Reviews by Azui
Disclaimer:
Our friend at TangZu Audio gave us the opportunity to review such a very nice looking pair for a very nice price. Not in any way this will affect my review for this item, as i only want to share what i hear and nothing else.
Source used:
Hidizs AP80
Mi Pad 5
Xiaomi Mi 11T
Odyssey HD by venture electronics
Price point: $30 / 1500 PHP (PRE-ORDER)
Specifications:
10mm 1DD (Dynamic Driver)
Distortion rate: <0.5%
Sensitivity: 109dB
Impedance: 18 Ohms
FR Range: 20hz-20Khz
Cable type: 5N OFC 0.05*120 Wire
Cable Length: 1.2m + 5%
Cable Interface: 0.78mm, 2-pin
Giving my full impression after a week of use. See my review below:
Lows:
The lows on shimin-li is tight, well-textured and authoritative. Due to tangzu's choice of tips, this made it enjoyable at least for bassheads.. The Shimin-Li's bass frequency is dominating on the sub-bass, giving slam and kicks that an average user finds. The bass decay is slightly faster than what i expected, but still provides a presentation that is clear and enjoyable to the ears,.
Mids:
Now, this is the champion of this set. Mids are luscious, and a little more refined in clarity, as if this was a clone of Seeaudio Yume, a well-known IEM from SeeAudio that is known to have one of the most refined clarity for vocal listening. Supply of warmth for both gender tracks is enough, Making the lower portion of mids enjoyable with supple warmth resulting in a full-bodied experience. The sound of male vocals is more organic, or alive, as you may interpret it. Shimin-li might exhibit some little peaks here and there but is in no way gonna offend your ears to stop listening. No sibilance, even at higher volumes. Just plainly fun stuff with these.
Highs:
Now this, as i didnt expect, is also pretty good. Detail retrieval well above average, as microdetails can be heard quite well, even for non-audiophile listeners. Microdetails are pretty much present and hearable.
Notes to ponder:
- Soundstage is great, pretty wide, didn't expect that. it is not hazy at all, it gives a very clear positioning of the music you play.
- Imaging is pretty good, as i can hear positioning and hitting of cymbals pretty well. It does not match other iems being "in an orchestra" style of imaging, but its still pretty decent for 30 bucks.
- Separation is decent, i can hear on the track by elton john (Skyline pigeon) played on apple music that it is very capable of contending with its competitors. The vocals, instrumentals separates between your ears, is actually good and sweet. Harmonious, if i may add.
Final touch:
Shimin-Li is an excellent all rounder pair, absolultely an easy blind buy for $30. Good recommendations for casual listeners who want to get in the iem game. Due to its sound-signature, may/may not be a casual listener's taste because of how dry a neutral sound is. This scales well with source, especially shining when paired on a neutral source (AP80, Megatron, E.G). I personally bought a unit for myself right after this review has been made because of how much i enjoyed this pair so much.
More photos below:
Final Photo is a comparison of colors between Silver/Gold Shimin-Li.
Thank you for reading! I will also attach the video on comment section soon.
Our friend at TangZu Audio gave us the opportunity to review such a very nice looking pair for a very nice price. Not in any way this will affect my review for this item, as i only want to share what i hear and nothing else.
Source used:
Hidizs AP80
Mi Pad 5
Xiaomi Mi 11T
Odyssey HD by venture electronics
Price point: $30 / 1500 PHP (PRE-ORDER)
Specifications:
10mm 1DD (Dynamic Driver)
Distortion rate: <0.5%
Sensitivity: 109dB
Impedance: 18 Ohms
FR Range: 20hz-20Khz
Cable type: 5N OFC 0.05*120 Wire
Cable Length: 1.2m + 5%
Cable Interface: 0.78mm, 2-pin
Giving my full impression after a week of use. See my review below:
Lows:
The lows on shimin-li is tight, well-textured and authoritative. Due to tangzu's choice of tips, this made it enjoyable at least for bassheads.. The Shimin-Li's bass frequency is dominating on the sub-bass, giving slam and kicks that an average user finds. The bass decay is slightly faster than what i expected, but still provides a presentation that is clear and enjoyable to the ears,.
Mids:
Now, this is the champion of this set. Mids are luscious, and a little more refined in clarity, as if this was a clone of Seeaudio Yume, a well-known IEM from SeeAudio that is known to have one of the most refined clarity for vocal listening. Supply of warmth for both gender tracks is enough, Making the lower portion of mids enjoyable with supple warmth resulting in a full-bodied experience. The sound of male vocals is more organic, or alive, as you may interpret it. Shimin-li might exhibit some little peaks here and there but is in no way gonna offend your ears to stop listening. No sibilance, even at higher volumes. Just plainly fun stuff with these.
Highs:
Now this, as i didnt expect, is also pretty good. Detail retrieval well above average, as microdetails can be heard quite well, even for non-audiophile listeners. Microdetails are pretty much present and hearable.
Notes to ponder:
- Soundstage is great, pretty wide, didn't expect that. it is not hazy at all, it gives a very clear positioning of the music you play.
- Imaging is pretty good, as i can hear positioning and hitting of cymbals pretty well. It does not match other iems being "in an orchestra" style of imaging, but its still pretty decent for 30 bucks.
- Separation is decent, i can hear on the track by elton john (Skyline pigeon) played on apple music that it is very capable of contending with its competitors. The vocals, instrumentals separates between your ears, is actually good and sweet. Harmonious, if i may add.
Final touch:
Shimin-Li is an excellent all rounder pair, absolultely an easy blind buy for $30. Good recommendations for casual listeners who want to get in the iem game. Due to its sound-signature, may/may not be a casual listener's taste because of how dry a neutral sound is. This scales well with source, especially shining when paired on a neutral source (AP80, Megatron, E.G). I personally bought a unit for myself right after this review has been made because of how much i enjoyed this pair so much.
More photos below:
Final Photo is a comparison of colors between Silver/Gold Shimin-Li.
Thank you for reading! I will also attach the video on comment section soon.
RemedyMusic
Good read 
Disclaimer: This was sent by Sir Jeff (KZ) in an exchange for an honest review. Your listening experience will always be subjective.
- Observations and Subjective review are true to my listening experience.
- No forms of monetary "over the table" were given, or discussed on the duration of my review.
Sources used:
UAPP
Redmi Note 8 pro (stock 3.5mm)
Redmi Note 8 pro + Odyssey OHD
Hidizs AP80
My take on the pair:
- Sound signature is V-shaped, leaning to bright. so-so soundstage, average imaging, clarity and separation. Decent detail retrieval.
Build Quality:
- Bad Tips, really needs change. But suggesting you use it first before changing.
- Fit of the pair is awfully discomforting to me. As much as i loved the CCA CA16 Pro's fitting, this pair does not vibe with my ears. But changing tips made the experience better.
- Usual packaging quality. Can always be improved.
Subjective opinion on most important parts:
Lows:
- Very much present, punchy. However, it lacks micro details which can be a turn-off for people who are listening to long periods of time. I personally feel that the bass energy on these pairs somehow overpowers the lower mids on busy tracks.
Mids:
- Recessed mids, Warm-sounding lower mids with inference of being bright. The magnitude of male vocals is just enough, But on the female range, it's just too colored when paired with warm sources. Sibilance is very much present on sibilant tracks, and will be showing itself when using wide bore tips. It is also shouty on wide bore tips.
Highs:
Well-extended, very much decent output. Out of all $20 below priced IEMS i've tested personally in and out, this does not disappoint. Detail retrieval is decent, and will wow anyone that has never listened to any pair of IEM(S). The sparkles emphasis on tracks can be annoying and peaky. It may vary depending on choice of music.
Comparison:
CCA CRA VS ND NSK
In a nutshell, ND NSK has better control and attack of mids over CRA. Considering they are almost similar (?) In tuning. Personally, they're competing head to head, but i strongly agree that CRA still wins by a margin over NSK.
Final thoughts:
CCA CRA is a good pair, I would say. As a target consumer of chi-fi products, easy recommendation along with zex/zex pro. There can be better alternatives on these pairs of course, but CRA begs to be seen a second time. The fitting OOTB may discourage you, but do change the tips, since CRA can change your mind. I was a bit amused by this but i'm gonna say it still needs a lot of improvements.
Purchase this at: https://shopee.ph/product/573093318/15711663407
Thanks!
- Observations and Subjective review are true to my listening experience.
- No forms of monetary "over the table" were given, or discussed on the duration of my review.
Sources used:
UAPP
Redmi Note 8 pro (stock 3.5mm)
Redmi Note 8 pro + Odyssey OHD
Hidizs AP80
My take on the pair:
- Sound signature is V-shaped, leaning to bright. so-so soundstage, average imaging, clarity and separation. Decent detail retrieval.
Build Quality:
- Bad Tips, really needs change. But suggesting you use it first before changing.
- Fit of the pair is awfully discomforting to me. As much as i loved the CCA CA16 Pro's fitting, this pair does not vibe with my ears. But changing tips made the experience better.
- Usual packaging quality. Can always be improved.
Subjective opinion on most important parts:
Lows:
- Very much present, punchy. However, it lacks micro details which can be a turn-off for people who are listening to long periods of time. I personally feel that the bass energy on these pairs somehow overpowers the lower mids on busy tracks.
Mids:
- Recessed mids, Warm-sounding lower mids with inference of being bright. The magnitude of male vocals is just enough, But on the female range, it's just too colored when paired with warm sources. Sibilance is very much present on sibilant tracks, and will be showing itself when using wide bore tips. It is also shouty on wide bore tips.
Highs:
Well-extended, very much decent output. Out of all $20 below priced IEMS i've tested personally in and out, this does not disappoint. Detail retrieval is decent, and will wow anyone that has never listened to any pair of IEM(S). The sparkles emphasis on tracks can be annoying and peaky. It may vary depending on choice of music.
Comparison:
CCA CRA VS ND NSK
In a nutshell, ND NSK has better control and attack of mids over CRA. Considering they are almost similar (?) In tuning. Personally, they're competing head to head, but i strongly agree that CRA still wins by a margin over NSK.
Final thoughts:
CCA CRA is a good pair, I would say. As a target consumer of chi-fi products, easy recommendation along with zex/zex pro. There can be better alternatives on these pairs of course, but CRA begs to be seen a second time. The fitting OOTB may discourage you, but do change the tips, since CRA can change your mind. I was a bit amused by this but i'm gonna say it still needs a lot of improvements.
Purchase this at: https://shopee.ph/product/573093318/15711663407
Thanks!
Attachments
CCA CA10 Review: Boomy vibes!
Disclaimer: This was sent to me by Boss Jeff Yang of Kz Official Store, In exchange for an honest review. Rest Assured, I will try to be concise on my description as possible. No money was sent, nor discussed to influence this review. Trust your ears more than anyone you know.
Kz official store is a chi-fi company, residing in Guandong, China. Catering for the mass market, Kz has continuously developed products over the years, making their target market the people who are into budget/entry-level Audiogears.
CCA CA10 was developed recently, possibly as a successor to CA16 Pro. Featuring 10 Balanced armature drivers, these pair of in-ear monitors aim to serve your ears with pleasure.
Sources used:
Tempotec Sonata HD
Odyssey HD by VE
Redmi Note 8 Pro
Zishan U1
Hidizs AP80
My initial impressions for CA10:
Coming from CA16 Pro, this has almost the same fitting quality, very friendly to audio lovers with big ears. Stock tips are bad, very sticky to the ears. Could use some work. (Please work on the tips too.) However, this pair begs a second look. Wanna know why? Read with me through my review.
My take on its major parts:
Lows:
Bass energy is decent&lively. Boomy bass, Punchy on various tracks. Note that the tracks that are normal, or in a slow beat/tempo will surely benefit from the output of this pairs. However, it poorly presents itself on tracks that are very busy. It under compensates itself. Good for various EDM tracks, Pop musics. Not
Mids:
Slight sibilance, noticeable in very busy tracks. Sub-par clarity, decent presentation of vocals, clear pronouncation. Lacks a bit of warmness on tracks with male, a bit too intimate and mellow in female tracks. Sibilance being present definitely somehow ruin the experience. CA10 reminds me of Zex Pro tuned by crin. A notch better.
Highs:
Clear& decent imaging, sub-par instrument separation. It can handle separation for normal tracks really well but for tracks that presents various details at the same time, it will perform underwhelming. Slight peak on sparkles present but only noticeable when listening critically and for a long period of time. Detail retrieval is actually good, didnt expect that.
Build Quality:
The mold is similar to CA16 pro, which i really adored a lot. The build is comfortable to people with big ears. They will definitely love the fitting.
Pros:
- Good sub-bass energy
- Good detail retrieval
- Bassheads will definitely +1 this IEM due to bass output, but micro-details are so-so
- Pretty wide soundstage
Cons:
- Slight amount of sibilance may or may not be good for the user.
- Bad tips included.
- Not for busy tracks. Performs underwhelming.
- Male vocals too cold and shallow
- Female vocals may be too intimate to some users
GK Earphones: https://shopee.ph/gkearphones.ph
Disclaimer: This was sent to me by Boss Jeff Yang of Kz Official Store, In exchange for an honest review. Rest Assured, I will try to be concise on my description as possible. No money was sent, nor discussed to influence this review. Trust your ears more than anyone you know.
Kz official store is a chi-fi company, residing in Guandong, China. Catering for the mass market, Kz has continuously developed products over the years, making their target market the people who are into budget/entry-level Audiogears.
CCA CA10 was developed recently, possibly as a successor to CA16 Pro. Featuring 10 Balanced armature drivers, these pair of in-ear monitors aim to serve your ears with pleasure.
Sources used:
Tempotec Sonata HD
Odyssey HD by VE
Redmi Note 8 Pro
Zishan U1
Hidizs AP80
My initial impressions for CA10:
Coming from CA16 Pro, this has almost the same fitting quality, very friendly to audio lovers with big ears. Stock tips are bad, very sticky to the ears. Could use some work. (Please work on the tips too.) However, this pair begs a second look. Wanna know why? Read with me through my review.
My take on its major parts:
Lows:
Bass energy is decent&lively. Boomy bass, Punchy on various tracks. Note that the tracks that are normal, or in a slow beat/tempo will surely benefit from the output of this pairs. However, it poorly presents itself on tracks that are very busy. It under compensates itself. Good for various EDM tracks, Pop musics. Not
Mids:
Slight sibilance, noticeable in very busy tracks. Sub-par clarity, decent presentation of vocals, clear pronouncation. Lacks a bit of warmness on tracks with male, a bit too intimate and mellow in female tracks. Sibilance being present definitely somehow ruin the experience. CA10 reminds me of Zex Pro tuned by crin. A notch better.
Highs:
Clear& decent imaging, sub-par instrument separation. It can handle separation for normal tracks really well but for tracks that presents various details at the same time, it will perform underwhelming. Slight peak on sparkles present but only noticeable when listening critically and for a long period of time. Detail retrieval is actually good, didnt expect that.
Build Quality:
The mold is similar to CA16 pro, which i really adored a lot. The build is comfortable to people with big ears. They will definitely love the fitting.
Pros:
- Good sub-bass energy
- Good detail retrieval
- Bassheads will definitely +1 this IEM due to bass output, but micro-details are so-so
- Pretty wide soundstage
Cons:
- Slight amount of sibilance may or may not be good for the user.
- Bad tips included.
- Not for busy tracks. Performs underwhelming.
- Male vocals too cold and shallow
- Female vocals may be too intimate to some users
GK Earphones: https://shopee.ph/gkearphones.ph
Attachments
Review: KZ-ZEX Disclaimer:
This product is sent by KZ Official store, but in not anyway the review will be biased.
Only honest and based on my experience. Listening experience may vary. Out of the box: Good looking. The black color really suits the metal faceplate on this IEM.
- V-shaped sounding for me, as usual. But boy, i was in for a surprise.
- Knowledge Zenith, or KZ implemented a new set of drivers called "Magnetostat" Drivers.
- Easy to drive. Really easy. I've tried this bare on my phone, with a dongle, and a dap.
- Mids are a bit recessed. - Vocals are clear, specially female tracks.
- When i said i was in for a surprise, Kz surprised me on the tuning of these. Kz's budget items like the kz zsn pro has aggressive tuning, and that makes the experience uncomfortable at longer periods.
- There is still a noticeable "shouty" treble, but it is negligible and is a lot better. Good job Kz!
- Compared to Zsn Pro, Zsn Pro X, Zs10 Pro, I would pick this any day.
- Nozzle is a bit narrow for me. Could be better next time
- Stock tips are better than the black ones, but still not my taste of choice. Tried with Final E tips. They're better for me.
- Bassheads may or may not like this. The bass is "boomy" more than "punchy"
- I believe this will shine so better with a colorful source. I tried with AP80 and it was really dry.
Build:
Quality:
Price, Affordability:
Overall:
Thoughts: If you're looking for a starter iem, can never go wrong. Great for the price.
KZ You can purchase this at: https://shopee.ph/kzearphone.ph?smtt=0.0.9
This product is sent by KZ Official store, but in not anyway the review will be biased.
Only honest and based on my experience. Listening experience may vary. Out of the box: Good looking. The black color really suits the metal faceplate on this IEM.
- V-shaped sounding for me, as usual. But boy, i was in for a surprise.
- Knowledge Zenith, or KZ implemented a new set of drivers called "Magnetostat" Drivers.
- Easy to drive. Really easy. I've tried this bare on my phone, with a dongle, and a dap.
- Mids are a bit recessed. - Vocals are clear, specially female tracks.
- When i said i was in for a surprise, Kz surprised me on the tuning of these. Kz's budget items like the kz zsn pro has aggressive tuning, and that makes the experience uncomfortable at longer periods.
- There is still a noticeable "shouty" treble, but it is negligible and is a lot better. Good job Kz!
- Compared to Zsn Pro, Zsn Pro X, Zs10 Pro, I would pick this any day.
- Nozzle is a bit narrow for me. Could be better next time
- Stock tips are better than the black ones, but still not my taste of choice. Tried with Final E tips. They're better for me.
- Bassheads may or may not like this. The bass is "boomy" more than "punchy"
- I believe this will shine so better with a colorful source. I tried with AP80 and it was really dry.
Build:
Thoughts: If you're looking for a starter iem, can never go wrong. Great for the price.
KZ You can purchase this at: https://shopee.ph/kzearphone.ph?smtt=0.0.9
Attachments
