Intro​

Disclaimer: The Simgot EW200 was provided to us at no charge courtesy of Simgot. However, this was done in understanding I was to give my honest thoughts and opinions of the EW200. For more of our reviews, feel free to check out our site: perrivanaudio.com

It has been a while since I’ve heard or tried a Simgot IEM. Given the opportunity to test out a new single dynamic IEM with a newly designed driver, it sounded promising. At around $40, it is admittedly a very competitive and saturated market, with plenty of great options around $20, and also plenty upwards in price as well. We would have to see if the EW200 holds its own against the competition and find its niche in the market to make it shine.

Accessories​

The IEM is packaged well for a budget IEM. The packing was well designed and everything looked well thought out. It comes with a felt pouch which is a pleasant addition for someone who is just getting his or her first IEM, and the EW200 seems poised to be a potential target with its reasonable asking price point. It also comes paired with a twisted “Silver-Plated OFC Cable”. The cable looks nice paired with the mirror polish of the IEMs. Not many complaints in this department.

Build Quality and Fit​

Build Quality is pretty good will a polished all-metal body. Apart from the fact that it’ll get smudged easily with fingerprints and oils, it’s quite a pretty and well-finished IEM. The shells aren’t too heavy themselves and are rather small in size. This lends itself to a comfortable fit for smaller ears and works well when using them on the go.

Sound​

Frequency Response of the Simgot EW200

Sources

• Fiio BTR7
• Hiby R5
• SMSL M200–>Schiit Magnius

Bass

Simgot is no stranger to single dynamic driver IEMs, having designed many models over the years and this EW200, the first IEM I’ve tried from them in a few years reminds me of their expertise. The bass on the EW200 is very tastefully done. It’s one of the nicer bass responses I’ve heard from a budget IEM. It is crisp and punchy, without too heavy a note weight and a rather natural decay. It has a reasonably satisfying sub-bass extension. This gives a very textured and nuanced bassline, that brings out clarity in the basslines without any bleeding.

Mids

Being generally quite picky on the mids, I feel this is where the EW200 falls slightly short of greatness. Don’t get me wrong, it is still good enough to make the cut for a rather decent budget option overall and not a deal breaker for me. However, right from the initial listening, and even throughout my listening journey of 2 weeks, I did notice that there is a certain thinness in the vocals and this creates a slight unnaturalness in tonality. Male Vocals can come across as a little nasal in certain tracks, and female vocals seem to lack the body. Otherwise, I find the overall balance to be decent and to be quite pleasant to listen to across most genres. The midrange is energetic but there aren’t any offensive peaks that make daily listening a pain. Clarity is really good for the price and separation exceeded my expectations for sure.

Treble

The treble does extend well with significant energy and presence. What this does to the sound is it can turn it a little dry and thin on certain tracks, especially on acoustic or simpler tracks. However, this can very well be a plus for someone given the quality of the treble and the detail retrieval which both exceed expectations. It isn’t ever sibilant and that’s a huge plus for the EW200.

Overall

The EW200 is tuned rather well and I can see that there would be people with a preference for its tuning. Combined with pretty good technical capability and clarity, and decent imaging and staging, the EW200 is a pretty good all-rounder for its price point. My main gripes are in tonality and timbre, which can get a little unnatural (my perception) when compared to my “ideal” tuning.

Conclusion​

The EW200 is a solid option for those. I really like the bass response on these and how they really shine in bassier tracks, and handle the basslines comfortably without muddiness but still having a satisfying punch and presence to keep the listening experience fun and engaging. It’s not a boring IEM and I think most should be able to enjoy their experience with these. Let’s see if Simgot can take what they did with the EW200 as a base and develop more quality thought-out products like this.

Intro​

I love my mids and when I heard there was an interesting newcomer on the market known specially for its midrange tuning, I just itched to get in on it. Shoutout to Stephen from 7th Acoustics. It was not the easiest buying experience, and it was a long painful wait to get my hands on the earphones, but the guys at 7th Acoustics were great and I appreciate all the order updates.

Accessories​

Despite the small production, it comes in elaborate and very well-thought-out packaging. There is a metal case that would do a solid job at keeping the IEMs intact but might not be the best for compact on-the-go scenarios. The bundled cable comes in a 4.4mm balanced termination by default but you can request for your preferred termination when ordering. The cable is quite thick and bulky, and overall quite a good one, if I had to nitpick, I would have wished it was modular. Tips-wise, there are quite several options from the normal silicone eartips to a whole set of Final Eartips, which I thought was a great inclusion. For clarity, I swapped out the cable in these pictures to a third-party modular cable from XinHS.

Build Quality and Fit​

Build Quality is amazing for a handmade IEM. The design is also somewhat customizable as you can select the Abalone faceplates. They regularly cut batches and you can choose 2 you fancy for your Left and Right shells. The pictured pair belongs to another reviewer together with me. He got it with Haliotis shells as they call it, which have a certain “colour-changing” property depending on the lighting they are under. They turned out amazing and the shells themselves were smaller than expected and fit quite snugly and comfortably.

Sound​

Sources

• Lotoo Paw S2
• Fiio BTR7
• SMSL M200-Schiit Magnius

Bass

The bass has a very soothing natural quality to it. It is present but never threatens to overpower or do too much. Perhaps the vented nature of some of the drivers contributes to this organic quality of the bass. It is not the fastest or punchiest of responses, but instead a gentler, well-rounded response with decent extension and texture.

Mids

The mids were the highlight for me on the Supernova. It was spacious, very luscious and rich yet well-layered and never congested. The tonality was superb, with vocals coming in firm, yet gentle, never shouty or piercing. Instruments like violins and saxophones seemed to come to life with the sense of space the tuning creates, and lifelike timbre. The more I listened to the Supernova, the more I fell in love and I gradually found myself addicted. Of course, the mids would have benefited immensely from a boost in separation and detail retrieval, and can sometimes be felt missing that extra push to take the sound to the next level.

Treble

The present but controlled upper mids flows well into the highs, providing lively yet sibilance-free listening. There is a peak that comes in the upper treble that helps give the sound some sparkle and headspace. Everything here was done very tastefully.

Overall

Putting it all together, the Supernova is a very coherently tuned IEM and it performs superbly across the frequency range. It never attempts to do too much and a tuning that I love and I doubt I would be sick of it for a long time to come. Of course, I wouldn’t dare say it would be everyone’s favourite, but in terms of tonality and timbre, I find the Supernova hard to beat. It also manages to achieve a pretty good level of soundstage and imaging for an all-BA IEM, something that gives the sound an added dimension.

Conclusion​

When I initially put the Supernovas on, the first thing I noticed was that it sounded… different. It didn’t have the pinpoint accuracy and micro detail retrieval I was expecting, something on the level of the Thieaudio Monarch perhaps. My biggest and only gripe with the Supernova was that if it had better detail retrieval and separation, it would’ve been sublime.

With that out of the way, everything else about the Supernova was a drug to me. The lovely tonality and presentation of the mids just had me hooked. This was on top of a very nice layering, imaging, and soundstage for an all-BA IEM. The tuning is versatile and remains a good fit for a wide range of genres. There are no harsh peaks or sibilance and has a sound signature you could listen to for hours on end. All of this is topped off with a gorgeous aesthetic of “personalized” abalone shells. If 7th Acoustics perfects its production processes and comes up with another IEM, I will keep a close eye!

Intro​

Disclaimer: The 7Hz x Crinacle Zero: 2 was provided to us at no charge courtesy of Linsoul. However, this was done in understanding I was to give my honest thoughts and opinions of the Zero: 2. For more reviews, do check our page www.perrivanaudio.com

The original 7Hz Zero was one of my favourite “ultra-budget” IEMs, despite all the options at a very saturated price point. We are spoilt for choice in this range, with numerous brands having excellent releases, from the Tangzu Waner, Moondrop Chu, and Kiwi Ears Cadenza to these Zeros. When I heard that the 7HZxCrinacle Zero: 2 was released, I couldn’t have been more excited to try them. For the rest of the article, I’ll be referring to these as the Zero 2.

Accessories​

You get the same packaging and accessories as the first iteration. However, they did change the cable to try to get it to fit the overall aesthetic of the earpiece. Quality or usability wise I didn’t find it a huge change. The most noticeable difference is that the new cable is softer and easier to handle (less springy) than the original.

Build Quality and Fit​

The build quality is almost the same, given that the design and structure of the IEM are pretty much the same, apart from the new colourways. These now come in 3 colour options, namely Clear, Blue, or Orange (pictured). If the OG Zeros fit well for you, these will too. I do like the new colours quite a lot more than the options we had for the OG and the translucent shells are quite a nice touch.

Sound​

Sources

• Lotoo Paw S2
• Fiio BTR7
• SMSL M200 –> Schiit Magnius

Bass

The bass is one of the most transformed regions of the Zero 2, probably due to its new driver. It has a very well-extended bass that has good rumble. The response is also rather punchy and technically competent, without too much midbass bloat. The added warmth is very tastefully done and transforms the tuning. The boost in bass won’t take it to basshead levels but the tuning is more in-line with that of a warm-neutral one.

Mids

The mids are quite mellow and tame, given the U-shaped tuning of the Zero 2. Vocals are present but not that forward. There is not much expression and texture in vocals and layering is rather limited. That said, I wouldn’t have been expecting too much for a $20 IEM so what it’s achieved here with the tonality is already impressive. The Zero 2 deftly avoids any sibilant peaks while still managing to achieve great clarity in the upper mids.

Treble

The treble and highs carry on the tameness of the upper mids. It has peaks in the right ranges to give it that headspace and also room extension that takes the Zero 2 to the next level. That said, the highs are considerably tamer than the original Zero and give the overall tuning a rather laid-back vibe that you can listen to for hours on end without fatigue. I would say these work well for long hours watching videos or gaming too.

Overall

Tuning-wise, the Zero 2 surprised me as it sounded like a different IEM. Putting visuals aside, if there was a blind test, it would have been difficult for me to identify an immediate association with the original Zero. These seem way warmer and more powerful in the low end than the original Zero. It’s not very obvious but the Zero 2 also seems to bring out less detail than the original. That said, the two punches way above the expectations for their price point in terms of technical capability and you won’t be disappointed with the details you are getting out of the two.

Conclusion​

Given the differences in the 2 tunings of the Zero 2 and OG Zero, I think 7HZ could very well release these under a different name or line. However, I suppose they would want to ride on the success of the OG Zero. Would I say the Zero 2 is objectively better than the OG Zero? No. I would say the Zero 2 does way better in the lower regions with a punchy and engaging bass that extends well at its price point while maintaining a very coherent tonal balance. It is a great IEM that I enjoy for its fun and warmth on top of its pleasant tonality.

There are aspects of the OG Zero that I enjoy more and can’t seem to find in the Zero 2 and that is okay. You would not lose out if you already own and love the OG Zero, the Zero 2 may or may not impress you but IMO having both would be a good complement to each other for all the repertoire in your music library. If you didn’t like the OG Zero, give the Zero 2s a chance and perhaps these are more up your alley.

Intro​

Disclaimer: The Kiwi Ears Melody was provided to us at no charge courtesy of Linsoul. However, this was done in understanding I was to give my honest thoughts and opinions of the Melody. For more of our reviews, visit perrivanaudio.com

The Kiwi Ears Melody is the company’s first planar earphones. Kiwi Ears also mentioned that tuning-wise, the Melody is quite deviant. Straying away from “the normally neutral tonal balance” in their other IEMs, the Melody was declared to be “truly a bass lover’s dream”. It seems like the mission they had with the Melody was to push the Planar driver to deliver the maximum quality and quantity it could at the reasonable price point of US$90. Without further ado, let’s dive right in.

Accessories​

This time from Kiwi Ears, you won’t be getting any cases or pouches. However, the cable is a nice 4-wire braided cable with thick cores. That is pretty much it besides the standard silicone tips.

Build Quality and Fit​

For a relatively budget set, the build quality is quite decent with a metallic faceplate and a resin shell. The design is very bland and understated but it’s not something I would pick on. The simple design of the shell helps give it a predictable and comfortable fit as well. The nozzle is a little on the short side so for a deeper snug fit you might want to opt for your own eartips with longer and firmer stems.

Sound​

Sources

• Lotoo Paw S2
• Fiio BTR7
• SMSL M200 – Schiit Magnius

Bass

The standout of the Melody has got to be the bass. It’s a very interesting approach to a planar earphone considering my experiences with the Timeless. The bass on the Melody is thick, deep, and unashamedly boosted. There is quite a significant amount of rumble as well. The detail is also being delivered as much as possible, and generally not considered muddy (for its price). Bass lines are rather well defined and satisfying to be able to hear a new take on some of the songs in my library.

Mids

The mids are a little suppressed and pushed back in the overall sound signature. The vocals sound okay but have little character or texture. The mids certainly aren’t the star of the show. Details from the midrange melodies still manage to come through quite well and the Melody is technically competent to handle complicated mids. If you are looking for an earphone to do more in the upper mids or mid-focused then perhaps you might need to look elsewhere, for example, maybe something like the 7Hz Sonus.

Treble

The treble is present and extends well, though I would say it plays very well into the sound to not give off any hint of sibilance, harshness or thinness. This helps build a tuning that bass lovers would be able to listen to for hours on end. There is enough sparkle in the highs, that come through in the cymbals and high hats for the sound to not be too dull.

Overall

One of my bigger gripes of the melody would be the tonality and timbre of the sound. Due to the bass-boosted tuning, it definitely is not the most natural-sounding pair of earphones. The weighed-down mids were quite a bit of a disappointment for me as well, though this may very well be an issue of personal preference. Detail retrieval is on par with what one would expect at this price range.

Conclusion​

I was quite intrigued with what Kiwi Ears Melody would do with their first Planar earphone, and with my previous experiences with Planar earphones, I must admit I was taken by surprise. The tuning of the Melody was certainly not what I was expecting. It took me a while to get used to it and to enjoy its charms. All things considered, I would say don’t come into the Melody thinking you want a planar earphone.

Objectively, I wouldn’t say the Melody would be a good recommendation for everyone as it seems to cater to certain preferences, and its other aspects like detail retrieval, soundstage, and tonality aren’t stellar enough for it to compete at such a saturated price point. The Melody is a niche take on the planar driver and for under $90, it does quite a good job at delivering value for the basshead or bass lovers, for whom there may not be that many other options currently that deliver good quality and detail.

Intro​

Disclaimer: The 7HZ Sonus was provided to us at no charge courtesy of Linsoul. However, this was done in understanding I was to give my honest thoughts and opinions of the Sonus. For more reviews like this, visit our site perrivanaudio.com

7HZ produces an interesting release in the 50-100 dollars bracket, the Sonus. It’s a 1DD+1BA hybrid, and while not the most eye-catching IEM, it claims to have a focus on detail retrieval and accurate tonality. From what I am aware, this is 7Hz’s first hybrid IEM.

Accessories​

7Hz provides the usual plethora of colourful in-house silicone tips, which are not the most inspiring, but have a characteristically stiff core that suits the IEM and fits well in my ears. It comes with a sleek-looking pouch that is a really nice inclusion at this price point. The cable is also quite interesting, with a flat 4-core structure. Despite the thickness, the cable is soft and flexible, and can easily coiled. It’s also worth noting extra stick-on nozzle filters are included, which is nice if you intend to make this your daily driver.

Build Quality and Fit​

The overall build of the IEM is functional and sturdy. It has a metal faceplate and a plastic shell that is shaped to sit rather nicely. It isn’t the most comfortable but it remains functional and more ergonomic than the Timeless. I’m not a fan of the overall aesthetic but I guess that’s subjective. The cable is not really up my alley but I do have friends that really liked the flat cable over the usual braided/twisted one.

Sound​

Sources

• Apple Dongle
• Lotoo Paw S2
• Hiby R5

Bass

Bass is sub bass focused and the beats are punchy and crisp. The midbass is tame but lacks a bit of meat so bassheads might find the weight a bit lacking in this department. However, to me, it was just fine and rather enjoyable. The decay was quite fast, keeping the basslines very clean-sounding, and yet there was satisfying rumble on the bass instruments. The present sub-bass extends well and helps to provide some body to the otherwise top-heavy sound. It is a very tasteful tuning to maintain the clarity of the sound and yet achieve a decently satisfying low end.

Mids

The mids are quite forward and present, and I love how the instruments sound on them. From violins to brass Instruments like the trumpets, to woodwinds like the saxophone. Very textured, and the details are fully captured without compromise, everything is pinpoint accurate and really mindblowing at this price point. Instrumental separation is on a whole other level. I find it hard to find another pair to compare it to within the same price bracket. In terms of technicalities, and accuracy, the Sonus has done them all so well. If I had to find a place to nitpick, it would be that the female vocal timbre is a little off on the higher notes.

Treble

The treble is no doubt sparkly and expressive. The highs are really lively and cymbals and snare hits come through with a swift attack and natural decay. This is enjoyable as it adds character to the sound and makes it more engaging. That said, I do find myself a little fatigued on longer sessions. Sibilance is very slight and only noticeable on certain tracks which are very heavy on the highs.

Overall

I really enjoyed the Sonus for instrumental tracks. It has a very fast response and surprisingly good separation at this price point. The microdetail retrieval combined with the extension of the highs gives it a certain crispiness and airiness which helps achieve a wider-than-average soundstage. If it had a slightly more polished design or aesthetic and perhaps a more comfortable shell, I am sure this would be an instant hit as the tuning and technical ability of the Sonus speaks for itself.

Conclusion​

Despite its dated design and little quirks (sibilance) in the upper mids and highs, the Sonus exemplifies a neutral-ish tuning at an accessible price point done right. Its tuning is versatile for many genres and presents itself as a potential daily driver for many considering its value proposition. The bass boost helps to balance out the activity in the highs very well to put out an all-rounded performance. If what I’ve described suits the sound signature you’re looking for and your budget is right, do give the Sonus a shot. The detail retrieval and overall clarity and separation that the Sonus delivers are arguably the best I have ever seen in the sub-100 price range. 7HZ may be onto something here in this price bracket and for a first attempt at a hybrid IEM, this is pretty amazing.

Intro​

Disclaimer: The Kiwi Ears Quintet was provided to us at no charge courtesy of Linsoul. However, this was done in understanding I was to give my honest thoughts and opinions of the Quintet. For more of our reviews, visit perrivanaudio.com

I’m coming to review the Quintet right after the Quartet. The Quartet was a rather bass-heavy warm-sounding IEM that tries to be a jack of all trades at its relatively budget price point. The Quintet, based on price point, is a step up from the Quartet and switches things up in the driver configuration. It’s now a quad-brid with 4 different types of drivers in a relatively small package. Without further ado, let’s take a look at how it fares.

Accessories​

The packaging is almost identical to the Quartet. It also has the same zippered hard case encasing the 4-wire braided cable. The cable quality is a step up from the Quartet, aesthetically and build-quality-wise. The entire package isn’t anything to scream about at this price point, but I’m not too fussed about it, as long as the IEM and cable quality aren’t compromised.

Build Quality and Fit​

The Quintet takes on a very different vibe from the design language of the Quartet. It has a very mature, serious and some may say boring design and colour palette. It has a matte silver metal plate sitting above a black resin shell shaped to fit snugly inside the ear canal. This is in contrast to the bright colours and pattern of the Quartet, seeming to symbolise the difference in tunings for the 2 IEMs. The fit of the Quintet sits much deeper and snugly than the Quartet, and while I really liked it, people who don’t like their IEMs to be too intrusive in the ear may want to take note.

Sound​

Sources

• Lotoo Paw S2
• Fiio BTR7

Bass

I found the bass very tastefully done. It was palatable in quantity and clean in the mid-bass. It packed a nice punch and a very crisp texture, which was how I usually like it done. It is by no means near bassy and some might find it a bit lacking in note weight due to the more subdued midbass. The sub-bass extension was nicely done and does a good job playing a supporting role to the rest of the sound, ensuring it provides enough warmth to support the rest of the tuning. Listening to songs by The Fat Rat, it had nice transients in the percussions and packed a nice punch to keep the music really fun without muddying the more complicated/busier sections.

Mids

I really enjoy the layering of the mids, and how the soundstage gives. The speed and clarity of the Quintet’s sound make the instruments come across very clearly. I especially enjoy listening to saxophone and guitar lines in songs by The Carpenters, The Eagles, and many other bands. Well-recorded tracks shine with the Quintet, especially those with multiple musical lines and layering of instruments. One weakness of the Quintet’s mids would be the vocals. Compared to some other tunings, the clinical nature of the Quintet’s tuning can make certain vocals come across as overly digital or “emotionless”. This is a bit of a nitpick on tonality though, The vocals do come through clear and forward enough and remain relatively enjoyable otherwise. One thing to note is for poorly recorded tracks, it would be very apparent on the Quintet.

Highs

Combining the Micro Planar Transducer (MPT) driver and the Piezoelectric (PZT) driver contributes to the unique timbre of the upper mids and the highs of the Quintet. What I really enjoyed was the preciseness of the highs and how the decay seems to be pinpoint accurate on the high hat hits and snares. The treble extension is executed very well, and the Quintet has very good microdetail retrieval and gives the percussive notes the air and sense of space. What is potentially the Achilles heel of the Quintet is that some might find it borderline sibilant. Personally, I find it to hit a sweet spot, but I can see that it can be a little fatiguing for longer listening and it wouldn’t be my first pic if I had a longer, chill, listening session.

Overall

The PZT driver is said to be able to add to the overall soundstage of the Quintet. I am unsure how much of it can be attributed to the specific inclusion of that driver but I do acknowledge that the staging on the Quintet is on the wider side for an IEM and I really enjoy it for that. It makes the sound much more sophisticated and less congested for the individual layers to shine.

Conclusion​

The Kiwi Ears Quintet doesn’t attempt to win favours through flashy looks or gimmicks. Despite its stacked specs and a seeming mish-mash of drivers, everything comes together and plays its role as though in a real quintet, and puts out a beautiful, elegant, and precise performance where each member of the quintet plays their role perfectly and does not attempt to outshine each other. To complement the technical excellence of the Quintet, the price point is a rather attractive one in retrospect, proving to be an earphone with strong technical capabilities without breaking the bank. While it will not be everyone’s cup of tea with its crisp and sharp tuning, it was certainly something close to what I looked for in an IEM, and with reliable build quality and shell, topped off with an excellent fit, the Quintet easily makes it into my personal list of favourite IEMs.

Intro​

Disclaimer: The 7Hz Timeless was purchased with my own money for my personal use and this review is written of my own accord. All opinions here are my own. For more reviews like this, do consider dropping by our website.

I’m incredibly late to reviewing this pair but I really took my time with this one. Spoiler alert: I enjoyed my time with the 7Hz Timeless, but I just wanted to make sure I wasn't carried away by the hype train.

Accessories ​

The Timeless comes with quite a selection of silicon tips and some foam tips. Honestly, they didn't really appeal to me so I tip rolled a few third-party tips and after trying on the Azla SednaEarfit Tips, I never looked back. An extra set of nozzle filters are also included.

The bundled case has a full metal construction with a fabric lining on the inside, it’s a little small considering the Timeless is on the larger side and I didn’t really like the idea of the metal construction as it’s really heavy and can scratch other things in your bag.

The stock MMCX cable can come in the termination of your choice (2.5mm/4.4mm balanced or 3.5mm single-ended).

Build Quality and Fit ​

To get the build quality out of the way, I think they are handsomely built, with all-metal construction for the buds and a matte black finish. My only concern is the MMCX connection as usual, but I don’t think you would have any issues as long as you connect/disconnect them properly.

However, the fit is a little out of the ordinary. There is a huge circular disk acting as a faceplate, giving the IEM an iconic look. It’s good to note that the disk is only on the exterior and doesn’t touch the ear, hence I didn’t have any discomfort, though YMMV. The nozzle isn’t too long, but the stiffer and slightly longer nozzle on the AZLA SednaEarfit tips helped give a tight seal.

​

Sound ​

Sources

• Lotoo Paw S1
• Hiby R5
• SMSL M200/Schiit Magnius

Bass
My biggest gripe with the 7Hz Timeless is probably the bass. The bass seems a little mismatched with the rest of the sound in terms of speed. The bass comes off a tad bit too strong and heavy-footed, especially when I first tried it on. It slowly became more enjoyable the more I listened to it (brain burn-in?) Perhaps it provides a slight relief and respite to the crystal-clear attack of the upper mids and treble, making the 7Hz a much more enjoyable Planar IEM as compared to others like the TinHiFi P1.

The bass extends very deep and has a satisfying sub-bass rumble that shines on EDM tracks. This plays well with the clarity of the upper mids and gives a very nice layering effect on the sound.

Mids
The upper mids have a very crisp response. The tonality of the mids are very impressive, and the Timeless strikes a good middle ground between resolution and musicality. Exceptional performance for its price bracket. Vocals shine well with a soft edge to them so they don’t come across as overly clinical. Plugging the Timeless into a better source makes the mids a bit more expansive and gives it more space to shine, overcoming the "recessed" feeling. Timbre is also very pleasant.

Treble
Treble is very speedy and have a very good resolution. Cymbal crashes come across a little dry without any splash, but with a very sharp attack, and I can see why some people may not be a fan of this characteristic. However, I appreciated how it made the percussions punchier and crisper, and I really enjoy the nuance and layers that it adds to the sound. The Timeless can handle complicated and congested music with ease. However, on some songs, it can get a little too spicy, and potentially fatiguing for long listening sessions.

Overall
I used the 7Hz Timeless predominantly balanced on my desktop setup as I didn’t really fancy it as a portable pair. I found my setup gave it a very nice breadth and height, and it performed well enough in terms of staging for an IEM. The sound signature is rather balanced with a boost of warmth in the bass. However, it isn't anything over the top to send this into basshead category.

I won't attempt to do a full comparison to the TinHiFi P1 since it has been a while, but one thing I can say for sure is that the tuning on the Timeless is much more palatable and less fatiguing than the P1.

Conclusion​

The Timeless performs excellently and fulfils its niche as a planar IEM extremely well. It plays to its strengths perfectly. That said, the Timeless still has its “flaws” or certain caveats that not everyone would be a fan of, like the fit, and tuning, which at the end of the day, is a personal preference. From my perspective, the Timeless suits my tastes and library very well and I absolutely don’t regret a single cent I spent on it.

The Timeless managed to deliver a stellar resolution with a pleasant tuning, earning its place in my personal collection. Is there room for improvement for future planar IEMs? Yes but I foresee the Timeless sticking around for quite some time.

Overall Grade: A
Click HERE for our grading list for earphones

Intro​

Disclaimer: This review set is a demo lent to me as part of a Singapore review tour. This review is written on my own accord and all thoughts and opinions here are my own. For more reviews like this, do check out our website!

BGVP released a 5-driver hybrid at an eye-catching price of $75. This is a competitive price range, dominated mostly by single dynamic drivers at the moment. The DH5 features a combination of 2 Knowles and 2 Custom Balanced Armature Drivers, complemented by a Beryllium Alloy Dynamic Driver. Let’s see if BGVP can break into this competitive sub $100 bracket.

Accessories (Score: 8/10)​

I applaud BGVP’s consistency with providing a pleasant unboxing experience, with all the necessary accessories and more. I really like their zippered hard case and the selection of silicone tips (Bass and Vocal). While not of much importance to me, this is certainly a nice touch to anyone getting their first IEM.

​

Build Quality and Fit (Score: 8/10)​

The build and aesthetics of the DH5 are excellent for the price. It is relatively small-sized for its driver count and has a resin shelled. The cable is really pretty and well-built as well. Everything is looking promising so far. The faceplate sports a playful yet understated rainbow mosaic-like pattern.

The really like the fit. I didn’t get any driver flex and the buds are well-rounded and light, effectively disappearing in the ear once worn.

Sound (Score: 5.0/10)​

Sources

• Lotoo Paw S1
• Hiby R5

Music listened to

• NEEDTOBREATHE
• Greenday
• Joscho Stephan
• Linkin Park
• Akdong Musician
• Mumford & Sons
• Dyan – Looking for Knives

Bass
The bass quantity and quality are decent on the DH5. It has a tasteful punch and a natural decay so that the midbass isn’t too boomy. The amount of bass was just nice to give tunes a nice warmth without overdoing things, and I enjoyed the low end on Dyan’s Looking for Knives. There is little bleed and it was quite pleasant on the low end for what it’s worth.

Mids
Mids is really where the music’s soul is at and the DH5 just can’t seem to get it right. Tonality is wayyy off and everything sounds so nasal it’s as though it’s being resonated in a tin can. Vocals are once again nasal, especially female vocals. The presentation in the midrange is awkward as well, with instrumentals and vocals sounding warped with weird imaging.

Treble
Treble tonality is quite off although there is a decent amount of extension. The resonance of high hats, cymbals all sound like they’re being played from a tin can. I felt like there was potential as the highs extended well and wasn’t harsh or anything. A wasted potential at that.

Overall
It’s really quite a pity that the tonality of the DH5 is so off as it seems to have a good amount of detail retrieval and punch in the bass. However, the warp in tonality is so jarring it’s simply hard to enjoy music as it is. Soundstage is on the intimate side.

Conclusion​

The DH5 is pretty much of a lemon IEM to me as I find it hard to enjoy most of my music library on it. I don’t think anyone should have to pay US$75 and face such flaws in tonality. This was a project that should be sent back to the drawing board instead of being released. This is a timely reminder of how driver count does not equate to performance. If this was from a $10 IEM, maybe I would find this excusable due to the limitations of what one can achieve while keeping costs down. To those considering the DH5, I suggest sitting this one out.

Overall Grade: D​

Click HERE for our grading list for earphones

Intro​

Disclaimer: The TinHiFi T3 Plus was provided to us at no charge courtesy of Ken from TinHiFi. However, this was done in understanding I was to give my honest thoughts and opinions of the T3 Plus. All I was asked to do was to provide the link to their official store if you're interested in snagging a pair for yourselves but feel free to use your own links if you prefer to. For more reviews like this, do consider checking out our website too!

TinHiFi has done it before, cementing its name in the community with stellar releases like the T2 and T4. TinHiFi has switched things up this time, thinking out of the box by redesigning their IEMs instead of trying to recreate the magic that the T2 and T4 had, and what better way than to slot right in the middle of that naming convention, the T3… Plus. I did mention thinking out of the box, right?

Accessories (Score: 7.0/10)​

TinHiFi ensures that the T3 Plus comes with the basics and is rather aesthetically packaged. However, it falls a little short of what its competitors in the price range are providing. It comes with a cloth pouch and some tips, including some of their foam tips, which are really great by the way. I don’t mind the pouch instead of a more typical case as I already have too many non-functioning cases lying around, and a pouch is a much more portable and likely to be used by myself. However, I found the cable a little lacking. It’s a twisted cable that doesn’t coil nicely and gets tangled quite easily. Not the best stock cable but it seems durable enough to last. I swapped mine out to a third-party cable which was more comfortable and in a 4.4mm termination.

Build Quality and Fit (Score: 8.5/10)​

Here’s where TinHiFi really breaks the mould. It leaves behind its usual cylindrical full-metal shell for a more conventionally-shaped resin shell. The T3 Plus is probably the most comfortable TinHiFi IEM I’ve tried and I absolutely love the aesthetic. Clear on the inside to reveal the huge driver and a gorgeous faceplate design as a finishing touch. The resin feels solid and the nozzle is also long enough to provide a secure fit. Great promising stuff.

Sound (Score: /10)​

Sources

• Lotoo Paw S1
• Hiby R5

Music listened to

• NEEDTOBREATHE
• Greenday
• Joscho Stephan
• Linkin Park
• 10cm
• Young Rising Sons
• Hyukoh-23
• Zion.T
• Stevie Wonder - In The Key of Life
• Galantis - Church

Bass
The T3 Plus has an authoritative and present lower end. It is clearly emphasised but never overdone, doing just enough to add a satisfying warmth to the music. It's not the most well defined or detailed bass but strikes a good middle ground between musicality and crispness. Basslines on Stevie Wonder's Sir Duke were clear and not muddied. The bass quantity is similar to the Starfield but is a little more impactful and decays a little faster, which I quite enjoyed. Subbass extension is also very well-done, I enjoyed the blend of the drums and bass on Hyukoh's tracks.

Mids
I loved the tuning of the mids on the T3 plus and this could be the best mids tuning I've heard from any TinHiFi IEM. The vocal weight and presence impressed me listening to some ballads. The timbre is also very pleasing, without any harshness. Take note though, there is a boost in the upper mids, especially the female vocal range. If this is something you're sensitive to, it may come across as a little too forward for your liking at times. To me, it was still acceptable as I enjoy tunings with a bit of a boost in the upper mids, where vocals and instruments come through nice and authoritatively as long as the tonality is right.

Treble
Treble extension is a little lacking, with a more prominent lower treble. The lower treble gives a nice edge to the sound, but never sounded sibilant or peaky. It gave the cymbals on the drumset sufficient energy, evident on Stevie Wonder tracks once again. On IEMs like the Tripowin Mele, the tuning is noticeably darker, so if that was an issue for you, perhaps the T3 Plus is a good option. The lower energy keeps the overall tuning from being too dull or dark.

Overall
The T3 Plus is quite an intimate sounding earphone. In terms of tuning, it achieves a good balance between the vocal presentation, energetic upper mids-lower treble, and punchy bass made for an enjoyable dynamic sound. That said, the T3 Plus isn't the most detailed sounding earphones, and I often found myself missing some of the finer nuances of the music, but overall, the tonality was very enjoyable, and I would say the T3 Plus is very versatile with genres.

Comparison​

Whizzer He-01


The Whizzer He-01 is also a single dynamic driver IEM at a similar price point, perhaps slightly pricier. I would say between the two, they have quite a lot of similarities in tuning and sound signature. I would say that the T3 Plus is more comfortable than the Whizzer and has a better and a better 2-pin connector. From what I remember, the bass is also slightly tighter and less muddy on the T3 Plus than on the Whizzer.

Conclusion​

The Tin T3 Plus is not exceptionally good at any one aspect and excels as a jack of many trades. I wouldn't say it "punches beyond its price tag", however, it stands out as a strong competitor in its price bracket and comes across as a well thought out, and well-designed product. This is saying a lot with a myriad of subpar IEMs flooding the market at the moment. The T3 Plus has a good fit, gorgeous aesthetics, and a pleasant tuning that I really enjoyed as a daily driver. At US$69, it's definitely not cheap for a first IEM, but I would feel comfortable recommending it to people entering the hobby, especially to those looking for a more fun-sounding IEM.

I foresee the T3 Plus being well-liked by many for its versatility and how it manages to do so much with just a good implementation of a single dynamic driver. It's safe to say TinHiFi is back on track and have once again reminded us why they rose to fame years ago with the Tin T2.

Overall Grade: B+
Click HERE for our grading list for earphones

Intro​

I had to do some searching up on TKZK and only then did I find out that it was a subsidiary/sister company of TinHiFi, with a focus on producing for the budget market. The Wave seems to be their debut IEM and comes in at a price of around US$30-37, at the time of writing, featuring a hybrid 1 Balanced Armature + 1 Dynamic Driver setup. Without further ado, let's get to it.

Accessories (Score: 6/10)​

The accessories are pretty bare but get the job done. It comes with just one set of silicone tips in 3 sizes and a pouch. I’m not a fan of the baby blue colour, but it is what it is. It doesn’t really bother me as I don’t see myself using pouches anyway.

Build Quality and Fit (Score: 8/10)​

Build quality is pretty decent for its price. Though I’m not the biggest fan of the wave aesthetic, I thought it felt pretty solid and durable in the hands. It looks like a resin shell as opposed to the regular plastic ones you usually see in budget sets. The included cable is a rather basic one, reminiscent of the ones that used to come packaged with older KZ IEMs. In short, not the fanciest, but seems durable enough.

What I especially liked was the fit of these IEMs. They were well shaped, not too large, and sat snugly in the ear. I had no issues using these for hours.

Sound (Score: 7.0/10)​

Sources

• Lotoo Paw S1
• Hiby R5
• Samsung S10e

Bass
Bass has a good presence and warmth, though it's a little rough along the edges. I liked that the mid-bass was controlled in quantity and not too bloated. However, there is an absence of punch and articulation, a lot of thuds. This is especially apparent on drumsets and more sophisticated, fast-moving basslines.

Mids
The lower mids are a little recessed, with the tuning being mildly V-shaped. Vocals are very pleasant on the TKZK Wave, without much unnaturalness in tonality. The biggest caveat here is that the Wave struggles to handle more complicated layers, with a rather one-dimensional presentation. I appreciated the clarity in the upper mids, enabling female vocals to really shine on this IEM.

Treble
The treble is quite tame and continues the pleasantness from the mids and shows no signs of sibilance of harshness. However, it has noticeable grain, and struggles with higher frequencies, revealing the Wave's limited technical capabilities, which it shouldn't really be faulted for at its price. To give credit where it's due, the treble is coherent with the overall tonality.

Overall
The Wave boasts a good tuning and sound signature and hence is very versatile across genres. These work when powered from your cell phone, and work well right out of the box. Don’t expect too much from detail retrieval and imaging from this set considering the price range they are at.

Conclusion​

These are a good option at their price range and they really did well with getting a pleasant tuning out. The upper mids are smooth and dodges any harshness or metallic timbre. At their current price, the Wave doesn't stand out that much due to the saturation in the budget IEM market. However, they are a fair pickup, considering how they nailed the fit on these on top of the tuning. The Wave is a decent debut IEM from TKZK and I'll be looking out for more from them.

Overall Grade: B
Click HERE for our grading list for earphones

Intro​

ANOTHER KZ in the house! This time, things are a little more exciting with a brand new driver set up. The KZ ZEX is a budget IEM at $22 packing a hybrid of a low-voltage electrostatic driver and a dynamic driver within. This is the first electrostatic driver implementation at this price point (together with the sister brand CCA NRA). I can't wait to see what they have done with this pair.

Build Quality (Score: 9/10)​

The build quality of these buds was honestly very impressive. These felt NOTHING like 20 dollar earphones. The shells have a very hard almost glass-like resin, giving it a good amount of heft to them. They also seem a little brittle and might shatter if you drop them from a height (please don't try it). This is a good upgrade from the cheaper plastic shell we are more used to on IEMs like the ZX10 Pro, and EDX, among many others.

The faceplate is a matte aluminium material and the whole aesthetic just flows. Absolutely stunning product design. The ZEX also sports the new KZ cable, which is much more durable and less prone to tangling than the previous ones. These look and feel great and I'm really loving this new direction and approach KZ has taken. The one downside to the cable is that it is a little springy and doesn't coil up as well.

Fit (Score: 8/10)​

The fit is quite comfortable despite the buds being on the heavier side. It is compensated with a slightly longer than the normal nozzle to ensure a deeper fit and a good seal. I didn't experience any issues with the buds threatening to fall out of my ears so good job with the weight distribution. The cable has a stiff ear hook but it didn't affect the comfort.

Sound (Score: 7.5/10)​

Sources

• Lotoo Paw S1
• SMSL M200/Schiit Magnius

Music listened to

• Chicago Symphony Orchestra – Beethoven Symphony 7
• Boston Symphony Orchestra – The Nutcracker Suite
• The Vamps – Cherry Blossom
• Paul Kim
• NEEDTOBREATHE
• McFly
• Vivaldi’s Bassoon Concertos
• Greenday
• Joscho Stephan
• Family Company
• etc

Bass

The bass notes are weighty and extend quite deep with a satisfying rumble and punch. However, the decay is a little slow and come across as a little muddy, especially evident in drumsets and tracks with fast-moving articulated basslines like a double bass. The bass is boosted and authoritative, pretty much in line with the KZ house sound. Instruments like bass guitars have a weighty and sub-bass element that supports the music well without overdoing or overpowering. It will certainly scratch that itch for a full lower end. That said, there is quite a bit of midbass bloating and can come across as a little too muddy at times, but nothing too terrible at this price range.

Mids

Mids are quite an interesting experience. The melody lines are quite rich and warm, with vocals quite bodied and well supported. In fact, the vocals are really tastefully presented and I especially enjoyed male vocals which were lush and rich. I honestly didn't expect myself to enjoy these so much. This is quite unusual from the usual deep recession in the mids that KZ IEMs typically have. The ZEX has got to be one of the more balanced sets. "KZ IS BALANCED?" haha not exactly but relatively yes.

However, I find the music occasionally a little too coloured for my tastes. The tonality in the midrange is slightly off, and is apparent on certain genres, making them sound a little weird and warped. This is especially on songs that I'm familiar with and would pick up these issues really easily. Despite my best efforts to ignore it and let the “brain burn-in” do its job, I still found the sound a little too off. It doesn’t always sound bad, but it's certainly how it's meant to be. (or how I’d like/expect it to sound at the least).

Treble

Treble is rolled off and very subdued. This brings about a very dark sound, further adding to the colour of the sound. On certain tracks, this makes the sound a little too skewed and a little satiating. I would’ve loved more representation here actually, not even considering the sparkle or shimmer that you guys always wanna hear. Cymbals and high hats just fall flat and seemingly have their characteristics stripped from them. One positive thing I'd give it is that these don't have terrible metallic or peaky like tonality to keep the tuning relaxed and pleasant.

Overall

The biggest flaw of the ZEX is the midrange tonality issue and accuracy. Of course, in terms of detail retrieval, there is much room for improvement, but considering the price point, expectations have to be managed and I'd say it’s passable.

Conclusion​

The ZEX really has a lot of potential. For 20 dollars, this IEM exudes quality in its build and features one of the best budget IEM stock cables I’ve seen. And to top it off the ZEX doesn’t sound bad. While there is much room for improvement in the tuning, KZ certainly proved that they are onto something with the ZEX. I very much prefer this to some of the metallic timbres that some of their BA hybrids have. Now perhaps that can work towards a slightly more accurate tonality and I’m sure they would have a hit in their hands.

This is got to be one of the best thought out and constructed budget IEM KZ has put out in a while. No harm going out to grab one of these, they won't be replacing or toppling any higher priced IEMs, but I found these really enjoyable, which I'd say speaks volumes for itself.

Overall Grade: B-

Click HERE for our grading list for earphones

Intro

Disclaimer: This review set was graciously lent to me by a friend from his personal collection and the review is written of my own accord. For more reviews like this, do check out our website.

The Seeaudio Bravery adopted a frequency response that was voted for by the community, seeking to develop a ground-up approach tuning to this IEM. The faceplate design was also voted for by the community. The result is a pair of gorgeous 4BA IEMs at a price of US$279. Let’s take a look at how it measures up.

Accessories and Build Quality (Score: 9/10)​

The Bravery went all out in this aspect. It was a brave adopter of the SednaEarfit Xelastec Eartips. These tips from AZLA have been quite polarizing in the community, either you love them or hate them. They are made of a thermoplastic material that changes its shape slightly through the heat from your body. However, the material is slightly sticky and you can imagine the tips getting a little gross after a while. A set of S/M/L foam tips are also provided should you not be a fan of the Xelastec tips. The Xelastec tips fit me well but I’m not really a fan of them for long term use.

On top of that, the stock cable included is a boutique cable from Hakugei. It was a cloth sleeved OCC cable that is quite thick yet flexible, making it very easy to handle. However, I wasn’t really a fan of this cable while using it despite its aesthetics. The cable is rather heavy and gives quite a lot of microphonics. The cloth sleeving can also fray over time.

I have no qualms with the build quality of the shells. They look beautifully crafted and feel great in the hand. Nothing about it feels cheap and it just shows Seeaudio’s experience in design. It was great that they involved the community in the final faceplate design as well.

Fit (Score: 7.5/10)​

However, I had some issues with the fit and comfort of these. The vacuum effect caused by the build-up of pressure is quite evident in the Bravery. I find myself having to constantly readjust the IEMs, proving to be a hassle over time. The shells themselves are also on the larger side and not as ergonomically shaped as I would have liked. They don’t sit as snugly in the concha as their Yume IEMs. However, fit is a personal issue so YMMV.

Sound (Score: 8.3/10)​

Sources

• Lotoo Paw S1
• Hiby R5
• SMSL M200/Schiit Magnius

Music listened to

• Chicago Symphony Orchestra – Beethoven Symphony 7
• Boston Symphony Orchestra – The Nutcracker Suite
• The Vamps – Cherry Blossom
• Paul Kim
• NEEDTOBREATHE
• McFly
• Vivaldi’s Bassoon Concertos
• Greenday
• Joscho Stephan

Bass
The bass supports the sound well but is rather tame and sounds more laid back in terms of presentation. I would've liked a little more punch, and attacks are a little blunted. The bass decays away relatively quickly, so the bass doesn't get muddy. I like the level of bass in the sound and I found it quite relaxing and controlled but not overdone. Alas, the Bravery reminds you of its pure BA set up here and the bass lacks the texture and dimensions that you would get with a good dynamic driver. The Bravery presents a clean lower end that doesn't colour the overall sound too much.

Mids
The mids are certainly the star of the show on the Bravery. They were an absolute job to listen to. The mids were speedy and very clean, handling complicated melodic lines and instrumental parts very well. These can be a little on the dryer side, but not in a bad way. Vocals stand out without being overly shouty when contrasted with the rest of the music. Everything seems lively and yet well balanced. I especially enjoyed listening to the gipsy guitar and violin from Joscho Stephan's albums. The guitars and violins had a very crisp texture, precise with an accurate amount of decay, and a good tonality to boot.

I wouldn't dare classify the Bravery as analytical, because ultimately, their bottleneck seems to be its detail retrieval and layering of music, especially at this price point. This becomes a little more apparent when listening to rock genres and more intensive and layered upper mid-heavy tracks. The Bravery seems to hit a wall and struggle to perform as well in certain genres.

Treble
Treble timbre didn’t really impress. The cymbals come in a little hot at times and don't have the most natural timbre. Listening to Fall Out Boy, the cymbals and high hats are really prominent and can get a little fatiguing. I found myself having to turn the volume way down to listen comfortably. For people fans of a brighter tuning, this may be up your alley, however, I'm a little sensitive to the higher frequencies and the Bravery seems to accentuate them a little too much for my liking.

Despite the forward treble, the micro details don't seem to be superb. I found myself wishing a little more from these at times and releasing itself from its bottleneck.

Overall
Separation was quite decent, and decay is relatively fast, which I liked. However, the layering seemed mediocre. The overall sound does well to ensure everything comes out pleasantly, but doesn’t really impress in any way, and doesn’t really excel in any region at all. It gives you a feeling of ‘hmm this is fine”.

Comparison​

VS Audio Lokahi

They have almost the same level of detail retrieval as the Lokahi, with the Lokahi having the edge with the better treble extension and timbre. Overall, I enjoyed the timbre, especially the treble, on the Lokahi more.

The Bravery has a slightly wider presentation with more breadth than the Lokahi which was nice. The Lokahi had a very intimate presentation which wasn’t really in line with my preferences. Lokahi has a better bass timbre, though I liked what the Bravery did with the bass, tame, laid back, and controlled.

Overall, I find the Lokahi sits at a much better price point than the Bravery. However, take note the Lokahi comes with a terrible cable and non-existent accessories/unboxing experience, so pick your poison. Personally? Less is more.

Conclusion​

The Bravery come with a premium price tag, but offers its fair share of premiums as well, in terms of the build, aesthetics, stock cable. All of these go toward the price tag of $279. It comes up to me as a little pricey, considering I am not personally a fan of the cable, which can seem like a waste.

Sonically, the Bravery almost does enough. I quite like the pleasant tonality and clean presentation it has. It does seem to lack the extra control in the highs and threatens to get slightly sibilant on certain tracks. Moreover detail retrieval, especially in the bass, and layering can prove to be a bottleneck.

Overall Grade: B



Click HERE for our grading list for earphones

Intro​

Disclaimer: This review set is a demo graciously lent to us by Oardio as part of TForce’s Yuan Li Singapore review tour. This review is written of my own accord and all thoughts here are my own. The TForce Yuan Li is available for purchase from Oardio through their website should you find yourself interested in a pair. For more reviews like this, do check out our website!

Accessories and Build Quality


It comes with a generously sized pouch with a faux leather finishing. The magnetic clasp is a nice touch. The cable is very well-made sturdy for a stock cable. It goes well with the overall aesthetic of the IEM so I have no complaints there, in fact, I’m rather impressed with the quality of the accessories you are getting.

The IEM has a mirror finishing that you either love or hate. However, it is very well done and the IEM feels one tier above what you paid for when handling it.

Fit


Despite having an all-metal build, the shell is rather light. It's just the right size for my smaller ears and sits snugly without breaking the seal. It has one of the best fits for a metal shelled IEM. I would pick this shape and fit over the KXXS.

Sound

Sources

• Samsung S10e
• Hiby R5
• Lotoo Paw S1

Music Listened to

• Busted
• The Kid Laroi – Stay
• The Strokes – The New Abnormal
• ELO – Mr- Blue Sky
• Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite– Boston Symphony Orchestra
• Vivaldi’s Bassoon Concertos
• NEEDTOBREATHE
• etc

Bass

The Bass is very pronounced, forward and well-extended. Subbass rumbles well with no midbass bloat to mar things. Bass lovers should like the bass response of the Yuan Li. It does have a decent amount of control in the lower end to not come across as a loose cannon. However, the bass quantity does get a little satiating for me. Switching to wide-bore tips did help in this aspect a bit.

Mids

The midrange was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I’m more of a mids person and there’s just an occasional unnaturalness in the Yuan Li I can’t just pinpoint. That said, there are times where the midrange just come to life, especially instruments like electric guitars and saxophones. They have a very energetic presentation that can be quite refreshing. [The Strokes – The New Abnormal]

However, I have some issues with the midrange tonality, which is especially apparent when listening to specific instruments such as violins. It sounds a little unnatural and congested. If you’re particular about the accuracy of instrumentals or if your music library is full of ensemble repertoire then perhaps this may not suit you most. This bothered me quite a bit as I do listen to quite a bit of strings.

Listening to pop songs generally plays to the strength of the Yuan Li owing to its V-shape tuning. Hence, this colouration or tonality quirk (call it what you might) isn’t as apparent and in fact, the overall tuning keeps things rather engaging, with the focus in the head-banging bass beats and the synths. Presentation is very forward and, in your face, similarly intimate/forward as the Starfield with slightly more breadth but less depth.

Treble

Treble is alright. Nothing spectacular, it’s crisp and tight but timbre can be better. On poorly recorded tracks, the treble grain is really in your face.

Things like drum sets and cymbal strikes sound a little bland and lifeless. Take note, the lower treble is very much present, but overall, the highs could do with a little more air and sparkle. The highs lack a certain je ne sais quoi to complete the instrumental timbre and the Yuan Li seems to miss out on that. It’s not to the extent that it makes the Yuan Li bad but simply an apparent bottleneck.

Overall

Staging has good breadth; however, this is at the expense of imaging accuracy and presentation.

Your mobile phone will get Yuan Li loud enough to listenable levels. However, what I did realise playing around with sources is that it does sound better with better sources, especially in the upper mids and treble. I guess the extra power from the amps seems to help as well. Switching from my S10E to my Lotoo Paw S1 was a world of difference.

Tip rolling does have quite a significant role in the presentation of the sound. The wider bore tips cut back on the bass, albeit at the expense of the upper mids. Tips like the Final E tips would be good for people who prefer a slightly more forward and present bass response.


Comparison

VS Moondrop Aria

The Aria is positioned at an unbelievably low MRSP for the amount of quality it offers, both the build and sound. It's an all-rounder with a safe yet capable tuning to get anyone up and running into the Audiophile hobby. The Yuan Li has a more aggressive V compared to the Aria and comparing the two, Aria may come across as more the more “boring” of the two but I very much prefer the tonal balance and timbre on the Aria. The Yuan Li fits better than the Aria though.

VS Etymotic ER2XR

The Etymotics have a more balanced sound with a better overall timbre. I would give the Yuan Li the edge for its cable construction and perhaps its more forgiving fit. Otherwise, I very much prefer whatever the ER2XR does sonically. The ER2XR is also no slouch in detail retrieval so they bothit and the Yuan Li perform very well at their price points in that respect.

Conclusion


The Yuan Li delivers an all-round experience in both build quality and sonic performance. The single dynamic driver market in this price region is already saturated so competition was going to be stiff from the get-go. While the Yuan Li delivers a solid fun-sounding performance, it is no game-changer by any means. And as a debut IEM, TForce certainly could have done much worse, so kudos to them.

I would be looking forward to the next two IEMs in this trilogy that TForce has teased, hopefully with a variety of target frequency responses to cater to a greater crowd. If it only gets better from here, I am willing to place my bets on TForce to be the next big… force.

Intro​

Disclaimer: This review set is a demo graciously lent to me by Daniel at Oardio. This review is written of my own accord and all thoughts here are my own. The BQEYZ Summer is available for purchase from Oardio through their website should you find yourself interested in a pair. For more reviews like this, do check out our website!

After a rather pleasant experience with the Summer, I manage to get the chance to review the earlier-released Spring II, many thanks to Daniel at Oardio Singapore. This is the second iteration of the Spring Tri-brids by BQEYZ and is supposed to fix many of the issues that people experienced with the Spring I. I have never tried the Spring I so I will be approaching this pair with fresh eyes. Without further ado, let’s get right into it.

Accessories and Build Quality (Score: 8.5/10)​

Excellent. I love the contrast that the orange/red trimmings have against the matte black aluminium shell. The overall build just screams quality and everything is just so many tiers above what we saw with the BQEYZ Summer. Accessories are just enough to get you going and the selection of tips are decent. However, I still struggled to get a fit with the silicone tips provided.

The stock cable is one of the better stock cables I’ve seen as well and befitting of its price tag. It has quality connectors and Y-splits with pretty thick cores. BQEYZ markets it to have 4 strands hand woven single crystal copper cable with up to 224 cores. This is similar to the FAAEAL Copper Cable that has been touted as one of the best value copper cables. The cable has a 4-wire braid and is also available for purchase on its own in some stores at around US$29.90.

Fit (Score: 6.0/10)​

The fit wasn’t great, coupled with the numerous vents on the earbuds, leading to a certain occasional feeling of a loss of seal. The nozzle is a little short. The size of the buds are good and fit smaller ears. The shape doesn’t sit snugly against the contours of the ears and weight distribution sometimes causes the IEMs to slip out if the tips are not ideal. I have heard that the fit has been a great improvement but I’ve not tried the Spring I so these are my standalone opinions.

Sound (Score: 8.2/10)​

Sources

• Lotoo Paw S1
• Hiby R5
• SMSL M200/Schiit Magnius

Music listened to

• Chicago Symphony Orchestra – Beethoven Symphony 7
• Boston Symphony Orchestra – The Nutcracker Suite
• The Vamps – Cherry Blossom
• Stevie Wonder – In the Key of Life
• Bastille – All This Bad Blood
• The Lumineers
• Paul Kim
• X Ambassadors
• Børns – Blue Madonna
• Gryffin
• Avicii
• Amy Winehouse

Bass
The bass resolution could be improved. Overall, the Spring II is rather bass light. I found myself craving a little more sub-bass extension, to the point that it sometimes made me subconsciously feel I wasn’t getting a good seal. Would prefer a better low end to support the intense upper mids and treble. Otherwise, the quantity of bass leading into the midbass was well balanced, and a good alternative to bassy earphones which seem to have dominated the chifi market.

There is sufficient punch and presence listening to Avicii, so the bass isn’t exactly anaemic, which is great.

Mids
Vocals are very articulate and detailed, presented rather forward without getting too intense or shouty.

Listening to Valerie by Amy Winehouse. The overall sense of space and layering juxtaposed with the brilliant vocals was a joy to listen to. The crisp texture of the shakers in the background was also a nice touch and display of the Spring II’s technical ability.

Instruments like trumpets and Horns have a very nice natural timbre to them. What really impressed me was how smooth the upper mids were and their execution. It nicely dodges all sibilance with no off peaks in the 5-8k frequency regions.

Treble
The lower treble is very present and revealing. The Spring II is not at all forgiving of poorly recorded tracks but also grants that extra edge of detail over cheaper sets. A nice air and space in the upper treble region as it extends very well thanks to the piezoelectric treble. It’s a tad more well done and controlled than the BQEYZ Summer, possibly due to the 7-layer instead of 5-layer in the Summer. It is noticeably less peaky and fatiguing. In fact, I was able to enjoy the Spring II for longer periods at a time.

Overall
The soundstage is relatively broad and while the tuning is rather balanced, it’s is on the brighter side. It is analytical yet not fatiguing and offers a good break from bassy IEMs. However, the

That said, the fit of the Spring II was a real issue for me and I couldn’t properly enjoy it. Tuning wise, I personally would have preferred a more supported lower mids region to support the forward and brighter upper mids and treble. It led to some tracks in my playlist sounding a little top-heavy at times.

Comparison​

BQEYZ Summer


I hate to admit it but the Summer is more comfortable despite the less premium choice of materials. The tuning approach is very different in the Summer and contrasts well with the Spring, playing well into the four seasons theme.

The bass is very much more present, dynamic, punchy in the Summer, so this should help you decide if you’re more of a Spring or Summer person. Or you could get both if diversity is your thing. It takes on a more typical V-shaped tuning. My biggest gripe with the Summer is the treble region, which is a step down from what we saw on the Spring II. The treble on the Summer is rougher along the edges and gets sibilant at times.

Conclusion​

The Spring II is a well-tuned tribrid piezoelectric earphone, especially at its release. It’s a little bit of a veteran now and the price bracket it lies in has become increasingly competitive within the last year. With brilliant releases like the Thieaudio Legacy 4, Audio Lokahi and Seeaudio Yume, I find it hard to see the value and make a solid case for the Spring II.

Evaluating it as a whole, it does have a premium build (though not so great fit), with a decent tuning catering to a more analytical crowd. It doesn’t have the most organic tuning nor the most natural timbre. That said, the price is a little steep for what it puts out.

Overall Grade: B-​

Click HERE for our grading list for earphones

Intro​

Disclaimer: I received the Moondrop Quarks from ShenZhenAudio at no charge in exchange for an honest review of my experience. Should you find yourself interested in a pair, they are available here. The thoughts and impressions in this review are my own and will be strictly objective. For more reviews like these, do check out our website!

At this point, the brand Moondrop needs no more introduction. I've tried many of their Single Dynamic Drivers under $200 and they have mostly been excellent options. At this point, Moondrop hasn't missed in terms of their tuning for single dynamic drivers in ears. The Moondrop SSP and SSR are excellent budget options at around $40. Moondrop has decided to push the limit further with the Quarks at $12.99. Will they be able to pull it off once again?

Accessories and Build Quality (Score: 7.5/10)​

Accessories are bare minimal. Even the packaging is probably the most barebones yet environmentally friendly one (read 100% cardboard/paper). I have no qualms with that personally, in fact, I’m all for it. What I’m not a fan of is the pouch. I have seen this packaged with the older products like the KXXS and Kanas Pro, just that this time, it’s without a logo. Mine came with the seams coming undone and gave off the vibe that Moondrop didn’t really put any effort into the pouch. In that case, just leave it out of the package.

The build quality of the buds though is excellent. I especially like the minimalistic aesthetic of the buds, with a transparent housing revealing the micro driver and the wiring. The cable is thick and sturdy, and will probably last the test of time, which is important considering the lack of replaceability.

Fit (Score: 7.5/10)​

Fit is decent, it is extremely low profile and for those who are looking especially for an IEM with this form factor, they would certainly fancy the Quarks. They are even smaller (shorter) than the Final Audio E-series buds and nearly disappear when put into the ear. The buds are practically weightless, with the majority of the weight coming from the thick cables. Tip wise, I used the Final Audio E tips which fit super snugly. It gives a nice boost to the bass to prevent the upper mids from coming through too aggressively.

The only problem I faced was microphonics when walking with these buds. Perhaps a cable clip would help, but I'm not a fan of having to walk around with a cable clipped to my tee.

Sound (Score: 6.6/10)​

Sources

• Lotoo Paw S1
• Hiby R5
• SMSL M200/Schiit Magnius

Music listened to

• Chicago Symphony Orchestra – Beethoven Symphony 7
• Boston Symphony Orchestra – The Nutcracker Suite
• One Republic - Human
• Stevie Wonder – In the Key of Life
• Bastille – All This Bad Blood
• The Lumineers
• Paul Kim
• X Ambassadors
• Børns – Blue Madonna
• Needtobreathe – Into The Mystery
• Switchfoot - Interrobang
• Gryffin - Gravity

Bass
For its price, the bass has a decent punch and presence. It is milder than IEMs like the Starfield and has a more controlled response. This is nice to see as there are not many IEMs in this price range that features a tamer bass that doesn't mess up the overall balance of the music.

Mids
Mids are presented rather forward, which has pretty much become a Moondrop characteristic. Except for this time, you can hear the limitations of these buds. The timbre is not completely correct and there is some unnaturalness in vocal regions. This becomes especially apparent at higher volumes. I don't advise turning the volume up on these as it does get shouty at times too. Otherwise, it is an enjoyable midrange-focused tuning that doesn't impress but doesn't do anything too bad either.

Treble
Treble grain is real, rolls off pretty fast. Pretty much what I expected for the asking price. No odd or harsh peaks to keep the Quarks a pleasant pair of earbuds for casual listening.

Overall
The Quarks has an enjoyable balance that is rather relaxing to listen to. Its sound signature is sufficiently polished and I mostly enjoy Pop songs on it, as the bass is rather tame and the overall coherency of sound is good. To put it simply, you could do much worse for what the Quarks costs...

​

Comparison​

Tanchjim Tanya

The Tanchjim Tanya has a more bass focused sound and an overall more pleasing tonality. The mids in the Quarks can sound a little thin and unnatural at times. Tanya performs better on vocals, with a richer and more bodied mids section. They both have a different target tuning, with the Quarks being the more balanced of the two. Which you'd like better in terms of sound would be up to your preference.

Both are quite similar being bullet-style earbuds but somehow the Tanya was more comfortable.

The Tanya costs slightly more but I’ll think the Tanya is a more versatile and complete product given its option for including an in-line microphone, instantly putting itself as an option for many who need the mic for gaming and/or their calls.

Conclusion​

One question kept popping into my mind as I brought this around daily while testing it... Who is this made for?

Yes, it has a good form factor (I LOVE the aesthetic), good portability, and has good value for money, That said, considering the dying out of the 3.5mm jack on mobile phones, people who even use a mic-less 3.5mm earphone for music have become an increasingly rare species. A portion of these is a race of people who call themselves the "audiophiles". In that case, the Quarks would hardly pack enough performance to satisfy, especially in 2021. Hence, while the Quarks may have been a great product a few years ago, it is simply a good sound for the money if you have no better way to spend your 13 bucks.

Even Final Audio’s popular E-series gave in to including an inline microphone version. IMHO, Moondrop is better off including a microphone option to appeal to a greater consumer crowd who may have a tight budget and would want to get a decent-sounding bang for buck earpiece that can satisfy all their day-to-day uses. Under that pretext, I would then in good conscience recommend the Quarks. Otherwise, I find it hard to ask my friends to go ahead and purchase the Quarks other than the reason that it's cheap and cute.

Overall Grade: C+

Click HERE for our grading list for earphones

Intro​

Disclaimer: This review set was graciously lent to me by a friend from his personal collection and the review is written of my own accord. This set was purchased by him from Penon Audio at full price. If this has helped you, do check out our website for more!

ISN is still a relatively obscure brand, with its most successful model being the ISN H40 Hybrid IEMs. The EST50 is supposedly their latest flagship set to continue the path that the H40s have forged. I have yet to try the H40s, and my only experience with an IEM from ISN is their D02 single dynamic driver earphones which I found to be rather mediocre. Many have mentioned the EST50’s change in sound with burn-in. I personally cannot confirm if this is true as the set I borrowed had >100 hours of usage on it. Without wasting any more time, let’s see if the EST50 is a worthy flagship and if it is capable of competing in the increasingly saturated electrostatic tribrid market.

Accessories and Build Quality (Score: 8.0/10)​

For a flagship IEM, the EST50 came with rather minimal accessories. Nevertheless, they are of rather good quality so I wouldn’t be too critical. Included is an ISN S8 cable, which is an OCC Silver-plated Cable. It is available for purchase separately on the Penon Audio website for about US$32.50. Upon purchase, you are free to select what termination you would like for the cable, either 3.5mm single-ended or 2.5mm/4.4mm balanced.

The build quality of the EST50 is excellent. It’s what is expected of it as a flagship. The shell is made with quality resin, and the faceplate has a gorgeous wood grain pattern. The 2-pin socket is nicely flushed and can take many other third-party upgrade cables as well. My only “gripe” with the overall design is the ISN logo on the faceplate looks a little tacky but don’t let me stop you from vibing with it.

Fit (Score: 9.0/10)​

The stem of the EST50 is on the wider side, but still slimmer than that of the Moondrop Blessing 2. The stock tips are 2 sets of silicone tips with different bore widths, which I swapped out for my own tips. Wide-bore tips like the JVC Spiral Dots fit my ears brilliantly on the EST50 and also has the best effects on tuning out of all the tips I tried. I will elaborate more on my experience with the Spiral Dot tips in the sound section.

The shape of the shell is very well-contoured and offers a near custom-like feel. I can’t speak for everyone but it fit my below-average sized ears perfectly.

Sound (Score: 8.9/10)​

Sources

• Lotoo Paw S1
• Hiby R5

Music listened to

• Chicago Symphony Orchestra – Beethoven Symphony 7
• Boston Symphony Orchestra – The Nutcracker Suite
• The Vamps – Cherry Blossom
• Stevie Wonder – In the Key of Life
• Bastille – All This Bad Blood
• The Lumineers
• Børns – Blue Madonna
• McFly
• NEEDTOBREATHE
• Avicii
• Coldplay
• Fun.
• Family Company

Bass

The ISN EST50 has a downward sloping sound signature. It shamelessly rocks a powerful low end with a deep extension. The warm tuning gives a rather coloured sound, which won’t yield the most accurate tonality or analytical sound. I found the bass a little overly pronounced for my tastes and a little too blunt for an IEM in this price range. Personally, I would have preferred a faster bass response to provide some balance for the bass presence. This is especially so when listening to Pop/EDM tracks where the bass can become borderline overpowering almost to the extent of boomy.

Mids

Fortunately, things got much better moving into the mids and highs. As expected looking at the frequency response, the vocals and upper mids are a little held back and rather relaxed in energy levels. The balance was a little off in my opinion but those who would want a more laid back tuning would love how the mids are presented.

Switching to wide-bored tips helped a lot and made it very much more enjoyable. My tip of choice was the JVC Spiral Dots and it worked wonders for me. It cut back on the midbass bloom and lifted part of the veil over the mids. My impressions of the mids after the tip change is mostly positive. The mids were never too forward, vocals were very nicely bodied yet crisp. Upper mids are tame in an enjoyable manner, without compromising on detail retrieval.

The separation of musical layers was very nicely done, proving the EST50’s technical prowess.

Treble

The highs on the EST50 are no slouch. As expected of a good electrostatic driver implementation, the treble extension is impressive and expansive, giving a very nice sense of space. Instruments like castanets, cymbals and jingles have that added dimension to their timbre, enabling them to come to life. There are no sibilant peaks or weird timbre/tonality issues here. Natural, controlled, yet very good with microdetails.

Overall

Nice Imaging and width of the soundstage. The tuning of the EST50 is a little reminiscent of the Thieaudio Legacy 5, but with much more refinement in the bass, which was the bottleneck of the L5 in my opinion. That said, I still feel there is room for improvement in the lower end of the EST50.

Bass quantity is a little too much for my preference, and I tend to not enjoy downward sloping signatures too much as I prefer more energy and presence in the vocals. The bass gets a little satiating to listen to after a while. The colour injected into the sound due to the way the bass and lower mids are tuned can be a little overly unnatural for purists to tolerate as well.

Nevertheless, there is something addictive in the mids and highs that give the EST50s their own X-Factor. I’m confident that there would be fans of this set with its tuning. Just perhaps not too much of a fan given my library and tastes.

Conclusion​

Coming into this review, I had limited experiences with ISN IEMs and I could not help but wonder if they were ready for flagship competent enough to compete in the already competitive tribrid market. It’s safe to say I wasn’t let down and this can be considered a good tribrid implementation with a niche but well-executed tuning. That said, I did have my gripes with the bass and overall tuning and tonality.

At the end of the day. if the EST50’s are your cup of tea, they may well be worth the investment and no doubt be a joy to listen to.

Overall Grade: B+​

Click HERE for our grading list for earphones

Intro​

Disclaimer: I purchased the QKZ VK4 with my own money at full price and this review is written of my own accord. For more reviews like these, do check out our website.

The QKZ VK4 has been around for quite some time, even before the BLON BL-03’s rise to fame (or notoriety). In a similar fashion, the VK4 had its minute of fame on the hype train, where some have compared its frequency response curve to the likes of Campfire’s Andromedas. There are some who love it to bits, some who absolutely hate on it, and today we shall weigh in with our two cents for what it’s worth. Better late than never.

Accessories and Build Quality (Score: 5.5/10)​

Accessories are the bare minimum to get you going right out of the box. The usual squiggly 4-wire twisted cable with some usable silicone tips. It has the option of an in-line microphone should you require one. The VK4 sports a flushed 2-pin socket, opening up many options for third-party cables should you want to spice up the aesthetics of your VK4.

It comes in 2 colourways. Of course, I went for the flashiest one – the “Candy” version. It also has a more discrete black design with a printed carbon fibre design on the faceplate.

Fit (Score: 7.5/10)​

The fit of the VK4 is the typical lower-end KZ IEM shape. The buds are not the snuggest or most ergonomic, but with the right tips, comfort is pretty good. The choice of tips does have quite an impact on how the VK4 sounds. I enjoyed SpinFits with it as it kept the bass to a reasonably balanced level. For those who enjoy a more present bass response, the Final Audio Type E Silicone Tips work well too.

Sound (Score: 7.5/10)​

Sources

• Lotoo Paw S1
• Hiby R5

Music listened to

• Chicago Symphony Orchestra – Beethoven Symphony 7
• Boston Symphony Orchestra – The Nutcracker Suite
• The Vamps – Cherry Blossom
• Stevie Wonder – In the Key of Life
• Bastille – All This Bad Blood
• The Lumineers
• Børns – Blue Madonna
• McFly – Memory Lane
• NEEDTOBREATHE
• Avicii – Stories
• Coldplay – X&Y/Parachutes
• Fun.
• Family Company

Bass

This is possibly the most divisive section of the VK4. Many have claimed that the VK4 is excessively bassy. However, I never once felt so. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure if it’s due to unit variance, choice of tips or just differences in tastes. That said, while I appreciate some warmth, I’m certainly not a fan of copious bass. In fact, the bass is tamer than the likes of BLON’s BL-03 and KZ EDX. The bass nevertheless has a good presence and thump to satisfy bass lovers and lends some warmth to the overall sound signature.

If there is one thing I would improve on the VK4, it would be the “cleanliness” of the bass. It is a The mids sing really well and I would only wish the Bass was a tad bit more refined to go well. But alas, I am probably asking for the improbable.

Mids

The VK4 has a U-shaped frequency response. The mids are noticeably recessed, but not to the extent where vocals start getting compromised. Instruments and vocals sound very natural and it transitions from where the bass left off smoothly. I especially love how brass instruments sound on the VK4. Too many times do trumpets and female vocals become shrill and uncontrolled on more budget IEMs but the VK4 handles those very maturely. The bass doesn’t ever undermine the mids and the presentation is relatively clean with good staging and breadth. Imaging is limited but not terrible.

Treble

Treble is rolled off significantly in the upper regions. This limits the height of the sound you get. Hence, there isn’t that air of extension, serving as a constant reminder that you are after all listening to a $10 IEM. After all, the VK4 does so much well that it is easy to forget that. Treble is also pushed backwards quite a bit, such that it sounds rather relaxed and muted in a sense. Instruments like cymbals and jingles lack the sparkle and additional layer to their tone that is typically present in more refined treble responses found in higher-end IEMs.

Overall

Don’t expect too many layers and separation from the VK4. It offers a rather one-dimensional sound. That said, there is still a very reasonable amount of detail present, very much more I would have expected. Nevertheless, the VK4 is rather well-tuned and is a coherent package overall.

Comparison​

vs TRN MT1


The TRN MT1 has a slightly more detailed sound, albeit still limited within the range of what a $5 Single DD can do for you. However, the MT1 also has a less natural tuning, with slightly more aggressive and thinner upper mids and treble, Thus, I would say the VK4 edges out the TRN MT1 being the better tuned IEM of the two. Nevertheless, the MT1 (US$5) is about half the price of the VK4 and a very capable IEM in its price bracket, with a slightly different tuning in mind. However, comparing them side by side, the VK4 has the Wow-Factor that takes it beyond the realm of normalcy and has a tuning more aligned with my tastes.

vs KZ EDX


The KZ EDX is also another ultra-budget IEM, coming in at about US$5. It offers a rather Bass-focused tuning, minus the technicalities. It has all the bare-bones of an IEM, but lacking in anything worthy of much praise. I am also not really a fan of the head-shaking bass on the EDX. As much value the EDX has, the VK4 does better and goes beyond in tuning and tonality. The VK4 gives a much more balanced sound and even if your budget caps out at $5, I would prefer the MT1 over the EDX.

Conclusion​

The QKZ VK4 has certainly impressed me with what it can do with $10. It has a very nice tuning and presentation. The timbre of instruments is relatively accurate with the overall tuning being slightly warm and musical. I first purchased it mindlessly just for the lols as a beater IEM for my calls. Over time, I caught myself enjoying them a little too much and I was like “Hey weren’t these dirt-cheap? Music wasn’t supposed to sound good.” The fact that I found these enjoyable speaks volumes about what they can achieve.

Ultimately, do yourself a favour instead and not try to compare the VK4 with IEMs many times its price. Instead, just sit back, appreciate that such a deal exists and enjoy what VK4 brings to the table. For anyone thinking of having just a small taste of what audiophiles ramble about all the time minus the price tag, THIS is the IEM you’re gonna want to get.

Overall Grade: A-​

Click HERE for our grading list for earphones and more info on how we grade

Intro​

Disclaimer: I received the Moondrop Sparks from ShenZhenAudio at no charge in exchange for an honest review of my experience. Should you find yourself interested in a pair, they are available here. The thoughts and impressions in this review are my own and will be strictly objective. For more reviews like this, do check out our website.

Moondrop has accomplished a lot since it burst onto the audiophile scene. It has become a well-known name in the world of chi-fi. They have a fleet of well-performing IEMs under their belt, such as the Blessing 2 and Starfield, to name a few. This review seeks to assess the sonic performance of the Moondrop Sparks and if Moondrop has once again managed to work their magic into these.

Specs​

Chipset: Self-developed, based on Qualcomm QCC chip

Bluetooth 5.2

Touch Button for Play/Pause/Power/Calls

USB Type-C Charging Port

Battery life

• Buds: 8 Hours/Charge
• Case: 48 Hours/Charge

Build Quality and Fit​

The design of the Sparks is quite eye-catching. In fact, the black colourway is already quite toned down. The purple and pink ones are much flashier. Both the buds and case have a rubberised matte finish. While they feel good to the touch out of the box, I am usually not a fan of this material as it doesn’t hold up well in the long run. That said, Moondrop did include a leatherette hard case so no complaints there.

In terms of fit, they are average. The buds are quite big and yet don’t fit as naturally as I’d hoped. I’ve enjoyed better fits with other Moondrop wired earphones. That said, it is not terrible either. With the right tips, the Sparks seal well and are able to stay in the ears while I was out on walks, which is pretty much all that matters.

Sound​

Tested using iPhone 12 with Apple Music

Bass

The bass on the Sparks is quite enjoyable. Like most other TWS I’ve tried, it is boosted a little and supports the overall sound with a satisfying oomph. However, unlike most TWS I’ve tried, the bass is not overdone and tastefully punchy. It is rather well-textured and overall sounds quite mature. I have quite a few EDM and pop tracks in my on-the-go playlist and the bass is fun, punchy and satisfying on them. I don’t find myself having to “settle for less” just because I’m using a pair of TWS earphones.

One thing I noticed is that the selection of tips can affect the bass quantity and quality. The shallower stock tips provide a more balanced and cleaner bass response while the longer stem-ed ones can sound a little more claustrophobic and boomy.

Mids

The boosted bass doesn’t bleed into or overshadow the mids, immediately bringing the sound of the Sparks a tier above many other TWS earphones. The mids of the Sparks has a similar tuning as many of their lower-end earphones which I’ve tried and enjoyed; full and mellow lower mids with slightly more forward vocals. Male vocals on tracks by Michael Bublé and Paul Kim were present and not recessed and suppressed as in many other lower end TWS. Higher vocals and instruments were energetic yet smooth, and most importantly, never offensive. The overall timbre was also very pleasant, with instruments and voices appropriately weighted.

Treble

The treble region of the Sparks is quite rolled off, though that shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise for a TWS earphone. It’s rather inoffensive, with a decent amount to keep tonality and timbre sufficiently accurate. However, don’t expect too much detail retrieval in the treble. On certain tracks, it can get a little grainy. That said, do keep in mind I’m comparing the Sparks to your wired options since I think it’s capable of such comparisons.

Overall

The Sparks doesn’t have the same level of detail as you would expect of “hifi” IEMs, but that’s okay. It has a very pleasant tuning and a good amount of separation to back it up. It does a good job at putting out a wide soundstage, with a well-layered presentation that allows for an engaging on-the-go listening experience. Do take note that your choice of tips can have a world of difference so don’t hesitate to swap them around if you find yourself struggling with fit or sound.

Comparison​

VS Moondrop SSP


Full review of the Moondrop SSP

I would say the Sparks sounds rather similar to the SSP, especially in the bass and vocal presence. They have a similar organic punch in the drums which I enjoyed. However, the Sparks is much more “easily driven”. The SSP sounds a little sluggish if not powered sufficiently, something I didn’t experience with the Sparks.

VS Tipsy TM1


Full review of the Tipsy TM-1

The Tipsy TM1 is also a pair of True Wireless intended for the audiophile audience. It has a similar set of functions, albeit limited. The TM1 is slightly more pricey than the Sparks, at USD 159, with the TM1 being a hand-made IEM. The TM1 has a more U-shape sound signature as compared to the warm-Harman tuning of the Sparks. The TM1 also has the big advantage of a much more comfortable fit, perhaps due to its smooth resin build and round-edged design.

Conclusion​

To sum it all up, I thoroughly enjoyed the sound I was getting from the Moondrop Sparks and was above my expectation of a TWS. Moving ahead, my expectations for TWS would definitely be higher and the Sparks would be a reference point and benchmark of sorts. For audio-conscious consumers, I am sure the Sparks certainly wouldn’t disappoint at its price point. However, people in the TWS game who prioritise functions like active noise-cancelling over sound quality may find the pricing of the Sparks a little steep for what it offers.

Intro​

Disclaimer: I received the Tanchjim Tanya at no charge from Daniel at Oardio to test out. This review, however, is written of my own accord and all thoughts and impressions here are my own. For more reviews like this, do check out our website.

I will always have a soft spot for the Tanchjim brand ever since trying out their Oxygen Earphones. The Oxygen reflected Tanchjim’s ability to whisk magic into a single dynamic driver. The Tanya is their latest, and cheapest, IEM in their line-up, featuring a single dynamic driver. It is a typical bullet-style earphone that most people should be familiar with.

Accessories and Build Quality (Score: 8.0/10)​

The Tanchjim is packaged pretty simply but also comes with a generous spread of accessories. It comes with 2 sets of S/M/L silicone tips. One set is wide bored while the other is the regular narrower one. I assume the wide-bore tips will suit your better if you prefer a less bass-focused sound. On top of that, you also get a Tanchjim-branded felt pouch, the same ones that come with their pricier earphones, the Blues. There are also extra filters included in case the ones that come pre-installed get clogged to ensure the longevity of your earphones.

The build quality is simple but well-thought-out. The cable is springy but well-protected with a sleeving and feels durable in the hand. It should be able to take a beating, especially for daily use. The plugs, Y-split, and earbuds themselves all have a minimalistic vibe to them yet carry a certain premium vibe. Perfect for the image-conscious professional for use in the office without costing a bomb if you ask me.

Fit (Score: 8.0/10)​

Despite its typical bullet-style shape and fixed cable, the fit was quite comfortable. I have used this for Discord calls while gaming, and for Zoom meetings as well. In both of these, some of which lasted hours at a time, I never had any issues with comfort. The buds felt weightless in the ear and stayed sealed snugly in my ears throughout. Despite the vents at the rear of the buds, these isolate outside noise quite well too.

Sound (Score: 7.2/10)​

Sources

• Lotoo Paw S1
• Hiby R5

Bass (Score: 7.0/10)

The bass, especially the mid-bass, just jumps out at you. Changing the tips may reduce it slightly if you’re not a fan of a more present bass. That said, the timbre of the bass is reasonably well-done for its price. It has sufficient depth, providing a rich and lush base for the overall sound. It can be a little loose and unrefined when comparing up to more expensive and better-performing earphones. Listening to instrumentals, double bass parts lack the sharpness and articulation of each pluck I would have liked to hear.

Mids (Score: 7.0/10)

What the Tanya did extremely well was the timbre of the mids. It is not overly recessed and has a nice body to it. Instruments like guitars and violins, and vocals, are appropriately forward and juxtaposed with the bassline. This synergy prevented the bass from drowning out the mids and kept me enjoying the warm yet luscious tuning of the Tanya. There was quite a lot of energy in the melody lines in songs by BØRNS and they hit a sweet spot. The clarity achieved here is better than that in the midbass.

Treble (Score: 7.0/10)

Treble is rolled off early, which contributes to the easy-going and relaxed tuning that won’t fatigue you when using them for hours on end. However, this means you’d be missing out on some of that higher-end extension and microdetail retrieval. That said, I think this is in line with the tuning they were aiming for so the tonality here is good and there are no weird or sharp peaks. Just don’t expect an overly analytical performance.

Overall

The Tanya boasts a great overall tuning though I personally would’ve preferred a leaner lower end. The mids are smooth and forward without getting shouty. On top of that, the timbre is rather organic, which is lovely to see at this price range. The soundstage and imaging are pretty okay, and I don’t have any gripes with them.

Comparison​

Final Audio E2000



The Tanchjim Tanya shares many similarities in build and sound with the lower end models in Final Audio E-series earphones. I thought to compare them to the E2000 since I own them. As much as the Tanya was dark-sounding, it was not as dark as the E2000 as its upper-midrange were not as prominent and forward as the Tanya. Both have a warm tuning with rich mids and are enjoyable for casual listening. In terms of comfort, both of these are equally great and feel quite similar. I would say the Tanya is built better than the E2000. The E2000 costs roughly US$45, and I can safely say the Tanya does the same, if not better job for less. The only advantage I would give the Final Audio would be that it comes with the Final Eartips which are rather good quality silicone tips.

Conclusion​

Coming into the review, I had no idea what to expect, especially from a basic looking bullet-style earphone that looked like a run off the mill, no-frills earphone. That said, I have to say I am impressed with the overall package of what you’re getting here from Tanchjim. The tuning is enjoyable, and everything just comes together as functional and well-built. I have no doubt these earphones will serve their target consumers well.

Overall Grade: B​