesting thing is that, it is quite power efficient along with versatile device compatibility. I have noticed while using that its type c integrated portion does not generate any kind of heating issue at the same time it has lower battery consumption rate which has added a different dimension to its usability. It must be said that @ddHiFi has managed to make this coffee cable completely feature packed.
★ Specifications :-
Cable structure :- 0.06mm×49 strands OCC (3core) & 0.05mm×112 OFC (shielding)
Cable length :- 120cm
Weight :- Around 26g
In-line controls :- Supports CTIA standard
Connector :- MMCX and 2-Pin 0.78 for option
Plug Type :- USB Type-C
DAC chip :- ES9603Q
Decoding capability :- 32bit/384kHz (up to192khz)
Output power :- 45mW@32Ω THD+N < 1%
Dynamic range :- >120dB
SNR :- ≥112dB (32Ω load)
Frequency response :- 20Hz~20kHz
Noise floor :- <3μV
★ Tested With :-
Android phone , Ipad & PC ~ Tanchjim Origin
~ Dunu Kima 2
~ Nf Acous Nm20
~ Soratune Y01
★ Sound Aspect :-
Before discussing sound, it's important to raise an interesting thing. Its internal spec is basically the same as their previously launched tc35cm2 dongle. The main reason is that, ddhifi has just picked up the coordinated pcb of the similar dac amp and included it in this m130b coffee cable. So the sound performance should be more or less similar right? But there is a twist here, in the cables that include dac & amp in the fixed type c interface, that's why the SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) of the cable is very high. As a result, the dynamic range is greatly reduced and all instruments seem to play at the same volume. There is no exception here, but this thing will not bother normal users who want a complete package of all the benefits in one, but audiophile folks should never consider such a cable as ideal because music only cable has no microphone and inbuilt dac.The sound output from there is not as expected.That's why serious audiophile folk always use a separate cable with the dac amp. It is good to say that ddhifi has brought this cable in the market thinking of those people who want the convenience of music & microphone together and also find it a hassle to use dac dongle, this cable will undoubtedly be the best solution for them.Talking about the sound, it lacked bass punch but speed & texture managed to ensure cleanliness. Mids section was its biggest strength, can represent the vocal craft nicely without any coloration or harshness. Male & female vocal can maintain a good contract, so it has been able to shine well in mid centric genres. I got a moderate amount of detail retrieval in the treble region, although the upper and lower treble extension is not on spot, it is somewhat congested, the reason for which I have already mentioned. Technically it has performed fairly well, sound stage height & width is a little better than average but depth was lacking. Apart from that, tonality & timbral accuracy also gave average result and lastly micro & macro dynamic too, it is better not to expect much from here.
★ Synergy and Power :-
This is a neutral-ish sounding cable with minimal bright nature present. So, this cable is able to treat slightly warm or neutral sounding sets well, on the other hand, there is no chance of being benefited if used with bright sounding staff. But the big question here is the output power, right? Output power is just 45mw@32Ω same as the tc35cm2 which is considered to be the lower side, despite decent performance obtained with easy to drive sets. I have used several sets in my arsenal with this cable, I did not use planar set because of its low output power. Overall sound signature is not very impressive, but at least it does not create any disappointing situation. I fell in love with its plug-to-play functionality. If I don't just think about sound quality as first priority, I'd say it's tried to satisfy me in every way.
★ Conclusion :-
The M130b coffee cable has all the functionality, so even if no one complains in this aspect, I think it is reasonable to buy a dongle dac at a similar price for those who give more importance to music. It can be a very solid choice in the current market for those who want to use it normally but need everything in one package. The build quality of this cable is commendable as well as all its features will ensure long-term durability over other type c (included dac amp) upgradable cables. I would recommend buying it if anyone looking for such an all in one solution.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Ddhifi Ali express store (link isn’t affiliated)
★ Introduction :-
Chi-fi brands are expanding with their innovation. As there are many well-known manufacturers in the market, many new brands are being created to compete in the competition. Moritz dragon is a brand new chinese audio company and so far they have three models of IEM in the market with high price tag. I have received their Moritz Dragon IEM a long time ago which I have been using almost regularly. I will try to find out how fair is the price to sound value as per performance ratio in the current market. Today I'll mainly try to represent my complete experience about it.
★ Disclaimer :-
This review unit was sent to me directly from Moritz Audio. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. As always the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
Moritz dragon IEM comes with a big black color box. Out of the box comes a thin card board with 6 pairs of different eartips. Polycarbonate hard shell case as carrying case and silver plated copper cable with modular jack system and some extra paperwork. If i talk about the unboxing experience, many will be a little disappointed because the stock accessories were of very ordinary quality. So room to complaint about this matter will be to moritz audio.
1. A pair of Moritz dragon IEM × 1
2. Six pairs of different colors eartips
3. Four coure braided silver plated copper 4. cable with interchangeable jack system
5. Hard shell plastic large carrying case ×1
6. Some additional paper works
★ Specifications :-
~ Driver: Customized beryllium-plated ultra-thin diaphragm dynamic driver
~ Impedance: 19Ω
~ Sensitivity: 103.2dB SPL/mW
~ Frequency Range: 5~48kHz
~ Connector: CM 2-Pin
~ Plug: 3.5mm/2.5mm/4.4mm gold plated
~ Cable: Pure silver cable, length 1.2m
★ Design, Build Quality & Comfort :-
I didn't notice anything impressive in the design language, yes the shell construction of the IEM is made entirely of resin but it doesn't feel premium, it was like the usual resin build staff. As the shell is quite thin and a bit transparent characteristics, the presence of the beryllium coated single dd inside it was well understood even if the rest of the entire empty part can be seen if you look closely. The gold plated nozzle was a little thick and a little blunt, but the build quality is not top notch because there are better built IEMs in the similar price category, it will naturally lag behind. However, there is no room to complain about the fit. If one's ear canal is not too small, then there is no reason to worry about the fit. At the same time, if the fit is properly ensured, decent isolation & comfort is available. If the light weight shells are fit in the ear, there is no discomfort problem. No, because Moritz has done an admirable job in terms of pressure build-up.However, it is clearly understood that moritz audio has introduced miserliness in the build section, which is why many people may be a little skeptical about the durability in long term usage. Then if i talk about the stock cable, then I will say that its quality seems to be average. The cable feels very soft and cheap in hand despite being four core, but the good part is the modular jack system. Any of the three different terminations can be swapped at will, which can be considered as its advantage. Also, the hard plastic case that comes with it does not seem useful from any angle because its size is inconsistent. At least they should provide a practical case that protects the IEM at the same time easy to carry. The good thing is that the six pairs of eartips provided by them were quite good, although they were of different colors, I came across kbear 07 eartips with which I was able to complete the initial listening. I didn't have any exact idea about the rest of the tips but if I'm not mistaken they might be their proprietary. I was really disappointed with the unboxing experience because I didn't expect such average quality accessories from such an pricey IEM. So far I've tried as many offerings of the chi-fi brand, none of them had stock accessories like this one, so it can be said that moritz has given room to complain in this aspect.
★ Sound Aspect :-
The Moritz dragon IEM is a V shape tuned characteristic set that performs like a standout player in some aspect. However, its biggest strength was the bass performance, and the treble of the smooth manner gives a very fun listening experience from this set. There is an impeccable appearance of bass and treble that brings fullness to its sound. In this tuning, the mids are usually a bit backward, but there was sufficient cleanliness intact in its midrange, which must be considered a positive aspect. This single dd set will be in the category of eartips dependent, because I did not get the expected result with the stock tips, the sounds seemed a bit dull, so I benefited the mostly by using divinus velvet tips as aftermarket eartips. So I think tip rolling will definitely play an important role for this. At the right tips, good sound is obtained from here with a neutral to hint of warmish tonality is maintained which enriches the overall listening experience.
Credit :- @Jaytiss
★ Gear used :-
1. Questyle Audio Engineering CMA Fifteen
2 . Xduoo xd05 bal 2 (Se & Bal both)
3 . Cayin Ru7 (Se & Bal both)
4 . Questyle m15 (Se & Bal both)
5 . Quloos Mc01 (SE & Bal both)
6 . Epz Tp50 (Se & Bal both)
7 . Fosi Audio Ds1 (Se & Bal both)
8 . Fosi Audio Ds2 ~ 2024 (Se & Bal both)
9 . Roseselsa Rs9039 (Se & Bal both)
10 . Ddhifi Tc44Pro E2 (Bal only)
11 . Blon V1 (Se & Bal both)
Moritz dragon is a set of 19Ω impedance whose sensitivity level is 103.2dB, I wouldn't call this one very power efficient, because it becomes difficult to power up properly with an entry budget dongle. A little more powerful amplification is needed to drive it, So a good quality dac amp or portable player is used, then it gets scaled up with the sources (neutral-warm) becomes better sounding. However, the best pairing I've found with CMA Fifteen. Improved stage depth & decent dynamics, better imaging even a bit more enhanced micro detailing capability and good tonal balancing.
Now, I will discuss the sound in detail, I will start with the Low end of this set, i.e. the bass....
★ The Bass :-
I've already said that Moritz Dragon's bass section is its strongest point. Talking about bass, dragon basically sub bass focused. That's why sub bass has the ability to strike deep. Since the quantity of sub bass rumble is more than the mid bass, the mid bass felt less prominent where the texture was good but the more boosted sub bass presence bleeds a little with the lower mids which ruined the clarity of the vocals by a small margin. On the other hand, I was surprised by the fast attack & decay of the bass. Moritz's customized beryllium-plated dynamic driver performed superbly here.Yes, many people may find such boosted sub bass inconvenient, but those who like bass will like dragon very much.This IEM can deliver the enough speed to fast bass lines in rock or metal type genres which helps lend extra excitement to the overall listening experience. I noticed some sacrifice in the bass depth due to fast bass responsiveness but to be honest the engaging factor that is available, No one will bother at all if they don't expect head crunchy bass from here.
★ The Mids :-
The midrange is completely focused up to the upper mids.Upper mids were a bit forward but kept the clean & detail presentation there. Apart from this, the sub bass bleed was noticeable with lower mids which can be called recessed, vocals come through with fairly boosted timbre. Artist's throat craft in the mids region is depicted more or less accurately but the lack of naturalness sometimes hinders full of enjoyment.Regarding the lower mids, the midrange presentation doesn't feel fuller or life-like as its body is a bit on the recession side. Good thing are happening that there was no tendency to make it dull or overly sharper. However, it is good to say that the male vocal sounds better than the female vocal. This set has a slight peak in the 3k region due to which some female vocals can be heard a little shouty.Those who prefer intimacy with more nuanced in vocals section may not find dragon very satisfying. So if the midrange is high on one's priority list, then I think it would be wise to look for others option.
★ The Treble :-
Treble section gave this set moderately detailed sound where decent extension was noisy. However, the roll-off of the upper treble was noticeable, so the sounds of higher frequency seemed to be relatively smooth. That's why sounds like cymbals, string instruments sound less energetic. Smooth even non fatiguing characteristics were maintained in the 5-8khz area which treble head folks can consider more safe and even a little dark type. Like snare drums or high-pitch instruments, dragon doesn't lend too much realistic or vividness them, even it doesn't make overly dull, which is why decent resolution was maintained there. On the other hand, plenty of detail & clarity was intact in the lower treble. There doesn't feel subdued or veiled, differentiating can hold true standards of assurance. For some treble sensitive folk the lower treble's 6khz energy may seem a bit too much energetic which I think this issue can be fixed by rolling eartips and the source matching. Overall Dragon's treble part is not capable enough to fully satisfy the treble head folks but the performance in all genres will not be far behind in any way.
★ Technicalities :-
Technical ability can be said to be quite good but its not that superior in this class. Talking about the sound stage, although its stage height is fairy wider, it lacks in depth, with a small range of moving layering. The imaging capability was very commendable, the positioning of the instruments could be located accurately along with the stereo presentation of the left-right channel, this moritz dragon IEM showed the ability to ensure a very enjoyable experience. Due to the better imaging, it can support gaming fairly well. However, for those who give more priority to competitive gaming, Dragon may not be an ideal choice because it does not provide anything impressive like holographic or 3D imaging that must be remembered. In the context of detail retrieval, I have already said that the situation is on the good side. Apart from that, micro detail was also satisfactory, but the lack of macro detail was more which should have been improved. In terms of tonality, it has maintained a very nice coherence without any kind of unrealistic nature and besides the timbral accuracy was also very pleasing which should be getting from a set of such price ranges.Moritz audio is to be commended for looking into these issues properly.
★ Conclusion :-
Moritz audio was recently established, and they have released a handful of three sets in the market with premium prices. Moritz Dragon's pricing is not cheap by any means but its box content is really disappointing. In terms of sound performance, its other competitors will advance in some aspects, but considering all aspects, there is no chance to say that Moritz Dragon's sound signature is too bad. Yes, some aspects could have been improved. Now, many will question whether it is reasonable to buy Moritz Dragon? I would say buy it if someone likes fast bass attack-decay and doesn't like highly detailed treble, but mostly used to instrument heavy genres and minimal recession mids are not too much problematic, I believe that moritz dragon can satisfy them fairly well. In that case my advice would be to purchase the dragon. Hope my opinion will be helpful for many people to make a purchase decision.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Moritz Audio official website (link isn't affiliated)
Chi-fi brands are expanding with their innovation. As there are many well-known manufacturers in the market, many new brands are being created to compete in the competition. Moritz dragon is a brand new chinese audio company and so far they have three models of IEM in the market with high price tag. I have received their Moritz Dragon IEM a long time ago which I have been using almost regularly. I will try to find out how fair is the price to sound value as per performance ratio in the current market. Today I'll mainly try to represent my complete experience about it.
★ Disclaimer :-
This review unit was sent to me directly from Moritz Audio. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. As always the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
Moritz dragon IEM comes with a big black color box. Out of the box comes a thin card board with 6 pairs of different eartips. Polycarbonate hard shell case as carrying case and silver plated copper cable with modular jack system and some extra paperwork. If i talk about the unboxing experience, many will be a little disappointed because the stock accessories were of very ordinary quality. So room to complaint about this matter will be to moritz audio.
1. A pair of Moritz dragon IEM × 1
2. Six pairs of different colors eartips
3. Four coure braided silver plated copper 4. cable with interchangeable jack system
5. Hard shell plastic large carrying case ×1
6. Some additional paper works
★ Specifications :-
~ Driver: Customized beryllium-plated ultra-thin diaphragm dynamic driver
~ Impedance: 19Ω
~ Sensitivity: 103.2dB SPL/mW
~ Frequency Range: 5~48kHz
~ Connector: CM 2-Pin
~ Plug: 3.5mm/2.5mm/4.4mm gold plated
~ Cable: Pure silver cable, length 1.2m
★ Design, Build Quality & Comfort :-
I didn't notice anything impressive in the design language, yes the shell construction of the IEM is made entirely of resin but it doesn't feel premium, it was like the usual resin build staff. As the shell is quite thin and a bit transparent characteristics, the presence of the beryllium coated single dd inside it was well understood even if the rest of the entire empty part can be seen if you look closely. The gold plated nozzle was a little thick and a little blunt, but the build quality is not top notch because there are better built IEMs in the similar price category, it will naturally lag behind. However, there is no room to complain about the fit. If one's ear canal is not too small, then there is no reason to worry about the fit. At the same time, if the fit is properly ensured, decent isolation & comfort is available. If the light weight shells are fit in the ear, there is no discomfort problem. No, because Moritz has done an admirable job in terms of pressure build-up.However, it is clearly understood that moritz audio has introduced miserliness in the build section, which is why many people may be a little skeptical about the durability in long term usage. Then if i talk about the stock cable, then I will say that its quality seems to be average. The cable feels very soft and cheap in hand despite being four core, but the good part is the modular jack system. Any of the three different terminations can be swapped at will, which can be considered as its advantage. Also, the hard plastic case that comes with it does not seem useful from any angle because its size is inconsistent. At least they should provide a practical case that protects the IEM at the same time easy to carry. The good thing is that the six pairs of eartips provided by them were quite good, although they were of different colors, I came across kbear 07 eartips with which I was able to complete the initial listening. I didn't have any exact idea about the rest of the tips but if I'm not mistaken they might be their proprietary. I was really disappointed with the unboxing experience because I didn't expect such average quality accessories from such an pricey IEM. So far I've tried as many offerings of the chi-fi brand, none of them had stock accessories like this one, so it can be said that moritz has given room to complain in this aspect.
★ Sound Aspect :-
The Moritz dragon IEM is a V shape tuned characteristic set that performs like a standout player in some aspect. However, its biggest strength was the bass performance, and the treble of the smooth manner gives a very fun listening experience from this set. There is an impeccable appearance of bass and treble that brings fullness to its sound. In this tuning, the mids are usually a bit backward, but there was sufficient cleanliness intact in its midrange, which must be considered a positive aspect. This single dd set will be in the category of eartips dependent, because I did not get the expected result with the stock tips, the sounds seemed a bit dull, so I benefited the mostly by using divinus velvet tips as aftermarket eartips. So I think tip rolling will definitely play an important role for this. At the right tips, good sound is obtained from here with a neutral to hint of warmish tonality is maintained which enriches the overall listening experience.
Credit :- @Jaytiss
★ Gear used :-
1. Questyle Audio Engineering CMA Fifteen
2 . Xduoo xd05 bal 2 (Se & Bal both)
3 . Cayin Ru7 (Se & Bal both)
4 . Questyle m15 (Se & Bal both)
5 . Quloos Mc01 (SE & Bal both)
6 . Epz Tp50 (Se & Bal both)
7 . Fosi Audio Ds1 (Se & Bal both)
8 . Fosi Audio Ds2 ~ 2024 (Se & Bal both)
9 . Roseselsa Rs9039 (Se & Bal both)
10 . Ddhifi Tc44Pro E2 (Bal only)
11 . Blon V1 (Se & Bal both)
Moritz dragon is a set of 19Ω impedance whose sensitivity level is 103.2dB, I wouldn't call this one very power efficient, because it becomes difficult to power up properly with an entry budget dongle. A little more powerful amplification is needed to drive it, So a good quality dac amp or portable player is used, then it gets scaled up with the sources (neutral-warm) becomes better sounding. However, the best pairing I've found with CMA Fifteen. Improved stage depth & decent dynamics, better imaging even a bit more enhanced micro detailing capability and good tonal balancing.
Now, I will discuss the sound in detail, I will start with the Low end of this set, i.e. the bass....
★ The Bass :-
I've already said that Moritz Dragon's bass section is its strongest point. Talking about bass, dragon basically sub bass focused. That's why sub bass has the ability to strike deep. Since the quantity of sub bass rumble is more than the mid bass, the mid bass felt less prominent where the texture was good but the more boosted sub bass presence bleeds a little with the lower mids which ruined the clarity of the vocals by a small margin. On the other hand, I was surprised by the fast attack & decay of the bass. Moritz's customized beryllium-plated dynamic driver performed superbly here.Yes, many people may find such boosted sub bass inconvenient, but those who like bass will like dragon very much.This IEM can deliver the enough speed to fast bass lines in rock or metal type genres which helps lend extra excitement to the overall listening experience. I noticed some sacrifice in the bass depth due to fast bass responsiveness but to be honest the engaging factor that is available, No one will bother at all if they don't expect head crunchy bass from here.
★ The Mids :-
The midrange is completely focused up to the upper mids.Upper mids were a bit forward but kept the clean & detail presentation there. Apart from this, the sub bass bleed was noticeable with lower mids which can be called recessed, vocals come through with fairly boosted timbre. Artist's throat craft in the mids region is depicted more or less accurately but the lack of naturalness sometimes hinders full of enjoyment.Regarding the lower mids, the midrange presentation doesn't feel fuller or life-like as its body is a bit on the recession side. Good thing are happening that there was no tendency to make it dull or overly sharper. However, it is good to say that the male vocal sounds better than the female vocal. This set has a slight peak in the 3k region due to which some female vocals can be heard a little shouty.Those who prefer intimacy with more nuanced in vocals section may not find dragon very satisfying. So if the midrange is high on one's priority list, then I think it would be wise to look for others option.
★ The Treble :-
Treble section gave this set moderately detailed sound where decent extension was noisy. However, the roll-off of the upper treble was noticeable, so the sounds of higher frequency seemed to be relatively smooth. That's why sounds like cymbals, string instruments sound less energetic. Smooth even non fatiguing characteristics were maintained in the 5-8khz area which treble head folks can consider more safe and even a little dark type. Like snare drums or high-pitch instruments, dragon doesn't lend too much realistic or vividness them, even it doesn't make overly dull, which is why decent resolution was maintained there. On the other hand, plenty of detail & clarity was intact in the lower treble. There doesn't feel subdued or veiled, differentiating can hold true standards of assurance. For some treble sensitive folk the lower treble's 6khz energy may seem a bit too much energetic which I think this issue can be fixed by rolling eartips and the source matching. Overall Dragon's treble part is not capable enough to fully satisfy the treble head folks but the performance in all genres will not be far behind in any way.
★ Technicalities :-
Technical ability can be said to be quite good but its not that superior in this class. Talking about the sound stage, although its stage height is fairy wider, it lacks in depth, with a small range of moving layering. The imaging capability was very commendable, the positioning of the instruments could be located accurately along with the stereo presentation of the left-right channel, this moritz dragon IEM showed the ability to ensure a very enjoyable experience. Due to the better imaging, it can support gaming fairly well. However, for those who give more priority to competitive gaming, Dragon may not be an ideal choice because it does not provide anything impressive like holographic or 3D imaging that must be remembered. In the context of detail retrieval, I have already said that the situation is on the good side. Apart from that, micro detail was also satisfactory, but the lack of macro detail was more which should have been improved. In terms of tonality, it has maintained a very nice coherence without any kind of unrealistic nature and besides the timbral accuracy was also very pleasing which should be getting from a set of such price ranges.Moritz audio is to be commended for looking into these issues properly.
★ Conclusion :-
Moritz audio was recently established, and they have released a handful of three sets in the market with premium prices. Moritz Dragon's pricing is not cheap by any means but its box content is really disappointing. In terms of sound performance, its other competitors will advance in some aspects, but considering all aspects, there is no chance to say that Moritz Dragon's sound signature is too bad. Yes, some aspects could have been improved. Now, many will question whether it is reasonable to buy Moritz Dragon? I would say buy it if someone likes fast bass attack-decay and doesn't like highly detailed treble, but mostly used to instrument heavy genres and minimal recession mids are not too much problematic, I believe that moritz dragon can satisfy them fairly well. In that case my advice would be to purchase the dragon. Hope my opinion will be helpful for many people to make a purchase decision.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Moritz Audio official website (link isn't affiliated)
★ Introduction :-
Eartips market has become very saturated. In addition to some popular eartips brands, new eartips manufacturers are gradually trying to occupy a place in the market. As eartips enrich the listening experience in all of our lives, we all become more or less dependent on them. But those who have a fairly good idea about eartips may be familiar with the Epro brand. This brand is not new at all but they have several interesting offerings available in the market. I recently got my hands on several of their horn shape models eartips and have used them with almost every set in my arsenal and I will try to represent all the aspects about these eartips in this review.
★ Disclaimer :-
This review samples were sent to me directly from Epro Audio. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. As always the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
I'm basically going to give a detailed opinion about the eartips of almost all models of the Epro family
So I'm going to highlighting about all of them one by one.
★ E pro horn shaped eartips (Ep00) :-
These eartips are quite popular in the e pro family, the diameter of the inner area is 3.7mm. The tips are suitable for IEMs as well as tws but I have noticed that a little long nozzle gives the most benefit from these eartips.The timbre improves the most there, the clarity of the sound is enhanced noticeably and the soundstage is wider even offered better imaging capability at the same time. This one gives some fullness to the bass body and makes sound isolation is slightly better. Clear environment is also created in the midrange region.The down side of Ep00 is that it reduces the energy & sparkle of upper treble more which may bother treble lovers but those who were deprived of good synergy in bright sounding sets they will be more satisfied from here. Although the presence of micro detail comes down more with these tips which is definitely a bummer.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 4/5
Mids : 4/5
Treble : 3.8/5
Technicalities : 4/5
Fit & comfort : 4/5
Sound isolation : 3.8/5
I have presented the spec below to get a clear idea
~ Model :- Ep00
~ Available sizes :- S,M,L
~ Inner nozzle diameter :- 3.7mm
~ Compatible nozzle size :- 3.9mm-5mm
★ E pro horn shaped eartips (Ep01) :-
Ep01 has been released in the market as an upgrade version of its earlier brother Ep00. Very bigger change can be noticed in the build material as a result, comfort is better. The inner shape is bigger than before. The size of inner diameter is 4.7mm which is really wider than previous one, this thing will contribute the most to Staging wider. The ep01 is the only eartips with the widest stage in the e pro family I've tested so far. As before, it is able to provide good tonal balancing along with timbre accuracy. The clarity of the midrange can be retained well, but there is a tendency to forward the sub bass a little in this new model eartips. The sparkle of treble is reduced like the previous model but the most disappointing part is that these new tips cannot make any major contribution to sound isolation. I'm not saying it's isolation bad, but as much as they insist on isolation, it doesn't match my real life experience For those who need more wide bore tips, this ep01 can undoubtedly be an ideal option in this budget segment.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 4/5
Mids : 4.5/5
Treble : 3.8/5
Technicalities : 4/5
Fit & comfort : 4/5
Sound isolation : 3.8/5
I have presented the spec below to get a clear idea
~ Model :- EP01
~ Available sizes :- S, M, L
~ Inner nozzle diameter :- 4.7mm
~ Fit for tube diameter :- 4.9mm-7mm earphones
★ E pro horn shaped eartips (Tw00) :-
This eartips are specially released for tws. Its inner portion size is 3.7mm and its main feature is compatibility with short nozzle. Usually the nozzle shape of tws is relatively small and at the same time a bit thick. In that case, using Tw00 gives a good result, these tips increase treble clarity but reduce bass thump. Focusing especially on the lower treble contributes to ensuring the presence of even micro detail & it loses the clarity of the upper treble. Also it tries to represent the exact character without boosting the mids region. This eartips are able to enhance sound isolation very well. If this one fits well with the nozzle then good seal and comfort is obtain from here easily. On the other hand, by trying to improve the imaging capability, the stage depth is better than the height average. It is possible to get a better listening experience if you use these tw00 eartips with those tws whose sound is more bass boosted. Those who are long time tws users, if they want to roll eartips, I recommended to try Tw00 model eartips.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 3.8/5
Mids : 4/5
Treble : 3.8/5
Technicalities : 4.2/5
Fit & comfort : 4/5
Sound isolation : 4/5
I have presented the spec below to get a clear idea
~ Model :- Tw00
~ Available sizes :- S, M, L,
~ Inner nozzle diameter :- 3.7 mm
~ Compatible nozzle size :- 3.9mm-5.1mm
★ E pro horn shaped eartips (Tw01) :-
This model has come to the market as an upgrade version of the earlier Tw00. Its size is slightly inconsistent compared to the previous model. Its inner diameter is 5mm which is wider than ep01.This wide bore tw01 can make the sound stage much wider but some of the stage depth remains lacking. This eartips are able to maintain tightness in the bass region, especially to enhance the texture of the bass.The midrange is pushed a little more, especially the upper mids, so the chances of being benefited by using the tw01 are naturally less for those IEMs or tws whose mids are a little forward by default. Its biggest strength is isolation, which will take it one step further than the previous tw00, apart from that, I found the presence of treble fairly good, I expected a little better. In terms of tonality & timbre, I got decent result from here so there is no room to complain. Epro their Tw01 is released for tws, but it seems to be equally usable in almost all cases which gives it versatile character.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 4/5
Mids : 3.8/5
Treble : 3.8/5
Technicalities : 4/5
Fit & comfort : 4/5
Sound isolation : 4.2/5
I have presented the spec below to get a clear idea
~ Model :- Tw01
~ Available sizes :- S, M, L,
~ Inner nozzle diameter :- 5mm
~ Compatible nozzle size :- 5.2mm-7mm
★ E pro propeller eartips (Pro01):-
Their newly released propeller eartips are the best of the e pro line up. Its properties are different from other e pro offerings. The Pro01's inner diameter of 3.7mm gives excellent results, especially with short nozzle IEMs. Its looks are not that attractive but its performance is really capable of surprising. Talking about fit and comfort, it is much better than the whole e pro staff because its silicon material is much better than them because of its good grippy nature, the isolation with it just impressive , if it is properly fit in the ear canal, this pro01 will be able to provide passive isolation. It is important to note that it is not ideal for use with long or thick nozzles. When you first use these tips, what you will notice as the main feature of these tips is the end-to-end extension. Regarding the bass, I would like to say that it simply increases the bass depth and reduces the energy of the upper treble a little, but the detail of the lower treble is on point, so it gives a well-balanced treble extension. Adding a hint of warmth to the midrange makes the vocal section more enjoyable. On the other hand, micro detail increases and even the imaging capability is improved to a large extent. At the same time, making the sound stage wider without sacrificing depth.The Pro 01 eartips also have the ability to maintain the accuracy of tonality & tibre region. In conclusion, these are truly great eartips that will be a unique pieced addition to the entire epro line-up .
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 4.5/5
Mids : 4.5/5
Treble : 4/5
Technicalities : 4.5/5
Fit & comfort : 4/5
Sound isolation : 4.5/5
I have presented the spec below to get a clear idea
~ Model :- Pro01
~ Available sizes :- S, M, L,
~ Inner nozzle diameter :- 3.7mm
~ Compatible nozzle size :- 3.9mm-5mm
★ Conclusion :-
Eartips have become a necessity in our daily life so we are all used to them. Many people like to keep a collection of different types of eartips in their arsenal, because it is possible to bring out different sounds from IEMs through tip rolling. Besides, the small lacks of sound can be covered easily. Every offering of E pro eartips seems to me to be quite accurate in price ratio, especially their new propeller eartips will really surprise you with its performance. If someone purchase them, they will definitely have a different experience. From my point of view, I would recommend buying all the offerings of the e pro family.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
• Penon Audio Ali Express Store (link isn’t affiliated)
Eartips market has become very saturated. In addition to some popular eartips brands, new eartips manufacturers are gradually trying to occupy a place in the market. As eartips enrich the listening experience in all of our lives, we all become more or less dependent on them. But those who have a fairly good idea about eartips may be familiar with the Epro brand. This brand is not new at all but they have several interesting offerings available in the market. I recently got my hands on several of their horn shape models eartips and have used them with almost every set in my arsenal and I will try to represent all the aspects about these eartips in this review.
★ Disclaimer :-
This review samples were sent to me directly from Epro Audio. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. As always the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
I'm basically going to give a detailed opinion about the eartips of almost all models of the Epro family
So I'm going to highlighting about all of them one by one.★ E pro horn shaped eartips (Ep00) :-
These eartips are quite popular in the e pro family, the diameter of the inner area is 3.7mm. The tips are suitable for IEMs as well as tws but I have noticed that a little long nozzle gives the most benefit from these eartips.The timbre improves the most there, the clarity of the sound is enhanced noticeably and the soundstage is wider even offered better imaging capability at the same time. This one gives some fullness to the bass body and makes sound isolation is slightly better. Clear environment is also created in the midrange region.The down side of Ep00 is that it reduces the energy & sparkle of upper treble more which may bother treble lovers but those who were deprived of good synergy in bright sounding sets they will be more satisfied from here. Although the presence of micro detail comes down more with these tips which is definitely a bummer.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 4/5
Mids : 4/5
Treble : 3.8/5
Technicalities : 4/5
Fit & comfort : 4/5
Sound isolation : 3.8/5
I have presented the spec below to get a clear idea
~ Model :- Ep00
~ Available sizes :- S,M,L
~ Inner nozzle diameter :- 3.7mm
~ Compatible nozzle size :- 3.9mm-5mm
★ E pro horn shaped eartips (Ep01) :-
Ep01 has been released in the market as an upgrade version of its earlier brother Ep00. Very bigger change can be noticed in the build material as a result, comfort is better. The inner shape is bigger than before. The size of inner diameter is 4.7mm which is really wider than previous one, this thing will contribute the most to Staging wider. The ep01 is the only eartips with the widest stage in the e pro family I've tested so far. As before, it is able to provide good tonal balancing along with timbre accuracy. The clarity of the midrange can be retained well, but there is a tendency to forward the sub bass a little in this new model eartips. The sparkle of treble is reduced like the previous model but the most disappointing part is that these new tips cannot make any major contribution to sound isolation. I'm not saying it's isolation bad, but as much as they insist on isolation, it doesn't match my real life experience For those who need more wide bore tips, this ep01 can undoubtedly be an ideal option in this budget segment.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 4/5
Mids : 4.5/5
Treble : 3.8/5
Technicalities : 4/5
Fit & comfort : 4/5
Sound isolation : 3.8/5
I have presented the spec below to get a clear idea
~ Model :- EP01
~ Available sizes :- S, M, L
~ Inner nozzle diameter :- 4.7mm
~ Fit for tube diameter :- 4.9mm-7mm earphones
★ E pro horn shaped eartips (Tw00) :-
This eartips are specially released for tws. Its inner portion size is 3.7mm and its main feature is compatibility with short nozzle. Usually the nozzle shape of tws is relatively small and at the same time a bit thick. In that case, using Tw00 gives a good result, these tips increase treble clarity but reduce bass thump. Focusing especially on the lower treble contributes to ensuring the presence of even micro detail & it loses the clarity of the upper treble. Also it tries to represent the exact character without boosting the mids region. This eartips are able to enhance sound isolation very well. If this one fits well with the nozzle then good seal and comfort is obtain from here easily. On the other hand, by trying to improve the imaging capability, the stage depth is better than the height average. It is possible to get a better listening experience if you use these tw00 eartips with those tws whose sound is more bass boosted. Those who are long time tws users, if they want to roll eartips, I recommended to try Tw00 model eartips.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 3.8/5
Mids : 4/5
Treble : 3.8/5
Technicalities : 4.2/5
Fit & comfort : 4/5
Sound isolation : 4/5
I have presented the spec below to get a clear idea
~ Model :- Tw00
~ Available sizes :- S, M, L,
~ Inner nozzle diameter :- 3.7 mm
~ Compatible nozzle size :- 3.9mm-5.1mm
★ E pro horn shaped eartips (Tw01) :-
This model has come to the market as an upgrade version of the earlier Tw00. Its size is slightly inconsistent compared to the previous model. Its inner diameter is 5mm which is wider than ep01.This wide bore tw01 can make the sound stage much wider but some of the stage depth remains lacking. This eartips are able to maintain tightness in the bass region, especially to enhance the texture of the bass.The midrange is pushed a little more, especially the upper mids, so the chances of being benefited by using the tw01 are naturally less for those IEMs or tws whose mids are a little forward by default. Its biggest strength is isolation, which will take it one step further than the previous tw00, apart from that, I found the presence of treble fairly good, I expected a little better. In terms of tonality & timbre, I got decent result from here so there is no room to complain. Epro their Tw01 is released for tws, but it seems to be equally usable in almost all cases which gives it versatile character.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 4/5
Mids : 3.8/5
Treble : 3.8/5
Technicalities : 4/5
Fit & comfort : 4/5
Sound isolation : 4.2/5
I have presented the spec below to get a clear idea
~ Model :- Tw01
~ Available sizes :- S, M, L,
~ Inner nozzle diameter :- 5mm
~ Compatible nozzle size :- 5.2mm-7mm
★ E pro propeller eartips (Pro01):-
Their newly released propeller eartips are the best of the e pro line up. Its properties are different from other e pro offerings. The Pro01's inner diameter of 3.7mm gives excellent results, especially with short nozzle IEMs. Its looks are not that attractive but its performance is really capable of surprising. Talking about fit and comfort, it is much better than the whole e pro staff because its silicon material is much better than them because of its good grippy nature, the isolation with it just impressive , if it is properly fit in the ear canal, this pro01 will be able to provide passive isolation. It is important to note that it is not ideal for use with long or thick nozzles. When you first use these tips, what you will notice as the main feature of these tips is the end-to-end extension. Regarding the bass, I would like to say that it simply increases the bass depth and reduces the energy of the upper treble a little, but the detail of the lower treble is on point, so it gives a well-balanced treble extension. Adding a hint of warmth to the midrange makes the vocal section more enjoyable. On the other hand, micro detail increases and even the imaging capability is improved to a large extent. At the same time, making the sound stage wider without sacrificing depth.The Pro 01 eartips also have the ability to maintain the accuracy of tonality & tibre region. In conclusion, these are truly great eartips that will be a unique pieced addition to the entire epro line-up .
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 4.5/5
Mids : 4.5/5
Treble : 4/5
Technicalities : 4.5/5
Fit & comfort : 4/5
Sound isolation : 4.5/5
I have presented the spec below to get a clear idea
~ Model :- Pro01
~ Available sizes :- S, M, L,
~ Inner nozzle diameter :- 3.7mm
~ Compatible nozzle size :- 3.9mm-5mm
★ Conclusion :-
Eartips have become a necessity in our daily life so we are all used to them. Many people like to keep a collection of different types of eartips in their arsenal, because it is possible to bring out different sounds from IEMs through tip rolling. Besides, the small lacks of sound can be covered easily. Every offering of E pro eartips seems to me to be quite accurate in price ratio, especially their new propeller eartips will really surprise you with its performance. If someone purchase them, they will definitely have a different experience. From my point of view, I would recommend buying all the offerings of the e pro family.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
• Penon Audio Ali Express Store (link isn’t affiliated)
★ Introduction :-
Roseselsa RS9039 dongle DAC is a newly released by Rose Technics. It is a portable dongle having Newest ESS9039Q2M DSP Chip inside .
For more product info check out their official site below if you interested more on them .
https://rosetechnics.com/
★ Disclaimer :-
This unit was sent to me directly from Rose Technics for review purpose. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. As always the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
The packaging of Roseselsa RS9039 was quite good , a flat black plastic hard case contains dongle dac & a nice looking nylon braided type c to type c short cable. All useful accessories are available out of the box, so there is no need to buy anything extra. Roseselsa RS9039 has no room to complain in this regard
1. Roseselsa RS9039 dongle dac ×1
2. Type c to type c short cable ×1
3. Hard case ×1
★ Design, Build Quality & Functionality :-
In terms of design, this dongle does offer a print design of circuit board outside made out of plastic , but in the build section, it must be called rock solid. This dongle of fully Aliminum alloy constructed which is very light in weight but feels very durable when held in hand. To me it felt like holding a small metal bar in my hand lol. Apart from the solid build, the compatibility of the device was also excellent. I have used it with windows, android without any issues. Interestingly it has support from pcm format to native Dsd 512 which was really commendable.
The device has a small light indicator that changes color according to the audio sample rate. From this point of view, Rose Technics undoubtedly deserves praise.
★ Specifications :-
~ Model :- ROSESELSA RS9039/RS 9039 HiFi Headphone Amplifier DAC
~ Output Power :- 3.5mm 240mw @32 ohms, 4.4mm 300mw @32 ohms
~ Terminating Impedance :- 16-300Ω
~ Input Mode :- USB Type C
~ Output Mode :- 3.5MM + 4.4MM Headphone
~ Frequency Range :- 20Hz-20kHz (±0.5dB)
~ THD :- 0.0003%(32Ω SE)
~ SNR :- ≥126 dB
~ Dimensions: 48mm × 22mm × 12mm
~ Sampling Rate :- 32bit/384kHz
~ DSD :- DSD64/128/256/512
~ DAC Chipset :- ES9039
~ Material :- aluminium Alloy
~ Device Weight :- 14.5g
★ Tested With :-
~ Sennheiser HD660S2
~ Sony IER M9
~ Tanchjim Origin
~ Dunu Falcon Ultra
~ Dunu Kima 2
~ NF Acous NM20
~ NF Audio Ra15
~ Letshouer S08
~ Artti Audio R1
★ Sound Aspect :-
Roseselsa RS9039 basically neutral to slightly warmer sounding dongle. The dongle is able to deliver commendable sound performance from its compact form factor. The low noise floor of the device is relatively quiet, due to which there was no unwanted circuit noise in the background which can be called dead silent noise floor. Due to the lower noise floor, it is able to create a fairly clear invitation to lower frequency sounds naturally. Despite being a performer in the affordable price segment, there was no roll-off issue in its sound which is a big strength.
Roseselsa RS9039 dongle has regular single ended port as well as bal port from where the device can show its max output capability.
Maximum IEM's or some moderate demanding headphones can be powered up with this Bal port to get more juice out.
The dongle has support from pcm to native dsd 512 also supports 32bit/384kHz sample rate.
The Dsd playback is not as expected from budget dongles and this was no exception here.
The dongle has a small light indicator that changes color based on the sound sampling rate but most of the time it creates a confusing situation that can seem a bit annoying.
★ Synergy and Power :-
ESS's 9039 is used as a dac chip in the device, but its sound is not like the typical "ess" house sound. This neutral to smooth sounding dongle has good synergy with almost all types of IEMs.I did not find any decrease in the output power of the device, 120mw@32 ohms from single end and 220mw@32 ohms from Bal port. Despite having such impressive output capability, the dongle is very battery efficient. While using the phone I noticed a very low battery consumption rate which deserves a lot of praise. With this admirable power output, it is possible to power up some demanding headphones in addition to regular dd & planar sets. However, pairing with highly sensitive IEMs was very well, no hissing issue comes easily from here.
★ Conclusion :-
It is good lightweight dongle with neutral smoother presentation who wants their IEM to sound a bit relaxed .
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Rosetechnics official website (link isn’t affiliated)
Roseselsa RS9039 dongle DAC is a newly released by Rose Technics. It is a portable dongle having Newest ESS9039Q2M DSP Chip inside .
For more product info check out their official site below if you interested more on them .
https://rosetechnics.com/
★ Disclaimer :-
This unit was sent to me directly from Rose Technics for review purpose. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. As always the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
The packaging of Roseselsa RS9039 was quite good , a flat black plastic hard case contains dongle dac & a nice looking nylon braided type c to type c short cable. All useful accessories are available out of the box, so there is no need to buy anything extra. Roseselsa RS9039 has no room to complain in this regard
1. Roseselsa RS9039 dongle dac ×1
2. Type c to type c short cable ×1
3. Hard case ×1
★ Design, Build Quality & Functionality :-
In terms of design, this dongle does offer a print design of circuit board outside made out of plastic , but in the build section, it must be called rock solid. This dongle of fully Aliminum alloy constructed which is very light in weight but feels very durable when held in hand. To me it felt like holding a small metal bar in my hand lol. Apart from the solid build, the compatibility of the device was also excellent. I have used it with windows, android without any issues. Interestingly it has support from pcm format to native Dsd 512 which was really commendable.
The device has a small light indicator that changes color according to the audio sample rate. From this point of view, Rose Technics undoubtedly deserves praise.
★ Specifications :-
~ Model :- ROSESELSA RS9039/RS 9039 HiFi Headphone Amplifier DAC
~ Output Power :- 3.5mm 240mw @32 ohms, 4.4mm 300mw @32 ohms
~ Terminating Impedance :- 16-300Ω
~ Input Mode :- USB Type C
~ Output Mode :- 3.5MM + 4.4MM Headphone
~ Frequency Range :- 20Hz-20kHz (±0.5dB)
~ THD :- 0.0003%(32Ω SE)
~ SNR :- ≥126 dB
~ Dimensions: 48mm × 22mm × 12mm
~ Sampling Rate :- 32bit/384kHz
~ DSD :- DSD64/128/256/512
~ DAC Chipset :- ES9039
~ Material :- aluminium Alloy
~ Device Weight :- 14.5g
★ Tested With :-
~ Sennheiser HD660S2
~ Sony IER M9
~ Tanchjim Origin
~ Dunu Falcon Ultra
~ Dunu Kima 2
~ NF Acous NM20
~ NF Audio Ra15
~ Letshouer S08
~ Artti Audio R1
★ Sound Aspect :-
Roseselsa RS9039 basically neutral to slightly warmer sounding dongle. The dongle is able to deliver commendable sound performance from its compact form factor. The low noise floor of the device is relatively quiet, due to which there was no unwanted circuit noise in the background which can be called dead silent noise floor. Due to the lower noise floor, it is able to create a fairly clear invitation to lower frequency sounds naturally. Despite being a performer in the affordable price segment, there was no roll-off issue in its sound which is a big strength.
Roseselsa RS9039 dongle has regular single ended port as well as bal port from where the device can show its max output capability.
Maximum IEM's or some moderate demanding headphones can be powered up with this Bal port to get more juice out.
The dongle has support from pcm to native dsd 512 also supports 32bit/384kHz sample rate.
The Dsd playback is not as expected from budget dongles and this was no exception here.
The dongle has a small light indicator that changes color based on the sound sampling rate but most of the time it creates a confusing situation that can seem a bit annoying.
★ Synergy and Power :-
ESS's 9039 is used as a dac chip in the device, but its sound is not like the typical "ess" house sound. This neutral to smooth sounding dongle has good synergy with almost all types of IEMs.I did not find any decrease in the output power of the device, 120mw@32 ohms from single end and 220mw@32 ohms from Bal port. Despite having such impressive output capability, the dongle is very battery efficient. While using the phone I noticed a very low battery consumption rate which deserves a lot of praise. With this admirable power output, it is possible to power up some demanding headphones in addition to regular dd & planar sets. However, pairing with highly sensitive IEMs was very well, no hissing issue comes easily from here.
★ Conclusion :-
It is good lightweight dongle with neutral smoother presentation who wants their IEM to sound a bit relaxed .
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Rosetechnics official website (link isn’t affiliated)
★ Introduction :-
Dunu is my personal favorite chi-fi brand. I have used several of their budget dd sets before and several of the flagship lineup were included in that list. Since the company started its journey in 2006, they have been able to establish themselves as a top IEM manufacturer by using premium materials in their products as well as emphasizing on R&D. The reputation of their in-house developed dynamic drivers continues to grow, which has brought dunu to the next level. Dunu Kima 2 is a newly released IEM that comes with a very reasonable price tag. I have been using it regularly for quite a few weeks. So, today I'll mainly try to represent my complete experience
about it.
★ Disclaimer :-
This review unit was sent to me directly from @DUNU-Topsound. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. So, the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
The Dunu Kima 2 IEM comes with a pretty big pink colored box. I am sure that the accessories available out of the box will surprise anyone. Dunu has always provided quality accessories with their IEMs and this is no exception. If you open the box, you will see at the beginning an acrylic stand made of wifu's artwork, which looks quite attractive to be honest. Apart from that, a very large carrying case of light white color, four types of different quality eartips of different sizes, nice braided cable and some paperwork.
1. A pair of Dunu Kima 2 IEM ×1
2. Four types of different size eartips
3. High quality braided cable with moduler jack system
4. A large carrying pouch ×1
5. Cleaning brush ×1
6. Some extra paperworks & acrylic stand
★ Specifications :-
Model: KIMA 2
Driver: External Magnetic DLC Composite Diaphragm Dynamic Driver
Net Weight: Approximately 10.5g (per side)
Frequency Response: 5Hz - 40kHZ
Impedance: 20Ω
Sensitivity: 108 dB/mW(@ 1 kHz)；125 dB/Vrms (@ 1 kHz)
THD: <0.3% @ 1 kHZ
Shell Material: S316 Stainless Steel
Cable: Four-Core Single-Crystal copper and Silver-Plated OCC Cable
Cable Length: 1.2 m ± 0.1 m
Connector: 0.78 mm 2 Pin
Plug:Q-Lock Mini interchangeable Plug System,Includes Two Plugs(3.5 mm Single-Ended, 4.4 mm Balanced)
★ Design, Build Quality & Comfort :-
Talking about the design, kima 2 is available in two different color variants. The regular variant is of standard silver color which doesn't look very eye-catching, but there is another limited edition which is of green color and glossy finish is given on the faceplate portion of the shell so it looks very premium. The design language is very similar to the previous model. As the unit in my hand is a regular variant, I am not a big fan of its design lol. On the other hand, kima 2 is simply excellent in build quality. Because its fully metal constructed shell is durable enough with a very perfect finishing on the surface which gives a solid feel even when held in hand. There is no room to complain in this build section. Also fit & comfort was pretty good too, but that's why I would never call it super comfortable. In terms of sound isolation, this set is not so good, which is about average. I personally used dunu candy eartips with kima 2 but could not get a perfect seal in my ears so most of the time I used divinus velvet tips which performed well with this set. The interesting thing is that those whose ears can create a good seal with candy eartips & S&s eartips will not need to use aftermarket eartips because these are good enough quality tips that are provided in the box of dunu kima 2. The carrying pouch of this set is attractive and practical at the same time. A bit large in size, though there is enough space inside to carry the IEM and ensure it stays secure. Stock cable will undoubtedly be its biggest strength. 4 core silver plated monocrystalline copper cable uses with high quality rubber coated from the ear hook area to the splitter portion where there is a recessed 2pin connector and the remaining part is covered with nylon braid which increases the robustness & longevity of the cable. Also added to the end of the cable is the Q-lock mini modular jack system which provides the benefits of 3.5mm single end as well as 4.4mm bal termination.
★ Sound Aspect :-
In Kima2 dunu used their customized single dd modeled after their eclipse driver. Dunu claims that they have now used the same magnetic flux density circuit system as the Falcon Ultra so that it can get a sound level close to that of the Falcon Ultra and at the same time be quite efficient. I don't really get the sound performance of the Falcon Ultra, it seems to be quite power efficient and the interesting thing is that the eclipse driver is usually more eartips sensitive and it has the same characteristics.The Kima 2 is basically a v shape tuned set where the bass and treble are more balanced and the mids are a bit further back.Tonality of this set was slight neutral with a hint of warm-ish touch, Which is able to satisfy most of the listeners.
Credit : @aftersound
★ Gear used :-
1. Questyle Audio Engineering CMA Fifteen
2 . Xduoo xd05 bal 2 (Se & Bal both)
3 . Cayin Ru7 (Se & Bal both)
4 . Questyle m15 (Se & Bal both)
5 . Quloos Mc01 (SE & Bal both)
6 . Epz Tp50 (Se & Bal both)
7 . Fosi Audio Ds1 (Se & Bal both)
8 . Fosi Audio Ds2 ~ 2024 (Se & Bal both)
9 . Roseselsa Rs9039 (Se & Bal both)
10 . Blon V1 (Se & Bal both)
Kima 2 is a set of 20Ω impedance whose sensitivity level is 108dB, so not very powerful amplification is needed to drive it, I got decent loudness from the phone's 3.5mm port, but if a good quality dac amp or portable player is used, then it gets scaled up with the sources (neutral-bright)and becomes better sounding. However, the best pairing I've found with CMA Fifteen. Good stage depth & dynamics, improved imaging even a bit more enhanced micro detailing capability and superb tonal balancing.
Now, I will discuss the sound in detail, I will start with the Low end of this set, i.e. the bass....
★ The Bass :-
Kima 2 shines the most in the bass section. There is good extension from sub bass to mid bass. The sub bass rumble here tries to lend more depth to the sound which can sometimes seem a little too much, I personally don't like over boosted sub bass as it hurts the lower mids. It has a tendency to bleed mildly with mids due to the relatively more presence sub bass, but it doesn't always happen, it was noticeable only in the case of bass heavy genres. Mid bass has a very nice dominance, although the texture is a bit less, the punch is on the heavier side which has managed to retain enough fullness in the body of the bass. This set has handled the bass controls fairly well which will be most liked by maximum folk. I believe that kima 2 will not disappoint if you don't expect too much bass head level bass performance from here.
★ The Mids :-
This set plays the most admirable role in the midrange. To express naturally, its character is very soothing & lush-ier type where there is sufficient warmth touch in the lower mids which makes the male vocal full bodied. Male & female both vocals managed to maintain decent contrast most of the time. However, I noticed that some female vocals were thinner out in a few tracks. Due to this, there is a lack of emotional expression of vocal craft. Besides, the Upper mids region was completely clean & enough textured and at the same time slightly forward, there was no unpleasant incident like harshness or overshadowing, so the difference between vocal & instruments was able to be portrayed very nicely. The midrange tonality is not completely natural, but I did not notice anything unpleasing. It can be said that it was engaging enough, at least it is offering the better midrange at its price point.
★ The Treble :-
The treble section can be a hit or miss type for many. The treble section is smooth but has decent clarity and detailed presentation. The upper registers were not too elevated due to which there is not enough air and sparkle, but it does not seem too dull or dark. Treble response & detail retrieval was of mediocre level but no unwanted sibilance or harshness was found but there was roll-off at upper treble slight margin. 3k-5k even 8k was handled very nicely in kima 2 which is why there was no peakiness to say. The condition of lower treble was quite good where detail and micro detail was noticeable. Cymbals & string instruments didn't seem too lustrous but were acceptable. For treble head folks, this set will not be able to bring complete satisfaction. Who are used to the sparkle and more bright nature of treble. Those who are fairly treble sensitive will have the most fun factor from here for longer listening.
★ Technicalities :-
It could not give outstanding results in technical ability. Sound stage height was better than average and depth was also very good. On the other hand, imaging capability just good, but the instruments placement was not exactly at the pin point, but I expected something better. This set will not be the most analytical or highly technical in any way. It has more push towards fun factor than technical ability. Resolution & detail wise it is decent enough, as a single dd set it has managed to give good results. Dunu does not leave any question about Tonality & timbral accuracy, in short it offers the best tonality in this budget and there is no shrillness in timbre which really surprised me. Also, the amount of micro detail is small but macro detail is lacking. Overall, if competitive gaming is not prioritized, it can be a safe option.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 4. 2/5
Mids : 4.5/5
Treble : 4/5
Technicalities : 3.8/5
Dynamics & speed : 4/5
Build & Aesthetics : 4/5
★ Comparison :-
~ Dunu Kima 2 Vs Nf Acous Nm20 ~
Nm20 is another single dd offering in similar price category. Its build quality and stock accessories are also average, nm20 bright v shape tuned set but kima2 is slightly on warmer side. Notwithstanding nm20's sub bass region roll-off, mid bass was strong with grainy treble and unrealistic tonality & timbre, Kima 2 offers more warmth and a smoother treble performance. On the other side kima 2 is far ahead in these aspects even sound more fuller than nm20. Technically kima 2 is not very strong but in terms of overall musical appearance it will undoubtedly be the real winner.
~ Dunu Kima 2 Vs Dunu Falcon Ultra ~
Falcon Ultra more pricey than kima 2. It has two effective tuning nozzles which can give different test of sound. The build & design was also quite solid and the accessories are also better. Ultra will get more numbers in its midrange compared to kima2 and has been able to keep a more matured role in tonal balancing, it will also be ahead in detail retrieval. In sound isolation, both gave average results, but technically not very impressive. Falcon Ultra managed to deliver more polished sound, It can be a worthy upgrade if you want more fun & engagement in the sound than Kima 2, so it is still far ahead than this one.
★ Conclusion :-
In the current market, the under 150$ category has become very competitive with the IEM offerings of various chi-fi brands. Kima 2 is a new player in this budget game which comes with good sound and value for money tag. This set comes with a complete package considering the budget, so if someone purchases it, there will be no need to upgrade anything extra. I can definitely recommend this set as sound wise it will easily find its way into the wish list of many unless one is extremely treble head.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Dunu official Ali express store (link isn’t affiliated)
Dunu is my personal favorite chi-fi brand. I have used several of their budget dd sets before and several of the flagship lineup were included in that list. Since the company started its journey in 2006, they have been able to establish themselves as a top IEM manufacturer by using premium materials in their products as well as emphasizing on R&D. The reputation of their in-house developed dynamic drivers continues to grow, which has brought dunu to the next level. Dunu Kima 2 is a newly released IEM that comes with a very reasonable price tag. I have been using it regularly for quite a few weeks. So, today I'll mainly try to represent my complete experience
about it.
★ Disclaimer :-
This review unit was sent to me directly from @DUNU-Topsound. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. So, the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
The Dunu Kima 2 IEM comes with a pretty big pink colored box. I am sure that the accessories available out of the box will surprise anyone. Dunu has always provided quality accessories with their IEMs and this is no exception. If you open the box, you will see at the beginning an acrylic stand made of wifu's artwork, which looks quite attractive to be honest. Apart from that, a very large carrying case of light white color, four types of different quality eartips of different sizes, nice braided cable and some paperwork.
1. A pair of Dunu Kima 2 IEM ×1
2. Four types of different size eartips
3. High quality braided cable with moduler jack system
4. A large carrying pouch ×1
5. Cleaning brush ×1
6. Some extra paperworks & acrylic stand
★ Specifications :-
Model: KIMA 2
Driver: External Magnetic DLC Composite Diaphragm Dynamic Driver
Net Weight: Approximately 10.5g (per side)
Frequency Response: 5Hz - 40kHZ
Impedance: 20Ω
Sensitivity: 108 dB/mW(@ 1 kHz)；125 dB/Vrms (@ 1 kHz)
THD: <0.3% @ 1 kHZ
Shell Material: S316 Stainless Steel
Cable: Four-Core Single-Crystal copper and Silver-Plated OCC Cable
Cable Length: 1.2 m ± 0.1 m
Connector: 0.78 mm 2 Pin
Plug:Q-Lock Mini interchangeable Plug System,Includes Two Plugs(3.5 mm Single-Ended, 4.4 mm Balanced)
★ Design, Build Quality & Comfort :-
Talking about the design, kima 2 is available in two different color variants. The regular variant is of standard silver color which doesn't look very eye-catching, but there is another limited edition which is of green color and glossy finish is given on the faceplate portion of the shell so it looks very premium. The design language is very similar to the previous model. As the unit in my hand is a regular variant, I am not a big fan of its design lol. On the other hand, kima 2 is simply excellent in build quality. Because its fully metal constructed shell is durable enough with a very perfect finishing on the surface which gives a solid feel even when held in hand. There is no room to complain in this build section. Also fit & comfort was pretty good too, but that's why I would never call it super comfortable. In terms of sound isolation, this set is not so good, which is about average. I personally used dunu candy eartips with kima 2 but could not get a perfect seal in my ears so most of the time I used divinus velvet tips which performed well with this set. The interesting thing is that those whose ears can create a good seal with candy eartips & S&s eartips will not need to use aftermarket eartips because these are good enough quality tips that are provided in the box of dunu kima 2. The carrying pouch of this set is attractive and practical at the same time. A bit large in size, though there is enough space inside to carry the IEM and ensure it stays secure. Stock cable will undoubtedly be its biggest strength. 4 core silver plated monocrystalline copper cable uses with high quality rubber coated from the ear hook area to the splitter portion where there is a recessed 2pin connector and the remaining part is covered with nylon braid which increases the robustness & longevity of the cable. Also added to the end of the cable is the Q-lock mini modular jack system which provides the benefits of 3.5mm single end as well as 4.4mm bal termination.
★ Sound Aspect :-
In Kima2 dunu used their customized single dd modeled after their eclipse driver. Dunu claims that they have now used the same magnetic flux density circuit system as the Falcon Ultra so that it can get a sound level close to that of the Falcon Ultra and at the same time be quite efficient. I don't really get the sound performance of the Falcon Ultra, it seems to be quite power efficient and the interesting thing is that the eclipse driver is usually more eartips sensitive and it has the same characteristics.The Kima 2 is basically a v shape tuned set where the bass and treble are more balanced and the mids are a bit further back.Tonality of this set was slight neutral with a hint of warm-ish touch, Which is able to satisfy most of the listeners.
Credit : @aftersound
★ Gear used :-
1. Questyle Audio Engineering CMA Fifteen
2 . Xduoo xd05 bal 2 (Se & Bal both)
3 . Cayin Ru7 (Se & Bal both)
4 . Questyle m15 (Se & Bal both)
5 . Quloos Mc01 (SE & Bal both)
6 . Epz Tp50 (Se & Bal both)
7 . Fosi Audio Ds1 (Se & Bal both)
8 . Fosi Audio Ds2 ~ 2024 (Se & Bal both)
9 . Roseselsa Rs9039 (Se & Bal both)
10 . Blon V1 (Se & Bal both)
Kima 2 is a set of 20Ω impedance whose sensitivity level is 108dB, so not very powerful amplification is needed to drive it, I got decent loudness from the phone's 3.5mm port, but if a good quality dac amp or portable player is used, then it gets scaled up with the sources (neutral-bright)and becomes better sounding. However, the best pairing I've found with CMA Fifteen. Good stage depth & dynamics, improved imaging even a bit more enhanced micro detailing capability and superb tonal balancing.
Now, I will discuss the sound in detail, I will start with the Low end of this set, i.e. the bass....
★ The Bass :-
Kima 2 shines the most in the bass section. There is good extension from sub bass to mid bass. The sub bass rumble here tries to lend more depth to the sound which can sometimes seem a little too much, I personally don't like over boosted sub bass as it hurts the lower mids. It has a tendency to bleed mildly with mids due to the relatively more presence sub bass, but it doesn't always happen, it was noticeable only in the case of bass heavy genres. Mid bass has a very nice dominance, although the texture is a bit less, the punch is on the heavier side which has managed to retain enough fullness in the body of the bass. This set has handled the bass controls fairly well which will be most liked by maximum folk. I believe that kima 2 will not disappoint if you don't expect too much bass head level bass performance from here.
★ The Mids :-
This set plays the most admirable role in the midrange. To express naturally, its character is very soothing & lush-ier type where there is sufficient warmth touch in the lower mids which makes the male vocal full bodied. Male & female both vocals managed to maintain decent contrast most of the time. However, I noticed that some female vocals were thinner out in a few tracks. Due to this, there is a lack of emotional expression of vocal craft. Besides, the Upper mids region was completely clean & enough textured and at the same time slightly forward, there was no unpleasant incident like harshness or overshadowing, so the difference between vocal & instruments was able to be portrayed very nicely. The midrange tonality is not completely natural, but I did not notice anything unpleasing. It can be said that it was engaging enough, at least it is offering the better midrange at its price point.
★ The Treble :-
The treble section can be a hit or miss type for many. The treble section is smooth but has decent clarity and detailed presentation. The upper registers were not too elevated due to which there is not enough air and sparkle, but it does not seem too dull or dark. Treble response & detail retrieval was of mediocre level but no unwanted sibilance or harshness was found but there was roll-off at upper treble slight margin. 3k-5k even 8k was handled very nicely in kima 2 which is why there was no peakiness to say. The condition of lower treble was quite good where detail and micro detail was noticeable. Cymbals & string instruments didn't seem too lustrous but were acceptable. For treble head folks, this set will not be able to bring complete satisfaction. Who are used to the sparkle and more bright nature of treble. Those who are fairly treble sensitive will have the most fun factor from here for longer listening.
★ Technicalities :-
It could not give outstanding results in technical ability. Sound stage height was better than average and depth was also very good. On the other hand, imaging capability just good, but the instruments placement was not exactly at the pin point, but I expected something better. This set will not be the most analytical or highly technical in any way. It has more push towards fun factor than technical ability. Resolution & detail wise it is decent enough, as a single dd set it has managed to give good results. Dunu does not leave any question about Tonality & timbral accuracy, in short it offers the best tonality in this budget and there is no shrillness in timbre which really surprised me. Also, the amount of micro detail is small but macro detail is lacking. Overall, if competitive gaming is not prioritized, it can be a safe option.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 4. 2/5
Mids : 4.5/5
Treble : 4/5
Technicalities : 3.8/5
Dynamics & speed : 4/5
Build & Aesthetics : 4/5
★ Comparison :-
~ Dunu Kima 2 Vs Nf Acous Nm20 ~
Nm20 is another single dd offering in similar price category. Its build quality and stock accessories are also average, nm20 bright v shape tuned set but kima2 is slightly on warmer side. Notwithstanding nm20's sub bass region roll-off, mid bass was strong with grainy treble and unrealistic tonality & timbre, Kima 2 offers more warmth and a smoother treble performance. On the other side kima 2 is far ahead in these aspects even sound more fuller than nm20. Technically kima 2 is not very strong but in terms of overall musical appearance it will undoubtedly be the real winner.
~ Dunu Kima 2 Vs Dunu Falcon Ultra ~
Falcon Ultra more pricey than kima 2. It has two effective tuning nozzles which can give different test of sound. The build & design was also quite solid and the accessories are also better. Ultra will get more numbers in its midrange compared to kima2 and has been able to keep a more matured role in tonal balancing, it will also be ahead in detail retrieval. In sound isolation, both gave average results, but technically not very impressive. Falcon Ultra managed to deliver more polished sound, It can be a worthy upgrade if you want more fun & engagement in the sound than Kima 2, so it is still far ahead than this one.
★ Conclusion :-
In the current market, the under 150$ category has become very competitive with the IEM offerings of various chi-fi brands. Kima 2 is a new player in this budget game which comes with good sound and value for money tag. This set comes with a complete package considering the budget, so if someone purchases it, there will be no need to upgrade anything extra. I can definitely recommend this set as sound wise it will easily find its way into the wish list of many unless one is extremely treble head.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Dunu official Ali express store (link isn’t affiliated)
★ Introduction :-
NF Audio is a very popular chinese brand, recently they changed their name from NF Audio to NF Acous. Along with the name, they have assured to give considerable importance to innovation in their new journey. I used some of their previous model IEMs which were fairly good sounding. NF Acous has recently released the item to keep up with their much hyped product in the current market which is known as NM20, It is basically a single dd IEM. The company claims that this set is a worthy successor to their previous Nm2. Now I'll discuss this in today's review and try to highlight how much it is equitable of price to performance ratio.
★ Disclaimer :-
This review unit was sent to me directly from NF Acous. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. So, the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
Unfortunately, the unboxing experience of NF Acous' first IEM has not changed much. This set comes with a big black color box. If you open the box, you can see a pair of NM20 set attached to the familiar circular shape board. Besides just below there is a thin card board with a few pairs of ms42 eartips and a round shape carrying case with silver plated copper cable with qdc connector as before. This time also they have provided 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm male-female adapter which is quite a positive aspect.The stock carrying case was very practical which is able to protect the IEM well at the same time. There is enough space inside the case for easily carry to this set, there is even a system for keeping extra eartips.
1. A pair of NM20 ×1
2. 5N silver-coated OFC cable with 3.5mm terminated jack ×1
3. Three pairs of different sizes eartips
4. A black colour Carrying case ×1
5. A 3.5mm to 6.5 adapter ×1
★ Specifications :-
Model :- NM20
Dimensions :-150 × 132 × 83mm
Package Weight :- 300g
Driver :- Dynamic Driver
Cable :- 0.78mm dual pin 5N OFC
Sensitivity :- 108 dB / mW
Impedance :-32Ω
Sound Insulation :-25dB
Frequency Response :- 9-40kHz
Distortion :- < 1%
Max SPL :- 125dB
Connector :- 3.5mm
★ Design, Build & Comfort :-
Design similarities with the previous Nm2 are easily found. As before, polycarbonate is used as the shell's build material, but this time Nm20 feels to be somewhat robust. The polycarbonate shell fits very comfortably in the ear and at the same time being lightweight can be worn in the ear for a long time. I did not face any problem of ear heaviness or discomfort while using it. This IEM has three different color variants available, the unit in my hand is black color and there are two more blue & pink color variants, among which the blue one is the most attractive. The saddest thing is that the look of this set, even in hand, feels quite cheap naturally. Slightly better build quality can be we expected from a sub-120$ set. The most disappointing part of this set is the stock cable, they release new IEMs every time, but they don't make any major changes to the stock cable. Although the braid of 5n ofc copper cable is fine, the Y-splitter of the cable is made of plastic, but the straight 3.5 mm jack termination attached to it is completely surrounded by the metal cover. A big down side of this cable is to become tangled very easily. To avoid this problem Nf acous has included strap guider with the cable to keep it tangle free. Then in the context of carrying case, I will say that the carrying pouch is practical as always. Although not too big in size, It's round shape seems to be ideal for regular use. Apart from this, if i talk about some of their proprietary ms42 eartips, which they provide almost with all kind of their IEMs. The stock eartips are fairly soft & decent comfortable.However, I personally benefited more from using aftermarket eartips on this IEM. I got the best results with kbear 07 & dunu candy eartips. Those who have a collection of eartips in their arsenal, they can try tip rolling to get better result.
★ Sound Aspect :-
The NF Acous NM20 seemed to be a bright V shape tuned single dd set. Where there is an excess of bass and treble and the position of the mids section was a little behind. As impressive as they are claiming the sound performance of their newly customized DD, it is not consistent enough with the real life experience. The treble has been boosted more also I noticed the lack of tightness of the bass. There was noticeable peak in the upper treble region which brings fatigue during long listening seasons. Specially, I'm pretty sure that it will bother some treble sensitive folks more. On the other hand, they have improved quite in terms of sound stage & imaging, but they have not been able to make this set very competitive in its price segment.
Credit :- @cqtek
★ Gear used :-
1. Questyle Audio Engineering CMA Fifteen
2 . Xduoo xd05 bal 2 (Se & Bal both)
3 . Cayin Ru7 (Se & Bal both)
4 . Questyle m15 (Se & Bal both)
5 . Quloos Mc01 (SE & Bal both)
6 . Epz Tp50 (Se & Bal both)
7 . Fosi Audio Ds1 (Se & Bal both)
8 . Fosi Audio Ds2 ~ 2024 (Se & Bal both)
9 . Roseselsa Rs9039 (Se & Bal both)
10 . Blon V1 (Se & Bal both)
NM20 is a set of 32Ω impedance whose sensitivity level is 108dB so not very powerful amplification is needed to drive it, I got decent loudness from the phone's 3.5mm port, but if a good quality dac amp or portable player is used, then it gets scaled up with the sources (warmish-neutral)and becomes better sounding. However, the best pairing I've found with CMA Fifteen. Good stage depth & dynamics, improved imaging even a bit more enhanced micro detailing capability.Tonal balancing is a little bit improved.
Now, I will discuss the sound in detail, I will start with the Low end of this set, i.e. the bass....
★ The Bass :-
Nm20 delivers good performance in bass section especially mid bass. There I got fast attack & decay and the body of the bass was fairly fuller but the texure was less abundant and the tightness was not enough. However, I noticed that the emphasis on the mid bass was relatively higher than the sub bass performance, which resulted in the presence of the mid bass on some bass heavy tracks and pushing the upper mids towards a bit of bloat. The rumble of the sub bass region was of a mediocre level, although I wouldn't say that it hits very deeply, but the control was good and the definition did not seems very clean or articulate. The quantity & quality of sub bass is inferior to mid bass, it is not overpowering the other frequencies sound even the lower mids do not seem to have been ruined or recessed much . All in all the bass region is not too backward but not too impressive either.
★ The Mids :-
In the context of mids, this set is more upper mids focused compared to lower mids. To be honest, the emphasis is more on the upper mids, That's why the vocals feels more forward. It doesn't seem very engaging or enjoyable. Besides, the male vocal has a good body, but the female vocal has noticeable shouty-ness which undermines the quality of the vocal. At the same time, the lower mids were recessed and there was a lack of details & clarity. Vocal & instruments fail to retain their character adequacy most of the time, resulting in a lack of aural enjoyment experience. Folks who are more used to vocal centric genres will not get much expected result from here, I personally like a little warmth & rich vocal so considering those things, Nm20 will not be able to give full satisfaction. It could not fulfill my expectation.
★ The Treble :-
Talking about the treble, there is a lot of detail here. As a single dd set, it has enough energy & sparkle in the treble. But it makes cymbals & high frequency notes a bit lifeless. While the upper treble has decent clarity, the mid treble is largely disappointing.There was occasional harshness in the sound and I even noticed problems like graininess. The 5k-8k region doesn't seem to be very consistent which causes fatigue during the enjoyment period. In this case after market eartips are somewhat helpful. Treble extension was decent extended but lacked refinement, I'm pretty sure that bright treble with such unnatural sparkle would be fatiguing to many except those for whom extreme treble energy is preferred. This grainy nature of the treble left me a little disappointed. Despite being a fairly treble head, I could not enjoy such unnatural & bright characteristic.
★ Technicalities :-
The Nm20 IEM has managed to maintain a strong position in terms of technical ability. The sound stage is considered wider with accurate stage depth. Moreover, the biggest strength of the imaging capability is to say that it has been able to provide absolutely holographic imaging, which I hope will put it far ahead in such a price category. The Nm20 IEM has managed to maintain a strong position in terms of technical ability. The sound stage is considered wider with accurate stage depth. Moreover, the biggest strength of the imaging capability is to say that it has been able to provide absolutely holographic imaging. Which I hope, will put it far ahead in such a price category. This set has been able to clearly highlight the presence of the movement nature of most of the instruments. This feature is most helpful in gaming as it can precisely locate the opponent's positioning. Those who play battle royal games will definitely get excellent results from nm20. Tonality & timbre accuracy was not so appreciable while micro detail is there to some extent but macro detail was lacking more
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 4 /5
Mids : 3.8 /5
Treble : 3.5/5
Technicalities : 4/5
Dynamics & speed : 3.8/5
Build & Aesthetics : 3.5/5
★ Comparison :-
~ NF Acous NM20 Vs OG NM2 ~
Nm 20 comes with few changes compared to the previous nm2. There is no biggest difference in build quality, the midrange tonality of the nm20 seems to be a bit of a downside compared to the previous nm2. nm20 performs better in mid bass but nm2 is in safe position in treble. Technically just improved nm20 compared to nm2. In my opinion, for those who are nm2 users, this new nm20 does not seem to be a worthy upgrade except for some small aspects.
~ NF Acous NM20 Vs Dunu Kima2 ~
Kima2 is another new contender in the sub 120$ price range. The shell construction of Kima 2 is not made of cheap looking polycarbonate like nm20, being fully metal constructed there is no chance of any question about durability. The accessories that come with out of the box kima2 are much better than nm20. In terms of sound, kima2 is slightly warmish V shape tuned set. It has managed to maintain solid performance of bass & treble as well as well balanced tonality in midrange region which will be much ahead of Nm20. Nm20 is ahead only for its holographic imaging capability otherwise kima2 offers better sound value for the price.
★ Conclusion :-
After Nf audio changed their name to Nf acous, the Nm20 as the first IEM of their new journey did not show much promise as they claimed. I haven't noticed any major improvement on it from their previous Nm2. If you look for a better option than this in the current market, you can easily find it, which offers better value from the build to the overall appearance, where the nm20 is lagging behind. I'm not saying this set is bad in any way but there is an opportunity to improve more in the sound segment which may be seen in the upcoming launches of nf acous. I wish them all the best for this new venture.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Nf acous ali express store (link isn’t affiliated)
NF Audio is a very popular chinese brand, recently they changed their name from NF Audio to NF Acous. Along with the name, they have assured to give considerable importance to innovation in their new journey. I used some of their previous model IEMs which were fairly good sounding. NF Acous has recently released the item to keep up with their much hyped product in the current market which is known as NM20, It is basically a single dd IEM. The company claims that this set is a worthy successor to their previous Nm2. Now I'll discuss this in today's review and try to highlight how much it is equitable of price to performance ratio.
★ Disclaimer :-
This review unit was sent to me directly from NF Acous. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. So, the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
Unfortunately, the unboxing experience of NF Acous' first IEM has not changed much. This set comes with a big black color box. If you open the box, you can see a pair of NM20 set attached to the familiar circular shape board. Besides just below there is a thin card board with a few pairs of ms42 eartips and a round shape carrying case with silver plated copper cable with qdc connector as before. This time also they have provided 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm male-female adapter which is quite a positive aspect.The stock carrying case was very practical which is able to protect the IEM well at the same time. There is enough space inside the case for easily carry to this set, there is even a system for keeping extra eartips.
1. A pair of NM20 ×1
2. 5N silver-coated OFC cable with 3.5mm terminated jack ×1
3. Three pairs of different sizes eartips
4. A black colour Carrying case ×1
5. A 3.5mm to 6.5 adapter ×1
★ Specifications :-
Model :- NM20
Dimensions :-150 × 132 × 83mm
Package Weight :- 300g
Driver :- Dynamic Driver
Cable :- 0.78mm dual pin 5N OFC
Sensitivity :- 108 dB / mW
Impedance :-32Ω
Sound Insulation :-25dB
Frequency Response :- 9-40kHz
Distortion :- < 1%
Max SPL :- 125dB
Connector :- 3.5mm
★ Design, Build & Comfort :-
Design similarities with the previous Nm2 are easily found. As before, polycarbonate is used as the shell's build material, but this time Nm20 feels to be somewhat robust. The polycarbonate shell fits very comfortably in the ear and at the same time being lightweight can be worn in the ear for a long time. I did not face any problem of ear heaviness or discomfort while using it. This IEM has three different color variants available, the unit in my hand is black color and there are two more blue & pink color variants, among which the blue one is the most attractive. The saddest thing is that the look of this set, even in hand, feels quite cheap naturally. Slightly better build quality can be we expected from a sub-120$ set. The most disappointing part of this set is the stock cable, they release new IEMs every time, but they don't make any major changes to the stock cable. Although the braid of 5n ofc copper cable is fine, the Y-splitter of the cable is made of plastic, but the straight 3.5 mm jack termination attached to it is completely surrounded by the metal cover. A big down side of this cable is to become tangled very easily. To avoid this problem Nf acous has included strap guider with the cable to keep it tangle free. Then in the context of carrying case, I will say that the carrying pouch is practical as always. Although not too big in size, It's round shape seems to be ideal for regular use. Apart from this, if i talk about some of their proprietary ms42 eartips, which they provide almost with all kind of their IEMs. The stock eartips are fairly soft & decent comfortable.However, I personally benefited more from using aftermarket eartips on this IEM. I got the best results with kbear 07 & dunu candy eartips. Those who have a collection of eartips in their arsenal, they can try tip rolling to get better result.
★ Sound Aspect :-
The NF Acous NM20 seemed to be a bright V shape tuned single dd set. Where there is an excess of bass and treble and the position of the mids section was a little behind. As impressive as they are claiming the sound performance of their newly customized DD, it is not consistent enough with the real life experience. The treble has been boosted more also I noticed the lack of tightness of the bass. There was noticeable peak in the upper treble region which brings fatigue during long listening seasons. Specially, I'm pretty sure that it will bother some treble sensitive folks more. On the other hand, they have improved quite in terms of sound stage & imaging, but they have not been able to make this set very competitive in its price segment.
Credit :- @cqtek
★ Gear used :-
1. Questyle Audio Engineering CMA Fifteen
2 . Xduoo xd05 bal 2 (Se & Bal both)
3 . Cayin Ru7 (Se & Bal both)
4 . Questyle m15 (Se & Bal both)
5 . Quloos Mc01 (SE & Bal both)
6 . Epz Tp50 (Se & Bal both)
7 . Fosi Audio Ds1 (Se & Bal both)
8 . Fosi Audio Ds2 ~ 2024 (Se & Bal both)
9 . Roseselsa Rs9039 (Se & Bal both)
10 . Blon V1 (Se & Bal both)
NM20 is a set of 32Ω impedance whose sensitivity level is 108dB so not very powerful amplification is needed to drive it, I got decent loudness from the phone's 3.5mm port, but if a good quality dac amp or portable player is used, then it gets scaled up with the sources (warmish-neutral)and becomes better sounding. However, the best pairing I've found with CMA Fifteen. Good stage depth & dynamics, improved imaging even a bit more enhanced micro detailing capability.Tonal balancing is a little bit improved.
Now, I will discuss the sound in detail, I will start with the Low end of this set, i.e. the bass....
★ The Bass :-
Nm20 delivers good performance in bass section especially mid bass. There I got fast attack & decay and the body of the bass was fairly fuller but the texure was less abundant and the tightness was not enough. However, I noticed that the emphasis on the mid bass was relatively higher than the sub bass performance, which resulted in the presence of the mid bass on some bass heavy tracks and pushing the upper mids towards a bit of bloat. The rumble of the sub bass region was of a mediocre level, although I wouldn't say that it hits very deeply, but the control was good and the definition did not seems very clean or articulate. The quantity & quality of sub bass is inferior to mid bass, it is not overpowering the other frequencies sound even the lower mids do not seem to have been ruined or recessed much . All in all the bass region is not too backward but not too impressive either.
★ The Mids :-
In the context of mids, this set is more upper mids focused compared to lower mids. To be honest, the emphasis is more on the upper mids, That's why the vocals feels more forward. It doesn't seem very engaging or enjoyable. Besides, the male vocal has a good body, but the female vocal has noticeable shouty-ness which undermines the quality of the vocal. At the same time, the lower mids were recessed and there was a lack of details & clarity. Vocal & instruments fail to retain their character adequacy most of the time, resulting in a lack of aural enjoyment experience. Folks who are more used to vocal centric genres will not get much expected result from here, I personally like a little warmth & rich vocal so considering those things, Nm20 will not be able to give full satisfaction. It could not fulfill my expectation.
★ The Treble :-
Talking about the treble, there is a lot of detail here. As a single dd set, it has enough energy & sparkle in the treble. But it makes cymbals & high frequency notes a bit lifeless. While the upper treble has decent clarity, the mid treble is largely disappointing.There was occasional harshness in the sound and I even noticed problems like graininess. The 5k-8k region doesn't seem to be very consistent which causes fatigue during the enjoyment period. In this case after market eartips are somewhat helpful. Treble extension was decent extended but lacked refinement, I'm pretty sure that bright treble with such unnatural sparkle would be fatiguing to many except those for whom extreme treble energy is preferred. This grainy nature of the treble left me a little disappointed. Despite being a fairly treble head, I could not enjoy such unnatural & bright characteristic.
★ Technicalities :-
The Nm20 IEM has managed to maintain a strong position in terms of technical ability. The sound stage is considered wider with accurate stage depth. Moreover, the biggest strength of the imaging capability is to say that it has been able to provide absolutely holographic imaging, which I hope will put it far ahead in such a price category. The Nm20 IEM has managed to maintain a strong position in terms of technical ability. The sound stage is considered wider with accurate stage depth. Moreover, the biggest strength of the imaging capability is to say that it has been able to provide absolutely holographic imaging. Which I hope, will put it far ahead in such a price category. This set has been able to clearly highlight the presence of the movement nature of most of the instruments. This feature is most helpful in gaming as it can precisely locate the opponent's positioning. Those who play battle royal games will definitely get excellent results from nm20. Tonality & timbre accuracy was not so appreciable while micro detail is there to some extent but macro detail was lacking more
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 4 /5
Mids : 3.8 /5
Treble : 3.5/5
Technicalities : 4/5
Dynamics & speed : 3.8/5
Build & Aesthetics : 3.5/5
★ Comparison :-
~ NF Acous NM20 Vs OG NM2 ~
Nm 20 comes with few changes compared to the previous nm2. There is no biggest difference in build quality, the midrange tonality of the nm20 seems to be a bit of a downside compared to the previous nm2. nm20 performs better in mid bass but nm2 is in safe position in treble. Technically just improved nm20 compared to nm2. In my opinion, for those who are nm2 users, this new nm20 does not seem to be a worthy upgrade except for some small aspects.
~ NF Acous NM20 Vs Dunu Kima2 ~
Kima2 is another new contender in the sub 120$ price range. The shell construction of Kima 2 is not made of cheap looking polycarbonate like nm20, being fully metal constructed there is no chance of any question about durability. The accessories that come with out of the box kima2 are much better than nm20. In terms of sound, kima2 is slightly warmish V shape tuned set. It has managed to maintain solid performance of bass & treble as well as well balanced tonality in midrange region which will be much ahead of Nm20. Nm20 is ahead only for its holographic imaging capability otherwise kima2 offers better sound value for the price.
★ Conclusion :-
After Nf audio changed their name to Nf acous, the Nm20 as the first IEM of their new journey did not show much promise as they claimed. I haven't noticed any major improvement on it from their previous Nm2. If you look for a better option than this in the current market, you can easily find it, which offers better value from the build to the overall appearance, where the nm20 is lagging behind. I'm not saying this set is bad in any way but there is an opportunity to improve more in the sound segment which may be seen in the upcoming launches of nf acous. I wish them all the best for this new venture.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Nf acous ali express store (link isn’t affiliated)
★ Introduction :-
ddhifi has been regarded as a reputable Chinese audio equipment manufacturer.Who have been manufacturing audio gear and accessories for a long time.Their latest innovations and modern solutions cater to the needs of audiophiles and make everyday life more easier. ddHiFi generally started their journey with Guangzhou DD Electronic Technology Company established in July 2017. They are the manufacturer of earphone, cable, audio adapter, dac dongle and many other necessary accessories. In which they represent an emphasis on unique design as well as craftsmanship can be said to be meticulous. I recently got hold of their newly released tc35cm2 dongle dac and have been using it regularly, the whole experience of which will be shared in today's review.
★ Disclaimer :-
This unit was sent to me directly from @ddHiFi for review purpose. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. As always the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box content at a glance :-
Tc35cm2 dongle comes in a very small white color box. When you open it, you will see the dongle, a warranty card and qc passed card. Apart from that, there is nothing else what can be called a very simple unboxing experience. I expected there to be a generic fabric pouch to carry the dongle. Unfortunately it wasn't there, ddhifi does not include it in the box. In this case they can be said to have shown some stinginess lol.
1.TC35CM2 Dongle Dac ×1
2.warrenty card ×1
3.QC Passed card ×1
★ Design, Build Quality & Compatibility :-
This miniature form factor's dongle is really eye catchy due to its smooth finishing.The construction of this device is simply top notch. Ddhifi has tried to make a single end dongle as durable as possible with their tc35cm2. CNC-machined aviation grade aluminum has been used as the construction material of the device. Both ends of it i.e. type c interface portion & earphone port portion are completely surrounded by metal cover where smooth finishing is also given, At the same time, ddhifi's branding has been highlighted nicely in the golden accent on the surface of type c port portion. Which enhances its premium-ness to a great extent. Moreover, the braided structure of high quality silver plated copper cable connects the two ends of the dongle in a very strong way, resulting in a very stiff feel when held in the hand. Along with the commendable build quality, its compatibility was also quite good. I have been able to use it with my android phone, ipad and pc without any issues and even when using it on pc its full potential has come out. Its small size is designed for ultra portability without sacrificing performance. Since there is no problem with carrying it, this device can be used in any situation with ease. As mentioned earlier, there is no problem with the phone. The dongle connects very strongly to the type c port of the phone which is a positive aspect but keeping it in a jeans pocket makes it a bit risky to stay connected to the phone while traveling as the phone's charging port remains prone to breakage. So I think it would be wise to maintain personal awareness then.
★ Specifications :-
~ Interface : USB-C
~ Socket : 3.5mm 4-pole
~ Cable : High-purity oxygen-free copper multi-core shielded
~ Supported headphone type : TIA standard inline controls
~ Frequency response : 20Hz- 20kHz
~ Headphone amp chip : ES9603Q (independent)
~ PCM decoding support : Up to 32bit/384kHz (dsd 64 max)
~ Output power : L+R>45mW+45mW (322/ THD+N<1%)
~ SNR : ≥112 dB (32Ω load/A-weighted)
~ Dynamic range : >120dB
~ THD : <0.008% (322 load)
~ Noise floor : <3μV (A-weighted)
~ Length (excluding plugs) : 9cm
~ Weight: Approx. 9.5g
★ Tested With :-
Android phone , Ipad & PC
~ Tanchjim Origin
~ Dunu Falcon Ultra
~ NF Audio Ra15
~ Artti Audio R1
~ Letshouer S08
~ Dunu Kima 2
~ NF acous Nm20
~ Celest Wyvern Qing
★ Sound Aspect :-
The Tc35cm2 dongle is basically a neutral sounding source where a hint of bright touch exists. Sound wise it gives fairly natural presentation in all cases. Although minimal coloration has been found, I would not say that make the sounds more clinical or digital. This dongle tries to deliver sound exactly as it should be to create the appearance of music. Other than that there haven't found any roll-off issues which is definitely a strength.This dongle supports audio format of upto 32 bit 384khz sampling rate, where the max Dsd 64 is supported. With It's 112db SNR, this small dongle is capable of delivering very clean sound. Talking about the sound, let's jump to the bass at the beginning.The bass wasn’t punchy enough, where depth is noticeably lacking.The speed & texture of the bass was on the good side. Due to this lack of depth, this will increase more the lack of bass region in IEMs. There is a slight warmth in the mids section which adds a welcoming factor to the overall midrange. Upper mids region is somewhat forward but clean, lower mids can retain clarity. In general the vocal sound does not seem very lifelike or realistic even more coloured that's considered as neutral presentation. As a result, the mids have been able to ensure adequate cleanliness.Treble region was quite good, able to offer moderately detailed presentation along with sufficient airiness. A very nice extension from upper treble to lower treble was maintained, on the other side the presence of lower treble is also good.There is a slight boost towards the upper register but it doesn't affect the treble too much and there is no harshness or peakiness. Also lower treble is pretty good. Where smooth manner has gained importance along with detail retrieval is intact. In terms of technicalities, it has given a decent result. The sound stage height was a little better than the average and the depth was accurate. Imaging capability was not bad, even if not more precise.The instruments can be located fairly good way. I didn't get any kind of stereo separation related issue, similarly micro dynamics is just good & macro dynamics presentation was below average.
★ Synergy and Power :-
The output power of the dongle is quite low (45mw@32ohm) so it can provide good synergy with driving most easy to drive IEMs to their full potential. I tried many IEMs with this dongle including regular dd as well as budget friendly planar set, but did not use any kind of full size headphone as its driveability was not that satisfactory level. It becomes a bit challenging for this dongle to drive a demanding planar set. I used my Letshuoer S08 planar, which was a bit hard to drive so the tc35cm2 couldn't open-up full dynamics with its lower amplification. Moreover, it has performed well in the case of regular dd sets, but if the sound of IEMs are a bit bright-ish, then the pairing with them will not be very promising. Outside of it, neutral or slightly warm sounding IEMs have shown good performance. I don't notice too many complaints with it considering its size.
★ Comparison :-
~Ddhifi tc35cm2 Vs Tanchjim space lite~
Both are dongles of similar form factor. Space lite a little bit more pricey than tc35cm2. In terms of sound, space lite will be in a better position even the output power is far ahead than tc35cm2. None of them have a gain switching option sadly, but the space lite is handy for using a bit more demanding gear for its higher power output (98mw@32Ω). It supports pcm to max Dsd 256 while ddhifi can decode up to highest dsd 64. Interestingly, none of them paired well with the sensitive sets. Different dac chip are used in the internal configuration of both of them, that's why there are some changes in the sound. Regarding tonality, space lite is neutral to slight warmth and ddhifi is neutral to hint of bright-ish. Even though ddhifi overall is better in technical aspect, space lite seems more wider in sound stage but its imaging capability is not very convenient but space lite is definitely the real winner in overall sound performance.
~ddHiFi tc35cm2 Vs Blon V1~
The price of blon's newly released dongle V1 is almost similar with this dongle of ddhifi. Price is consistent but blon V1 offers better value in terms of price to performance ratio. It is made up of glass panel and aluminum frame so the device looks quite premium and it has bal port which gives upto 160mw output power which is much more higher than tc35cm2. By doing this, v1 will bring additional benefits in driving moderate demanding headphones, which is the main lacking of ddhifi but does not come with such clean output with sensitive sets. It has hardware level volume control buttons with "play" & "pause" buttons as an extra benefit. Slight pop-ing sound is available only when plugging in and removing the earphone. That doesn't seem like any major problem. Technicalities are also much better than this dongle of ddhifi. So if you need more output power, I think v1 will definitely be a worthy purchase.
★ Conclusion :-
ddhifi has tried to cover pretty much everything from the build quality of their tc35cm2 dongle. If you look at its retail price, then it must seem a bit pricey because other offerings are better than this in the current market. Which are performing better in addition to the output power.Those who are looking for a simple dac dongle as an alternative to the earphone port of any smart phones (except Lg & some specific phones). which will have good build quality as well as fairly good sounding. At the same time, this tc35cm2 dongle can be an ideal option for those who do not need high power output but are thinking of regular use with phone. I can recommend those folks to buy it. Otherwise, those who already have a few sets in their arsenal will easily find a better option in the current market under 50$.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
ddhifi has been regarded as a reputable Chinese audio equipment manufacturer.Who have been manufacturing audio gear and accessories for a long time.Their latest innovations and modern solutions cater to the needs of audiophiles and make everyday life more easier. ddHiFi generally started their journey with Guangzhou DD Electronic Technology Company established in July 2017. They are the manufacturer of earphone, cable, audio adapter, dac dongle and many other necessary accessories. In which they represent an emphasis on unique design as well as craftsmanship can be said to be meticulous. I recently got hold of their newly released tc35cm2 dongle dac and have been using it regularly, the whole experience of which will be shared in today's review.
★ Disclaimer :-
This unit was sent to me directly from @ddHiFi for review purpose. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. As always the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box content at a glance :-
Tc35cm2 dongle comes in a very small white color box. When you open it, you will see the dongle, a warranty card and qc passed card. Apart from that, there is nothing else what can be called a very simple unboxing experience. I expected there to be a generic fabric pouch to carry the dongle. Unfortunately it wasn't there, ddhifi does not include it in the box. In this case they can be said to have shown some stinginess lol.
1.TC35CM2 Dongle Dac ×1
2.warrenty card ×1
3.QC Passed card ×1
★ Design, Build Quality & Compatibility :-
This miniature form factor's dongle is really eye catchy due to its smooth finishing.The construction of this device is simply top notch. Ddhifi has tried to make a single end dongle as durable as possible with their tc35cm2. CNC-machined aviation grade aluminum has been used as the construction material of the device. Both ends of it i.e. type c interface portion & earphone port portion are completely surrounded by metal cover where smooth finishing is also given, At the same time, ddhifi's branding has been highlighted nicely in the golden accent on the surface of type c port portion. Which enhances its premium-ness to a great extent. Moreover, the braided structure of high quality silver plated copper cable connects the two ends of the dongle in a very strong way, resulting in a very stiff feel when held in the hand. Along with the commendable build quality, its compatibility was also quite good. I have been able to use it with my android phone, ipad and pc without any issues and even when using it on pc its full potential has come out. Its small size is designed for ultra portability without sacrificing performance. Since there is no problem with carrying it, this device can be used in any situation with ease. As mentioned earlier, there is no problem with the phone. The dongle connects very strongly to the type c port of the phone which is a positive aspect but keeping it in a jeans pocket makes it a bit risky to stay connected to the phone while traveling as the phone's charging port remains prone to breakage. So I think it would be wise to maintain personal awareness then.
★ Specifications :-
~ Interface : USB-C
~ Socket : 3.5mm 4-pole
~ Cable : High-purity oxygen-free copper multi-core shielded
~ Supported headphone type : TIA standard inline controls
~ Frequency response : 20Hz- 20kHz
~ Headphone amp chip : ES9603Q (independent)
~ PCM decoding support : Up to 32bit/384kHz (dsd 64 max)
~ Output power : L+R>45mW+45mW (322/ THD+N<1%)
~ SNR : ≥112 dB (32Ω load/A-weighted)
~ Dynamic range : >120dB
~ THD : <0.008% (322 load)
~ Noise floor : <3μV (A-weighted)
~ Length (excluding plugs) : 9cm
~ Weight: Approx. 9.5g
★ Tested With :-
Android phone , Ipad & PC ~ Tanchjim Origin
~ Dunu Falcon Ultra
~ NF Audio Ra15
~ Artti Audio R1
~ Letshouer S08
~ Dunu Kima 2
~ NF acous Nm20
~ Celest Wyvern Qing
★ Sound Aspect :-
The Tc35cm2 dongle is basically a neutral sounding source where a hint of bright touch exists. Sound wise it gives fairly natural presentation in all cases. Although minimal coloration has been found, I would not say that make the sounds more clinical or digital. This dongle tries to deliver sound exactly as it should be to create the appearance of music. Other than that there haven't found any roll-off issues which is definitely a strength.This dongle supports audio format of upto 32 bit 384khz sampling rate, where the max Dsd 64 is supported. With It's 112db SNR, this small dongle is capable of delivering very clean sound. Talking about the sound, let's jump to the bass at the beginning.The bass wasn’t punchy enough, where depth is noticeably lacking.The speed & texture of the bass was on the good side. Due to this lack of depth, this will increase more the lack of bass region in IEMs. There is a slight warmth in the mids section which adds a welcoming factor to the overall midrange. Upper mids region is somewhat forward but clean, lower mids can retain clarity. In general the vocal sound does not seem very lifelike or realistic even more coloured that's considered as neutral presentation. As a result, the mids have been able to ensure adequate cleanliness.Treble region was quite good, able to offer moderately detailed presentation along with sufficient airiness. A very nice extension from upper treble to lower treble was maintained, on the other side the presence of lower treble is also good.There is a slight boost towards the upper register but it doesn't affect the treble too much and there is no harshness or peakiness. Also lower treble is pretty good. Where smooth manner has gained importance along with detail retrieval is intact. In terms of technicalities, it has given a decent result. The sound stage height was a little better than the average and the depth was accurate. Imaging capability was not bad, even if not more precise.The instruments can be located fairly good way. I didn't get any kind of stereo separation related issue, similarly micro dynamics is just good & macro dynamics presentation was below average.
★ Synergy and Power :-
The output power of the dongle is quite low (45mw@32ohm) so it can provide good synergy with driving most easy to drive IEMs to their full potential. I tried many IEMs with this dongle including regular dd as well as budget friendly planar set, but did not use any kind of full size headphone as its driveability was not that satisfactory level. It becomes a bit challenging for this dongle to drive a demanding planar set. I used my Letshuoer S08 planar, which was a bit hard to drive so the tc35cm2 couldn't open-up full dynamics with its lower amplification. Moreover, it has performed well in the case of regular dd sets, but if the sound of IEMs are a bit bright-ish, then the pairing with them will not be very promising. Outside of it, neutral or slightly warm sounding IEMs have shown good performance. I don't notice too many complaints with it considering its size.
★ Comparison :-
~Ddhifi tc35cm2 Vs Tanchjim space lite~
Both are dongles of similar form factor. Space lite a little bit more pricey than tc35cm2. In terms of sound, space lite will be in a better position even the output power is far ahead than tc35cm2. None of them have a gain switching option sadly, but the space lite is handy for using a bit more demanding gear for its higher power output (98mw@32Ω). It supports pcm to max Dsd 256 while ddhifi can decode up to highest dsd 64. Interestingly, none of them paired well with the sensitive sets. Different dac chip are used in the internal configuration of both of them, that's why there are some changes in the sound. Regarding tonality, space lite is neutral to slight warmth and ddhifi is neutral to hint of bright-ish. Even though ddhifi overall is better in technical aspect, space lite seems more wider in sound stage but its imaging capability is not very convenient but space lite is definitely the real winner in overall sound performance.
~ddHiFi tc35cm2 Vs Blon V1~
The price of blon's newly released dongle V1 is almost similar with this dongle of ddhifi. Price is consistent but blon V1 offers better value in terms of price to performance ratio. It is made up of glass panel and aluminum frame so the device looks quite premium and it has bal port which gives upto 160mw output power which is much more higher than tc35cm2. By doing this, v1 will bring additional benefits in driving moderate demanding headphones, which is the main lacking of ddhifi but does not come with such clean output with sensitive sets. It has hardware level volume control buttons with "play" & "pause" buttons as an extra benefit. Slight pop-ing sound is available only when plugging in and removing the earphone. That doesn't seem like any major problem. Technicalities are also much better than this dongle of ddhifi. So if you need more output power, I think v1 will definitely be a worthy purchase.
★ Conclusion :-
ddhifi has tried to cover pretty much everything from the build quality of their tc35cm2 dongle. If you look at its retail price, then it must seem a bit pricey because other offerings are better than this in the current market. Which are performing better in addition to the output power.Those who are looking for a simple dac dongle as an alternative to the earphone port of any smart phones (except Lg & some specific phones). which will have good build quality as well as fairly good sounding. At the same time, this tc35cm2 dongle can be an ideal option for those who do not need high power output but are thinking of regular use with phone. I can recommend those folks to buy it. Otherwise, those who already have a few sets in their arsenal will easily find a better option in the current market under 50$.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
ddHiFi official Ali express Store (link isn’t affiliated)
Rsifur9
very good heads up 
★ Introduction :-
Fosi Audio has made the budget dac amp segment much more competitive by releasing quality gear at affordable prices. I used their Ds2 dongle which was pretty good considering the price. Their most hit product was the sk02 dac amp which ranks among the standard sub100$ bucks.Today I'm mainly here with a review of their previous model dongle dac Ds1. I've been using it for more than a month. I'll try to give my personal opinion about it in this review. So that it is convenient for understand how equitable for this price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
This unit was sent to me directly from Fosi Audio for review purpose. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. As always the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
The packaging of DS1 was quite simple, a flat box of black color contains dongle dac, usb A adapter, user manual and a nice looking nylon braided type c to type c short cable. All useful accessories are available out of the box, so there is no need to buy anything extra. Fosi has no room to complain in this regard
1. Ds1 dongle dac ×1
2. Usb A adapter ×1
3. Type c to type c short cable ×1
4. User manual guide ×1
★ Design, Build Quality & Functionality :-
In terms of design, this dongle does not offer anything impressive, but in the build section, it must be called rock solid. This dongle of fully metal constructed which is a little heavy in weight but feels very durable when held in hand. To me it felt like holding a small metal bar in my hand lol. Apart from the solid build, the compatibility of the device was also excellent. I have used it with windows, android, and ios without any issues. Interestingly it has support from pcm format to native Dsd 512 which was really commendable. The device has a small light indicator that changes color according to the audio sample rate. Moreover, the dongle has a hardware level volume control button whose positioning and pressing feedback were quite satisfactory and at the same time the ports were very strong. From this point of view, fosi audio undoubtedly deserves praise.
★ Specifications :-
~ Model :- DS1
~ Output Power :- 120mW(SE); 220mW(BAL)
~ Terminating Impedance :- 16-300Ω
~ Input Mode :- USB Type C
~ Output Mode :- 3.5MM + 4.4MM Headphone
~ Frequency Range :- 20Hz-20kHz (±0.5dB)
~ THD :- 0.0006%(32Ω SE); 0.001%(32Ω BAL)
~ SNR :- ≥120 dB
~ Sampling Rate :- 32bit/768kHz
~ DSD :- DSD64/128/256/512
~ DAC Chipset :- ES9038Q2M
~ Material :- aluminium Alloy
~ Device Weight :- 38g
★ Tested With :-
~ Sennheiser HD660S2
~ Sony IER M9
~ Tanchjim Origin
~ Dunu Falcon Ultra
~ Hidizs MP145
~ IO Audio Volare
~ NF Audio Ra15
~ Letshouer S08
~ Artti Audio R1
★ Sound Aspect :-
Ds1 basically neutral to slightly warmer sounding dongle. The dongle is able to deliver commendable sound performance from its compact form factor. The low noise floor of the device is relatively quiet, due to which there was no unwanted circuit noise in the background which can be called dead silent noise floor. Due to the lower noise floor, it is able to create a fairly clear invitation to lower frequency sounds naturally. Despite being a performer in the affordable price segment, there was no roll-off issue in its sound which is a big strength. Ds1 dongle has regular single ended port as well as bal port from where the device can show its max output capability. Maximum IEM's or some moderate demanding headphones can be powered up with this Bal port to get more juice out. The dongle has support from pcm to native dsd 512 also supports 32bit/768kHz sample rate. The Dsd playback is not as expected from budget dongles and this was no exception here. The dongle has a small light indicator that changes color based on the sound sampling rate but most of the time it creates a confusing situation that can seem a bit annoying. Talking about the sound, let's talk about the bass at the beginning. The bass section was very tight & impactful, there was good control from sub bass to mid bass area with the body was very pronounced. Bass notes seem to be well-separated where I didn't notice any unwanted bleed issue but the speed is on the good side even though there is a slight lack of texture. Definition was decent enough but definitely not like premium dongles. The Mids region it's completely clean with slight warmth effect which giving a welcoming factor there. It's able to represent the singer's vocal very beautifully without any harshness or dryness. Afterward maintaining the cleanliness of the upper mids, it has managed to ensure the transparency of the lower mids admirably which surprised me. Most of the dongles I have used around this price range have faced problems like mids section being more forward or recessed in many cases but Ds1 is in a far better position compared to them at least for its midrange performance.Treble is basically detailed with good amount of sparkle presence but not very resolving. There was minimal glare which made it somewhat fail to portray the actual character of the sound like cymbals & string instruments. Notwithstanding the extension of Treble was good, but the end to end extension was not that up to the mark. In terms of technicalities, the dongle has given simply excellent performance. Along with wide sound stage, good depth and precise imaging has given a good advantage in terms of fps gaming. Dynamics and macro dynamics punch are decent and there was no complaint about the resolution. So it can be said that under 100$ bucks it will be technically far ahead of its other competitors undoubtedly.
★ Synergy and Power :-
ESS's ES9038Q2M is used as a dac chip in the device, but its sound is not like the typical "ess" house sound. This neutral to warmish sounding dongle has good synergy with almost all types of IEMs.I did not find any decrease in the output power of the device, 120mw@32 ohms from single end and 220mw@32 ohms from Bal port. Despite having such impressive output capability, the dongle is very battery efficient. While using the phone I noticed a very low battery consumption rate which deserves a lot of praise. With this admirable power output, it is possible to power up some demanding headphones in addition to regular dd & planar sets. However, pairing with highly sensitive IEMs was not very well, hissing issue comes easily from here.Because of this, the chances of benefiting from using sensitive sets are very less. I have paired many IEMs with the dongle and even used the full size open back headphone HD660S2. The dongle was able to drive this open back headphone quite well, providing good control by keeping the impact fairly tight in the bass region with decent speed & tolerable staging even can present the mids with fine detail without being harsh. Moreover, treble has mediocre detailed presentation but lacks a lot of dynamics & resolution which is normal to get from such a budget dongle.
★ Conclusion :-
Barring a few minor issues, the ds1 offers everything in its sound performance. It's possible to get good synergy from it everywhere without a very bright sounding set. It can be an ideal option for those whose budget is around 100$. I'm hopeful that the device will be a complete package with solid build, sound quality & high output power that will satisfy most of the listeners. I would suggest to buy it for those who want good technicalities with fun relaxed sound. If someone is looking for something highly technical and analytical sounding dongle then would be advised to stay away from ds1.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
FosiAudio Ali express store (link isn't affiliated)
Fosi Audio has made the budget dac amp segment much more competitive by releasing quality gear at affordable prices. I used their Ds2 dongle which was pretty good considering the price. Their most hit product was the sk02 dac amp which ranks among the standard sub100$ bucks.Today I'm mainly here with a review of their previous model dongle dac Ds1. I've been using it for more than a month. I'll try to give my personal opinion about it in this review. So that it is convenient for understand how equitable for this price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
This unit was sent to me directly from Fosi Audio for review purpose. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. As always the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
The packaging of DS1 was quite simple, a flat box of black color contains dongle dac, usb A adapter, user manual and a nice looking nylon braided type c to type c short cable. All useful accessories are available out of the box, so there is no need to buy anything extra. Fosi has no room to complain in this regard
1. Ds1 dongle dac ×1
2. Usb A adapter ×1
3. Type c to type c short cable ×1
4. User manual guide ×1
★ Design, Build Quality & Functionality :-
In terms of design, this dongle does not offer anything impressive, but in the build section, it must be called rock solid. This dongle of fully metal constructed which is a little heavy in weight but feels very durable when held in hand. To me it felt like holding a small metal bar in my hand lol. Apart from the solid build, the compatibility of the device was also excellent. I have used it with windows, android, and ios without any issues. Interestingly it has support from pcm format to native Dsd 512 which was really commendable. The device has a small light indicator that changes color according to the audio sample rate. Moreover, the dongle has a hardware level volume control button whose positioning and pressing feedback were quite satisfactory and at the same time the ports were very strong. From this point of view, fosi audio undoubtedly deserves praise.
★ Specifications :-
~ Model :- DS1
~ Output Power :- 120mW(SE); 220mW(BAL)
~ Terminating Impedance :- 16-300Ω
~ Input Mode :- USB Type C
~ Output Mode :- 3.5MM + 4.4MM Headphone
~ Frequency Range :- 20Hz-20kHz (±0.5dB)
~ THD :- 0.0006%(32Ω SE); 0.001%(32Ω BAL)
~ SNR :- ≥120 dB
~ Sampling Rate :- 32bit/768kHz
~ DSD :- DSD64/128/256/512
~ DAC Chipset :- ES9038Q2M
~ Material :- aluminium Alloy
~ Device Weight :- 38g
★ Tested With :-
~ Sennheiser HD660S2
~ Sony IER M9
~ Tanchjim Origin
~ Dunu Falcon Ultra
~ Hidizs MP145
~ IO Audio Volare
~ NF Audio Ra15
~ Letshouer S08
~ Artti Audio R1
★ Sound Aspect :-
Ds1 basically neutral to slightly warmer sounding dongle. The dongle is able to deliver commendable sound performance from its compact form factor. The low noise floor of the device is relatively quiet, due to which there was no unwanted circuit noise in the background which can be called dead silent noise floor. Due to the lower noise floor, it is able to create a fairly clear invitation to lower frequency sounds naturally. Despite being a performer in the affordable price segment, there was no roll-off issue in its sound which is a big strength. Ds1 dongle has regular single ended port as well as bal port from where the device can show its max output capability. Maximum IEM's or some moderate demanding headphones can be powered up with this Bal port to get more juice out. The dongle has support from pcm to native dsd 512 also supports 32bit/768kHz sample rate. The Dsd playback is not as expected from budget dongles and this was no exception here. The dongle has a small light indicator that changes color based on the sound sampling rate but most of the time it creates a confusing situation that can seem a bit annoying. Talking about the sound, let's talk about the bass at the beginning. The bass section was very tight & impactful, there was good control from sub bass to mid bass area with the body was very pronounced. Bass notes seem to be well-separated where I didn't notice any unwanted bleed issue but the speed is on the good side even though there is a slight lack of texture. Definition was decent enough but definitely not like premium dongles. The Mids region it's completely clean with slight warmth effect which giving a welcoming factor there. It's able to represent the singer's vocal very beautifully without any harshness or dryness. Afterward maintaining the cleanliness of the upper mids, it has managed to ensure the transparency of the lower mids admirably which surprised me. Most of the dongles I have used around this price range have faced problems like mids section being more forward or recessed in many cases but Ds1 is in a far better position compared to them at least for its midrange performance.Treble is basically detailed with good amount of sparkle presence but not very resolving. There was minimal glare which made it somewhat fail to portray the actual character of the sound like cymbals & string instruments. Notwithstanding the extension of Treble was good, but the end to end extension was not that up to the mark. In terms of technicalities, the dongle has given simply excellent performance. Along with wide sound stage, good depth and precise imaging has given a good advantage in terms of fps gaming. Dynamics and macro dynamics punch are decent and there was no complaint about the resolution. So it can be said that under 100$ bucks it will be technically far ahead of its other competitors undoubtedly.
★ Synergy and Power :-
ESS's ES9038Q2M is used as a dac chip in the device, but its sound is not like the typical "ess" house sound. This neutral to warmish sounding dongle has good synergy with almost all types of IEMs.I did not find any decrease in the output power of the device, 120mw@32 ohms from single end and 220mw@32 ohms from Bal port. Despite having such impressive output capability, the dongle is very battery efficient. While using the phone I noticed a very low battery consumption rate which deserves a lot of praise. With this admirable power output, it is possible to power up some demanding headphones in addition to regular dd & planar sets. However, pairing with highly sensitive IEMs was not very well, hissing issue comes easily from here.Because of this, the chances of benefiting from using sensitive sets are very less. I have paired many IEMs with the dongle and even used the full size open back headphone HD660S2. The dongle was able to drive this open back headphone quite well, providing good control by keeping the impact fairly tight in the bass region with decent speed & tolerable staging even can present the mids with fine detail without being harsh. Moreover, treble has mediocre detailed presentation but lacks a lot of dynamics & resolution which is normal to get from such a budget dongle.
★ Conclusion :-
Barring a few minor issues, the ds1 offers everything in its sound performance. It's possible to get good synergy from it everywhere without a very bright sounding set. It can be an ideal option for those whose budget is around 100$. I'm hopeful that the device will be a complete package with solid build, sound quality & high output power that will satisfy most of the listeners. I would suggest to buy it for those who want good technicalities with fun relaxed sound. If someone is looking for something highly technical and analytical sounding dongle then would be advised to stay away from ds1.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
FosiAudio Ali express store (link isn't affiliated)
★ Introduction :-
Rose technics is a reputed chinese audio brand, they were established in 2012. The company has been trying to improve their own research and development for many years.That continuity they are still trying to maintain. Their IEM, tws and other items are available in the market at very affordable prices.There are also some mid tier lineup items. I haven't used many of their gear items though but recently I got a chance to use one of their tws which was quite good. Rose Technics Ceramics X is the topic of today's review. I've been using this one for more than a month. I'll try to give my personal opinion about it in this review. So that is convenient to understand how it is justified for this price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
Ceramics X tws was sent to me directly from Rose technics for review purpose. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. As always the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
The unboxing experience of ceramics x was quite satisfactory. Out of the box Tws,Charging doc, usb A to cable, three pairs of different size black color eartips, user manual guide and a qc card. But despite all the essentials, I felt the lack of a protective case that would have made me more satisfied. However, I have no room to complain about Rose technics in this regard.
1. Ceramics x Tws ×1
2. Type A to C Charging cable ×1
3. Three pairs of different size eartips
4. User manual guide and qc card ×1
★ Design & Build Quality :-
The entire build construction of Ceramics x tws is made of polycarbonate, even the nozzle area is the same material and its charging doc is also made of plastic material. The bottom of the Doc has a type c charging port and a small reset button next to it. A type of glossy coating has been used on the entire body of the Doc.The good thing is that it looks glossy but fingerprints & minimal scratches are not visible. Although it is plastic build, considering the quality, it does not feel wonky or cheap at all and can be said to be durable enough. They have three color variants namely black, metallic gray and white. Although my unit is of black color, but the gray color is the most attractive among them.Talking about the design of Tws, I will say that it is very simple, Their looks like simply an oval shape, but nothing specialities can be noticed there. The back side of the two buds similarly has "Rose Technics" branding and "ceramic" writing with gold accents. Interestingly, this branding part is basically the touch control area.
★ Fit, Comfort & Isolation :-
This plastic build tws was very light weight, per bud weight is 4.2g, so it fits very well in the ear canal. The quality of the stock eartips that came with it was fairly good which can create a good seal while also providing good comfort. I wore these tws in my ears continuously for about three hours, in which case I did not face any kind of discomfort or etching problem and I was able to use them comfortably for a long time. Moreover, due to their good seal, sound isolation is also good, but it does not seem like passive isolation at all. Normally, when music is played through these two buds in your ears, the outside noise is reduced more , so there is no chance to big complain here.
★ Connectivity & Features :-
The Tws will be connected with the phone, laptop or music player with the latest bluetooth 5.3. While connected, the connection strength was stable, so there was no problem. Also tws has codecs like Ldac so you can enjoy lossy sound. Apart from this there is support for regular aac & sbc. However, having advanced codecs like Apt-x, Apt-x hd would have benefited more. As this Tws is IPX5 rated, it is resistant to sweat and splash of water, so it will provide excellent support in outdoor traveling including regular gym, cycling. If one thinks that it is fully water resistant and thinks of wearing it while swimming, then it will be completely foolish, so it is advised to be careful about this. Ceramics x tws charging doc supported fast charging system. According to the company's advertisement, it is possible to get ten hours of play back by charging it for ten minutes. Which was nearly accurate according to my testing. On the other hand, from this charging doc, it can be fully charged about five times, i.e. it is supposed to get a total of fifty hours of playback time, but I got about thirty seven hours of playback time on a single charge, which cannot be said to be bad in any way, basically battery backup varies from user to user. If one uses tws at 50-60% volume level then overall battery backup can increase. I personally used it at 80-90% volume all the time and showed a consistent total battery life. Rose technics provides proprietary app support to ease the usability of their ceramics x tws.Their RoseLink app is available on both Google play & App store platform.
Let's take a look at the features of Roselink app below
Decent sound isolation is available in normal mode, in which case the possibility of outside noise is somewhat reduced. Noise cancellation or shift to Anc reduces the loud noise of outside a lot and when listening to music at approximately 65-70% volume, all the noise seems to be dead silent. If you go to Transparency mode, you can maintain self-awareness about the condition of outside in addition to music playback. As a result, it becomes more comfortable to travel on the roads.
Touch control is available from the two buds as shown in the image above
There are three EQ profiles respectively pop, hifi & rock. Switching to Pop mode delivers soft bass with a slightly warm midrange presentation and smooth highs. Rock mode reduces the resolution and increases the metallic timbre with the effect of bloated bass. This unnatural timbre makes the treble sound more unrefined. Finally, hifi mode is left, moving to it gives the most well-balanced tuning and there is less unwanted metallic touch compared to rock mode. So the best listening experience is available from here.
★ Gaming & Call quality :-
The device has a dedicated gaming mode and if you switch to that mode, the latency will be reduced to 54ms. This latency doesn't give much advantage in fps gaming really because when I played the game there was noticeable delay and I couldn't understand the opponent's positioning & sound of gun shot due to its poor imaging capability. It can be used for gaming normally, but my advice would always go to wired earphones. Now let's talk about call quality. The 4 GoerTek Mics system used by Rose technics which according to them is used for network noise reduction, which to be honest I didn't find any improvement. Indoor call quality is ok type, but outdoors i.e. in crowded areas it becomes unusable. Although there are better options in the budget considering the calling feature.
★ Specifications :-
~ Driver Unit Diameter :- 10mm
~ Impedance :- 32Ω
~ Frequency Response Range :- 20 - 20000Hz
~ Interface Type :- USB-C
~ Bluetooth Version :- 5.3
~ Audio Codec :- LDAC/ AAC/ mSBC/ SBC
~ Playtime :- 50Hr
~ Charging Time :- Appr. 40min
~ Noise Control :- Hybrid ANC / Transparent
★ Sound Aspect :-
This set is typically offered V shape sound profile where the bass and treble presence are more but the midrange position is towards the back. Here the bass section alone emphasizes the sub bass region more than the mid bass. Sub bass rumble has the ability to hit very deep and it was also extended, but due to the low impact of mid bass, the overall bass does not feel so enjoyable.The Midrange especially upper mids focused which is more forward with better clarity. Lower mids recessed Naturally, the sub bass is slightly boosted causing minimal bleed issues with the lower mids.The peak of its 5k region makes some female vocals more energetic and sometimes shouty which is a bummer. Treble section was not extended enough, noticeable upper treble roll-off also detail retrieval was mediocre. The bothering part there was the unwanted metallic shrillness which made the sound of the string instrument more unnatural and thus created the coherence issue. Technicalities were average, sound stage height narrow but depth fairly accurate with poor imaging. Even though the tonality was a little on the brighter side and timbre was not that good.
★ Conclusion :-
Ceramics x tws is a very good package with its battery backup, features and overall sound. There are some lacking which if fulfilled would have been more acceptable to more people. At the price it has come to the market there are more competitors in the current market. Some of them may be slightly ahead in mic better or sound, but ceramics x versatile. This set can be recommended for those who are looking for tws under 50$ and also prioritize Ldac and good battery life.
I don't think this tws will more disappoint anyone in any way.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Rose technics official website (link isn’t affiliated)
Rose technics is a reputed chinese audio brand, they were established in 2012. The company has been trying to improve their own research and development for many years.That continuity they are still trying to maintain. Their IEM, tws and other items are available in the market at very affordable prices.There are also some mid tier lineup items. I haven't used many of their gear items though but recently I got a chance to use one of their tws which was quite good. Rose Technics Ceramics X is the topic of today's review. I've been using this one for more than a month. I'll try to give my personal opinion about it in this review. So that is convenient to understand how it is justified for this price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
Ceramics X tws was sent to me directly from Rose technics for review purpose. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. As always the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
The unboxing experience of ceramics x was quite satisfactory. Out of the box Tws,Charging doc, usb A to cable, three pairs of different size black color eartips, user manual guide and a qc card. But despite all the essentials, I felt the lack of a protective case that would have made me more satisfied. However, I have no room to complain about Rose technics in this regard.
1. Ceramics x Tws ×1
2. Type A to C Charging cable ×1
3. Three pairs of different size eartips
4. User manual guide and qc card ×1
★ Design & Build Quality :-
The entire build construction of Ceramics x tws is made of polycarbonate, even the nozzle area is the same material and its charging doc is also made of plastic material. The bottom of the Doc has a type c charging port and a small reset button next to it. A type of glossy coating has been used on the entire body of the Doc.The good thing is that it looks glossy but fingerprints & minimal scratches are not visible. Although it is plastic build, considering the quality, it does not feel wonky or cheap at all and can be said to be durable enough. They have three color variants namely black, metallic gray and white. Although my unit is of black color, but the gray color is the most attractive among them.Talking about the design of Tws, I will say that it is very simple, Their looks like simply an oval shape, but nothing specialities can be noticed there. The back side of the two buds similarly has "Rose Technics" branding and "ceramic" writing with gold accents. Interestingly, this branding part is basically the touch control area.
★ Fit, Comfort & Isolation :-
This plastic build tws was very light weight, per bud weight is 4.2g, so it fits very well in the ear canal. The quality of the stock eartips that came with it was fairly good which can create a good seal while also providing good comfort. I wore these tws in my ears continuously for about three hours, in which case I did not face any kind of discomfort or etching problem and I was able to use them comfortably for a long time. Moreover, due to their good seal, sound isolation is also good, but it does not seem like passive isolation at all. Normally, when music is played through these two buds in your ears, the outside noise is reduced more , so there is no chance to big complain here.
★ Connectivity & Features :-
The Tws will be connected with the phone, laptop or music player with the latest bluetooth 5.3. While connected, the connection strength was stable, so there was no problem. Also tws has codecs like Ldac so you can enjoy lossy sound. Apart from this there is support for regular aac & sbc. However, having advanced codecs like Apt-x, Apt-x hd would have benefited more. As this Tws is IPX5 rated, it is resistant to sweat and splash of water, so it will provide excellent support in outdoor traveling including regular gym, cycling. If one thinks that it is fully water resistant and thinks of wearing it while swimming, then it will be completely foolish, so it is advised to be careful about this. Ceramics x tws charging doc supported fast charging system. According to the company's advertisement, it is possible to get ten hours of play back by charging it for ten minutes. Which was nearly accurate according to my testing. On the other hand, from this charging doc, it can be fully charged about five times, i.e. it is supposed to get a total of fifty hours of playback time, but I got about thirty seven hours of playback time on a single charge, which cannot be said to be bad in any way, basically battery backup varies from user to user. If one uses tws at 50-60% volume level then overall battery backup can increase. I personally used it at 80-90% volume all the time and showed a consistent total battery life. Rose technics provides proprietary app support to ease the usability of their ceramics x tws.Their RoseLink app is available on both Google play & App store platform.
Let's take a look at the features of Roselink app below
Decent sound isolation is available in normal mode, in which case the possibility of outside noise is somewhat reduced. Noise cancellation or shift to Anc reduces the loud noise of outside a lot and when listening to music at approximately 65-70% volume, all the noise seems to be dead silent. If you go to Transparency mode, you can maintain self-awareness about the condition of outside in addition to music playback. As a result, it becomes more comfortable to travel on the roads.
Touch control is available from the two buds as shown in the image above
There are three EQ profiles respectively pop, hifi & rock. Switching to Pop mode delivers soft bass with a slightly warm midrange presentation and smooth highs. Rock mode reduces the resolution and increases the metallic timbre with the effect of bloated bass. This unnatural timbre makes the treble sound more unrefined. Finally, hifi mode is left, moving to it gives the most well-balanced tuning and there is less unwanted metallic touch compared to rock mode. So the best listening experience is available from here.
★ Gaming & Call quality :-
The device has a dedicated gaming mode and if you switch to that mode, the latency will be reduced to 54ms. This latency doesn't give much advantage in fps gaming really because when I played the game there was noticeable delay and I couldn't understand the opponent's positioning & sound of gun shot due to its poor imaging capability. It can be used for gaming normally, but my advice would always go to wired earphones. Now let's talk about call quality. The 4 GoerTek Mics system used by Rose technics which according to them is used for network noise reduction, which to be honest I didn't find any improvement. Indoor call quality is ok type, but outdoors i.e. in crowded areas it becomes unusable. Although there are better options in the budget considering the calling feature.
★ Specifications :-
~ Driver Unit Diameter :- 10mm
~ Impedance :- 32Ω
~ Frequency Response Range :- 20 - 20000Hz
~ Interface Type :- USB-C
~ Bluetooth Version :- 5.3
~ Audio Codec :- LDAC/ AAC/ mSBC/ SBC
~ Playtime :- 50Hr
~ Charging Time :- Appr. 40min
~ Noise Control :- Hybrid ANC / Transparent
★ Sound Aspect :-
This set is typically offered V shape sound profile where the bass and treble presence are more but the midrange position is towards the back. Here the bass section alone emphasizes the sub bass region more than the mid bass. Sub bass rumble has the ability to hit very deep and it was also extended, but due to the low impact of mid bass, the overall bass does not feel so enjoyable.The Midrange especially upper mids focused which is more forward with better clarity. Lower mids recessed Naturally, the sub bass is slightly boosted causing minimal bleed issues with the lower mids.The peak of its 5k region makes some female vocals more energetic and sometimes shouty which is a bummer. Treble section was not extended enough, noticeable upper treble roll-off also detail retrieval was mediocre. The bothering part there was the unwanted metallic shrillness which made the sound of the string instrument more unnatural and thus created the coherence issue. Technicalities were average, sound stage height narrow but depth fairly accurate with poor imaging. Even though the tonality was a little on the brighter side and timbre was not that good.
★ Conclusion :-
Ceramics x tws is a very good package with its battery backup, features and overall sound. There are some lacking which if fulfilled would have been more acceptable to more people. At the price it has come to the market there are more competitors in the current market. Some of them may be slightly ahead in mic better or sound, but ceramics x versatile. This set can be recommended for those who are looking for tws under 50$ and also prioritize Ldac and good battery life.
I don't think this tws will more disappoint anyone in any way.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Rose technics official website (link isn’t affiliated)
★ Introduction :-
Blon is a popular chinese brand, they were founded in 2014. We all are more or less familiar with the Blon brand, they gained a good reputation for releasing market hit products at basically affordable prices. Blon's first market shaking item was the Bl03, which was widely discussed for its quality bass performance and as their next successor they brought out the Blon 05s which was capable of providing great technicalities along with descent sound clarity and at that time its competitor was very few. I was personally a user of their 05s, Which satisfied me quite well. Recently they've launched V1 model dongle dac in the market, interestingly this is the first dongle in their dac amp line up. I've been using this dongle regularly for more than two weeks, I'll try to give my personal opinion about it in this review. So that it is convenient for understand how equitable for this price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
This unit was sent to me directly from Linsoul Audio for review purpose. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. As always the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
The Blon V1 comes with a small box and out of the box dongle, type c to type c cable and lighting cable variants are also available. My unit is lightning cable version Besides, there is no type A adapter in the box that should have been there. So if you want to use it on PC, you have to buy usb A adapter separately.
1. Blon V1 dongle dac ×1
2. Type c to lightning cable ×1
3. User manual guide ×1
★ Design, Build Quality & Functionality :-
The Blon V1 is a very sleek and premium looking device that uses tempered glass on both the front and back.The Side frame are basically made with aluminum alloy chassis. It has three physical multifunctional buttons including two volume up & down buttons and another music "play-pause" button. Due to some edgy finish to the buttons, they are not much leniency to press but the control buttons are not wonky, besides its ports also seem to be very durable. So there is no room to complain about these. V1 features light weight as well as durable and this is definitely a solid pieced. This portable device can be an ideal option for regular usage, because it is very compact in size and at the same time it very easy to carry. So can be easily used anywhere for indoor or outdoor travel. On the other hand, its glass panel gets fingerprints and scratches very easily which looks quite annoying that is basically a bummer. However, the interesting thing that the device is compatible with everything, so you don't have to face any kind of usability issues. It performed well with everything on all platforms including android, iOS and windows. No need to take the hassle of extra driver installation to use on PC, just plug & play type performance will be available. Also I was able to stream apple music on iPhone with it very well. That's why I would like to thank Blon for such a nice compatibility of their V1 dac.
★ Specifications :-
~ Model: V1 DAC/Amp
~ DAC Chip: CS43131*2
~ Frequency Response: 5-82KHz (±1dB)
~ Headphone Interface: 3.5mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced
~ SNR: 132dB (A-weighted)
~ Dynamic Range: 4.4mm: 132dB (A-weighted)
~ Output Level: 4.4mm: 4Vrms,
3.5mm: 2Vrms
~ Sampling Rate Indicator: PCM (Green), DSD (Red)
~ Dimensions: 57mm*27.25mm*11.43mm
~ Weight: 20g
~ Max output power: 160mw
★ Tested With :-
~ Sennheiser HD660S2
~ Sony IER M9
~ Tanchjim Origin
~ Dunu Falcon Ultra
~ Hidizs MP145
~ IO Audio Volare
~ NF Audio Ra15
~ Letshouer S08
~ Artti Audio R1
★ Sound Aspect :-
The tonality of the dongle is simply neutral with a hint of bright-ish nature but there was no extra coloration. Which will match from maximum IEM's to some moderate demanding headphones, if they're not too bright sounding stuff by default. There was no unwanted boost in the V1 dac bass region. It exhibits controlled bass response with good extension but less depth & texture. The speed of the bass notes is good, bass notes were not too thick but not so thin, considered to be in a middle position.
Midrange has a very clean and forward presentation. This dac emphasizes the upper mids a bit, the lower mids tend to be a little grainy but less so. Because it's a bit more forward, it unlikely to do well in sets where the mids are already forward. Treble has a good amount of detail which is enough to bring out the upper treble, the lower treble is a bit unrefined with the quantity & quality of micro detail not up to expectations and their extension is mediocre.Technically, this dongle is in a very strong position. Wider stage as well as good imaging capability will put V1 far ahead of its competitors. However, this dac will not deliver clean output with sensitive sets (lower than 16ohm). So it is not wise to use those sensitive sets. I used the IO Audio volare for testing and I didn't get the results that I expected, it seemed to bloat the bass notes and ruin the dynamic punch and at the same time noticeable hissing issue was there
★ Synergy and Power :-
Decent synergy comes with the dongle in regular sets. Although it is a entry level dongle but power output is quite good. The maximum output capability of the device comes from its bal port. On the other hand, I've noticed the lack of many dynamics in the single end port, which is normal. Paired hd660s2 with its bal port (160mw) where there was good amount of loudness but dynamic punch was lacking. The bass was not tight and well-controlled with lack of depth, mids were more forward but not engaging even well-bodied. Besides, I got average detail retrieval and technicalities from it. This is not likely to cause problematic, as many desktop setups are unable to drive the 660s2 properly. The main drawback of the dongle is that dynamics & micro dynamics region. Which is usually seen from this type of offerings. In addition to moderate output power, It has the ability to decode sound from PCM to DSd256. The color of their light indicator changes according to the sample rate.
★ Conclusion :-
As Blon's first dongle, the v1 was pretty good but lacking in several aspects. By doing this, it may not be able to create a strong position compared to others dongle in similar price range. I don't consider these as major flaws though. If they can make their next generation dongle sound more resolving and technically more stronger, then it will surely achieve the title of value for money tag.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Linsoul Audio (link isn’t affiliated)
Blon is a popular chinese brand, they were founded in 2014. We all are more or less familiar with the Blon brand, they gained a good reputation for releasing market hit products at basically affordable prices. Blon's first market shaking item was the Bl03, which was widely discussed for its quality bass performance and as their next successor they brought out the Blon 05s which was capable of providing great technicalities along with descent sound clarity and at that time its competitor was very few. I was personally a user of their 05s, Which satisfied me quite well. Recently they've launched V1 model dongle dac in the market, interestingly this is the first dongle in their dac amp line up. I've been using this dongle regularly for more than two weeks, I'll try to give my personal opinion about it in this review. So that it is convenient for understand how equitable for this price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
This unit was sent to me directly from Linsoul Audio for review purpose. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. As always the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
The Blon V1 comes with a small box and out of the box dongle, type c to type c cable and lighting cable variants are also available. My unit is lightning cable version Besides, there is no type A adapter in the box that should have been there. So if you want to use it on PC, you have to buy usb A adapter separately.
1. Blon V1 dongle dac ×1
2. Type c to lightning cable ×1
3. User manual guide ×1
★ Design, Build Quality & Functionality :-
The Blon V1 is a very sleek and premium looking device that uses tempered glass on both the front and back.The Side frame are basically made with aluminum alloy chassis. It has three physical multifunctional buttons including two volume up & down buttons and another music "play-pause" button. Due to some edgy finish to the buttons, they are not much leniency to press but the control buttons are not wonky, besides its ports also seem to be very durable. So there is no room to complain about these. V1 features light weight as well as durable and this is definitely a solid pieced. This portable device can be an ideal option for regular usage, because it is very compact in size and at the same time it very easy to carry. So can be easily used anywhere for indoor or outdoor travel. On the other hand, its glass panel gets fingerprints and scratches very easily which looks quite annoying that is basically a bummer. However, the interesting thing that the device is compatible with everything, so you don't have to face any kind of usability issues. It performed well with everything on all platforms including android, iOS and windows. No need to take the hassle of extra driver installation to use on PC, just plug & play type performance will be available. Also I was able to stream apple music on iPhone with it very well. That's why I would like to thank Blon for such a nice compatibility of their V1 dac.
★ Specifications :-
~ Model: V1 DAC/Amp
~ DAC Chip: CS43131*2
~ Frequency Response: 5-82KHz (±1dB)
~ Headphone Interface: 3.5mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced
~ SNR: 132dB (A-weighted)
~ Dynamic Range: 4.4mm: 132dB (A-weighted)
~ Output Level: 4.4mm: 4Vrms,
3.5mm: 2Vrms
~ Sampling Rate Indicator: PCM (Green), DSD (Red)
~ Dimensions: 57mm*27.25mm*11.43mm
~ Weight: 20g
~ Max output power: 160mw
★ Tested With :-
~ Sennheiser HD660S2
~ Sony IER M9
~ Tanchjim Origin
~ Dunu Falcon Ultra
~ Hidizs MP145
~ IO Audio Volare
~ NF Audio Ra15
~ Letshouer S08
~ Artti Audio R1
★ Sound Aspect :-
The tonality of the dongle is simply neutral with a hint of bright-ish nature but there was no extra coloration. Which will match from maximum IEM's to some moderate demanding headphones, if they're not too bright sounding stuff by default. There was no unwanted boost in the V1 dac bass region. It exhibits controlled bass response with good extension but less depth & texture. The speed of the bass notes is good, bass notes were not too thick but not so thin, considered to be in a middle position.
Midrange has a very clean and forward presentation. This dac emphasizes the upper mids a bit, the lower mids tend to be a little grainy but less so. Because it's a bit more forward, it unlikely to do well in sets where the mids are already forward. Treble has a good amount of detail which is enough to bring out the upper treble, the lower treble is a bit unrefined with the quantity & quality of micro detail not up to expectations and their extension is mediocre.Technically, this dongle is in a very strong position. Wider stage as well as good imaging capability will put V1 far ahead of its competitors. However, this dac will not deliver clean output with sensitive sets (lower than 16ohm). So it is not wise to use those sensitive sets. I used the IO Audio volare for testing and I didn't get the results that I expected, it seemed to bloat the bass notes and ruin the dynamic punch and at the same time noticeable hissing issue was there
★ Synergy and Power :-
Decent synergy comes with the dongle in regular sets. Although it is a entry level dongle but power output is quite good. The maximum output capability of the device comes from its bal port. On the other hand, I've noticed the lack of many dynamics in the single end port, which is normal. Paired hd660s2 with its bal port (160mw) where there was good amount of loudness but dynamic punch was lacking. The bass was not tight and well-controlled with lack of depth, mids were more forward but not engaging even well-bodied. Besides, I got average detail retrieval and technicalities from it. This is not likely to cause problematic, as many desktop setups are unable to drive the 660s2 properly. The main drawback of the dongle is that dynamics & micro dynamics region. Which is usually seen from this type of offerings. In addition to moderate output power, It has the ability to decode sound from PCM to DSd256. The color of their light indicator changes according to the sample rate.
★ Conclusion :-
As Blon's first dongle, the v1 was pretty good but lacking in several aspects. By doing this, it may not be able to create a strong position compared to others dongle in similar price range. I don't consider these as major flaws though. If they can make their next generation dongle sound more resolving and technically more stronger, then it will surely achieve the title of value for money tag.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Linsoul Audio (link isn’t affiliated)
★ Introduction :-
NF Audio is a well-known chifi brand but they lag behind other chifi manufacturers. They mainly make in-ear monitors (IEM). I haven't used much of their offerings. Although I purchased their NM2 a few years ago for personal use and found it to be a pretty ideal set sound wise.Their target includes both single dd as well as multi-driver IEMs, with a reputation for descent build quality and sound performance even with the attention to detail they always have in the user experience. I recently got my hands on their music series RA15 model single dd IEM, Which is my second used item of NF Audio so far. I've been using this IEM regularly for a few week. Now, I'll try to highlight all aspects of this IEM in my review. So that it is convenient for you to understand how equitable it is for this price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
This review unit was sent to me directly from NF Audio. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. So, the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
The RA15 set provides the necessary accessories along with beautiful packaging. It comes with a single end stock cable, and a black color card bord with four pairs of different size silicon eartips. At the same time, a thin leather pouch is provided to carry the earphone. Besides, also two pairs of tuning nozzles are provided. One of which is gold and the other one is silver.
1. A pair of RA15 IEM ×1
2 . Four pairs of different size ms42 silicon eartips
3 . Two pairs of interchangeable nozzle
4 . silver plated copper cable ×1
5 . Simple leather pouch ×1
6 . User manual guide ×1
The quality of the provided accessories was not very satisfactory. Especially not to mention the stock cable, very average quality of plasticky material braided sliver plated copper cable which will definitely become useless after a few days of regular use. The carrying pouch was also very simple, which protects the IEM from scratches, but it does not seem to be effective in practical life. It's a bit disappointing to get such average accessories from an IEM for around $80. At this price, others in the market offer a better unboxing experience.
★ Specifications :-
★ Design, Build & Comfort :-
This IEM shaped like a small candy, the shell of this IEM is fully metal constructed, so it feels solid in hand and ensures robustness. But here the design is not very attractive because Nf audio has focused more on the build quality than the design here. Despite the metal alloy build, but also it has been reduced in size due to which it fits perfectly in the ear and when worn in the ear, it can be said that it is super comfortable. It can be used comfortably for long periods of time even for those who are used to using IEMs while lying down. I was able to wear it in my ears for about three hours straight any kind of issues without earache or loss of balance. It can fully satisfy those who want to avoid problems like fit issues or ear heaviness in daily commuting.
★ Sound Aspect :-
RA15 is basically a set of bright U shape profile, where the emphasis of treble is very high. As its internal configuration, the full sound frequency has been handled with a 10mm dynamic driver and two interchangeable nozzles provide a test of different sound tonality. Although the sound of the gold nozzle is fairly safe tuned, the silver nozzle produces a more detailed & analytical sound. Where the upper mids lose their control and make the lower treble aggressive, this tuning nozzle will undoubtedly be considered unusable.
Credit : Super* review
★ Gear used :-
1. Questyle Audio Engineering CMA Fifteen
2 . Cayin Ru7 (Se & Bal both)
3 . Questyle m15 (Se & Bal both)
4 . Quloos Mc01 (SE & Bal both)
5 . Epz Tp50 (Se & Bal both)
6 . Fosi Audio Ds1 (Se & Bal both)
7 . Fosi Audio Ds2 ~ 2024 (Se & Bal both)
8 . Blon V1 (Se & Bal both)
RA15 is a set of 32Ω impedance whose sensitivity level is 108dB so not very powerful amplification is needed to drive it, I got enough loudness from the phone's 3.5mm port, but if a good quality dac amp or portable player is used, then it gets scaled up with the source(warmish-slight neutral)and becomes better sounding. However, the best pairing I've found with CMA Fifteen. Better stage depth, dynamics, improved imaging even a bit better micro detailing capability.Tonal balancing is also a little bit better.
Now, I will discuss the sound in detail, I will start with the Low end of this set, i.e. the bass....
★ The Bass :-
In the context of the bass section, I will say that this set is generally mid bass focused. However, there was rumble of sub bass but it is relatively less.There wasn’t much deep or rumbly effect like typical harman tuned sets. Interestingly, they have limited the presence of sub bass to reduce bleed into the mids. Again, the mid bass punch is good but the bass notes lack proper weight and less depth. Some of these improvements can be observed in the silver nozzle.The attack & decay of the bass was fairly fast and at the same time the control level was good, but the physical authority that a well tuned dd bass usually has, which was noticeably lacking here. Additionally, the mid bass is limited to 200hz in order to maintain politeness in its control levels.
★ The Mids :-
This set has enough clarity in the upper mids and the presentation was also very forward. Generally, there was no tendency for too much shouty or overly dull, but there is some emphasis on high-pitched vocals. As a result of which the thickness of some female vocals body becomes lean even lifeless.This is most noticeable in the silver nozzle. On the other hand, the gold nozzle has a hint of warmth touch in the lower mids which gives some fullness to the male vocal but it does not ensure the authentic character of the vocal. Harman-ish or v shape tuning is always thinner i.e recessed to maintain sufficient clarity in lower mids otherwise the contrast between bass and treble region will not be maintained. So lush even melodic vocals cannot be expected from this type of tuning. As a mids lover I personally don't like harman target very much.
★ The Treble :-
The treble part of this set would be described as clean & moderately detailed. Upper treble extension was good but I noticed more treble harshness from the mid to lower treble which was quite tiring. At the apex of this area some unpleasant sibilance issues arise, like s,,,sh,,s,,h, which add harshness. This situation can be noticed more in the silver nozzle and even enhances the brightness of the treble and increases the details but it is not at a tolerable level. Moreover, the treble is not well-articulated, the actual character of other high frequency instruments like cymbals, hi-hats is slightly distorted.Then I notice that a kind of metallic shrillness appears in the treble region which makes the 8k area even more peaky which becomes unlistenable. Even though I'm fairly tolerant of treble energy, but its silver nozzle fatigued me by treble. Which was full of unnatural sparkle and dry timbre. That's why the less detailed sound was found on the gold nozzle, but it was quite safe & enjoyable. Unfortunately there was a touch of unrefined treble though.
★ Technicalities :-
The RA15 technically delivered a solid performance. But I would say silver nozzle's contribution deserves more prominence in this regard. The sound stage was wider with accurate depth & height. Imaging capability gave descent result in gold nozzle but got holographic imaging in silver. On the other hand, the presence of micro detail has also increased significantly. Along with this, the dynamics and micro dynamics punch was also on the good side so there is no room to complain much. but the tonality lacks enough authenticity even the silver nozzle will seems more dry. As a single dd set, the timbre was also surrounded by a metallic touch instead of being natural, which created a somewhat disappointing situation. Those who prioritize the natural tone & timbre of dd IEMs will surely be disappointed.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 4 /5
Mids : 3.8 /5
Treble : 3.8/5
Technicalities : 4.5/5
Dynamics & speed : 4/5
Build & Aesthetics : 4 /5
★ Comparison :-
~ NF Audio RA15 vs Artti R1 ~
Considering the current market, the R1 triple dd set is offering decent sound quality. But it doesn't have the modular tuning versatility like the RA15. The sub bass region of Artti R1 is quite strong compared to RA15, for punchy mid bass, RA15 will be one step ahead. So overall bass note weight wise R1 is in a better position, but fast attack & decay RA15's strength. Although both IEMs are not very strong in the mids section, I personally prefer R1's midrange because it has enough detail in the upper mids which is not harsh sounding like RA15's silver nozzle. In its gold nozzle, although the vocal section is fairly safe, there is a tendency to make the female vocal shouty, which is comparatively less in the case of R1 and the lower mids are recessed in both cases . In the treble section, the RA15 is a bit on the thinner side, Instruments has capable to produce clearly with the resolution was good. On the other side, the separation and layering of the R1 is a bit unrefined. RA15 just real winner in technicalities, Wider sound stage combined with holographic imaging makes it very competitive in this price category. R1 is technically not very strong as it is a triple dd set. Its staging was good but the imaging was of average quality. But in terms of tonality and timbre accuracy, none of the two sets will be the best, although I will put R1 ahead here, besides, the RA15 set is just far better in terms of detail & micro detailing capability.
★ Conclusion :-
The 100$ price category has become very competitive these days. Chifi brands have many offerings in this price range. NF Audio has recently become a part of this competition by launching their RA15. This set is technically better than other competitors. Currently, there are better options than this in the 80$ market because the quality of its accessories is quite low and at the same time the drive flex issue will also be a problem for many. The interchangeable nozzles they used for sound tuning could not provide a very polished sound. Especially the sound of the silver nozzle will be quite tiring for many people. I would recommend it to those who are more used to the treble's energy with prioritize excellent fit & comfort.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Hifigo official store (link isn’t affiliated)
NF Audio is a well-known chifi brand but they lag behind other chifi manufacturers. They mainly make in-ear monitors (IEM). I haven't used much of their offerings. Although I purchased their NM2 a few years ago for personal use and found it to be a pretty ideal set sound wise.Their target includes both single dd as well as multi-driver IEMs, with a reputation for descent build quality and sound performance even with the attention to detail they always have in the user experience. I recently got my hands on their music series RA15 model single dd IEM, Which is my second used item of NF Audio so far. I've been using this IEM regularly for a few week. Now, I'll try to highlight all aspects of this IEM in my review. So that it is convenient for you to understand how equitable it is for this price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
This review unit was sent to me directly from NF Audio. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. So, the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
The RA15 set provides the necessary accessories along with beautiful packaging. It comes with a single end stock cable, and a black color card bord with four pairs of different size silicon eartips. At the same time, a thin leather pouch is provided to carry the earphone. Besides, also two pairs of tuning nozzles are provided. One of which is gold and the other one is silver.
1. A pair of RA15 IEM ×1
2 . Four pairs of different size ms42 silicon eartips
3 . Two pairs of interchangeable nozzle
4 . silver plated copper cable ×1
5 . Simple leather pouch ×1
6 . User manual guide ×1
The quality of the provided accessories was not very satisfactory. Especially not to mention the stock cable, very average quality of plasticky material braided sliver plated copper cable which will definitely become useless after a few days of regular use. The carrying pouch was also very simple, which protects the IEM from scratches, but it does not seem to be effective in practical life. It's a bit disappointing to get such average accessories from an IEM for around $80. At this price, others in the market offer a better unboxing experience.
★ Specifications :-
★ Design, Build & Comfort :-
This IEM shaped like a small candy, the shell of this IEM is fully metal constructed, so it feels solid in hand and ensures robustness. But here the design is not very attractive because Nf audio has focused more on the build quality than the design here. Despite the metal alloy build, but also it has been reduced in size due to which it fits perfectly in the ear and when worn in the ear, it can be said that it is super comfortable. It can be used comfortably for long periods of time even for those who are used to using IEMs while lying down. I was able to wear it in my ears for about three hours straight any kind of issues without earache or loss of balance. It can fully satisfy those who want to avoid problems like fit issues or ear heaviness in daily commuting.
★ Sound Aspect :-
RA15 is basically a set of bright U shape profile, where the emphasis of treble is very high. As its internal configuration, the full sound frequency has been handled with a 10mm dynamic driver and two interchangeable nozzles provide a test of different sound tonality. Although the sound of the gold nozzle is fairly safe tuned, the silver nozzle produces a more detailed & analytical sound. Where the upper mids lose their control and make the lower treble aggressive, this tuning nozzle will undoubtedly be considered unusable.
Credit : Super* review
★ Gear used :-
1. Questyle Audio Engineering CMA Fifteen
2 . Cayin Ru7 (Se & Bal both)
3 . Questyle m15 (Se & Bal both)
4 . Quloos Mc01 (SE & Bal both)
5 . Epz Tp50 (Se & Bal both)
6 . Fosi Audio Ds1 (Se & Bal both)
7 . Fosi Audio Ds2 ~ 2024 (Se & Bal both)
8 . Blon V1 (Se & Bal both)
RA15 is a set of 32Ω impedance whose sensitivity level is 108dB so not very powerful amplification is needed to drive it, I got enough loudness from the phone's 3.5mm port, but if a good quality dac amp or portable player is used, then it gets scaled up with the source(warmish-slight neutral)and becomes better sounding. However, the best pairing I've found with CMA Fifteen. Better stage depth, dynamics, improved imaging even a bit better micro detailing capability.Tonal balancing is also a little bit better.
Now, I will discuss the sound in detail, I will start with the Low end of this set, i.e. the bass....
★ The Bass :-
In the context of the bass section, I will say that this set is generally mid bass focused. However, there was rumble of sub bass but it is relatively less.There wasn’t much deep or rumbly effect like typical harman tuned sets. Interestingly, they have limited the presence of sub bass to reduce bleed into the mids. Again, the mid bass punch is good but the bass notes lack proper weight and less depth. Some of these improvements can be observed in the silver nozzle.The attack & decay of the bass was fairly fast and at the same time the control level was good, but the physical authority that a well tuned dd bass usually has, which was noticeably lacking here. Additionally, the mid bass is limited to 200hz in order to maintain politeness in its control levels.
★ The Mids :-
This set has enough clarity in the upper mids and the presentation was also very forward. Generally, there was no tendency for too much shouty or overly dull, but there is some emphasis on high-pitched vocals. As a result of which the thickness of some female vocals body becomes lean even lifeless.This is most noticeable in the silver nozzle. On the other hand, the gold nozzle has a hint of warmth touch in the lower mids which gives some fullness to the male vocal but it does not ensure the authentic character of the vocal. Harman-ish or v shape tuning is always thinner i.e recessed to maintain sufficient clarity in lower mids otherwise the contrast between bass and treble region will not be maintained. So lush even melodic vocals cannot be expected from this type of tuning. As a mids lover I personally don't like harman target very much.
★ The Treble :-
The treble part of this set would be described as clean & moderately detailed. Upper treble extension was good but I noticed more treble harshness from the mid to lower treble which was quite tiring. At the apex of this area some unpleasant sibilance issues arise, like s,,,sh,,s,,h, which add harshness. This situation can be noticed more in the silver nozzle and even enhances the brightness of the treble and increases the details but it is not at a tolerable level. Moreover, the treble is not well-articulated, the actual character of other high frequency instruments like cymbals, hi-hats is slightly distorted.Then I notice that a kind of metallic shrillness appears in the treble region which makes the 8k area even more peaky which becomes unlistenable. Even though I'm fairly tolerant of treble energy, but its silver nozzle fatigued me by treble. Which was full of unnatural sparkle and dry timbre. That's why the less detailed sound was found on the gold nozzle, but it was quite safe & enjoyable. Unfortunately there was a touch of unrefined treble though.
★ Technicalities :-
The RA15 technically delivered a solid performance. But I would say silver nozzle's contribution deserves more prominence in this regard. The sound stage was wider with accurate depth & height. Imaging capability gave descent result in gold nozzle but got holographic imaging in silver. On the other hand, the presence of micro detail has also increased significantly. Along with this, the dynamics and micro dynamics punch was also on the good side so there is no room to complain much. but the tonality lacks enough authenticity even the silver nozzle will seems more dry. As a single dd set, the timbre was also surrounded by a metallic touch instead of being natural, which created a somewhat disappointing situation. Those who prioritize the natural tone & timbre of dd IEMs will surely be disappointed.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 4 /5
Mids : 3.8 /5
Treble : 3.8/5
Technicalities : 4.5/5
Dynamics & speed : 4/5
Build & Aesthetics : 4 /5
★ Comparison :-
~ NF Audio RA15 vs Artti R1 ~
Considering the current market, the R1 triple dd set is offering decent sound quality. But it doesn't have the modular tuning versatility like the RA15. The sub bass region of Artti R1 is quite strong compared to RA15, for punchy mid bass, RA15 will be one step ahead. So overall bass note weight wise R1 is in a better position, but fast attack & decay RA15's strength. Although both IEMs are not very strong in the mids section, I personally prefer R1's midrange because it has enough detail in the upper mids which is not harsh sounding like RA15's silver nozzle. In its gold nozzle, although the vocal section is fairly safe, there is a tendency to make the female vocal shouty, which is comparatively less in the case of R1 and the lower mids are recessed in both cases . In the treble section, the RA15 is a bit on the thinner side, Instruments has capable to produce clearly with the resolution was good. On the other side, the separation and layering of the R1 is a bit unrefined. RA15 just real winner in technicalities, Wider sound stage combined with holographic imaging makes it very competitive in this price category. R1 is technically not very strong as it is a triple dd set. Its staging was good but the imaging was of average quality. But in terms of tonality and timbre accuracy, none of the two sets will be the best, although I will put R1 ahead here, besides, the RA15 set is just far better in terms of detail & micro detailing capability.
★ Conclusion :-
The 100$ price category has become very competitive these days. Chifi brands have many offerings in this price range. NF Audio has recently become a part of this competition by launching their RA15. This set is technically better than other competitors. Currently, there are better options than this in the 80$ market because the quality of its accessories is quite low and at the same time the drive flex issue will also be a problem for many. The interchangeable nozzles they used for sound tuning could not provide a very polished sound. Especially the sound of the silver nozzle will be quite tiring for many people. I would recommend it to those who are more used to the treble's energy with prioritize excellent fit & comfort.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Hifigo official store (link isn’t affiliated)
★ Introduction :-
Artti is a relatively new Chinese audio brand, Although it is a sub brand of Letshouer. But their product numbers are limited. So far they have released quite a few IEMs that are priced almost within reach.Their T10 model planar set was pretty good under $100 bucks. Although their R1 set was the first item that I used. I've been using this IEM regularly for a few months. Now, I'll try to highlight all aspects of this IEM in my review. So that it is convenient for you to understand how equitable it is for this price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
This review unit was sent to me from Artti Audio . I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. So, the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
The Artti R1 set comes in a fairly large box where the IEM comes with a braided copper cable and two different sized eartips. Also, a small carrying pouch is available out of the box, which is small in size and has less space inside, so carrying the IEM may be a bit of a hassle. However, considering the price ratio, the accessories that Artti Audio is providing are not average in any way, and I will not even say the best possible experience. So Artti audio has no room to complain in this regard.
1 . A pair of R1 IEM
2 .Two types of different sizes eartips
3 . Four core braided copper cable
4 . Small Carrying pouch
5 . User manual and some extra paper works
The accessories were decent enough, stock cable is four core braided copper cable. According to Artti, it is an Australian copper cable, but to me, its looks & purity are similar to ordinary cables, But I did not notice anything extra ordinary. Interestingly, the cable does not create any unwanted microphonics during usage, even Artti has added a strap bracket to this cable to keep it tangle free which is pretty good. Moreover, the stock eartips quality was softer side , especially the white tips, gave better support to the initial listening experience compared to the black color tips. Again, the carrying pouch seems to be practical, IEM can be kept but it would be convenient if the size is a little bigger and the space inside is a little more.
★ Specifications :-
~ Model :- ARTTI R1
~ Driver Unit :- Triple dynamic drivers/side
~ Impedance :- 20.4Ω±1% (@1kHz)
~ Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) :- ≤3% (@1kHz)
~ Sensitivity :- 102dB/mW (@1kHz)
~ Frequency Response :- 20Hz-20kHz
~ Cable Length :- 1.2M±0.1M
~ Plug :- 3.5mm/4.4mm-0.78PIN
~ Cable :- Four-strand 216-core * 0.05mm Australian high-purity copper wire
★ Design, Build & Comfort :-
Although this set does not offer anything impressive in terms of design, it is rock solid in terms of build construction. Aluminum alloy with anodized finish along with precision engraving of CNC housing, makes this set light weight & durable. Due to the light weight shell, it fits very comfortably in the ear and can be used for a long time without any problems like ear heaviness or discomfort. On the other hand, it sound isolation was mediocre level, although it is slightly enhanced with after market eartips. I would not call this set isn’t super comfortable in any way because those with relatively small ear canal may have some problem with fit issues. But I'm hopeful that it will fit maximum folks ears.
★ Sound Aspect :-
The Artti R1 IEM features a mild U-Shape sound profile that emphasizes a balanced and neutral sound.Triple dynamic driver has been used as the internal configuration of this set which handles the full sound frequency. Harman-ish tuned this set has several strengths, the sound stage is one of them. It mainly deserves praise for wide soundstage and fairly accurate instrument separation, which makes it quite competitive in its price category.Because of which it will be acceptable to many.
Credit :- hobbytalk
★ Gear used :-
1. Questyle Audio Engineering CMA Fifteen
2 . Cayin Ru7 (Se & Bal both)
3 . Questyle m15 (Se & Bal both)
4 . Quloos Mc01 (SE & Bal both)
5 . Epz Tp50 (Se & Bal both)
6 . Fosi Audio Ds1 (Se & Bal both)
7 . Fosi Audio Ds2 ~ 2024 (Se & Bal both)
8 . Blon V1 (Se & Bal both)
ARTTI R1 is a set of 20 Ω impedance whose sensitivity level is 102dB so not very powerful amplification is needed to drive it, but if a good quality dac amp or portable player is used, then it gets scaled up with the source and becomes better sounding. However, the best pairing I've found with CMA Fifteen. Better stage depth, slightly improved imaging even a bit better micro detailing capability. There was also a little change in tonality.
Now, I will discuss the sound in detail, I will start with the Low end of this set, i.e. the bass....
★ The Bass :-
The bass region of this set shines very well, especially the sub bass, there is huge sub bass rumble which is quite deep but the problem is that due to the presence of this sub bass, the lower mids section has suffered a bit and there is noticeable bass bleed. The mid bass seems a bit mellow, the punch there is quite soft, there is generally less tendency to be more vibrant and energetic, and the weight descent of bass notes but lacks texture, and the fast bass line handling is often bloated, while other frequencies emphasis on overpowering. If the boominess of the bass region was a little less, then the lower frequency would have been clearer and the definition would have been good. As a result bass heavy tracks could be made much more enjoyable.
★ The Mids :-
Mids section was very clean & detailed. Where there is a lot of "clarity" in the tone due to the forwardness of the upper mids. Represents the character of the male & female vocals well but not too lush or soothing as there is a good amount of boost in the 3-5k which makes the vocals a little too energetic at times which emphasizes the high-pitched vocals that are upper. Makes the mids a bit shouty. Because of this, the female vocal seems lifeless in some recordings, but this problem does not have to be faced in all tracks. On the other hand, the body of the lower mids was a bit thin with a hint of warmth touch which tried to give a sense of thickness and warmth to the overall tone which benefited the male vocal. Essentially harman-ish tuning features to sacrifice the lower midrange to maintain the balance between bass and treble, which usually results in vocal timbre at the expense of a more linear midrange.
★ The Treble :-
The treble on the ARTTI R1 is usually extended but there was less presence of natural sense of airiness. treble is generally bright even seems a bit harsh but this harshness was more noticeable in stock cable and when I used after market cable it was almost reduced. However, the harshness of the mid-treble is somewhat tiring as there is occasional sibilance. I got a bit of a jittery feeling from high-frequency sounds like cymbals, high hats. This was more noticeable in classical, rock, and even electronic genres. Although I prefer the cohesive and non metallic shrillness that one would expect from such a tribride setup. But I don't think the lack of natural sparkle will fully satisfy the treble head folk.
★ Technicalities :-
This IEM is technically not that strong. Although the soundstage was quite spacious with a good sense of depth and height, but the imaging was on the weaker side. Moreover, the amount of detail & micro detail was very average even I did not notice anything impressive in terms of dynamics and speed. The tonality & timbre were a bit of adulterated. Which is a bit disappointing to get from such a tribride set. But they seem to have prioritized the fun factor more than technicalities. For those who prefer moderately detailed presentation with bass heavy fun & engaging sound, I think this set can be a good option at this price range.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 4 /5
Mids : 4 /5
Treble : 3.8/5
Technicalities : 3.5/5
Dynamics & speed : 3.8/5
Build & Aesthetics : 4 /5
★ Conclusion :-
Artti R1 IEM has been able to give descent enough result from unboxing experience to overall sound performance. The sound didn't seem too colored and it didn't tend to dry out either. Although there are many options in its price range in the market, it is offering a complete package at its own price. So if one doesn't have much difficulty with bass boosted sound then this set will not feel that much bothering. I would recommend to buying it but must be sure how well it fits with the personal taste.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Artti official Ali express store
(link isn’t affiliated)
Artti is a relatively new Chinese audio brand, Although it is a sub brand of Letshouer. But their product numbers are limited. So far they have released quite a few IEMs that are priced almost within reach.Their T10 model planar set was pretty good under $100 bucks. Although their R1 set was the first item that I used. I've been using this IEM regularly for a few months. Now, I'll try to highlight all aspects of this IEM in my review. So that it is convenient for you to understand how equitable it is for this price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
This review unit was sent to me from Artti Audio . I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. So, the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
The Artti R1 set comes in a fairly large box where the IEM comes with a braided copper cable and two different sized eartips. Also, a small carrying pouch is available out of the box, which is small in size and has less space inside, so carrying the IEM may be a bit of a hassle. However, considering the price ratio, the accessories that Artti Audio is providing are not average in any way, and I will not even say the best possible experience. So Artti audio has no room to complain in this regard.
1 . A pair of R1 IEM
2 .Two types of different sizes eartips
3 . Four core braided copper cable
4 . Small Carrying pouch
5 . User manual and some extra paper works
The accessories were decent enough, stock cable is four core braided copper cable. According to Artti, it is an Australian copper cable, but to me, its looks & purity are similar to ordinary cables, But I did not notice anything extra ordinary. Interestingly, the cable does not create any unwanted microphonics during usage, even Artti has added a strap bracket to this cable to keep it tangle free which is pretty good. Moreover, the stock eartips quality was softer side , especially the white tips, gave better support to the initial listening experience compared to the black color tips. Again, the carrying pouch seems to be practical, IEM can be kept but it would be convenient if the size is a little bigger and the space inside is a little more.
★ Specifications :-
~ Model :- ARTTI R1
~ Driver Unit :- Triple dynamic drivers/side
~ Impedance :- 20.4Ω±1% (@1kHz)
~ Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) :- ≤3% (@1kHz)
~ Sensitivity :- 102dB/mW (@1kHz)
~ Frequency Response :- 20Hz-20kHz
~ Cable Length :- 1.2M±0.1M
~ Plug :- 3.5mm/4.4mm-0.78PIN
~ Cable :- Four-strand 216-core * 0.05mm Australian high-purity copper wire
★ Design, Build & Comfort :-
Although this set does not offer anything impressive in terms of design, it is rock solid in terms of build construction. Aluminum alloy with anodized finish along with precision engraving of CNC housing, makes this set light weight & durable. Due to the light weight shell, it fits very comfortably in the ear and can be used for a long time without any problems like ear heaviness or discomfort. On the other hand, it sound isolation was mediocre level, although it is slightly enhanced with after market eartips. I would not call this set isn’t super comfortable in any way because those with relatively small ear canal may have some problem with fit issues. But I'm hopeful that it will fit maximum folks ears.
★ Sound Aspect :-
The Artti R1 IEM features a mild U-Shape sound profile that emphasizes a balanced and neutral sound.Triple dynamic driver has been used as the internal configuration of this set which handles the full sound frequency. Harman-ish tuned this set has several strengths, the sound stage is one of them. It mainly deserves praise for wide soundstage and fairly accurate instrument separation, which makes it quite competitive in its price category.Because of which it will be acceptable to many.
Credit :- hobbytalk
★ Gear used :-
1. Questyle Audio Engineering CMA Fifteen
2 . Cayin Ru7 (Se & Bal both)
3 . Questyle m15 (Se & Bal both)
4 . Quloos Mc01 (SE & Bal both)
5 . Epz Tp50 (Se & Bal both)
6 . Fosi Audio Ds1 (Se & Bal both)
7 . Fosi Audio Ds2 ~ 2024 (Se & Bal both)
8 . Blon V1 (Se & Bal both)
ARTTI R1 is a set of 20 Ω impedance whose sensitivity level is 102dB so not very powerful amplification is needed to drive it, but if a good quality dac amp or portable player is used, then it gets scaled up with the source and becomes better sounding. However, the best pairing I've found with CMA Fifteen. Better stage depth, slightly improved imaging even a bit better micro detailing capability. There was also a little change in tonality.
Now, I will discuss the sound in detail, I will start with the Low end of this set, i.e. the bass....
★ The Bass :-
The bass region of this set shines very well, especially the sub bass, there is huge sub bass rumble which is quite deep but the problem is that due to the presence of this sub bass, the lower mids section has suffered a bit and there is noticeable bass bleed. The mid bass seems a bit mellow, the punch there is quite soft, there is generally less tendency to be more vibrant and energetic, and the weight descent of bass notes but lacks texture, and the fast bass line handling is often bloated, while other frequencies emphasis on overpowering. If the boominess of the bass region was a little less, then the lower frequency would have been clearer and the definition would have been good. As a result bass heavy tracks could be made much more enjoyable.
★ The Mids :-
Mids section was very clean & detailed. Where there is a lot of "clarity" in the tone due to the forwardness of the upper mids. Represents the character of the male & female vocals well but not too lush or soothing as there is a good amount of boost in the 3-5k which makes the vocals a little too energetic at times which emphasizes the high-pitched vocals that are upper. Makes the mids a bit shouty. Because of this, the female vocal seems lifeless in some recordings, but this problem does not have to be faced in all tracks. On the other hand, the body of the lower mids was a bit thin with a hint of warmth touch which tried to give a sense of thickness and warmth to the overall tone which benefited the male vocal. Essentially harman-ish tuning features to sacrifice the lower midrange to maintain the balance between bass and treble, which usually results in vocal timbre at the expense of a more linear midrange.
★ The Treble :-
The treble on the ARTTI R1 is usually extended but there was less presence of natural sense of airiness. treble is generally bright even seems a bit harsh but this harshness was more noticeable in stock cable and when I used after market cable it was almost reduced. However, the harshness of the mid-treble is somewhat tiring as there is occasional sibilance. I got a bit of a jittery feeling from high-frequency sounds like cymbals, high hats. This was more noticeable in classical, rock, and even electronic genres. Although I prefer the cohesive and non metallic shrillness that one would expect from such a tribride setup. But I don't think the lack of natural sparkle will fully satisfy the treble head folk.
★ Technicalities :-
This IEM is technically not that strong. Although the soundstage was quite spacious with a good sense of depth and height, but the imaging was on the weaker side. Moreover, the amount of detail & micro detail was very average even I did not notice anything impressive in terms of dynamics and speed. The tonality & timbre were a bit of adulterated. Which is a bit disappointing to get from such a tribride set. But they seem to have prioritized the fun factor more than technicalities. For those who prefer moderately detailed presentation with bass heavy fun & engaging sound, I think this set can be a good option at this price range.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 4 /5
Mids : 4 /5
Treble : 3.8/5
Technicalities : 3.5/5
Dynamics & speed : 3.8/5
Build & Aesthetics : 4 /5
★ Conclusion :-
Artti R1 IEM has been able to give descent enough result from unboxing experience to overall sound performance. The sound didn't seem too colored and it didn't tend to dry out either. Although there are many options in its price range in the market, it is offering a complete package at its own price. So if one doesn't have much difficulty with bass boosted sound then this set will not feel that much bothering. I would recommend to buying it but must be sure how well it fits with the personal taste.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Artti official Ali express store
(link isn’t affiliated)
★ Introduction :-
EPZ is a newly established chinese audio company. Compared to other Chifi brands their gear offering is limited but they have managed to occupy a fairly strong position in the market, made it possible for their better quality control. Epz mainly manufacture earphone, cable, portable dac amp and tws type items. I've used several of their budget offerings and found them to be pretty good for the price. They've recently released M100 model transparent silicon eartips in the market which are considered as their premium quality tips till now. I've been using this eartips regularly for a few week Now, I'll try to highlight all aspects of this tips in my review. So that it is convenient for you to understand how equitable it is for this price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
The samples of the M100 eartips were sent to me directly from Epz Audio. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. So, the entire opinion of this review is completely personal.
★ Fit,Comfort & Isolation :-
The EPZ M100 eartips offer a good fit due to its silicon materials. Which fits the ear canal well and also creates a good seal even which helps the IEM to stay in the ear for a long time. It is available in several different sizes according to ear shape which helps in descent sound performance. On the other hand it is soft & grippy which ensures good comfort, even if used for a long time, there is no discomfort in the ears, Because of that, these tips are able to provide good support to listeners even during long listening sessions. However, these eartips cannot bring a noticeable change in terms of sound isolation, i.e. it can be said that it does not enhance the isolation much. By doing this, the presence of external noise can be detected, although I didn’t expect passive isolation like the premium tips from here but it needed to be a little better than average. I thought it might give me results similar to the Spinfit W1 but the usage experience was different. Moreover, it did not disappoint me that much.
★ Sound Aspect :-
EPZ M100 creates a fairly tight seal in the ear, so the bass is enhanced to a good extent, but the bass note definition and delivery is a little too soft because these tips reduce the texture more and slightly degrade the depth. If the presence of the low end of an IEM is good by default, it will not sacrifice much. It can represent the midrange very nicely without any overly colored or shouty, It has managed to keep the mid section neutral, there is no tendency to be thin or recessed. So IEM tries to portray the character of mids as it is. for that the descent clarity & detail is intact,That's why vocals and instruments seem well-defined and natural at the same time. The treble section also shines well on these tips, I noticed that these eartips brighten the upper register by a slight margin.That's why there will be good synergy in warm or a bit dark type sets, on the other hand, there will be less chance of benefit in bright sounding sets because the brightness of upper treble will more increase. Though it can't handle tonality very accurately either. Slight emphasis on upper treble will naturally be an issue for bright IEM's.These tips are more helpful to handling good technicalities, The sound stage can be maintained properly and the imaging is precise with the presence of micro detail is also remarkably good.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 3.8/5
Mids : 4.5/5
Treble : 4 /5
Technicalities : 4/5
Fit & comfort : 4/5
Sound isolation : 3.8/5
★ Conclusion :-
The price at which the Epz M100 eartips have come to the market can be said to be almost justified. Because its soft, flexible material was very comfortable and at the same time to give good fit but the deficiency was only in the area of isolation and in the bass region, besides these tips have been able to provide all kinds of benefits. So I can generally recommend to buying it, however, personal experiences may vary from person to person but I don't think these eartips will make anyone feel regret.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Epz Ali express store (link isn’t affiliated)
EPZ is a newly established chinese audio company. Compared to other Chifi brands their gear offering is limited but they have managed to occupy a fairly strong position in the market, made it possible for their better quality control. Epz mainly manufacture earphone, cable, portable dac amp and tws type items. I've used several of their budget offerings and found them to be pretty good for the price. They've recently released M100 model transparent silicon eartips in the market which are considered as their premium quality tips till now. I've been using this eartips regularly for a few week Now, I'll try to highlight all aspects of this tips in my review. So that it is convenient for you to understand how equitable it is for this price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
The samples of the M100 eartips were sent to me directly from Epz Audio. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. So, the entire opinion of this review is completely personal.
★ Fit,Comfort & Isolation :-
The EPZ M100 eartips offer a good fit due to its silicon materials. Which fits the ear canal well and also creates a good seal even which helps the IEM to stay in the ear for a long time. It is available in several different sizes according to ear shape which helps in descent sound performance. On the other hand it is soft & grippy which ensures good comfort, even if used for a long time, there is no discomfort in the ears, Because of that, these tips are able to provide good support to listeners even during long listening sessions. However, these eartips cannot bring a noticeable change in terms of sound isolation, i.e. it can be said that it does not enhance the isolation much. By doing this, the presence of external noise can be detected, although I didn’t expect passive isolation like the premium tips from here but it needed to be a little better than average. I thought it might give me results similar to the Spinfit W1 but the usage experience was different. Moreover, it did not disappoint me that much.
★ Sound Aspect :-
EPZ M100 creates a fairly tight seal in the ear, so the bass is enhanced to a good extent, but the bass note definition and delivery is a little too soft because these tips reduce the texture more and slightly degrade the depth. If the presence of the low end of an IEM is good by default, it will not sacrifice much. It can represent the midrange very nicely without any overly colored or shouty, It has managed to keep the mid section neutral, there is no tendency to be thin or recessed. So IEM tries to portray the character of mids as it is. for that the descent clarity & detail is intact,That's why vocals and instruments seem well-defined and natural at the same time. The treble section also shines well on these tips, I noticed that these eartips brighten the upper register by a slight margin.That's why there will be good synergy in warm or a bit dark type sets, on the other hand, there will be less chance of benefit in bright sounding sets because the brightness of upper treble will more increase. Though it can't handle tonality very accurately either. Slight emphasis on upper treble will naturally be an issue for bright IEM's.These tips are more helpful to handling good technicalities, The sound stage can be maintained properly and the imaging is precise with the presence of micro detail is also remarkably good.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 3.8/5
Mids : 4.5/5
Treble : 4 /5
Technicalities : 4/5
Fit & comfort : 4/5
Sound isolation : 3.8/5
★ Conclusion :-
The price at which the Epz M100 eartips have come to the market can be said to be almost justified. Because its soft, flexible material was very comfortable and at the same time to give good fit but the deficiency was only in the area of isolation and in the bass region, besides these tips have been able to provide all kinds of benefits. So I can generally recommend to buying it, however, personal experiences may vary from person to person but I don't think these eartips will make anyone feel regret.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Epz Ali express store (link isn’t affiliated)
★ Introduction :-
Dunu is a reputed chifi brand that has become a premium brand as they care about the quality and innovation of their audio gear. They have built a strong reputation for being admired for their ergonomic design, premium materials and durability. Dunu's biggest contribution can be seen in their in-house R&D integrated driver technology capable of delivering a premium sound experience. I've had the pleasure of using some of Dunu's audio gear, most notably their flagship lineup, the Zen and Zen Pro. They've tried to highlight this continuity in their budget offering. They recently released falcon ultra as the next successor of their previous model Falcon pro. I've been using this IEM regularly for a few months . Now, I'll try to highlight all aspects of this IEM in my review. So that it is convenient for you to understand how equitable it is for this price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
I purchased Dunu Falcon Ultra IEM from Linsoul Audio . I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. So, the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
The unboxing experience of dunu falcon ultra was surprisingly good. All kind of accessories were present out of the box. @DUNU-Topsound has no room to complain in this regard
1. A pair of Falcon Ultra IEM.
2. Four types of different size eartips.
3. Two pairs of tuning nozzle (interchangeable) filters.
4. DUW-02 pro cable with Q-lock lite included modular jack system.
5. 3.5mm to 6.35mm Adapter.
6. A Premium carrying case & a cleaner tool.
It comes with a very good braided modular stock cable also It has Q-lock LITE system. This silver plated copper cable with mmcx connectors that enrich the cable features & usability. The build material of the cable and functionality is really appreciated, On the other hand it comes with several different sizes of eartips, where dunu candy eartips and S&s tips must be mentioned. As stock eartips, these are pretty much everyone's top picks. The quality of the stock carrying case is also good and there is enough space inside it to keep the IEM very well. Two pairs of different tuning nozzle filter are gold & blue respectively. And they are able to bring a good change in the sound tonality. The accessories that Dunu has provided out of the box with their falcon ultra, it is quite rare to expect such an unboxing experience from the offerings of any chifi brands.
★ Specifications :-
~ Driver :- Dunu's developed 10.7mm ECLIPSE (second generation) dynamic driver
~ Impedance :- 16Ω@1kHz
~ Sensitivity :- 108dB±1dB@1kHz
~ Distortion ratio :- 0.3%@1kHz
~ Frequency response :- 5Hz-40kHz
~ Connector :- Patented MMCX
~ Cable type :- 4-Core Silver-Plated Litz Copper with interchangeable termination jack
★ Design, Build & Comfort :-
The Falcon Ultra IEM is built with a smooth and mirror finish faceplate design. Which at the same time enhances its beauty and makes it more attractive. But this mirror finish faceplate gets a lot of fingerprints and scratches very easily which is annoying. The build quality of the Falcon Ultra IEMs is rock solid. These IEMs are generally made from metal alloy which ensures greater durability and sturdiness. Again its stock cable is durable and tangle resistant which gives this set good support during long time use. Moreover, dunu has attached a strap bracket to this cable so that it can be kept tangle-free very easily. This focus on build quality ensures that the Falcon Ultra IEM performs reliably over time. Comfort is the key features of the Falcon Ultra IEM. This thing is importance of increased wear while listening or moving. The IEM shell is not too heavy despite being of metal construction, the two shells weigh twenty grams respectively. But it doesn't feel any heavier in the ear than it feels in the hand. The fit of this IEM is excellent, as its shell is shaped like a round coin that can be worn effortlessly on the ear ensuring a good fit. As this set size is relatively small, it will fit almost everyone's ears equally. So it can be used safely for a long time without any discomfort. Besides, it has several types of eartips that have different sizes according to the ear canal. These stock eartips take the comfortable fit a step further.
★ Sound Aspect :-
Falcon Ultra is basically the safest harman tuned IEM. Although, its interchangeable gold nozzle filter provides somewhat laid-back sound. Where the brightness of the treble region is reduced to a great extent. The mid bass section is slightly boosted and at the same time reduces the texture and increases the punch. However, the presentation of sub bass & mid bass seems to be fairly well-controlled. Overall bass notes are thick & rounded resulting in a fun-engaging sound with less technicalities that can satisfy warm sound lovers. The sound with blue nozzle seems to have a slight V-shape where more sub bass rumble increases compared to the mid bass. On the other hand, the energy & sparkle of the treble region is better due to which the tonality becomes bright. This nozzle makes the lower mids a bit recessed while increasing the clarity of the upper mids, which is considered a common problem of harman or V-shape sound. But technicalities are benefited more in blue nozzle. Detail, micro detail is also better compared to gold nozzle.
★ Gear used :-
1. Questyle Audio Engineering CMA Fifteen
2.Cayin Ru7 (Se & Bal both)
3.Questyle m15 (Se & Bal both)
4.Quloos Mc01 (SE & Bal both)
5.Epz Tp50 (Se & Bal both)
6.Fosi Audio Ds2 ~ 2024 (Se & Bal both)
7.Blon V1 (Se & Bal both)
Falcon Ultra is a set of 16Ω impedance whose sensitivity level is 108dB so not very powerful amplification is needed to drive it, but if a good quality dac amp or portable player is used, then it gets scaled up with the source and becomes better sounding. However, the best pairing I've found with CMA Fifteen. Better stage depth, imaging even got lots of details & mico details even tonality & timbre was almost accurate.
Now, I will discuss the sound in detail, I will start with the Low end of this set, i.e. the bass....
★ The Bass :-
The Falcon Ultra deliver deep and impactful bass response. Bass response is punchy, it has fast attack and decay that adds dynamism to the whole bass notes. Sub bass region is the strongest part of falcon ultra compared to the mid bass. It can provide deep & rumbly sub bass. That's why the sound of instruments like bass guitar, drums hi-hat seems to be weighty even full bodied. But there is some lack of mid bass punch. So kick drums sound isn’t punchy enough, with less impact and texture and at the same time this thing is able to fulfil with its gold nozzle. As a result to hear and feel the nuances in bass notes and impact fairly well. Overall bass was well-controlled and does not bleed into the midrange frequencies. However, the gold nozzle makes overall bass notes sound a bit thin, But the blue nozzle again boosts the sub bass region to a slight margin, then the sub bass rumble is much better than the mid bass punch. The gold nozzle ensures clarity and separation of different musicality and less detailed but gives laid back type sound presentation. Instruments and vocals i.e the midrange maintain their presence and detail, even portray during complex bass notes.
★ The Mids :-
This set provide in clarity within the midrange frequencies, vocals and instruments to be heard with good accuracy and details, Both are portrayed accurately without being harsh or overshadowed by the bass or treble frequencies, so Instruments maintain their natural timbre in the midrange. This thing is suitable for genres that emphasize acoustic instruments that rely on vocal strength.The gold nozzle provides warmth in the mids section due to which the artist's vocal sounds fuller, especially the body of the male vocal is made thicker. But in blue nozzle, the female vocal sounds more energetic and even the tendency to become slightly shouty can be noticed. On the other hand, due to the lower mids being recessed, the organic character of the midrange is afflicted more. Two tuning nozzles make this IEM almost versatile for various genres. The gold nozzle is suitable for pop, edm, hip-hop & electro genres, while the blue nozzle will give better result for rock, metal & acoustic genres.
★ The Treble :-
Treble region appeared to be simply crisp, clean and mediocre detailed. Where the presence of sparkle is also found it is limited so there is no presence of unwanted harshness or sibilance issue. Since the sparkle is natural, the whole sound frequency seems lively & vibrant. It has the capability to accurately portray instruments like cymbal, violin, and piano. Its upper & lower treble are fairly good extended, that's why this set can easily reach into the uppermost frequency without any roll-off issues. This characteristic is usually limited to blue nozzle, so it is possible to get better results in instrument heavy genres like classical, rock & metal. On the other hand, In gold nozzle creates a completely opposite situation was observed. Where the highs offer a smooth, less details & controlled presentation, so air & sparkle is lacking in more quantity which is considered more suitable for treble sensitive people. Even those who listen to pop, edm, hip-hop type genres they will benefit more from it.
★ Technicalities :-
Falcon Ultra IEM's soundstage is on the intimate side but stage depth was good, due to which I did not notice any issue in separation and layering. Its imaging was really good due to which the positioning of small instruments can be precisely located which is able to bring good advantage in gaming. But it's not like this set is offering a holographic presentation at all. The most interesting factor is its tonality, as a single dd it has been able to give coherent musical sound without any artificial separation and at the same time the timbre was also natural. This set of technicalities also retains enough descent performance.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 4.2/5
Mids : 4.2/5
Treble : 4 /5
Technicalities : 4/5
Build & Aesthetics : 4.5/5
★ Comparison :-
~Dunu Falcon Ultra vs Tanchjim origin~
In build quality, both sets are metal constructed to ensure better durability at the same time comfortability. But due to the glossy shell design, a lot of fingerprints get stuck on both sets very easily. Talking about the sound aspect, both sets are out of the box with interchangeable tuning nozzle. But the 3 pairs of tuning nozzles of origin are all gimmicky, that's why simgot EA500 kit is a better sound solution as an aftermarket tuning nozzle filter. Moreover, the stock accessories of this set were also of average quality. Falcon Ultra will be way ahead in this aspect. Both sets have a Harman-ish profile in the sound section. In terms of tonality, origin is almost neutral and falcon ultra is slightly warmer side. But origin's bass performance is not as strong as falcon ultra. Especially if you change the tuning nozzle, both sub bass & mid bass from this set give fairly good results. On the other hand, origin is somewhat sub bass focused, but the lack of mid bass is more noticeable even if it delivers descent sub bass, although it is somewhat covered by the use of its EA500 tuning nozzle.
In the mids section, Origin is the real winner because the lower mids of the falcon ultra are recessed, which is more noticeable in its blue nozzle. Again, in the treble section, the origin has managed to provide a solid performance where it has managed to maintain a smooth manner along with enough detail, so that there was no unwanted harshness or sibilance issue, but the Falcon Ultra is very safe here and many treble heads think it is more safe tuned for treble, but the blue nozzle of this set adds some brightness & detail to the treble region. However, origin can be said to perform better in treble. Technically both sets are better but Origin will be ahead for Immersive staging and holographic imaging. Moreover, The tonality & timbral accuracy of both sets is equally commendable.
★ Conclusion :-
The Dunu Falcon Ultra IEM's unboxing experience, build quality and overall sound performance are surprisingly good at the bottom of the sub-$250 price segment.This set musicality is given more priority than technicalities. So I think this set will be ideal for those who want to enjoy music for a long time and are more used to fun and relaxed tuning. If someone doesn't give priority to very neutral sound then I can easily recommend it to them and I'm pretty sure that this set will be more acceptable to maximum folks.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
LinsoulAudio (link isn't affiliated)
Shenzhen Audio (link isn't affiliated)
Dunu is a reputed chifi brand that has become a premium brand as they care about the quality and innovation of their audio gear. They have built a strong reputation for being admired for their ergonomic design, premium materials and durability. Dunu's biggest contribution can be seen in their in-house R&D integrated driver technology capable of delivering a premium sound experience. I've had the pleasure of using some of Dunu's audio gear, most notably their flagship lineup, the Zen and Zen Pro. They've tried to highlight this continuity in their budget offering. They recently released falcon ultra as the next successor of their previous model Falcon pro. I've been using this IEM regularly for a few months . Now, I'll try to highlight all aspects of this IEM in my review. So that it is convenient for you to understand how equitable it is for this price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
I purchased Dunu Falcon Ultra IEM from Linsoul Audio . I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. So, the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
The unboxing experience of dunu falcon ultra was surprisingly good. All kind of accessories were present out of the box. @DUNU-Topsound has no room to complain in this regard
1. A pair of Falcon Ultra IEM.
2. Four types of different size eartips.
3. Two pairs of tuning nozzle (interchangeable) filters.
4. DUW-02 pro cable with Q-lock lite included modular jack system.
5. 3.5mm to 6.35mm Adapter.
6. A Premium carrying case & a cleaner tool.
It comes with a very good braided modular stock cable also It has Q-lock LITE system. This silver plated copper cable with mmcx connectors that enrich the cable features & usability. The build material of the cable and functionality is really appreciated, On the other hand it comes with several different sizes of eartips, where dunu candy eartips and S&s tips must be mentioned. As stock eartips, these are pretty much everyone's top picks. The quality of the stock carrying case is also good and there is enough space inside it to keep the IEM very well. Two pairs of different tuning nozzle filter are gold & blue respectively. And they are able to bring a good change in the sound tonality. The accessories that Dunu has provided out of the box with their falcon ultra, it is quite rare to expect such an unboxing experience from the offerings of any chifi brands.
★ Specifications :-
~ Driver :- Dunu's developed 10.7mm ECLIPSE (second generation) dynamic driver
~ Impedance :- 16Ω@1kHz
~ Sensitivity :- 108dB±1dB@1kHz
~ Distortion ratio :- 0.3%@1kHz
~ Frequency response :- 5Hz-40kHz
~ Connector :- Patented MMCX
~ Cable type :- 4-Core Silver-Plated Litz Copper with interchangeable termination jack
★ Design, Build & Comfort :-
The Falcon Ultra IEM is built with a smooth and mirror finish faceplate design. Which at the same time enhances its beauty and makes it more attractive. But this mirror finish faceplate gets a lot of fingerprints and scratches very easily which is annoying. The build quality of the Falcon Ultra IEMs is rock solid. These IEMs are generally made from metal alloy which ensures greater durability and sturdiness. Again its stock cable is durable and tangle resistant which gives this set good support during long time use. Moreover, dunu has attached a strap bracket to this cable so that it can be kept tangle-free very easily. This focus on build quality ensures that the Falcon Ultra IEM performs reliably over time. Comfort is the key features of the Falcon Ultra IEM. This thing is importance of increased wear while listening or moving. The IEM shell is not too heavy despite being of metal construction, the two shells weigh twenty grams respectively. But it doesn't feel any heavier in the ear than it feels in the hand. The fit of this IEM is excellent, as its shell is shaped like a round coin that can be worn effortlessly on the ear ensuring a good fit. As this set size is relatively small, it will fit almost everyone's ears equally. So it can be used safely for a long time without any discomfort. Besides, it has several types of eartips that have different sizes according to the ear canal. These stock eartips take the comfortable fit a step further.
★ Sound Aspect :-
Falcon Ultra is basically the safest harman tuned IEM. Although, its interchangeable gold nozzle filter provides somewhat laid-back sound. Where the brightness of the treble region is reduced to a great extent. The mid bass section is slightly boosted and at the same time reduces the texture and increases the punch. However, the presentation of sub bass & mid bass seems to be fairly well-controlled. Overall bass notes are thick & rounded resulting in a fun-engaging sound with less technicalities that can satisfy warm sound lovers. The sound with blue nozzle seems to have a slight V-shape where more sub bass rumble increases compared to the mid bass. On the other hand, the energy & sparkle of the treble region is better due to which the tonality becomes bright. This nozzle makes the lower mids a bit recessed while increasing the clarity of the upper mids, which is considered a common problem of harman or V-shape sound. But technicalities are benefited more in blue nozzle. Detail, micro detail is also better compared to gold nozzle.
★ Gear used :-
1. Questyle Audio Engineering CMA Fifteen
2.Cayin Ru7 (Se & Bal both)
3.Questyle m15 (Se & Bal both)
4.Quloos Mc01 (SE & Bal both)
5.Epz Tp50 (Se & Bal both)
6.Fosi Audio Ds2 ~ 2024 (Se & Bal both)
7.Blon V1 (Se & Bal both)
Falcon Ultra is a set of 16Ω impedance whose sensitivity level is 108dB so not very powerful amplification is needed to drive it, but if a good quality dac amp or portable player is used, then it gets scaled up with the source and becomes better sounding. However, the best pairing I've found with CMA Fifteen. Better stage depth, imaging even got lots of details & mico details even tonality & timbre was almost accurate.
Now, I will discuss the sound in detail, I will start with the Low end of this set, i.e. the bass....
★ The Bass :-
The Falcon Ultra deliver deep and impactful bass response. Bass response is punchy, it has fast attack and decay that adds dynamism to the whole bass notes. Sub bass region is the strongest part of falcon ultra compared to the mid bass. It can provide deep & rumbly sub bass. That's why the sound of instruments like bass guitar, drums hi-hat seems to be weighty even full bodied. But there is some lack of mid bass punch. So kick drums sound isn’t punchy enough, with less impact and texture and at the same time this thing is able to fulfil with its gold nozzle. As a result to hear and feel the nuances in bass notes and impact fairly well. Overall bass was well-controlled and does not bleed into the midrange frequencies. However, the gold nozzle makes overall bass notes sound a bit thin, But the blue nozzle again boosts the sub bass region to a slight margin, then the sub bass rumble is much better than the mid bass punch. The gold nozzle ensures clarity and separation of different musicality and less detailed but gives laid back type sound presentation. Instruments and vocals i.e the midrange maintain their presence and detail, even portray during complex bass notes.
★ The Mids :-
This set provide in clarity within the midrange frequencies, vocals and instruments to be heard with good accuracy and details, Both are portrayed accurately without being harsh or overshadowed by the bass or treble frequencies, so Instruments maintain their natural timbre in the midrange. This thing is suitable for genres that emphasize acoustic instruments that rely on vocal strength.The gold nozzle provides warmth in the mids section due to which the artist's vocal sounds fuller, especially the body of the male vocal is made thicker. But in blue nozzle, the female vocal sounds more energetic and even the tendency to become slightly shouty can be noticed. On the other hand, due to the lower mids being recessed, the organic character of the midrange is afflicted more. Two tuning nozzles make this IEM almost versatile for various genres. The gold nozzle is suitable for pop, edm, hip-hop & electro genres, while the blue nozzle will give better result for rock, metal & acoustic genres.
★ The Treble :-
Treble region appeared to be simply crisp, clean and mediocre detailed. Where the presence of sparkle is also found it is limited so there is no presence of unwanted harshness or sibilance issue. Since the sparkle is natural, the whole sound frequency seems lively & vibrant. It has the capability to accurately portray instruments like cymbal, violin, and piano. Its upper & lower treble are fairly good extended, that's why this set can easily reach into the uppermost frequency without any roll-off issues. This characteristic is usually limited to blue nozzle, so it is possible to get better results in instrument heavy genres like classical, rock & metal. On the other hand, In gold nozzle creates a completely opposite situation was observed. Where the highs offer a smooth, less details & controlled presentation, so air & sparkle is lacking in more quantity which is considered more suitable for treble sensitive people. Even those who listen to pop, edm, hip-hop type genres they will benefit more from it.
★ Technicalities :-
Falcon Ultra IEM's soundstage is on the intimate side but stage depth was good, due to which I did not notice any issue in separation and layering. Its imaging was really good due to which the positioning of small instruments can be precisely located which is able to bring good advantage in gaming. But it's not like this set is offering a holographic presentation at all. The most interesting factor is its tonality, as a single dd it has been able to give coherent musical sound without any artificial separation and at the same time the timbre was also natural. This set of technicalities also retains enough descent performance.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 4.2/5
Mids : 4.2/5
Treble : 4 /5
Technicalities : 4/5
Build & Aesthetics : 4.5/5
★ Comparison :-
~Dunu Falcon Ultra vs Tanchjim origin~
In build quality, both sets are metal constructed to ensure better durability at the same time comfortability. But due to the glossy shell design, a lot of fingerprints get stuck on both sets very easily. Talking about the sound aspect, both sets are out of the box with interchangeable tuning nozzle. But the 3 pairs of tuning nozzles of origin are all gimmicky, that's why simgot EA500 kit is a better sound solution as an aftermarket tuning nozzle filter. Moreover, the stock accessories of this set were also of average quality. Falcon Ultra will be way ahead in this aspect. Both sets have a Harman-ish profile in the sound section. In terms of tonality, origin is almost neutral and falcon ultra is slightly warmer side. But origin's bass performance is not as strong as falcon ultra. Especially if you change the tuning nozzle, both sub bass & mid bass from this set give fairly good results. On the other hand, origin is somewhat sub bass focused, but the lack of mid bass is more noticeable even if it delivers descent sub bass, although it is somewhat covered by the use of its EA500 tuning nozzle.
In the mids section, Origin is the real winner because the lower mids of the falcon ultra are recessed, which is more noticeable in its blue nozzle. Again, in the treble section, the origin has managed to provide a solid performance where it has managed to maintain a smooth manner along with enough detail, so that there was no unwanted harshness or sibilance issue, but the Falcon Ultra is very safe here and many treble heads think it is more safe tuned for treble, but the blue nozzle of this set adds some brightness & detail to the treble region. However, origin can be said to perform better in treble. Technically both sets are better but Origin will be ahead for Immersive staging and holographic imaging. Moreover, The tonality & timbral accuracy of both sets is equally commendable.
★ Conclusion :-
The Dunu Falcon Ultra IEM's unboxing experience, build quality and overall sound performance are surprisingly good at the bottom of the sub-$250 price segment.This set musicality is given more priority than technicalities. So I think this set will be ideal for those who want to enjoy music for a long time and are more used to fun and relaxed tuning. If someone doesn't give priority to very neutral sound then I can easily recommend it to them and I'm pretty sure that this set will be more acceptable to maximum folks.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
LinsoulAudio (link isn't affiliated)
Shenzhen Audio (link isn't affiliated)
★ Introduction :-
Letshouer Audio is a company specialized in audio equipment. Especially their previous S12 pro & S15 series which basically extended their planar IEM journey as it generated a lot of hype around the Chifi world. Their pricing goal is to maintain with price to performance ratio, So that customers can easily be satisfied with their budget offering. They have been able to maintain this consistency for a long time and recently they unveiled their new planar 'S' series called the S08. The most interesting thing this time is the number "08" as they've entered the 8th anniversary of their journey and on that occasion they have recently released the S08 in the market. I've been using this IEM regularly for a few week Now, I'll try to highlight all aspects of this IEM in my review. So that it is convenient for you to understand how equitable it is for this price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
This review unit was sent to me from @LetShuoer Audio . I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. So, the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
The unboxing experience of S08 was surprisingly good. All necessary accessories can be found out of the box, which have not made any compromise in terms of quality. Letshouer has no room to complain in this regard
1. A pair of S08 IEM.
2.Two types of different sizes eartips.
3.4-core silver plated copper cable with included modular jack system.(3.5mm & 4.4mm both)
4.A Premium hardshell carrying case.
5.Some extra paperworks.
The accessories that Letshouer have provided with this 100$ IEM are really impressive. They have provided a very nice braided silver plated copper cable as stock cable which has the facility of modular jack system i.e. both single end and bal termination facilities are available. Its hard carrying case can also be called very practical. Which has enough space inside so that the IEM can be stored easily and as a result the IEM will be protected. Moreover, it comes with two types of eartips such as balanced and vocal tips which seem quite usable. But the most interesting factor is its vocal tips as they look and feel like a copy of the cp500 in terms of comfort lol.
★ Specifications :-
~ Driver :- Fourth generation 13mm planar magnetic driver
~ Impedance :- 26Ω
~ Sensitivity :- 105dB
~ Frequency response :- 20Hz ~ 40kHz
~ Connector :- 2pin 0.78 mm
~ Cable type :- 4 core silver plated copper with modular jack system.
★ Design, Build & Comfort :-
The S08 IEM does not feature the sleek and ergonomic design of previous generation planars. A slight difference can be noticed in the upper part of its shell as the branding of Letshouer is engraved on the left side and a wide ditch-like pattern is given just below it. Similarly, a similar pattern can be seen along with a logo on the right side. This set does not look premium in any way despite the use of aluminum alloy as its shell construction. But its build construction is rock solid without any doubt. So there is no chance to raise any question about durability. On the other hand, even after the metal build, this set was fairly light weight, so it can be worn in the ears for a long time, at the same time fit and isolation are fairly good. But it cannot be called super comfortable. Because if used for a long time it will cause pain in the ear but this problem will be more for those who have an average ear canal. Moreover, I have noticed that using aftermarket eartips in this IEM makes the fit, isolation & overall sound a little improved . I want to talk about Spinfit W1 here. I got the best result from this set using w1 eartips. So if someone wants to experiment with different eartips, then i recommended to use w1.
★ Sound Aspect :-
S08 basically warm v shape sounding IEM. Where the bass emphasis is more than the treble. Because treble is very smooth but not bothering. Besides, the mids section is positioned a bit towards the back, so it seems to be a laid-back sounding. Where the excess of musicality is more noticeable than technicalities.This is where the S08 differs from its predecessor planar sets. Immersive staging and precise imaging are not very impressive like the previous generations, but one of the good aspects of this S08 is that there is no planar glare. As a budget planar, letshouer has managed to keep the tonality & timbre fairly accurate.
Credit :- @ToneDeafMonk
In the case of previous s12, s12 pro, the biggest headache of many was overly sharp or aggressive treble response and at the same time the presence of significant amount of planar timbre due to which the tonality was full of adulteration. But this time they have been able to show a different scenery by releasing their S08 even though the technicalities have to be sacrificed for that reason. However, the warmish sound signature of this set is able to increase the excitement of listening to many people if one is not highly of any treble head.
★ Gear Used :-
1. @Questyle Audio Engineering CMA Fifteen
2. Cayin Ru7 (Se & Bal both)
3. Questyle m15 (Se & Bal both)
4. Quloos Mc01 (SE & Bal both)
5. Epz Tp50 (Se & Bal both)
6.Fosi Audio Ds2 ~ 2024 (Se & Bal both)
Letshouer S08 is a set of 26Ω impedance whose sensitivity level is 105dB. This set cannot be called easy to drive by any means. It cannot be driven without a good amount of powerful sources . But in that case, pairing with a neutral to bright sounding source will be quite wise. So a good quality dac amp or portable player is used, then it gets scaled up with the source and becomes better sounding. However, the best pairing I've found with CMA Fifteen. Better stage depth, Somewhat improved imaging even got descent details & slight mico details even tonality & timbre was more improved.
Now, I will discuss the sound in detail, I will start with the Low end of this set, i.e. the bass....
★ The Bass :-
In the bass section, this set has shown solid performance, especially the sub bass region is its strongest place. The extension of the sub bass was very solid because it has the ability to hit very deeply which creates a rumbly environment and at the same time its control level was remarkably good. But the mid bass section is a bit disappointing. There was a lack of impact & texture. This means that bass notes can only be heard but not felt with a sense of texture and resolution, Moreover, the bass notes seem to be thinner. In many cases it becomes difficult for this set to render fast bass lines correctly. Hence, it is naturally difficult to maintain tightness and agility without any bleed issue. That's why the tendency to have a slight mixup with the mids can be noticed. Although it is at a minimal level but it does not overly make the listening experience bothering. This characteristic is not so very ideal for genres like rock and metal where bass guitar and drum demand precise articulation.
★ The Mids :-
Mids region has a lot of engagement & fun factor. Upper mids are clean, forward & smooth manner with a hint of warmish present. On the other hand, there is a slight bleed of bass with lower mids, due to which a warmth environment will be create there, but the lower mids was really recessed, But it will be less noticeable to many but there it is . That's why vocals and instruments are presented with a good timbre, which listeners to hear mediocre nuances and textures in recordings. As a result of which adds body to vocals and instruments, providing a lush & musical presence without sounding overly clinical or thin. That's why the body of male & female vocal seems to be a bit more fuller even vibrant. This IEM's midrange performance adapts to a variety of genres fairly well. It represents vocals and instruments with authenticity and musicality, which making them versatile.
★ The Treble :-
The treble part of this set was much more relaxed. However, details are lacking because they have rolled-off to reduce the energy of its upper treble. Treble extension was mediocre level, making it difficult to reach the upper registers. Because of this it fails to contribute to an airy and spacious soundstage, which is unable to enhance the overall sense of openness and realism in the whole sound frequencies. The lower treble is more smooth and the texture is comparatively less. But its treble is in a much safer position than their previous planar IEMs. Many may find its treble a little dull, especially those who are treble heads. So vocals, cymbals and subtle nuances of instruments like violin, piano or guitar are not conducive to hearing properly. As a result, maximum instruments are hindered from being clearly audible. Treble notes are fairly controlled & very smooth, which gives a pleasant listening experience even during long listening sessions. Each instrument and vocal line takes a bit of effort to clearly define which creates a cohesive yet moderate detailed music presentation.
★ Technicalities :-
S08 is technically not that strong. Which can be a bit disappointing as it is planar. Sound stage width was average on the other hand stage depth was better. Imaging was good but nothing impressive. I got mediocre results from there. I was hoping this set would provide holographic imaging like its predecessors unfortunately it didn't. However, letshouer has released this set as fun & engaging focused due to which the excess of staging, imaging even micro detail has been reduced, making it more suitable for those who want to enjoy the listening music more. The most interesting thing about this set was tonality & timbre because I didn't get any major problems related to timbre from a planar set of such a budget. Letshouer has done a good job in this regard, Which really surprised me.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 4/5
Mids : 4/5
Treble : 3.8/5
Technicalities : 3.5/5
Build & Aesthetics : 4/5
★ Comparison :-
~Letshouer S08 Vs Tinhifi P1 Maxii~
P1 max ii basically a bit bright-ish tuned set. Where there is presence of sub bass & mid bass but the bass note definition is a bit distorted but the speed was good which contains the characteristic of typical planar.In the case of S08, the bass section is its strong point, especially the sub bass is very prominent compared to the mid bass, due to which deep & rumbly bass is available, but the impact of the mid bass section is comparatively less due to which there is less presence of texture. So overall the S08 will undoubtedly outperform the P1 max ii in terms of both sub-bass and mid-bass.
Regarding the mids, I can actually say that the upper mids of the P1 max ii are a little brighter and the lower mids are recessed, due to which the sound of male & female vocals is very unpleasant even track wise sibilant issue was found.
On the other hand, S08 will be in a better position in terms of midrange performance, because its warm & lush-ier character has given a special fullness to the total mids section due to which the body of male & female vocal seems fuller and the mids section can be enjoyed fairly well in all genres. So naturally S08 will be ahead in this aspect.
If l think from the part of treble, P1 max ii is quite strong but it is in upper treble, although lower treble feels more unnatural due to its planar timbre. Its upper treble is a bit bright but not much of sibilance issue, details were fairly good. Though it failed often portray instruments to their full potential.
Again, the S08 treble region is very smooth, somewhat dull manner was noticeable because upper treble air & sparkle is lacking to a large extent. Because it will seem more acceptable to treble sensitive folks
Considering the technicalities though, the P1 max ii lags far behind. Along with its narrow staging, the depth of the stage is slightly lacking, besides, the imaging was good, although the accuracy of tonality & timbre was not good, it seemed quite average.
The S08 is not very impressive set in terms of staging & imaging, so the position of both can be said to be almost similar from this point of view, also micro details condition are also similar. But there's no doubt that the S08 shines the most in tonality and timbre accuracy.
★ Conclusion :-
The S08 planar IEM offers better value in terms of sound performance. Instead of Planar's typical technicalities, this time letshouer has given more priority to fun & relax sound due to which this set has been able to give more engaging sound. I'm quite happy that it has good timbre presence despite being a budget planar set. So if someone doesn't like treble too much and doesn't give priority to competitive gaming then I think it will be an ideal choice. This set is able to satisfy only those who want to enjoy the music for a long time while also finding fun factor in the music. So those who are used to such a sound signature, I would definitely recommend to buying it.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Linsoul Audio (link isn’t affiliated)
Letshouer Ali express store (link isn’t affiliated)
Letshouer Audio is a company specialized in audio equipment. Especially their previous S12 pro & S15 series which basically extended their planar IEM journey as it generated a lot of hype around the Chifi world. Their pricing goal is to maintain with price to performance ratio, So that customers can easily be satisfied with their budget offering. They have been able to maintain this consistency for a long time and recently they unveiled their new planar 'S' series called the S08. The most interesting thing this time is the number "08" as they've entered the 8th anniversary of their journey and on that occasion they have recently released the S08 in the market. I've been using this IEM regularly for a few week Now, I'll try to highlight all aspects of this IEM in my review. So that it is convenient for you to understand how equitable it is for this price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
This review unit was sent to me from @LetShuoer Audio . I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. So, the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
The unboxing experience of S08 was surprisingly good. All necessary accessories can be found out of the box, which have not made any compromise in terms of quality. Letshouer has no room to complain in this regard
1. A pair of S08 IEM.
2.Two types of different sizes eartips.
3.4-core silver plated copper cable with included modular jack system.(3.5mm & 4.4mm both)
4.A Premium hardshell carrying case.
5.Some extra paperworks.
The accessories that Letshouer have provided with this 100$ IEM are really impressive. They have provided a very nice braided silver plated copper cable as stock cable which has the facility of modular jack system i.e. both single end and bal termination facilities are available. Its hard carrying case can also be called very practical. Which has enough space inside so that the IEM can be stored easily and as a result the IEM will be protected. Moreover, it comes with two types of eartips such as balanced and vocal tips which seem quite usable. But the most interesting factor is its vocal tips as they look and feel like a copy of the cp500 in terms of comfort lol.
★ Specifications :-
~ Driver :- Fourth generation 13mm planar magnetic driver
~ Impedance :- 26Ω
~ Sensitivity :- 105dB
~ Frequency response :- 20Hz ~ 40kHz
~ Connector :- 2pin 0.78 mm
~ Cable type :- 4 core silver plated copper with modular jack system.
★ Design, Build & Comfort :-
The S08 IEM does not feature the sleek and ergonomic design of previous generation planars. A slight difference can be noticed in the upper part of its shell as the branding of Letshouer is engraved on the left side and a wide ditch-like pattern is given just below it. Similarly, a similar pattern can be seen along with a logo on the right side. This set does not look premium in any way despite the use of aluminum alloy as its shell construction. But its build construction is rock solid without any doubt. So there is no chance to raise any question about durability. On the other hand, even after the metal build, this set was fairly light weight, so it can be worn in the ears for a long time, at the same time fit and isolation are fairly good. But it cannot be called super comfortable. Because if used for a long time it will cause pain in the ear but this problem will be more for those who have an average ear canal. Moreover, I have noticed that using aftermarket eartips in this IEM makes the fit, isolation & overall sound a little improved . I want to talk about Spinfit W1 here. I got the best result from this set using w1 eartips. So if someone wants to experiment with different eartips, then i recommended to use w1.
★ Sound Aspect :-
S08 basically warm v shape sounding IEM. Where the bass emphasis is more than the treble. Because treble is very smooth but not bothering. Besides, the mids section is positioned a bit towards the back, so it seems to be a laid-back sounding. Where the excess of musicality is more noticeable than technicalities.This is where the S08 differs from its predecessor planar sets. Immersive staging and precise imaging are not very impressive like the previous generations, but one of the good aspects of this S08 is that there is no planar glare. As a budget planar, letshouer has managed to keep the tonality & timbre fairly accurate.
Credit :- @ToneDeafMonk
In the case of previous s12, s12 pro, the biggest headache of many was overly sharp or aggressive treble response and at the same time the presence of significant amount of planar timbre due to which the tonality was full of adulteration. But this time they have been able to show a different scenery by releasing their S08 even though the technicalities have to be sacrificed for that reason. However, the warmish sound signature of this set is able to increase the excitement of listening to many people if one is not highly of any treble head.
★ Gear Used :-
1. @Questyle Audio Engineering CMA Fifteen
2. Cayin Ru7 (Se & Bal both)
3. Questyle m15 (Se & Bal both)
4. Quloos Mc01 (SE & Bal both)
5. Epz Tp50 (Se & Bal both)
6.Fosi Audio Ds2 ~ 2024 (Se & Bal both)
Letshouer S08 is a set of 26Ω impedance whose sensitivity level is 105dB. This set cannot be called easy to drive by any means. It cannot be driven without a good amount of powerful sources . But in that case, pairing with a neutral to bright sounding source will be quite wise. So a good quality dac amp or portable player is used, then it gets scaled up with the source and becomes better sounding. However, the best pairing I've found with CMA Fifteen. Better stage depth, Somewhat improved imaging even got descent details & slight mico details even tonality & timbre was more improved.
Now, I will discuss the sound in detail, I will start with the Low end of this set, i.e. the bass....
★ The Bass :-
In the bass section, this set has shown solid performance, especially the sub bass region is its strongest place. The extension of the sub bass was very solid because it has the ability to hit very deeply which creates a rumbly environment and at the same time its control level was remarkably good. But the mid bass section is a bit disappointing. There was a lack of impact & texture. This means that bass notes can only be heard but not felt with a sense of texture and resolution, Moreover, the bass notes seem to be thinner. In many cases it becomes difficult for this set to render fast bass lines correctly. Hence, it is naturally difficult to maintain tightness and agility without any bleed issue. That's why the tendency to have a slight mixup with the mids can be noticed. Although it is at a minimal level but it does not overly make the listening experience bothering. This characteristic is not so very ideal for genres like rock and metal where bass guitar and drum demand precise articulation.
★ The Mids :-
Mids region has a lot of engagement & fun factor. Upper mids are clean, forward & smooth manner with a hint of warmish present. On the other hand, there is a slight bleed of bass with lower mids, due to which a warmth environment will be create there, but the lower mids was really recessed, But it will be less noticeable to many but there it is . That's why vocals and instruments are presented with a good timbre, which listeners to hear mediocre nuances and textures in recordings. As a result of which adds body to vocals and instruments, providing a lush & musical presence without sounding overly clinical or thin. That's why the body of male & female vocal seems to be a bit more fuller even vibrant. This IEM's midrange performance adapts to a variety of genres fairly well. It represents vocals and instruments with authenticity and musicality, which making them versatile.
★ The Treble :-
The treble part of this set was much more relaxed. However, details are lacking because they have rolled-off to reduce the energy of its upper treble. Treble extension was mediocre level, making it difficult to reach the upper registers. Because of this it fails to contribute to an airy and spacious soundstage, which is unable to enhance the overall sense of openness and realism in the whole sound frequencies. The lower treble is more smooth and the texture is comparatively less. But its treble is in a much safer position than their previous planar IEMs. Many may find its treble a little dull, especially those who are treble heads. So vocals, cymbals and subtle nuances of instruments like violin, piano or guitar are not conducive to hearing properly. As a result, maximum instruments are hindered from being clearly audible. Treble notes are fairly controlled & very smooth, which gives a pleasant listening experience even during long listening sessions. Each instrument and vocal line takes a bit of effort to clearly define which creates a cohesive yet moderate detailed music presentation.
★ Technicalities :-
S08 is technically not that strong. Which can be a bit disappointing as it is planar. Sound stage width was average on the other hand stage depth was better. Imaging was good but nothing impressive. I got mediocre results from there. I was hoping this set would provide holographic imaging like its predecessors unfortunately it didn't. However, letshouer has released this set as fun & engaging focused due to which the excess of staging, imaging even micro detail has been reduced, making it more suitable for those who want to enjoy the listening music more. The most interesting thing about this set was tonality & timbre because I didn't get any major problems related to timbre from a planar set of such a budget. Letshouer has done a good job in this regard, Which really surprised me.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 4/5
Mids : 4/5
Treble : 3.8/5
Technicalities : 3.5/5
Build & Aesthetics : 4/5
★ Comparison :-
~Letshouer S08 Vs Tinhifi P1 Maxii~
P1 max ii basically a bit bright-ish tuned set. Where there is presence of sub bass & mid bass but the bass note definition is a bit distorted but the speed was good which contains the characteristic of typical planar.In the case of S08, the bass section is its strong point, especially the sub bass is very prominent compared to the mid bass, due to which deep & rumbly bass is available, but the impact of the mid bass section is comparatively less due to which there is less presence of texture. So overall the S08 will undoubtedly outperform the P1 max ii in terms of both sub-bass and mid-bass.
Regarding the mids, I can actually say that the upper mids of the P1 max ii are a little brighter and the lower mids are recessed, due to which the sound of male & female vocals is very unpleasant even track wise sibilant issue was found.
On the other hand, S08 will be in a better position in terms of midrange performance, because its warm & lush-ier character has given a special fullness to the total mids section due to which the body of male & female vocal seems fuller and the mids section can be enjoyed fairly well in all genres. So naturally S08 will be ahead in this aspect.
If l think from the part of treble, P1 max ii is quite strong but it is in upper treble, although lower treble feels more unnatural due to its planar timbre. Its upper treble is a bit bright but not much of sibilance issue, details were fairly good. Though it failed often portray instruments to their full potential.
Again, the S08 treble region is very smooth, somewhat dull manner was noticeable because upper treble air & sparkle is lacking to a large extent. Because it will seem more acceptable to treble sensitive folks
Considering the technicalities though, the P1 max ii lags far behind. Along with its narrow staging, the depth of the stage is slightly lacking, besides, the imaging was good, although the accuracy of tonality & timbre was not good, it seemed quite average.
The S08 is not very impressive set in terms of staging & imaging, so the position of both can be said to be almost similar from this point of view, also micro details condition are also similar. But there's no doubt that the S08 shines the most in tonality and timbre accuracy.
★ Conclusion :-
The S08 planar IEM offers better value in terms of sound performance. Instead of Planar's typical technicalities, this time letshouer has given more priority to fun & relax sound due to which this set has been able to give more engaging sound. I'm quite happy that it has good timbre presence despite being a budget planar set. So if someone doesn't like treble too much and doesn't give priority to competitive gaming then I think it will be an ideal choice. This set is able to satisfy only those who want to enjoy the music for a long time while also finding fun factor in the music. So those who are used to such a sound signature, I would definitely recommend to buying it.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Linsoul Audio (link isn’t affiliated)
Letshouer Ali express store (link isn’t affiliated)
Attachments
thaslaya
Great review and pics!
ahammedsojib
@thaslaya Thanks for your compliment
★ Introduction :-
Truthear is quite new but it is reputed Chifi audio brand. They specialize in producing quality audio gears for fairly budget friendly customers. Truthear's products are renowned for their descent sound quality, durability, and stylish design, catering to both music lovers and casual users alike. They have gained a strong position in the audio industry for their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. But the most interesting thing is that this is my first review of a Truthear product I'll try to highlight all aspects of this IEM in my review. So that it is convenient for you to understand how equitable it is for this price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
This review unit was sent to me from @shenzhenaudio . I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product.The entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
The unboxing experience of Truthear Gate was descent enough . All kind of accessories were present out of the box. Truthear has no room to complain in this regard
1. A pair of Gate IEM ×1
2. Two types of different size eartips.
3. Carrying pouch ×1
4. multi-core oxygen free 2pin copper cable.
The IEM comes in a rather simple box. Out of the box comes the IEM, carrying pouch, stock cable and two types of several pairs of eartips. The unboxing experience I got from such an entry budget IEM is really commendable.
★ Specifications :-
~ Driver :- 10mm Single Dynamic Driver.
~ Impedance :- 28Ω±15%@1kHz
~ Sensitivity :- 122dB/Vrms@1KHz
~ Distortion ratio :- 1%@1kHz (94dB)
~ Frequency response :- 10-45kHz
~ Connector :- 2pin 0.78mm
~ Cable type :- multi-core oxygen-free copper cable with L-shape single end jack.
★ Design, Build & Comfort :-
Truthear Gate IEM typically uses polycarbonate material for its shell design , similar to other IEMs in the $20 range. That's why it looks so cheap. On the other hand uses a transparent plastic as a faceplate on the back, Where there is Truthear branding on the left side faceplate and Gate branding on the right side. Which allows easy visibility of the driver unit inside. But fingerprints and scratches can easily get on this faceplate due to which it tends to blurry, Which will look very awkward. But the minimalistic carrying pouch that comes with it is very helpful to protect the IEM from scratches. Although the space inside it is relatively less due to its small size, but it is quite capable of protecting the IEM because its quality is not very bad as a stock pouch, so it can be called usable. But the build quality of this IEM isn't quite as shaky as it seems.
Moreover, the stock cable that comes with it is quite good and can be said to be durable. Its stock cable is multi-core oxygen-free 2pin copper cable Because the connector is very recessed, it sticks to the IEM very tightly, so there is almost no chance of it opening suddenly. The Rubber coating has been used as the build material of this cable due to which it is quite soft and fairly twisted free. But this cable will become unusable due to its rubber coating bursting after long usage. However, the shell of this IEM was very comfortable due to its light weight. Due to which it can be kept in the ear for a long time. Among the two types of eartips that come with it, the wide bored eartips seem to be usable with which initial listening can be done. But after market eartips would be better suited for the best fit, sound and isolation. I've tried several eartips on it so I noticed that using Cp100+ eartips or Trn T eartips with it gives better results.
★ Sound Aspect :-
Truthear gate basically safe harman tuned set. The internal configuration of this set has single dynamic drivers which handle the entire sound frequency. Where sub bass is more than mid bass but control and quality is pretty good. It typically provides a balanced U-shape sound profile with fairly good representation of lows, mids, and highs, ensuring fun & engaging listening experience.
Credit :- Super*Review
Where the presence of minimal coloration can be observed in the upper treble and mids region. This set is very easy to drive so it doesn't need powerful amplification. It can be played well from the earphone port of any smart phone, but it gets a little better sounding when using a dongle dac. But in that case it would be wise to use any neutral sounding source.
★ Gear used :-
1. Cayin Ru7
2. Questyle m15
3. Quloos Mc01
4. Epz Tp50
5. Fosi Audio Ds2 ~ 2024
6. Tanchjim space lite
7. Hidizs Sd2
• I also tested this set by plugging into the earphone port of my redmi note 12 smartphone.
Now, I will discuss the sound in detail, I will start with the Low end of this set, i.e. the bass....
★ The Bass :-
Gate is basically a sub bass focused set, which can create a deep & rumbly environment. This is why sub-bass notes resonate fairly clearly, which is able to create clear weather for some delicate bass-notes and drum hi-hats. On the other hand, the mid bass section is largely disappointing because there is a noticeable lack of impact and a lot of texture is missing. So the sound of the kick drum seems too dull. However, it is able to give good performance in genres like pop, edm, dance, hip-hop.
★ The mids :-
The Vocals section is a strength where these sets shine. It deliver clear, detailed & forward upper mids, with a good sense of warmth and presence. At the same time the lower mids were slightly recessed. As a result, the male vocal sounds a bit fuller compared to the female vocal. Although there is a slight margin of boost in the 4-5khz region which gives the female vocal extra energy which results in some tracks sounding a bit shouty. However, the overall mids section does not seem too unnatural. So, better performance can be found in pop, edm & hip-hop than acoustic, classical & jazz type genres.
★ The Treble :-
The treble extension of this IEM is mediocre, reaching into the upper registers where there is some lack of air. But can keep the sound harsh or sibilance free. It maintains a smooth manner in the lower treble which avoids any kind of fatigue. Treble notes are fairly controlled, ensuring a pleasant listening experience even during long listening sessions. But there is a bit of boost towards 10khz which makes the high frequency notes a little more crispy. By doing this, the treble sparkle is somewhat presented , but the instruments character is somewhat disturbed. Then it becomes difficult to portray distinguish the subtle nuances of vocals, cymbals and instruments such as violin or guitar.
★ Technicalities :-
Technically this set is not able to perform as expected. The height of its sound stage is a little better than the average but the lack of depth was noticeable. Although the imaging was good, it was difficult to understand the presence of directional audio, that means the instrument placement was not exactly at the pin point position. So it won't be ideal for competitive gaming naturally. Even detail, macro detail was also of average quality. Moreover, tonality & timbre good but not very matured. If one does not give too much priority to the technical aspect then I think it will be suitable for many.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 3.8/5
Mids : 4/5
Treble : 4/5
Technicalities : 3.5/5
Build & Astheatics : 3.8/5
★ Comparison :-
~Truthear Gate VS Epz Q1 Pro ~
Gate sub 20$ price range IEM but it has some strength due to which sound wise it comes close to Q1 pro, But both have some differences. Although the Q1 Pro is sub bass focused, but its sub bass rumble is quite prominent compared to the gate. In the mid bass section, neither of the two is strong, lack of impact & texture was noticeable. On the other side mids section of both the upper mids boosted but some touch of warmth can be noticed in case of gate due to which the vocal sounds seems a bit pleasing but Q1 pro feels a bit less musical due to lack of warmth.
Besides, the Q1 Pro performed better in the treble region. especially lower treble is pretty safe than upper treble. The gate will be slightly behind the position of the upper treble. Both showed average performance in technicalities. Although the sound stage is average, the depth is comparatively better than gate. But the imaging of the gate will go a little further. In terms of tonality & timbre, Q1 pro is a bit more matured, but both lack micro detail.
★ Conclusion :-
Sub 20$ price bracket is very competitive. Many chifi brands have released many of their offerings in this category, But now with the arrival of the gate, all the previous records are almost broken. It has actually managed to perform better than the price. So, I think it will undoubtedly be a good option for those who are planning to buy something in this price range and think that they will use it regularly and also do not give much priority to gaming. I would recommend it buying from my side. I hope my shared info will be helpful for many people to make a purchase decision.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Truthear Ali express store (link isn’t affiliated)
ShenzhenAudio (link isn’t affiliated)
Truthear is quite new but it is reputed Chifi audio brand. They specialize in producing quality audio gears for fairly budget friendly customers. Truthear's products are renowned for their descent sound quality, durability, and stylish design, catering to both music lovers and casual users alike. They have gained a strong position in the audio industry for their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. But the most interesting thing is that this is my first review of a Truthear product
I'll try to highlight all aspects of this IEM in my review. So that it is convenient for you to understand how equitable it is for this price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
This review unit was sent to me from @shenzhenaudio . I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product.The entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
The unboxing experience of Truthear Gate was descent enough . All kind of accessories were present out of the box. Truthear has no room to complain in this regard
1. A pair of Gate IEM ×1
2. Two types of different size eartips.
3. Carrying pouch ×1
4. multi-core oxygen free 2pin copper cable.
The IEM comes in a rather simple box. Out of the box comes the IEM, carrying pouch, stock cable and two types of several pairs of eartips. The unboxing experience I got from such an entry budget IEM is really commendable.
★ Specifications :-
~ Driver :- 10mm Single Dynamic Driver.
~ Impedance :- 28Ω±15%@1kHz
~ Sensitivity :- 122dB/Vrms@1KHz
~ Distortion ratio :- 1%@1kHz (94dB)
~ Frequency response :- 10-45kHz
~ Connector :- 2pin 0.78mm
~ Cable type :- multi-core oxygen-free copper cable with L-shape single end jack.
★ Design, Build & Comfort :-
Truthear Gate IEM typically uses polycarbonate material for its shell design , similar to other IEMs in the $20 range. That's why it looks so cheap. On the other hand uses a transparent plastic as a faceplate on the back, Where there is Truthear branding on the left side faceplate and Gate branding on the right side. Which allows easy visibility of the driver unit inside. But fingerprints and scratches can easily get on this faceplate due to which it tends to blurry, Which will look very awkward. But the minimalistic carrying pouch that comes with it is very helpful to protect the IEM from scratches. Although the space inside it is relatively less due to its small size, but it is quite capable of protecting the IEM because its quality is not very bad as a stock pouch, so it can be called usable. But the build quality of this IEM isn't quite as shaky as it seems.
Moreover, the stock cable that comes with it is quite good and can be said to be durable. Its stock cable is multi-core oxygen-free 2pin copper cable Because the connector is very recessed, it sticks to the IEM very tightly, so there is almost no chance of it opening suddenly. The Rubber coating has been used as the build material of this cable due to which it is quite soft and fairly twisted free. But this cable will become unusable due to its rubber coating bursting after long usage. However, the shell of this IEM was very comfortable due to its light weight. Due to which it can be kept in the ear for a long time. Among the two types of eartips that come with it, the wide bored eartips seem to be usable with which initial listening can be done. But after market eartips would be better suited for the best fit, sound and isolation. I've tried several eartips on it so I noticed that using Cp100+ eartips or Trn T eartips with it gives better results.
★ Sound Aspect :-
Truthear gate basically safe harman tuned set. The internal configuration of this set has single dynamic drivers which handle the entire sound frequency. Where sub bass is more than mid bass but control and quality is pretty good. It typically provides a balanced U-shape sound profile with fairly good representation of lows, mids, and highs, ensuring fun & engaging listening experience.
Credit :- Super*Review
Where the presence of minimal coloration can be observed in the upper treble and mids region. This set is very easy to drive so it doesn't need powerful amplification. It can be played well from the earphone port of any smart phone, but it gets a little better sounding when using a dongle dac. But in that case it would be wise to use any neutral sounding source.
★ Gear used :-
1. Cayin Ru7
2. Questyle m15
3. Quloos Mc01
4. Epz Tp50
5. Fosi Audio Ds2 ~ 2024
6. Tanchjim space lite
7. Hidizs Sd2
• I also tested this set by plugging into the earphone port of my redmi note 12 smartphone.
Now, I will discuss the sound in detail, I will start with the Low end of this set, i.e. the bass....
★ The Bass :-
Gate is basically a sub bass focused set, which can create a deep & rumbly environment. This is why sub-bass notes resonate fairly clearly, which is able to create clear weather for some delicate bass-notes and drum hi-hats. On the other hand, the mid bass section is largely disappointing because there is a noticeable lack of impact and a lot of texture is missing. So the sound of the kick drum seems too dull. However, it is able to give good performance in genres like pop, edm, dance, hip-hop.
★ The mids :-
The Vocals section is a strength where these sets shine. It deliver clear, detailed & forward upper mids, with a good sense of warmth and presence. At the same time the lower mids were slightly recessed. As a result, the male vocal sounds a bit fuller compared to the female vocal. Although there is a slight margin of boost in the 4-5khz region which gives the female vocal extra energy which results in some tracks sounding a bit shouty. However, the overall mids section does not seem too unnatural. So, better performance can be found in pop, edm & hip-hop than acoustic, classical & jazz type genres.
★ The Treble :-
The treble extension of this IEM is mediocre, reaching into the upper registers where there is some lack of air. But can keep the sound harsh or sibilance free. It maintains a smooth manner in the lower treble which avoids any kind of fatigue. Treble notes are fairly controlled, ensuring a pleasant listening experience even during long listening sessions. But there is a bit of boost towards 10khz which makes the high frequency notes a little more crispy. By doing this, the treble sparkle is somewhat presented , but the instruments character is somewhat disturbed. Then it becomes difficult to portray distinguish the subtle nuances of vocals, cymbals and instruments such as violin or guitar.
★ Technicalities :-
Technically this set is not able to perform as expected. The height of its sound stage is a little better than the average but the lack of depth was noticeable. Although the imaging was good, it was difficult to understand the presence of directional audio, that means the instrument placement was not exactly at the pin point position. So it won't be ideal for competitive gaming naturally. Even detail, macro detail was also of average quality. Moreover, tonality & timbre good but not very matured. If one does not give too much priority to the technical aspect then I think it will be suitable for many.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 3.8/5
Mids : 4/5
Treble : 4/5
Technicalities : 3.5/5
Build & Astheatics : 3.8/5
★ Comparison :-
~Truthear Gate VS Epz Q1 Pro ~
Gate sub 20$ price range IEM but it has some strength due to which sound wise it comes close to Q1 pro, But both have some differences. Although the Q1 Pro is sub bass focused, but its sub bass rumble is quite prominent compared to the gate. In the mid bass section, neither of the two is strong, lack of impact & texture was noticeable. On the other side mids section of both the upper mids boosted but some touch of warmth can be noticed in case of gate due to which the vocal sounds seems a bit pleasing but Q1 pro feels a bit less musical due to lack of warmth.
Besides, the Q1 Pro performed better in the treble region. especially lower treble is pretty safe than upper treble. The gate will be slightly behind the position of the upper treble. Both showed average performance in technicalities. Although the sound stage is average, the depth is comparatively better than gate. But the imaging of the gate will go a little further. In terms of tonality & timbre, Q1 pro is a bit more matured, but both lack micro detail.
★ Conclusion :-
Sub 20$ price bracket is very competitive. Many chifi brands have released many of their offerings in this category, But now with the arrival of the gate, all the previous records are almost broken. It has actually managed to perform better than the price. So, I think it will undoubtedly be a good option for those who are planning to buy something in this price range and think that they will use it regularly and also do not give much priority to gaming. I would recommend it buying from my side. I hope my shared info will be helpful for many people to make a purchase decision.
I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience
Truthear Ali express store (link isn’t affiliated)
ShenzhenAudio (link isn’t affiliated)
★ Introduction :-
Tanchjim is a well-known Chinese audio company. They are well known for manufacturing quality audio gear. They ensure a combination of fine craftsmanship and aesthetic design along with advanced technology in product manufacturing and then release the product. Which attracts the attention of consumers along with the exceptional sound. Although they have released in the gear item market less than other chifi brands. Their most popular single dd IEM in their 200$ price category was the Tanchjim Oxygen. To maintain this continuity after a long time they have just launched Origin. I've been using this IEM as my daily driver for over four months. I'll try to highlight all aspects of this IEM in my review. So that it is convenient for you to understand how equitable it is for this price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
I purchased Tanchjim origin IEM from Ali express (Grave Audio Store). I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product.The entire opinion of this review is completly my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
The unboxing experience of tanchjim origin was pretty good. All kind of accessories were present out of the box.Tanchjim has no room to complain in this regard
1. A pair of Tanchjim Origin IEMs.
2. Six pairs of different size eartips.
3. A large carrying pouch ×1.
4. Decent 3.5mm 6n Oxygen-free silver-plated copper cable ×1.
5. A user manual guide and some paper works.
The IEM comes in a rather large box with two types of cardboard with different sizes of eartips,(which quality is quite ok) stock cable & carrying pouch. On the other hand as a stock cable, high-purity 6N oxygen-free copper-plating silver wire, which according to tanchjim is effective as the Litz texture of the cable for softness and anti-oxidation. But in my opinion, the possibility of this cable oxidizing after several days of regular usage. But the good part of the cable is that does not create any unwanted microphonics while using it. I've always used an aftermarket bal cable with it though. Origin's white color stock carrying pouch is quite large and it is basically made of artificial leather. And the hand feel was good due to its finishing being like premium . Moreover, due to the good amount of space inside it, the IEM can be inserted very well.
★ Specifications :-
~ Driver :- 10mm DMT 5th Generation Single Dynamic Driver
~ Impedance :- 16Ω±5%
~ Sensitivity :- 126dB/Vrms
~ Distortion ratio :- 0.056%@1kHz
~ Frequency response :- 20Hz-48kHz
~ Connector :- 0.78mm 2-pin
~ Cable type :- 6n Oxygen-free silver-plated copper cable with 3.5mm terminated jack.
★ Design, Build & Comfort :-
Origin IEM known for its meticulous design and robust build quality. This IEM features a sleek design with a focus on both form and function. Its metal construction build quality makes it very robust but due to the mirror finish the entire area around the IEM gets a lot of fingerprints and scratches very easily which looks quite annoying. Moreover, carved 3D logo of this IEM back side looks very nice, but the paint there wears off very easily after continuous use for a few months (without using pouch).
However, due to the metal build, it feels a bit heavy to hold in the hand, but this heaviness disappears when you put it in your ears, and it doesn't feel like you have an IEM in your ears.
That's why I've been able to listen to it for so long. I've not faced any problem of ear heaviness or discomfort. Due to its interchangeable nozzles being a little too thick and short, there was some trouble with the fit of the after market eartips. Because of this, many times in ear does not create proper seal. Overall, the Tanchjim Origin is for attention to detail in the design and highly commendable in the build and comfort department.
Sound Aspect :-
The Origin is another neutral and natural sounding IEM. Where harman-ish profile has some touch. But not treble or bass region boosted like other harman profile. It can be said that there is almost no coloration in its sound because the whole sound presentation is completely clean & transparent. This IEM comes with 3 pairs of interchangeable nozzle filters which are individually marked by "L, D, S" respectively.
"L" stands for~Light
"D" stands for~Dynamic
"S" stands for~Standard
But the saddest thing is that these tuning nozzles do not bring any change in the sound. And using after market eartips with them is a lot of trouble.
Moreover, its sound is not so good with stock nozzle filters, especially the bass region suffers more. Sub bass a bit roll-off and lack of mid bass presence is too much even 70-80$ range single dd IEM's mid bass seems better lol. On the other hand, 3-5k region will require sibilance for many people who are a little more sensitive in this area, they will face some listening fatigue.
Credit :- @TimmyVangtan
In my testing, to get the full potential of origin, it is necessary to use the DIY kit of Simgot EA500 (included tuning nozzle) . After using this tuning nozzle, Origin was able to show its maximum capability and the lacks of this IEM's sound were fulfilled. Noticeable improvement has come in the mid bass section and at the same time the sub bass rumble has also improved. Although the IEM is somewhat tips sensitive. I've used Kbear 07, Spinfit W1 & Trn T eartips with it but got the best results with T-eartips. Fit, comfort and isolation are also better with it.
Overall notes of sound have been thickened & warmth effect has been added which makes the overall sound signature much more engaging & enjoyable than the stock nozzle filters. So I judged the sound of origin using the tuning nozzle of Simgot EA500 and based on that I interpreted its total sound performance.
★ Gear used :-
1. @Questyle Audio Engineering CMA15
2. @Cayin Ru7 (Se & Bal both)
3. Questyle M15 (Se & Bal both)
4. Quloos Mc01 (SE & Bal both)
5. Epz Tp50 (Se & Bal both)
6. Fosi Audio Ds2 ~ 2024 (Se & Bal both)
Tanchjim Origin is a set of 16Ω impedance whose sensitivity level is 126dB but it required firly powerful amplification is needed to drive it, but if a good quality dac amp or portable player is used, then it gets scaled up with the source and becomes better sounding.
However, the best pairing I've found is with CMA Fifteen. Excellent staging, imaging even got lots of details & mico details. At the time I thought it was a 300$ range DD IEM.
Now, I will discuss the sound in detail, I will start with the Low end of this set, i.e. the bass....
★ The Bass :-
Origin features a good bass response that is often described as tight, controlled, & deep. Doesn't overwhelm the other frequencies but adds depth and impact to the whole sound signature. On the other hand, It has good extension into the sub-bass regions, but the sub bass is somewhat roll-off. providing good rumble which does not muddying the midrange or becoming boomy. Though mid bass struggles a bit to handle complex bass-lines that's a downside. It will not satisfy those who prefer boomy bass or bass head level performance.
So, here the focus is on quality rather than quantity of bass region. The bass, guitar and kick drum sound a little lacking in adequacy while ensuring good control levels while failing slightly to make the mid-bass self-sufficient. Because the control level is good, the entire bass frequencies are not overpowering by the midrange and high frequencies, so this balance manner ensures that all elements of the music are clearly heard and the listening experience is enjoyable. It can give fairly similar results in all genres.
★ The Mids :-
Origin's midrange performance is its biggest strength. It has ability to present vocals and instruments with smoothness, clarity, and a natural tonality indeed makes them stand out.Both male & female vocal's body was completely intact. Female vocal sounds a little more energetic in some tracks which can be a little annoying for some. The upper mids a little bit forward though that's why the artist's vocal section seems close to listeners. However, its lower mids region was also quite good , so it doesn't seem very thin or recessed at all. This characteristic is highly suited for mids lovers.Those who want adequate detail in the mid-range frequencies but without the problems of unwanted harshness or sibilance will get excellent performance from it, especially in genres such as jazz and acoustic music where there is an abundance of vocals and instruments. The Tanchjim Origin IEM can easily maintain enough clarity in the mids section so its characteristics will satisfy most mids lovers.
★ The Treble :-
The treble section is one of the biggest strengths of this set. Treble seemed lively and well-extended. Where there is no problem like harshness or sibilance. There is beautiful detailed which is not on your face type, smooth delivery along with micro details of descend amount as well as sparkle is available but not that much detail is missed or dull. Cymbals & Hi-hats sound natural without any unwanted boost which is why treble can be enjoyed for a long time without any listening fatigue. I can safely say that all but extremely treble sensitive folks will be satisfied with the Origin's highs.That is why it has been able to show descent performance in all genres.
★ Technicalities :-
As a single dd IEM, Origin technically showed better performance. Its soundstage is vey wide and at the same time the height and depth of the stage was more accurate. This wideness contributes to a more immersive listening experience, particularly noticeable in orchestral pieces or recordings with multiple layers.
Imaging was pretty good, pinpoint instruments placement & positioning which is really impressive. Origin undoubtedly gives better results in gaming.
On the other hand micro and macro details can portray fairly well. Tonality & timbre were also quite natural which is expected from a well-tuned single dd IEM. Overall, this IEM is providing solid performance in terms of technical aspect.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 3.8/5
Mids : 4.5/5
Treble : 4.2/5
Technicalities : 4.5/5
Dynamics/Speed : 4.2/5
Build & Aesthetics : 4/5
★ Conclusion :-
Tanchjim Origin IEM has been recently launched in the market as the successor of its previous model Oxygen. But the Origin's sound is quite disappointing with its stock nozzles which is not at all desirable from an IEM in the 260$ price category. However, if not used with the Simgot EA500 tuning kit (nozzle included) it will not be acceptable to many.
I would not call this IEM bad by any means but for those who are thinking of buying origin for them ea500 tuning kit is definitely mandatory, and I would suggest to purchase it. Hopefully my shared info will be able to satisfy the origin users and for those who are interested in buying this set.
I've provided purchase link below for everyone's convenience
Linsoul Audio (link isn’t affiliated)
HifiGo (link isn't affiliated)
Shenzhen Audio (link isn’t affiliated)
Tanchjim is a well-known Chinese audio company. They are well known for manufacturing quality audio gear. They ensure a combination of fine craftsmanship and aesthetic design along with advanced technology in product manufacturing and then release the product. Which attracts the attention of consumers along with the exceptional sound. Although they have released in the gear item market less than other chifi brands. Their most popular single dd IEM in their 200$ price category was the Tanchjim Oxygen. To maintain this continuity after a long time they have just launched Origin. I've been using this IEM as my daily driver for over four months. I'll try to highlight all aspects of this IEM in my review. So that it is convenient for you to understand how equitable it is for this price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
I purchased Tanchjim origin IEM from Ali express (Grave Audio Store). I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product.The entire opinion of this review is completly my personal.
★ Box Content at a Glance :-
The unboxing experience of tanchjim origin was pretty good. All kind of accessories were present out of the box.Tanchjim has no room to complain in this regard
1. A pair of Tanchjim Origin IEMs.
2. Six pairs of different size eartips.
3. A large carrying pouch ×1.
4. Decent 3.5mm 6n Oxygen-free silver-plated copper cable ×1.
5. A user manual guide and some paper works.
The IEM comes in a rather large box with two types of cardboard with different sizes of eartips,(which quality is quite ok) stock cable & carrying pouch. On the other hand as a stock cable, high-purity 6N oxygen-free copper-plating silver wire, which according to tanchjim is effective as the Litz texture of the cable for softness and anti-oxidation. But in my opinion, the possibility of this cable oxidizing after several days of regular usage. But the good part of the cable is that does not create any unwanted microphonics while using it. I've always used an aftermarket bal cable with it though. Origin's white color stock carrying pouch is quite large and it is basically made of artificial leather. And the hand feel was good due to its finishing being like premium . Moreover, due to the good amount of space inside it, the IEM can be inserted very well.
★ Specifications :-
~ Driver :- 10mm DMT 5th Generation Single Dynamic Driver
~ Impedance :- 16Ω±5%
~ Sensitivity :- 126dB/Vrms
~ Distortion ratio :- 0.056%@1kHz
~ Frequency response :- 20Hz-48kHz
~ Connector :- 0.78mm 2-pin
~ Cable type :- 6n Oxygen-free silver-plated copper cable with 3.5mm terminated jack.
★ Design, Build & Comfort :-
Origin IEM known for its meticulous design and robust build quality. This IEM features a sleek design with a focus on both form and function. Its metal construction build quality makes it very robust but due to the mirror finish the entire area around the IEM gets a lot of fingerprints and scratches very easily which looks quite annoying. Moreover, carved 3D logo of this IEM back side looks very nice, but the paint there wears off very easily after continuous use for a few months (without using pouch).
However, due to the metal build, it feels a bit heavy to hold in the hand, but this heaviness disappears when you put it in your ears, and it doesn't feel like you have an IEM in your ears.
That's why I've been able to listen to it for so long. I've not faced any problem of ear heaviness or discomfort. Due to its interchangeable nozzles being a little too thick and short, there was some trouble with the fit of the after market eartips. Because of this, many times in ear does not create proper seal. Overall, the Tanchjim Origin is for attention to detail in the design and highly commendable in the build and comfort department.
Sound Aspect :-
The Origin is another neutral and natural sounding IEM. Where harman-ish profile has some touch. But not treble or bass region boosted like other harman profile. It can be said that there is almost no coloration in its sound because the whole sound presentation is completely clean & transparent. This IEM comes with 3 pairs of interchangeable nozzle filters which are individually marked by "L, D, S" respectively.
"L" stands for~Light
"D" stands for~Dynamic
"S" stands for~Standard
But the saddest thing is that these tuning nozzles do not bring any change in the sound. And using after market eartips with them is a lot of trouble.
Moreover, its sound is not so good with stock nozzle filters, especially the bass region suffers more. Sub bass a bit roll-off and lack of mid bass presence is too much even 70-80$ range single dd IEM's mid bass seems better lol. On the other hand, 3-5k region will require sibilance for many people who are a little more sensitive in this area, they will face some listening fatigue.
Credit :- @TimmyVangtan
In my testing, to get the full potential of origin, it is necessary to use the DIY kit of Simgot EA500 (included tuning nozzle) . After using this tuning nozzle, Origin was able to show its maximum capability and the lacks of this IEM's sound were fulfilled. Noticeable improvement has come in the mid bass section and at the same time the sub bass rumble has also improved. Although the IEM is somewhat tips sensitive. I've used Kbear 07, Spinfit W1 & Trn T eartips with it but got the best results with T-eartips. Fit, comfort and isolation are also better with it.
Overall notes of sound have been thickened & warmth effect has been added which makes the overall sound signature much more engaging & enjoyable than the stock nozzle filters. So I judged the sound of origin using the tuning nozzle of Simgot EA500 and based on that I interpreted its total sound performance.
★ Gear used :-
1. @Questyle Audio Engineering CMA15
2. @Cayin Ru7 (Se & Bal both)
3. Questyle M15 (Se & Bal both)
4. Quloos Mc01 (SE & Bal both)
5. Epz Tp50 (Se & Bal both)
6. Fosi Audio Ds2 ~ 2024 (Se & Bal both)
Tanchjim Origin is a set of 16Ω impedance whose sensitivity level is 126dB but it required firly powerful amplification is needed to drive it, but if a good quality dac amp or portable player is used, then it gets scaled up with the source and becomes better sounding.
However, the best pairing I've found is with CMA Fifteen. Excellent staging, imaging even got lots of details & mico details. At the time I thought it was a 300$ range DD IEM.
Now, I will discuss the sound in detail, I will start with the Low end of this set, i.e. the bass....
★ The Bass :-
Origin features a good bass response that is often described as tight, controlled, & deep. Doesn't overwhelm the other frequencies but adds depth and impact to the whole sound signature. On the other hand, It has good extension into the sub-bass regions, but the sub bass is somewhat roll-off. providing good rumble which does not muddying the midrange or becoming boomy. Though mid bass struggles a bit to handle complex bass-lines that's a downside. It will not satisfy those who prefer boomy bass or bass head level performance.
So, here the focus is on quality rather than quantity of bass region. The bass, guitar and kick drum sound a little lacking in adequacy while ensuring good control levels while failing slightly to make the mid-bass self-sufficient. Because the control level is good, the entire bass frequencies are not overpowering by the midrange and high frequencies, so this balance manner ensures that all elements of the music are clearly heard and the listening experience is enjoyable. It can give fairly similar results in all genres.
★ The Mids :-
Origin's midrange performance is its biggest strength. It has ability to present vocals and instruments with smoothness, clarity, and a natural tonality indeed makes them stand out.Both male & female vocal's body was completely intact. Female vocal sounds a little more energetic in some tracks which can be a little annoying for some. The upper mids a little bit forward though that's why the artist's vocal section seems close to listeners. However, its lower mids region was also quite good , so it doesn't seem very thin or recessed at all. This characteristic is highly suited for mids lovers.Those who want adequate detail in the mid-range frequencies but without the problems of unwanted harshness or sibilance will get excellent performance from it, especially in genres such as jazz and acoustic music where there is an abundance of vocals and instruments. The Tanchjim Origin IEM can easily maintain enough clarity in the mids section so its characteristics will satisfy most mids lovers.
★ The Treble :-
The treble section is one of the biggest strengths of this set. Treble seemed lively and well-extended. Where there is no problem like harshness or sibilance. There is beautiful detailed which is not on your face type, smooth delivery along with micro details of descend amount as well as sparkle is available but not that much detail is missed or dull. Cymbals & Hi-hats sound natural without any unwanted boost which is why treble can be enjoyed for a long time without any listening fatigue. I can safely say that all but extremely treble sensitive folks will be satisfied with the Origin's highs.That is why it has been able to show descent performance in all genres.
★ Technicalities :-
As a single dd IEM, Origin technically showed better performance. Its soundstage is vey wide and at the same time the height and depth of the stage was more accurate. This wideness contributes to a more immersive listening experience, particularly noticeable in orchestral pieces or recordings with multiple layers.
Imaging was pretty good, pinpoint instruments placement & positioning which is really impressive. Origin undoubtedly gives better results in gaming.
On the other hand micro and macro details can portray fairly well. Tonality & timbre were also quite natural which is expected from a well-tuned single dd IEM. Overall, this IEM is providing solid performance in terms of technical aspect.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 3.8/5
Mids : 4.5/5
Treble : 4.2/5
Technicalities : 4.5/5
Dynamics/Speed : 4.2/5
Build & Aesthetics : 4/5
★ Conclusion :-
Tanchjim Origin IEM has been recently launched in the market as the successor of its previous model Oxygen. But the Origin's sound is quite disappointing with its stock nozzles which is not at all desirable from an IEM in the 260$ price category. However, if not used with the Simgot EA500 tuning kit (nozzle included) it will not be acceptable to many.
I would not call this IEM bad by any means but for those who are thinking of buying origin for them ea500 tuning kit is definitely mandatory, and I would suggest to purchase it. Hopefully my shared info will be able to satisfy the origin users and for those who are interested in buying this set.
I've provided purchase link below for everyone's convenience
Linsoul Audio (link isn’t affiliated)
HifiGo (link isn't affiliated)
Shenzhen Audio (link isn’t affiliated)
MD Rohit
Good writing brother 
ivannnn
May I know what after market cable is that in the pictures? Thanks in advance.
ahammedsojib
@ivannnn mate, i was using hisenior white wheal cable as aftermarket cable. if you want, you can find more better option in the current market.
★ Introduction :-
TinHiFi is a well-known Chifi brand in the audio industry, Their once big hit product was T2. This IEM caused quite a stir at an affordable price.The brand is particularly recognized for good quality in-ear monitors (IEMs). They gained popularity for offering better sound performance at an affordable price, and making audiophile-based equipment accessible to a wider audience.
Tinhifi products often receive positive recognition for their sound quality and value for money, But they still lagging though Relatively compared to other IEM manufacturers. But today I'm here with the review of Tinhifi p1 max ii planar IEM. Although this is the first set from the Tinhifi product line-up that I have reviewed. I'll try to highlight all aspects of this IEM in my review. So that it is convenient for you to understand how equitable it is for this price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
I purchased Tinhifi p1 max ii IEM from Linsoul audio. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product.The entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box content at a glance :-
The unboxing experience of P1 max ii was very ordinary. Which is a bit disappointing because this $100+ IEM doesn't come with a carrying pouch out of the box.There is an opportunity to complain about this to Tinhifi.
1. A pair of P1 max ii IEM.
2. Two pairs generic eartips of different sizes and a pair of foam tips.
3. Decent 3.5mm 4-core Oxygen-free silver-plated copper cable×1
4. User manual guide ×1
5. Warranty card ×1
★ Specifications :-
~ Driver :- Φ14.2mm Planar Magnetic driver.
~ Impedance :- 16Ω±15%
~ Rated power :- 5mW
~ Max power :- 10mW
~ Sensitivity :- 98+3dB@1kHz 0.126V
~ Distortion ratio :- 3%@1kHz 0.126V
~ Frequency response :- 10-20kHz
~ Connector :- 2-pin 0.78mm
~ Cable type :- 4-core silver-plated copper cable with 3.5mm gold plated jack.
★ Design, Build & Comfort :-
The Tinhifi P1 Max II IEM showcases a sophisticated design and descent build quality. The 3D printed resin shell looks like it's made with precision and its sleek housing and durable materials ensure both aesthetic appeal and long-term durability. Attention to design details, such as ergonomics and cable quality, enhances user comfort and overall experience.
The stock 4-core silver plated copper cable has good build quality & The cable does not rub against the t-shirt while using the IEM and does not create any unwanted microphonics which is a big positive aspect of the cable. Although the cable is less prone to twisting, Tinhifi added a nice locking strap bracket to prevent it from twisting.
Therefore, it will be considered ideal for use in indoor or outdoor travelling. But the quality of the eartips was not good. Generic eartips seemed useless to me, but the interesting thing is that it comes with a pair of foam tips that can be used to continue the initial level of listening. These features combined make it an ideal choice for users. So it will be the top choice for those who prioritize comfort for long time listening.
★ Sound Aspect :-
P1 max ii basically "V" shape tuned set. Since this is a set of "V" shaped tunings, there is naturally more bass and treble emphasis and the mids are a little behind, There is no exception here. The internal configuration of this set has 14.2mm Planar magnetic drivers which handle the entire sound frequency.
The tuning of this IEM is fun & engaging also tonality was a bit bright-ish but it is safe to say that I did not get any major listening fatigue from its sound. However, those who are very treble sensitive may get somewhat fatigue from this. The foam tips that come with it are quite effective for the bright nature of the treble region, because these tips greatly reduce the brightness of the treble area. I've used stock eartips as well as aftermarket eartips during the sound testing period and it makes a good difference between fit, comfort, isolation and sound. I used which gave me good experience.
★ Gear used :-
1. Cayin Ru7 (Se & Bal both)
2. Questyle m15 (Se & Bal both)
3. Quloos Mc01 (Se & Bal both)
4. Epz Tp50 (Se & Bal both)
5. Fosi Audio Ds2 ~ 2024 (Se & Bal both)
6. Tanchjim space lite (SE)
Tinhifi p1 max ii planar IEM which is a set of 16Ω impedance whose sensitivity level is 98+3dB so a bit powerful amplification needed to drive it, but if a good quality dac amp or portable player is used, then it gets scaled up with the source and becomes better sounding, but a bit warmish or neutral sounding source will be more suitable with it.
Now, I will discuss the sound in detail, I will start with the Low end of this set, i.e. the bass....
★ The Bass :-
The P1 Max II offers well-controlled and tight bass response. A good amount of rumble is found in the sub-bass region. While not overwhelming, the bass is present and can handle complicated bass lines with clarity. As a planar, the fast attack & decay of bass was quite admirable but mid bass texture is noticeably lacking and some bleed with the lower mids which makes the bass note definition seems a bit weaker. Although it provides fairly clean low-end without any muddiness.
★ The Mids : -
The mids are clear and fairly detailed, offering good vocal clarity and instrument separation. However, there is some shoutyness in the upper mids section, It may become a little peaky source wise. Which has made the female vocal thin, on the other hand lower mids was recessed and the body of the male vocal has a tendency to be a bit lifeless. This IEM captures vocal and instrumental nuances less effectively. So the mids section will be considered as one of its downside.
★ The Treble :-
The treble region is typically described as bright and detailed, providing good resolution and extension, But the treble part is somewhat disturbed by planar timbre. At the same time, the body of the treble also tends to be thin As a result the guitar string instrument & cymbals sound bright-ish & unnatural. However, some listeners may find the treble to be slightly sharp or sibilant, depending on personal preference, track and source materials .
★ Technicalities :-
The P1 Max II offers a wide soundstage as 100$+ Planar in-ear monitor, with below average depth and height . Imaging is precise, allowing you to distinguish the positioning of various elements in a recording. On the other hand micro and macro details can portray fairly well most of the time. But tonality & timbre was not good, This is due to its planar glare. Overall, its planar magnetic drivers contribute to sound accuracy and speed, making it well suited for a wide range of genres.
★ Comparison :-
~ Hidizs MP145 (Regular varient 159$) ~
MP145 IEM is currently one of the best planar IEM under 200$. It is basically harman target 2019 v2 tuning which is considered mild U shape. The biggest strength of this IEM is bass or low end. It offers very clear, tight & controlled bass delivery where the physicality of the bass is blown out, even though the speed of the bass is less as a planar magnetic driver. But the midrange was clean and forward. Its vocal section is quite enjoying especially female vocal. So, the body of the male vocal is somewhat thinner side. On the other hand, the treble section was quite clean and well-extended, although due to the slightly planar timbre, the sound of some instruments seems more energetic, but technically it provided solid performance. Although the sound stage was fairly wide, the depth and height were surprisingly good and less amount of macro details. Overall its tonality & timbre was fairly accurate which is quite commendable as a 160$ planar IEM.
Vs ~ Tinhifi P1 Max ii~
The MP145 has several major differences with the P1 max ii. In mids section MP145 gave much better performance compared to P1 max ii. MP15 will be in a better position in terms of detail retrieval of treble section and better also impact & texture of bass, only P1 max ii will advance due to the speed of bass. Mp145 technically gave better performance but the amount of macro & micro details was more in P1 max ii. Even if it falls behind in sound performance, P1 max ii will be accepted by many people due to fit & comfort (3D printed resin shell) . On the other hand, the big and heavy metal shell like the giant tank of MP145 will not fit well in the ears of many people, as a result, it will disturb the fitting & long time usage experience.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 3/5
Mids : 3/5
Treble : 3.5/5
Technicalities : 3.5/5
Build & Aesthetics : 3.8/5
★ Conclusion :-
The Tinhifi P1 Max II offers decent sound quality with its fairly well-tuned Planar driver . Its comfortable design and durable build make it a solid choice for those who prefer comfort & long-time usability. However, its high price tag may deter some buyers. Because it has given ok type overall performance for the price but there are better options in the current market. I can recommend it for those who are planning to buy planar IEMs for the first time and also value comfort. But if you give more priority to the sound quality, there are better options in the current market. So Tinhifi should launch more value for money IEMs in market in the coming days.
I've provided purchase link below for everyone's convenience
Linsoul Audio (Link isn’t affiliated)
Hifigo (Link isn’t affiliated)
Shenzhen Audio (Link isn’t affiliated)
TinHiFi is a well-known Chifi brand in the audio industry, Their once big hit product was T2. This IEM caused quite a stir at an affordable price.The brand is particularly recognized for good quality in-ear monitors (IEMs). They gained popularity for offering better sound performance at an affordable price, and making audiophile-based equipment accessible to a wider audience.
Tinhifi products often receive positive recognition for their sound quality and value for money, But they still lagging though Relatively compared to other IEM manufacturers. But today I'm here with the review of Tinhifi p1 max ii planar IEM. Although this is the first set from the Tinhifi product line-up that I have reviewed. I'll try to highlight all aspects of this IEM in my review. So that it is convenient for you to understand how equitable it is for this price category.
★ Disclaimer :-
I purchased Tinhifi p1 max ii IEM from Linsoul audio. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product.The entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.
★ Box content at a glance :-
The unboxing experience of P1 max ii was very ordinary. Which is a bit disappointing because this $100+ IEM doesn't come with a carrying pouch out of the box.There is an opportunity to complain about this to Tinhifi.
1. A pair of P1 max ii IEM.
2. Two pairs generic eartips of different sizes and a pair of foam tips.
3. Decent 3.5mm 4-core Oxygen-free silver-plated copper cable×1
4. User manual guide ×1
5. Warranty card ×1
★ Specifications :-
~ Driver :- Φ14.2mm Planar Magnetic driver.
~ Impedance :- 16Ω±15%
~ Rated power :- 5mW
~ Max power :- 10mW
~ Sensitivity :- 98+3dB@1kHz 0.126V
~ Distortion ratio :- 3%@1kHz 0.126V
~ Frequency response :- 10-20kHz
~ Connector :- 2-pin 0.78mm
~ Cable type :- 4-core silver-plated copper cable with 3.5mm gold plated jack.
★ Design, Build & Comfort :-
The Tinhifi P1 Max II IEM showcases a sophisticated design and descent build quality. The 3D printed resin shell looks like it's made with precision and its sleek housing and durable materials ensure both aesthetic appeal and long-term durability. Attention to design details, such as ergonomics and cable quality, enhances user comfort and overall experience.
The stock 4-core silver plated copper cable has good build quality & The cable does not rub against the t-shirt while using the IEM and does not create any unwanted microphonics which is a big positive aspect of the cable. Although the cable is less prone to twisting, Tinhifi added a nice locking strap bracket to prevent it from twisting.
Therefore, it will be considered ideal for use in indoor or outdoor travelling. But the quality of the eartips was not good. Generic eartips seemed useless to me, but the interesting thing is that it comes with a pair of foam tips that can be used to continue the initial level of listening. These features combined make it an ideal choice for users. So it will be the top choice for those who prioritize comfort for long time listening.
★ Sound Aspect :-
P1 max ii basically "V" shape tuned set. Since this is a set of "V" shaped tunings, there is naturally more bass and treble emphasis and the mids are a little behind, There is no exception here. The internal configuration of this set has 14.2mm Planar magnetic drivers which handle the entire sound frequency.
The tuning of this IEM is fun & engaging also tonality was a bit bright-ish but it is safe to say that I did not get any major listening fatigue from its sound. However, those who are very treble sensitive may get somewhat fatigue from this. The foam tips that come with it are quite effective for the bright nature of the treble region, because these tips greatly reduce the brightness of the treble area. I've used stock eartips as well as aftermarket eartips during the sound testing period and it makes a good difference between fit, comfort, isolation and sound. I used which gave me good experience.
★ Gear used :-
1. Cayin Ru7 (Se & Bal both)
2. Questyle m15 (Se & Bal both)
3. Quloos Mc01 (Se & Bal both)
4. Epz Tp50 (Se & Bal both)
5. Fosi Audio Ds2 ~ 2024 (Se & Bal both)
6. Tanchjim space lite (SE)
Tinhifi p1 max ii planar IEM which is a set of 16Ω impedance whose sensitivity level is 98+3dB so a bit powerful amplification needed to drive it, but if a good quality dac amp or portable player is used, then it gets scaled up with the source and becomes better sounding, but a bit warmish or neutral sounding source will be more suitable with it.
Now, I will discuss the sound in detail, I will start with the Low end of this set, i.e. the bass....
★ The Bass :-
The P1 Max II offers well-controlled and tight bass response. A good amount of rumble is found in the sub-bass region. While not overwhelming, the bass is present and can handle complicated bass lines with clarity. As a planar, the fast attack & decay of bass was quite admirable but mid bass texture is noticeably lacking and some bleed with the lower mids which makes the bass note definition seems a bit weaker. Although it provides fairly clean low-end without any muddiness.
★ The Mids : -
The mids are clear and fairly detailed, offering good vocal clarity and instrument separation. However, there is some shoutyness in the upper mids section, It may become a little peaky source wise. Which has made the female vocal thin, on the other hand lower mids was recessed and the body of the male vocal has a tendency to be a bit lifeless. This IEM captures vocal and instrumental nuances less effectively. So the mids section will be considered as one of its downside.
★ The Treble :-
The treble region is typically described as bright and detailed, providing good resolution and extension, But the treble part is somewhat disturbed by planar timbre. At the same time, the body of the treble also tends to be thin As a result the guitar string instrument & cymbals sound bright-ish & unnatural. However, some listeners may find the treble to be slightly sharp or sibilant, depending on personal preference, track and source materials .
★ Technicalities :-
The P1 Max II offers a wide soundstage as 100$+ Planar in-ear monitor, with below average depth and height . Imaging is precise, allowing you to distinguish the positioning of various elements in a recording. On the other hand micro and macro details can portray fairly well most of the time. But tonality & timbre was not good, This is due to its planar glare. Overall, its planar magnetic drivers contribute to sound accuracy and speed, making it well suited for a wide range of genres.
★ Comparison :-
~ Hidizs MP145 (Regular varient 159$) ~
MP145 IEM is currently one of the best planar IEM under 200$. It is basically harman target 2019 v2 tuning which is considered mild U shape. The biggest strength of this IEM is bass or low end. It offers very clear, tight & controlled bass delivery where the physicality of the bass is blown out, even though the speed of the bass is less as a planar magnetic driver. But the midrange was clean and forward. Its vocal section is quite enjoying especially female vocal. So, the body of the male vocal is somewhat thinner side. On the other hand, the treble section was quite clean and well-extended, although due to the slightly planar timbre, the sound of some instruments seems more energetic, but technically it provided solid performance. Although the sound stage was fairly wide, the depth and height were surprisingly good and less amount of macro details. Overall its tonality & timbre was fairly accurate which is quite commendable as a 160$ planar IEM.
Vs ~ Tinhifi P1 Max ii~
The MP145 has several major differences with the P1 max ii. In mids section MP145 gave much better performance compared to P1 max ii. MP15 will be in a better position in terms of detail retrieval of treble section and better also impact & texture of bass, only P1 max ii will advance due to the speed of bass. Mp145 technically gave better performance but the amount of macro & micro details was more in P1 max ii. Even if it falls behind in sound performance, P1 max ii will be accepted by many people due to fit & comfort (3D printed resin shell) . On the other hand, the big and heavy metal shell like the giant tank of MP145 will not fit well in the ears of many people, as a result, it will disturb the fitting & long time usage experience.
Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give
Bass : 3/5
Mids : 3/5
Treble : 3.5/5
Technicalities : 3.5/5
Build & Aesthetics : 3.8/5
★ Conclusion :-
The Tinhifi P1 Max II offers decent sound quality with its fairly well-tuned Planar driver . Its comfortable design and durable build make it a solid choice for those who prefer comfort & long-time usability. However, its high price tag may deter some buyers. Because it has given ok type overall performance for the price but there are better options in the current market. I can recommend it for those who are planning to buy planar IEMs for the first time and also value comfort. But if you give more priority to the sound quality, there are better options in the current market. So Tinhifi should launch more value for money IEMs in market in the coming days.
I've provided purchase link below for everyone's convenience
Linsoul Audio (Link isn’t affiliated)
Hifigo (Link isn’t affiliated)
Shenzhen Audio (Link isn’t affiliated)
RK Turan
You're presentations are a whole lot better then than before.Thanks for providing us with ideas.(I forgot my password so couldn't log in for a while.but still read them)
