The cable is a 2-Pin connector, following the highest versatility φ0.78 standard, made of oxygen-free copper (OFC) and silver plated. It is anti-tensile and anti-interference, and that way it can eliminate short circuit problems, it has a faster transmission rate and more transparent sound, while being more durable at the same time. At the point where the cable connects to the earpiece has an earhook, which is very helpful for keeping the earpiece on the ear.
All the above might seem pretty standard for a mid-range priced IEM, but what about if I tell you that Mini’s MSRP is $29.99-$30.99, depending whether it is without or with a microphone? Amazing? Amazing, but true!
Before I go on with the sound impression, let me mention that Mini is an easy load, having an impedance of 16 Ω, which is a good thing; however, it is also quite sensitive, having a sensitivity of 115 dB, which is not always an advantage.
The sound
The sound of Mini is balanced and natural, while I could not really find cases where I would call it sterile. The bass is mostly mid-bass, with a small dose of sub-bass, which is certainly not much; so, if you are a bass-head, then the Mini is not for you. However, both the sub- and mid-bass is tight and very well controlled. The Mids are very nice, and both female and male vocals are presented as they are supposed to, without any forwardness or recession. The tremble is also very good; it is not extremely extended, but not it is not in shortage either. Mini is very clean and, for an IEM having a 6 mm driver, it is quite transparent. It is not the most detailed IEM that I have heard, but I did not feel that some information was missing; so, the resolution is not top, but it is more than adequate. The soundstage is better than average; it is not really big, both in width and depth, by any means, but you don’t call it small either; there are IEMs which are better in this department, but this is an unfair criticism for an IEM costing $30.00. Mini’s image and separation are both good good, and what made an impression for me is its dynamics, which is one of Mini’s strong points. Overall, the presentation is very articulate, alive and fun, and I want to stress this last point, as it makes Mini a really enjoyable set. In some musical pieces, one might get the impression that the sound signature is what we call “U shape”, but this is not usually the case.
In testing Mini, I used more or less the musical pieces that I most usually choose. I started with the classic songs “The Look of Love” by Diana Krall, from the album with the same name, Verve, “Baby Can I Hold You” by Tracy Chapman from the album Fast Car, Elektra/Asylum Records, “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor from the album Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon, Warner Records Inc., and “One More Second” by Matt Berninger from the album Serpentine Prison, Concord Records. All these beautiful vocals were performed by Mini very nicely, and although in the past I have certainly experienced better performances, there was not much about which I could complain in Mini’s presentation. “Move” by Hiromi (Uehara), from the album with the same name, Telarc International, is an very complex piece, with Hiromi on piano, Anthony Jackson on bass, and Simon Phillips on drums. It is very difficult to catch the powerful and fast playing of Hiromi, and Mini played the fast passages with ease. The same was the case with “Fanfare for the Volunteer” by Mark O’Connor, from the album with the same name, Sony Classical. This is a beautiful Orchestral piece composed by O’Connor, and played by him on the violin and London Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Steven Mercurio. It is another demanding piece with many ups and downs, which is very common in Orchestral music. Mini went through all these sound level alterations without any problem, proving that on top of everything else it is fast and a wonderful all-rounder.
Selected comparisons
One of the IEMs that I am reviewing this period is the CCZ Coffee Bean, having an MSRP of $19.99. It utilizes a single 10 mm dynamic driver, operating on a dual magnetic circuit, which makes it more energy efficient. Its diaphragm is composed of a combination of Polyurethane and Polyether Ether Ketone. So, Coffee Bean’s driver is much bigger than that of the Mini, with a diaphragm similar in composition, and it is designed to provide rich, detailed audio. On the other hand, Coffee Bean’s housing is plastic and rather conventional in shape, while Mini’s housing is from a Zinc alloy with a shape which, whether you like it or not, it certainly does not go unnoticed. Both IEMs have a a 2-Pin connector cable, with Mini’s cable appearing to be of better quality. The sound of Coffee Bean is sufficiently detailed; it is not more than that of Mini, but it is not much behind either. The problem with Coffee Bean’s (sound) signature is that it is really heavy on bass; a lot of sub-bass and plenty of mid-bass, to the point that in some musical pieces the presentation is rather booming compared to the beautifully balanced performance of the Mini. Coffee Bean is clearly a set designed for bass-heads. Although I don’t like sterilize sound, and I do appreciate some warmth in an IEM’s tuning, Coffee Bean’s signature is not for me, and given the choice, I would certainly pay the extra $10.00 for the Mini.
Another IEM that I highly value is the Final E2000. This is a tiny IEM, having an MSRP of $44.90. It has a 6.4 mm dynamic driver, with a housing made of aluminum black alumite and a non-detachable cable of very good quality. E2000 has a beautiful balanced tonality, and this is what made it one of my favorite IEMs and a long-time companion. This tonality gives it a very easy going, clean and clear presentation, more clean and clear so than that of Mini. On the other hand, Mini has what I call alive and fun (sound) signature. So, at the end, it is a matter of choice depending on the person and maybe even on the moment; after all, it is good to have choices in life!
Accessories and fit
The Mini comes in a rather long cartoon box, where one would find, besides the two earpieces and their cable, a sufficient variety of eartips, a fabric case and a user manual. My only complaint is that the eartips are rather generic, so I preferred and ended up using Final’s eartips.
On the other hand, the Mini is lightweight and very comfortable, providing pretty good sound isolation, so ambient noise with Mini was never a problem. Also, the plastic cover, at the end of the cable, helps the user to place the cable over hisears, thus avoiding microphonics.
Finally, the cable is of very good quality for the price of Mini and, although not advertised, it is anti-tangling, as I never had a serious problem with it.he Coffee Bean utilizes a single 10mm dynamic driver operating on a dual magnetic circuit. This provides a unique advantage over otherenergy efficient. This leading
Conclusion
The Mini does so many things right, and you would be hard pressed to find things for which you would complain about. It has a sound that is balanced, natural and quite transparent sound, with good soundstage, image and separation and particularly good dynamics. Overall, the (sound) signature is very articulate, alive and most of all fun. If you add a great overall quality and a price as low as $30.00, then you have nothing else but a clear winner. Highly recommended.
Specifications
Housing: Zinc alloy
Driver: PEEK + PET Dynamic driver
Sensitivity: 115 dB
Impedance: 16 Ω
Frequency response: 20Hz-20 kHz
Connector: 2-pin + 3.5 mm plug to the source
Cable: Oxygen-free copper, silver-plated cable
Cord length: 1.2 m
Price: $29.99-$30.99 (without or with a microphone)
Reviewer’s note: The reviewer is particularly grateful to Mr. Wang Guanzhen from WGZBLON, for supplying a sample of BLON Mini.