Price: 110$

Where to buy: https://www.xtenik.com/product/xduoo-xp-2/

Specifications (from Xtenik):

• DAC: AKM AK4452
  
  
• Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.0, support AAC, SBC, aptX
  
  
• Output power: 245mW @ 32 Ohm
  
  
• Recommended output impedance: 16 - 300 Ohm
  
  
• Supported sampling rate: 24bit 192kHz
  
  
• THD+N: 0.008% @ 1kHz
  
  
• Adjustable gain: +3dB / +9dB
  
  
• Frequency response: 10Hz - 100kHz (+/-0.5dB)
  
  
• Battery capacity: 3.7V 1800mAh
  
  
• Battery life: AUX IN: ≥15H Bluetooth input: ≥12H USB IN: ≥8H
  
  
• USB receiver: Support Android mobile phone with OTG function and 192kHz/24bit lossless transmission at most, computer USB input, support with XP, Win7, Win8, Win10 (it is necessary to install driver), MAC system.
  
  
• Weight: 115g
  

Thanks to Xtenik (official XDUOO distributor) for providing this review sample.

This same review can be found here: https://www.techinblack.it/audio1/2019/9/7/xduoo-xp-2-review


Unboxing

A white box contains a cardboard black one, with all the stuff inside:

• charging/data cable (USB type A to micro-USB);
  
  
• micro-USB to micro-USB cable;
  
  
• micro-USB to USB type C cable;
  
  
• jack to jack (both 3.5mm) cable;
  
  
• instruction manual;
  
  
• warranty card;
  
  
• soft separator (to make stacks).
  

There’s not an included cable to connect in a wired way the XP-2 to an iDevice. You have to buy the official camera adapter from Apple. I don’t own any Apple mobile devices, so my impressions will concern Android and Mac OS. With Windows, you’d need some drivers.

I just have a loan xDSD to compare as a similar product, so I’ll put them side-to-side various times.


Hardware and first impressions
The XP-2 is a budget friendly (100$) DAC/Amp with Bluetooth capabilities. It just has a single-ended 3.5mm phone output and a 3.5mm line out. The volume knob also works as power on/off and it has a fantastic tactile feedback. On the left side, there are Bluetooth link button (pretty useless because the device automatically searches for wireless devices when turned on), a gain switch (+2dB I believe) and a SELECT button to switch modes (BT, line out, USB). There are three LEDs (one on the front, two on the side), but I’m colorblind so I’ll copy some functions of them from the manual or another review because I don’t really mind colors, the device perfectly works even if you don’t know anything about the LEDs.

• Green: Bluetooth;
  
  
• Red: USB;
  
  
• Both: Aux.
  

The back of the device is the only plastic-made because it covers the BT antenna. The right side is void.



Wireless mode

Actually, I found it to be better than the xDSD while speaking about wireless signal; it may be due the updated BT version (5.0). It’s not perfect, sometimes even without any disturbs, the signal has some strange cracks. But this is rare and I didn’t have any problems of connectivity, my Mi MIX 2 and my FiiO M7 perfectly matched and worked with this device (both with Qualcomm AptX codec). This is also thanks to the intuitiveness of the XP-2 (the xDSD is not comparable, because it’s a pain to understand how to properly use it). I think the wireless mode is the best of this device. Even though it perfectly works via line out and via USB, the battery is so long-lasting and the quality is so high that even I (Bluetooth hater) did enjoy it via Bluetooth: it actually lasts 10 hours (I’ve just used low gain). An impressive result: it actually didn’t die more than two times for the exhaust battery.




Wired mode

USB: I’ve used my MacBook Pro and my Mi MIX 2 via USB with the XP-2. Unfortunately, it’s not compatible (yet?) with the FiiO M7, so the only way to use them together is via line out. The USB mode is stable, noiseless, and you can really use the XP-2 to improve your phone’s or PC’s poor DAC. The Amp section is great too, because it provides a lot of power. I’m an IEM user mainly, I just have some On Ears which are pretty easy to drive, so I don’t really need that much power. You won’t have any problems even with hard-to-drive headphones (remember we’re talking about a budget product). I think that wired it works much better than the xDSD by iFi, which has very bad background noises with devices with grounding.

Line out: I’ve used the FiiO M7 and the Dodocool DA106. Actually, the XP-2 it’s a great stack-buddy for your DAP. And the switch between modes is easy and convenient.




Sound

The sound signature of this device, if it’s in any way possible to judge it, is pretty reference-like. The xDSD is a lot warmer and, in my opinion, it colors the sound even too much. The XP-2 is brighter and flatter. So, I appreciate the neutrality. Something less exciting is the stage, because it doesn’t give to your IEMs any help to improve its width or its depth; the xDSD has a space virtualizer. That being said, I don’t mind any fake surround effect, so I appreciate the XP-2 in its honesty.

Some earphones/headphones I’ve paired it to: AudioSense T800, BGVP DM6, UfoEar112, FiiO FA1, PaiAudio DR2, Tri I4, KZ ZS7, 1MORE Piston, NiceHCK EP10, 1MORE MK801, Sennheiser Momentum On Ear 1st gen.

I didn’t find any bad synergy with this device. I have a Zorloo ZuperDAC-S which is terrible with some IEMs like the AudioSense T800. This one, instead, is really clean and solid in every situation. This is one of my favourite devices of all times, honestly. It doesn’t really affect the sound signature of your source, but it amps really well and the DAC is capable, quick and linear. And it doesn’t lack body at all. I’m conscious that some IEMs I have give their best when they get a bit of color; with the XP-2 I’d rather pair some earphones which don’t need this kind of treatment. So, I’d choose the Ufo112 as my favorite match, with an incredible airiness and a fantastic reproduction of every frequency. Other earphones which works well with it are the warmer ones: KZ ZS7, CCA C10, BGVP DM6. Every match has its pros; it’s honestly difficult to find some cons here, due the great engineering behind this device. I love how the sound is always very clean and doesn’t produce any background noises.





Comparisons

Zorloo ZuperDAC-S: a device which can be compared just on a wired side. The Zorloo has digital volume controls, while the XDUOO has an analog knob. Both have Micro USB to charge and connect them to some sources, both have a single-ended 3.5mm output. I actually find the ZuperDAC-S to have some problems with sound (like I’ve previously mentioned, the AudioSense T800 have some flaws, I don’t know why – maybe some phase issues) and build quality (the USB port is not centered), as well as some accessories which randomly stop working. Considering its price – just 20$ less than the XDUOO – and how many features they lack rather than the XP-2, it’s difficult for me to recommend it; but I have to admit the dimensions are really different, and if you need something small, you can get the Zorloo – but my suggestion is another one, in that case: get the Audirect Beam.

iFi xDSD: I can’t deny this is a great sounding device. But it adds some color. It’s a warm device, with improvements for bass and surround effects. It’s very easy for me to say: if the XP-2 is worth 100$ (and it is), the xDSD is absolutely not worth 300. The XP-2 is much more intuitive, its features are exactly the same – except from SPDIF presence – and for an IEM user it has far more power than necessary (we’ll see with the Tin HiFi P1). If you need more power and you like your life to be difficult, the xDSD could be good for you. Oh, I forgot to mention the absurd background noise of the xDSD when connected to a PC, which I absolutely didn’t get with the XP-2. Be wise.

FiiO M7: strange enough? Nope. The M7 can be used as a Bluetooth receiver (up to LDAC) and as a portable DAC. As a BT receiver, it has some flaws – LDAC works just sometimes, SBC is better, AptX works pretty well. On a wired side, they are comparable when it comes to user experience, but the volume control of the XP-2 is much superior and the sound quality and the amp side are better too. If you just need a single 360° device, you can get the FiiO DAP – maybe a wiser choice is the M6, nowadays – while if you need a more specific device which works better on those sides, go for the XP-2: it’s a worthy machine.





Conclusions

I recommend this device. Really easy. This is one of the better products I’ve ever tried. It’s totally worth its price, its performances are great, the battery is long-lasting, the materials are good and the build quality is high. To me, it can compete with higher-priced devices. This is actually my top recommendation for a versatile product which works as a DAC, as an amp or as a Bluetooth receiver.

Specifications:

• Frequency response: 20-40k Hz
  
  
• Impedance: 12 Ohm
  
  
• Sensitivity: 106 dB/mW
  
  
• Driver: Hybrid 2BA+1DD
  

This is the second IEM I try by NiceHCK, after the M6. I’ve really appreciated the first one, starting from the accessories. I’m glad they included nearly the same ones here, considering the price range that’s really different between the twos (more than 50$).

Unboxing and first impressions
I like this simple but functional unboxing experience: a white box with some information, which has inside a good hard carrying case; inside there are a lot of tips (three pairs of silicon, two pairs of silicon double flange, a pair of foams) and the earphones, already attached to the cable. The cable itself is the same of the M6, which is good in quality – I don’t really like the color, but it’s subjective. This, for me, should be the package of every earphone. Small, simple, rigid, complete.


The buds are good looking, with a translucent blue plastic build. The plastic quality is average, a little bit better than the KZ ES4; comfort, though, is way superior on P3, thanks to its shape and the better ear tips. The connector is MMCX. I’m impressed for the price – more than TRN IM1, which has way less accessories in a similar range.



Sound
My sources: FiiO M7, Mi MIX 2 with DAC Zorloo ZuperDAC-S and MacBook Pro 2012 with USB audio interface Focusrite 2i2 first gen.

My files: DSD, FLAC, ALAC, MP3, M4A

My music: “Colour the Small One” by Sia, “Djesse Vol.1” by Jacob Collier, “Where are You?” by Frank Sinatra, “Ghost Stories” by Coldplay, “O” by Damien Rice, and many other tracks by Queen, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Radiohead, …



Sometimes it happens that you listen to a set and you can’t find nothing wrong. It’s difficult to judge something that doesn’t really fall on any area. You have to rationalize and carefully try to understand what part of your impressions is driven by your personal taste and what’s an objective way to explain the product capabilities. So, I will start saying this is a set that matches my taste, because the treble is pretty rolled off. You hear no sibilance at all, neither any kind of harshness with the P3. That’s the first thing I can say, that’s pretty positive to me, but it mightn’t for treble heads. If you search for a “Tin HiFi like” signature, that’s totally opposite. And it’s fine, because some people don’t like it. So, starting from “the bottom”, the bass is really good. It may be a little lacking of body in the sub-bass area, but the overall scene feels warm and there’s the right amount of punchiness. It’s pretty quick too: comparing the P3 to the KZ ES4, which also are pretty bassy, the P3 provide better layering and resolution. This isn’t a congested bass, nor a boomy bass, nor an over-emphasized bass: it’s enjoyable and it’s one of the better things of these earphones. Mids are honest, with the right space for vocals and a pretty good instrument separation. The signature feels pretty balanced until the upper midrange, which has kind of a notch and falls when it comes to treble. So, I don’t feel mids lacking presence, they just don’t shine. Treble, as I’ve said before, is very relaxed. These earphones are meant to be for the ones who can’t stand any brightness. This means, though, that you have to accept a detail that’s just average and a sound that wants to be fun and doesn’t even try to be analytical. It’s perfectly good. The “problem” is that this sound isn’t really “fun”: it’s pretty boring, even though for my taste it has nothing wrong. There’s a lot of people who just want to listen to music and don’t really need a particular sound signature: this set is honest, and it’s a really good start for upgrading from a casual earphone. Let’s talk about soundstage. There’s an average width that’s kind of holographic, which is good, summed to that bass, if you need something enough precise for gaming. That means that imaging is pretty precise too. So, it’s kind of difficult to explain: the stage is not that wide; however, its depth is discrete, so the immersion in the scene is pretty comfortable. This is a sound which doesn’t fatigue.




Comparisons

TRN IM1: I’m kind of confused about this set. At first, I thought it was good. Then its slight brightness became too fatiguing. Then I realized that wasn’t a great sound, honestly. It’s more detailed than the P3 one, it’s pretty analytic, but it’s not a solid sound at all. Some songs are pretty good on that, many others sound just too congested and sharp. Let’s say IM1 is not a gentle set. I prefer P3.

KZ ES4: this is a set which sounded honest before I compared it to other ones. It’s kind of similar to the P3, even though it has more presence in the treble and more sibilance. The bass is less precise, but its body is comparable to the P3 one. They also have the same tendency of virtualizing the scene, which is something that I think the average consumer could enjoy. Well, between the two I choose the P3: you have more accessories, a better fit, a better cable (in my opinion) and an overall sound that’s more convincing.

RevoNext QT2: a strange comparison, I admit. QT2 are a bit pricier, but I put them here because if you like their signature, you’re not going to like the P3 one. QT2 are balanced but become very bright and sibilant since the upper midrange. P3, instead, are very warm and more fun to listen to. QT2 are an analytical set from what I hear.

Conclusions
While it’s true that I can’t find any particular reason to recommend this set, neither I can’t find one to not recommend it. It’s comfortable to wear, it’s not fatiguing, and it suits honestly every genre. Not brilliantly, but neither bad, at all. I found the KZ ES4 to sound bad for my taste. Not the P3, which have some good pros. And they are really good for gaming. I can recommend them if you are not searching for any particular feature, even though I believe the price could be a little bit lower. And you get one of the better packages, in terms of accessories.

Specifications:

• Transducer unit: 10mm high magnetic composite dynamic driver
  
  
• Diaphragm: Polymer composite titanium-plated diaphragm
  
  
• Frequency response: 15Hz-40kHz
  
  
• Sensitivity: ≥101dB (at 1000Hz)
  
  
• Impedance: 16Ω
  
  
• Distortion: <1% 101dB（20μpa）
  
  
• Channel imbalance: <1.5dB（at 1000Hz）
  
  
• Rated power: 10mW
  

Where to buy (non affiliate link): https://www.amazon.com/SIMGOT-Headphones-Detachable-Cancelling-Smartphones/dp/B07LG83LML

This review can also be found on my website here: https://www.techinblack.it/audio1/2019/2/20/simgot-em1-review

Unboxing and first impressions
As you can see, the difference between the boxes is noticeable: I liked the rational small white box of the MT3, but this bigger black one of EM1 is classy and more elegant. There’s a High-Res certification and some black-on-black pictures and specifications on the various faces of the box: I like this style, but I have to say it’s a bit difficult to read what’s written.



As always, we find a soft carrying pouch with a good number of silicon eartips: 3 wide bore ones, 3 small bore ones. They really change the sound a lot, so be careful to try them all before judging the set. Like on the MT3, I prefer using the wide bore tips, because the sound is more balanced and less “boomy” than the sound provided with the others. It’s nice to see a description of how the sound changes depending on the eartips used, not just because they help with your choice, but because it’s very accurate. Unfortunately, there aren’t any foam tips, but the nozzle is pretty standard: I’ve tried both the Tin HiFi foams and the NiceHCK foams and they all fit very stably. The cable is really good: the same as MT3, a really well-made braided one. It’s oxygen free, 4 core, 6N of purity; a standard single-ended 3.5mm gold-plated jack and 2-pin 0.78mm connectors for the buds. There are pre-curved hooks and they are very comfortable, and there’s a chin slider too. The IEMs themselves come in a beautiful choice of colors: even though you can buy an all-black model, mine has the right earbud in red and the left one in blue. This makes it way easier to recognize which way to wear them. And the eartips are red/blue too, so it’s a beautiful touch. The buds are made of metal and plastic and they are actually the best plastic earphones I’ve ever tried regarding the build quality. It’s a translucent colored plastic, so you can still see the internals: you can notice the dynamic driver, which is the only one used in this set. The nozzle and parts of the faceplate are made of metal. There are some elegant writings. Overall, design wise this set is one of my favorites.





Sound
My sources: FiiO M7, Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 with Zorloo ZuperDAC-S as DAC/Amp, MacBook Pro 2012 with Focusrite 2i2

My files: DSD, FLAC, ALAC, MP3, M4A

My music: “Colour the Small One” by Sia, “Djesse Vol.1” by Jacob Collier, “Where are You?” by Frank Sinatra, “Ghost Stories” by Coldplay, “O” by Damien Rice, and many other tracks by Queen, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Radiohead, Jack Garratt…



When you try a lot of earphones, it’s difficult to get surprised: some sets have a good tuning, but they lack of detail, or vice versa. Some others have a really good bass, but they fall on mids and highs; it’s difficult to find a 360° convincing IEM, because brands obviously have to aim at a particular feature, especially on the budget area. Well, for my taste, this is one of the most convincing earphones under 100$. I may say this now is my favorite IEM.

Usually, when I start trying an earphone, I immediately understand a general tuning of it. Whether it’s a flat one or a “V” one, a balanced or a flat. In this case I needed more time to understand. First, I thought this was a warm set. Because bass sounded very punchy, quick, perfectly controlled with a dark background. Then I thought this was a bright set, because I started hearing some sparkles and a slight sibilance. So, I started thinking about a classic V-shaped signature, but I heard no evident fall on mids. Well, this became a really interesting set. I’d say, after listening to them for some time, that I’d remain with the initial impression of a dark background: the overall bass area is solid and gives warmness to the scene. That being said, the treble is surprisingly capable with a great detail and some sparkles, which however don’t bother me, as a really treble-sensitive person. I still hear some sibilance, which it’s not a characteristic of this set, but it’s an evidence of some not-so-well recorded songs: exactly like on Tin HiFi T3. Mids are great: I think they are slightly recessed, because the final impression I have is having a smooth U-shaped signature, which isn’t lacking of body nor lacking of air, though. I hear a very good separation between instruments and a pretty airy sound, with good detail and resolution. Soundstage is average: it doesn’t feel very wide, but neither inside your head. It’s something close to holographic which however doesn’t give the impression of a “virtualization”. And imaging, through this perceived small room, is actually pretty accurate.

To summarize: bass is very well-extended on the sub-bass area, present but controlled, punchy and pleasant. Mids are clear, with airy vocals and a good layering between instruments. Treble is solid and absolutely not rolled off, with a precise and analytical feel. Soundstage is average in width and depth, but imaging is really believable.






Comparisons
Simgot Meeture MT3: while they share the same accessories, materials and build quality, sound wise they are pretty different. Depending on the tips, MT3 can sound really V-shaped (small bore) or mid-centric (wide bore). EM1 are more balanced and provide an overall signature that’s more classic and pleasant. I could recommend the MT3 to singers for their live stages; but I can really recommend the EM1 to anyone, whether for music listening or music production or exibitions. These are really solid universal IEMs with no compromises.

Tin HiFi T3: when I said that most of the times brands need to make decisions, I meant that earphones like Tin T3 are amazing under certain ways, but average on some others. T3 are fantastic if you need detail, they have a really good bass yet remaining bright and they absolutely don’t fall on mids. And they have the best cable on a budget, too. But they are less comfortable to wear and more fatiguing to listen to. I feel that EM1 are more cohesive in their frequency distribution – but it’s easily because of their only dynamic driver, while T3 are a hybrid solution. I personally choose EM1: they may be meant for a more casual listening, because of their less-analytical signature, but they are more pleasant to my ears and they don’t really make compromises. T3 do maybe “too much”: they need to smooth their treble a little bit. Still a great set, though, with a stunning design. In absolute terms, they may be superior. For my personal taste, which requires a more controlled treble, EM1 are a better choice.

BGVP DMG: very different in terms of drivers (it’s a 5 or 6 drivers hybrid), and also in terms of sound. DMG are more sibilant, and provide a less smooth sound through the frequency range. They are warm too, but they aren’t as punchy neither as controlled as the EM1. I like EM1 treble more, too. Mids are similar and soundstage depth too. Fit wise, they are both great and not fatiguing. I like them both, honestly; DMG may be a little bit more detailed thanks to their multi-balanced configuration, but the overall experience of EM1 is closer to my taste.



Conclusions
EM1 are an easy recommendation for me. I wasn’t so sure about MT3, but this set here is close to perfect for my taste. If you search for the most balanced choice in every way, consider this set. If you are more into crazy detail or very wide soundstage, there are better earphones, which aren’t that solid though, at least for what I think. This actually is one of my favorite IEM ever – and it proofs what you can do with a single dynamic driver, even on a budget. Highly recommended, in the end.

This sample comes from Linsoul.com. You can find this same review at Simply Audiophile.



Unboxing and first impressions
There’s an impactful presentation here, with an elegant blue box that carries the manuals, the buds, the cable and the tips. The default tips are a pair of foam ones which aren’t the softest ever, but it’s good to find them in such an affordable pair of earphones. You can immediately notice how well these IEMs are built: an all-metal design, with red/blue rings (to indicate the right and left channel and to attach the cable the right way), a good stock braided cable with a massive jack plug (that’s a 3.5 mm gold-plated one), and a good number of tips.

I’ve first tried them with the stock foam tips, which I usually appreciate – the Comply ones or the ones that come with the BGVP DMG are great. I liked them, but the fit wasn’t unfortunately the best for me. I switched to a pair of small silicon tips that came in the box and I found myself more comfortable with them.



Sound
I tested these earphones with the FiiO M7 and the Dodocool DA106 as DAPs, and the Focusrite 2i2 from my MacBook Pro 2012 as a source.

With a long-term use of the FiiO M7, I understood that it’s a DAP that doesn’t help mitigating the sibilance. T2 Pro are very sibilant earphones. So, I didn’t appreciate the synergy between the two; it was strangely better with the DA106, which is a sub-100$ DAP that’s really capable in its sound performance. But the sibilance was still there, even if attenuated. Why? Because all the high frequencies of these IEMs have been raised (that’s the main difference between these and the base T2), and I believe this was absolutely not necessary. Because the treble area became the only negative thing I have to say about the T2 Pro. They lack a bit of bass, but this is a minor issue that I believe was also present in the T2.



What’s good, instead? The detail is very impressing, making them really capable to separate the instruments – for certain kinds of music, this precision makes them better than the BGVP DMG, which are 2 to 3 times more expensive. I liked the dynamics here, I believe there’s some transients’ study behind these earphones, but I think that they had to enhance the bass and not the treble, by updating the T2. I didn’t have a great listening time with these, because the voices are too sibilant, both male and female ones. The harshness of the treble makes them really fatiguing, even by changing the tips – as a user recommended to me. I think I would rather the base T2. Don’t always believe the users: they also recommend closing the vents to improve the bass. Guys, the vents are there because the dynamic driver needs its air to work properly.



Mids are pleasant. I can’t really say how neutral these earphones should have sounded, because of the strange frequency response that came out by enhancing the treble, but I believe that the original idea was having a neutral, slightly V-shaped sound. Mids are, in fact, just a little recessed, but when it comes to hear them it’s a good listening experience. They are the best frequencies that come out of the T2 Pro. Bass is not bad, it’s just undertone. There’s one thing that most audiophiles hate, using the EQ. This is, for me, the case to use it. Try to turn up the bass and down the treble. The electric “work” on the signal helps with the attenuation of the sibilance, too. It won’t be the most hi-fi experience ever – you will never have it with these IEMs – but they become hearable. I think you can use an attenuator like the iFi ones, that’s a more elegant way to improve the sound experience of the T2 Pro.

Soundstage and imaging are pretty believable, with a fairly wide and deep expansion. There are a lot of good things to say about the T2 Pro, but the frequency distribution is not okay, and it’s difficult to give them a high rating. If I had to choose one pair of 50$ to carry with me, I wouldn’t choose these. And it’s a pity, because I love the cable, I love the build quality, I love the industrial look of them.



Conclusions
As you can – unfortunately – read, I can’t really recommend this model. There are better and even cheaper alternatives, and even though I love the design and build quality of the T2 Pro, they aren’t good enough in terms of sound. You do have a great cable for the price, and even the foam tips, but that sibilance and that harshness on the treble make the listening experience too fatiguing and uncomfortable. At least, if you choose to buy them, be sure to use a source that mitigates that large amount of sibilance.

Where to buy: https://amzn.to/2Tkt6uv
This review of mine appeared on SimplyAudiophile. I did some changes because of my longer period of testing.



Specifications:

• Impedance: 18Ω
• Headphone Sensitivity: 101dB
• Frequency Response Range: 15Hz-40kHz
• Power Rating: 10mW
• Distortion Degree: <1% 101 dB
• Channel Balance: <1.5 dB (at 1000Hz)
• Vocalism Principle: 10mm High Magnetic Circuit Coil Dynamic Driver
• Plug Type: 3.5mm Straight Plug

Unboxing and first impressions

Inside a classy white box with the Meeture branding, we find the earbuds, the cable, a carrying pouch, some papers and a good selection of tips. I love the way they put the tips on two different small cardboards, that explain in both English and Chinese the way the sound is changed by that particular one. The wide-bore ones must carry a balanced and brighter sound, while the small-bore ones are for bass enhancement. I’m not a guy that really believes in tips-tuning, but I must say the difference is pretty hearable. I’ll tell later why and how.



The IEMs themselves are made out of plastic, with – I believe – a metal-coated plate on the front, with the Meeture branding on. It feels like plastic, but it’s cold like metal when you touch it. Anyway, the materials are good and the build quality too. I love the design and the transparent shell. If you know the quality of KZ – that’s really bad, especially for ES4 – you will be amazed with this pair of MT3 and the plastic that’s been used; it’s another price range, but you feel like you have what you pay for. The cable is a 2-pin .78 mm: I liked the pre-formed hooks, the plastic reinforcements, the braided black wires, the jack. Everything concerning the build and the feel of these IEMs is great. And the comfort, too.







Sound
My sources: FiiO M7 and Dodocool DA106 as DAPs, Focusrite 2i2 as USB interface with a 2012 MacBook Pro, Audirect Whistle as DAC/Amp with a Xiaomi Mi MIX 2. My files: from DSD (Pink Floyd) to 24/16 bit FLACs (Queen, Sinatra, Jacob Collier, John Coltrane, …) to 320 kbps MP3 (Jamie Cullum, Coldplay, …) to 16 bit >10k kbps M4A (Sia).



First, I tried the “balanced” tips (the ones with the open bores). With them, I found the sound amazing, and that’s a good summary of my experience. Joking, I explain better: I used the smallest tips available, and I liked the sound in all its frequencies. I think that these, as monitors, are made for singers. Vocals are the main part of all the experience you get. Male and female ones are so well reproduced, with a warm signature and an emotional vibe. However, instruments are somehow recessed, I believe to let the voice emerge. This was the same experience I got with the Unique Melody Mason V3 at my first try (those had more detail, but less bass than these ones). I appreciated the overall signature of the MT3 in this configuration. Then I switched to the “bass enhancing” tips and my experience was really different. Those have a smaller bore; I don’t know how they are supposed to enhance the bass, but I suppose it’s a matter of pressure. Anyway, the sound signature with the bass tips become really V-shaped, and even though the listening comfort is superior, I don’t like that tuning as much as the first one. The balanced tips provided a more analytical sound, that I'm more a fan of. The bass ones are fun to listen to, easier for a long period of listening, but don’t really provide my favourite tuning. The company has been so honest with the description of the sound changing that I’m really impressed. Okay, but I’ve just said I didn’t like that much the second tuning option. Why? Because mids are recessed and some voices, when there’s a lot of instruments playing, become a little bit less hearable. The bass is really present in the mid-bass area, giving an overall warm sound that’s always present. The voice reproduction is moving, but what you feel in the end is a sound that’s not so close to you. The stage, in fact, is average and so is the imaging. That’s because of some recessed highs (7-8 kHz), I believe.



To summarise:

Wide bore tips:

• Bass is good and smooth, well-extended in the sub area, but most present in the mids;
• Mids are somehow enhanced, in fact you feel voices over the instruments, which have a good separation;
• Treble is absolutely not bright, nor detailed. It’s relaxed – to say it in a good way. But its tuning could be way better. However, I prefer this one to the TinAudio T2 Pro’s one, that’s harsh and hurting.

Small bore tips:

• Bass is pretty the same as before, but relating to the mids they now feel fuller;
• Mids are recessed, or maybe they feel recessed because of the more present bass;
• Highs are the same as before, but I consider the same change in how you hear them as the bass: because the mids are recessed, they seem better than before.

If I had to summarise this part, I would say: Wide bore tips are ∧, while small bore tips are ∨. At least, they feel like that.



Other important things to say about the sound: the MT3 need some juice, so I recommend using some kind of Amp. With the DA106 as a DAP, with low volumes you hear a lot of hiss and background noise. It’s enough to use a DAP with a better amplification, if you ask. M7 is just fine.

The overall sound signature, as my final word for the sound, is unusual, in a good way. I don’t find it bad at all, because I enjoyed listening to the MT3. It’s just strange. I found myself enjoying these earphones a lot, mostly for vocal-centered songs or works; they are perfect to monitor voices on live stages. I suggest going with the wide bore tips, which provide the best sound - at least for my ears. If you are more into rap or hip hop, you may enjoy the other, bassy, tips which provide a sound that's also less fatiguing.



Comparisons

Meze 12 Classics (80$): different products, same price. I’d choose the Simgot because they are more comfortable in my ears, the sound is less dark, and they have a removable cable. But Meze gives a pair of Comply foam tips, has a classier looking product with metal and wood, and the carrying case is hard and not soft. Both are really good products, while both aren’t reference-sounding: you need to enjoy a V-shaped signature, when darker, when brighter.

BGVP DMG (140$): this is a higher level pair of earphones (with tuning customizations, a lot of eartips, a metal build…). I prefer the DMG over the MT3, because of the detail and the overall sound signature that’s more “traditional”, warm but on a reference side. But they don’t come with a case, for double the price. And I would say that the fit is comparable on the comfort side. Vocals are better on the MT3, but everything else – for my taste – is superior on the DMG. If you are a vocal performer, you may really choose the MT3 over the BGVP IEM – I also am a vocal performer, so I can speak for this need of mine. But the instrument separation is not on the highest side, so I don’t recommend the MT3 for every kind of musician like I do for the DMGs.





Conclusions
Being the entry-level model of a brand is not easy. Simgot produces good higher level (and price) IEMs, so you may have high expectations for the cheaper ones. The MT3 are an interesting choice for the sub-80$ price range, but you have to appreciate a non-ordinary sound signature. You absolutely get used to it. The tips and the source affect a lot the final sound that you hear, which is a good thing if you search for your particular preference of tuning, but it’s less good if you want – for example – a solid sound in every situation. I recommend these for vocal monitoring. I own a lot of different earphones, and I will keep using these for comparisons and monitoring. Overall, it’s a good set, with an elegant presentation, sturdy design and build quality and a great attention to details.

You can find this earphone on the NiceHCK AliExpress store (thanks Jim), here: https://it.aliexpress.com/item/NICE...HIFI-Metallo-del-Trasduttore/32955034092.html

And here you can find my Italian, more detailed, review on my website: https://www.techinblack.it/audio/2019/1/29/recensione-nicehck-m6






Specifications:

• Frequency response: 20-40k Hz
• Impedance: 17 Ohm
• Sensitivity: ca. 106 dB/mW
• Driver: 4 balanced armatures + 1 dynamic driver (with double diaphragm)
• Price: 105$

First thing I noticed is how similar these IEMs are to the BGVP DMG, that I got in black from Linsoul. I got the M6 in gray, to be neutral on the colour side and here you can see the differences between the two. I don’t know if I can call them a “dupe” or this is a rebrand or something. However, the experience between them is very similar.





Unboxing and first impressions
There are a lot of accessories: a good number of eartips (3 pairs wide bore, 3 SpinFit style, 1 memory foam), 3 pairs of tuning filters, a MMCX cable already attached to the buds, everything put inside a carrying pouch, similar to the **** one. It’s very good and it makes the accessories more complete than the DMG ones. The fit is really good, one of the best I’ve ever tried. There’s fortunately a chin slider which helps with the stability. I think that there’s an additional vent on the front of the earphones that DMG lack; I honestly didn’t find the sound different because of that, but there’s something they do better (I’ll tell after, “sound” section). I like the cable (this is also similar to the DMG one, but doesn’t seem to have metal inserts), but the colour is not my favourite. It doesn’t suffer of microphonics nor it tangles too easily.





Sound
My sources: FiiO M7, Dodocool DA106, Audirect Whistle with Xiaomi Mi MIX 2, Focusrite 2i2 with MacBook Pro 2012. Files: DSD (Pink Floyd), FLAC 24/92 (Queen, Jack Garratt, …), FLAC 16/44 (Bon Iver, Greta Van Fleet, Jacob Collier, …), ALAC (Sia), MP3 320 (Jamie Cullum, Niccolò Fabi, Everything Everything, …).

Sound is neutral. On a warmer side, with a gentle U-shaped signature. Bass is good (sub-bass is not the best, mid-bass a little bit enhanced), pretty fast and detailed; mids are great: voices are clear, instrument separation is good, nothing to dislike; treble is relaxed, and I like it, with less sibilance than DMG. That’s what I can discern about the two earphones. Soundstage is honest, but you may expect something better for that price – that’s even higher on the DMG. I tried the ADVANCED M4 and for 50$ I found a much larger soundstage than every In Ear I’ve tried under 200$. But imaging is realistic and the overall sound signature is never fatiguing. These are actually my everyday earphones. Isolation is also good enough for me: I take trains almost every day and I’ve never felt the need to have something better on that way.
And the filters? I didn't notice any consistent difference between the threes. Even with the silver ones (treble enhancing) the sound remains warm. I suggest going with the balanced (stock), because they assure the most neutral experience.





Conclusions
I can't deny that I found these IEMs pretty identical to the DMGs. That's not a bad thing: I love DMG because I can listen to them without being fatigued for a really long time. I like the frequency response, I like the instrument separation, they're airy enough, and fit is very comfortable. Those are all points I also appreciate on the M6. If you have to choose between these two, there's only two things to consider: accessories (personally, I find them better on M6, because you get a carrying pouch and tips, while being less, are well thought) and colours (emerald green or gray for M6; red, blue or black for DMG). And DMG have a microphone version. The average price of DMGs is about 25$ higher.

Some specifications (from mezeaudio.com):

• Frequency response: 16Hz – 24KHz
• Impedance: 16Ohm
• Sensitivity: 101dB (+/- 3db)
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.5%
• Noise attenuation: up to 26dB
• Titanium coated 8mm mylar driver
• Copper-clad aluminum voice coil
• 3.5mm gold-plated jack plug
• 7N OFC cable, length: 1.2m

Unboxing, fit and first thoughts

If the goodness of a product shines through its presentation, this – judging from the cover – is a wonderful one. It may be obvious for someone, giving the long experience in product design of Antonio Meze, but nothing must be taken for granted.



This box is elegant, while clearly ready for being exposed in the stores. The picture of the earphones on the front face is the real position of them inside the box itself; and the shape of it reprises the Meze logo. This sign of cure is a constant in every way concerning these In-Ears. Every face of the box is smartly used to give us all the information about the earphones themselves as well as the accessories and other useful advertisements. The most interesting thing here, for audiophile people, is the frequency response graphic, which reveals the characteristic tuning of the company.



Inside the box you’ll find a carrying pouch with the Meze logo, a pair of Comply foam ear tips (great to find them!), three silicon tips (S, M, L) and a double-flange pair. Great selection. And there’s a clip to attach the cable on a T-shirt or something: guess… with the Meze logo! The “instruction manual”, which may sound useless, has instead some really useful tips like dangerous volumes ecc.. There’s also a Meze sticker which is good to add to your MacBook with all the others I’m sure you all have out there!



The “Classic” name that Meze gives to some of its products could mean two things: that you’re looking at a classy product (usually with wooden inserts); that it’s perfect for classical music (that is a difficult genre to reproduce, because of the transients and the soundstage it needs). Why did I think that? Because if you try some Neo versions of the same ear/headphones of Meze, you will find punchier basses and a slightly different tuning, more popular and modern. You can read our reviews of the 99s (Classics and Neo) to better understand this. We will see later if that’s the case even with these “12”.

Anyway, when you look at these earphones you immediately realize to hold a product developed with passion (if you saw the interviews with Antonio Meze you can understand what I mean). The wood gives a premium feel to the product and the overall build quality is top notch. The cable is not my favorite, I’d rather a braided style, but it’s well done and the metal inserts with the Meze logo are very high quality. It’s also oxygen-free, which means that the interferences are very low.

There is an issue regarding the fit of the 12 Classics with my ears: I’ve tried every silicon ear tip and everyone can’t help falling off. I now go with the Comply ones (which are much, much better), but I must be very careful when I walk or move because the fit is not the greatest for me anyway. That didn’t happen with my girlfriend, which found them perfect, for example. You can always wrap the cable around your ear like in IEMs and obtain a better fit for you.



Sound

My main source was a FiiO M7 DAP. I’ve also used my 2012 MacBook Pro (also with a Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface), my Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 with default dongle and with Audirect Whistle DAC/Amp.

I generally liked the sound of these 12 Classics. The signature is not so conventional, and you have to like a warm and pretty dark sound to appreciate them. If you are fan of clarity and brilliant treble, these aren’t probably your first choice. The instrument separation is decent, even though I heard everything pretty unbalanced on the lower side; this is a pro for certain kinds of music, because the bass is quick and punchy, and very dense, but it’s a con for other ones. I have to say that initially the soundstage was very limited, so I recommend following the tips of Meze and let them burn in several hours. Now it’s so much better than before, even though it’s not the widest stage you’ll ever find. The most enjoyable experience you can have with these is with certain kinds of modern music that are minimal and dynamic (sounds strange with the name Classics!) like Lorde, Oh Wonder and so on.

With classical music the things are a bit different. The enhanced lower frequencies remain, but the instrument separation is generally better. Still I didn’t find a perfect imaging, you haven’t the feeling to be inside the scene. The treble voices have sometimes too much reverb; the strange thing is that’s something affecting the male voices more than the female ones. Unusual fact, in my opinion. The particular tuning probably affects the sound in that way. I did find however a really enjoyable sound, fast and precise, more on a fun side than a reference one. From the provided frequency response graph, you can effectively see that the higher frequencies (from 10 kHz) are not the best; it’s the same signature as the 11 series, but I believe that they are tuned with some differences. And the wood may give some “naturalness” to the sound, for the ones who believe it in such small earphones.

The sound leak is almost inexistent, which is great.



The mic, unfortunately, isn’t great. It sounds a bit muffled, but I understand the majority of people prefer having it, even for emergency purpose. With this kind of earphones, I’d rather have a better cable with no mic, because they are made for music listening.

So, summing up, the bass is very good, the mid is okay, the treble is not the clearest one. I liked them a lot, because of the punchiness and the quick bass. The sound is embracing, and it surprises: I tried a lot of honest headphones which haven’t some impressive features; these are instead very “warm” in terms of sound, and really convincing. You must know that it’s not the most usual sound signature, however.




Conclusion

Do I recommend the 12 Classics? For sure, because you get a good, non-fatiguing listening experience and a quick and detailed sound, even if a little bit dark, and they are easy to drive even with your smartphone. Consider that you might have some small fit issues, like me, and if you need to make a lot of calls with them you may find the mic not so good. I would take them as my daily drivers, if my ears were matching them better, because the sound is pleasant. And they look amazing.