Note: At the time of this review, the UBSOUND Fighter aluminum earphones are available for purchase at 48$ on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=ubsound) and 69$ on UBSOUND’s official online shop (ubsoundshop.com).
Official Manufacturer’s website for further information and customer service: www.ubsound.com
UBSOUND is an Italian company based in Milan and specialized in consumer electronics, specifically portable audio products like premium IEMs, Headphones, DAPs and DACs. The pronounce of their brand, listening to some videos, is “you be sound”, which at the end of the day sounds good imho.
Disclaimer:
First of all I’d like to thank Head-Fi for the opportunity to write a subjective review on the best worldwide audio webzine.
Below you’ll find my honest review and opinion. I am in no way affiliated with their brand. Although, being an Italian guy, I’m obviously a bit proud as I’m talking about the only Italian brand of portable audio we have in Italy so far, but I’ve been as unbiased as possible while testing their IEMs and writing this review.
My background:
Please let me briefly introduce myself. This is BlackJackSound, an Italian student at the engineering University that, other than eating spaghetti, pizza and drinking good red wine, is also a deep follower of Head-Fi, who loves audio products like digital audio players, in-ear monitors, headphones on-ear/over-ear and amplified digital analogic converters. I generally write reviews in Italy and my main aim is to test each product with passion always considering build quality, the acoustic signature, the soundstage, the design and value for money first. I own a collection of around 70 audio products (IEMs, headphones, DAPs and DACs), therefore I hope my review will be appreciated by the huge Head-Fi community, always considering that these reviews are obviously written in my humble opinion. Lastly, I’m sorry if my English is not correct sometimes… Thanks
Introduction:
I read several reviews about the brand UBSOUND starting last year, then around 6 months ago I bought the Fighter IEMs inside a duty free airport store before a long trip, so I had the opportunity to do the first running-in period of the earphones in the sky while flying, using my iPhone with the off-line setting and listening to my favorite music (around 100 songs playlist) thanks to a good bank power, otherwise it wouldn’t have been possible with the iPhone battery only as you can imagine. Then I finished my running-in period with my I-Basso once I was back home. The first impression was good and also the following test during the weeks after, so this is why I’m writing this review as I love to share my experiences with gear tested.
MY OFFICIAL REVIEW OF THE UBSOUND FIGHTER ALUMINUM IEMs (elegant black color)
Packaging and Unboxing:
The UBSOUND Fighter IEMs are available in the market in 4 colors (black, white, red and blue), I bought the black version, opaque aluminum elegant black and iron grey, which perfectly match with most of my devices.
The packaging is very slim, simply elegant silky cardboard nice to touch with a double security seal. The front cover of the box displays their logo & motto, a picture of the earphones and the name of the model “Fighter”. The packaging design gives an immediate easy Italian style graphically speaking. On the back side of the box there are the main details in 5 languages, English, Italian, French, Spanish and German.
On the right and left side we find brief details, like compatibility with the main devices, serial numbers, official CE, FCC, RoHS certificates and the 2 years full warranty certified mark (which I do appreciate a lot, as with full warranty they mean you are covered for 2 years with a replacement in case of defective unit with a “new/sealed” unit, not a refurbished nor repaired one. Which is admirable compared to other IEM brands imho).
Inside you find 3 pairs of comfort silicon ear tips (L, M, S size), an elegant velvet carry bag, a multi-language user guide, a UBSOUND sticker and, obviously, the Fighter IEMs. I found the range of accessories quite poor compared to other brands, but at the end of the day what I really care is the build quality and the sound performance.
Technical Specifications:
- 8mm independent dynamic drivers
- Frequency Response: 20-20.000Hz
- Maximum Distorsion: <0,5%
- Sensivity: 92dB
- Impedence: 32 Ω
Housings – IEMs’ body:
The Fighter has a good build quality with an aluminum cone shaped body. They seem to be very light considering the robust material. The front hole is closed with a good quality metal filter which protects the 8mm independent dynamic driver from dust and ear wax. The 3 pair of ear-tips in S, M and L size are soft, comfortable and with a great soundproofing level in my opinion.
Cable, 3,5mm Jack connector, Single button Microphone and Fit:
Honestly it’s my first experience with a flat wire and, at the end of the day, I would say it’s a nice experience: light, ergonomic, really tangle free, robust, without memory and soft to the touch. The right cable has a plastic single button remote control with an integrated microphone of good quality which works only to play-pause music and answer and hang up the phone calls. It doesn’t have any volume controller. The IEMs and their remote perfectly work with Android, iOS and Windows. The flat wire is Y-separated through a nice aluminum mold with the stylish Ubsound logo printed on it. At the far end of the wire there is a well heat-sealed rubber Jack with a 3,5mm gold plated connector. I think the Fighter in-ear earphones have a high level build quality and each single detail is quite accurate. In terms of IEMs’ fit, I’m really satisfied about their comfort used over the ear and straight down. I would say that when wearing the Fighter over the ear the slight microphonic effect is less prominent anyway.
Sound:
Signature
After several tests, I think the Fighter IEMs have an end-user friendly V-shaped & warm acoustic signature.
Bass
The bass frequency is quite robust, deep and smooth. Despite their powerful bass effect, the Mids and High frequencies are never impacted nor covered by their advanced bass. Even with a very high volume from an amplified DAC, the Fighter IEMs do not match any kind of distortion, leaving the bass very clean and nice to be listened.
Midrange
The Mid frequencies are a little behind compared to the advanced bass and treble which, being a V-shaped IEM, is quite in line with my expectation. However, even though the mids are a bit behind, probably thanks to the great effect of the middle-treble the sound’s details are quite present and rich enough to maintain a good level of voice and instruments. Also, this kind of sweet midrange give a very warm soundstage to these IEMs in my opinion.
Treble
The treble frequency is very precise, clean and advanced without hissing effects nor distortions even with an high volume. I appreciated the clarity of the Fighter’s treble a lot and enjoyed listening to all genres of music. I never found this clear treble in this price range honestly.
Comparisons:
Sennheiser Momentum IEMs (iOS version)
Even though it’s quite unfair to compare 100$ IEMs like the Momentum with 48$ IEMs like the Fighter, being in a V-shaped signature scenario I thought it was a good fighting to be implemented.
Starting from the end of my opinion, I think that the Fighter are definitely better than the Momentum, basically considering the value for money of both.
Regarding the Momentum, I do not appreciate that the volume controller on the remote works only with iOS or only with Android, I bought the iOS version as I mostly use them with an iPhone but it would have been nice to use it also with my girlfriend’s smartphone Galaxy S6… anyway, this is not the end of the world as I think the smartphone’s volume controller is always better than the remote one in my opinion.
The Momentum IEMs are V-shaped as well as the Fighter, with a slightly deeper bass compared to the Ubsound earphones but also a less detailed midrange which, in my opinion, generate a much too hard V-shaped sound. Therefore the Fighter’s acoustic signature is more warm, sweet and soft during playback.
Anyway, I’ll write and post a separate review of the Momentum soon here on Head-Fi.
DUNU DN-2000J
Ok, this comparison is 100% unfair in terms of price range: 330$ Dunu Vs 48$ Ubsound… no way.
Obviously the DN-2000J are a masterpiece, really rich of details and with a sound clarity I never tried in my life before. The signature is perfectly neutral and balanced, maybe a bit more V-shaped while using the bass ring included. However, what surprised me a lot is that from an iPhone 6 while listening to electronic music I would say that the Fighter’s soundstage is even better than the DN-2000… but, from a DAP or DAC, there are no comparisons obviously. Also for the Dunu IEMs, I’ll write and then post a separate review soon here on Head-Fi, before Xmas if I find few spare hours.
Devices used:
The Fighter’s tests were done with a Samsung Galaxy S6, an iPhone 6, an iPod Touch, an iBasso DX-50, an iBasso DX-90 and a Fiio X5, listening to several tracks of multi-genres music.
Conclusion:
I think the Ubsound Fighter aluminum in-ear earbuds are globally very good, in terms of acoustic performance and build quality, with an excellent value for money in my humble opinion.
I wouldn’t suggest the Fighter for those who only like a flat signature in this price segment.
I would also recommend a good running-in period for the drivers of at least 50/70 hours for the Fighter, as I noticed a great improvement after that point, especially in clarity and details.
Lastly, I think that this Italian company Ubsound is a brand to keep an eye on seeing how they worked with the Fighter, especially keeping an eye on their upcoming projects on their website.
Thank you very much for reading and see you soon with my next review.
Bye, BlackJackSound.
Official Manufacturer’s website for further information and customer service: www.ubsound.com
UBSOUND is an Italian company based in Milan and specialized in consumer electronics, specifically portable audio products like premium IEMs, Headphones, DAPs and DACs. The pronounce of their brand, listening to some videos, is “you be sound”, which at the end of the day sounds good imho.
Disclaimer:
First of all I’d like to thank Head-Fi for the opportunity to write a subjective review on the best worldwide audio webzine.
Below you’ll find my honest review and opinion. I am in no way affiliated with their brand. Although, being an Italian guy, I’m obviously a bit proud as I’m talking about the only Italian brand of portable audio we have in Italy so far, but I’ve been as unbiased as possible while testing their IEMs and writing this review.
My background:
Please let me briefly introduce myself. This is BlackJackSound, an Italian student at the engineering University that, other than eating spaghetti, pizza and drinking good red wine, is also a deep follower of Head-Fi, who loves audio products like digital audio players, in-ear monitors, headphones on-ear/over-ear and amplified digital analogic converters. I generally write reviews in Italy and my main aim is to test each product with passion always considering build quality, the acoustic signature, the soundstage, the design and value for money first. I own a collection of around 70 audio products (IEMs, headphones, DAPs and DACs), therefore I hope my review will be appreciated by the huge Head-Fi community, always considering that these reviews are obviously written in my humble opinion. Lastly, I’m sorry if my English is not correct sometimes… Thanks
Introduction:
I read several reviews about the brand UBSOUND starting last year, then around 6 months ago I bought the Fighter IEMs inside a duty free airport store before a long trip, so I had the opportunity to do the first running-in period of the earphones in the sky while flying, using my iPhone with the off-line setting and listening to my favorite music (around 100 songs playlist) thanks to a good bank power, otherwise it wouldn’t have been possible with the iPhone battery only as you can imagine. Then I finished my running-in period with my I-Basso once I was back home. The first impression was good and also the following test during the weeks after, so this is why I’m writing this review as I love to share my experiences with gear tested.
MY OFFICIAL REVIEW OF THE UBSOUND FIGHTER ALUMINUM IEMs (elegant black color)
Packaging and Unboxing:
The UBSOUND Fighter IEMs are available in the market in 4 colors (black, white, red and blue), I bought the black version, opaque aluminum elegant black and iron grey, which perfectly match with most of my devices.
The packaging is very slim, simply elegant silky cardboard nice to touch with a double security seal. The front cover of the box displays their logo & motto, a picture of the earphones and the name of the model “Fighter”. The packaging design gives an immediate easy Italian style graphically speaking. On the back side of the box there are the main details in 5 languages, English, Italian, French, Spanish and German.
On the right and left side we find brief details, like compatibility with the main devices, serial numbers, official CE, FCC, RoHS certificates and the 2 years full warranty certified mark (which I do appreciate a lot, as with full warranty they mean you are covered for 2 years with a replacement in case of defective unit with a “new/sealed” unit, not a refurbished nor repaired one. Which is admirable compared to other IEM brands imho).
Inside you find 3 pairs of comfort silicon ear tips (L, M, S size), an elegant velvet carry bag, a multi-language user guide, a UBSOUND sticker and, obviously, the Fighter IEMs. I found the range of accessories quite poor compared to other brands, but at the end of the day what I really care is the build quality and the sound performance.
Technical Specifications:
- 8mm independent dynamic drivers
- Frequency Response: 20-20.000Hz
- Maximum Distorsion: <0,5%
- Sensivity: 92dB
- Impedence: 32 Ω
Housings – IEMs’ body:
The Fighter has a good build quality with an aluminum cone shaped body. They seem to be very light considering the robust material. The front hole is closed with a good quality metal filter which protects the 8mm independent dynamic driver from dust and ear wax. The 3 pair of ear-tips in S, M and L size are soft, comfortable and with a great soundproofing level in my opinion.
Cable, 3,5mm Jack connector, Single button Microphone and Fit:
Honestly it’s my first experience with a flat wire and, at the end of the day, I would say it’s a nice experience: light, ergonomic, really tangle free, robust, without memory and soft to the touch. The right cable has a plastic single button remote control with an integrated microphone of good quality which works only to play-pause music and answer and hang up the phone calls. It doesn’t have any volume controller. The IEMs and their remote perfectly work with Android, iOS and Windows. The flat wire is Y-separated through a nice aluminum mold with the stylish Ubsound logo printed on it. At the far end of the wire there is a well heat-sealed rubber Jack with a 3,5mm gold plated connector. I think the Fighter in-ear earphones have a high level build quality and each single detail is quite accurate. In terms of IEMs’ fit, I’m really satisfied about their comfort used over the ear and straight down. I would say that when wearing the Fighter over the ear the slight microphonic effect is less prominent anyway.
Sound:
Signature
After several tests, I think the Fighter IEMs have an end-user friendly V-shaped & warm acoustic signature.
Bass
The bass frequency is quite robust, deep and smooth. Despite their powerful bass effect, the Mids and High frequencies are never impacted nor covered by their advanced bass. Even with a very high volume from an amplified DAC, the Fighter IEMs do not match any kind of distortion, leaving the bass very clean and nice to be listened.
Midrange
The Mid frequencies are a little behind compared to the advanced bass and treble which, being a V-shaped IEM, is quite in line with my expectation. However, even though the mids are a bit behind, probably thanks to the great effect of the middle-treble the sound’s details are quite present and rich enough to maintain a good level of voice and instruments. Also, this kind of sweet midrange give a very warm soundstage to these IEMs in my opinion.
Treble
The treble frequency is very precise, clean and advanced without hissing effects nor distortions even with an high volume. I appreciated the clarity of the Fighter’s treble a lot and enjoyed listening to all genres of music. I never found this clear treble in this price range honestly.
Comparisons:
Sennheiser Momentum IEMs (iOS version)
Even though it’s quite unfair to compare 100$ IEMs like the Momentum with 48$ IEMs like the Fighter, being in a V-shaped signature scenario I thought it was a good fighting to be implemented.
Starting from the end of my opinion, I think that the Fighter are definitely better than the Momentum, basically considering the value for money of both.
Regarding the Momentum, I do not appreciate that the volume controller on the remote works only with iOS or only with Android, I bought the iOS version as I mostly use them with an iPhone but it would have been nice to use it also with my girlfriend’s smartphone Galaxy S6… anyway, this is not the end of the world as I think the smartphone’s volume controller is always better than the remote one in my opinion.
The Momentum IEMs are V-shaped as well as the Fighter, with a slightly deeper bass compared to the Ubsound earphones but also a less detailed midrange which, in my opinion, generate a much too hard V-shaped sound. Therefore the Fighter’s acoustic signature is more warm, sweet and soft during playback.
Anyway, I’ll write and post a separate review of the Momentum soon here on Head-Fi.
DUNU DN-2000J
Ok, this comparison is 100% unfair in terms of price range: 330$ Dunu Vs 48$ Ubsound… no way.
Obviously the DN-2000J are a masterpiece, really rich of details and with a sound clarity I never tried in my life before. The signature is perfectly neutral and balanced, maybe a bit more V-shaped while using the bass ring included. However, what surprised me a lot is that from an iPhone 6 while listening to electronic music I would say that the Fighter’s soundstage is even better than the DN-2000… but, from a DAP or DAC, there are no comparisons obviously. Also for the Dunu IEMs, I’ll write and then post a separate review soon here on Head-Fi, before Xmas if I find few spare hours.
Devices used:
The Fighter’s tests were done with a Samsung Galaxy S6, an iPhone 6, an iPod Touch, an iBasso DX-50, an iBasso DX-90 and a Fiio X5, listening to several tracks of multi-genres music.
Conclusion:
I think the Ubsound Fighter aluminum in-ear earbuds are globally very good, in terms of acoustic performance and build quality, with an excellent value for money in my humble opinion.
I wouldn’t suggest the Fighter for those who only like a flat signature in this price segment.
I would also recommend a good running-in period for the drivers of at least 50/70 hours for the Fighter, as I noticed a great improvement after that point, especially in clarity and details.
Lastly, I think that this Italian company Ubsound is a brand to keep an eye on seeing how they worked with the Fighter, especially keeping an eye on their upcoming projects on their website.
Thank you very much for reading and see you soon with my next review.
Bye, BlackJackSound.
