thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This product was sent to me by Letshuoer in exchange for my honest and impartial review. I receive no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
●KiwiEars Allegro
●Letshuoer dt03

Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction:
Letshuoer is a brand known to most audiophiles who have spent a bit of time in this hobby. The company has been consistently releasing a wide range of quality products, including iems, cables, and DAC/amps. A few recent notable releases include the Cadenza 4 and S15, which have been well-received. This year, the company celebrates its eighth anniversary and is marking the occasion with some new releases. Its latest iem, the S08, features Letshuoer's dual-coil custom 13 mm planar magnetic driver. It's currently available for $99 on Letshuoer's site as well as other retailers. Let's jump into the review and see how this newest planar stacks up in today's market.


Build, fit, ergonomics:
This is one of the better unboxing experiences under $100. A lot of thought and care went into the inclusions and presentation. The box is compact, and the featured artwork includes a figure eight to commemorate Letshuoer's eighth anniversary, a recurring theme throughout the design. Opening the box reveals the iems tucked inside foam cutouts and a small, puck-like case. Inside the case is a very neat circular tip holder and the stock cable, plus two modular terminations. The S08s are available in silver or matte black; I have the latter, and they look really great. The anodized CNC aluminum shells have excellent build quality and are reasonably lightweight for all-metal shells. They feel solid and smooth in the hand, while the matte-black finish helps minimize scratches and fingerprints. I would characterize the shell size as fairly small. The nozzle is of average width but perhaps a bit short for those who need deeper insertion. At least there is a lip for tips to stay securely in place. The shell design is highly reminiscent of the old Letshuoer Tape, but the S08 features a more ergonomic design with rounded edges and a figure eight on its faceplate, consistent with the anniversary theme. The four-core SPC stock cable is an excellent addition to the overall package. It's lightweight, nicely braided, and even has a modular locking mechanism with two terminations: 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm. The case is one of the more unique ones I've seen and is of really nice quality. I usually don't like the puck-style, but this one has a smooth, rubbery coating that keeps scratches at bay, and the lid screws on for added security and protection. The included tips come loaded into a neat little circular holder. There are five pairs in the holder and one more preloaded onto the iems, making six pairs in total: three vocal and three balanced. It took me quite a bit of tip rolling to find a good fit and seal. I tried both varieties of stock tips, Dunu S&S, Coreir brass, Tri Clarion, and eventually settled on the medium Penon Liqueurs. It's still not the most comfortable for me due to the shorter nozzles, but YMMV.



Sound impressions:
The S08 is a great example of neutral tuning done right, at least to my ears. Now, what is neutral for me will not necessarily be neutral to others, and admittedly, there is a healthy, thumping bass response here. However, the lows, mids, and highs all blend splendidly without any one truly taking the spotlight over the others. Music is presented in a smooth and natural way, without coloration. It reminds me of another recent Letshuoer product that I reviewed, the DT03 DAC/amp. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that these two were released so close together. Through my testing, I quickly discovered that the S08 is highly source-dependent. Of all the DACs I tried (Allegro, FC4, LG V30+, Samsung dongle), the DT03 has the best synergy by far with the S08. They are both so very natural and uncolored in their presentation, allowing the music itself to take center stage. This combination compels me to listen less critically and simply enjoy my favorite tracks. In true planar fashion, the S08 has a snappy, quick hit and fast decay. The detail retrieval is excellent but not overly clinical. There is a definitive smoothness to it's presentation and the timbre is natural and organic. The imaging is accurate, and the separation is excellent, with each frequency band having room to breathe. The note weight is fairly balanced between thin and thick, though it may lean toward thinness in some tracks. The soundstage unfortunately falls a bit short, as it is not particularly expansive in width or depth, but it's not quite claustrophobic. The S08 are not necessarily hard to drive, and they can reach moderate volumes from just a simple dongle. But like most planars, they scale well with power, which is necessary to achieve high volumes. In my opinion, this set is remarkably versatile and well-rounded and handles any genre with ease.


●Lows - This is the one area of tuning that I would argue goes a little beyond neutral. The bass is surprisingly meaty and well-textured. There's a deep sub-bass rumble, and it can get big and low when the track calls for it. The sub-bass is definitely more of a focus here over the mid. I would have liked slightly more mid-bass presence for my usual tastes, but this could result in a warmer and more colored sound signature. There's good separation between the bass and the midrange, and there's no bleed to my ear. The attack and decay are quick, but there's still adequate reverberation, which some planars struggle to achieve. Double bass kicks on this thing are really a treat! The driver's speed allows each impact to be heard clearly. My initial impressions of the bass were quite favorable, but further critical listening revealed some areas for improvement. Specifically, it could benefit from a more powerful impact/slam and a bit more clarity. Although overall, it is certainly one of the strong points of the S08's tuning.

●Mids - The midrange is also a very positive mark of the S08s tuning. Vocals are well reproduced and are neither forward nor recessed. Female artists with a bit more air in their vocals just approach a slight harshness but still remain enjoyable. Male artists have a bit more note weight and stand out in the mix more than their female counterparts. Instruments like guitar and piano have a rich clear tone and natural timbre. One particular track that I really enjoy with the S08 is "Like a Stone" by Audioslave. The emotion in Chris Cornell's vocals is conveyed exceptionally well, and the guitar distortion and reverberation effects are distinct and musical.I usually prefer the mids and vocals to be slightly more prominent, but the overall frequency balance is excellent and really lends itself to a great listening experience. If neutrality is your goal, the midrange balance of the S08 is spot-on. There's really not much to say about the mids. They are clear, concise, natural, and musical.

●Highs - The S08's treble is lively, pleasant, and smooth, without sounding boring or recessed. This aligns well with my personal preferences; however, I do believe that it could benefit from a slight increase in air and upper-end extension. Cymbals, hi-hats, claps, and snares all have a good amount of presence and sparkle without detracting from the overall musicality of the tuning. There is a definite crispness and edge to the notes without sounding harsh or fatiguing. If there are any perceived problems in the highs, they can be found in breathy vocalists and certain sounds such as "t" and "ch." However, this only became apparent at higher-than-moderate volume levels. In "Calm Down" by Rema featuring Selena Gomez, the claps can be quite fatiguing if the treble energy is too high, but with the S08, they sound clear without being sibilant. I find that the S08 strikes a great balance between delivering a vibrant and sparkly treble response while avoiding excessive energy that could lead to it becoming overbearing.


In conclusion:
One of my favorite things about this hobby is experiencing different driver types and configurations. Each of them brings a distinctive element to the music, allowing me to perceive it from a different perspective. Before the Letshuoer S08, I had nearly lost hope in finding a planar iem that would capture my heart. In my experience, planar drivers typically have impressive technical capabilities and agility; however, they lack a certain musical quality and can come across as sterile or lifeless. Well, the S08 broke the mold, and for me, it was love at first sight listen. From my initial testing, I realized this is not a typical planar, or at least it's different from those I have tried up to this point (F1 Pro, Pandamon 2.0, Zetian Wu Heyday, S12, Stellaris). The S08 delivers a musicality that I found lacking in other planars, while still demonstrating remarkable detail, speed, and resolution. It's also my new benchmark for neutrality, without coming across as excessively clinical, cold, or downright boring. My ears perceive all of the frequencies as balanced, cohesive, and well-represented. If you're looking for an accurate and uncolored reproduction of your music, you should definitely consider the Letshuoer S08. It has the typical agility and tactility of planar drivers but also sounds much smoother and more musical than the others I've heard. My only two complaints are the slightly short nozzle, which might cause some fit issues, and the narrow soundstage. If you can overlook these few shortcomings, you will find that the S08 provides enjoyable tuning, excellent technicalities, and a fantastic accessory package. Plus, at $99, the price-to-performance ratio is fantastic. What a great way to celebrate Letshuoer's eighth anniversary! Now, I can't wait to see what they have up their sleeve for number nine!

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This set was provided by Linsoul in exchange for my honest and impartial review. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own. Non affiliate link for those interested: https://www.linsoul.com/products/kz-zs10-pro2

Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
●Letshuoer DT03

Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.


Introduction:
KZ is KZ. Almost everyone in the audiophile community has heard of this brand by now, as well as their sister company, CCA. They are well known for churning out new budget iems almost weekly. Some of their recent releases have been very well-received and garnered a lot of positive feedback, such as the Trio, Vader, and Hydro, to name a few. But there are also many products that don't quite stand out and are quickly forgotten. The ZS10 Pro 2 is one of KZ's newer iems on the market. The Pro 2 is a retune and features a 10 mm dynamic driver, two balanced armature drivers, and four tuning switches. It's currently available on Linsoul for $54.99 but can also be found elsewhere. Let's break down this KZ model and see which category it falls into.


Build, fit, ergonomics:
In standard KZ fashion, the ZS10 Pro 2 comes in quite minimal packaging, and there's not much to unbox. It's just their standard, simple packaging, which includes the IEMs, a cable, a few ear tips, and a metal piece for toggling the switches. The shell has an ergonomic shape, and the size is about average, not too big or too small. It's made of clear resin with a vented metal faceplate and features a somewhat industrial aesthetic. It is fairly lightweight for its size, but the build quality is lacking.It feels cheaper in hand than even the lower priced CCA Trio, which actually has impressive build quality for its price. The nozzle is about average in width and slightly short in length, but it still feels comfortable for longer listening sessions. The nozzle does at least include a lip to help tips stay in place. Like most KZ/CCA iems, the Pro 2 uses QDC-style 2-pin connections. The stock cable is the same low-quality cable included with the CCA Trio. As I did with my Trio review, I swapped out the cable for the Simgot EM6L stock cable, which is of much better quality. The tips are the standard three pairs of silicone and one pair of foam that is included with other KZ iems. They don't work well for me, so I opted to use my preferred Penon Liqueurs for a better fit and seal.


Sound impressions:
After testing the ZS10 Pro 2 with different switch configurations, I found that the UUUD configuration best suits my preferences. To my ear, this configuration boosts the bass and mids to better balance the elevated treble presence and gives the frequency response more of a U-shaped profile. Even with the added bass, it still cannot be considered close to a basshead set. All of the following impressions were based on these settings, as taking the time to provide impressions on every configuration would be an exhaustive effort. That's one of the fun things about switches: the tuning can be better tailored to each individual's preferences. The adaptability and customization that switches offer can be a great feature.

The timbre is a bit unnatural and has an artificial sound. The vocals and instruments, namely the piano, just don't sound quite right. The note weight is also too thin for my liking. The Pro 2 remind me of some of the lower budget TWS sets I've tried in the past. The detail retrieval is just okay, but I can't really fault it too much for the price. The imaging is accurate, but the dynamics are a bit lackluster, with many things presenting as either too loud or too quiet. The separation is also not that great, as things can start to run together on busy tracks, and I don't feel that the frequencies have room to breathe. The soundstage width and depth are actually decent and do create a nicely spacious sound.


●Lows - Sub-bass and mid-bass are about equal in quantity to my ears, with neither taking the spotlight. The bass is slightly pillowy, soft, and unrefined. It lacks some impact and body. The sub doesn't have a deep extension and lacks a nice reverberation on bassy tracks. There is a little bleed into the mids, and it could use cleaner separation. The speed and decay are about average. It's not the worst bass in the budget by any means, but it's also not the highlight of the tuning.

●Mid - The mids have good presence and are well-balanced with the other frequencies. Vocals are clear but not as forward as I would prefer. There are some faults in their presentation, such as harshness or shoutiness at higher volumes. The timbre issue is most noticeable in the midrange, where instruments and vocals sound unnatural and have an artificial quality. Breathy vocalists also sound harsh and piercing and are much too thin for my liking. The midrange sounds much better at lower volumes, but I am not a low-volume listener personally. Turn up the volume, and the midrange issues rear their ugly heads.

●Highs - Using the switch configuration I used tames the treble the most; however, there is still some sibilance in this configuration, and it's just overall too bright for my preferences. Particularly, the snares and cymbals have too much bite and edge and can be fatiguing. Female vocals exhibit sibilance at higher volumes. Again, this is definitely a set that sounds better at lower volume levels. To their credit there is plenty of air with good extension. It might definitely be a contender for trebleheads on a budget, especially with the various switches and tunings to tailor the frequencies. I am fairly sensitive to sibilance, so other less sensitive listeners might find more to love here.



In conclusion:
KZ and CCA have been doing fairly well lately with their recent releases. I still prefer the Trio over the Pro 2 but that's probably due to my preference for thicker note weight, analogue style sound, and a bigger bass. I think there can be things to like about the KS10 Pro 2, particularly for those that prefer a bit leaner and brighter tuning. If this set had come out 5 years ago, many might consider it the benchmark to beat. However, the budget tier is growing increasingly competitive and iems are getting better with each subsequent release. In my opinion, the Pro 2 falls short in todays market. My main issues are the artifical timbre and that theres only 1 switch configuration to tame the treble to a level that is slightly enjoyable for me. But in utilizing all the switches, the bass and mids sound artificially boosted. This is not a set I personally enjoy or can listen to for long periods. I can maybe recommend them to treble enthusiasts on a budget. Also, low volume listeners will probably find more enjoyment since they can get shouty when cranked up. At the end of the day, my tastes just resonate more with the CCA Trio. For me, there's not much to love about the ZS10 Pro 2, so I rated it two and a half stars. I know there are people who will enjoy this iem (the Head-Fi Discovery thread confirms this), but I can't really get my head around it. There are many sets in this price range more deserving of your time.

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This cable was provided for tour by Effect Audio through Head-fi. It was returned after the review period. I receive no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I'm going to add a second disclaimer here for those that might dismiss my review because of the star rating. All reviewers have their own rating systems and criteria on how to score peoducts. I always include my personal system at the beginning of my reviews. Two stars indicates that I am unable to find the appeal of the product in question. It doesnt necessarily mean that the product is not worth buying or meant to invalidate it in some way. It simply means the product holds no appeal to me personally. However, I always advise people to consult a variety of reviews for any product they may be considering, both positive and negative.

Gear used:
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Letshuoer DT03
●Hiby FC4
●Various iems
●Various cables

Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction:
Founded in 2009, Effect Audio is a renowned cable manufacturer based out of Singapore. They offer an array of cables ranging from the more affordable Ares S at $179 all the way to the ultra-flagship Centurion at $5499. Many of their cables have incorporated the Con-X and Term-X systems that allow for the cable connectors and terminations to be swapped, making the cables very versatile. The Cleopatra II OCTA is one of Effect Audio's Heritage series cables featuring an 8W build and currently priced at $1799. That is definitely no chump change. Let's see what this cable can do for my ears.

Build and accessories:
Now, keeping in mind that this was a tour unit, I am unable to speak about the unboxing experience. Let's jump right into the specs and build quality.

●Selected Premium UP-OCC Silver Litz
●Proprietary Dual geometric Design
●26 AWG 8 Wires
●Individually Enamelled Strands
●EA UltraFlexi™ Insulation
●ConX & TermX Interchangeable Connector/Plug System

The build quality of the Cleopatra II is nothing short of fantastic. For being an 8W cable, it is exceptionally lightweight and pliable. I had no issues with tangling or fatigue, and I wad able to use the cable comfortably with multiple iems over long sessions. The ear hooks are very sturdy and somewhat rigid, but they are shaped in a way that still fits me comfortably. Luckily, this tour unit included the Con-X and Term-X systems. The connectors are easy to change with the provided tool and appear to be durable. They are well-crafted and do not feel fragile or delicate. The terminations are also easy to swap, and the screw-on mechanism feels fairly secure, though it did seem to loosen occasionally, especially when unplugging the cable from my devices. The termination required frequent retightening, but this may have been due to the protective plastic on the hardware. As this was not my personal unit, I decided to leave it on to protect the metal during my tour period.

Sound impressions:
The following statements are taken directly from EA's listing for the Cleopatra II OCTA from their website:

Tuned to unleash the potential of modern Multi-Brid IEMs
IEMs have improved along the years and brands have been exploring different driver technologies to bring out better sound quality. Our next attempt on our Heritage Series will be focused on delivering a synergistic match to Multi-Brid IEMs, bringing out the best of each driver.

Pushing the boundary of the Traditional Silver Sound
Instead, our take is in reimagining experience with dual wire geometries will be able to help with this - 1 that captures details while the other to bring a meatier body and warmth. Cleopatra II will be the newest edition in our Heritage series that employs the dual geometric design, thus capturing Clarity and a surprisingly smooth Analog sound.

These two paragraphs certainly make some big promises when it comes to the performance of the Cleo II. Below are my own impressions and interpretations of the sound quality. The following comparisons were made using the Cleo II against that particular iem's stock cable:

●Simgot SuperMix 4 - The overall resolution is enhanced with the Cleo II. I can hear more detail and better separation. The soundstage is also wider and less congested. The bass is also enhanced and has a tighter response.

●Dunu DaVinci - The treble takes on more detail and further extension. The frequencies are better separated and more resolving. The bass digs deeper with more sub-bass rumble. The timbre is more natural, and there's also an extended soundstage in both width and depth.

●Letshuoer S08 - With the Cleo II, the timbre takes on a more natural and organic quality. Again there is better overall separation of the frequencies and a wider, deeper soundstage. The treble takes on more detail and is further extended. The bass is also more controlled with a tighter response.

●CCA Trio - The overall sound just has a cleaner, tighter response. The bass is noticeably less pillowy with less reverberation (quicker decay?). There is better separation, and the vocals appear slightly more forward and clear, possibly due to cleaner mid-bass. The detail retrieval is more apparent, and there's a slight increase in the soundstage.

The Cleopatra II OCTA has a consistent effect on all of my iems compared to their stock cables. Most notably, the enhancement of detail retrieval, soundstage, separation, bass control, and treble extension. Now let's refer back to EA's description of the Cleo II and see how my perception compares to their claims. EA states that the Cleo II brings out the best of each driver in "multi-brid" iems. I would say that my personal observations were consistent across all my iems, regardless of the driver type or configuration. In essence, I couldnt hear a noticeably better performance with the SuperMix 4 (DD, BA, Planar, PZT quadbrid) or the DaVinci (2DD, 4BA hybrid) over the S08 (planar) or the Trio (3DD). EA also claims to push "the boundary of the traditional silver sound", while the Cleo II "captures details" and adds a "meatier body and warmth." I would agree with the claims of better detail retrieval, to a certain extent, but not necessarily more body or warmth. As someone who primarily prefers a warmer, laid-back tuning, I would love for the Cleo II to inject more warmth, but I just didn't hear it that way.

I conducted some further comparisons between the Cleopatra II and some of my other upgraded cables. When pitted against my ivipQ 530 and Hakugei Healer cables, I could not discern any audible differences. Those two cables sell for around $100 each on AliExpress. They both have excellent build quality and a premium feel, but they lack modular terminations or interchangeable connections. I want to make it clear that I'm not trying to imply that the Cleopatra II is incapable of producing superior sound quality in comparison to those two cables. However, based on my own perception, I am unable to discern any noticeable differences.

In conclusion:
I'm so grateful for the opportunity to demo one of Effect Audio's TOTL cables. Utilizing an $1800 cable is something I never thought I'd be able to experience, and I want to give a big shout-out to Effect Audio and Sebastian Chui. This tour has helped make me a cable believer. It has confirmed that cables can and do make a sonic difference to my ears. However, those improvements only amount to approximately a 10-15% increase in the overall sound quality. There is also a point of diminishing returns, and for me, that point is around the $100 mark. Through my testing, I could hear a distinct difference between the Cleopatra II and each individual iem's stock cable. But when compared to my other upgraded aftermarket cables, I couldn't hear any discernible difference. I guess I should count myself lucky that I don't feel the need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on cables to get a bump in quality that I can hear. I know my wallet is very appreciative. Am I saying there is no difference between an $1800 cable and a $100 cable? No. I am simply saying that if differences exist, I am unable to perceive them. I will continue to prioritize aesthetics and comfort over sound quality when selecting cables because that is more important to me. For those interested in purchasing the Cleopatra II, I encourage you to do so. Don't let my interpretation hold you back. It remains one of the absolute best quality cables I've tried, and the Con-X and Term-X systems add a ton of versatility. This could very well be the last cable you ever buy. Personally, I’ll stick to spending a bit less. Maybe one of the ~$200 Effect Audio options would be more my speed. Of course, you should not take my word as truth. I am but one humble hobbyist. It's important to recognize that we are all unique individuals with our own preferences and perceptions of sound quality. I encourage everyone to go out and try things for themselves whenever possible. After all, the best way to judge is to listen for yourself.

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - Sound for thee, not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This product was sent to me by Letshuoer in exchange for my honest and impartial review. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own. Non affiliate link here: https://letshuoer.net/products/letshuoer-dt03-headphone-amplifier-portable-high-resolution-dac-amp

Gear used:
● Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
● Samsung dongle
● Hiby FC4
● KiwiEars Allegro
● Various iems

Source:
● Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction:
Letshuoer is a brand known to most audiophiles who have spent a bit of time in this hobby. The company has been consistently releasing a wide range of quality products, including iems, cables, and DAC/amps. A few recent notable releases include the Cadenza4 and S15, which have been well-received by audio community. This year, they celebrate their eighth anniversary and are marking the occasion with some new releases. The dt03 is their latest dongle DAC/amp, but not their first. However, it is the company’s only offering so far with a removable cable. It’s currently available on Letshuoer’s website for $89. Let's see what the dt03 has to offer.

Build, design and features:
The unboxing experience is really nice. The unit itself is small but it comes in a fairly large package. Within the box are 2 smaller boxes, lifting the larger one reveals the dt03 nestled into foam. These boxes hold the manual and paperwork, an 80 cm and 12 cm cable, and a protective case. This is the first DAC/amp that includes both a short and long cable (there's also a USB-C to USB-A adapter). The longer cable is a welcome inclusion, especially for desktop use. The dt03 utilizes dual ES9219C DAC chips and it sports a sleek, handsome design with rounded edges. It has a matte black finish and a long LED indicator light on its face. Although the packaging and design are done well, the build quality of the dt03 itself leaves a bit to be desired. It's made of an aluminum alloy but has somewhat of a cheap feeling in hand. It's hollow and lightweight, which could be a pro for some, but I personally prefer a heavier, sturdier build. The size of the unit is about average and is comparable to others on the market. One end features both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm inputs, and the other features the USB-C port for source connection. The gain switch and volume adjustment controls are both located on the same side of the unit. Unfortunately, the volume buttons are tied to the source and lack independent volume control. This is not ideal for me, as I prefer smaller steps to better tailor the volume level to my needs. The LED light on the front displays various colors to indicate the sampling rate (green for ≤96 kHz, blue for 176.4 kHz or 192 kHz, red for ≥352.8 kHz, and yellow for DSD). I really like the light being a key feature in the design, and it sets the dt03 apart from some of its competitors. The inclusion of a leather case is a welcome feature to protect the body from scratches and dings. It's not a very premium-feeling case, but at least it's something, and I do appreciate it. There's not much to talk about in terms of features. The dt03 doesn't have a companion app or any digital filters, so what you see hear is what you get. Sometimes, simple can be better.

Power consumption:
● The dt03 boasts an output power of 78mW @32ohms (single-ended) and 195mW @ 32ohms (balanced). To test the dt03's power consumption I ran a short trial. With my devices in airplane mode, I let my library play on a medium high volume with high gain enabled, while making sure to limit any unnecessary interaction with the screen. Here is the battery drain results after 1 hour:

18% on LGV30+ through 4.4 and 13% through 3.5.

6% on Galaxy S22 Ultra through 4.4 and 5% through 3.5.

These results were quite impressive to me. The dt03 appears to draw less power from my sources than the other DAC/amps I've reviewed thus far. Lower power requirements mean more listening time!

Sample track breakdown:
These comparisons were made using the dt03 against the Samsung dongle.

● "Too Sweet" - Hozier
The bass in the intro is fuller and more textured and continues to have more weight throughout the track. The snare is slightly subdued but still present, just not as "in your face." The soundstage grows a bit deeper and wider. The dt03 injects a sweetness to the vocals and also shows better separation. Overall, it just sounds a little more mature and refined.

● "Dreams" - Fleetwood Mac
The first snare hit in the intro sounds a little less splashy and more crisp and accurate on the dt03. The bass guitar throughout the track has more rumble, reverberation, and presence. The vocal clarity and separation get a slight bump, allowing nuances to be heard more clearly.

● "Why Georgia" - John Mayer
With the dt03, I hear better vocal separation and a deeper soundstage. The guitar takes on better resolution and definition and sounds more natural. The drums that come in at 1:27 are more dynamic with better slam and texture, yet still not noticeably elevated or colored. The layering of instruments and vocals is taken up a notch, and I can pick up the background vocal harmony more clearly.

I would usually provide more track comparisons, but it became abundantly clear during my testing that the dt03 is very consistent and excels in presenting music in a tonally uncolored way. It has the same effect on my entire library, irrespective of genre. When compared to the Samsung dongle, the dt03 simply sounds more refined, mature, and dynamic. There is a noticeable improvement in resolution, separation, and a slight increase in the soundstage.

Comparisons:
● KiwiEars Allegro - The Allegro presents a more colored sound than the dt03. It accentuates the mid bass slightly over the sub. There is noticeably more energy and air in the highs with an additional crisp and edge to the notes. The Allegro has a slightly reduced soundstage by comparison. While the dt03 includes better accessories, the build quality of the two is comparable, though the Allegro is slightly heavier and smaller in profile.

● Hiby FC4 - The FC4 is more colored and has an organic and analog sound signature, whereas the dt03 is neutral and natural. The FC4 adds a slight bit of warmth and can help smooth out any troublesome peaks. The bass on the FC4 is a little less punchy and dynamic, but it does offer slightly better separation. The build quality is superior, and the FC4 feels more solid and premium with better weight. They are fairly close in size, but the accessories are better on the dt03.

In conclusion:
When Letshuoer first contacted me regarding the dt03, I didnt have much expectations. I'm unfamiliar with their prior releases but the dt03 was a nice surprise and is a wonderful DAC/amp. I was quite impressed at the way it presents a tonally correct and uncolored sound. It's the most natural and neutral option I've tested to date. The dt03 preserves the stock sound of iems while also elevating the technical prowess and dynamics to the next level. There is plenty of power available here, and it had no trouble running everything I threw at it, but it also had the lowest battery drainage too. In truth, I can't say that this is my favorite DAC/amp since I personally prefer a more colored, warmer sound such as the Hiby FC4. However, I will definitely be using the dt03 in my reviews going forward due to it's proficiency in presenting a natural and tonality correct sound. It has become a staple in my audiophile arsenal. While its build quality leaves a bit to be desired and it's light on features, I still give the dt03 a strong recommendation, especially for those who want an uncolored, natural DAC/amp option without breaking the bank.

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This set was provided by Linsoul in exchange for my honest and impartial review. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own. Non affiliate product link:
https://www.linsoul.com/products/intuaura-splendorii

Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
●Kiwi Ears Allegro
●Letshuoer dt03

Source:
Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction:
Intuaura is a relatively unknown iem manufacturer. Through my searching, I found that they only have about five iems on the market today. However, reviews are scarce except for those on their latest product, the Splendor II (there is also an original Splendor). The Splendor II features a single dynamic driver and includes a DSP adapter that offers an alternate tuning to the original analog one. Some members of the audiophile community have expressed their distaste for the practice of including a DSP adapter that "corrects" the tuning from the one offered with a standard cable. My personal opinion is that the inclusion of DSP adapters is acceptable and welcome as long as the analog tuning is also worthwhile. The Intuaura Splendor II is currently available for $259 on Linsoul. Let's break it down and see what value the two tunings hold.


Build, fit, ergonomics:
The unboxing experience is pretty good. It's not extraordinary for the price bracket, but it doesn't feel cheap, though the art on the box isn't the best print quality. Upon opening the box, the iems can be found resting in the foam cutouts. Underneath the foam is a chunky little case that holds the cable and the DSP adapter, a nice offering of tips in a plastic holder, a cleaning cloth, and 4 replacement filters. The shells are made of resin and are well built. They have a decent weight balance and feel good in the hand. The design of the faceplate is simply stunning. The colors are gold and a blue/purple hue that alternates depending on the direction of the light. I think they have an elegant and captivating aestetic, maybe a bit flashy for some. The words "IN" and "VIEW" are printed on the shell. There's also a vent on the side cut out in the shape of the word "VIEW", which is a really neat inclusion. The size of the shell is about average, neither big nor small. The nozzle length and width are also about average and I had no issue with fit or comfort. There is also a small lip on the nozzle to securely hold tips in place. The standard cable is available in either 3.5 or 4.4 terminations, along with the appropriately sized DSP dongle. It's tightly woven and has a decent weight to it, yet it remains pliable and smooth. The provided case is somewhat larger in comparison to the more commonly encountered ones. Its sturdy with a decent build quality and can easily fit 2, maybe 3 iems if there share a single cable. The tips come in a small plastic holder, which is much better than little bags, in my opinion. There are six sets in total: three standard and three wide-bore. I tried the supplied tips, but I found a better fit and seal with my trusty Penon Liqueurs, as usual.


Sound impressions:
The analog tuning features an L-shaped frequency response. The bass shelf is prominent and extensive with boosted upper mids/lower treble. The soundstage is quite expansive with plenty of width and depth. Detail retrieval is slightly below average for the price but still adequate for my tastes. It definitely leans more musical over technical. The separation is good but there is some bass bleed into the mids, which is no surprise due to the large bass shelf. There is adequate dynamics and accurate three dimensional imaging. Vocals and intruments have a natural, realistic timbre. The note weight is just slightly thinner than my preference but I wouldn't characterize it as thin overall.

Using the DSP adapter presents a more balanced tuning over the L-shaped analog. I would characterize the DSP frequency response as neutral/neutral bright. The bass is less in quantity and behaves much better using the DSP adapter. The somewhat pillowy nature of the bass is cleaned up, and the bleed is resolved with improved separation between the bass and mids. The upper mids/lower treble seem to retain their boost from the analog tuning but come through much more prominently with the reduction in bass. The vocals present more forward as well without the large bass shelf. The note weight seems slightly thinner, but there's more air and extension in the treble as well. There is a little more spice and some troublesome notes to my ears using the DSP adapter. I wouldn't necessarily call it sibilance, but the notes sometimes hit my ear with just a twinge too much energy. Neutral/trebleheads will much prefer the DSP tuning, whereas warmth lovers and bassheads will like the analog.

The following impressions were made using the analog tuning, as it better suits my preferences.


●Lows - Obviously L-shaped iems have a lot of bass and this one is no exception. The sub and mid bass are pretty well balanced with neither taking presence over the other. The sub bass has good, deep extension with a decent rumble and reverberation. The texture is somewhat pillowy and soft and the slam isn't very impactful. The weight is thick and syrupy and the speed is also a bit on the slower side. The mid bass extends into the lower mids and there is some bleed but I've definitely heard worse and it's not much of a detriment for me personally. The quantity is abundant but the quality of the bass is a bit lacking. Even though it's not the cleanest or best presentation, it's still enjoyable and makes for easy listening. It's not overbearing and the added warmth gives the tuning a nice musicality that is relaxing and enjoyable.

●Mid - The presentation of the mids is where the analog tuning really shines. The mids present just slightly behind the bass, but I wouldn't say they are necessarily recessed. The upper mids are boosted to combat the big bass shelf but never sound shouty or fatiguing. Vocals are clear, well separated, and just forward enough to feature prominently with most genres. Both male and female artists sound buttery smooth with no hint of sibilance. The timbre and note weight create a sultry, captivating vocal experience. I could (and have) enjoyed the Splendor II's midrange for hours. There is some mid-bass bleed, and the note weight could be just ever so slightly thicker, but I will chalk that up to personal preference. Instruments and vocals can get a bit overshadowed when the bass gets big on certain tracks, but overall, I find the midrange to be excellent and one of the highlights of the analog tuning. It's not perfect, but it has that warm, smooth quality that I find very enjoyable.

●Highs - The treble is quite tame with the analog tuning, which aligns well with my personal preferences. The lower treble is boosted, along with the upper mids, to combat the large bass shelf. However, there are no real troublesome peaks or sibilance to worry about. There is no harshness with breathy vocals, which is something I’m quite sensitive to and watch out for. Cymbals, claps, and hi-hats are noticeable and distinct, yet they maintain reserved and do not detract from the overall warmth of the tuning. The extension and air of the treble do leave something to be desired, though. The treble has a bit of a blunted quality, but I think it really works well for me, as it fits my preferred tuning. The treble is likely to be the weakest aspect of the analog tuning for some, but its polite, mild nature serves me well. It's worth noting that the treble of the DSP adapter might be better suited to your individual preferences.



Splendor II paired with ivipQ 530 cable. The aestetics match so well, it's like they were made for eachother.

In conclusion:
There is just something about the Splendor II that really captivates me. I understand the analog tuning won't be to everyone's liking. It's not the most resolving, has bass that's a little pillowy and soft, and lacks a bit of air and treble extension. But it's also somehow more than the sum of its parts. Despite its flaws, the inherent musicality of the Splendor II wins for me. It is easy to overlook its shortcomings as I became engrossed in the music during extended listening sessions. The enveloping, comforting bass, velvety smooth vocals, and gentle, polite treble are akin to wearing a cozy sweater on a cool evening. The analog tuning suits my preferences better, but both tuning options have their own merits. Adding the DSP adapter takes the Splendor II in a welcome, new direction. I found that the analog pairs best with pop, soft rock/pop, and chillhop, or when I was in the mood for relaxation. The DSP pairs best with classical, rock, and country music, or when I wanted a more detail-focused, lower-volume listening session. The entire package is truly a great value. The shells are well-built and stunningly beautiful, with a unique aesthetic. The cable is smooth and tightly braided, the leather case is sturdy, if not slightly large, and the included tips are commendable. The Splendor II's biggest drawback is that one of its tuning options is locked behind the included USB-C adapter. This was not truly detrimental to my experience as a strictly portable Samsung user, but I can understand the frustrations of those who prefer DAPs or desktop setups, or iPhone users.I still solidly recommend the Splendor II for the right use cases and think it's a fantastic offering from a relatively unknown company. In fact, conducting this review has piqued my interest in trying Intuaura's other products.

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This set was provided by KZ in exchange for my honest and impartial review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Here is the non-affiliate product link for those interested: https://www.kztws.com/products/cca-trio-legendary-3dd-iem

Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
●KiwiEars Allegro

Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction:
If you have been in the world of iems for even a brief period, you have probably heard of Knowledge Zenith (KZ) and its sister company CCA. The brands have been around for over a decade and are well-known for their affordable iems, but they also have a bit of a reputation for quality control issues and for the frequency in which they release products. I had not personally tried any of their products prior to this review but YMMV. The recently released CCA Trio has garnered a lot of hype on Head-fi and other places so I wanted to hear them for myself. The Trio is a pretty unique iem featuring three 8mm dynamic drivers and four tuning switches all for the low price of $30.99 (at the time of this review). Let's break down the sound and see if they set themselves apart in the crowded budget tier.

Build, fit, ergonomics:
The unboxing for the CCA Trio is about as barebones as it gets. The package is small and contains the iems themselves, a 3.5mm cable, 4 sets of tips, and a metal piece to toggle the switches. There is no case or bag included which isn't a big surprise considering the price. The shells are fairly large and made of resin with a metal faceplate. They are slightly on the heavy side but still have a decent weight balance. They actually feel more premium than I expected, and I really like the build quality, although I prefer recessed or flush 2-pin to QDC connectors. The nozzle size is slightly large, and in combination with the big shells, could present fit issues for some. There are 3 pair of silicone tips and 1 foam in the box. These didn't work well for me to create a good, comfortable seal so I opted to use my favorite Penon Liqueurs. The stock cable feels cheap and stiff, so I switched it out for the stock cable from my recently reviewed Simgot EM6L, which also has QDC and matches the Trio's aesthetics pretty well.

Sound impressions:
After playing around with the switches for a good period of time, I found that the UUDD configuration fits my preferences best. All of the following impressions were based on these settings since taking the time to write up every configuration would be an exhaustive effort. That's one of the fun things about the Trio though is that it can be tapered to each individuals preferences to a certain extent. Also the option of being able to adjust the tuning on the fly to suit a particular genre can't be understated.

The UUDD setting accentuates the sub and mid bass and gives the Trio a more L-shaped frequency response. This setting works best for my library which consists mostly of pop, rock, soft pop/rock, and some R&B. The soundstage is decent and definitely admirable for the price. The imaging and dynamic range are decent. Detail retrieval is OK but the Trio is more fun and musical than analytical. The note weight of the bass is fairly thick but the mids and treble are on the thinner side, although not too bad overall.

●Lows - There is more sub bass presence over mid bass. The extension reaches deep and has a nice rumble. The mid bass does have a slight bleed and separation could be better, but it's not bad for the price. There is decent punch and texture. The attack is fast but the decay can linger a bit which leads to a somewhat pillowy and blooming bass impression. It's definitely not a super clean bass presentation but it is really fun and dynamic.

●Mid - Vocals are present but not as forward and separated as I prefer. Male vocals suffer a bit more than female, the latter being less recessed. This is probably due to the mid bass being boosted by the switches and causing some bleed into the lower mids. There are also some timbre issues with vocals and instruments sounding a bit unnatural. It's an issue that should be taken into consideration, even factoring in the low price.

●Highs - Treble is mostly smooth, non fatiguing, and stays out of the way. At least these are my impressions with the setting I used and more treble energy can be added with the switches if desired. Enabling the switch causes the treble to sound artifical and thin to my ears. Keeping the switch in the down position meets my preference and effectively manages any sibilance or troublesome notes. The downside is that the extension and air are pretty mediocre with this setting. Although, it is a worthy sacrifice to maintain a more controlled treble response for my listening preferences.

In conclusion:
Leave your critical listening ears at the door and step into to the fun and bassy world of the CCA Trio. They offer a lot of fun for a small entry fee, and in my opinion, they are just too good to pass up. They do go on sale often (I've seen them as low as ~$20), so it might be worth it to wait if cost is a factor. It's hard to find too much fault in the tuning, especially with 4 switches offering different flavors. However, expectations should be tempered when it comes to the technicalities and accessories. The shells do have a great weight balance and build quality but the cable is pretty mediocre and the tip selection is sparse. I think one of the strongest aspects of the Trio is that it can be adjusted on the fly to suit your needs. Feel like banging your head? Dial up the bass and enjoy! In the mood for a more relaxing session? Turn all switches off and mellow out. Although they may not be the "giant killers" that some have claimed, they are indeed enjoyable and definitely worth consideration. To my ear, they were best suited to rock and pop music. I highly recommend them to anyone that wants a fun budget set for travel, the gym, or just as a backup iem. For me, the CCA Trio are the triple dynamic, bassy budget king.

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This set was provided by HiFiGO in exchange for my honest and impartial review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
●iFi GO bar Kensei

Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.



Introduction:
Timmy from Gizaudio is a pretty well known audiophile YouTuber and reviewer. He has collaborated with different companies in the past to help create and tune 2 different iems. The first was the Letshuoer x Gizaudio Galileo and the second was the more recent Binary x Gizaudio Chopin. Both sets have received a lot of attention and praise from the community. I previously owned the Galileo but I unfortunately was not writing reviews at that time. It's a decent set with beautiful shells but it also released back in early 2023 and the market, tastes, and technology are ever changing. Timmy's third collaboration is with Dunu, a company known to audiophiles for their quality in tuning, build, and accessories. The Dunu x Gizaudio DaVinci features 2 dynamic drivers, 4 custom balanced armature drivers, a 5-way crossover, and is available for $299 on HiFiGO. Like a lot of collaborative projects, this one has built up quite a bit of excitement and anticipation prior to it's release. Let's break down what the DaVinci has to offer and see if it can live up to the hype.



Build, fit, ergonomics:
The unboxing experience is decent for the price. The box is small in size, yet it holds a remarkable collection of accessories. The first thing to see when opening the box are the beautiful shells. They are crafted from resin and feature a wooden faceplate, resulting in a unique appearance for each piece. Given that Leonardo Da Vinci was a renowned artist, I would have assumed that the shells would be hand-painted, but the wood is still an attractive aesthetic choice. The shells and the nozzle are both on the larger side. Fit may be an issue for those with small ears, although I personally found them to fit securely and comfortably for long sessions. They also have a nice weight balance and are not too heavy. They feel good in the hand and have a premium build quality. My one nitpick with the shell design is that the 2 pin connection is very deeply recessed. The stock cable fits securely but it can be an issue for those that like to cable roll. The rest of the contents can be found under the foam holding the shells. The Dunu branded case is well made although it's slightly large but still low profile enough to be pocketable. The material is soft to the touch and the case is sturdy enough to keep the protect the contents. Inside the case are the cable and a plethora of tips. Dunu did not skimp on the accessories with the DaVinci and it really shows. There are 3 different style tips included in the box: the Dunu branded S&S, Candy, and a third round design I haven't seen before. One thing to note is that the S&S and Candy tips can be difficult to fit over the large nozzles. It's a bit of a chore but it can be done with patience and dexterity. I found that the round tips fit on easily and the largest size provided the best seal and comfort for me. This is the first time in awhile that I opted to use the stock tips over my Penon Liqueurs, which is a testament to how good they work for me. The stock cable is also a fantastic inclusion. It's very lightweight and well braided but it does feel a bit rubbery. There are 3 modular terminations included: a 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and interestingly enough, a 6.35mm (1/4inch) plug as well. The modular system on this cable is well engineered and the screw on locking mechanism keeps them securely in place.



Sound impressions:
It's hard for me to categorize the DaVinci's tuning. It's not really U, V, or L-shaped. For lack of a better term, I would describe them as mostly neutral with a healthy bass boost. That may be a contradiction, but the mids and treble are never overpowered by the prominent bass and everything harmonizes exceptionally well. The soundstage is plenty wide with decent depth as well. They have excellent separation while avoiding sounding disjointed or incongruous. The frequency response demonstrates a distinct smoothness across the entire spectrum, while still preserving the integrity of the tuning. The imaging is accurate and the dynamic range is excellent. The detail retrieval is impressive and subtle nuances can be discerned with ease. I wouldn't go so far as to call them "detail monsters," although their performance is still commendable. The emphasis is on musicality rather than critical listening. I usually prefer to use DAC/amps with my iems but the DaVinci are easy enough to drive and can reach loud volume levels without the need for amplification.



●Lows - The low end is tuned quite differently from the two previous Gizaudio collaborations. Based on the graph, I could tell there would be a noticeable elevation in the bass, even before hearing the DaVinci for myself. However, I was completely taken aback at the sheer quality on display here. The bass is substantial, visceral, and voluptuous. It approaches what I would consider "basshead" levels, yet it's done with a sophistication and refinement that avoids coming across as gimmicky. The sub bass reaches deep and there's a fantastic rumble and reverberation. The mid bass has more presence and is the focus over the sub. They exhibit a rich, warm, enveloping quality while still retaining clarity and avoiding any bleed or hindrance to the mid frequencies. The attack is quick with a slightly slower decay, yet it remains well-defined and articulate. It maintains clarity and never sounds pillowy or bloated. I did find myself wanting just a little more sub bass at times but I'm reaching to find criticisms at this point.

●Mids - The DaVinci's bass quality was the first surprise, but the vocals that followed were truly astounding. They have a sultry and alluring quality combined with a natural and organic timbre. There is no thinness or harshness on display here. Instead, the vocals exhibit warmth and emotion while still being articulate and crystal clear. The mids are pushed slightly forward but still maintain a good balance with the other frequencies. Guitars sound natural and plucks and strums have realistic timbre. Female vocals are particularly well-suited to the DaVinci's midrange, delivering a smooth and expansive presentation. Male vocals are slightly less prominent than females but they are still refined and natural. There is a seamless transition from the upper midrange to the lower treble without any harshness or thinness. The midrange presentation of the DaVinci is on par with my favorite vocal iem, the Aful MagicOne. However, the MagicOne has a warmer and more intimate sound and lacks the expansive bass presence of the DaVinci.

●Highs - This is my ideal treble response. The quantity and quality are superb, allowing the other frequencies to take more of the spotlight, yet still remain present with plenty of air and sparkle. The highs are free of any sibilance or piercing notes and they have enough presence to compliment the elevated bass. All instruments sound fantastic but cymbals in particular are splashy and realistic without sounding metallic or artifical. The treble extension is exceptionally well-executed without sounding artificial boosted or unnatural. While the treble isn't really the star of the tuning for me, it never comes across as deficient or an afterthought. The fact that the treble remains clear and concise in conjuction with the voluptuous bass and smooth as silk midrange is a testament to the technical and tuning prowess on display in the DaVinci. I believe the 5-way crossover contributes significantly to the harmony of the frequencies.



In conclusion:
Dunu and Timmy have collaborated to create something truly special in the DaVinci. Like the artist from which it gets its namesake, it is a true work of art in both aestetics and tuning. The deep, impactful bass envelops the listener in a comforting embrace. Not to be outdone, the smooth vocals shine with emotion and clarity. The treble has just the right amount of extension and air to showcase the details without any harshness. I mostly listen to pop, rock, R&B, and soft pop/rock, and for my library, the DaVinci is perfection. The entirety of the accessories are superb as well. The shells are beautifully made, showcasing a natural wood aestetic. The modular cable is well braided and sturdy but also lightweight. The included tips are numerous and the case is very solid and offers great protection. I honestly could not think to include anything that Dunu hasn't thought of already. There's really no deficiencies that I can find and I cannot imagine going up multiple price tiers would be worth the marginal gains. At the cost of $299, I believe they are well worth the price, and this is the peak of diminishing returns for me. Sure, they can be paired with various sources to draw out more nuanced changes, but I believe the stock form is absolutely magnificent. The DaVinci gets a huge recommendation and a full five star rating from this reviewer, as I think they are just sublime.

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This set was provided by Kinera in exchange for my honest and impartial review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Here is the non-affiliated product link: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005485611549.html

Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
●iFi GO bar Kensei

Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction:
Kinera is a brand that has been around for awhile and most of their offerings are in the mid to hi-fi budget tiers. I have not been able to demo any of their sets as of yet but one of the things they are known for is their incredibly beautiful shells. Celest was created as a more budget focused sub-company of Kinera. Most of Celest's releases fall in the <$100 price bracket. Their newest offering is the Pandamon 2.0, a revamp and retune of the original Pandamon from 2022. The new version features Celest's Square planar driver (SPD) 2.0 and a much friendlier, mature aestetic. The MSRP is $59 but they can be found on sale around $45 through Kinera's store on AliExpress. Let's see how this new, refreshed planar stacks up in the busy budget market.


Build, fit, ergonomics:
The unboxing of the Pandamon 2.0 is simple but satisfactory for a set around $50. The box is adorned with some nice artwork. Upon opening it, the earphones and their case can be found nestled comfortably in the foam cutouts. The first thing that catches the eye is the beautiful shells. With the Pandamon 2.0, Celest has wisely opted to update the shell aestetic from the original. The new version ditches the crazed panda for a mature, jewel-like design available in either blue or black. Last year I was interested in purchasing the original Pandamon, but to be honest, the cartoonish panda on the shell was a big turn off. For the 2.0, I opted for the blue and it's a very attractive sapphire color. The design is eye catching and much less polarizing than the original Pandamon. The iems themselves are very lightweight but don't feel fragile. They are small and fit should not be an issue for most. The included cable is a white/silver color that compliments the shells well. It's available in either 3.5 or 4.4mm termination and i always like give credit to companies that offer a choice. It's a serviceable enough cable but does feel a bit cheap and slightly stiff to me. There are 6 pairs of tips provided, 3 are the standard affair and the other 3 are a bit shorter with a wider bore. I wasn't able to get a great, longterm seal with the stock tips so I opted to use my favorite Penon Liqueurs. The carrying case is a nice inclusion. It's small, very pocketable, branded, and soft to the touch. Any case at this price is a welcome addition but this one is particularly great.

Sound impressions:
The Pandamon 2.0 has an elevated midrange with a mostly neutral and tame bass and treble response. The 3D imaging is very nice and one of the highlights of this set. The soundstage is a bit narrow to my ear with the sound projecting just outside the head. I think more extension in the bass and treble would help lend to a wider and deeper stage. The planar drivers are fast and tactile with good attack and quick decay. They do well to keep up with complicated tracks and don't get bogged down. Detail retrieval is good for the price but not the best in this tier. Instrument and vocal timbre are reproduced well and accurately, if not a bit lean and emotionless. The note weight is on the thinner side but not overtly so. The drivers do take to EQ very well if that's your thing (I personally don't use EQ very often as I prefer to hear the true nature of the iem).

●Lows - The bass is present but also feels subdued. The sub bass can extend deep when pushed but it doesnt hit as hard as I'd like. It's fast and articulate but the quantity, texture, and slam is lacking for me. In tracks with double kick bass, I can clearly hear each hit but it didnt create a satisfying rumble. I think this may be a product of the decay being too fast. It's like the presence of each note dies out too quickly to build into a true low end response. This could be part of the characteristic of the planar driver. If that's your bass preference then it will sound good to your ears. Bassheads will definitely need to look elsewhere.

●Mids - This is where the tuning is focused the most. Vocals are clear and concise but do come across a bit dry/cold/clinical. They are mostly uncolored and lifelike in their presentation but are a bit too thin for me to really enjoy them. I find myself missing that vocal character, emotion, and warmth that I crave. Because the upper mids are boosted, they come across as unnatural and lead to somewhat of a "forced clarity ". I think the Pandamon 2.0 will please those that like their vocals forward and uncolored but I personally prefer a warmer and smoother midrange.

●Highs - The treble is mostly subdued to make room for the elevated upper midrange. There is a bit of air and sparkle but it does feel sort of muted. To the Pandamon 2.0s credit I don't hear any sibilance or shrillness. Snares and cymbol crashes are clear and bright but still inoffensive. There's not a lot to be said about the treble here other than it's polite and subdued. Trebleheads keep looking because there isn't really much here for you.

Summary:
The Celest Pandamon 2.0 is a very capable set and I think that it's competitively priced. Regrettably, it's best features and qualities are things that don't really appeal to me personally. The SPD 2.0 has a fast bass response, clear note separation, and great imaging. My issues are more with the tuning. The subdued bass quantity leaves me wanting and the elevated upper midrange and vocals can come across a bit cold and emotionless. The treble is actually good for me since I am sensitive to sibilance and I didn't hear any, although the extension could be better. So who is the Pandamon 2.0 for? I think it'd be a great set for those craving a more neutral bass and treble presentation in favor of elevated mids. Perhaps it could benefit vocal purists that prefer a less colored midrange. The fast attack and quick decay might be good for music mixing and gaming, although these aren't really in my wheelhouse so take with a big grain of salt. This is not a bad set by any means and I can still appreciate them for what they offer. Unfortunately, it's just that what they do offer doesn't really fall within my personal preferences. I will say that Celest should be proud of what they have created. I truly do believe there is an audience out there that will enjoy the Pandamon 2.0 and I can recommend them if my description lines up with your preferences.

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This set was provided by Fiio in exchange for my honest and impartial review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Gear used:
● LG v30+
● Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
● Samsung dongle
● Hiby FC4
● Kiwi Ears Allegro
● iFi GO bar Kensei

Source:
Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction:
The Fiio brand needs little introduction. They were founded way back in 2007 and are known to most audiophiles worldwide. Based out of China, they produce many portable and desktop products ranging from DAC/amps all the way to iems, earbuds, and over-ear headphones. The JH5 is one of Fiio's more recent additions, debuting earlier this year. It's sports a hybrid configuration consisting of a single 10mm dynamic driver and 4 custom balanced armature drivers, 2 for mids and 2 for highs. It's currently priced at $79.99 on Fiio's own site and is also available through Amazon. Let's see how this model stacks up in today's increasingly crowded market.


Build, fit, ergonomics:
The JH5 comes in a nice shiny silver box that looks more expensive than it is. The iems are nestled inside foam cutouts and the accessories are in a small box underneath. The JH5 are available in 2 color options: opaque shells with a black faceplate or clear shells with a silver faceplate. The shell are a semi-custom shaped resin and the faceplate is a contoured metal with "Fiio" imprinted on each. The shells are lightweight and the nozzle length and width are about average. There is a large vent located on the back of each shell so there's no fear of pressure build up. For me, this is one of the most comfortable iems I've had to date, even for extended listening periods. The stock cable is well braided but does feel a bit cheap, stiff, and unruly. It doesnt match the quality feel of the iems themselves and unfortunately it's only available in 3.5mm. I prefer to use 4.4mm so for my impressions I subbed it out for the Penon PAC480 cable. Inside the box are 6 pairs of silicone tips, 3 black and 3 clear. The black tips are a bit longer than the clear so those needing a deeper insertion will probably opt for the former. The stock tips are serviceable but I opted to use my Penon Liqueur tips as I prefer the slightly sticky texture to get a better seal. The plastic case that accompanies the JH5 is Fiio's HB11 stackable storage solution. I was a bit confused by its inclusion as it's basically useless for travelling. It functions more like a drawer than a case and it has a lego-like structure for stacking multiple units together. It would make a nice desktop or shelf storage display, but I'd personally rather have a traditional zipper case included in the box.


Sound impressions:
I would characterize the JH5 as having a somewhat U-shaped profile. The tuning is slightly warm with a healthy mid bass boost, although it's not basshead set. The soundstage has good width and depth with vocals positioned slightly forward. Both the bass and treble are fairly well extended which also lends to the expansion of the soundstage. They lean more musical over resolving, but don't get me wrong, there is still plenty of detail to be heard. Though keep in mind, it's not on par with class leaders like the Simgot EA500LM. There is good note separation but the frequencies still remain cohesive. Its not a super dynamic set nor does it have what I'd call a "fun" or "exciting" tuning. However, the frequencies are beautifully tuned and well balanced creating an elegant, mature sound profile. I could listen to the JH5 for hours without any fatigue. The note weight is not heavy but it does have plenty of heft and warmth. They are easy enough to drive and can reach high volumes without amplification but a little extra power helps bring out their full potential.


●Lows - The sub bass is well extended and has good rumble. The mid bass has ample slam and is slightly more prominent than the sub bass, adding a touch of warmth. The lower frequencies are punchy and well textured. The attack is fast with a slightly lingering decay. There is decent reverberation and presence in the bass but it remains free from sounding bloated or blooming. The bass and mids are well separated and mostly stay in their own lane. Even with the elevated midbass there is little to no bleed to my ear.

●Mids - The mids are prominent without detracting from either the bass or treble. Vocals are slightly pushed forward but the tuning still remains mostly balanced. Vocals present a natural, organic timbre and an alluring charm. Both male and female artists exhibit a lifelike quality with no hint of shout, nasally tone, or harshness. Instruments such as piano, strings, brass, and guitar also possess very natural timbre. The JH5's midrange is definitely a highlight of the tuning, as it exhibits a musical and well-balanced profile. It's not a vocal specialist like the Aful MagicOne but there's still plenty here to love.

●Highs - Treble is well extended for the price. It's not the best but it also doesn't feel claustrophobic or lacking air and sparkle. Again, there is a good balance here with the other frequencies. The biggest praise that I can laud on the treble presentation is that they are airy and open without any hint of sibilance. Even at high volumes with tracks that typically trouble me, the treble remains bright and crisp with no issues. Cymbals, hi-hats, snares, and claps all have a distinctive edge but still sound correct and inoffensive. For me, this is treble done very well. To be fair, I do consider myself to be more sensitive than most. To my ears the JH5 presents fantastic, airy highs with no sibilance anywhere. The tuning does lean just slightly brighter than my usual preference, and the treble extension could be better, but those are my only minor nitpicks.


Softear Volume and Fiio JH5 size and shape comparison.

In conclusion:
Fiio has a sleeper hit on their hands! This one is flying under the radar and not being talked about enough. The JH5 is resolving while still being musical. It boasts a wide and deep soundstage and excellent separation and note weight. The bass is impactful, the vocals are forward and organic, and the treble is detailed and airy without sibilance. For me, the tuning is fantastic and pretty much lands right within my personal preferences. The ergonomic shape and build quality of the shells is also top notch. If the stock cable wasn't so stiff and the case was more tranditional, I'd have to declare the JH5 to be the complete package. As it stands, those minor flaws are holding me back from awarding it a full 5 stars. However, if you're able to overlook the shortcomings of the accessories, you'd be hard pressed to find a better value in this price bracket. If you have a nice cable to roll and an alternative storage solution, the JH5 could just become your daily driver. It's mature tuning and comfortable, easy fit should satisfy most consumers. The JH5 also bear a striking resemblance to my current favorite iem, the Softears Volume. The shape and size of the shells, the overall build quality, and the tuning are pretty similar. The Volume is priced at $285 and features 2 less BA drivers, but it's also important to note that it released 2 years earlier. The fact that the JH5 can compete with a set over 3 times more in cost is quite telling of the increase in iem quality over the last couple of years. The market is now moving at breakneck speed and shows no signs of slowing anytime soon. It's a great time to jump into the audiophile world as high quality sound is now more accessible than ever. In conclusion if this review hasn't made it clear, I'm a big fan of the JH5. They get a very enthusiastic recommendation from me and at $79.99, it's an absolute no-brainer. They're definitely one of the best iems I've heard under $250. Congratulations to Fiio for a job well done!

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This set was provided by Simgot in exchange for my honest and impartial review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
● Kiwi Ears Allegro
● iFi GO bar Kensei

Source:
Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction:
Simgot is a Chinese manufacturer that's become a very prevalent player in the lower budget tiers the last couple of years. Some of their offerings include the EA1000, EW200, and EA500LM, all of which have garnered a lot of praise and attention. They have even recently branched out and released a dongle DAC/amplifier as well. The EM6L, also called Phoenix, is a hybrid iem composed of a single dynamic driver and 4 custom balanced armature drivers. It debuted in the late summer of 2023 and has received mostly positive reviews. It is currently available on Simgot's website and Amazon for $109.99. Let's see if the Phoenix soars above other offerings in today's market.



Build, fit, ergonomics:
The unboxing of the EM6L is quite satisfactory considering the price point. The packaging exudes a sense of elegance and quality. Upon opening the box, the earphones are neatly nestled in the foam cutouts. Beneath them, a smaller box contains the zipper carrying case, the cable, and three pairs of silicone tips. The shells are black in color and are composed of solid resin with a metal faceplate. They feature an understated, elegant, and mature design. The EM6L faceplates feature the Simgot logo on one and the Phoenix symbol on the other. They utilize QDC connectors which is a bit of a letdown. In my opinion, the shells would look much better and more sleek with flat 2 pin connections. They are very lightweight and easy to wear for long periods but they don't quite feel as sturdy or premium as the EA500LM or even the EW200. The metal nozzle is maybe a bit on the wide side but the fit and insertion depth for me is perfect. Unfortunately, they don't have a lip for the tips to grab onto, although I had no issues with tips staying in place. There are only 3 generic silicone tips included which is pretty mediocre for a set upwards of $100. For audiophiles like me who tend to try a variety of tips, it's not a big deal, but I still think it's best to include more than the bare minimum for the average consumer. I found the best fit and seal using my trusty large size Penon Liqueur tips (seriously I can't recommend these enough, they are fantastic). The stock cable is similar to the one included with the EA500LM but with QDC connectors instead of the standard 2 pin. It's a serviceable enough cable but it feels a bit thin and rubbery for my tastes. A solid black cable would have paired really well with the shell aestetic. There is also a generic, black, semi-rigid zipper case in the box. It's a nice inclusion but the addition of either the Phoenix or Simgot emblems to the case would have been a great way to take it up a notch.


Sound impressions:
The frequency response of the Phoenix graphs very close to the H2019 target curve. It's essential a V-shaped profile with a boost in the bass and upper mids/lower treble with a fairly well extended treble roll off. The soundstage width is above average with nice depth as well. Detail retrieval is excellent for the price tier. It's not on the same level as the EA500LM but definitely better than a lot of sets in the same price range. The EM6L have a very musical and engaging tuning but still have great details. They are fairly easy to drive but will need extra power to get to very high volumes and they do scale well.

●Lows - The sub bass doesnt extend super low as the Phoenix features a more mid bass focused tuning. A bit more sub bass rumble would be welcome but to my ears it is sufficient as it stands. The bass is punchy with a good rumble and texture. There is fast attack and the decay could be consider a bit on the slow side. This can lead to the bass lingering a bit long on busier tracks where the decay isnt long enough for each thump to quite end before the next begins. There is minimal bleed into the lower mids but I think my nitpicks would have been alleviated with slightly better separation. The bass presentation isn't muddy or blooming per se but I think just draws my attention and is more prominent at times. To my surprise, I actually found that the bass can be ever so slightly fatiguing over longer sessions due to this constant mid bass energy. Although that will really depend on the musical genre of choice and each individuals affinity for mid bass. For me it never really detracted top much from the music and the mid bass adds a nice warmth to the overall tuning that I enjoy.

●Mids - The upper mids/lower treble is accentuate but stays clear of being shouty or overbearing. Vocals are very smooth and slightly pushed forward, females a bit more so compared to males due to the prominent midbass. I typically prefer a vocal presentation that's better seperated from the midbass but overall I really enjoyed the vocals on the Phoenix and there's little to complain about here. The timbre of instruments and vocals is mostly natural and organic with a very slight, occasional BA timbre. I couldnt hear it that often so for me it's easily overlooked. Theres plenty of details and nuances to be heard but overall it leans towards a more musical presentation over a resolving one.

●Highs - Treble is elevated to balance the boosted bass frequencies. There is good extension with plenty of air and sparkle for me, but trebleheads will most likely be asking for more. Sometimes the edges of certain words and notes have a bit more energy and could be considered slightly harsh but it doesn't quite approach true sibilance. Again, I could pick up on some slight BA timbre, mostly on string instruments and percussion but still an enjoyable presentation. To my ear, the note weight does present a bit thin on some tracks but that could just be my preference for warmth.


In conclusion:
In folklore, the phoenix is said to rise from the ashes to be reborn. In a similar vein, the EM6L has proven to be a transformative experience. Other Simgot iems that I've tried tend to have a brighter sound signature, which doesn't align with my personal preferences. As a result, the EM6L has reignited my curiosity in the brand. There is very little to complain about with its mature tuning. The bass is fun and punchy, the mids are mostly clean with excellent vocal timbre, and the treble is well extended without being sibilant. The soundstage is large and the detail retrieval is great, though not quite on par with the EA500LM. The little nitpicks I do have are the occasional BA timbre, the separation between bass and mids could be better defined, and the shells and stock cable could be of higher quality. Also, the extra midbass presence can be a bit much at times but this is still my favorite Simgot to date. The extra warmth in the low end goes a long way to tame the highs without losing their extension and sparkle. In my opinion, they sound great for pop, rock, R&B, and soft rock/pop. I also think they are a decent enough all-rounder too, as long as you don't find the extra mid bass thump too fatiguing. I give the EM6L a solid recommendation. In my opinion, the Simgot Phoenix has risen and allows the music to soar.

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This set was provided by TRN in exchange for my honest and impartial review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
●Kiwi Ears Allegro

Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction:
TRN has been a player in the budget iem market for a few years. The Conch is one of their more recent sets and features an absolutely crazy amount of accessories for the low price of $35. It utilizes a single 10mm DLC dynamic driver. The ultra-budget tier is growing everyday with releases from companies like KZ/CCA and newcomers alike. Let's see how the value of the Conch stacks up in today's market.

Build, fit, ergonomics:
The Conch has a pretty great unboxing experience for the price. Once opened, the iems can be seen seated in the foam insert and the puck style case contains the modular cable. Under the foam, you'll find 7 sets of tips, the modular terminations for the cable, and the metal holder with attached tuning nozzles. That's a lot of accessories for a set costing less than $100 and almost unheard of for a set under $50. The shells are made from machined stainless steel and have a very hearty build quality. They are shaped like a Conch shell (ingenius) and have a nice weight balance. My only complaint is that the mirror finish is prone to fingerprints and scratches. The stock cable is great and the fact that it's modular and comes with 3 terminations is quite surprising at this price. It is well braided, soft, and doesn't tangle easily. I do wish that it utilized a standard 2 pin connection over the QDC style though so it could be used with a greater number of iems. The Conch come equipped with the "Reference" nozzle and the other 2 pairs are attached to the metal card for easy storage. The metal hockey puck case is not my favorite carrying solution but even having a case at this price is an added bonus. One pair of tips is foam, three pairs of the tips are the generic silicone style, and the other three pairs are TRN's own T-Ear tips, which are really great for getting a good seal. There is really nothing to complain about when it comes to the fit for me either. The insertion depth is adequate and the large T-Ear tips provided a good seal. Overall the quality of everything in the box is exceptional.

Sound impressions:
My listening impressions were made using the "Reference" tuning nozzle, a U-shaped frequency response with elevated bass and upper mids/ lower treble. This is the nozzle that I found most enjoyable for my preferences, if not a little on the bright side. I'll briefly describe the other 2 nozzles as well. The "Transparency" nozzle is mostly the same as Reference but with a touch more brightness, which was too much for me. The "Atmospheric immersion" nozzle sounded a bit boring and flat due to the reduced upper mids/lower treble but still exhibited some sibilance from the upper treble which I definitely didn't like. Using the "Reference" nozzle, I found the soundstage to be average in width with nothing sticking out of place or congested. The note seperation and detail retrieval are just OK, falling behind some other similarly priced sets like the Simgot EW200. Things can get congested on busier tracks. The note weight is a bit on the thinner side but not too bad overall. More warmth would have been welcome but again that aligns more with my personal taste.

●Lows - Bass won't jump out and grab you but it's definitely present when called for. The bass does extend fairly deep but the mid bass is missing thump leading to a more sub bass focused presentation. There is a fairly fast attack but the decay lingers a bit too long in my opinion and has a somewhat unnatural reverberation. This can lead to the timbre sounding odd and the bass presenting as unkempt and messy with at times especially on busy tracks. I was really missing that mid bass weight in a lot of testing. There is no bleed but the midbass just doesn't have enough presence for me and sounds a bit anemic.

●Mids - Vocals have enough separation to be clearly heard but I wouldn't say they are necessarily pushed forward nor are they recessed. To my ear they sound on the same level as the bass and treble and everything has a great balance. Guitar, piano, and other instruments have a realistic timbre and sound correct. Both male and female vocals sound great overall but are slightly on the thinner side. Some more lushness and warmth would help here in my opinion.

●Highs - My main complaint with the Conch is that the treble can be a bit hot and fatiguing. To be fair I consider myself more sensitive than most in this department so YMMV. To my ear, there is some slight sibilance on "t" and "s" notes as well as snares, high hats, cymbals, and claps. It is definitely not the worst offender I've ever heard in this department so I can forgive the tuning a bit. The treble does seem to roll off earlier than I'd like and it loses a bit of airiness but not too much. Because of this, some of those higher notes (cymbals, high hats, and snares) can sound a bit blunted. Overall the treble is well done if not slightly bright for my preference.


Summary:
If you can find the Conch on sale for ~$25, just hit the buy button! The overall value here is pretty insane. A modular cable and 3 tuning nozzles for under $50 is already unheard of but for half that price? It's a no brainer. The cable is nicely braided, supple, and doesn't tangle easily. Buying the Conch for the modular cable alone is worth it and you could consider the iem itself to be an added bonus. My only real complaint is the QDC connectors which limits the other iems that you can use the cable with. There are also 3 tuning nozzles but realistically only offering 2 distinct tunings. However, for only ~$25, it's worth it just to have an ultra budget set that offers tuning variety. The "Reference" tuning is no slouch though. It's has a nice musical balance and is really great for those that listen to a bit lower volume to avoid any troublesome treble peaks. I give the Conch a very strong recommendation! They are worth a purchase just to have a decent set for traveling, commuting, taking on walks or to the gym, really anywhere you wouldn't fret losing more expensive iems.

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Highly recommended
☆☆☆ - Sound for thee, not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This set was provided by EPZ in exchange for my honest and impartial review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
●Kiwi Ears Allegro

Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction:
EPZ Audio is a Chinese based company that produces a variety of audio products including iems, cables, TWS, and even DAC/amplifiers. The Q1 Pro is one of their newer offerings, debuting earlier this year. It sports a single LCP+PU 10mm dynamic driver and retails for $37 but can be found on sale for ~$30. The ultra budget tier is growing everyday and it's becoming harder for companies to set themselves apart. I'll break down what the Q1 Pro offers and see if their value holds up against the competition.

Build, fit, ergonomics:
The EPZ Q1 has a very good build quality, especially for their price. The shells are made of 3D printed solid resin with a very attractive hand painted blue faceplate. The nozzle is metal and feels sturdy although for me I would have liked it to be longer for a slightly deeper insertion. The form factor is very small and ergonomically shaped and should fit most ears well. The quality of the stock cable is just okay; it's a little too thin and gets somewhat unwieldy after the split. The accessories are pretty sparse as there are only 3 sets of silicone tips and a small carrying bag inlcuded. I found that the Dunu S&S tips worked best for me to get a deeper insertion and seal.

Sound impressions:
The tuning profile for the Q1 Pro is closest to the Harman target. The soundstage is average for the price but is limited due to the lack of treble extension. Technical performance is not great as it's lacking in micro dynamics and details; however, this set is geared towards being more musical than detailed. The timbre is mostly correct but can sound a bit artifical on certain tracks. The note separation is good and frequencies mostly stay in their own lanes. The note weight is on thinner side and I would have prefered it to be a bit thicker for more warmth. They are easy to drive and can get to loud volumes with just a simple dongle but they do benefit from extra power. For me, I found that they paired best with the Kiwi Ears Allegro.

●Lows - Bass is not the focus of the Q1 Pro's tuning. There is more sub bass presence over mid bass. I personally would have liked more mid bass for a meatier punch and thump and more overall cohesion. The sub bass extension is adequate for the price but they do lack some low end rumble. The bass is fast with quick decay and doesn't overstay its welcome. As it stands, they are free of any bass bleed leaving the mids open and free to stand on their own.

●Mid - The upper mids are boosted leading to a more forward vocal presentation. The timbre is mostly natural and organic but I did find some intermittent unnatural quality to vocals and instruments alike on some tracks. It just sounds a bit thin and artifical at times but not enough to distract from the overall enjoyment of most vocal performances. At high volumes they can start to get a litte fatiguing due to a slight harshness on "s" and "sh" notes on some tracks.

●Highs - Since the overall tuning leans warm, the treble extension is not great and they roll off a bit early. Although I would like more air up top, there is still enough sparkle for the highs to have a good presence. To be honest, they sound overall blunted, and a bit lackluster in quality and quantity. But in doing so, they stay free of troublesome notes like splashy cymbals, hi hats, snares, and claps. Trebleheads will not be happy with the quality found here but those that are sensitive (myself included) won't find much to complain about.

Summary:
At the current price of $37, the EPZ Q1 Pro is a solid contender in the ultra budget tier. This set doesn't really do anything wrong but neither does it do enough to set itself apart from some of the heavy hitters in the same price bracket. They have a better build quality and cable than the 7Hz Zero 2, but are also more expensive. The tuning is much more relaxed than the Simgot EW200, but also not as detailed. The inoffensive tuning will please most but bass/treble heads will need to look elsewhere. The thing that the Q1 Pro has over some other similarly priced sets is the solid, lightweight build quality. The inclusion of better accessories would have elevated the overall value and pushed it to a higher rating. As it stands, I think the Q1 Pro are best suited for those looking for a relaxed tuning with an attractive, well built shell. They would be great as a daily driver for commutes or an extra set to keep at the office.

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Best in class/buy it now
☆☆☆☆ - Highly recommended
☆☆☆ - Sound for thee, not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This product was purchased by me and all opinions are my own.

Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
●Kiwi Ears Allegro
●iFi GO bar Kensei

Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction:
Rose Technics is a Chinese audio company founded way back in 2012. They have been gaining popularity lately due to their TWS and now their iems are also gaining recognition. The QuietSea features a single 10mm dynamic driver and it might look familiar to some keen audiophiles. The shell was manufactured in collaboration with iKKO who uses the same design for their own OH2 model. The QuietSea debuted in 2023 in the increasingly crowded budget tier. They are currently available for $49.99 on Amazon and AliExpress. Let's break down what they offer and see if they can hold their own against some stiff competition.

Build, fit, ergonomics:
RoseTechnics did not hold back on the quality of the packaging. The QuietSea unboxing experience is very nice for $50 and better than a lot of >$100 sets out there. The inclusion of a branded zipper case is much appreciated as well. The stock cable, available in 3.5mm or 4.4mm termination, is one of the best stock cables I've seen with any iem under $200. It's definitely on the chunkier side but it's also soft, nicely braided, does not tangle easily, and has metal finishes that add to the premium feel. Seriously, I would buy this cable separately and be happy to use it with some of my other iems. But unfortunately the QuietSea utilizes MMCX whereas all my current iems are standard 2 pin, which I much prefer. The inclusion of an MMCX removal tool is nice though and should help protect the connectors. The shells are fairly small and low profile, are made of a mix of metal and plastic, and have a decent weight balance. Although they feel sturdy and have a good build quality, the design is not really my style. The nozzle is oval shaped and on the shorter side which did cause some fit issues for me. The included oval tips are too short and flimsy to create a good seal. I found a more secure fit with the Penon Liqueur tips and was then able to wear them without much issue.

Sound impressions:
I would describe the QuietSea as having a U-shaped profile, as both the bass and upper mids/lower treble are boosted above neutral. The low end leans more towards mid bass than sub bass but the extension is adequate. The treble rolls off early leading to a slightly warmer sound overall. The soundstage width is decent with mostly correct placement of instruments/vocals although the layering is just average. Detail retrieval is average for the price and on par for most sub $100 sets not made by Simgot. The note weight of the mids/highs leans thin to my ear and is a contrast to the meatier, thicker midbass. They are pretty easy to drive and don't require any amplification to get to high volume levels.

●Lows - The bass has a prominent mid bass thump so those looking for subwoofer-like punch and extension will be disappointed. Bass is fast and its decay is short so it has no trouble keeping up with complicated tracks. The mid bass is well controlled and stays free from bleed. I would have liked to hear more sub bass and even a bit more mid bass to really set the QuietSea apart in the crowded budget market. I don't think it needs to reach basshead levels but more rumble and punch would be welcome especially to counter the elevated upper mids/lower treble.

●Mid - Vocals are positioned slightly forward on genres like soft pop, soft rock and present more balanced in pop, rock, and R&B. At higher volumes, vocals can have an edge or sibilance making them harsh due to the boosted upper mid/treble frequencies. They in turn can sound artifical and the timbre can present as a bit mettalic/thin. I would have liked more warmth and note weight to give vocals an organic quality. Instruments like guitars and piano have a bit better timbre but still don't sound quite right to my ear.

●Highs - As stated earlier, treble lacks extension and rolls off too early to allow high notes room to roam. In essence the highs can sound somewhat blunted. More air and sparkle would be welcome to lead to a more open and engaging soundstage. Cymbal crashes, high hats, and claps can be troublsome and sibilant on some tracks. There is also some sibilance, most notably on "s" notes, when volume is higher leading to a harsh and irritating vocal presentation.

Summary:
When I hear the name QuietSea, it brings to mind a calm, deep, dark ocean. When translating that image to sound, I imagine a low end that extends deep, a wide open soundstage, and a warm frequency response free of any troublesome peaks. For $50 the QuietSea mostly delivers on this vision but I personally found some troublesome "waves" in the form of underwhelming bass/treble extension, thin note weight, and occasional sibilance. That's really my biggest complaint of what Rose Technics has presented here. I think if the upper mids and treble were toned down slightly it would avoid any sibilance and present a warmer overall tuning that I wouldn't be able to put down. To be fair, I would consider myself more treble sensitive than the average listener so YMMV. The fit could also be troublesome to some due to the short, oval nozzles but the included accessories for this price bracket are pretty great; I'd easily pay $25 for the stock cable alone. If you can overcome it's shortcomings, the QuietSea is definitely worth consideration. At the $50 price tag, it holds good value in the very crowded budget tier. Heck, if you find it on sale, consider buying it just for the cable and case and consider the iem a free inclusion.

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This set was provided for a trial period through the Watercooler tour. Shoutout to Bloom Audio for providing the Bonneville and to @Rockwell75 for coordinating the tours.

Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●iFi GO bar Kensei
●Kiwi Ears Allegro
●Hiby FC4

Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction:
Campfire Audio (CFA) is a US company based out of Portland, OR that has garnered a reputation for uniquely tuned iems that mostly veer away from the standard targets. Their arguably most popular and well renowned set is the Andromeda but they manufacture many other cult favorites (Trifecta, Supermoon, and Solaris to name a few) and even full sized headphones. The Bonneville debuted in 2023 as part of the Chromatic series which also features the Cascara, Ponderosa, and an updated Supermoon. It sports a hybrid configuration featuring a 10mm dynamic driver and 3 custom balanced armatures, 1 for mids and 2 for highs. They are currently available on the Campfire Audio website for $1399.99. That's definitely no chump change and there are no shortage of amazing options at that price and below. Let's see if the sound and overall value warrant the asking price.

Build, fit, ergonomics:
Keep in mind that this particular set was provided as part of a tour and did not include the retail box or tips but everything else is stock. The Bonneville comes packaged with a 3.5mm cable and 2 mesh storage bags, 1 large and 1 small. The shells are available in classic black or a vibrant pink. The tour set provided is the pink variety and I have to admit it is quite fetching. It's not a color I would normally choose for myself but it's a fun and unique look that fits well with CFA's Chromatic theme. The shells have a semi-custom contour and shape and are constructed of resin with a stainless steel faceplate and nozzle. They are a bit bulky in profile but have a nice sturdy build quality and a great weight balance. The nozzle length is adequate but I would have liked it to be slightly longer for a deeper insertion. The included mesh bags are a pretty mediocre storage option at this price point. The small one has seperate pockets for each iem which offers a little protection but the large one is just a catch-all zipper pouch. I would honestly expect to see a hard case of some kind. Since I didn't have access to the stock tips, I went with my trusty Penon Liqueurs and was able to get a comfortable fit and good seal. The noise isolation is very good and I could hear little of the goings-on around me even with no music playing. Like all of CFA's iems, the Bonneville utilizes MMCX connections. I personally much prefer the standard 2 pin connection but YMMV. The stock cable is CFA's own Time Stream Chromatic cable that retails seperately for $79.99. It's not the standard braided style that I like but the flat, side-by-side wires is a unique look. The housing on the connectors and the chin slider are plastic, the cable itself feels very cheap and low quality, and the bundled cable is only available in 3.5mm termination. Well that's not entirely true; for an additional $200 you can add the "Deluxe" accessory package to your purchase (that's now a $1599.99 price tag). That includes a leather carrying case and 2 additional Time Stream cables in 4.4mm and 2.5mm terminations. The quality of the stock cable is completely juxtaposed to the quality of the iems themselves; it's like selling a luxury car with hubcabs. I have purchased many ChiFi cables at half the price of CFA's Time Stream cable that have vastly better build quality. For an iem retailing at $1399, I would expect metal housing on the connectors and modular terminations at the absolute minimum. Honestly, I'd expect to see the stock cable paired with a >$100 iem and even then I'd swap it out for something better. To be perfectly blunt, the stock cable and overall accessories included with the Bonneville is insulting. I understand that those looking to shell out $1400 for iems probably have other cables they can swap out or even prefer; however, including cheap and inferior accessories based on that assumption is not good business practice and undermines the quality of the product as a whole.



Sound impressions:
The closest profile to my ears is a u-shape with a healthy bass shelf. There is obviously a ton of low end here but it can approach overbearing and border on gimmicky at times. Pair that with a harsh, grating treble and the product of the tuning is just so strange. Theres a lot of warmth in the low end and even in the recessed midrange but the treble has thin note weight leading to an unnatural presentation. For me It's almost an incoherent tuning that doesn't work at all. I commend Campfire Audio on trying something outside of the box and experimenting with tuning but this is a big miss in my book. If the treble was warmer and less harsh then I think the overall tuning would be more coherent. Yes that tuning might be considered too warm for some, but I think it'd at least be more consistent in presentation across the entire frequency spectrum. The soundstage has good depth but just average width and comes across as intimate on some tracks. Detail retrieval is good but not the most resolving set. It doesn't really aim to be though as it's focused more towards musical enjoyment than critical listening. To my ears it plays very few genres well, most notably orchestra/classical and live performances. But it can be adequate with some R&B, rock, and pop too depending on the listener's level of treble sensitivity. String instruments ranging from stand up bass all the way to violin sound fantastic and have a natural timbre. To their credit, they a very easy set to drive and do not require amplification to get to loud levels so a simple dongle will suffice.

●Lows - Bass is definitely the focal point of the tuning and there's a large bass shelf. The punch and dynamics are good and it feels vivacious and powerful. It's very big and bold but often times I found it to be too thick and syrupy, bleeding into the lower mids quite a bit. For orchestral music the bass reverberates and adds to the weight of the notes but is not overwhelming. Bass strings, brass instruments, and percussion feel heavy and visceral mimicking a live performance. With pop music the elevated bass shelf can present as bloated and intrusive. It has a bit better presentation with rock music where guitars provide a better balance with such a large bass. It's fairly quick and keeps up well in complicated tracks but the decay lingers too long leading to a heavy-handed presentation. In short, it's big and dirty which some listeners might enjoy.

●Mid - Vocals are clear but definitely won't blow anyone away with their presentation on the Bonneville. This is not a vocal forward set. They aren't necessarily recessed but they can sure feel that way when the bass is overpowering. They never come off shouty which is a plus but I do prefer a more vocal forward presentation without mid bass intrusion. Female vocals do a better job of setting themselves apart than their male counterparts. Guitars have a realistic timbre as do piano, violin, and other instruments.

●Highs - The treble is elevated to contrast the large bass shelf. I personally prefer a warmer overall presentation but I understand why CFA wanted to increase the highs so as to balance against the boosted bass and not lose out entirely on upper end detail. Due to this increase though, there is a sharpness and harshness to certain notes, particularly the edges of "s", "sh", and "t" present sibilant at times. Snares, claps, high hats and cymbals can be piercing and splashy too. The timbre can often sound unnatural due to the boosted treble. The note weight is on the thinner side and comes off a bit cold which is a striking contrast from the very thick weighted bass. It's quite an incoherency to my ears. I personally enjoy my music at a farily high volume which may be why I can hear more of a harshness in the treble than some I have talked to about the Bonneville. When I lower the volume, the treble presentation does sound much more even, smoothing out troubled areas. However, I have never been nor will I ever be a low-medium volume listener and I don't want to have to change the way I prefer my music to gel with any headphone or iem.

Summary:
Ultimately, I give the Bonneville 3 stars which on my rating chart means "there are buyers, but not for me". So who is this set for? Bassheads? Well, yes and no. In terms of shear amount, it's one of the biggest basses I've heard in an iem but it's also not the cleanest presentation. Is it for vocal purists? The mids arent forward enough to set themselves apart from the bass at times and there's some harshness and sibilance at higher volume levels. How about trebleheads? I don't think any treblehead worth their salt would want that bass shelf. So who will get the most from them? For someone who's library caters to what the Bonneville does best and who enjoys a lower listening volume, I think they might be able to find a lot of enjoyment here. But even then, their price to performance ratio is too low and I can't recommend them outright. The superb build quality of the shells is self-evident but the pitiful stock cable and lack of a hard case undermine the overall value and are abysmal at the $1400 asking price. Seriously, there are sets retailing for a tenth of that cost touting better accessories. Personally I was very underwhelmed and disappointed auditioning my first CFA iem. For anyone that enjoys them, I'm glad you found something that works for you. I'm not here to dissuade anyone from making a purchase and can only write about how my ears interpret the sound. The thing I love most about this hobby is how everyone hears things differently. In the end the Bonneville is just not a set that resonates with me nor do I feel like they hold much value at their current price.

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
These were lent to me by a friend for trial/review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
● Kiwi Ears Allegro
● iFi GO bar Kensei

Source:
Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction:
Founded in 2013, Acoustune is a Japanese based audio company and iem manufacturer that developed their own unique dynamic driver material called "Milinx". According to their site, it's a "medical synthetic base material, formed into a thin film". While Accoustune is not a prominent mainstream brand, some of their iems are instantly recognizable due to their unique shell design. The HS1790TI released in 2022 and currently retails around $750-799. They feature a single dynamic driver utilizing Acoustune's own Milinx diaphragm paired with the rigidity of titanium to prevent resonance. Thats a lot of tech lingo but let's see how they sound.

Build, fit, ergonomics:
The HS1790TI comes in an Acoustune branded box which contains a large carrying case, the iems themselves, a 3.5mm terminated Pentaconn cable, a smaller case, and a plastic holder for 6 sets of tips. The inclusion of both a large, hard travel case and a smaller, more pocketable one is great and more in line with what you'd expect to see in an expensive purchase. The shell showcases Acoustune's intricately crafted design that closer resembles something you might pull off the engine of a high performance race car than an iem. This style doesn't align with my personal taste but I can see why people could be drawn to them. The shell housing is made of titanium and has a great build quality with a nice weight balance. The fit is a bit difficult though as there are some edges and protrusions that caused me discomfort, particularly under my tragus. After some trial and error, I was able to get a fairly stable fit but I found myself having to readjust them over longer sessions. The nozzle length might be a bit on the short side at least for my ears. I would have liked them to be longer for a more stable, deeper insertion. The HS1790TI utilize Pentaconn connectors which makes cable rolling more difficult as it's less common than MMCX and 2 pin. The stock cable honestly feels a bit cheap and rubbery. The build quality doesn't match that of the precision machined shells and is better suited to a set under $200. It does come with a nice Acoustune branded leather cable tie though. Not all of the stock tips were included in the holder since this set is borrowed so I can't speak much on their quality and fit. I used my prefered Penon Liqueur tips as I find their seal to be best for me.

Sound impressions:
I woud describe the HS1790TI tuning as warm/neutral with boosted bass. It does a remarkable job of straddling the fine line between being too warm, making highs lack shimmer and sparkle, and having too much energy in the upper frequencies that can present as fatiguing and over detailed. The soundstage is on the average/narrow side to my ear sounds and comes off more intimate with vocals and mids taking center stage. Even though it can sound somewhat restricted, it never feels claustrophobic or congested and seperation is very good giving each note its own room to breath. It almost sounds a personal concert is being played just for the listener in a small venue. While they aren't necessarily hard to drive, they do respond well to power and benefit from amplification to bring out their full potential. I found them best paired with the more powerful iFi GO bar Kensei on Turbo mode compared to the Hiby FC4 and Kiwi Ears Allegro.

●Lows - Bass is big and subbass rumble reaches pretty low. The bass gets even bigger with high gain on the Kensei. It can get near basshead levels when pushed but never sounds bloated or overbearing. The sub bass is more prominent and the mid bass stays clean and doesn't bleed or hinder the mid frequencies. It's not the best performing bass as far as speed and tends to have a slower decay but it has great texture and a visceral quality that is more musical over technical. I would decribe them as thick and syrupy but in the best way, almost like being wrapped in a warm blanket.

●Mids - To my ear, vocals are the star of the show on the HS1790TI. They are so smooth, non-fatiguing, and inebriating and I could listen for hours. Both male and female artists sound fantastic without shout or sibilance. There is a fair amount of energy in the upper mids that could be just a tad much on certain tracks but that also depends on listening volume. The timbre is spot on and the mid frequencies have a very realistic and organic timbre. As I touched on in the lows section, the mids stay free from any bleed and have plenty of separation to shine on their own. That syrupy feeling carries over from the bass and the mids also sound rich and luxuriant.

●Highs - The treble takes a back seat to the other frequencies and that exactly matches my preference. There is plenty of detail to be heard but it's done in a musical way that keeps it from sounding cold and clinical. There's enough air and shimmer to satisfy most (maybe not the trebleheads out there) while also allowing the mids and bass to grab the spotlight and take center stage. Some of the more troublesome high notes, such as claps and cymbal splashes, stay free of any irritation for the most part. I did sporadically encounter just the smallest twinge of "hot treble" causing a slight unpleasantness but it happened so rarely that it was easy to overlook. This will also depend on listening volume but for me it didn't really retract from the overall product.

In conclusion:
Rating the Acoustune HS1790TI is difficult for me. One on hand, I absolutely love the tuning and it's definitely one of the best iems I've heard to date. But on the other hand, the shell design is not my style and the shape causes some difficulty with fit and comfort. Also at $750, it's not a cheap purchase. As most people in this hobby eventually discover, diminishing returns become very real as the price increases. Just because something is double or triple the cost doesn't mean it'll have double or triple the performance. For me this became fairly evident during my time with the HS1790TI. Don't get me wrong, they are absolutely great and could easily be endgame for a lot of people, myself included. But I've also experienced ~90% of their sound value in sets costing $300. That makes these a tough sell at $750. So what does a buyer for the HS1790TI look like? In my opinion it's someone who enjoys a deep, visceral bass, a smooth, vocal-forward midrange, and a tight treble that exhibits just enough air and sparkle without detracting from the other frequencies. Their tuning shines best with soft pop, soft rock, R&B, and other vocal centric genres. It also wouldn't hurt if the buyer loves the unique aestetics. After all, a lot of us listen with our eyes as well as our ears (at least I'm very guilty of this). Ultimately, I can recommend them if their tuning and design resonate with you. Thanks for reading and I hope I've been able to shine some light on one of the most unique iems I've had the pleasure of reviewing.


The Acoustune HS1790TI is endorsed by local wildlife.

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This product was purchased by me and all opinions are my own.

Gear used:
● LG v30+
● Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
● Hiby FC4

Source:
Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction:
Hawaiian Bad Boy (HBB) is an audiophile YouTuber and reviewer. He has done quite a few tuning collaborations with different iem manufacturers. Most of his sets are very bass heavy and oriented toward the low end. The Blon x HBB Z300 contains a single dynamic driver and is indeed very bassy. It is currently priced at $35 on Amazon. Let's break it down and see what $35 can get you.

Build, fit, ergonomics:
The shells are constructed of metal and have a nice heft to them. They feel very premium and have a great durable build for only $35. They are available in 2 color options (gold or cobalt blue) and feature an artistic dragon design on each faceplate. The stock cable has a premium look and feel and is available in 3.5 or 4.4mm termination (I opted for 4.4). It's one of the nicer stock cables I've recieved with an iem under $50. There are 6 sets of silicone tips and a small carrying bag also included. Overall the accessories are adequate and about what I'd expect for the price tag. The nozzle length is on the shorter side which might cause fit issues for some. I did have to do a fair amount of tip rolling and settled on medium Penon Liquer orange tips for the best seal.

Sound impressions:
The soundstage has good depth but the width is just average. It could benefit from more width to have better separation and allow the frequencies room to breathe. They aren't great at detail retrieval or very resolving but to be fair that's not what this specific tuning was made for.

●Lows - The bass hits right away and seems to never let up. If bass is your thing then the Z300 are probably right up your alley. Sub bass rumbles deep and mid bass has good punch and impact. There is a fair amount of bloat and bleeding into the mids on certain tracks. It's not a very fast bass and has a slower decay that seems to linger. Usually I associate a fatiguing profile with too much treble but in this case the bass wears me down over time and my ears need a break. It's not the quantity but rather the quality. I enjoy big bass but it needs to stay in it's lane and not completely dominate the other frequencies. Even with more easy listening tracks from Adele and John Mayer, the bass is constant and never let's up.

●Mid - I was afraid the big dominant bass would push the mids back too far but to my surprise they aren't actually that recessed. Vocals are clear and positioned just a bit forward on the stage. There can be a hint of shoutiness in the upper mids at times depending on listening volume. The bass bleeds and muddles up the whole lower mid range.

●Highs - To be fair if you're listening to an HBB collaboration you're probably not interested in the best treble presentation. There are a few problems here. The highs roll off too early. The lack of extension hinders the overall presentation of the treble. It makes the sound more congested. Also, there is sibilance at times. Treble sensitive folk like myself will find the S's and cymbal crashes to be harsh on certain tracks.

Summary:
At $35 the Blon x HBB Z300 lies in a crowded tier. If you're a basshead on a budget these might be a good one to try. The build quality is very nice and competes with iems double and triple the cost. They deliver a big bass experience but don't expect the best technicalities, treble extension, or overall tuning in this price bracket. In my case they worked best with rock, hip hop, and chillhop. If the budget can be pushed higher to $50, I would reccomend checking out the Juzear Clear. In my opinion, the Clear are superior across all frequencies, have better technicalities, a more premium design, and one of the best stock cables under $100.

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This product was provided to me by iFi Audio in exchange for my impartial and honest review. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A special thanks to Karina at iFi for coordinating this unit for review.

Gear used:
● LG v30+
● Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
● Samsung dongle
● Various iems

Source:
● Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction:
Honestly iFi Audio needs little introduction for those in the audiophile community and, if you're looking to purchase the GO bar Kensei, chances are you're familiar with the brand. The Kensei is the third iteration of the GO bar dongle DAC/amplifier. The previous being the original GO bar and the 10th Anniversary gold edition. Kensei is a Japanese word that translates to "sword saint" - an honorary title bestowed on very few warriors who displayed legendary swordmanship. It's a catchy name for sure but does the newest model of the GO bar live up to it's namesake? A question I hope to answer in this review.

Unboxing:
The packaging isn't much different than other iFi products but once the outer box is open there is a nice surprise waiting. The Kensei comes in a beautifully engraved wooden box. It's a work of art in and of itself and makes a nice display piece to place on a shelf. Included with the usual paperwork and user manuals are both a USB-C and lightning cables. Also there's a small USB adapter for use with desktop setups. It's simple to include all the connections one could need but it's always appreciated as some companies make you choose between cable types when ordering.

Design:
I have seen pictures of the GO bar many times in listings on Head-fi and Reddit. I always assumed its length to be much longer so I was taken aback when I opened the box to find how little it really is. It's surprisingly small but very dense and much heavier than anticipated. Don't let it's size fool you though, this thing is an audiophile's dream tool whose size undercuts its power, not unlike the samurai swords of old. Made from Japanese stainless steel, the Kensei is sturdy, robust and lustrous. The build quality is absolutely superb. It feels great to hold in hand and premium to the touch. The only drawback may be the finish is a bit prone to fingerprints and scratches. On one end of the unit you'll find the USB-C connection and on the other are the 3.5mm and 4.4mm ports. Located on the side of the Kensei are the function button, + and - volume buttons, and the IEMatch toggle. On the back are a plethora of indicator lights to show the playback format and the current options being utilized.

Technical Information:
The Kensei utilizes a 32-bit Cirrus Logic DAC chipset. It supports the following audio formats: PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz, native DSD playback up to DSD256, 2x DXD, and full MQA decoding. I'm not a very tech savvy user so I will have to differ to iFi's website for all that mumbo jumbo. A full rundown of the internals and circuitry can be found here.


Features:
The list of features on the Kensei is very impressive, especially when you consider there's no companion app. There is, of course, iFi's staple XBass and XSpace. There's also a Turbo mode, essentially a high gain level, and 4 digital filters to toggle through that I'll touch on later. Specific to the Kensei version of the GO bar is the new K2HD mode that, according to iFi, "revives rich, natural harmonics into digital sound, adding an organic quality unlike any other". It essentially aims to make your music sound a bit less digital and more lifelike.

Power consumption:
With great power comes great...battery drain? I don't think that's quite right but in the case of the Kensei it's close. This thing does indeed drain your source's battery fairly quickly but it also depends on what options are enabled at the time. When using higher volumes, XBass, XSpace, and Turbo mode, the power consumption will be higher. My LG v30+ was only able to last about 2-3 hours of continuous use. My S22 Ultra faired better at around 4-5 hours but I was also browsing and utilizing other functions of the phone.

Sound impressions:
I don't know what magic is going on inside the Kensei but it elevates everything I've paired it with to another level. There's enough variety with the plethora of options that makes using any iem/headphone an easy and fun interaction. The 4 filter options are Bit- Perfect (cyan), Standard (red), Minimum Phase (yellow), and Gibbs Transient-Optimized or GTO (white). My filter of choice varied with each iem depending on the synergy. It's a bit hard to explain the subtleties that accompany each filter and compare them to each other. I believe the best way to convey what I hear is to share what settings I used with each individual pairing and how it affects the sound compared to the stock tuning.

●Aful MagicOne - Standard (red) filter, K2HD enabled, 4.4 connection with IEMatch, Turbo mode, and XBass and XSpace enabled. This added a touch of warmth to the vocals but still allowed them to shine. It also opened up the soundstage and added some much needed bass emphasis.

●Kiwi Ears x Crinacle: Singolo - Bit-Perfect (cyan) filter, 4.4 conncection with IEMatch, Turbo mode, and XSpace enabled. This added more vocal presence while preserving the excellent timbre of the mids, more tightness and speed to the bass, and an enhanced soundstage.

●Softears Volume - GTO (white) filter, 4.4 connection with IEMatch, Turbo mode, and K2HD enabled. There's a bigger midbass slam and texture, vocals had a slightly more organic timbre, and the entirety of the frequencies had more energy without any troublesome peaks.

●Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red - Minimum Phase (yellow) filter, 4.4 connection with IEMatch, Turbo mode, K2HD, and XBass enabled. There's a deeper subbass rumble and presence bordering on basshead levels but overall the bass had more separation with no bleed. The overall warmer tuning was still present but vocals and mids had more clarity and were presented more forward on the stage.

●Accoustune HS1790ti - Bit-Perfect (cyan) filter, 3.5 connection with IEMatch, K2HD, and XBass enabled. The bass sounded more full with a bigger rumble, vocals were slightly more forward with a warmer organic tilt, and the upper mids/lower treble had better separation and overall better dynamics with more energy.

Final thoughts:
Honestly, this was an arduous review to get through. Not because I didn't like the Kensei. It's quite the opposite actually, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment! Reviewing was difficult because I found myself getting lost in the music due to the superb sound quality. I often felt drawn to hold the Kensei, relishing the weight and excellent build quality. Also somewhere deep in my subconscious I knew that with every word I typed I was closer to having to return the unit to iFi (maybe I should have drawn this one out a few weeks ). I have been a fan of iFi since I first tried the original hip dac. I'm now a full on disciple at the feet of the Kensei. Yes the price is high but the quality is absolutely there and in spades. The 4 distinct filters, K2HD, Xbass, XSpace, Turbo mode, and IEMatch all somehow add up to something that is more than the sum of their parts. I understand that a lot of consumers will probably never consider spending $450 for a dongle DAC. However, for those that can afford the cost of entry, the iFi GO bar Kensei is one of the finest products I've had the pleasure of using and easily the best portable DAC that I've come across. In my opinion, it has cemented it's legendary status and earned the moniker of "sword saint".

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Best in class/buy it now
☆☆☆☆ - Highly recommended
☆☆☆ - Sound for thee, not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This product was provided to me by Linsoul in exchange for my impartial and honest review. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A special thanks to Carina at Linsoul for coordinating this unit for review.

Non-affiliated link here: https://www.linsoul.com/products/kiwi-ears-x-crinacle-singolo

Gear used:
● LG v30+
● Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
● Samsung dongle
● Hiby FC4
● Kiwi Ears Allegro
● Ifi hip dac 3

Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction:
Kiwi Ears have been working overtime lately with three new iem releases in the last 5 months (and that's not including their DAC/amp, the Allegro which I reviewed here). In November 2023, the planar iem Melody made its debut. Then in December, the budget hybrid Forteza released to less than stellar reviews. Now in March 2024, the company is hoping to bounce back with their first ever collaborative project, the Kiwi Ears x Crinacle: Singolo. It's currently available for $79 on Linsoul and it sports a single 11mm dynamic driver along with something called KARS (Kiwi Ears Resonance System) which is their new soundtube technology. This maze-like tube will look familiar to those that have seen or own the Aful MagicOne. Let's break down the Singolo and see how they stack up in the market today.

Build, fit, ergonomics:
The shells are made of solid clear resin and come with either a blue or black faceplate featuring the Kiwi Ears logo. I recieved the blue colorway and the shell design is very attractive. The iems are small, ergonomically shaped, and lightweight. My biggest issue with the design is the nozzle length. I think Crinacle took to heart some of the fit issues people have had with his other collaborative iems ie: Blessing 2usk, Truthear Zero/Zero:Red. Those sets have notoriously long and wide nozzles with a deep insertion; however, the nozzle on the Singolo is much shorter. In fact its too short. In my case, it's very difficult to get a deep enough insertion with the stock tips and they fail to seal properly. The included tips are also too short and flimsy to be paired with this particular iem. There are 6 pairs in the box but I think Kiwi Ears should have included the option of longer tips for deeper insertion as well. After lots of tip rolling, I was able to find a stable fit and seal with the large Penon Liqueur tips. The stock cable is a disappointment too. It's thin, tangles easily, and looks cheap. It doesn't feel good to use and doesn't compliment the fabulous build quality of the iems themselves. Also the cheaper Forteza even includes a small zipper case but there isn't one here with the Singolo.

Sound impressions:
The Singolo has a v-shaped tuning with elevated bass and treble, the former being more prominent. The soundstage has good width and depth especially in the sub $100 bracket. There's also good technical performance but not quite on par with Simgot EA500LM. For listeners that prefer a warmer signature, they can sound slightly cold at times. The Singolo definitely benefits from amplification. They arent hard to drive unless, like me, you listen at high volume levels. There is a great synergy between the Singolo and the Kiwi Ears Allegro DAC/amp. Their strengths compliment each other very well. I found that pairing with the Hiby FC4 blunted the treble extension too much. Using the hip dac 3 with XBass is a great experience for bassheads and low end lovers.

●Lows - The bass is undoubtedly boosted but remains well balanced between mid and sub. The sub digs deep (really deep when paired with XBass on the hipdac) without distortion. Seriouslly, the sub bass can extend very low when pushed. My go to track for testing this is Mountains by Hans Zimmer from the Interstellar soundtrack. My ear drums were vibrating like I was sitting between 2 subwoofers. The mid bass punch is not overwhelming but makes just enough of an impact to make it's presence felt. There is little to no bleeding into the mids that i can hear. Overall, I wouldn't consider it the cleanest or fastest bass but its very musical and has a way of enhancing the low end without compromising the rest of the frequencies.

●Mids - This area is a bit strange to me on the Singolo. The vocals are great and have a nice natural timbre but they sound a bit off due to their placement. They aren't recessed per se but it's more like they are placed slightly too far back on the stage as if the vocalist is standing behind the lead guitarist in a rock band. The vocals are then overshadowed somewhat by the instruments. Guitars, piano, strings, etc. sound fantastic and the detail of every key stroke and string pluck can be heard clearly. I do find myself wishing the vocals held a more forward position in the entirety of the mids but that's my personal preference.

●Highs - This area is not what I'm used to hearing from a Crinacle iem. The treble is well extended with a sufficient amount of air. They don't feel smothered by bass or roll off early like the Truthear Zero/Zero:Red. Percussion instruments like snare hits and cymbal crashes sound particularly great. They are not harsh and have a realistic timbre and decay. The high mids/low treble part of the frequency response is slightly boosted around 3.5-4kHz. This means there is a tiny bit of sibilance that can rear its ugly head on certain tracks so those that are treble sensitive may want to look elsewhere.

Summary:
There are no shortage of Crinacle collabs to choose from these days and most of them share a similar tuning template. I am glad to say that the Singolo is a little bit of a departure from that same ol' Crinacle sound. The treble quality and quantity is superior to other offerings in the sub $100 tier such as the Truthear Zero models. The technicalities and timbre are fantastic for as well. The bass is of course boosted because, well, it is a Crinacle iem after all; however, at the end of the day, I'm not sure the whole package warrants the $79 asking price. It's not a bad iem by any means but there is a TON of competition nowadays and new releases are coming at a very fast pace. The Singolo's tuning and performance are not the things I take issue with; it's the fit and accessories. The sub par cable, shallow nozzle, and mediocre tips hold back what should be an easy and strong recommendation. So who is the Singolo for? Well, if you have fit issues with long nozzled iems, have alternative tips and cables to roll, or have $79 burning a hole in your pocket then I say go for it! Ultimately, it's a very well tuned, fun, and technically savvy iem that plays most music genres fantastically.

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Best in class/buy it now
☆☆☆☆ - Highly recommended
☆☆☆ - Sound for thee, not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This product was purchased by me and all opinions are my own.

Gear used:
● LG v30+
● Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
● Hiby FC4
● Ifi hipdac 3
● Kiwi Ears Allegro
● Truthear x Crinacle Zero

Source:
Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.


Introduction:
Back in 2022 the Truthear x Crinacle Zero burst on to the scene and made quite a splash. It was not Crinacle's first collaboration but it remains one of his most popular to date. The Zero received generally favorable reviews and nestled in to a nice little spot in the ~$50 budget tier. Then in 2023 Truthear and Crinacle got together again to release the retuned Zero:Red. Again, the hype train barreled through the audiophile community and the RED has been well received garnering favorable reviews. At the time of this review, the Zero is listed for $49.99 on Amazon and the Red is $54.99. Below I will break down these two very similar models and highlight their differences. This will serve as a dual review for both the original Zero (hereafter refered to as Zero:Blue or BLUE) and the Zero:Red. The star rating and pros/cons listed in this review are specific to the Zero:Blue. For continuity purposes, the Red is on the left and Blue on the right for all comparison photos.



Build, fit, ergonomics:
The Blue and Red obviously share a lot of similarities. Both feature dual dynamic drivers. The shell shape and size are almost identical although the Blue is just slightly larger. The shells are made of resin but are hollow. This makes them lightweight but they also feel a bit cheap. The nozzles are long and wide and they are identical on both models. Those with small ears may have fit issues though I personally found them to provide good seal and comfort. The overall packaging and accessories are basically the same as well. The stock cable is thin, feels cheap, and tends to tangle easily. It's the same cable that comes with the Truthear Hexa and I didn't really like it then either. I prefer a thicker more robust cable but the stock cable is serviceable and some will surely like it. The included tips consist of 6 pairs of silicone with 2 various bore sizes and 1 pair of foam. I really liked using the stock tips with both Zeroes. They provide a good seal and are comfortable for long sessions. There's also a small carrying pouch included (again, same as with the Hexa) that I don't really like. Sure it's small and pocketable but provides little protection and again feels a bit cheap.

Sound impressions:
I would describe the tuning of the Red as warm/neutral with bass boost and the Blue a bit more v-shaped with a little more elevated treble. The soundstage is average for the price bracket and basically identical on both. Detail retrieval, imaging, and instrument separation are also average and about what you'd expect to find at this price point. Both Zeroes veer more towards musicality rather than technical performance.They lack the high level of technicalities of something like the Simgot EA500LM but are also not nearly as bright.

●Lows - Both models sport a deep sub bass extension. The bass on Red is more balanced and cleaner sounding. Using the included adapter brings out a bigger bass response and fullness approching basshead levels although it doesnt quite get there. However, if you purchase a higher impedance adapter, say 200 ohms, and you have a good enough amplifier then the sub bass can get BIG (as seen in the chart below). The Blue has more midbass presence and punch which makes it sound overall fuller and more robust although I can hear a bit of bleed into the midrange at times.

Credit to HBB for the measurements.

●Mid - Vocals are slightly more forward on the Red. The Blue have more energy in the upper mids/lower treble region which means they can be shouty with certain tracks. I feel that the mids on both models are well placed and are a highlight of the tuning. The timbre is organic and both male and female vocalists sound great. Guitars and other instruments also have good presence and are well represented.

●Highs - The best word I have to describe the treble in the Red is "blunted". Claps and hi-hats lack a definitive edge and crispness. I actually like that quality as it aligns with my prefered warmer tuning preference. However, I do wish the treble and amount of air were extended just a bit futher. The Blue have more energy in the lower mids and contain just a hunt of sibilance at times with snares and such. The highs on both roll off just a bit early and, because of this, the treble loses shimmer, sparkle, and air.

Summary:
Red vs. Blue. Which one is better? Well just like everything else in this hobby, that answer is highly subjective. Both models are similar shape, size, come with almost identical accessories, and the difference in price is only about $5. The answer isn't so much which model is better but which tuning is preferential. The Blue has a bigger default bass impact and fullness and there is a slight elevation in the upper mids/lower treble. The Red has a more warm/neutral tuning with a small sub bass boost and relaxed treble. The inclusion of the 10 ohm impedance adapter is what ultimately pushes me to recommend the Red over Blue. Using the impedance adapter adds tuning variety; adding extra bass is quick and easy. Even the Red's stock tuning is closer to my preference and is better suited for long listening sessions. Ultimately both models offer great value in the sub $50 price bracket. I think Truthear and Crinacle have created two great products that many would be glad to own.

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Best in class/buy it now
☆☆☆☆ - Highly recommended
☆☆☆ - Sound for thee, not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This product was purchased by me and all opinions are my own.

Gear used:
● LG v30+
● Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
● Hiby FC4
● Ifi hipdac 3
● Kiwi Ears Allegro
● Truthear x Crinacle Zero

Source:
Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.


Introduction:
Back in 2022 the Truthear x Crinacle Zero burst on to the scene and made quite a splash. It was not Crinacle's first collaboration but it remains one of his most popular to date. The Zero received generally favorable reviews and nestled in to a nice little spot in the ~$50 budget tier. Then in 2023 Truthear and Crinacle got together again to release the retuned Zero:Red. Again, the hype train barreled through the audiophile community and the RED has been well received garnering favorable reviews. At the time of this review, the Zero is listed for $49.99 on Amazon and the Red is $54.99. Below I will break down these two very similar models and highlight their differences. This will serve as a dual review for both the original Zero (hereafter refered to as Zero:Blue or BLUE) and the Zero:Red. The star rating and pros/cons listed in this review are specific to the Zero:Blue. For continuity purposes, the Red is on the left and Blue on the right for all comparison photos.



Build, fit, ergonomics:
The Blue and Red obviously share a lot of similarities. Both feature dual dynamic drivers. The shell shape and size are almost identical although the Blue is just slightly larger. The shells are made of resin but are hollow. This makes them lightweight but they also feel a bit cheap. The nozzles are long and wide and they are identical on both models. Those with small ears may have fit issues though I personally found them to provide good seal and comfort. The overall packaging and accessories are basically the same as well. The stock cable is thin, feels cheap, and tends to tangle easily. It's the same cable that comes with the Truthear Hexa and I didn't really like it then either. I prefer a thicker more robust cable but the stock cable is serviceable and some will surely like it. The included tips consist of 6 pairs of silicone with 2 various bore sizes and 1 pair of foam. I really liked using the stock tips with both Zeroes. They provide a good seal and are comfortable for long sessions. There's also a small carrying pouch included (again, same as with the Hexa) that I don't really like. Sure it's small and pocketable but provides little protection and again feels a bit cheap.

Sound impressions:
I would describe the tuning of the Red as warm/neutral with bass boost and the Blue a bit more v-shaped with a little more elevated treble. The soundstage is average for the price bracket and basically identical on both. Detail retrieval, imaging, and instrument separation are also average and about what you'd expect to find at this price point. Both Zeroes veer more towards musicality rather than technical performance.They lack the high level of technicalities of something like the Simgot EA500LM but are also not nearly as bright.

●Lows - Both models sport a deep sub bass extension. The bass on Red is more balanced and cleaner sounding. Using the included adapter brings out a bigger bass response and fullness approching basshead levels although it doesnt quite get there. However, if you purchase a higher impedance adapter, say 200 ohms, and you have a good enough amplifier then the sub bass can get BIG (as seen in the graph below). The Blue has more midbass presence and punch which makes it sound overall fuller and more robust although I can hear a bit of bleed into the midrange at times.

Credit to HBB for the measurements.

●Mid - Vocals are slightly more forward on the Red. The Blue have more energy in the upper mids/lower treble region which means they can be shouty with certain tracks. I feel that the mids on both models are well placed and are a highlight of the tuning. The timbre is organic and both male and female vocalists sound great. Guitars and other instruments also have good presence and are well represented.

●Highs - The best word I have to describe the treble in the Red is "blunted". Claps and hi-hats lack a definitive edge and crispness. I actually like that quality as it aligns with my prefered warmer tuning preference. However, I do wish the treble and amount of air were extended just a bit futher. The Blue have more energy in the lower mids and contain just a hunt of sibilance at times with snares and such. The highs on both roll off just a bit early and, because of this, the treble loses shimmer, sparkle, and air.

Summary:
Red vs. Blue. Which one is better? Well just like everything else in this hobby, that answer is highly subjective. Both models are similar shape, size, come with almost identical accessories, and the difference in price is only about $5. The answer isn't so much which model is better but which tuning is preferential. The Blue has a bigger default bass impact and fullness and there is a slight elevation in the upper mids/lower treble. The Red has a more warm/neutral tuning with a small sub bass boost and relaxed treble. The inclusion of the 10 ohm impedance adapter is what ultimately pushes me to recommend the Red over Blue. Using the impedance adapter adds tuning variety; adding extra bass is quick and easy. Even the Red's stock tuning is closer to my preference and is better suited for long listening sessions. Ultimately both models offer great value in the sub $50 price bracket. I think Truthear and Crinacle have created two great products that many would be glad to own.