Reviews by faithguy19

Disclaimer: This product is a review unit sent as part of a review tour. I want to thank In-Earz and BulldogXTRM for helping to setup the tour and allowing me to be a part of it. The review unit will be sent to the next participant and is not given as a free product. The thoughts and impressions provided below are my own.


About Me: I am an iem lover who enjoys testing and listening to great sounding iem's. I would describe myself as a basshead audiophile (if there can be such a thing). Lately, I have been listening to a lot of EDM and so my impressions of the Zens will be based on my listening to that genre through my iPhone X. RIP to my ibasso DX200.


About the Company: InEarz is a company that has been in the game since at least 2003 and are based in Florida, USA. They provide quality audio products in custom and universal form for musicians and audiophiles alike. Recently they have partnered with Stephen Ambrose of Asius and Adel technologies fame. As a result we have the formidable Zen 2 and Zen 4 in-ear monitors.


About the Product: The Zen 2 is a dual driver balanced armature earphone featuring Adel technology. Features and tech specs included below:


Features

• ADEL™ Technology
• 1 Low/Mid, 1 High Balanced Armatures
• Single Bore Design
• Impedance: 60 Ohm @ 1kHz
• Noise Isolation: -26dB (+/- 2dB)
• Input connecter: 1/8″ (3.5mm)Stereo Jack
• 3D printed hypoallergenic acrylic shells

Accessories: Both the Zen 2 and Zen 4 come in a nice small/medium box closed with a magnetic flap. Inside you are greeted with the InEarz Audio logo as well as the earphones themselves. Included is a canvas carrying case with a carabiner as well as a very nice round aluminum water-resistant (proof?) storage case. Having two storage options is a definite win in my book. Also included are sets of silicone and foam tips in the S, M, L variety. I found the tips to be of good quality and had no issue establishing a solid consistent seal even with my small ear canals. While more tips are always welcome I feel most will be able to find a good seal with the supplied tips. Also included are a leather cord-wrap system and cleaning tool. I would say accessories are on par for what you would expect at this price point.







Build Quality & Comfort: The build quality of both the Zen 2 and Zen 4 are identical. Both are exceptionally built and comfort is great for long-term listening. As someone with small ears I am always concerned about comfort. I am happy to report that there are no sharp edges or bulky profile here. The Zens have a slim profile and excellent comfort. The cable itself seems to be microphonic free and looks to be a typical ciem twisted cable. The cable is solid with a standard 2-pin connector. If you are a cable believer, the Zens can benefit from a cable upgrade but is by no means necessary. With the help of the included Adel module listener fatigue was non-existent. No complaints here. Solid all around.


Sound: Coming to the most important part of the review we have the sound. I spent my week and a half with my Zen 2 comparing it closely to the Zen 4 and Noble Sage as well as harkening back to my time with the Brainwavz B2, Noble Bell, and the Campfire Audio Comet. The Sage shares a similar price point to the Zen-4 at 599 usd and the Bell and the Comet come in at a similar price point to the Zen 2. After extensive comparisons between them all there are a few conclusions I have drawn.


Of the iems mentioned not one of them put a smile on my face the way the Zen 2 has done. I mentioned above that I am a basshead at my core. Yet my first love as an audiophile came with the arrival of my Brainwavz B2 way back in 2011-2012. The B2 introduced me to a level of clarity in my music that I am still chasing after today. I believe that the Zen 2 has provided a sound that I would describe as an upgraded B2. The Brainwavz were great but were nothing to write home about in regards to the bass. I also found that the mids were quite recessed if memory serves me. I feel that the Zen 2 give me that insane clarity I got with the B2 but without the super recessed mids and bass. Bass is not strong but it is present when called upon. Never did I feel like the bass was missing.


The clarity of the Zen 2 is unrivaled by the majority of gear I have tried and that includes gear topping 1,000 usd. Some of that no doubt comes from the fact that the Zen 2 leans towards the brighter end of the spectrum. Treble is well extended with significant amounts of sparkle and sibilance was only present when I listened to the occasional poorly produced track. Whereas I would occasionally find my Noble Bell or Campfire Audio Comet on the boring side the Zen 2 never let me off the edge of my seat. There is an energy to the Zen 2 that can be exciting. If you are a metal head who is not treble sensitive I could see the Zen 2 being very good for that genre as well as progressive rock. Instrument separation is another aspect where I feel that the Zen 2 truly shined. Listening to some of my more familiar and technical tracks it was good to catch some details that I had not noticed before. The soundstage on the Zen 2 was definitely above average and even though I would describe it as a bright and energetic earphone there was no ear fatigue for me (thanks Adel technology!)


Compared to the Noble Sage which shares its price point with Zen 2’s more expensive brother the Zen 4. The Sage is much warmer than the Zen 2 and produces a much thicker and fuller sound. Switching between the two quickly results in the Sage sounding a little muddy and bass heavy and the Zen 2 sounding thin and almost shrill. I read somewhere in the forums that source can be a factor here and I would second that. The Zen 2 would not play nice with a bright source. At this price it is often a matter of sound signature preference when comparing the two. If you are looking for a warmer earphone with a stronger bass presence I would go with the Noble Sage. If looking for a more clarity definitely consider the Zen 2 which is a solid option at this price point and good for most genres.


Compared to the Zen 4 the Zen 2 is once again the more neutral of the two earphones. Perceived clarity is most definitely greater on the Zen 2 but that could easily be due to its increased brightness. If the Zen 4 is neutral leaning towards warm I would describe the Zen 2 as bright leaning towards neutral.


Final Thoughts:

Overall, I would describe the Zen 2 as a bright earphone that leans slightly towards neutral. It is a solid all-rounder that will fit with almost any genre and competes very well with products like the Noble Sage in its price range and its clarity exceeds it. Great job In-Earz Audio!

Disclaimer: This product is a review unit sent as part of a review tour. I want to thank In-Earz and BulldogXTRM for helping to setup the tour and allowing me to be a part of it. The review unit will be sent to the next participant and is not given as a free product. The thoughts and impressions provided below are my own.


About Me: I am an iem lover who enjoys testing and listening to great sounding iem's. I would describe myself as a basshead audiophile (if there can be such a thing). Lately, I have been listening to a lot of EDM and so my impressions of the Zens will be based on my listening to that genre through my iPhone X. RIP to my ibasso DX200.


About the Company: InEarz is a company that has been in the game since at least 2003 and are based in Florida, USA. They provide quality audio products in custom and universal form for musicians and audiophiles alike. Recently they have partnered with Stephen Ambrose of Asius and Adel technologies fame. As a result we have the formidable Zen 2 and Zen 4 in-ear monitors.


About the Product: The Zen 4 is a quad driver balanced armature earphone featuring Adel technology. Features and tech specs included below:


Features


· Single Bore Design

· Universal Fit

· Premium Balanced Armature Speakers

· ADEL™ Technology

· 3D printed hypoallergenic acrylic shells

Tech Specs


· 2 Low, 1 Mid, 1 High Balanced Armatures

· FR Range: 20Hz-20kHz

· 4-Way Crossover

· Impedance: 28 Ohm @ 1kHz

· Noise Isolation: -26dB (+/- 2dB)

· Input connector: 1/8″ (3.5mm)Stereo Jack


Accessories: Both the Zen 2 and Zen 4 come in a nice small/medium box closed with a magnetic flap. Inside you are greeted with the InEarz Audio logo as well as the earphones themselves. Included is a canvas carrying case with a carabiner as well as a very nice round aluminum water-resistant (proof?) storage case. Having two storage options is a definite win in my book. Also included are sets of silicone and foam tips in the S, M, L variety. I found the tips to be of good quality and had no issue establishing a solid consistent seal even with my small ear canals. While more tips are always welcome I feel most will be able to find a good seal with the supplied tips. Also included are a leather cord-wrap system and cleaning tool. I would say accessories are on par for what you would expect at this price point.



Build Quality & Comfort: The build quality of both the Zen 2 and Zen 4 are identical. Both are exceptionally built and comfort is great for long-term listening. As someone with small ears I am always concerned about comfort. I am happy to report that there are no sharp edges or bulky profile here. The Zens have a slim profile and excellent comfort. The cable itself seems to be microphonic free and looks to be a typical ciem twisted cable. The cable is solid with a standard 2-pin connector. If you are a cable believer the Zens can benefit from a cable upgrade but is by no means necessary. With the help of the included Adel module listener fatigue was non-existent. No complaints here. Solid all around.

Sound: Coming to the most important part of the review we have the sound. I spent my week and a half with my Zen 4 comparing it closely to the Zen 2 and Noble Sage. The Sage shares a similar price point to the Zen-4 at 599 usd. After extensive comparisons between the three there are a few conclusions I have drawn.

Of the three I would say the Zen 4 are the most neutral of the three. There is not a genre of music that I could thrown at the Zen-4 where it did not sound at least good if not downright exceptional. If anything the Zen 4 may be a little on the warm side but just barely. The Zen 4 maintain a good balance across the musical spectrum. Bass is plenty when called upon but it never bled into the other frequencies in my testing. I would in no way classify the Zen 4 as a basshead earphone but when a song calls for it the bass is there. Treble is present without any noticeable sibilance or piercing peaks. Perhaps due to a better controlled treble in the Zen 4 but between the Zen 4 and Zen 2 perceived clarity was much better on the 2. That is not to say that the 4 was muddy at all but when switching back and forth between the 2 it gave that impression. As for the mids, once again the Zen 4 shows its strength. Vocals and guitars are not recessed at all and when called upon they can truly shine with the Zen 4. I can say that on the Zen 4 I enjoyed both male and female vocals without the perception that the earphone was coloring my experience in anyway.


Compared to the Noble Sage which shares its price point mid bass is a hair less. If pressed I would say the Zen 4 is the more neutral of the two with the Sage edging it out on clarity and bass presence. At this price it is often a matter of sound signature preference. If looking for a warmer earphone with a stronger bass presence I would go with the Noble Sage. If looking for a more neutral option definitely consider the Zen 4 which is a solid option at this price point and good for most genres.


Compared to the Zen 2 the Zen 4 is once again the more neutral of the two earphones. Perceived clarity is most definitely greater on the Zen 2 but that could easily be due to the increased brightness of the Zen 2. If the Zen 4 is neutral leaning towards warm I would describe the Zen 2 as bright leaning towards neutral.


Final Thoughts:

Overall, I would describe the Zen 4 as a neutral earphone that leans slightly on the warm side. It is a solid all-rounder that will fit with almost any genre and competes very well with products like the Noble Sage in its price range. Great job In-Earz Audio!

Lend Me Ur Ears is a name that many in the portable audio world know and love.  They are known for being a distributor of quality audio products to many around the world.  In the past I have really enjoyed the Vsonic brand in which LMUE is an authorized dealer.  However, recently I was contacted by headfier @nmatheis asking if I would be interested in testing and reviewing a brand new in house product by LMUE the Alpha & Delta AD01 IEM.  What follows is my experience with the AD01. 
 
Specifications:
•   Driver unit: 9.8mm and 6.0mm Dual Dynamic Driver
•   Rated Impedance: 9 Ohm 
•   Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW 
•   Frequency response: 10Hz- 25KHz 
•   Rated power: 10 mW 
•   Maximum input power: 30 mW 
•   Plug: 3.5mm dual-channel plug 
•   Cable: 1.30 mm 18N OFC cable
 
Accessories:
My review unit came packaged in a fantastic box and is labeled Alpha & Delta with an AD01 sticker in the bottom right corner.  Immediately the presentation of these earphones impress!

 
Upon opening the box you will notice that the body of the earphones themselves are in fact separate from the cable.  Which of course means removable cables! This is a great feature and not one that you often see at this price.  Also included are a nice selection of biflange and single flange silicone tips a pair of foam tips and a nice hard case to use on the go.  Also included are a pair of ear guides to use when wearing these over the ear and shirt clip.

 
Build Quality & Fit:
The AD01 is one solid earphone! I personally did not have any issues with the build quality of the earphone itself during my time with these.  I must agree with other reviewers in saying that the cable on these can tend to be a little stiff and springy.  Also of note is that it is not very clear as to which earphone is the left and which earphone is the right.  Some clearer markings would have been helpful here especially given the fact that these come with removable cables.  Speaking of….removable cables!!! That is awesome to see and very welcome at this price point!
 
Isolation:
Isolation is actually better than what I thought it would be.  I found that they were reasonably effective at blocking noise but definitely not at the level of my old etymotics or even my aurisonics rockets.  Of course tips and proper seal can make a difference here as well.

 

Microphonics:

Microphonics were never an issue for me during my review period.  I wore these cable down.

 

Sound:

LMUE has something really fun going on here with the AD01.  These were very enjoyable to listen listen to but definitely not for someone looking for immense details and clarity.  The bass is certainly elevated withthe AD01 and I would certainly classify this as a warm sounding earphone.

Lows: As I noted above the loves are accentuated in the AD01 and they are without a doubt the most prominent feature of the sound signature.  Midbass is king with the AD01 and the lows present themselves front and center.  I could see many bassheads very happy with these in the under $100 price range.  Overall, bass tends to be a little slow and it can ever so-slightly bleed into the mids.

Mids: The mids of the AD01 can be categorized as slightly warm and smooth.  Unfortunately for those that really enjoy mids these can be a little recessed.  The clarity and the detail of the mids are just fine but as soon as a song calls for bass the mids are simply overshadowed.    

Highs: The highs are not recessed but do not expect to be blown away by insane amounts of treble.  If you are looking for clarity on the level of the B2 you will be better served elsewhere.  I personally found there to be more of a presence in the highs than the mids but once again the bass is the star of the show here with the AD01.  On the bright side is the fact that most will not consider the AD01 to be very fatiguing due to the little emphasis placed on the upper highs.
Soundstage: I found the soundstage of these to be average in this price range.  It is not something to brag about but certainly not so closed in that they feel congested.
 
Conclusion: Overall, I feel that these are pretty good for the price LMUE is asking and an awesome debut earphone from them.  I cannot wait to see what they will offer in the future.  Once again a special thank you to LMUE and @nmatheis for organizing the tour and allowing me to participate.

T-PEOS is known for their creativity and at times unique sound.  They have truly been pioneers in the hybrid market.  Now they come to the stage with their first “vacuum tube” technology.  Admittedly, I have been out of the game for a few months (life happens but I’m back), but I had never heard of vacuum tube earphones before.  So when I was contacted by James Park from T-PEOS about these earphones I immediately jumped on the chance to test them out.  T-PEOS provides this review sample to me in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
 
SPECS:
Driver Unit : Woofer driver 10mm
Impedance : 10Ω ±15%
Sensitivity : 110 ± 2dB (At 1kHz)
Power : 3mW / 20mW(nom/Max)
Frequency Response : 20Hz ~20kHz
Connector : 3.5mm / 24k Gold plating plug
Cord : 1.2M Twist cable / Y-type
Weight : 7g (Without Cable)
 
Source: ibasso DX50 & iPhone 6 Plus
 
Accessories & Packaging:
Packaging and accessories are nothing to write home about here.  Yet at this price point it is par for the course.  The Rasiel come in a glossy cardboard box with the Brand TGD and the subtitle “Killing Sound.” I suspect that this is a translation error and instead they meant “killer sound.”  Rasiel is much closer to killer sound than killing sound for certain. 

 

 

 

 
Inside you are presented with the beautifully designed earphones themselves as well as a basic selection of tips. 


S/M/L size of silicone tips as well as a pair of medium comply T-400.  The box itself mentions a pouch and shirt clip but unfortunately my review unit did not come with these extras.


 
Build Quality & Fit:
Wow! This build quality is truly exceptional at this price point. Upon first look at these I immediately thought of Final Audio Design and their Piano Forte. An IEM that I doubt I will ever have the opportunity to listen to.  The Rasiel is an absolutely awesome earphone to look at with that beautiful chrome coated brass body.  I have not come across a better looking earphone at this price point.  The cable is braided and I experienced zero microphonics during my many listening sessions with these.  The cable also did not tangle easily which is something that I am grateful for considering my review unit did not come with any sort of case or carrying pouch.  The cable itself is terminated with a right angle 3.5mm jack.  The cable also includes a one button mic control for use with mobile devices if you are in to that sort of thing.  Admittedly, the mic/button feels a little cheap compared to the rest of the earphone.  Unfortunately, these do not come with with a cable cinch which I feel would be a good addition.  Yet at the $40 price point it is an acceptable omission. 
I do not foresee fit being an issue for most consumers especially with the included comply tips.  I myself had a little trouble maintaining a seal with the supplied silicone tips.  Once I switched to the comply foams seal was instant and consistent.  Removing the Rasiel from your ears can be a little trickier than your average earphone given the ergonomics of the design.  Overall, these are a well-designed and very comfortable headphone to use even for someone like me with small ear canals.
 
Sound:
 To put it simply I find the T-PEOS Rasiel to be a very fun sounding earphone.  At this price point I do not have high expectations for clarity, instrument separation, or tight bass.  Yet the Rasiel do better than anything I have heard in this price range. Switching back and forth between the Rasiel and the Fidue A31s I am immediately left with a feeling of wanting more from my Fidue’s.  The Rasiel just sounds fuller and more powerful.  Perhaps that has to do with the powerful bass that these are packing.  Man these certainly pack a punch! 
Lows: The lows on the Rasiel are certainly boosted.  Bass is powerful and fun.  This can make it quite enjoyable for certain types of music.  As is usually the case in this price range quantity is valued over quality.  The Rasiel delivers bass quantity in spades.  Bass quality is above average at this price range and provides a fun experience.  The bass slams pretty hard and isn’t quite as tight and has a slower decay than earphones in the $100+ price range. Then again these are less than half of that price.  Mid-bass is king here with sub-bass taking a back seat.  You are going to hear it more than you are going to feel it with these earphones.  The rumble is not as powerful as the slam. 
Mids: While not the star of the show mids are certainly present and accounted for in the Rasiel.  The bass clearly is the star and at times can bleed into the midrange but once again the Rasiel are above average for budget/mid-fi.  Vocals sound fine but I must admit I was left wanting when listening to Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers. Overall they are suitable for the price range.
Highs: The highs of the Rasiel are somewhat crisp but don’t expect a ton of detail out of these.  You simply will not get huge amounts of clarity and analytical sound in this price range and that is certainly true of the Rasiel.  Those looking for bright sparkly treble will be disappointed as these tend to be a warmer sounding earphone.  Though admittedly I did enjoy them thoroughly with electronic and pop music.
Presentation: If you are used to higher end earphones you may be a little disappointed in the instrument separation of these.  Things can get a little muddled and dragged out with speedier songs.  Once again this makes sense given its price point.  Soundstage is pretty good but you definitely still get that “in your head” feel from these.  With that said I do not get a congested sound from these and I was happy with the presentation that Rasiel has to offer.
 
Conclusions:
It really is all about what you want out of your earphone.  If you are not looking for a neutral or analytical earphone but instead want something you can jam to on the bus and on the go than these are for you.  I really enjoyed these with pop and electronic music and I imagine that they would work great for hip-hop as well.  However, for classical and rock music I myself might look at other options.  Overall, I feel that at this price point the Rasiel offer great bang for your buck and I will happily recommend these to everyone looking for fun sound at a great price!

T-PEOS is known for their creativity and at times unique sound.  They have truly been pioneers in the hybrid market.  This trend continues with their new (50) lineup including the Altone 250 which will be covered in this review.  A few months ago I had the pleasure of reviewing T-Peos' first generation Altone 200 and while it admittedly was not perfect and it certainly has its detractors its sound jived with me really well.  Today I am happy to give my thoughts on its successor the Altone 250. A special thanks to @CTCAudio and @nmatheis for including me in this review tour.
 
Tech Specs: 
Type: In-Ear Monitor (IEM) 
Driver: Balanced Armature Driver + Exclusive 10mm Dynamic Driver (HPS)
SPL: 102dB / 1kHz
Impedance: 32Ω 
Frequency Response: 20Hz~20KHz 
Max Power Input: 100mW
Plug: 3.5mm 24k Gold-Plated, L-Type
Cables: 2x detachable cables - 1 with microphone, 1 without. 
Weight: 8g (Without Cable)
 
Accessories:


 
The accessories included here are what I would say are average at this price point.  Being a part of a tour I did not receive the original packaging though it seems all of the included accessories were included if you look at the product page on CTC Audio.  Included in the package are 2 cables one with a mic and controller and the other just standard (though a nice catchy red color).  Also included are an average selection of tips 3 pairs of standard (S, M, L) black silicone tips as well as 3 pairs of red (S, M, L) silicone tips. T-Peos also tosses in a pair of premium comply TX-200 foam tips for those of us who really value comfort. You also receive a set of ear guides, a rather large shirt clip, and a soft zipper pouch that is to be used as a carrying case.  Overall a decent offering for the price but nothing quite like the accessory packs offered by Dunu or Vsonic back in the day.
 
Build Quality:
The build quality of the Altone 250s is quite nice as far as the housing is concerned.  Consisting mostly of metal the earpieces themselves are somewhat heavy but not when compared to something like the Dunu DN-1000/2000.  Cables, however, are less impressive.  Microphonics is a slight issue and may bother some listeners though the shirt clip can alleviate that to a degree.  Having heard from others on the tour about the terror of trying to wear these over the ear I did not attempt it myself.  Cable down fit me comfortably and I had little issue listening to these for long periods of time.  The silicone tips worked fine for me but I do wish that I had some complys on me to try during my review period.  Alas, no...  Anyways on to the sound of these bad boys.
 
Sound:
Bass.  That is the first and most prevailing thing running through my mind during my entire time with the Altone 250s.  After having heard and reviewed its predecessor the Altone 200 I must admit i was pretty surprised at what I heard.  Riding on the heels of its TWFK driver the 200s felt like a much brighter and detailed earphone.  There was a clarity there that seems to be missing with the 250s.  Yet that clarity has been amply replaced by the bass. Perhaps to a fault.
Bass on the 250s at times can be a little heavy and slow with a little bleeding into the midrange.  However, this did not bother me as bad as I thought it would.  In fact most of the time I was listening to these I almost forgot they were in there.  I was able to simply sit back and enjoy the music.  
Treble and perceived clarity were enough at this price point though there are certainly better options out there if that is what you are after.  In fact treble was really a point that surprised me as the other T-Peos offerings I have heard have had much more of a treble spike.  Not so with these. The mids as well were fine but nothing to brag too much about.  I personally did not do much 'eq'ing with these but I know some have met with success by doing so.  I tend to be more of a plug it in and go guy when it comes to portable IEMs such as the 250s.
Coming from that Dunu hybrids soundstage felt a little small. Though I imagine it is pretty average (maybe slightly below) at this price point.  If you are looking for a big soundstage than i would look elsewhere.  
Summing up the sound section: If you are looking for a fun sounding earphone with significant mid bass and decent sub bass than you may be pretty happy with the 250s.  If you are looking for clarity or fast and accurate there are better options available at this price point and lower.
 
Conclusion:
Once again T-Peos surprises me.  Just when I think I have them figured out they change things up on me.  I came into this expecting a slightly more refined and perhaps fuller sounding Altone 200.  What I got is something that, to me, sounds significantly different than its predecessor.  While this sound is not for me I can see it appealing to some.  Yet I just cannot get over the feeling that other hybrids at this price point will produce a better sound for your money.  Once again I am grateful to CTC Audio and @nmatheis for including me in the tour.  It was an absolute pleasure.      

T-PEOS is known for their creativity and at times unique sound.  They have truly been pioneers in the hybrid market.  The H-150 marks their first hybrid with a combination of dual dynamic and single balance armature drivers.  This combination provides the listener with a unique listening experience and something that is a touch different than many other hybrids on the market.  This will be my second review of a T-PEOS product.  A special thanks to Allanmarcus and also Jeremy from CTCAudio.com for making this review possible.

SPECIFICATION
MSRP:         $89 USD {CTCAudio.com}
Driver Units: Balanced Armature & 2 Dynamic Drivers
Impedance:  30 ohm @ 1 kHz
Sensitivity:    105dB @ 1 kHz
Power:          100mW (max)
Frequency:   20 Hz ~ 10 kHz
Connector:    3.5 mm / 4pole 24 K gold plated L-type plug
Cord:             Half flat type rubber cable, 1.2 m / Balanced Y-Type
Weight:         16 g

 
ACCESSORIES
The H-150 comes with basic packaging.  The review unit I received came with three pairs of tips. Two silicone and one pair of foam tips.  The box itself mentions that more tips (3 pairs silicone ear tips/3 pairs double ear tips) are included in a new package so it is entirely possible that I did not receive everything.  Also included is the warranty card, ear guides, shirt clip, and fairly simple carrying pouch.  This pouch will easily fit inside of a pocket but I would not want to test its capabilities of protecting the earphones themselves from damage.
 
BUILD QUALITY

The H-150 is lightweight and yet still feels very solidly built.  During my time with these earphones I never found myself worrying about their construction.  Nothing feels loose or poorly put together so that is certainly encouraging.  Cables are flat with a mic which can be helpful to prevent tangling.  Flat cables seem to bother many but I have had zero issues with them so far.  Left and right drivers are clearly marked and the cable is terminated with a standard right angle 3.5mm plug.  The earphones themselves are quite large but even though I have small ears I had no fit issues.  Therefore design seems to be very intentional and effective despite the large housings.

ISOLATION
Isolation is actually better than what one would expect given the large housings.  I found that they were reasonably effective at blocking noise but definitely not at the level of my old etymotics or even my aurisonics rockets.  Of course tips and proper seal can make a difference here as well.
 
MICROPHONICS
Microphonics were never an issue for me during my review period.  I mostly wore these cable down.
 
COMFORT
"Considering the H-150 design, the fit took me completely by surprise. With its lightweight housing, they are one of the most comfortable earphone I've used. They can be used for an extended period without any discomfort or fatigue, especially when worn over-the-ear." -lordsinister  I include lordsinister's quote here because I would agree with this assessment.  These are very comfortable earphones that are lightweight despite their large housing.  Great job T-PEOS!
 
 
SOUND
 
Lows
Lows are where the H-150s really shine.  Bass is powerful and fun.  This can make it quite enjoyable for certain types of music.  Bass quality is above average at this price range.  Yet if you are looking for tight accurate bass you can find better.  I felt that bass bleed was significantly better than the Fidue A31s but still lags slightly behind the DN-1000s. I found bass presence to be relatively similar to the Dunu DN-1000 and clearly more than T-PEOS’ other offering the Altone 200.  These definitely have more bass quantity than the DN-2000s and the Rockets though you do not get near the quality.  The H-150s have enough rumble to thoroughly satisfy me when listening to my electronic tracks.  Yet I found myself slightly disappointed when playing other genres of music.
 
Mids
I think I have been spoiled in this area by the other earphones that I have owned in the past.  H-150 mids are by no means bad.  In fact they are smooth and relatively clear.  Vocals are satisfactory and indeed slightly above average.  Mids are certainly not disappointing.  Yet I feel that mids and highs are clearly better on the Altones in the T-PEOS line-up.  Perhaps this is the driver setup but more likely it is due to my own personal bias and preferences.
 

Highs

When I first put these in my ears I was immediately struck by the reality that these are not the Altone 200s.  Yet that is in no way a bad thing.  Clarity and detail retrieval are in no way equal to the Altones.  However, fatigue is not an issue at all with these.  With the Altones fatigue would set in after about an hour.  I could listen to these for long periods of time without listening fatigue.  Sibilance was never an issue during my time with the H-150s.  Once again these have very smooth highs that are perhaps slightly recessed.  If you are looking for super crisp highs than these are not for you.  But if you are looking for accurate enough and still very smooth than these will be right up your alley.

 
Presentation
The soundstage is quite good at this price range and in no way lacking or congested.  Instrument separation is above average though once again better can be found out there.  Clarity is just enough to satisfy most but it will not satisfy the ultra-clarity seekers out there.  However, I would still suggest clarity lovers to give these a shot due to their bassy and fun signature.
 
Conclusion
Overall I feel that these are a pretty great earphone for the price.  I would love to test them out against the Shure 215s and the like which are near the same price and are well known.  Once again T-PEOS makes a product with a unique and yet still very enjoyable design and sound.  I would not hesitate to recommend these to those looking for a fun signature for a low price.  

 
Disclaimer: First off, I would like to thank Jeremy from CTC Audio for the opportunity to review this wonderful hybrid.  I was privileged to be able to be a part of the CTC Audio Product tour and I must say that this is an impressive product offering from T-Peos!  The product in this review can be found here: http://ctcaudio.com/collections/in-ear-monitors-iems/products/t-peos-altone200-3way-hybrid-earphones
            The T-Peos Altone 200 is a triple driver hybrid featuring a dual balanced armature (TWFK) and a single dynamic driver.  Amazingly they were able to fit all of this in such a small casing!  This combination of drivers provides the listener with a more than satisfying listening experience.  Throughout this review I will make various comparisons with the two other hybrids I own: Dunu DN-1000 and Dunu DN-2000.  So without further ado on to the review!
 
Specs: Drivers: Dual Balanced Armature (Knowles TWFK) + 8.0mm Single Dynamic Driver
Impedance: 22 ohm / 1kHz
Sensitivity: 105 dB / 1 kHz
Power: 100 mW (Max)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz
Connector: 3.5 mm / 24 K Gold plated L-Type Plug
Cable: Round Cable 1.2 m / Y-Type
Weight: 16 g
 
Accessories:

We will begin with perhaps the most (only?) disappointing part of the Altone package.  The accessories are minimal but there is enough here to get the job done.  At the original price point that many were getting these at ($125) this accessory pack would have been acceptable.  However, at their current price it is about average (some would say less than average).  The box is small and does an adequate job protecting and containing the accessories that are included.  Inside the box we have an updated accessory package with a total of 7 pairs of tips.  3 pairs (S,M,L) of basic silicone tips, 3 pairs (S,M,L) of dual colored silicone tips, and finally one pair of foam tips, which look to be medium sized.  Also included is a pair of standard ear guides for those who chose to wear these over the ear.  The cotton zip-up pouch is great for portability but clearly not very heavy-duty protection. 
 
Build Quality: The build quality of the Altones is par for the course at this price point.  After a few growing pains at the beginning of their lifecycle T-Peos seems to have worked out the kinks and it has resulted in a solidly built product.  The left and right markings are not labeled ‘L’ or ‘R’ but are clearly represented by the blue and red indicators at the point the cable meets the drivers.  Cable is solid with a good thickness and suppleness to it.  Cable cinch is also now present in the updated packaging, which helps to improve the fit.  Angled jack with appropriate strain reliefs help to provide a good experience for those who want to pocket their phone/DAP while listening to the Altones.
 
Fit: The Altones are the smallest of the three hybrids that I have had the opportunity to listen to.  As a person with smaller than average ears I am grateful for the smaller profile.  Wearing them cable down is a breeze as I can pop them right in and achieve a seal without much trouble at all.  Driver flex is not an issue and neither is microphonics.  I began by using tips from my Dunu DN-1000s.  However, after getting two tips stuck in my ear I decided to give the included tips a try.  I found that the dual-colored small tips gave me a good seal just about every time.  Just plug ‘em in your player and pop them in your ears and drift away to audio bliss. 
 
Sound: Now what really matters.  The sound!  As far as the sound T-Peos does not disappoint with the Altone 200.  My first audiophile IEM was the Brainwavz B2 and it was love at first listen.  I searched in vain for a couple years for an earphone that could give me the clarity of the B2 yet with a greater quantity of bass.  My search is now over!  That is exactly how I hear the Altone 200.  Great clarity and great bass together in a perfect marriage.  I would say that soundstage is above average at this price point and I was never disappointed in this area.  However, you will probably hear again and again in this sound section about just how great the detail is on these monitors.  Note: The Altone 200s I received were new and they have been used/burned in for around 40-50 hours.  In that time changes were minimal (perhaps a small reduction in treble emphasis).
•       Bass: Bass on the Altones are slightly emphasized above neutral.  Bass is tight and very controlled and does not bleed into the midrange.  Both mid bass and sub bass are clearly present and yet not overbearing.  Whether listening to EDM, rock, or anything in between I found that the Altones gave me just the right amount of bass that the music calls for.  Never too much and rarely too little for my tastes.  Quantity and quality both punch way above this price point (even with their recent price increase).  It truly is remarkable what T-Peos has done with this tuning.  Other than the clarity and details the bass was easily my favorite part of these great IEMs.  Compared to the Dunu DN-1000 the Altones have quite a bit less bass but it is tighter and more controlled.  Bass really seems to be a matter of preference here between these two earphones.  The Dunus have more quantity yet quality would probably go to the Altones.
•       Mids: As one would expect mids are done very well.  When called for mids can be pleasantly smooth.  For me the mids do not particularly stand out which can be a good thing.  I notice the bass and treble quite a bit more. I noticed the mids most prominently when listening to alternative and softer rock music.  The clarity really shines here especially in the upper mids and this makes progressive rock band Dream Theater really shine.  While there are other IEMs out there that place a greater focus on mids you still will not find much better than these. 
•       Highs: Highs are another shining star for these monitors.  Clarity, Clarity, and more clarity.  I have long had a deep love for crystal clear sound and these deliver in spades.  Cymbal clashes have just the right decay so that the music does not lag behind.  While I don’t listen to a lot of metal I can see these working great for that genre. Although if you listen to your music at loud volumes and are treble sensitive you may need to be weary during certain songs.  I found it slightly fatiguing to listen to these loudly with certain genres for long periods of time.  Not really enough to worry about however. Sibilance was not really an issue for these and I only noticed it on poor recordings or when it was naturally present in a particular song.    
 
Overall Sound (And Comparisons):
    Overall this will be the sound that many are looking for.  A fantastic IEM at a great price that brings hifi clarity with rich and tight bass.  I could see myself very happy with these for the long haul. Below is a comparison of the Altone 200s with the other Hybrids currently in my possession.
•       Altone vs. Dunu DN-1000:
o   Originally there was quite a price difference between these two.  Yet now they are just about the same in price.  Those looking for absolute clarity and details will want to go with the Altones.  Yet if you value bass and soundstage over clarity than you are going to enjoy the Dunus a little more.  I did a lot of comparison with these two and found that I really enjoyed both of these and it just depended on the mood I was in as to which one I would listen to at the time.
·      Altone vs. Dunu DN-2000:
o   I received the Dunus at the same time that I received the Altones.  It made for one of the best packages I have ever got in the mail!  Admittedly I prefer the higher end Dunus more.  Yet the Altones really hold their own here.  I would give the clarity and comfort overall to the Altones.  However, mids and bass and build quality go to the Dunus.  Yet at almost double the price that is to be expected.
 
Comfort: Altone > DN-1000 > DN-2000
Clarity: Altone > DN-2000 >DN-1000
Bass Quantity: DN-1000 > Dn-2000 > Altone
Bass Tightness: Altone ≥ DN-2000 > DN-1000
Mids: DN-2000 >>>DN-1000=Altone
Treble: DN-2000≥Altone>DN-1000
Fullness of Sound: DN-2000 > DN-1000 > Altone
Soundstage: DN-2000 > DN-1000 > Altone
 
Conclusion: These truly are fantastic and I am absolutely thrilled that I had the opportunity to get these in for review.  T-Peos seems to really be hitting their stride and if they can continue to offer this type of sound at these low prices other companies are in for some stiff competition.  I also feel like they are making a great move in making their great products available through authorized dealers in North America like CTC Audio.  This will surely help their products to get into more hands.  Great job T-Peos and thanks again CTC Audio for the opportunity to review this quality product.