BLON BL-Max

cqtek

1000+ Head-Fier
Max Is No More
Pros: Pleasant and musical sound.
- Natural and smooth tonality.
- Level of construction.
Cons: The design is not the most ergonomic.
- They feel heavy.
- Quality control: One capsule has come out of phase.
- Sound not very detailed.
- The first half of the mids is backward.
- Sinking in the second half of the treble.
- Sound not very bright.
Introduction

At this point, BLON, or WGZBLON, needs no introduction. Active since 2014, it is the brand responsible for creating one of the most famous Hypes of recent years: the BL-03. It is true that it is the Chinese brand of impossible shapes, heavy metallic constructions that attract a lot of attention and whose shapes are very committed to the fit and ergonomics of each enthusiast. Even so, BLON does not give up and continues to persist on this path, perpetuating its almost extravagant designs. As a further example, the current BL-Max possesses all these traits: it is relatively beautiful, metallic, heavy and with a design that makes it difficult to fit in my ears.
If we talk about its internal design, it is a dynamic dual driver, combining a 10mm driver with a carbon diaphragm and a 6mm driver with a very light diaphragm. The cavity is made of Zinc alloy and uses a 2Pin 0.78 connection. Despite all this, the tuning has not changed that much from that BL-03 or the later BL-05s. So it is not a sonic revolution, only the design is, but not so much of an ergonomic improvement.
In my opinion, BLON is still going round in circles about the tuning of its most successful model, but without taking off from it, nor surpassing the value of that time.
In the following review we will see why these thoughts.

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Specifications

  • Driver Type: Dual dynamic driver (10mm+6mm).
  • Frequency Response: 20-20kHz
  • Sensitivity: 115dB
  • Impedance: 32Ω
  • Jack Connector: 3.5mm, straight plug, gold plated.
  • Capsule Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm
  • Cable length: 1.2m (silver-plated cable).

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Packaging

BL-MAX come in a classic white, medium-sized, elongated cardboard box, size 179x96x35mm. On the front side, the silhouette of the product is drawn, the model name appears in the lower right corner and the brand name in the upper left corner. On the back side are the specifications, in Chinese and English. It should be noted that the impedance is 32Ω in Chinese and 16Ω in English. Maybe it's due to jet lag…
After opening the box, you can see the capsules fitted in a plastic holder, at the top. While at the bottom there is another little white cardboard box, with a description of the product in the middle. The complete contents are as follows:

  • The 2 BL-MAX capsules.
  • 1 x 1.2m silver-plated cable with 3.5mm straight plug.
  • 3 pairs of dark grey silicone tips, sizes SxMxL.
  • 2 pairs of dark grey silicone tips, more elongated and narrower, sizes SxL.
  • 1 cloth bag for storing the headphones.
  • 1 user manual.

For the price and as usual, the content is acceptable. Nowadays, it seems that including a pouch to store the product is something to be highlighted, when before it was very common to receive a zipped case, whose protection capacity is much greater.
Neither the pouch, nor the cable, nor the tips are anything special. Although the cable is different and looks a little better than before, its plastic coating makes it easier to shape.

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Construction and Design

The capsules are made of zinc alloy for its brilliant sound characteristics. The surface has a very fine sandblasted finish and has been machined to a high gloss, thanks to its PDV plating. They are heavy and large. The outer face is a rectangle with rounded corners, measuring 20x27mm. On the underside you can read the brand, model and channel, written in white letters. The inner side has a flat outer edge, on which the 2Pin connector is mounted. On a second level there is a narrower, more ergonomically shaped box, which tries to fit into the pinna. On the opposite side to the 2Pin connection, on the skirt of the nozzles, there is a hole. Finally, the nozzles are short and slanted in the direction of the ear canal. Their length is 4.25mm and their outer diameter is 5.4mm. Whether this design manages to be ergonomic is another matter, which will be discussed in the next section.
I can't deny that the design is striking and the construction is excellent. But the capsules are heavy, the shape is not very appropriate, the nozzles are short, the inner side does not fit easily due to its size and on top of that they came with a manufacturing defect: the left capsule is out of phase, so I had to use another cable that allowed me to turn it around, in order to solve this inconvenience.
The cable is silver plated and covered with transparent plastic. It is 1.2m long and relatively thin. The plug is 3.5mm SE gold plated. Its jacket is a silver-plated metal cylinder. The cable has a small tubular shield when it comes out of the cable. The splitter piece is another identical cylinder. The 2Pin connectors are completely covered inside an angled sleeve, which fits perfectly with the connector of the capsule. Because of this cover and this angle, I couldn't use the cable, because the left capsule was out of phase. In addition, the cable has both over-ear guides at this point.
The cable is a little above average, but it has a tendency to get a bit of shape due to its unique plastic coating.
Overall, the construction is very good, the design is bold and eye-catching, but the performance is compromised, due to the ergonomics.

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Adjustment and Ergonomics

The capsules are heavy and I have had a lot of difficulty finding a durable fit. The nozzles are short and none of the standard tips work for me, because they fall out, they don't reach the ear canal properly. Even with my large foam-filled tips, I have had problems, because of the short size of the nozzles. The fit is very shallow and they can only be held in place by minimal contact and thanks to the over-ear anchorage. So I don't recommend it for use on the street or on the move, unless you are lucky enough to get a better fit than mine.
It’s not normal for me to have problems with the ergonomics of IEMS, almost all of them fit me well and I have very few problems with them. Using the larger tips in my collection I have achieved a more durable fit, but the best sound is very position dependent, the slightest misadjustment and the seal disappears and the perception of the music changes, especially from the low end. So ergonomics is critical.

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Sound

Profile


BLON persists with the idea of a soft V-profile, trying to stretch the extension of the treble, although it remains soft, with a point of clipping due to a clear drop before the air region. The mids feel moderately delayed in front of the bass and first treble, which impoverishes the overall tuning result.

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Bass

When a good fit and a better level of canal occlusion is achieved, the quality and perception of bass is enhanced. Thanks to the use of my large, foam-filled silicone tips, the surface fit allows the sound to be sealed inside the ears and that is when the bass is maximised. The sensation, then, is of a powerful sub-bass, linear down to the mid-bass, but above all, very physical, with an ability to move quite a lot of air. It has a nice level of roughness, with a good descriptive level and an eloquent texture. The timbre of the lower notes is quite realistic and the low-frequency oscillations develop with naturalness and appropriate colour. The BL-Maxes pass the 20 to 50Hz pure note reproduction test with a fairly high rating. And it is in the transition from the sub-bass to the mid-bass that they are at their most violent. This characteristic offers a sense of sluggishness that weakens the whole, being less agile to follow fast bass lines, as their power exceeds the dynamism needed to pick up in due time. It's a bit like between waves there is no return to the sea and the LFOs collide with each other, as one goes forward and the other picks up. Then, there is too much air in the environment and a feeling of continuous magma. I think the bass notes are fast only on the go, while the decay is slower, giving a wet bass feeling. This is the negative note at the lower end. On the other hand, the colour, power and texture can become quite pleasant, at times, for a bass-lover like me.
In short, the low end is a mixture of mixed feelings, some very enjoyable, others more diffuse, less well defined and of lower resolution. One misses a point of greater overall dryness.

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Mids

The first part of the mids is perceived as relatively distant. The body of the male voices and instrumentation in this area is lighter and thinner. This has an impact on the appreciation of texture and details/matices in them. The rendering is simpler and flatter, with little three-dimensionality. The best thing remains the timbre, which feels very appropriate and natural. The sinking of this area is evident when the musical passages have bass, also the first treble predominates over this area. The result is an impoverishment of this first half, in an IEMS whose tuning in comparison to previous models should improve in this area. And this has not been the case. My assessment in this respect is critical: having to turn up the volume to perceive the closeness of the mids is not a solution when the bass remains in the room for a long time. So I am disappointed to have found this initial gap, even though the price level is so low.
The second half is slightly compensated for and the gain of the bell emancipates the female voices and brings a degree of clarity and cleanliness, but pushes the first half even further away. There is a steep rise and this contrast disturbs a quiet, calm listen, as balance and equilibrium are lost. On the one hand there is a bass stage that can become massive and then a high mid-high and early treble enhancement. The sensation of hollowness can become apparent.
The descriptive ability of the mids also feels minimised, when with more presence, this power would surely have been greatly improved. I think that the dynamic capacity of the drivers would be able to contribute more in this sense, but again it remains a sketch, a good approach that leaves me with the honey on my lips: I want more mids! The BL-Max have the qualities to offer them, but they don't, so we have to be satisfied with a marked V in this first half.

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Treble

Looking at the frequency response, the first treble is the highest part of the graph. Are these IEMS for treble-heads? Not at all. The treble is quite controlled and the first cymbals are present, but there is no flashy brilliance. There is clear control and smoothness. I like the initial level of extension because they don't have the classic steep drop, at 6kHz, to offer a more pronounced, quiet control. Against that, this part is sustained and it's beyond when the valley gets deep. Good and bad. Musically it's good, because it's pleasant and keeps sibilance very much at bay, offering excellent control over it. This benefits the reproduction of bad recordings, those with uncontrolled brightness in this area. But, on the other hand, this exaggerated valley seems to limit more sparkle in the final notes, impoverishing the harmonics and reducing the level of detail, nuance, even texture. Expressiveness and assurance are always tricky to marry, and the BL-Max have tried to bring something different to the table, and half-heartedly succeed. But, on this occasion, I applaud their daring and insight, because they still have a good representation of first treble and a slight sense of air, though not enough. Perhaps that's why the timbre remains realistic, if, at times, underdeveloped or expanded, like the vast majority of the notes. Good is not superior, but it's better than overdone, in this case.

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Soundstage, Separation

The scene has a large width component, even a good sense of envelopment. But I don't find it has much three-dimensionality. There is a good level of depth, but less height. Overall, I think it lacks air, the separation is not very high, and the bass, with its magma, is able to coalesce the scene and the provenance of the elements. The micro-detail is very shaded, even hidden. This is a thick-brush representation, there is not much room for the tiniest nuances, which impoverishes the listening experience, especially if you play music that you know down to the smallest details. Little dark background is observed due to the complete softness of the sound. There is a low level of complexity and little analytical feeling. The BLON BL-Maxes are characterised more by musicality than by technical capabilities, the latter being relatively withdrawn.

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Comparisons

TFZ Live 1


If the need is to look for V-U IEMS, it is best to play it safe and buy, for example, a TFZ. The direct consequence is clear, the bass is deeper, more powerful, relatively as fast or slow, depending on how you look at it, but cleaner in its tuning. I prefer the roughness and texture of the TFZ bass, as well as its characteristic darker sonority. It is true that, perhaps, the BL-Max's bass is technically more defined and the TFZ's depth dulls that definition. But their rumble is still shocking to me.
The highs are also more prominent, offering a superior presence of detail by emphasis rather than technical skill. At least, they are more coherent overall, in this upper zone. In this way, micro nuances are not as masked and more of them can be discerned in the Live 1s.
In the mid-range, the lower V of the Blon offers a somewhat fuller sound, with a timbre that I prefer as natural, more musical and pleasant. The TFZs are cooler in the mid-range and the sag is there, even slightly higher. They receive less warmth and body from the bass, but there is a higher point of cleanliness, although they are also lighter and thinner, offering a less representative area.
True, the BLONs are tonally more satisfying, even more musical, but there is more sparkle and life in the Live 1s, and not just because of their name. The tuning of the TFZs is more polarised and that has an impact on the stage, somewhat less so. A larger oval is perceived in the representation of the BL-Max, improving its image and gaining a more enveloping sensation.
The TFZs are smaller, lighter, there are more colours to choose from, they have better ergonomics and are more comfortable. I prefer fun to a "I want to and can't get out of the vicious circle of the BL-03". Although, as I like the mids and they also have plenty of bass, it is possible that at other times, I would look for that comparative superior point between the two, in favour of the BL-Max, although I still think that they could have given more.

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Conclusion

I have the feeling that BLON is flying in circles, as if they were vultures on the lookout for the carcass of the best-selling BL-03. They change the design, even create new drivers, improve the cable and adjust to a price range. But they still have fit problems, they are heavy and the tuning is based on that successful model, without providing superior improvements. Tonally I still like them, at the stage level they have some strong points. But they are sparse in detail, the bass decay is slow, the first half of the mids is pushed back, as is the second half of the treble. With all this, in a price range with so much competition, they can't pretend that every model they put on the market is going to be a big hit, just because it's Blon. On the contrary, I expected much more from them.

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Sources Used During the Analysis

  • HiBy R3 PRO.
  • Tempotec Sonata E35.
  • Earmen Sparrow.
  • Earmen TR-Amp.
  • Hidizs DH80S.
  • Hidizs S9 Pro.
  • E1DA #9038D.
  • Qudelix-5K.
  • Burson Audio Playmate.
  • S.M.S.L Sanskrit 10th MKII + iFi ZEN CAN.
  • ACMEE MF02S

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Ratings

  • Construction and Design: 65
  • Adjustment/Ergonomics: 55
  • Accessories: 70
  • Bass: 79
  • Mids: 78
  • Treble: 80
  • Separation: 70
  • Soundstage: 87
  • Quality/Price: 75

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You can read the full review in Spanish here:

https://hiendportable.com/2021/12/26/blon-bl-max-review/

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kmmbd

500+ Head-Fier
Size Matters
Pros: Good build quality
– Good stock cable
– Fairly comfortable if the shell size fits the ear
– Smooth, non-fatiguing signature
– Good instrument separation
Cons: Shell size of the BL-MAX may be too large for some
– Prone to attracting scratches
– Mid-bass lacks texture
– Lower-mids are recessed
– Treble is muted and rolls off early
– Average imaging/staging
– Somewhat compressed dynamics
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BLON has been around for a while as an IEM/Headphone manufacturer (circa 2014 as per their logo). However, they reached stardom with the BLON BL-03 which have earned a place in our Wall of Excellence as the de-facto budget IEM. Since the breakout success of the BL-03, BLON has tried to re-capture the lightning in the bottle but never gained the same traction.

Enter BLON BL-MAX, their latest attempt at improving upon the BL-03, or perhaps providing something different enough to co-exist (just as the BL-05S were). Priced well under $50, the BL-MAX face stiff competition, even from within the family itself. Do the BL-MAX justify their existence, or are they doomed to fall into obscurity? Let’s find out.

This review was originally published on Audioreviews.

Note: the ratings given will be subjective to the price tier. Dunu was kind enough to send me the Luna as part of the Review Tour (thanks Tom!)

Sources used: Questyle CMA-400i, Hidizs AP80 Pro
Price, while reviewed: $36. Can be bought from KeepHiFi.

PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES

BLON is notorious for their below-par (often atrociously poor) accessories. This time around, though, they decided to at least provide a good quality cable. The stock cable of the BL-MAX is quite good IMO and I don’t see any reason to go for a third-party one unless you are too bothered by the (slight) stiffness. The stock tips, as always, are horrible and must be ditched if you care about fit. Finally, there is the fabric carrying pouch.

Overall, it’s an improvement for BLON but things can get better.
3/5

BUILD QUALITY

Build quality of the BL-MAX is solid. Each earpiece has a two-piece metal assembly (zinc alloy) with a visible-but-unobtrusive seam. There is a singular vent near the nozzle and at the bottom you have the protruded 2-pin connectors (not my favorite). The backplate has a chrome-finish that’s prone to picking up smudges and scratches and looks similar to the earcups of the Apple Airpods Max.

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It is a fact that the BL-MAX shells are rather… maximized and looks quite menacing in the photos. However, the inner-side is mostly ergonomic and slowly tapers into a more “human-like” shape. Overall, the build quality is as good as one should expect at this price with the scratches being a concern.
4/5

COMFORT, ISOLATION, AND FIT

Comfort seems to be a major point of discourse when it comes to the BL-MAX. For me it was not an issue once I swapped tips. For others, they found the housing to be too big to wear. I can only talk about my own experience but I also acknowledge that others may have issues given the unconventional shape.

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As for isolation – it’s above-average once you get the right tips to fit.
3.5/5

SOURCE AND EARTIPS

BLON BL-MAX doesn’t need much amplification and ran fine on the Sony NW-A55 (which has fairly weak amplification). Eartips are another story, however. I highly recommend changing tips. Spinfit CP-145 worked great for me, your mileage may vary.

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DRIVER SETUP

The BLON BL-MAX is their first dual-driver IEM with a 10mm CNT driver (likely 1st gen) for the lows and mids, and a 6mm micro-driver for the highs. The micro-driver uses a “lightweight” diaphragm as per the promo materials but the exact composition is missing. I assume it’s a PET/PEN diaphragm since a metal plating would surely be advertised.

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An interesting thing is the orientation of the drivers which are stacked together vertically. This kind of driver assembly was first used on JVC’s FX-T90 and a “throwback” revival on the BL-MAX reminds me of the olden days.

TONALITY AND TECHNICALITIES

In a nutshell, the BL-MAX has a sub-bass boosted V-shaped signature with darker treble. Some also call this a W-shape these days.

Given the sub-bass prominence one would expect that the bass would be skull-shaking but in reality it’s not that dense of a bass response. You do hear the sub-bass rumble and some mid-bass punch but due to the driver limitation texture is lacking. The slow decay exacerbates the problem with the mid-bass sounding rather one-note. Fast-flowing bass sections are often reduced to a hum that fails to portray the rhythmic nature of these notes. I have seen some suggesting to EQ the bass to be even more prominent but I’d advise against that since this CNT driver is already at its limit.

Mids are quite alright though there is the obvious lower-mid recession that drowns out male vocals and low-notes in bass-heavy mixes. Fortunately, the upper-mid has adequate amount of gain and thus female vocals are well-articulated, so are string instruments and guitar riffs. Treble meanwhile is characterized by a noticeable peak around 5KHz that tends to make leading edge of cymbal hits somewhat exaggerated. However, the treble rolls-off quickly after that with perhaps a slight peak around 8KHz.

None of these treble are too noticeable in most songs since the sub-bass masks the peakiness. However, in songs with sparse instrumentation (acoustic tracks, singer/songwriter stuff) you may experience the unevenness in the treble region. The treble lacks extension and air and sounds darkened up top as cymbal and hi-hats decay abruptly, with no sense of airiness or sparkle.

Due to the recessed mids, soundstage feels “wide” but in reality it’s not very deep or tall. Imaging on the other hand was surprisingly decent and could even portray some “ordinal” directions well. Instrument separation was above average. General resolution is below average, and dynamics (both sudden changes in volume and gradual ones) are compressed. Compressed, as in: you don’t feel the immediacy of a sudden bass drop, or the minute changes in volume level of instruments/vocals. However, most budget IEMs fail in this category so no big deal there.

Bass: 3.5/5
Midrange: 4/5
Treble: 2.5/5
Staging: 3.5/5
Imaging and Separation: 4/5
Dynamics and Speed: 2.5/5


BLON BL-MAX FREQUENCY RESPONSE GRAPH


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Channel-matching is very good for a budget IEM, so a job well done on that front.

SELECT COMPARISONS

vs BLON BL-03​

The OG superstar of the BLON family still remains unchallenged and seems to have been one of the rare “justified” hypes in recent years. The BL-03 is cheaper than the BL-MAX, has a worse fit, and requires both cable and tip changes.

However, once you have managed to get a fit, the BL-03 has a more analogue-ish tone with a warm tuning that offers a colored-yet-appealing midrange. The treble is also more present than the BL-MAX.

BL-MAX strikes back with better imaging, staging, instrument separation, and a deeper bass-reach. The sub-bass on the BL-MAX is better than on the BL-03. If you prefer to have a more mid-centric tuning the BL-03 is still an excellent IEM. For those who think the BL-03 needs more sub-bass or find the upper-midrange shouty – the BL-MAX can be a good alternative.

vs BLON BL-05S​

The BLON BL-05S is my personal favorite BLON till date. It offers the best technicalities among all BLON offerings that I’ve tried and the tuning is pretty solid as well. The fit is a notable improvement over the BL-03 and even the BL-MAX but the cable and tips still require swapping out.

Once you change the cable and get appropriate tips, the BL-05S sounds better than the BL-MAX in nearly all categories except for sub-bass rumble (BL-05S is rolled-off in that region). Imaging and separation is class-leading on the BL-05S so the BL-MAX don’t sound that impressive anymore. However, the BL-05S has a controversial color and I know many who didn’t buy simply because of the jade-green paintjob. BL-MAX has their own idiosyncrasies though with the oversized shell, so it’s a toss-up between them on aesthetics.

For my personal taste and given the much improved technicalities, I will pick the BL-05S over the BL-MAX. If you think the BL-05S sound thin in the mids or too dry in the bass for your liking – BL-MAX might suit you better.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

The BL-MAX did not stand out or impress in a hyper-competitive market and got overshadowed by its own brethren. It’s a complicated situation where BLON is somewhat bogged down by their own success.

BLON has been ramping up their release cycle lately with new IEM releases appearing almost every month. On one hand, it’s good to have more options in the market, and the potential for another “budget gem” is ever welcome. On the other hand we got this “scattershot” approach where brands try random stuff to see what sticks.

The BL-MAX does not look like a scattershot to me as the design and driver assembly hint towards a more planned approach. However, BLON did not get it right with their first dual-driver IEM, esp since dual-dynamic setups are hard to pull off. I hope BLON goes back to the drawing board, retunes the drivers/swaps them for something better, and while they are at it – redesigns the shell since it has caused fitment issues for some.

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Test tracks (as Tidal playlist): https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/04350ebe-1582-4785-9984-ff050d80d2b7

Ichos

Reviewer at hxosplus
Miniature Subwoofers
Pros: + Bass cannon
+ Good sub-bass extension
+ Mids and treble don't get masked
+ Mids stay clear
+ Easy going and fatigue free
+ Large scale presentation
+ Wide soundstage
+ Good quality cable
+ Budget friendly
Cons: - Bass is lacking in clarity and separation
- Bass is slow
- One note bass presentation
- Lacking in technicalities
- Treble not the most extended and refined
- The 2-pin cable plug is a unique design
- Bulky and heavy
- Not the most comfortable fit
The Blon BL-MAX was kindly provided free of charge from HiFiGo for reviewing purposes.
It is selling for €32,76 and you can buy it from this - not affiliate - link HiFiGo.

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Features

The BLON BL-MAX is the latest dual dynamic driver iem from the house of BLON.
The pair features a powerful combination of a 10mm carbon diaphragm dynamic driver and a 6mm lightweight micro dynamic driver with a precise electronic crossover to ensure a high-quality output with low distortion and high clarity.
It has an impedance of 32Ω with a sensitivity of 115dB making it phone friendly and easy to drive.

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Build quality and fit

The shells are made with Zinc-Alloy material and they are available in silver, blue and grey.
They have a nice, shiny appearance but they appear to be prone to scratching and discoloration but at this price point I wouldn't care too much.

The shells have an oval shape and they are quite bulky and heavyweight, weighing about 14gr each.
Thankfully the nozzle is extended and they come with longer than the usual ear tips so I was able to get a proper fit with a tight seal that helped with noise attenuation.
Generally speaking, they are not the most comfortable iems and some people will certainly find it hard to get a proper fit.
But if you manage to fit them, then after a while you forget about them and the weight isn't much of an issue thanks to the ear hook like cable that helps a lot with stability and weight distribution.

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Cable quality and accessories

Speaking of the cable, it is detachable and of high quality, it doesn't get tangled and it has low microphonic noise.
The only issue is that the 2-pin connectors are a specific design that is not compatible with the usual standard, so finding some aftermarket cables would be an issue.
Of course at this price point I wouldn't bother with cable rolling and the included cable is really good, no need to change it unless you want to go balanced.
There are two cable options, the one with a microphone and the other without.
Except for the cable the buyer gets four pairs of silicone ear tips and a simple carrying pouch.

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Sound impressions

The iem was burned for 100 hours prior to listening tests that were mostly done with USB DAC/amps of the same tier, like the Hidizs S3 Pro, ddHiFi TC35B Pro and iBasso DC05.

The Blon BL-MAX is easy to drive and can get pretty loud from mobile phones and low output dongles but I would certainly suggest something a bit more powerful to help it employ it's grand scale.

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The sound of the Blon BL-MAX is as the name would suggest, really maxed out.
Big, bold and open with a generous amount of bass boost that can easily reach deep enough and give the listener some pretty good rumbling with very satisfying results.
Unfortunately this emphasis is carried all the way up to the lower mids, so although the lows sound quite controlled, tight and certainly very dynamic they are lacking in clarity and separation.
The Blon BL-MAX isn't able to provide the quality of layering that is needed for music with a more complicated and complex bass line.
Certain parts of the lower registers appear masked and overlaid, bass is one note sounding and not agile enough to keep up when things get busy and fast.
Nonetheless with certain kinds of music like the Spitfire the experience is immaculate and you are going to feel like sitting next to the subwoofers.

The good news is that the bass isn't overpowering nor too dominant so the rest of the frequencies and especially the delicate mid band, don't get clouded and they can sound clear enough and well separated.
This is a hell of an achievement for such a bassy iem and while listening to Billie Eilish I was getting some great amount of hard hitting bass while at the same time I was able to enjoy her clear vocals and a well defined treble.

The BL-MAX isn't the classic V-shaped recipe and mids aren't too recessed, instead they are left with some free space to shine without losing in presence.

The same goes for the treble which is not amplified to compensate for the extra bass but it still has some good amounts of energy and agility.
It is not very sparkling, not too extended nor the most refined and clear sounding but detail retrieval is not missing.
The Blon BL-MAX plays it on the safe side with a smooth presentation that can sound muted and slightly dark but in exchange the listener gets a fatigue free and easy listening experience.
It is very forgiving with poorly mastered material and a suitable partner for strident recordings.
For example I liked it quite a lot while listening to Shadow Play which even in the mastered edition can sound a bit harsh.

The greater strength of the BL-MAX is the grand scale of the presentation aided by the surprisingly holographic soundstage, something quite rare at this price point.

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At the end

The Blon BL-MAX is a grand sounding iem with an easy listening character and can offer a huge bass experience without sacrificing much in overall clarity.
It reminds me a lot of the Drop+ JVC HA-FWX 1 and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it as a budget friendly alternative.

Test playlist

Copyright - Laskis Petros 2021
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nxnje

500+ Head-Fier
Blon BL-Max Review - Massive and average
Pros: – Well extended and textured sub-bass, warm non-fatiguing V-shaped tuning, easy to drive
– Decent stock cable
Cons: – Slow and fat sub-bass with average bass incisiveness, male vocals miss depth and warmth, limited treble extension
– Fit is tricky
– Strong competition

Introduction​

“Belief, LetMusicBurn, Oppoty, Never Give Up”.
You already know, Blon is famous for their strange name choice, but they are also popular because of some good releases that set a new “gold standard” in their price range (e.g. Blon BL-03).
Even though their recent releases such as the Blon Mini and the Blon BL-A8 “Prometheus” didn’t really impress me just as the BL-03 (yes, they were pretty impressive when they came out, at least from my point of view), I’m still among the many that are always curious to try the latest Blon release.
The Blon BL-Max were leaked at the beginning of 2021 and I was already interested in trying them just because of their strange and big housing, and I finally have them in my hands and in my ears now so I’m ready to share some impressions with you.

Disclaimer: the Blon BL-Max were provided by Keephifi for free in order to write a honest review. I do not represent Blon in any way and this is not a promotional content.
At the time of the review, the Blon BL-Max were
sold for around €30 on Keephifi’s official online store.

Buy here from Keephifi

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

blon bl-max showcase

Technical Specifications​

  • Configuration → 2DD
  • Sensitivity → 115
  • Impedance → 32 Ohm
  • Frequency Response → 20 Hz – 20000 Hz
  • Cable → 1,25m cable with 0,78mm PINs, my sample has no microphone but there is an option to have the cable with microphone
  • Connector type → straight gold plated 3,5mm jack connector

Packaging​

Nothing special, a classic Blon package. It contains:
  • The BL-Max
  • The cable
  • 5 pairs of silicone tips (among which 2 are conic tips)
  • User manual

Design and Build Quality​

The BL-Max are entirely made by metal. Although the design choice is pretty strange, they don’t appear particularly fancy as the faceplate just shows the WGZBlon label and nothing else.
There is a pressure vent in the inner side of the housing, which in my opinion may be tricky for some (but we’ll maybe discuss later about this particular detail).
The weight is not as low as other Blon releases but this is justified by the fact that these have a dual dynamic unit inside metallic shell.
Overall, the build quality is very solid and it seems like they’re built to last.

blon side.jpg

Cable​

The stock cable is definitely a big upgrade when compared to older Blon’s stock cables, even though this is not the first time we see Blon including a better stock cable (Blon BL-Mini and Blon BL-A8 Prometheus already came with decent cables).
Unfortunately, there is no chin slider on the cable, and despite I really hope they’ll think about adding one I have to say the stock cable does not have major microphonics issues.

bl max cable.jpg

Comfort and Isolation​

Comfort is, as usual with Blon products, highly subjective. These fit in a very strange way, and I guess many will have to get used to them during the first listening sessions. One thing I really advise is to buy some cheap aftermarket tips as some tip rolling may be needed to wear this properly.
Isolation is only acceptable, nothing special.

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
Do they need an amp?
The Blon BL-Max don’t need an amp but they definitely scale well when properly amplified, just like the majority of DD-based IEMs.

Sound signature
The Blon BL-Max are a warm-ish V-shaped set.

Lows: sub-bass has good extension and also preserves a good amount of textures, and I think it’s probably the best sub-bass I have heard on a Blon product. Midbass is present but has less impact than sub-bass, and it also has average speed due to the sub-bass hump which fattens the overall low-end.
Let’s say that if it wasn’t for the good sub-bass extension and textures, the low-end would have been an average Blon low-end.

Mids: the midrange is recessed, instruments get pushed back in the scene playing in the background while female vocals try to emerge with some added energy (and the manage to do that pretty well too). Resolution is average for the price range. Male vocals are just “ok”, it seems like they miss some warmth and depth in most cases and I think this is one of the biggest downsides of the Max.

Highs: treble is pretty delicate, with almost neutral lower treble and a noticeable upper-treble roll-off, thus making irrelevant their upper-treble extension. These aren’t for trebleheads or for those who always seek for the smallest details in music, so you should search elsewhere if you’re looking for some detail monsters or for a more analytic set.
On the other hand, if you’re particularly sensitive to treble and you usually like warm sets with smooth highs (and you do not set detail retrieval as your primary need), the BL-Max may be your cup of tea.
Soundstage is pretty wide with average depth and height. Imaging decent and so is instrument separation, although very complex and fast tracks may trip the BL-Max because of their slow low-end.

Some comparisons:
Blon BL-Max vs Blon BL-03

The BL-03 have been among my top daily drivers since when they came out, and I have practically used them for around 50% of my non-testing listening sessions, which is A LOT of time. I still haven’t found any way to replace them as I love them and it’s hard for me to choose other daily drivers. I was hoping the Max to be the upgrade I was searching for but found out these are pretty different.
The BL-Max have more sub-bass and better sub-bass extension and textures. The bass is more authoritative, punchy and thick on the BL-03, whereas the BL-Max take the lead when it comes to bass texturing. The midrange is more rich and forward on the BL-03, with better male and female vocals’ timbre, whereas instruments lack some refinement and resolution on the BL-03, things that the BL-Max are able to provide instead.
The treble is more detailed on the BL-Max and also feels more refined, whereas the BL-03 are only average in terms of detail retrieval. Extension isn’t particularly different.
The BL-03 are easier to drive and reach higher volumes faster. Soundstage is bigger on the BL-Max, and although height is not surprising they are an improvement over the BL-03 in terms of sonic stage depth and width. Imaging and instrument separation are better on the BL-Max hands down.
Build quality is on par, even though the BL-Max seem to come from a more refined manufacturing process (don’t know why, this is just my impression).
The stock cable provided with the Max is much better, while the old Blon cable is kinda awful.
Comfort-wise, none of them is something I would consider “ok” as soon as you open their box for the first time. Both need some tip rolling and some time to get used to the fit, but if I have to pick one, the BL-03 are easier to fit and keep in my ears once the right tips are found (and I’m still using them after 2 years with no comfort issues), whereas the BL-Max have a strange form factor and the shells are pretty bulky so wearing them could not be easy for many.
Sound-wise, I still prefer the BL-03 for their richer midrange and more authoritative (yet fat and slow) bass, but the technical improvements over the BL-03 are obvious and when listening to the Max it’s easy to understand which one was released first.

Blon BL-Max vs Final E1000
This price range is pretty competitive, and although there are newer products with magnetostatic drivers or BAs, I have decided to compare the Max with one of the classics from Final Audio.
Starting from the sub-bass, the BL-Max have a more extended lower end which is also more prominent than on the E1000. The E1000, on the other hand, have a more balanced but still emphasized low-end, with a more authoritative bass, even though the Max have better bass textures. The midrange is more recessed on the BL-Max but its resolution is slightly superior. Male vocals sound better on the E1000 thanks to the more impactful bass which also heats male vocals, while female vocals are a tad more forward and energetic on the Blon BL-Max. Lower treble isn’t really different and extension on top is not relevant on both. Do note, though, that the BL-Max perform better when it comes to detail retrieval.
The BL-Max are easier to drive and reach higher volume faster. Both benefit from being amplified.
Both are very easy to drive and reach high volumes with no issues.
Soundstage is wider and deeper on the BL-Max while height is on par, but I would like to point out something regarding the sonic stage: while the BL-Max play on a bigger stage, it feels like the stage is enclosed in a spacious room, whereas the E1000, even though the reproduction of instruments and vocals is less diffused in the space, seem to play in a more open stage, of which the limits are not as defined as on the BL-Max. It’s pretty hard to explain but I hope you’ll get what I am trying to say.
Imaging and instrument separation are better on the BL-Max.
BL-Max have the best built quality among the two, and they also win if we speak about the cable quality (the E1000 also have fixed cable so they aren’t really comparable). Comfort-wise, the E1000 win hands down, both because their form factor is more traditional and because the BL-Max is not really easy to wear and could need some tip rolling. Regarding isolation, it’s pretty hard to declare a winner, but it’s safe to say that the E1000 win again if you don’t find the perfect tips for you BL-Max as the way you wear them is crucial when isolation is put into account.
If you search for a more natural reproduction, the E1000 are what you search for, but they show their weaknesses against the BL-Max when it comes to details, instrument separation, imaging and sub-bass extension.

Final Thoughts​

The BL-Max are neither particularly surprising nor disappointing. This is another “average” Blon product that, although it has potential, has a high probability of ending up in oblivion, just like other products from them.

ywheng89

100+ Head-Fier
Blon BL-Max Review - Maximizing the sound?
Pros: Smooth sound signature
Above average imaging and separation
Good sub-bass response
Cons: Fitment may be a hit or miss for some
Slow bass and lacking in texture
Treble lacking air and sparkles
Blon BL-Max Review - Maximizing the sound?

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Intro

The brand Blon is no stranger to any audiophile/audio enthusiast. They took the world by storm with the BL-03, which offers a very high price performance ratio,despite it being launched quite some time ago, it is still fairly popular today, especially for those who are just getting into this hobby.

Here i have with me the BL-Max which i will evaluate and see if it will have the same kind of “Wow” factor from BL-03.


Packaging

The packaging is fairly simple and straightforward. THe usual Blon style packaging. Two packs of eartips and a cloth carrying case which are present in almost every Blon series.


Build and Comfort

The build quality of BL-Max is actually very solid. It doesn’t feel cheap at all. Very sturdy and looks durable. One thing for sure is that it’s very scratch prone and fingerprint magnet.
The fit to me feels like a hit or miss. For me, I need to swap the eartips to Spinfit’s Cp145 to be able to get a good fit and seal. Stock eartip is absolute horror

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Source

Foobar2k -> RHA DACAMP L1 Lineout Cayin C5 -> BL-Max
Apple’s Type C Dongle -> Bl-Max


Sound

Upon putting them in my ears, hitting the play button. It doesn’t give the same wow factor from Bl-03, however what it gave is a very smooth presentation of the music due to its darker treble and boosted lower end region,


Bass
  • You may think that the bass is very prominent due to it being V-shaped in nature, however that’s not the case
  • Sub-rumble is present, you do feel the rumble, but it is lacking texture which made it sound rather thin at times in tracks like The Weeknd’s Starboy
  • Mid-bass thump is rather lacking in tracks like Radiohead’s 15 Steps, it feels very slow and can’t keep up with the rhythm

Mids
  • Mids are rather clean and have adequate amount of details
  • Vocals are recessed as expected from a V-shaped tuning. Nothing good or bad about this as it's entirely up to the individual’s preference.


Treble
  • Definitely not the strong point of this IEM
  • Slight roll off
  • Lacking in air and sparkle
  • One good thing about it is you will not hear any sibilance nor harshness
  • Overall the treble region is smooth


Soundstage/Imaging
  • Soundstage is rather wide to my ears, this could be due to its recessed mids
  • Lacking in depth
  • Imaging is rather good as the instruments can be pinpointed easily
  • Instrument separation is very good, in busy tracks like Slipknot’s Duality, the whole presentation doesn’ sound muddy and all the instruments can be heard clearly

Driveability
  • Easy to drive and you will get acceptable volume level even off smartphone
  • Benefit from better source
  • Does not really benefit much from amping


Cable Rolling
  • Cable rolling does not change the signature much but it does improve the note weight depending on the cable material used
  • I found them to pair well with better SPC cable
  • Stock cable is pretty good in my opinion other than the annoyingly stiff earhook


Final Thoughts

While Blon has been hitting the market with a new release on a monthly basis recently, Bl-Max feels like a scattershot attempt in which Blon is trying out and seeing which one actually works.

In my opinion, Bl-Max feels like a pretty solid product in which it has been planned properly but failed at certain parts especially in the bass section. I believe if they were to take the reviewer’s feedback seriously and do a re-tune or driver swap, I'm sure it would be a successful hit.

Don’t get me wrong, Bl-Max is not a bad product, it’s just facing a lot of tougher competition at similar price points. If you prefer a deeper sub-bass reach and slightly tamed upper mids from Bl-03, you can try the Bl-Max, instrument separation and imaging is definitely better on the Max compared to the 03.

As such, i am giving the Bl-Max a 3.5/5

If you’re interested in purchasing the Bl-Max, head over to KeepHifi’s store to grab 'em.
https://keephifi.com/products/blon-bl-max
Feel free to use the following code to to obtain a 10% discount for BL-Max
KEEPHIFIblmax

*Thanks to Harry from KeepHifi for sending this over in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. I do not earn a single cent from the discount code or anything that you purchased via KeepHifi

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suicideup

New Head-Fier
Blon BL-Max Review
Pros: Fatigue-free sound
Thick sounding IEM
Premium, glossy metal build
Slightly wider stage vs the bl03.
Cons: Rolled off treble
Midbass bleed
Treble can be masked by the lows on busy tracks
Lackluster stock eartips
Fit will not be good ootb for most people
Proprietary 2pin cable, different from the usual 2-pin QDC cables.
Slow bass decay (subjective)
Driver shell is easily prone to smudge and scratches.
There are better options for its asking price (40usd),
IMG_20211121_002938189-01.jpg


Blon BL-Max Review!

Good day! After 3 days of in-depth burn-in and casual listening, here are my complete opinions and observations on the Blon BL-Max. Is it any different from its elder brother, the BL-03? Let’s find out!
Disclaimer/s:
  • I got this from a straight trade from a co-hobbyist. Rest assured that this review will be free from any bias/es.
  • Blon did not compensate me before to, during, or after the writing and construction of this review. They are also unaware that I will be doing this review.
  • I'll be utilizing the default Audiosense ear tips due to the poor fit of the supplied ear tips in my ears.
  • Your mileage may (,and will) vary.
Burn-in duration: 3 days, 5 hours a day.

Source/s Used:
  • -Hidizs AP80
  • -Not-By-VE Avani Realtek Dongle
  • -Samsung Galaxy S3 (WM1811 DAC)
  • -Non-HiFi smartphone (realme 5i)
Sound Signature:
  • V/U shaped depending on the source paired. big, soft bass, thick sounding pair of IEMS. Non-fatiguing sound.
Lows:
  • Lows are present and elevated. Midbass is a little bit dominant over the sub bass. Bass decay leans more on the slower side. Lows can be a bit boomy on some tracks. There is a fair amount of bass bleed to other frequencies (will explain it later). This IEM may appeal to bassheads when listening to bass-heavy and EDM tunes.
Mids:
  • Mids are warm and recessed but not boxy nor thin. Bass bleed is also present here. Depending on your source, the extent of the recession may differ. The lower and higher mids sound hefty, yet they may be lacking in clarity.
Highs:
  • The highs are somewhat raised, but not as much as the lows. It also has a tiny roll-off. Speaking of lows, bass bleed may occasionally obscure the highs, especially on busier tunes. As a consequence, there were no indicators of peaks or sibilance. Detail retrieval is below average compared to other IEMs in this price price point (under 40usd). People with ears that are sensitive to upper frequencies might find the treble comfortable.

Soundstage, Imaging and Separation:
  • The soundstage is average, wider than deep. Imaging is accurate but not precise. Separation is average and will suffer a little bit of congestion with busy tracks.


Comparison/s:

Vs. BL03
  • The BL03’s bass is much more boomier when compared. Mids are a little bit more open on the BL-Max. Treble lacks more extension on the BL03. Soundstage is also a little bit wider on the BL-Max. The remaining frequencies and technicalities are nearly identical.

Pros:
  • Fatigue-free sound
  • Thick sounding iem (subjective)
  • Premium, glossy metal build
  • Slightly wider stage vs the bl03.

Cons:
  • rolled off treble (subjective)
  • midbass bleed
  • treble can be masked by the lows on busy tracks
  • lackluster stock eartips
  • fit will not be good ootb for most people
  • proprietary 2pin cable, different from the usual 2pin QDC cables.
  • Slow bass decay (subjective)
  • Driver shell is easily prone to smudge and scratches.
  • There are better options for its asking price (40usd), in terms of technicalities.

Verdict

To answer the question earlier, The Blon BL-Max is more or less the same compared to the BL03 in terms of its sound and technicalities. It is a sidegrade in my opinion. However, I do see other people that might enjoy the BL-Max due to its fatigue-free sound, if they manage to fit these IEMs in their ears comfortably.



Thank you for reading!
Additional Photos:
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IMG_20211119_065736524-01.jpg
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Last edited:
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adriansticoid

New Head-Fier
BLON BL-Max Review: Deja Vu
Pros: Good price to performance ratio
Warm and smooth tonality
Cons: Bass bleed
Proprietary 2 pin design
Stiff cable
Fit is not for everyone
Shell prone to scratches
Introduction:
BLON is a company from China that produces in-ear monitors and headphones. They were popularized years ago by their BL-03 through its impressive price to performance ratio. Since then, BLON released the BL-01, BL-05, and now we have the BL-Max; the third release in their BL series of IEMs. The BL-Max currently retails for 37 USD, and was provided to me for free by KeepHIFI in exchange for this review.
IMG_20211025_163415-01.jpeg

International purchase link

Specifications:
Driver units: 10 mm dynamic, carbon diaphragm + 6 mm dynamic, composite diaphragm
Impedance: 32 ohm
Sensitivity: 115 dB
Frequency response range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz


Source:
Poco X3 paired with FiiO KA3, iBasso DC03, Shanling UA1, Tempotec Sonata E35 and Zishan U1

Test tracks:
Africano - Earth Wind and Fire
Dark Necessities - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Gurenge - Lisa
The Chain - Fleetwood Mac
Monsters - All Time Low
Ours - Taylor Swift
Stay - Mayday Parade
Snuff - Slipknot
Yesterday Once More - Carpenters
So Slow - Freestyle
Aurora Sunrise - Franco
Attention - Pentatonix
Blue Bird - Ikimono-gakari
You're Still The One - Shania Twain
Anyone Who Knows What Love Is(Will Understand) - Irma Thomas
Salamin - Slapshock
AOV - Slipknot
Hey Jude - The Beatles
The Way You Make Me Feel - Michael Jackson
...and a lot more.

Unboxing and Accessories:
The BL-Max come in a pretty basic white rectangular box. Removing the lid will reveal the earphones resting on a thin piece of plastic, and below it is another box. It contains the cable, instruction manual, 5 pairs of silicone eartips, and a drawstring pouch.
IMG_20211025_161847-01.jpeg
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Build:
The shells are made of zinc alloy that has a smooth, glossy, and mirror finish. The shape of the shell uncommon and I can't think of another IEM that has a similar shape to this. The faceplates are fairly plain, with only a small WGZBLON branding and an L and R sides indicator. At the rear part of the shell there is a single vent that is quite big. The nozzles are average in size and length, have a lip to hold eartips in place, and a recessed metal mesh filter.
IMG_20211025_162527-01.jpeg
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The cable is a basic silver plated copper. The cable on each channel is soft and pliable, but it becomes stiff at the main cable, primarily due to its thick insulation. The angled male 2 pin connectors are made of hard rubber, while the splitter and 3.5 mm gold plated plug are made of metal.
IMG_20211025_163555-01.jpeg
IMG_20211025_163644-01.jpeg
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Now let's get to the sound.

Lows:
The lows are definitely the main focus of the BL-Max. Both subbass and midbass are upfront. Subbass depth is above average and reaches really deep, accompanied by a slow decay. Midbass is a bit soft sounding but has an added body and weight.

Overall, the lows of the BL-Max should be more than enough to meet the needs of most bassheads. But then again, like many other IEMs with this type of tuning, the lows will occasionally bleed into the other frequencies.

Mids:
The mids are positioned closer to the center. Lower mids have a slight bump, causing the vocals to sound unmistakably thicker than normal. The definition of instruments in this section is mediocre, as well as the clarity of the voices especially female ones.

Overall, the said bump in the lower mids, partnered by the strong bass bleed results in a somewhat blurry presentation of the mids.

Highs:
The highs are slightly pushed to the back. The reach in the treble is slightly above average with good presence, but the decay is on the quick side. The details and subtleties in this section can sometimes have a hard time presenting itself due to the elevation in the low frequencies.

Overall, the highs loses definition and texture when the lows start to drown it. But the good thing about it is that it's a safe tuning for treble sensitive people.

Soundstage and Imaging:
The stage has a below average expansion, with the intimate mids making it seem more narrow. The height expands further than the width. Imaging is sufficiently clear, but can definitely be improved by toning the lows down a bit. Instrument separation and layering is adequate, with some occasional hints of congestion.

Conclusion:
When the BL-03 gained popularity, a lot of people were complaining about its fit due its shape and short stem, and also the potential of the bass to bleed into the neighboring frequencies. With the BL-Max being released years after it, BLON didn't seem to solve those two major problems. Yes, they added another dynamic driver in the setup, but the tonality stayed the same. And while I don't have any problems getting a good seal, the shape of the shell has one of the more uncomfortable feeling when worn amongst all IEMs that I tried.

Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
Maximum Fun
Pros: Build is solid, Bass is excellent in power and control , cable is the nicest one from BLON so far. Fun mature V-shape tuning
Cons: Heavy and shape might not fit everyone as well as it did me. Not the detail magnet or treble head IEM. Stock BLON tips are a no as always!
20211025_134712.jpg


My Simple Review:
The Max comes in a non traditional square box nothing fancy not the long box with cryptic writings and legendary MEME's of the past. You get the newer cable that came with the MIni the traditional pouch and those awful tips particularly the cone default ones I do not like! Build is robust, there is some weight but not the heaviest I have used that still goes to the Metalure Wave a similar signature but more expensive IEM. It should be noted that all IEMs are tested stock before I start mucking around with cables , filters and tips.. these have very good potential out of the box "if your a bass head" like me but my personal taste in music is eclectic so one day I'm enjoying the Bass the other some bright and detailed headphones or earphones will do me well. These are V-shaped with a smooth mature tuning that is non aggressive in the higher frequencies. They are comfortable to my ears with an average isolation, the odd shape will be noticeable on smaller ears it wasn't the best fitting but I didn't find it uncomfortable.

Sound:
Bass: The Bass performance is above its price range for sure, offering supreme control in Bass heavy songs without muddy or any loss of quality. Sub-Bass presents with authority the Mid-Bass does bleed into the mids giving a warmth to them but overall it doesn't hinder them so much. The Bass is both quality and quantity, there is good layering and separation a trait not always found together. its very pleasant with Bass heavy Music but can cause fatigue for very long use.

Mids: Mids do not suffer from recession as much as I was expecting but it is still there. Upper Mids are a little brighter than most Vshaped IEMs and lower have a nice mellow warmth, the Mids present smooth and balanced while not the best details are given they still are quite good and should please most listeners.

Treble: The highs are clear and present a neutral response with no boost, still they are clear and drop far from any harsh peaks with a relaxed tuning. Treble heads will not be impressed but Bass fans will appreciate the lack of spiky peaks.

Soundstage is above average and has decent imaging and separation.

Final thoughts:
The BL-Max is an interesting IEM I think if your thinking about BLON skip the 03 , Mini and others although the 05s is still great. The Max has much of the 03's strong points with more refinement. I think the shape is its weakest point, it really is good in so many ways and has potential to be much better. It should be noted with more power it takes on a much more enjoyable sound and Amplification is recommended as it scales well.

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Last edited:
Lamim Rashid
Lamim Rashid
How do you compare these to the 05S? The 05S still seems like a slightly superior set. Akros noted that the max were a bit too harsh, relative to the other blon models at least
crabdog
crabdog
I agree. If it weren't for the aesthetic, I think this would be way more popular.
W
Wuzhishan
Great review! Accurate sonic descriptions.
The BLON BL-MAX remains a value-priced and under appreciated "gem" of an "IEM"!
Using foam tips and a decent desktop amp, the performance is excellent! I like the unique design & fit.
It reminds me of the IKKO OH10s I have been testing. Who woulda thought with all the poor reviews it has unfairly received here! It appears we have some anti-BLON prejudice at work! I bought mine from Amazon for $20 bucks!

OspreyAndy

500+ Head-Fier
OPPOTY MAXIMUS – DRIAMS Come True
Pros: -
- Very smooth unoffensive organic V Tuning
- Solid Dynamic Drivers vibrancy
- Sibilant Free
- Great for Bassheads
- Exquisite premium build quality
- Premium SPC Cable
- Resists smudges
Cons: -
- Bloaty Mid Bass (with stock and silicone tips)
- NOT for Treble lovers
- Slightly heavy due to large body mass
- Can pick up micro scratches
IMG_20211102_124212.jpg

Foreword

I’ll cut the chase, please READ these before going any further: This unit of BLON BL-Max was sent to me by KeepHiFi (https://keephifi.com/), for me to test and review:
  • I DON’T like the stock sound, way too bassy for my blood
  • BL-MAX is warmer sounding than BL-Mini, my last BLON
  • BL-MAX will NOT satisfy Trebleheads, read: those who love HZSOUND Heart Mirror, VE Monk SM, BQEYZ Spring 1, Grado, Etymotic or Beyerdynamic type of brightness will hate this BL-MAX
  • BL-MAX will NOT wet your pants with lush Mids
  • BL-MAX is V sounding unit in stock form
Now that’s cleared, let’s see what we have in hand here. As always in order for me to appreciate the listening apparatus I actually use, I will tweak them here and there to see if I can get them to attune to my taste – which is Diffused Field Neutral or at least Balanced Natural (slightly warm). I am not the type that focus on what bad thing these buggers has to offer, I like to bring the best in them with the best possible scenario

Tweaking For MAXIMUS Effect​

Tips:

Once again Misodiko Mix460 came to the rescue. The stock BLON Silicone tips weren’t that terrible actually. Not as dismal as KZ or TRN stock silicones. For me the BLON narrow silicones were almost passable. But ultimately, I just cannot stand the pounding Mid-Bass resonance and reverb. Which in turn overwhelms everything. At least this is what my ears telling me. Slow rebound foam tips did perform better, but still I can sense the Bass level was still above my acceptable levels. Misodiko Mix460 gave me the solution I seek. Overall Bass responses a LOT tighter and tidy now, also with added sense of transparency and clarity on the rest of the frequencies especially the top end.

CABLE:​

I must credit BLON for the inclusion of legitimate SPC cable for this BL-MAX. Much better than the stock BL-03 OFC cable. It does help to NOT make it even darker sounding or bloated in the lower registers. However, me being me, I can’t resist the urge to swap in my arsenal of cables lying about. First it was TACables Obsidian, a Litz OCC Hybrid which is markedly bright sounding in nature if paired with the wrong partners. Obsidian works great with BL-MAX, helped to instil better sense of transparency and clarity by shaving off some of the warmth. The best pairing so far for BL-MAX is undoubtedly the NICEHCK LitzPS 4N Litz Pure Silver. The pure silver Litz of NICHECK offered even better clarity and transparency, with audible improvements on micro detailing. Totally transformed the BL-MAX towards being W sound natural balance (warm still).

As such, my following impressions are based on this MAXIMUS setup of the OPPOTY BL-MAX

Timbre, Dynamics & Tonality:
Very organic overtones with hints of sparkle to keep things exciting. To me BLON is one of the hardcore purists for traditional Dynamic Drivers sound – much similar to the old signature of KOSS The Plug and early Porta Pros. The Dynamics are hugely vibrant and euphonic. Timbral balance tilt towards being warm and dense. This will appeal greatly for those loving thick and wholesome sound signature. In comparison to the house sound of KZ and TRN, BL-MAX is “wetter” than those two – if that even makes sense. Good thing is, I have developed an appreciation for this organic and warmer sound recently, otherwise I would probably hate this BL-MAX – me already so used to the flat, dry, sparkly presentation from the likes of Etymotic ER4 series.

Mids:
Definitely not the center stage for BL-MAX, especially in stock form being natively a heavy V sounding unit. But we are not going to go Karen on that. In the current setup, my BL-MAXIMUS offered admirably balanced Mids projection, not too forward, nor does it sound recessed. It has enough depth and resolution to appreciate the details and textures. Instruments sounded realistic be it stringed or percussions. Sounded absolutely lush with the likes of Diana Krall and Sinne Eeg on vocals. Slightly less commanding with male vocals (baritone type) of Nick Cave and Morrissey. And most importantly, it does not sound nasal with Alison Krauss and her piercing Soprano voice. Overall Mids attack and decay I would classify as smooth warm offering mature crispiness that is believable.

Treble:
If you are a Treblehead you shouldn’t be reading this far already! BL-MAX does not splash Treble like most brightly tuned IEMs. The approach is much similar to Sennheiser HD580 with subtle presentation. There’s audible hints of sparkle when it is expected to be there. Assuredly there’s no chance of unnatural Treble shimmer or glare, nor does there will be chances for Treble fatigue. Treble extensions are surprisingly great actually, especially when pumped up with great driving power from the likes of CEntrance DACport HD or Questyle M12. Even Abigail served amazingly great with lots of air and tingling sparkle – most evident with Jazz recordings. Admittedly I wish there could be a bit more of Treble texture, however it’s not a deal breaker at this price point. Treble extends as far as how competent the source and amplifier allow, with smooth decays that does not sound rolled-off too quickly. The overall Treble presentation is decidedly unoffensive.

Bass:
In MAXIMUS configuration, BL-MAX is no longer a Bass Cannon. Natively the Bass is super euphonic, commanding, and vibrant. With MAXIMUS, Mid-Bass is super tidy, respectful to not intercede into lower Mids or Sub-Bass region. However, the thumping punches has also been tamed greatly, almost sounding like a mildly bassy Magnetic Planar now
😃
. There’s enough resolution, textures, and details with MAXIMUS Bass – as it no longer focuses on quantity. I am enjoying this more balanced presentation now. If I am to nit-pick, I would say that I wish there could be a bit more of Sub-Bass seismic responses, the type that can be felt more rather than heard. Sub-Bass seemingly still a bit shy, but not entirely recessed. It is there and audible still. The decays seemingly more of crisp and fast rather than lingering and smooth (like how a legit Electrostatic would). But hey I am being a Karen here, otherwise in this current setup BL-MAX is already delivering above initial impressions. For Bassheads, I can imagine switching back to OFC type cable would restore the presence and impact.

Technicalities:
I am impressed, with dual DDs in the enclosure it is not easy to maintain Dynamics coherence and transients harmony. BL-MAX is sufficiently speedy enough to not get congested and compressed sounding. Perhaps not as speedy as the likes of Etymotic or top end Shure, but I not going to complain – for as long as it does not sound muddy or fuzzy. Imaging and staging largely depends on how lousy or how great the sources are. With my Redmi 10 and Sony Xperia X Compact phones, the soundstage was narrow and confined in. Imaging was decent. However, with my favorite Dongles, soundstage and imaging improved significantly especially when paired with DACport HD and Abigail, a bit so-so with the M12 (surprisingly). Imaging is sharp enough without being clinically razor edged, cleanly defined separation lines making it easy to pick up individual notes. Soundstage has proper depth but nothing mind-blowing. It felt spacious and with ample depth. Perhaps not as tall but I would not complain too much on it. For as long as spatial imaging is not too 2D, it goes as great in my book.
Details and transparency are actually quite amazing. Especially micro details, even at low volumes I was able to hear subtle nuances that makes listening experience truly enjoyable. There’s no veil thanks to great transparency offered by MAXIMUS tweaks. Despite generally being a warm sounding unit, BL-MAX has the details. Just that it does not get pronounced as would some very “resolving” IEMs would do it. It is subtle yet with proper definition.

Scalability:
Admirably, BL-MAXIMUS responded great with scaled pairing. Already great sounding due to silly easy drivability. I am totally enjoying the output with Abigail. However, I decided to skip Avani altogether with Avani being warmer and more intimate. With what I have heard it was decided that BL-MAX need at least very neutral sounding sources and amplification. The very best of BL-MAXIMUS is when paired with either the whopping 4 Vrms 775mW power of DACport HD or VE RAP5 + Abigail. Everything just opened up further and with great sense of space and fidelity.
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OPPOTY VS OPPOTY
So, the burning question. How does this BL-MAXIMUS fares against BL-03 MAX?
  • BL-03 is even heavier in Bass quantity and presence
  • BL-03 lacks imaging crispness
  • BL-03 does not scale well with better sources
  • BL-03 is slower (prone to congestion and compression)
  • BL-03 seems a bit fuzzier with separation lines
Otherwise, they both are near identical in overall tonal balance and timbre, faithful to BLON house sound. BL-MAX just being more refined. And all these tested extensively under similar condition with the same cable and tips. In stock form I really dislike the BL-03 even more – especially with that OFC cable and bloaty Mid-Bass. BL-MAX stock fares better probably due to the stock SPC cable instead of standard OFC.
  • The BL-03 is my own personal unit, not provided by KeepHiFi

Epilogue​

So, you are still here. Thanks for reading. Stock BL-MAX, it is quite passable for me. However, BL-MAXIMUS is another beast. It is almost like a different IEM altogether. Again, as noted earlier, this BL-MAX will not appeal to everyone (damm why is it so dang difficult to make a product to make EVERYONE happy? lol). Trebleheads should stay away from BL-MAX like a plague. And if you don’t plan on tweaking it a bit, look elsewhere too. But if you don’t mind swapping tips and cable rolling even, BL-MAXIMUS will deliver in spades. It will still be a warm sounding unit – one that is very organic and unoffensive.

And worth to mention, cosmetic wise BLON should be commended for making BL-MAX with exquisite build quality. The bling does not tarnish easily with smudges. However, care is called for since it will still pick up micro scratches if placed in the pockets with coins of keys. The stock SPC cable is already a great move by BLON (ditching the OFC of BL03). From what I have heard so far, among the BLONs I have tried, BL-MAXIMUS lived up to the legacy of being an improved unit over BL-Mini and BL-03, at least that’s from my perspective. #oppoty #driams #blmax
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Amber~Nikki
Amber~Nikki
Ur timing on this review with Linsoul's 11/11 sale coming up is impeccable
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