First off, I have to thank Brainwavz and Pandora for this Jive unit and as usual I have to apologize again for the VERY long delay of my review.
Packaging and Accessories
The package is pretty simple and straightforward. You get a plasticky box (I’m not a huge fan of it – it deforms easily, which makes it hard to close and overall has a cheap feel)
On the back of the box there is a short description of the Jive followed by its specs, a list of the contents of the package and compatibility.
Once you open the box you are greeted by the new Brainwavz iem case and the Jive itself and all the accessories crammed inside. And that is it for the presentation. Yeah, the Jive is an entry-level product but I know Brainwavz can do better than this.
I’ve mentioned multiple times the Brainwavz case has always been a favorite of mine. It’s quite tough and specious and can easily fit a pair of iems and a small DAP like a Sansa, xduoo x2 and the likes. The new case is made out of the same materials and keeps the same overall esthetics. The thing that has changes is the form factor – it is narrower but longer. I haven’t made up my mind yet how I feel about the change. It might be just the way I roll the cables of my iems and end up with more of a circle but I found myself forced to tuck the cable inside before being able to close the case. The included accessories are 3 pairs of silicone tips in small, medium and large size and a shirt clip. As usual with Brainwavz a pair of comply foam tips is included to complete the package.
Build Quality, Design and Fit
The Brainwavz Jive is a solid iem with nice metal housings. The cable is nothing special. It’s quite reminiscent of the Brainwavz Delta but slightly thinner both below and above the y-splitter and with a more rubbery feel.
(Jive - left, Delta - right)
(Jive - left, Delta - right)
The strain reliefs look substantial enough but are on the stiff side. The Y-splitter is the same as on the Brainwavz Delta and also smartly conceals a chin slider that is easy to miss. The j-plug is again borrowed from the Delta its strain relief and unlike the strain relief on the housings is pretty soft and pliable.
Design-wise the Jive is a fairly standard affair. Relatively small straight-barrel housings, which are supposed to be in army green on this version but look more like gunmetal grey with a slightly green tint. The cable is also more on the grey side. The controls on the cable have nice clicky feel but I would have preferred if they were raised instead of flush.
The fit is good with the provided tips but I settled with other tips. The isolation is about average.
The Jive is meant to be worn straight down but could be used in an over-the-ear fashion, although this places the mic too high for proper use if you’re going to use the Jive for calls. Microphonics aren’t bad, especially with the included shirt clip. There is some driver flex in the left earpiece though. It doesn’t occur often but on several occasions was quite severe and pretty much rendered the left earpiece inaudible.
Sound
The Jive has over 100 hours of burn-in at the time of writing this review and I didn’t notice any substantial changes.
The bass has relatively big body and impact but the body is lacking some thickness and the impact is somewhat on the soft side. The low end does have quite good speed and extension even though the softer impact makes it sound like it lacks depth. I would have preferred some more tightness and a more solid body as it sounds a touch hollow but overall it doesn’t really sound that loose.
The overall tonality is slightly warm. The note presentation is on the lean side. And this is where the shortcomings of the Jive start to really show. The mids are laid back, which is not necessarily a bad thing but to say the vocals have good presence would be an understatement. It’s not uncommon to feel the need to raise the volume when you have more distant sounding mids but in the case of the Jive the vocals, especially male ones, are downright shouty and that paired with the otherwise laid back midrange leads to an issue – your favorite musicians end up shouting in your ears. String instruments can also get edgy and strident, which doesn’t go well with the vocal issues. Depending on the tips used the sound can be on the dry side but can also be relatively smooth (not counting the vocals, which no amount of tip rolling could get in check). Clarity is pretty good but it is more a result of the tuning rather than the capabilities of the drivers, so the Jive doesn’t have a particularly natural sound and the timber is definitely off. It’s hard to put your finger on the Jive as it can sound quite smooth at times and pretty bright and strident at others.
The treble has good presence and extension but is splashy and a bit dry due to the thinner note presentation. There is plenty of sparkle and shimmer. It’s not that prone to pointing out sibilance but can get strident and overall ar artificial sounding and fatiguing at higher volume. There is definitely a ringing issue and a weird resonance.
The Jive sounds fairly spacious. It has good center, overall positioning and instrument separation. The width is decent. The depth is not bad either. The Jive does have somewhat limited dynamics, which leads to lacking overall articulation and PRAT.
Summary
(Jive - left, Delta - right)
(Jive - left, Delta - right)
I’ve been delaying my review for quite some time trying to find the right tips for it, to find more positive things to say, to find more redeeming qualities but to no avail. Initially this review included several comparisons but that ended up like more bashing on the Jive and just putting the boot in. During one longer listening session I was trying to brainstorm a clever title of my review and when I took the Jives out my ears were so fatigued and ringing that, to be honest, I thought to myself the title should be “You’ve got to be jiving me!”. “The Jive is an entry-level iem, it is quite cheap and you have to bear that in mind” I tried to persuade myself but there was the Brainwavz Delta also sitting on the desk in front of me – also entry-level and cheap, also made by Brainwavz and provided a safe, smooth sound, but in addition, a lot more pros than cons.
The Brainwavz Jive comes with a bold tuning that might appeal to other people (it’s obvious from the positive reviews) but unfortunately for me it misses the mark. I don’t know if the sound engineers tried to overcome the limitations of the drivers used and tune the Jive to sound similar to a BA iem but usually when you try to artificially boost the clarity and perceived detail you end up with an artificial sound and the Jive is not an exception. It is as if the Jive was tuned mainly for taking calls.
So, the Jive review is finally here and yet I have to end it with this - if you’re looking for an affordable iem from Brainwavz I would suggest the Brainwavz Delta instead.
kova4a
Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: solid build quality, good overall performance and great pricing
Cons: some graininess, a bit too boosted mid bass, can sound a bit busy
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YDVY34Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&keywords=bluetooth+earphones
First off, I want to thank Brainwavz and Audrey for this BLU-100 unit.
Packaging and Accessories
I received the BLU-100 before its release and it came in the Brainwavz iem case without the final retail packaging, so I can’t comment on it. As far as the Brainwavz case goes, I’ve mentioned multiple times that it’s my favorite iem case. It’s quite tough and specious and can easily fit a pair of iems and a small DAP like a Sansa.
Inside the case was the BLU-100 itself, a USB cable for charging, and a small gray bag with the included silicone tips, as well as a pair of ear fins. The single flange silicone tips come in 3 sizes. As usual with Brainwavz a pair of comply foam tips packaged separately was included in the other pocket of the case to complete the package.
Build Quality, Design and Fit
The Brainwavz BLU-100 has metal housing and feels quite solid without being too heavy. The cable is flat and as I’ve mentioned many times before, I personally am not a huge fan of the current flat cable trend. The cable seems sturdy enough but is prone to kinks and memory.The strain reliefs look substantial enough.
Design-wise the BLU-100 is fairly standard for this type of bluetooth iems but maybe Brainwavz could have gone for a bit longer and angled nozzles. Otherwise, the straight-barrel housings are a bit chunky but don’t protrude too much out of the ears. There is a plastic flap covering the charging port on the right earpiece, which seems sturdy but only time will tell how it will hold up, especially given the slightly short battery life, which is around 4 hours. There are also 3 control buttons and a mic found on the cable below the right earpiece, which do their job but maybe could have been a bit more rounded and less sharp around the edges.
The fit is good with the provided tips but I settled with other tips though – a split between spinfit and meelec m6’s single flanges. The isolation is surprisingly good.
The BLU-100 is meant to be worn straight down but I found myself preferring them in an over-the-ear configuration. Microphonics aren’t bad but a different choice of cable could have improved that. There is no driver flex.
Sound
This time around it would have been hard to manage 50-100 hours of burn-in, so the BLU-100 probably has arout 15-20 hours of standard use at the time of writing this review.
Initially I was going to post my review with impressions based only on the performance of the BLU-100 with my Galaxy A3 but later got a Galaxy S5 from a friend to test the performance with an apt-X enabled device and base my review on it.
The bass is quite present. It has decent speed but lacks some depth. The mid-bass is boosted a tad too much and while the impact is pretty big it’s on the soft side. The low end does blend well with the overall smooth presentation of the BLU-100 though.
The mids are slightly laid back. The overall tonality is on the warm side. Clarity is decent and there was definitely an improvement moving to a device supporting apt-X. In comparison the BLU-100 sounded somewhat busy and compressed with my A3, which made it muddier. Male vocals have good presence but the enhanced mid-bass adds air to them making them full but lacking some focus. Female vocals, on the other hand, are more relaxed and a bit grainy due to some dryness in the lower treble. Overall the mids are not overly warm and V-shaped and have a nice tone and musicality.
The BLU-100 lacks some energy in the lower treble but is not prone to pointing out sibilance and fairly smooth. It is a bit dry though. It’s low on sparkle but has good upper treble presence and there is a good amount of shimmer. The treble is another area where for me the apt-X definitely contributed positively.
BLU-100 is relatively spacious with above average width but is lacking a bit in the depth department. The separation is pretty good but the layering is lacking and the BLU-100 can sound busy at times even with apt-X.
Summary
Brainwavz BLU-100 turned out to be quite a competent performer, especially given its budget pricing. I personally have no complaints about the battery life as with bluetooth iems longer battery life requires larger housings or extra pods on the cable. For what it is – an affordable bluetooth iem and a first attempt for such a product by Brainwavz, the BLU-100 is getting the job done surprisingly well.
First off, I want to thank Brainwavz and Audrey for this BLU-100 unit.
Packaging and Accessories
I received the BLU-100 before its release and it came in the Brainwavz iem case without the final retail packaging, so I can’t comment on it. As far as the Brainwavz case goes, I’ve mentioned multiple times that it’s my favorite iem case. It’s quite tough and specious and can easily fit a pair of iems and a small DAP like a Sansa.
Inside the case was the BLU-100 itself, a USB cable for charging, and a small gray bag with the included silicone tips, as well as a pair of ear fins. The single flange silicone tips come in 3 sizes. As usual with Brainwavz a pair of comply foam tips packaged separately was included in the other pocket of the case to complete the package.
Build Quality, Design and Fit
The Brainwavz BLU-100 has metal housing and feels quite solid without being too heavy. The cable is flat and as I’ve mentioned many times before, I personally am not a huge fan of the current flat cable trend. The cable seems sturdy enough but is prone to kinks and memory.The strain reliefs look substantial enough.
Design-wise the BLU-100 is fairly standard for this type of bluetooth iems but maybe Brainwavz could have gone for a bit longer and angled nozzles. Otherwise, the straight-barrel housings are a bit chunky but don’t protrude too much out of the ears. There is a plastic flap covering the charging port on the right earpiece, which seems sturdy but only time will tell how it will hold up, especially given the slightly short battery life, which is around 4 hours. There are also 3 control buttons and a mic found on the cable below the right earpiece, which do their job but maybe could have been a bit more rounded and less sharp around the edges.
The fit is good with the provided tips but I settled with other tips though – a split between spinfit and meelec m6’s single flanges. The isolation is surprisingly good.
The BLU-100 is meant to be worn straight down but I found myself preferring them in an over-the-ear configuration. Microphonics aren’t bad but a different choice of cable could have improved that. There is no driver flex.
Sound
This time around it would have been hard to manage 50-100 hours of burn-in, so the BLU-100 probably has arout 15-20 hours of standard use at the time of writing this review.
Initially I was going to post my review with impressions based only on the performance of the BLU-100 with my Galaxy A3 but later got a Galaxy S5 from a friend to test the performance with an apt-X enabled device and base my review on it.
The bass is quite present. It has decent speed but lacks some depth. The mid-bass is boosted a tad too much and while the impact is pretty big it’s on the soft side. The low end does blend well with the overall smooth presentation of the BLU-100 though.
The mids are slightly laid back. The overall tonality is on the warm side. Clarity is decent and there was definitely an improvement moving to a device supporting apt-X. In comparison the BLU-100 sounded somewhat busy and compressed with my A3, which made it muddier. Male vocals have good presence but the enhanced mid-bass adds air to them making them full but lacking some focus. Female vocals, on the other hand, are more relaxed and a bit grainy due to some dryness in the lower treble. Overall the mids are not overly warm and V-shaped and have a nice tone and musicality.
The BLU-100 lacks some energy in the lower treble but is not prone to pointing out sibilance and fairly smooth. It is a bit dry though. It’s low on sparkle but has good upper treble presence and there is a good amount of shimmer. The treble is another area where for me the apt-X definitely contributed positively.
BLU-100 is relatively spacious with above average width but is lacking a bit in the depth department. The separation is pretty good but the layering is lacking and the BLU-100 can sound busy at times even with apt-X.
Summary
Brainwavz BLU-100 turned out to be quite a competent performer, especially given its budget pricing. I personally have no complaints about the battery life as with bluetooth iems longer battery life requires larger housings or extra pods on the cable. For what it is – an affordable bluetooth iem and a first attempt for such a product by Brainwavz, the BLU-100 is getting the job done surprisingly well.
kova4a
Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: fairly balanced, solid overall performance for the price
Cons: almost nonexistent isolation, sound leakage, some dryness
First off, I want to thank Faheem and Singnature Acoustics for this O-16 Live unit and apologize for the humongous delay (it’s been very long) of this review.
Packaging and Accessories
The package is relatively simplistic. On the front here are two plastic windows showcasing the SA leather case and the O-16’s housings.
On the back of the box there is a short description of the Elements series.
Inside the box reside the O-16 and the genuine leather case. There are also the included shirt, some extra filters and the included tips. There are 3 different types of single flange tips.
Also inside is a pamphlet/warranty card
Build Quality, Design and Fit
The O-16 has metal housings, which feel solid and durable. The cable looks and feels sturdy but is on the stiff side and is memory-prone, although I have to admit that it feels a touch softer and less prone to kinks than the cable of Signature Acoustics’ C12 even though supposedly they are the same.
Design-wise the O-16 seems fairly standard until you look at the back of the housings and see the metal mesh. The O-16 is an actual open-back design unlike some iems, which only appear to be such but the meshes on the back are purely cosmetic.
The fit is good but that’s also the first time one comes face to face with the open-back design drawbacks of O-16. As there is pretty much no isolation that makes it hard to determine if you’ve achieved a good fit or not as surprisingly despite the open back tips should still make a good seal at the nozzle which is a hard thing to do and can take some fiddling and trial and error.
The O-16 is meant to be worn straight down but could be used in an over-the-ear just as easy due to the short strain reliefs. There is no driver flex, which is no surprise given the low isolation. The same goes for microphonics – nonexistent due to the open-back design.
Sound
The O-16 Live has over 100 hours of burn-in at the time of writing this review. O-16 is the second iem from Signature Acoustics' Elements Series and apparently is supposed to represent "air".
The bass is not too pronounced and is relatively tight but lacking a bit in depth and impact most likely due to the low isolation. It’s still decent but a touch on the soft side and slightly lacking in thickness and body. On the positive side, it doesn't bleed into the mids and has good speed.
The mids are fairly neutral and balanced with the rest of the spectrum. The note presentation is a touch thin. The overall tonality is slightly on the warm side. Vocals have good presence but there is a hint of dryness in them. Clarity is pretty good due to the thinner note presentation and good separation. The mids are natural with some sweetness to them but O-16 seems to struggle a bit with the layering. Overall there is just certain naturalness to the sound and its timbre. I also experimented with blocking the vent and that natural sound is lost and vocals start sounding nasal.
The highs are well extended. O-16 is not prone to pointing out sibilance but can sound a bit shouty at higher volume. There is a good amount of shimmer and sparkle. Overall the treble has good presence without imposing but is slightly smoothed over.
O-16 sounds airy. It has good center imaging and overall positioning. Width and depth are pretty good but even though O-16 has pretty good imagining it’s not really throwing sound cues as far as other iems despite its open-back design. But still while the overall soundstage might not be the biggest, O-16 is fairly open and with good separation.
Summary
The O-16 Live is only the second iem from the Indian company Signature Acoustics but it’s showcasing their improvement since their first product the C12 and that they know their stuff.
On the other hand, there is the huge drawback in the design, which cannot be just brushed aside – the open back. Signature Acoustics acknowledges and accepts that it creates limitations in the use and also in the number of potential buyers. As can be seen even on the pamphlet included with O-16 they admit that the isolation suffers and that they think O-16 should be used in quiet listening environments, which kinda defeats the general purpose of iems. But some people like to be more aware of their surroundings and if they can get past the fact that there will be also sound leaking to the outside and people might judge their musical preferences, then the O-16 might be exactly what they are after.
In the end O-16 Live is a solid performer overall, especially for its price, which at the moment is around $30. It has its pros and cons and it’s up to the potential customers to weigh them in and decide. I for one had a smile on my face when I first heard it and I think it’s quite competent and enjoyable.
Packaging and Accessories
The package is relatively simplistic. On the front here are two plastic windows showcasing the SA leather case and the O-16’s housings.
On the back of the box there is a short description of the Elements series.
Inside the box reside the O-16 and the genuine leather case. There are also the included shirt, some extra filters and the included tips. There are 3 different types of single flange tips.
Also inside is a pamphlet/warranty card
Build Quality, Design and Fit
The O-16 has metal housings, which feel solid and durable. The cable looks and feels sturdy but is on the stiff side and is memory-prone, although I have to admit that it feels a touch softer and less prone to kinks than the cable of Signature Acoustics’ C12 even though supposedly they are the same.
Design-wise the O-16 seems fairly standard until you look at the back of the housings and see the metal mesh. The O-16 is an actual open-back design unlike some iems, which only appear to be such but the meshes on the back are purely cosmetic.
The fit is good but that’s also the first time one comes face to face with the open-back design drawbacks of O-16. As there is pretty much no isolation that makes it hard to determine if you’ve achieved a good fit or not as surprisingly despite the open back tips should still make a good seal at the nozzle which is a hard thing to do and can take some fiddling and trial and error.
The O-16 is meant to be worn straight down but could be used in an over-the-ear just as easy due to the short strain reliefs. There is no driver flex, which is no surprise given the low isolation. The same goes for microphonics – nonexistent due to the open-back design.
Sound
The O-16 Live has over 100 hours of burn-in at the time of writing this review. O-16 is the second iem from Signature Acoustics' Elements Series and apparently is supposed to represent "air".
The bass is not too pronounced and is relatively tight but lacking a bit in depth and impact most likely due to the low isolation. It’s still decent but a touch on the soft side and slightly lacking in thickness and body. On the positive side, it doesn't bleed into the mids and has good speed.
The mids are fairly neutral and balanced with the rest of the spectrum. The note presentation is a touch thin. The overall tonality is slightly on the warm side. Vocals have good presence but there is a hint of dryness in them. Clarity is pretty good due to the thinner note presentation and good separation. The mids are natural with some sweetness to them but O-16 seems to struggle a bit with the layering. Overall there is just certain naturalness to the sound and its timbre. I also experimented with blocking the vent and that natural sound is lost and vocals start sounding nasal.
The highs are well extended. O-16 is not prone to pointing out sibilance but can sound a bit shouty at higher volume. There is a good amount of shimmer and sparkle. Overall the treble has good presence without imposing but is slightly smoothed over.
O-16 sounds airy. It has good center imaging and overall positioning. Width and depth are pretty good but even though O-16 has pretty good imagining it’s not really throwing sound cues as far as other iems despite its open-back design. But still while the overall soundstage might not be the biggest, O-16 is fairly open and with good separation.
Summary
The O-16 Live is only the second iem from the Indian company Signature Acoustics but it’s showcasing their improvement since their first product the C12 and that they know their stuff.
On the other hand, there is the huge drawback in the design, which cannot be just brushed aside – the open back. Signature Acoustics acknowledges and accepts that it creates limitations in the use and also in the number of potential buyers. As can be seen even on the pamphlet included with O-16 they admit that the isolation suffers and that they think O-16 should be used in quiet listening environments, which kinda defeats the general purpose of iems. But some people like to be more aware of their surroundings and if they can get past the fact that there will be also sound leaking to the outside and people might judge their musical preferences, then the O-16 might be exactly what they are after.
In the end O-16 Live is a solid performer overall, especially for its price, which at the moment is around $30. It has its pros and cons and it’s up to the potential customers to weigh them in and decide. I for one had a smile on my face when I first heard it and I think it’s quite competent and enjoyable.
kova4a
Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: solid build quality; solid overall performance without peaks and splashiness in the treble
Cons: some dryness; treble rolls off a bit early
First off, I want to thank Brainwavz and Audrey for this S0 unit and to apologize again for the ridiculously long delay of my review.
Packaging and Accessories
The package has the embossed image of the S0, which pops up with the help of its glossy finish. Once you’re finished running your fingers over it and looking it at a different angle you can move your attention to the embossed Brainwavz inscription followed with their description – Clear & Balanced Sound, Accurate Sound Reproduction and Durable Metal Housing.
On the back of the box there is a short description of the S0 followed by a list of the contents of the package and the S0’s specs and compatibility.
Once you open the magnetic flap you are greeted by the S0 and the Brainwavz case and a detailed description of the iem’s and cable’s construction and Brainwavz’ mission on the inside of the flap.
The box is pretty standard but as I've stated before I personally am a fan of this type of presentation with the front opening up and revealing the product.
Inside the box reside the S0 and the Brainwavz case. I’ve mentioned multiple times that this is my favorite iem case. It’s quite tough and specious and can easily fit a pair of iems and a small DAP like a Sansa. Inside one of the red pockets there is a shirt clip and a small gray bag with the included tips. There are 2 different types of single flange tips. Translucent ones with red cores and wider bores similar to what comes with other iems including higher-end stuff like Noble but actually these are of slightly better quality. The other single flanges have a narrow bore and are somewhat designed after the sony hybrids. The single flange silicone tips come in 3 sizes. There is also a pair of bi-flange and a pair of tri-flange tips, which come in only one size. As usual with Brainwavz a pair of comply foam tips packaged separately is included to complete the package.
Build Quality, Design and Fit
The Brainwavz S0 is a pretty solid iem with a nice metal housing which has a nice smooth feel in the hand. The cable is flat and pretty sturdy. As I’ve mentioned before, I personally am not a huge fan of the current flat cable trend but it has its positive sides.
The strain reliefs again are quite substantial but this time around the Y-splitter is a lot more slender and shows the Brainwavz listens to its customers and their complaints. I personally had no issues with the beefier Y-splitter Brainwavz used on some of its previous models. The Y-splitter also smartly conceals a chin slider that is easy to miss.
The straight plug is small and has slightly flattened sides for better grip and overall seems solid. Again an L-plug might have been a better choice but it’s mostly a personal preference and I’m fine with it.
Design-wise the S0 is a fairly standard affair. Relatively small straight-barrel housings, which make the fit easier than the S5’s bigger housings and angled nozzles.
The fit is good with most of the provided tips but the included bi- and tri-flanges might be too big for most people. I settled with other tips though – the blue-core Noble single flanges due to the better fit and the better sound they provided IMO. The isolation is about average.
The S0 is meant to be worn straight down but could be used in an over-the-ear configuration with some fiddling. Microphonics aren’t bad, especially with the included shirt clip but flat cables tend to increase microphonics. There is no driver flex.
Sound
The S0 has over 100hours of burn-in at the time of writing this review.
The bass seems to have tamed somewhat after the burn-in because I remember it being bigger and a bit bloated at first listen. It is not too boosted and relatively tight with solid body and good impact but lacks some depth. In comparison Brainwavz’s own S5 is bassier and its low end is less controlled and softer. Vsonic VSD3S is also less impactful and softer in this area next to the thicker and more solid S0’s bass.
The mids are slightly laid back. The note presentation is a touch thick throughout the midrange. The overall tonality is on the warm side. Male vocals have good presence, while female vocals lack a bit of energy due to the laid back lower treble and there is a hint of dryness in them but also have good presence. Clarity is pretty good due to S0’s blacker background and drier presentation. The slight dryness also reveals more texture in the sound. Timber is pretty good and string instruments in particular sound pretty good. In comparison S5 is brighter and clearer but also more artificial sounding. VSD3S, on the other hand, is more neutral in tone and sounds smoother and sweeter but less focused and textured than S0.
The highs are on the laid back side. There seems to be a dip in the lower treble and S0 lacks some energy and sparkle but that also means no peaky or splashy treble. S0 is not prone to pointing out sibilance at but is touch thin and dry, which leads to some graininess. The treble rolls off a bit early, which makes the S0 sound a bit dark but that, on the other hand, plays a big part in S0’s darker background. In comparison both S5 and VSD3S have more treble energy, sparkle and shimmer but they also have a lot more problems up top like peaks and lack of refinement and overall sound splashy.
The S0 sounds a touch dark. It has very good center imaging and overall positioning. Width is about average. Depth is pretty good due to the blacker background and the same goes for the instrument separation. In comparison both VSD3S and S5 sound more spacious and airy due to their more prominent and extended highs but S0 sounds more focused and grounded and has them beaten in the depth department.
I have to take some time to discuss some of the changes different tips bring to the table. First, I chose the Noble blue-core single flange tips because they tighten the sound overall and make the S0 sound a touch clearer and add a touch more energy to the lower treble. Not that the stock tips are bad but with them the S0 is a bit warmer and slightly veiled in comparison. The Ortofon tips with their thinner silicone make the S0 brighter and bring up more sparkle and also improve the top extension but also showcase a bit more the dryness of S0 and soften the low end.
Summary
S0 and its big brother S5
Brainwavz S0 is a pretty solid performer, which ironically carries a strange moniker, which implies it should be at the bottom of the S-series. The ironic part is that this “zero” is actually quite competent and while Brainwavz went a bit on the safe side with its tuning, I actually consider it better overall than its biggest brother the S5. Yeah, the S5 is clearer and more spacious sounding but that’s what impresses the average consumer. In reality the S0 has less weak points and that paired with the lower price and more straightforward design makes it a much easier recommendation.
Packaging and Accessories
The package has the embossed image of the S0, which pops up with the help of its glossy finish. Once you’re finished running your fingers over it and looking it at a different angle you can move your attention to the embossed Brainwavz inscription followed with their description – Clear & Balanced Sound, Accurate Sound Reproduction and Durable Metal Housing.
On the back of the box there is a short description of the S0 followed by a list of the contents of the package and the S0’s specs and compatibility.
Once you open the magnetic flap you are greeted by the S0 and the Brainwavz case and a detailed description of the iem’s and cable’s construction and Brainwavz’ mission on the inside of the flap.
The box is pretty standard but as I've stated before I personally am a fan of this type of presentation with the front opening up and revealing the product.
Inside the box reside the S0 and the Brainwavz case. I’ve mentioned multiple times that this is my favorite iem case. It’s quite tough and specious and can easily fit a pair of iems and a small DAP like a Sansa. Inside one of the red pockets there is a shirt clip and a small gray bag with the included tips. There are 2 different types of single flange tips. Translucent ones with red cores and wider bores similar to what comes with other iems including higher-end stuff like Noble but actually these are of slightly better quality. The other single flanges have a narrow bore and are somewhat designed after the sony hybrids. The single flange silicone tips come in 3 sizes. There is also a pair of bi-flange and a pair of tri-flange tips, which come in only one size. As usual with Brainwavz a pair of comply foam tips packaged separately is included to complete the package.
Build Quality, Design and Fit
The Brainwavz S0 is a pretty solid iem with a nice metal housing which has a nice smooth feel in the hand. The cable is flat and pretty sturdy. As I’ve mentioned before, I personally am not a huge fan of the current flat cable trend but it has its positive sides.
The strain reliefs again are quite substantial but this time around the Y-splitter is a lot more slender and shows the Brainwavz listens to its customers and their complaints. I personally had no issues with the beefier Y-splitter Brainwavz used on some of its previous models. The Y-splitter also smartly conceals a chin slider that is easy to miss.
The straight plug is small and has slightly flattened sides for better grip and overall seems solid. Again an L-plug might have been a better choice but it’s mostly a personal preference and I’m fine with it.
Design-wise the S0 is a fairly standard affair. Relatively small straight-barrel housings, which make the fit easier than the S5’s bigger housings and angled nozzles.
The fit is good with most of the provided tips but the included bi- and tri-flanges might be too big for most people. I settled with other tips though – the blue-core Noble single flanges due to the better fit and the better sound they provided IMO. The isolation is about average.
The S0 is meant to be worn straight down but could be used in an over-the-ear configuration with some fiddling. Microphonics aren’t bad, especially with the included shirt clip but flat cables tend to increase microphonics. There is no driver flex.
Sound
The S0 has over 100hours of burn-in at the time of writing this review.
The bass seems to have tamed somewhat after the burn-in because I remember it being bigger and a bit bloated at first listen. It is not too boosted and relatively tight with solid body and good impact but lacks some depth. In comparison Brainwavz’s own S5 is bassier and its low end is less controlled and softer. Vsonic VSD3S is also less impactful and softer in this area next to the thicker and more solid S0’s bass.
The mids are slightly laid back. The note presentation is a touch thick throughout the midrange. The overall tonality is on the warm side. Male vocals have good presence, while female vocals lack a bit of energy due to the laid back lower treble and there is a hint of dryness in them but also have good presence. Clarity is pretty good due to S0’s blacker background and drier presentation. The slight dryness also reveals more texture in the sound. Timber is pretty good and string instruments in particular sound pretty good. In comparison S5 is brighter and clearer but also more artificial sounding. VSD3S, on the other hand, is more neutral in tone and sounds smoother and sweeter but less focused and textured than S0.
The highs are on the laid back side. There seems to be a dip in the lower treble and S0 lacks some energy and sparkle but that also means no peaky or splashy treble. S0 is not prone to pointing out sibilance at but is touch thin and dry, which leads to some graininess. The treble rolls off a bit early, which makes the S0 sound a bit dark but that, on the other hand, plays a big part in S0’s darker background. In comparison both S5 and VSD3S have more treble energy, sparkle and shimmer but they also have a lot more problems up top like peaks and lack of refinement and overall sound splashy.
The S0 sounds a touch dark. It has very good center imaging and overall positioning. Width is about average. Depth is pretty good due to the blacker background and the same goes for the instrument separation. In comparison both VSD3S and S5 sound more spacious and airy due to their more prominent and extended highs but S0 sounds more focused and grounded and has them beaten in the depth department.
I have to take some time to discuss some of the changes different tips bring to the table. First, I chose the Noble blue-core single flange tips because they tighten the sound overall and make the S0 sound a touch clearer and add a touch more energy to the lower treble. Not that the stock tips are bad but with them the S0 is a bit warmer and slightly veiled in comparison. The Ortofon tips with their thinner silicone make the S0 brighter and bring up more sparkle and also improve the top extension but also showcase a bit more the dryness of S0 and soften the low end.
Summary
S0 and its big brother S5
Brainwavz S0 is a pretty solid performer, which ironically carries a strange moniker, which implies it should be at the bottom of the S-series. The ironic part is that this “zero” is actually quite competent and while Brainwavz went a bit on the safe side with its tuning, I actually consider it better overall than its biggest brother the S5. Yeah, the S5 is clearer and more spacious sounding but that’s what impresses the average consumer. In reality the S0 has less weak points and that paired with the lower price and more straightforward design makes it a much easier recommendation.
willy156
Nice write up! The more I listen to my pair the more I'm enjoying them. They still hurt my ears a little, probably because I have small ears lol
kova4a
Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: good build quality; very smooth and non-fatiguing sound
Cons: slightly veiled sound; some layering issues
As usual I have to thank Audrey and Brainwavz for this unit.
Packaging and Accessories
The packaging is pretty standard. No embossing as with recent Brainwavz models. There is an image of the headphones on the front of the box. On the right side there is a list and description of the included accessories and some of the HM9’s features. On the left side of the box there is a bit more detailed description of the HM9. The back is reserved for the specs, compatibility and the design of the headphones.
When you open the box though you are surprised by the egg shaped hard case kinda reminiscent of opening a Kinder Surprise egg eager to see the toy inside.
The case itself is pretty good and obviously made out of the same materials as my favorite Brainwavz earphone cases - just oddly shaped. Once opened it reveals the HM9 and a small velcro pouch containing the accessories. There are 3 different cables inside – one 1.2m flat cable, which I personally use, one 3m flat cable if you need some length and one 1.2m cable with a mic. Also there is an airplane adapter and a strap for the case.
Overall, it’s a pretty complete package.
Build Quality, Design and Comfort
HM9 feels very solid with is mix of aluminum and hard plastic. It is creaking a bit though, which kinda diminishes the impressions of high quality.
The design is pretty contemporary and if you find yourself wearing the HM9 next to a person wearing Beats, for instance, you won’t feel a lesser man – if you care for stuff like that.
Despite its size and heavier frame and size the HM9 is a supra-aural headphone. The pads are thick and provide good comfort but they are still mostly resting on your ears and while the clamping force is not very strong they can get somewhat tiring for longer listening sessions. The padding of the headband is more than sufficient.
Sound
The MH9 has over 100 hours of burn-in at the time of writing this review.
For some reason I expected a lot more boosted lower end. The bass is still boosted but has more of a sub-bass tilt. It can get a touch boomy at times but overall is decently controlled and while I would have liked it a bit tighter and faster, it has good punch and depth.
The mids take a step back in comparison to the low end but still have good presence. The tonality is on the warm side but HM9 doesn’t sound particularly colored – its warmth is mainly presenting itself as warm air taking the space between the instruments. The boosted bass does increase the note thickness but detail retrieval is still good. Overall, the mids are extremely smooth and inoffensive with some nice texture to boot. The area where the HM9 suffers though is clarity as all the warm air makes it sound a bit veiled. It’s a smooth, full and very inviting sound but the purists may find themselves overwhelmed.
The highs remain consistent with the overall smoothness of the presentation showing no signs of sibilance or harshness. There is a good amount of sparkle but shimmer is slightly lacking due to HM9’s slightly dark nature. And that dark nature is sort of an exaggeration because at certain times the upper treble extension and presence give the impression of being insufficient and lacking while at other times the cymbal crashes you thought you wouldn’t hear are right there surprising you.
HM9 is full and relatively airy sounding despite being a bit on the dark side. Imaging is good but width is quite average even for a closed-back headphone. The depth and especially the height are very good though. Separation is good but overall HM9 is slightly leaning towards intimacy due to its narrower imaging and the warmth taking the space between the instruments. The layering is a bit lacking though and at busy passages there is some smearing.
Summary
The Brainwavz HM9 is a pretty solid performer both on the build and sound front. It has the type of sound that can seem not very impressive at first listen but can easily grow on you with its smoothness and warm and enveloping sound. Kinda reminds me of Brainwavz R3 covered by a warm blanket.
Packaging and Accessories
The packaging is pretty standard. No embossing as with recent Brainwavz models. There is an image of the headphones on the front of the box. On the right side there is a list and description of the included accessories and some of the HM9’s features. On the left side of the box there is a bit more detailed description of the HM9. The back is reserved for the specs, compatibility and the design of the headphones.
When you open the box though you are surprised by the egg shaped hard case kinda reminiscent of opening a Kinder Surprise egg eager to see the toy inside.
The case itself is pretty good and obviously made out of the same materials as my favorite Brainwavz earphone cases - just oddly shaped. Once opened it reveals the HM9 and a small velcro pouch containing the accessories. There are 3 different cables inside – one 1.2m flat cable, which I personally use, one 3m flat cable if you need some length and one 1.2m cable with a mic. Also there is an airplane adapter and a strap for the case.
Overall, it’s a pretty complete package.
Build Quality, Design and Comfort
HM9 feels very solid with is mix of aluminum and hard plastic. It is creaking a bit though, which kinda diminishes the impressions of high quality.
The design is pretty contemporary and if you find yourself wearing the HM9 next to a person wearing Beats, for instance, you won’t feel a lesser man – if you care for stuff like that.
Despite its size and heavier frame and size the HM9 is a supra-aural headphone. The pads are thick and provide good comfort but they are still mostly resting on your ears and while the clamping force is not very strong they can get somewhat tiring for longer listening sessions. The padding of the headband is more than sufficient.
Sound
The MH9 has over 100 hours of burn-in at the time of writing this review.
For some reason I expected a lot more boosted lower end. The bass is still boosted but has more of a sub-bass tilt. It can get a touch boomy at times but overall is decently controlled and while I would have liked it a bit tighter and faster, it has good punch and depth.
The mids take a step back in comparison to the low end but still have good presence. The tonality is on the warm side but HM9 doesn’t sound particularly colored – its warmth is mainly presenting itself as warm air taking the space between the instruments. The boosted bass does increase the note thickness but detail retrieval is still good. Overall, the mids are extremely smooth and inoffensive with some nice texture to boot. The area where the HM9 suffers though is clarity as all the warm air makes it sound a bit veiled. It’s a smooth, full and very inviting sound but the purists may find themselves overwhelmed.
The highs remain consistent with the overall smoothness of the presentation showing no signs of sibilance or harshness. There is a good amount of sparkle but shimmer is slightly lacking due to HM9’s slightly dark nature. And that dark nature is sort of an exaggeration because at certain times the upper treble extension and presence give the impression of being insufficient and lacking while at other times the cymbal crashes you thought you wouldn’t hear are right there surprising you.
HM9 is full and relatively airy sounding despite being a bit on the dark side. Imaging is good but width is quite average even for a closed-back headphone. The depth and especially the height are very good though. Separation is good but overall HM9 is slightly leaning towards intimacy due to its narrower imaging and the warmth taking the space between the instruments. The layering is a bit lacking though and at busy passages there is some smearing.
Summary
The Brainwavz HM9 is a pretty solid performer both on the build and sound front. It has the type of sound that can seem not very impressive at first listen but can easily grow on you with its smoothness and warm and enveloping sound. Kinda reminds me of Brainwavz R3 covered by a warm blanket.
kova4a
Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: solid build quality; balanced smooth and natural sound; 2-year warranty
Cons: rubbery cable prone to memory kinks; fit can be an issue for some people
First off, I have to thank again Brainwavz and Audrey for this R3 unit
Packaging and Accessories
Packaging and Accessories
The packaging is quite straightforward. There are plastic windows both at the front and the back of the box showcasing the shiny metal housings of the R3. Below the front window is embossed Brainwavz R3 and a very basic description – Twin Driver Configuration, Bass & Clarity and Rugged Metal Housing Design. Can’t disagree with that but maybe Smooth & Balanced would have been a bit more accurate description but more on that later.
On the back of the box there is a bit more detailed description of the R3 and its design.
On the sides of the package are listed its contents and R3’s specs.
It’s a fairly nice presentation overall.
Inside the box reside the R3 and the Brainwavz case. I’ve mentioned multiple times that this is my favorite iem case. It’s quite tough and specious and can easily fit a pair of iems and a small DAP like a Sansa. Inside one of the red pockets there is a nice quarter inch adapter and small gray bag with the included tips. There are 2 different types of single flange tips. Black ones made of a touch thicker silicone and gray ones, which are softer and have a slightly wider bore. The single flange silicone tips come in 3 sizes. There is also a pair of bi-flange and a pair of tri-flange tips, which come in only one size. As usual with Brainwavz a pair of comply foam tips packaged separately is included to complete the package.
Build Quality, Design and Fit
Build Quality, Design and Fit
The R3 is a quite solid iem with robust metal housings and a thick rugged cable. The cable is a bit memory prone and rubbery though and while I don’t mind its thickness or weight I would have preferred if it had smoother sleeving and was more pliable and easier to keep straight.
The strain reliefs are substantial and again some people might call the Y-splitter over-engineered but it’s fine by me.
The j-plug is also on the bulky side but I’m a huge fan of j-plugs and it looks capable of withstanding quite a bit of abuse, so I can’t complain. If anything it completes the overall tough looks of the R3.
Design-wise it only takes a quick glance at the R3 to realize that it’s not your average iem. Its design is quite unique and I have to admit that when the R3 was first announced I wasn’t impressed and right away commented that people will have issue with the fit with such a design. It’s eye catching though and people often stare at the housing more than a couple of seconds.
Surprisingly despite my initial reservations and worries about the fit it turned out fine. I haven’t tried the old R3 version with the long memory-wires but this revised one actually fits me quite well. The fit is secure and isolation is good. It did take me quite a bit of tip rolling but finally settled on the stock bi-flanges both for the comfort and the sound.
The R3 can also be worn straight but the fit will be less secure due to the weight of the cable pulling the housings down.
There is a very mild driver flex with certain tips particularly on the left earpiece. Microphonics are very low when worn cable up.
Sound
The R3 has over 100 hours of burn-in at the time of writing this review.
Sound
The R3 has over 100 hours of burn-in at the time of writing this review.
For a dual dynamic driver iem that has a separate driver to reproduce the low frequencies the R3 quite surprised me. Its bass is quite flat and balanced. It is well-rounded with good control but is a bit on the polite side – softer on the impact and lacking some depth. The lower extension is not bad but after 50hz the bass gradually rolls off. Overall I like R3’s bass although I would have liked if it was a bit tighter and harder hitting but given the overall smooth and non-fatiguing presentation of the R3 it fits well with the rest of the spectrum. In comparison the Brainwavz S5 has a lot bigger but also less controlled and muddier bass bleeding into the mids.
The mids are well balanced with the bass and also relatively flat. Both male and female vocals have very nice presence and sweet tone. The R3 actually sounds a bit mid-centric but I don’t mind that as this type of signature is harder and harder to find. The tonality is slightly on the warm side but still what I would call neutral-ish. Instruments have nice timbre and despite the slightly thick note presentation sound natural and realistic. Detail retrieval is actually pretty good but clarity is a bit behind in comparison to some of the competition. In comparison brainwavz’s own S5 is noticeably clearer due to its thinner note presentation and treble emphasis but is also a lot less natural sounding and more fatiguing. The R3 instead is smoother lusher sounding.
The highs are a bit laid back but very well extended and smooth. The lower treble has enough energy to keeps things exciting without getting harsh or fatiguing. There is plenty of shimmer but I wouldn’t have minded a bit more sparkle. The treble is not prone to pointing out sibilance. In comparison the S5 with its more emphasized and peaky highs is noticeably harsher and more artificial sounding.
The R3 is full and airy sounding. Imaging is very good with both width and depth above average. Positioning is quite good. Instrument separation is very good with plenty of space between the instruments. Overall, the R3 sounds pretty spacious, especially for a mid-centric iem, which usually tend to be more on the intimate side.
Summary
R3 and its little brother R1
Summary
R3 and its little brother R1
Brainwavz R3 has quite the surprising sound for a dual dynamic driver iem. Owning the Brainwavz R1 I expected a lot different sound but it’s heads and shoulders above its smaller dual dynamic brother R1. I’m not going to lie, I would also pick it over the Brainwavz’s other higher-end iem the S5 any day of the week. While the S5 will most likely impress a lot more people at first listen with its big bass and clarity, the R3 with its more balanced, smoother and mature sound is the iem that really impresses.
The R3 is a very solid performer sound-wise with a very solid build quality to boot. If it wasn’t for Audrey I probably would have given it a pass worried about the fit and all the people complaining about it. Maybe the memory wires on the old version were really horrible – I can’t comment on that but they are gone now and what is left is an iem that deserves to be given a second chance.
kova4a
Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: solid build quality, clarity, detail retrieval, 2-year warranty
Cons: somewhat plasticky cable, needs a bit thicker note presentation, bass lacking some depth and control, peaky highs
First off, I want to thank Brainwavz and Audrey for this S5 unit.
Packaging and Accessories
With the package in front of you the first thing that catches the eye is the embossed image of the S5, which pops up with the help of its glossy finish. Once you’re finished running your fingers over it and looking it at a different angle you can move your attention to the embossed Brainwavz inscription followed with their description – Rich Details, Smooth Bass and Over The Ear Design.
On the back of the box there is a short description of the S5 followed by a list of the contents of the package and the S5’s specs and compatibility.
Once you open the magnetic flap you are greeted by the S5 and the Brainwavz case and a detailed description of the iem’s and cable’s construction and Brainwavz’ mission on the inside of the flap.
The box is pretty standard but I personally am a fan of this type of presentation with the front opening up and revealing the product.
Inside the box reside the S5 and the Brainwavz case. I’ve mentioned multiple times that this is my favorite iem case. It’s quite tough and specious and can easily fit a pair of iems and a small DAP like a Sansa. Inside one of the red pockets there is a nice quarter inch adapter and small gray bag with the included tips. There are 2 different types of single flange tips. Black ones made of a touch thicker silicone and gray ones, which are softer and have a slightly wider bore. The single flange silicone tips come in 3 sizes. There is also a pair of bi-flange and a pair of tri-flange tips, which come in only one size. As usual with Brainwavz a pair of comply foam tips packaged separately is included to complete the package.
Build Quality, Design and Fit
The Brainwavz is a pretty solid iem with a nice metal housing which has a nice smooth feel in the hand. The cable is flat and seems pretty sturdy. I personally am not a huge fan of the current flat cable trend but it has its positive sides. A bit softer and smoother sleeving of the cable would have been better though as it feels a bit plasticky and sticky.
The strain reliefs are quite substantial and some people might find them a bit over-engineered, especially the Y-splitter. I personally have no issues with them. The straight plug is small and has slightly flattened sides for better grip and overall seems solid. An L-plug might have been a better choice and more in line with the whole tough look of the S5 but it’s mostly a personal preference and I’m fine with it.
Design-wise the S5 reminds me quite a bit of a larger version of their B2 model. Initially I was going to complain about the angle of the nozzles, so the S5 could have a flusher fit but for most people the length of the housing will be too big to fit inside the outer ear, so with that design of the housing it seems that the engineers have made the right call. Also props for the flattened part of the housing, which not only provides a place for the Brainwavz inscription but also provides a better grip for the fingers when inserting or taking them out.
The fit is good with most of the provided tips but the included bi- and tri-flanges might be too big for most people. I settle with the stock black single flanges mostly due to the sound difference in the tips rather than the fit.
The S5 can also be worn straight down but the housing will stick out more. Microphonics are low when worn cable up the cable up but a lot more audible cable down due to the plasticky cable. There is no driver flex.
Sound
The S5 has over 100hours of burn-in at the time of writing this review.
The bass is boosted but not really to basshead levels. It does lack a bit of depth and is softer on the impact but overall is relatively punchy and with big mid-bass slam. It does not sound muddy or bloated but could benefit from better control and a tighter and more solid body. Its speed is good with not too slow decay and has decent attack.Overall for a bass-enhanced iem the S5 is competent but I would like a flatter and tighter bass from the future higher-end Brainwavz models.
The mids are recessed but the boosted bass adds some warmth to the male vocals and they don’t sound too distant and have good presence and nice tone. The note presentation is on the thin side but paired with the emphasized highs leads to clearer and more detailed sound. Clarity is impessive though and makes a lot similarly bassy iems sound muddy and congested in comparison. There is a lift in the upper treble adding crispness but it’s not too aggressive and overall the mids are fairly smooth. The overall tonality is a a bit on the bright side and slightly cool, so while I'll call it neutralish, it is a bit colder than neutral in my opinion and is not the most natural sounding. Female vocals lack a bit of body and life (as they don't have the benefit the male vocals get from the bass warmth) due to the thinner sound and some dryness in the lower treble but also are not too distant sounding. Also they are a bit affected by the treble issues at higher volumes.
The highs are emphasized and there is good amount of energy and sparkle. The upper treble is a bit too emphasized and somewhat peaky, which leads to the cooler and brighter tone of the S5. The treble is not too prone to pointing out sibilance at moderate volume but is a bit splashy, especially at higher volumes and can become fatiguing. It’s also on the dry side due to the overall thinner presentation of the S5.
The S5 sounds airy and fairly open. It has good center imaging and overall positioning is very good. Depth is about average and the same goes for the height. Instrument separation is good but the sense of space between the instruments is a somewhat lacking probably due the increased upper treble adding a bit too much air on top and reducing the blackness of the background.
Summary
Despite my criticism the Brainwavz S5 is a solid performer for its price with an even more solid build quality. It's greatest strength sound-wise is its clarity and I reckon that it has the type of sound that can impress right away a lot of people, especially the general consumers looking for something with emphasized bass and won't expect this level of clarity and will be pleasantly surprised. Add to that the tough exterior and the 2-year warranty and it becomes a great buy for the more active people or the younger buyers. And overall a good recommendation for people looking for both bass quantity and clear and detailed sound.
For the more seasoned "audiophiles' though I think the S5 will fall short in several aspects, the highs probably being the main one. The competition in this price range is very stiff and the S5 needs some more control and refinement to be able to compete sq-wise with the best and be easier to recommend to more people.
