Introduction
Avara Custom is an UIEM/CIEM manufacturer based in Indonesia. It is rather popular locally and have gained some fame in the audiophile community for its' affordable price and fully customizable faceplate.
The model I'm reviewing today is the Neo+, the revamp of the Neo, which is also the cheapest option available @ 40USD. Take note that this model is only available in universal fit
https://www.avara-custom.com/products/earphone/avara-neo/
Sources
Laptop 3.5mm
Realtek USB DAC connected to laptop
Topping E30+MX3 connected to laptop
Fiio M3 (DAC & Player mode)
Review done streaming off youtube, digitised vinyl & CD collection (24bits 96kHz - 32bits 192kHz).
Specifications
1DD + 1BA
Plug Type: 3.5mm straight connector [Gold plated]
Single Bore
Accessories
-3 Pairs of silicone tips (S,M,L)
-Stock cable (Same quality to the older KZ copper cable)
-Protective case
Initial hearing
My first impression of this IEM wasn't particularly enjoyable. Freshly out of the box, the sound response seems to be running wild through the frequency spectrum. The only description I have would be zig-zag. It felt as if, both the DD and BA is trying hard to shine themselves and are in bad terms. I listened to it for about 20 minutes and I really couldn't take it anymore. As such, I left it aside for burn-in using YouTube noise burn-in video for about an hour.
An hour later, the sound became more coherent. The main reason is due to DD's diaphragm loosening and is beginning to perform as designed/anticipated. Now that the DD is becoming more stable, the relative response towards higher mids and highs dominated by BA driver became more comfortable. Finally, it no longer feel likes two kids fighting on your ear drums. Nonetheless, at this point, it doesn't sound particularly comfortable either... Back to more burn-in.
Burning-in
I then spent 3 days burning-in the earpiece for about 2-3hr/day. During this process, I randomly tested the earpiece at various time point. There really isn't any very significant improvement in terms of sound quality, however the bass is getting punchier.
At this point it sound pretty much like the KZ ZSN (Pro) alternative with much better tuning. No sibilance, more aggressive v, a bit too dull for vocals. Lack details after the 4k peak.
Took another week to experience this earpiece and there really isn't any changes anymore.
Sound stage & Separation
Sound stage and separation is pretty mediocre in my opinion. It is a little more congested than general in ear monitors off the shelves and there is a tendency of instruments bleeding into each other.
Comfort and Isolation
Light weight and comfortable due it's small form factor. However the small form factor also result to less effective isolation and a false feeling of dropping.
Verdict
Bass: 8/10
Mids: 7/10
Highs: 7/10
EQ response: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10
Isolation: 8/10
Sound stage: 7/10
Separation: 6.5/10
Overall: 7.6/10
Considering the reviews of more expensive models by Avara, I have great expectation for this budget piece. I need to be honest that I'm a little disappointed. However, at this price point it did a rather decent job.
I would only suggest this to people who likes a decent amount of stronger bass over mids and treble tuning or generic public who wants to have personalized faceplate and the audio quality is secondary. Mids and treble is lacking in my honest opinion.
Reasons behind why I don't recommend this:
1. Recently there have been multiple chifi budget pieces selling around this price point and perform similar, in fact even slightly better. As such, personalized faceplate is the only selling point here.
2. Although the faceplate customization process is pretty straight forward and the owner is really helpful and prompt in reply enquiry as well as assist you however he can, topping up the delivery fee, you could have gotten a much much better piece.
Mods I did
(1) Jcally 8 Strands 5N oxygen-free copper cable. Boosted the vocals and treble region, vocal became more lively and treble have better clarity. Bass remain punchy but less prominent.
(2) Foam tips, better sealing, bass became punchier with a slight boost.
Avara Custom is an UIEM/CIEM manufacturer based in Indonesia. It is rather popular locally and have gained some fame in the audiophile community for its' affordable price and fully customizable faceplate.
The model I'm reviewing today is the Neo+, the revamp of the Neo, which is also the cheapest option available @ 40USD. Take note that this model is only available in universal fit
https://www.avara-custom.com/products/earphone/avara-neo/
Sources
Laptop 3.5mm
Realtek USB DAC connected to laptop
Topping E30+MX3 connected to laptop
Fiio M3 (DAC & Player mode)
Review done streaming off youtube, digitised vinyl & CD collection (24bits 96kHz - 32bits 192kHz).
Specifications
1DD + 1BA
Plug Type: 3.5mm straight connector [Gold plated]
Single Bore
Accessories
-3 Pairs of silicone tips (S,M,L)
-Stock cable (Same quality to the older KZ copper cable)
-Protective case
Initial hearing
My first impression of this IEM wasn't particularly enjoyable. Freshly out of the box, the sound response seems to be running wild through the frequency spectrum. The only description I have would be zig-zag. It felt as if, both the DD and BA is trying hard to shine themselves and are in bad terms. I listened to it for about 20 minutes and I really couldn't take it anymore. As such, I left it aside for burn-in using YouTube noise burn-in video for about an hour.
An hour later, the sound became more coherent. The main reason is due to DD's diaphragm loosening and is beginning to perform as designed/anticipated. Now that the DD is becoming more stable, the relative response towards higher mids and highs dominated by BA driver became more comfortable. Finally, it no longer feel likes two kids fighting on your ear drums. Nonetheless, at this point, it doesn't sound particularly comfortable either... Back to more burn-in.
Burning-in
I then spent 3 days burning-in the earpiece for about 2-3hr/day. During this process, I randomly tested the earpiece at various time point. There really isn't any very significant improvement in terms of sound quality, however the bass is getting punchier.
At this point it sound pretty much like the KZ ZSN (Pro) alternative with much better tuning. No sibilance, more aggressive v, a bit too dull for vocals. Lack details after the 4k peak.
Took another week to experience this earpiece and there really isn't any changes anymore.
Sound stage & Separation
Sound stage and separation is pretty mediocre in my opinion. It is a little more congested than general in ear monitors off the shelves and there is a tendency of instruments bleeding into each other.
Comfort and Isolation
Light weight and comfortable due it's small form factor. However the small form factor also result to less effective isolation and a false feeling of dropping.
Verdict
Bass: 8/10
Mids: 7/10
Highs: 7/10
EQ response: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10
Isolation: 8/10
Sound stage: 7/10
Separation: 6.5/10
Overall: 7.6/10
Considering the reviews of more expensive models by Avara, I have great expectation for this budget piece. I need to be honest that I'm a little disappointed. However, at this price point it did a rather decent job.
I would only suggest this to people who likes a decent amount of stronger bass over mids and treble tuning or generic public who wants to have personalized faceplate and the audio quality is secondary. Mids and treble is lacking in my honest opinion.
Reasons behind why I don't recommend this:
1. Recently there have been multiple chifi budget pieces selling around this price point and perform similar, in fact even slightly better. As such, personalized faceplate is the only selling point here.
2. Although the faceplate customization process is pretty straight forward and the owner is really helpful and prompt in reply enquiry as well as assist you however he can, topping up the delivery fee, you could have gotten a much much better piece.
Mods I did
(1) Jcally 8 Strands 5N oxygen-free copper cable. Boosted the vocals and treble region, vocal became more lively and treble have better clarity. Bass remain punchy but less prominent.
(2) Foam tips, better sealing, bass became punchier with a slight boost.
