Blon BL-A8 Prometheus

Introduction​

Oppoty Oppoty Oppoty
A pair of new Blons was revelead earlier this year, and they were officially released in June.
The new Blon BL-A8 (also known as the “Prometheus”) are ahestetically unique and really attracted me since the first pic that was leaked at the beginning of this year.

Disclaimer: the Blon BL-A8 “Prometheus” were sent to me free of charge in order to make a honest review.
Since I got two samples of the A8 (one from Keephifi and one from Linsoul), I will post both buying links. At the time of the review, the Blon BL-A8 “Prometheus” were sold for an average price of €70 online.

Buy here from Keephifi
Buy here from Linsoul

For more reviews, visit https://www.audio-monkeys.com!

Technical Specifications​

• Configuration → 1 x DD
• Sensitivity → 115 dB
• Impedance → 32 Ohm
• Frequency Response → 20 Hz – 20000 Hz
• Cable → 1,2m – 0.78mm PINs, no microphone
• Connector type → straight gold plated 3.5mm jack connector

Packaging​

The packaging is different if compared to the other packaging choices used for other Blon products. It contains:

• The BL-A8
• The cable (although I have received two different cables in the package, as you’ll see in the photos)
• A set of 6 tips (of which 3 pairs are wide-bore tips)
• The classic Blon fabric pouch
• Instructions

Design and Build Quality​

The Blon BL-A8 design is definitely out of this world: the whole metal housing shows many holes and it really seems related to aliens.
It’s a medium-sized very solid and well built product, and Blon also used a different PIN connection this time: instead of the classic Blon connection, now the BL-A8 have “standard” female PIN connectors on the housing, so you can use almost every cable without PIN cover.
I cannot see any pressure vent on the housing.

Cable​

The stock cable is actually an insane upgrade from the older Blon cables.
If you thought that Blon BL-Mini‘s cable was already a big upgrade, then I’m sure you will absolutely love the new one.
It is not prone to tangle and is very soft to the touch; plus, there’s a chin slider!
The new cable also has different PIN connections: the 2-PIN connector is now free from the plastic that covered it in the previous Blon cables and this means you can use almost every cable with them instead of buying an aftermarket cable specifically made for them.
NOTE: the second cable (the one with the microphone) was included in the box as it was part of an early promotion of Blon products. I do not know if it is still running. I think you’ll only get the stock cable without microphone.

Comfort and Isolation​

The Prometheus are lightweight and this due to the many holes in the housing and the lightweight (but still very solid) material.
Isolation is very good once you find the right pair of tips, moreover because there isn’t any vent on the housing. I personally don’t like the stock tips, but there are some pairs of wide-bore tips included that are welcome and that I will definitely use on other sets.

Sound​

How do these sound?
This is the real reason you’re reading this review (I guess).
[Personal preference: I listen to almost every genre, even though my main preference goes to EDM subgenres. I always like a bit more energy on the bass and on the highs, leading to a personal preference for Y-shaped sound signatures, but if I have to choose, I’d prefer having many different IEMs with various signatures, in order to choose a particular one of them when I want to listen to a specific genre. I love switching between my IEMs so it’s even better if they’re very different from each others.]

TEST GEAR

• DAC: Topping E30
• AMP: Topping L30
• Mobile phones: Poco F2 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
• Portable DAPs: Benjie S8/AGPTEK M30B
• Other sources: Presonus AudioBox iONE

HOW DO THEY SOUND?

Do they need an amp?
No, they don’t need an amp. They play well when driven from a smartphone with no issues. They sound a tad better when amplified but the improvements are much more noticeable when it comes to the lower-end while the rest of the spectrum does not improve significantly.
Sound signature
The BL-A8 are a W-shaped set with some emphasis in the lower end, forward mids and boosted highs, a bit different from the other V-shaped offerings from Blon.

Lows: sub-bass is present and provides a good rumble although it does not shake your head. It really feel like it’s giving a very solid base for everything else and it’s not exaggerated. Bass is punchy and textures are better than other Blon products, and I can finally say I am able to enjoy a well articulated bass on a Blon product. Midbass is forward and although it is not the fastest, it is not as slow as BL-03 bass (which was much slower) and it is ample and engaging.
Will the bassheads out there have some fun with the Prometheus? Sure, they will, although this time the bass is also good in terms of quality. The rest of listeners, moreover speaking about those who don’t like big bass should look somewhere else, at least in my opinion, as there is still some bleed in the midrange and I know many don’t like this kind of approach.
Mids: midrange is forward, with present instruments and nice vocals reproduction. Lower vocals sometimes sound at a lower volume when compared to the midbass and this is not something I really love, but that does not happen every time so I guess it also depends on the recordings you’ll listen to. Female vocals are energetic but sound a bit distant some times, while I tend to like more intimate vocals (this is a personal preference, however).
The overall tonality of the instruments and vocals isn’t top notch but definitely acceptable, and still better than other Blon products such as the BL-05; the BL-03 still rock when it comes to tonality in the whole Blon product catalogue.
Highs: highs are boosted both in the lower treble and upper treble. The lower treble is, however, smoother than on the BL-Mini, and the upper treble has a touch of emphasis that gives the Prometheus some air to help simulating a bigger stage.
I can speak pretty well about details but you really have to consider these are not for those who are sensitive to treble (I am not, and I personally do not find these fatiguing, but many of our followers don’t like sparkling highs).
The soundstage is pretty wide (probably the widest among Blon products) and decent depth, while height is average, just like on other affordable chi-fi products. Imaging is precise and instrument separation is very good and improves with amplification.

Some comparisons:
Blon BL-A8 Prometheus vs BL-03
If you were thinking about stepping up your game by upgrading from the BL-03 to the BL-A8, then you really need to be careful.
They sound a bit different, with different tonality and sound approach (A8 is W-shaped, BL-03 is V-shaped), and the price is also very different.
Sub-bass is much more refined on the BL-A8 while the BL-03 have more sub-bass in terms of quantity. Bass is way slower on the BL-03 than on the BL-A8, and the latter also have better bass textures and articulation. The midrange is more natural on the BL-03 but the BL-A8 obviously sound like a higher-tier set thanks to their better resolution and instruments’ timbre. I prefer the BL-03 when it comes to vocal performance, and this because the BL-03 really give vocals a special attention and place them right in front of the listener whereas the BL-A8 places them in a wider stage and sometimes they tend to sound a bit distant from the listener (this, however, is again something really subjective); this, however, was achieved also by boosting the upper-midrange that sometimes can become annoying. Highs are much more detailed on the BL-A8 but the BL-03 have a smoother roll-off in the upper-treble, making them less aggressive for long listening sessions, even though this approach also reduces the perceived soundstage size: in this regard, in fact, the BL-A8 win hands down, and they also win when it comes to instrument separation and imaging.
Gotta say, however, that the BL-03 are still something to try and have in your inventory if you like EDM music and if you search for something warm, pleasant and fun in the <€50 segment.
Both are comfortable, but the BL-03 are a tad more difficult to wear as the nozzle is shorter and you really need to find a good pair of tips. Isolation is definitely superior with the A8 in my ears.
Cable is not even comparable, the old Blon cable is horrible when compared to the new cable shipped with the A8.

Blon BL-A8 Prometheus vs BL-Mini
The BL-Mini have a more aggressive V-shaped signature if compared both to the BL-A8 and BL-03.
Sub-bass is more refined and extended on the BL-A8, and the same differences in refinement and texture can be found when listening to the bass and midbass on the A8 and BL-Mini: Mini is less refined, and that was to be expected. Midrange is way more forward and structured on the A8, while the Blon BL-Mini have a recessed midrange that pushes instruments on the back, leaving free space for the bass. Vocals are more intimate on the BL-Mini, but sometimes not as energetic as on the BL-A8. While the BL-Mini focus their upper-range boost on the lower treble, the A8 have a more polite lower treble and some more emphasis on the upper treble, which gives them more air and a better spatial rendering. Detail retrieval is better on the A8.
Soundstage is wider and deeper on the A8, whereas the Mini play in a higher-ceilinged stage. Imaging is better on the A8 and so is instrument separation.
Comfort wise, both need some tip rolling but they’re generally comfortable. Isolation is on par although the Mini can get deeper in the ear canal granting some more isolation from outside noises.
The cable provided with the Mini was an upgrade from the old Blon cable, but the A8 got shipped with an even better cable, so the A8 win in this regard.
Price is very different, but they are also very different both in terms of technical ability and signature, so it’s all up to you. I can clearly hear these are from two different price ranges.

Final Thoughts​

No cap, the Blon BL-A8 Prometheus are beautiful, and not only they look good, but they’re also great under certain points of view.
I gotta say, however, that newer blon products can’t really give me the sense of excitement I have experienced the first time I have tried the BL-03: even though the new releases are getting better, I still think Blon can improve some more, and the BL-A8 is just another good step in the right direction (but we’re not at the end of the road yet).
If you’re looking for a unique design, big bass and W-shaped sound in the <€100 price segment, I can easily recommend these. In any other case, moreover if you’re searching for more analytic or neutral sets, I think you should look elsewhere.

𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐋-𝐀𝟖
(𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐮𝐬)
Blon is well known brand in audio community,needs no introduction. They have recently released their new iem named Blon-A8(prometheus).
They have attempted an unique design & eye catching iem around 80$ price which is a flagship approach too.

Prometheus is a Greek Titan known as the supreme trickster and a god of fire. Prometheus also had an intellectual side and the meaning of his name emphasizes that; ForeThinker. Does the Blon A8 Prometheus think ahead of the music? Or is the A8 Prometheus the supreme trickster, leading you down a fiery path of bewilderment?

Disclaimer: Linsoul provided the Blon A8 Prometheus for review and only asked for an honest review. I wasn't influenced, directed or paid to sway this review one way or another. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Purchase:

Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/blon-bl-a8-prometheus?variant=40237157351579

Hifigo: https://hifigo.com/products/blon-a8

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097669VRL/

Specs:
Driver: 10mm lightweight diaphragm
Impedance: 32ohm
Frequency range: 20-20KHz
Sensitivity: 115dB

Unboxing: I like the simple but somewhat elegant unboxing that the A8 presents. The blue theme that plays along with the lettering and inner lining that peaks out between the top and bottom sections.



On the front, you have a picture and model information. On the back, you get the listing of specifications in multiple languages.



Taking off the top cover, you are greeted with a protective paper with the Blon logo.



Underneath you find a white foam cutout that houses the Prometheus. A small box with blue lettering houses the accessories.



Blon keeps the accessories to a minimum but gives you enough to get started; a burlap carry bag, cable, 2 bags of silicone tips and some paperwork.



All in all, a decent accessories kit and unboxing experience that is somewhat lacking for the price.

Design/Build: Now this is gonna be a love, hate or meh moment. To be honest, I don't love it or hate it, it is meh.



Sure it is cool to look at for the first time and then it goes in your ears and you don't see it.











I have no idea if the holes have anything to do with the sonics or not. If the holes don't effect the sonics then I ask, why? I guess it is to be different but truthfully it doesn't make a difference for me. The shell is made of high quality materials and doesn't feel cheap. The shape is nice but just a tad bulky, more on that in the fit/comfort section.
The shining light of the design and build is the exceptional cable, this is the best Blon cable to date.





I thought that the Blon Mini had a nice cable but the A8 is step up from that. I really like this cable as it is very well controlled, lightweight and tangle free.

Fit/Comfort: The fit is meh; not great and not horrid. The Blon A8 shell is a bit long and bulky and doesn't fit in my ears the best; reminds me of the Ikko OH10. I can wear them for about an hour before the weight and size start to pester me. Another issue is that the nozzle length is barely long enough and the entire shell sits precariously in my ear; I constantly have to adjust the fit. My wiggle worm tendencies don't help the Prometheus to sit in my ear properly. But, these issues are somewhat resolved with the RHA dual density tips; as they are slightly larger then the stock tips and help steady the A8 in my ear.

Tips: The Blon A8 Prometheus arrives with two types of silicone tips, cone and olive shape. Both sets are okay but not my favorite and both have sonic issues. I found that the stock tips were lacking in bass impact, detail resolution and were very bright and brittle in the upper reaches. To put it in perspective, the stock tips were leading down a path of bewilderment.


Final Type E tips on the A8 make it even more v-shape. Bass is booming and not very defined. Mids are strange in that their is body and density but the instruments crowd out the vocals. Upper mids and treble have an energetic side that veers into splashy and harsh moments and can be overly intense. A very strange sound indeed but not offensive but not preferential for me. Definitely not natural or accurate. I give the Blon A8 with Final Type E tips a barely passing grade.


RHA dual density tips help balance out the A8 mids a little so that the instruments aren't crowding out the vocals as much. Less boom in the bass but a tad more upper mids and treble energy. Even with the extra sizzle, the RHA DD tips are more controlling and defined so they don't sound as splashy and harsh as the Final Type E. But I do miss the fun bass factor, just a tad. The RHA DD tips are preferred but still are not natural or accurate.


I tried many other tips and they all failed miserably, either too much treble, wonky mids or bombastic bass or all the above. So all sound impressions are with the RHA dual density tips.

Sound:

Bass:








WOW!!! That is a lot of bass! Do you like bass? Well then, the Blon A8 Prometheus is for you. Slam and impact are the focus of the A8 bass. The Prometheus definitely provides a fun bass; BUT it is fatiguing and the fun doesn't last long. Details are adequate, nothing special but you won't be let down. Resolution is the best out of the Blon family but not the greatest in the price point. Tone and timbre are okay but not very natural sounding. The Blon A8 Prometheus bass is artificial sounding but it is fun.

Mids:



The Blon A8 mids are a mixed bag of emotions for me. Let's start with the disappointments, that way we end on a positive. Lower mids lack body and note weight. The upper mids are too accentuated and sound artificial. There is too much of a boost to the mids and they sound sibilant and harsh at times. There is a false impression of clarity because of the elevation. On the positive side, the tone and timbre is the some of the best the Blon family has to offer. There is decent note body and weight in the middle thru upper mids. Details are good and resolution is the best of the Blon family.

Treble:



Blon A8 Prometheus treble is not quite there. It is too bright and sounds artificial. Detail retrieval is good and resolution is slightly better then a typical Blon. Extension is too the extreme and doesn't sound natural; giving a false impression of clarity. In the upper mids/lower treble region there is a large rise from 5k-7k that brings on ringing and sharpness that can be fatiguing.



Soundstage/Imaging: The Blon A8 Prometheus soundstage is actually quite pleasing and I really enjoy it. The A8 doesn't have a natural sounding stage in the slightest but it is fun. There is plenty of space, depth and layering with good instrument and vocal separation. The A8 isn't the most accurate and precise but it won't lead you wrong.

Details/Resolution: The Blon A8 Prometheus is the best of all the Blon family in regards to detail retrieval and resolution. But that isn't saying much as that hasn't been a strong point of previous Blon IEM. The A8 won't leave you disappointed but it won't wow you either, unless you have only heard Blon IEM.

Tone/Timbre: Tone and timbre are enjoyable but lack a natural aura. The Blon A8 blends a lot of instruments together and it is hard to decipher what specific instrument is playing and also can be hard to follow them through a track. On less busy tracks, this issue isn't as noticeable but put a complex piece on and the tone and timbre can become very confused.

Pairing:

ADV Accessport Lite: Warm, lush fun is what this pairing brings. Not the most detailed or expressive sound but it is pleasing to the ears. If you like a warmer sound with thick, lush bass and mids with just enough treble energy then this pairing might be for you.

Veclan Odyssey HD: The Odyssey HD is a clean, neutral but natural sounding dongle that I enjoy very much on most IEM. And this is a fantastic dongle pairing with the A8 Prometheus that I enjoy. There is enough treble energy to be engaging without being too much; there's pleasurable warmth without being too thick and lush and bass is impactful but controlled. I like this pairing; I recommend this one.

xDuoo Link:



I do not recommend this pairing unless you prefer harshness, sibilance, brightness, recessed mids and artificial bass boost.

Nextdrive Spectra X: This is the best dongle pairing for the Prometheus that I heard. There is a slight warmth to the Spectra X that shines through with the A8 that tames its bright and aggressive nature. Detail retrieval is fantastic and resolution is better then the other dongles, getting close to the abilities of the Sony NW-A105.

Sony NW-A105: There are a few pairings that come along between IEM and DAP that standout, this is not one of them. But that isn't to say that it is a bad pairing. In fact, this pairing is adequate. The A105 brings out the positives and minimizes the negatives of the A8. Detail retrieval is excellent and resolution is pleasing, there is less harshness and aggression.

Sony NW-WM1a: Extreme price difference aside this is a good experience. The WM1a brings out the best of the A8 in all regards. I enjoy this pairing but there are other IEM that I enjoy more on the WM1a. If you want a budget IEM to use with your WM1a then the A8 is one of many to consider.

Mytek Liberty DAC: This is an acceptable pairing that I enjoy for the most part even though the price differences are extreme. The Liberty DAC and A8 are a fun listen that isn't offensive nor is the A8 demanding more listening time. I have no issues with this pairing but there are other IEM I would rather listen to on the Liberty DAC.

Comparisons:

Blon BL-03: (Please note that I do use the RHA dual density tips with the BL-03) Little brother versus Big brother! The BL-03 is not best of the two when it comes to detail retrieval and resolution but it is closer then you would think; the A8 doesn't blow the BL-03's doors off. But the BL-03 does blow the doors off the A8 when it comes to tone and timbre, bass control, cohesive mids, less intense treble and listening pleasure. Soundstage maybe a slight bit wider on the A8 but the BL-03 does better at being more accurate and precise in imaging. I'll take the BL-03 even if it isn't as technically proficient as the A8 Prometheus.

Blon Mini: (Please note that I do use the RHA dual density tips with the Mini) Newer vs Newest! Extremely similar but a few differences of significance. The bass is very similar with the advantage going to the A8 because it is slightly better resolving. The mids are a mixed bag on both but the A8 isn't as wonky sounding in the mids; they aren't boosted as much in the upper mids. The A8 has a little more body and weight in the lower mids. The vocals sound more recessed on the Mini, instruments tend to crowd in on them more then the A8. Treble is a bit brighter on the Mini but not as intense and is smoother, really strange. Soundstage is wider, deeper and more defined on the A8. Tone and timbre is similar but detail retrieval and resolution goes to the A8. I find the A8 to be more intense and fatiguing then the Mini but not by much. Tough decision but I find that I lean to the A8 more often. I guess newest is better in this instance.



Tin Hifi T3: (Please note that I do use the JVC spiral dot tips with the T3.) Kinda similar but not really. Bass is fuller and more impactful on A8 but the T3 is significantly better in detail retrieval and resolution. The mids go to the T3, no doubt about it; balanced, cohesive, note weight, clarity, detail retrieval and resolution are all better. Treble is the closest part of the comparison with both being somewhat on the brighter side but the A8 is more intense. Tone and timbre is better on the T3. Detail retrieval is similar but resolution is better on the T3 as the A8 has more harshness and ringing moments.

Etymotic ER2XR: Wow, this isn't even close! The ER2XR is superior in all areas except one, soundstage width. The ER2XR bests the A8 by a country mile in tone and timbre. The ER2XR detail retrieval and resolution is significantly better. Bass is not as impactful but has way more control and definition on the ER2XR. Mids are balanced and cohesive with a natural aura on the ER2XR. The treble has a more natural and realistic presentation; not bright, harsh or intense like the A8. The depth and layering of the stage is more defined and specific on the ER2XR. The only thing that the A8 does better is stage width. Clear winner is the Etymotic ER2XR.



Moondrop Aria: A few things standout immediately when comparing these two. The A8 is significantly boosted in the upper mids/lower treble region which brings in a lot of brightness, harshness and intensity. The Aria is not as recessed in the mids as the A8 and is more balanced and cohesive. The bass of the Aria is fairly close in impact and control. The Aria has a more natural and realistic sounding tone and timbre. The Aria is a more pleasing listening experience.

Conclusion: In conclusion, is the Blon A8 Prometheus the supreme trickster that leads you down a fiery path of bewilderment or a forward thinker of music? Honestly, the A8 is the supreme trickster, who speaks of big hopes and dreams but leads you down an emotional, fiery path of musical bewilderment.



The Blon A8 Prometheus is the best offering from Blon when it comes to technicalities but not musicality. The A8 is a good IEM that I enjoy and can recommend. But, but, but it isn't my first recommendation. There are a lot of options available in the price point that do things better or different. The Blon A8 doesn't set itself apart from the pack, it just settles in with everyone else. The Prometheus never removes the thought that I am listening to an IEM. Even though the Prometheus looks different, it doesn't sound different. The Blon A8 is nothing special but isn't a bad choice. If you try the Blon A8, you'll probably enjoy it but I doubt you'd love it. I like it but I don't love it.



Website: thehonestaudiophile.com
YouTube reviews: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgMj7xJ1SDxGqqxZ5l3g_jg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/B4LG7Kqp_7f/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TalkDbs @TalkDbs
Website: https://www.thehonestaudiophile.com/

DBS Tech Talk research and review process:

Audio Terms and Definitions: https://www.stereophile.com/reference/50/index.html

Recommended Gear:
Meze Empyrean: https://mezeaudio.com/products/meze-empyrean
Hifiman Ananda: https://hifiman.com/products/detail/290
Sennheiser HD600: https://en-us.sennheiser.com/best-audio-headphones-high-end-stereo-hifi-hd-600
Sennheiser HD660s: https://en-us.sennheiser.com/hd-660-s
Meze 99 Classic: https://mezeaudio.com/collections/all/products/meze-99-classics-walnut-gold-wood-headphones
MrSpeakers Ether C (non flow version) https://danclarkaudio.com/
(similar to https://drop.com/buy/drop-mrspeakers-ether-cx-closed-headphones
Meze Rai Penta: https://mezeaudio.com/collections/all/products/rai-penta
Meze Rai Solo: https://mezeaudio.com/products/rai-solo
ADV. M5-12D: https://www.adv-sound.com/collections/pro-audio/products/m5-12d-universal
Tin Hifi T3: https://www.linsoul.com/collections/tin-hifi/products/tinhifi-t3
Tin Hifi T2+: https://www.linsoul.com/collections/tin-hifi/products/tinhifi-t2-plus
Tin Hfi T5: https://www.linsoul.com/products/tin-hifi-t5
Moondrop SSR: https://www.moondroplab.com/ssr
Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 788: https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=24459
Mytek Liberty: https://mytekdigital.com/hifi/products/liberty-dac/
Soekris DAC1421: https://soekris.modhouseaudio.com/soekris-audiophile-line/dac-1421
Tor Audio Roger: https://toraudio.com/main.html#
Massdrop THX AAA 789:
https://drop.com/buy/drop-thx-aaa-789-linear-amplifier
Grace Design SDAC-B: https://drop.com/buy/drop-grace-design-standard-dac-balanced
Geshelli Labs Enog 2 Pro: https://geshelli.com/shop/ols/products/enog2-pro-dac-metal-case
Geshelli Labs J2: https://geshelli.com/jnog
Geshelli Labs Archel 2: https://geshelli.com/shop/ols/produ...tal-case-b5ca9a41-69ed-4786-98b2-18f72ae911bf
Geshelli Labs Erish: https://geshelli.com/shop/ols/products/erish-balanced

Music recommendations:
https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/5bbf80ce-33f3-4222-a1fc-6539a95415d6 (in order of playlist)
Tingvall Trio “Beat” - piano tonality
Sinne Eeg “We’ve Just Begun” - multiple layer soundstage
Molly Johnson “What a Little Moonlight Can Do” - female vocal tone
Leslie Odom Jr. “Under Pressure” - male vocal tone
Eric Clapton “Change the World” - soundstage, layering and placement
Yo Yo Ma “Ecstasy of Gold” - acoustic instrument timbre
Adam Baldych “Spem in Alium” - acoustic instrument timbre
Pain of Salvation “Stress” - percussion balance
Michael Buble “When I Fall in Love” - orchestral dynamics
Patricia Barber “Code Cool” - sibilance check
Christian Scott “New New Orleans” - shouty upper mids
Tool “Chocolate Chip Trip” - imaging
Hans Zimmer “Why So Serious” - sub bass extension
Marcus Miller “No Limit” - bass control
Dave Holland Quartet “Conference Of The Birds”- bass check
Ilhan Eshkeri “47 Ronin”- orchestra and bass dynamics
Hans Zimmer :2049” - sub bass extension
Cher: Believe - sibilance
Stanley Clarke - Passenger 57 main title - percussion, bass, separation and placement
Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra - The Pine of the Appian Way - soundstage, imaging and separation
Houston Person - You are my Sunshine - tone and timbre

TONALITY: 7/10
TECHNICALITIES: 6.5/10
CONSTRUCTION-DESIGN: 9/10
SOUND VALUE: 6.5/10

INTRO

BLON has a ''Driam'' and they achieve this ''Oppoty'' with their BL-03 best seller.
BL-03 was an IEM that ''Let music burn'' like no other in its price range. It was a well-balanced energic W shape signature done right, with impressive technicalities only find above 50$ before its thunderous appearance in Chi-Fi market overflooded with badly tuned hybrid IEM. Sometimes I wonder if this ''Driam'' come true too soon for BLON and that since then they just ''chase the dragon''.
Why? Because I did test the BL-05, BL-05S and BL-Mini and they all fail to deliver a sound as cohesive and natural as BL-03.
Will the Prometheus finally surpass the BL-03 benchmark and become, as it's name suggest, the God of Oppoty ??
Let's see in this review.



PACKAGING is minimalist BLON way and accessories are minimal as well.

BUT, you have an extremely nice-looking and sounding High purity OFC Silver-plated cable.
This cable alone might worth at least 25$, even if it doesn't look to be very sturdy, the silver-plated cores braiding is of high quality and deliver a clean and dynamic transmission. In fact, I test this cable with different IEM and they all sound more open and clean, without being cold or too lean in tonality modification. THATS a big step up compared to all other BLON earphones which include cheap basic cables.



CONSTRUCTION sure is a big talk-about of the BL-A8....i mean, look at this piece of alien contemporary art...there nothing like this and I was afraid it will not be as impressive in hands. Well, this is the opposite, it's even more mind-puzzling to have this type of sci-fi'sh metal sculpture in hands. BLON surely use a special 3D printer to achieve this type of spider-web metal housing, and it feels very sturdy as a whole. In fact, the real IEM is hidden into a decorative structure, the driver being in its how spherical all-metal housing. On both spherical inner housing, you have wording (wgz blon and bl-a8), which is another impressive detail caring.



Another big plus for BLON is that the BL-A8 is very comfortable and offers the best fit of all their IEM line up. It have an organic shape and the metal is smooth. It slides naturally in ear canal and has a secure fit whatever eartips used. Isolation is good enough and sound leakage very minimal.



To note that it's quite evident these earphones design doesn't get unnoticed and act more like in-ear jewelry that appeals to the eyes of people. Indeed, I can confirm BL-A8 are real lookers because the first time I go out with them I feel observed by bystanders and even get complimented by the grocery store employee who says nothing less than: ''It's the coolest earphones I've ever seen in my life''.

So, be ready to become a Fancy boi wearing the BL-A8




SOUND
(using Ibasso DX90, Audirect Beam2 and Tempotec HD PRO)

TONALITY is an energic, forward and pumped-up in mid-bass brightish W shape, where the bass is warmest, weightiest and more present part of the spectrum.

BASS is all about weighty slam, and it's in a hurry to please the headbanger, so much so that sometimes the bass take the front stage and hollow the resolution. This is more problematic for a sub-heavy track, like trap rap and electronic, because you have a wall of bass that crumple the mids and treble. High bass lower treble is overly tamed, so the kick tone isn't right neither very present and well defined in the attack. While sub-mid-bass is boosted in impact, it isn't in extension, so acoustic bass will sound muffled, cello bit disincarnate, pure sub tone will lack articulation and transparency. Control isn't very good, due to overly shouty presence. Still, with the right music, it can be a fun lively bass if you don't care about accuracy, tonality, clarity or separation. It's evident that the BL-A8 bass approach is more about quantity than quality.

MIDS are quite clear when the bass doesn't hollow their harmonic, they are similar to BL-Mini, just a hint bright and quite forwards in presence, especially female vocal that can jump at you (again, without the sub-bass presence, because listening to IAMDDB is sometimes very frustrating due to sub-bass sitting on the singer). I didn't hear invasive sibilance with the BL-A8 but I would not say it's smooth sounding at all, dynamic being too aggressive for that.
In terms of attack, mids lack edge and bite and can go slightly shouty, though clear, they aren't highly resolved or clean and the more you have complex and fast music, the more it's transient limitation will show. Timbre is a bit dry, cold and thin, this is where it's extremely similar to BL-Mini. If you search for lush musical inviting mids, this isn't, it's more like harassing excited mids.

TREBLE is another mixed bag, it's a bit more brilliant and extended than BL-03, but thinner and shoutier too. While macro-resolution seems good, the accuracy isn't. Sometimes you try to find some percussions that you feel are left out. BL-A8 is one of these unpredictable IEM that can transform my music into something unrecognizable. The tonal balance is a bit berzerk in articulation and my guess is that the small spherical housing used for 10mm DD creates an invasion of unwanted resonance. The BL-A8 highs aren't airy because their no silence to be found. Their a lack of snap and crispness to percussion, clapping etc. Not well-controlled highs in general.

TECHNICALITIES are very average. Imaging isn't able to achieve precise instrument positioning and always feel saturated as soon as you got more than 2 instrument register. Attack lead, edge, speed and control aren't impressive. Bass is a boomy mess. Micro-definition is poor too. Natural decay doesn't exist.

PERSONAL APPRECIATION:
I'm very critical and grumpy when something feels wrong in the tonality of an IEM, and if you add average technicalities to this...
Well, you get a headbanging yuck face.
Cause yep, the God Prometheus can make a spell on you if you arent immunizes to ''Wow effect trick''.
But to be honnest, I just can't handle the BL-A8 for more than an hour because it's too shouty, boomy and unpredictable in behavior.
Sometimes when i go dumb mode I can shake the head and even tap my feet...but i'm not sure to follow the real rhythm of music, due to this thumping but non-articulated bass.
I did have enjoy some female vocals even if it wasn't a smooth relaxing experience...
the thing is as soon as I'm curious to dig in the BL-A8 sound, i'm stuck in a dead-end due to lack of well define resolution.

Sidenotes: BL-A8 is easy to drive and doesn't benefit from amping, in fact, too much amping might create distortion (this is to be confirm). Ear tips have minimal change on sound behavior, especially bass ''separation''. With KZ Starlines it becomes a bit more V shape but clearer in imaging. With wide bore if push the mids more fowards but bass too so the overall sound is thicker. With stock tips it brighter and more forwards in the treble, making the bass just a hint more distant.

COMPARISONS

VS BLON BL-03 (30$-Carbon diaphragm DD):
(both using same cable and tested with Audirect Beam2)

What hit first is how more natural and cohesive BL-03 tonality is.

After it's how better articulate the bass is. It's way less boomy and sloppy, more balanced and not as distracting as the BL-A8, as well, it's more textured and extended and softer in impact even if better well rounded.

BL-03 have more lower mids too, so vocals are fuller-bodied as well as piano, cello or saxophone. The mids are thicker and fuller sounding, with a wider presence and better transparency as well as texture. Tonality is realistic compared to more artificial BL-A8. BL-03 has more upper mids presence so violin and electric guitar are more snappy in attack but more aggressive too.

TREBLE is fuller with BL-03, crunchier but a bit less airy sparkly on top than BL-A8.

SOUNDSTAGE is slightly wider and notably deeper with BL-03 and strangely taller with BL-A8.

IMAGING is way better with BL-03, both in layers amount and instrument placement accuracy.

TIMBRE is denser, richer and more textured and natural with BL-03, while more organic and polished with BL-A8.

End words: BL-A8 create more of a sudden WOW effect than BL-03, its more aggressive in its W shape tonality as well as colored, so more bass thump, more specific instrument presence boost, more upper treble forwards micro-details...all this in an overly excited way that can overshadow other musical nuance that the BL-03 will deliver humbly.
To my ears, BL-03 have a more neutral and refined tuning and sure offer higher sound value at 3 times cheaper price than BL-A8. Some will be tricked and that's OK, because indeed, BL-A8 is superior in one thing: FUN FACTOR.



VS MOONDROP ARIA (80$-Liquid Crystal diaphragm DD)
(both using stock cable and tested with Ibasso DX90)

BL-A8 has a more aggressive and bright W shape with notably more boosted mid-bass. It's brighter with a weightier dynamic. Aria's balance is smoother and more cohesive, with a cleaner airier presentation.

SOUNDSTAGE is a bit wider with A8, while taller and deeper with Aria.

IMAGING is less accurate and resolved, separation less spacious, layering less articulate and transparent.

BASS has a more boomy slam, sub-bass can hollow mids by taking a front seat while it's better balanced-controlled with Aria. While the thumping can be funnier, it is less clean and transparent with poorer resolution and slower attack than Aria.

MIDS are a bit more fowards and shouty, resolution is inferior as well as transparency and layering, tonality is less realistic and upper mids are more emphasized and prompt to slight sibilance, unlike Aria lean gentle mids.

TREBLE is more aggressive and less well defined, cymbals are splashier and micro-details inferior to crisper, airier, snappier highs of Aria.

TECHNICALITIES like attack speed and control, micro-dynamic, natural extension and decay is far superior with Aria. BL-A8 is brutally dynamic and thumpy, it screams at you like a punk-rocker while Aria sign at you like a full choral.

TONALITY is leaner and more neutral and natural with Aria which doesn't suffer from wack tone presentation like the BL-A8 does (especially in the mid-bass and mids department).

End words: The ARIA is a way more refined and maturely tuned IEM with superior clarity, accuracy, tonal balance, and bass-treble extension than BLON BL-A8. I guess we can say for the defense of BL-A8 that it can be funnier-livelier for those that aren't sensible to weak accuracy and poor bass control. As well, it must be noted that BL-A8 cable is far superior to Aria in term of performance and might perhaps be the very best cable in that regards I ever test under 100$.

CONCLUSION

If you read my review fully or even partially, I think there a shred of evidence that proves I don't like the BL-A8, especially when I look through ''sound value glass''....but it doesn't mean that's horrifious sounding earphones at all, just that I'm sensible to this type of uncontrolled bass boost and overall artificial tonality to my ears. In fact, faster transient response, better dynamic control and articulation and 4db less bass and the BL-A8 might be very good sounding. If you do enjoy the BLON MINI alot and search for an upgrade, the BL-A8 is EXACTLY that. But if you didn't enjoy the Mini in the first place like me, stay away from BL-A8 and go for BL-05S or a second pair of BL-03.
BLON seem to have given more effort into their housing design and construction than proper tuning and acoustic engineering and I must admit I'm stock between admiration for craftsmanship and sincere deception for sound ''evolution''.
Well....all of this BLON potential might just be a ''Driam'' afterall.

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ps: Big thanks to Hifigo for the review sample as well as for accepting my sometimes not so eulogistic freedom of thoughs. This is a proof that this audio distributor is honest and truly passionate about audio communities and I respect that.
You can buy the BLON BL-A8 Prometheus at best price here:
https://hifigo.com/products/blon-a8?_pos=2&_sid=8dbc1c4fb&_ss=r