Disclaimer:
I bought the BLON Cardinal from Aliexpress at my own expense.
Introduction:
The latest CHIFI hypetrain single DD IEM, the BLON BL-03, has rave reviews on headfi and other audio sites the past few weeks. It was praised for its great timbre/tonality and affordable price. Though most folks had issues with the fit and stock tips due to the short nozzle of the BL-03, and a few also had issues with the stock cable due to the stiffness of the earhooks. The BL-03 had below average isolation, but was otherwise quite well received in the sound department, even by some strict reviewers.
At the time of writing, there's plans in the works for a MK2 version of the BL-03 (see the BLON or discovery headfi thread), it supposedly has a longer nozzle with lesser midbass, and is planned to be sub $100 USD. I do wish them the best, as it might be a gamechanger if the fit issues of the BL-03 were fixed.
Interestingly, there was an older sibling of the BL-03 that was released before the BL-03 came out. It was available towards the end of 2018 and was called the BLON Bluejay/Cardinal, and it had a few scattered positive reviews on aliexpress and taobao, but it was not well known in the mainstream audio sites. The Cardinal/Bluejay purportedly had the same tuning as the BL-03, but came at a more expensive price tag and with a larger shell and longer nozzle, which should theoretically give a better fit. The difference between the Bluejay and Cardinal is just in the external colour, with the internals supposedly being identical, though most stores are strangely selling the Cardinal at about $10 USD more.
So is the BL-03 the spiritual successor of the Cardinal, or just a younger upstart brother? Read on to find out more!
For some reason, they still love to burn music! But the "Oppoty and Driams" have disappeared!
Specifications:
- Driver: single dynamic driver
- Sensitivity: 106dB
- Cable: MMCX detachable cable
- Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz
- Impedence: 16Ω
Accessories:
In addition to the IEM, it comes with:
- Sackcloth pouch
- 1x 3.5 mm stock cable, 1x spare cable (with mic)
- Multiple silicone tips/foam tips
- Hard case
- 1/4 inch to 3.5 mm jack
Accessories as you can see, are much more generous than that provided in the BLON BL-03's packaging.
Build/comfort:
I'm glad to report the fit on the Cardinal is much better than that of the BLON BL-03 due to the longer nozzle. Most Westerners had an issue with the BL-03 with the stock tips due to the short nozzle, but the Cardinal is very ergonomic and well fitting. The Cardinal's stock cables are also of better quality and less stiff than the BL-03's.
I had a good fit OOTB with the stock tips and cables unlike the BL-03.
The Cardinal's shell is on the bigger side, just slightly smaller in size compared to the Audiosense T800 (see pictures below). Unlike the metal finish of the BL-03, the Cardinal shell is larger and made of nice resin, and feels and looks like a semi custom shell. There is a protrusion over the concha, which some folks may find uncomfortable, while I know others that love this protrusion.
The Cardinal is comfortable and light. I can wear it for hours without issues. It cannot be worn cable down due to the size and concha protrusion.
I did not note any driver flex when using the Cardinal.
Compared here in size is the Audiosense T800 vs BLON Cardinal vs BLON BL-03, scaled to a 1/4 inch jack.
Isolation:
Above average compared to my other CHIFIs. I estimate it can give about 15 dB isolation, much better than the BLON BL-03, but not as good as my best isolating CHIFI IEM, the Audiosense T800 (about 30 dB isolation). The Cardinal's larger shell and better fit makes it a suitable transit IEM in view of its better isolating properties. In addition, with the midbass hump of the Cardinal (which we will discuss in further detail below in the sound section), the Cardinal does compensate for the loss of bass frequencies, which is usually the first frequency to be lost in outside environments like the subway/bus.
One caveat though: the BLON Cardinal is not suitable for use in windy environments. There is a large vent (see near the MMCX connector) and it is noisy when wind gets in. The vent is so huge they had to put a mesh over it LOL. This vent runs parallel to where one is facing so if the wind blows perpendicular to you, the isolation is top notch, but once the wind blows into your face, that's where the wind sound enters the vent also.
Soundstage:
Above average in width, wider than the BL-03, but similar in depth to BL-03.
Sound:
I tested the Cardinal with a Desktop -> Khadas Tone Board -> Fiio A3 and Ziku HK-X9. The Cardinal is drivable from smart phones but definitely scales better with a DAC/AMP, much like its younger brother, the BL-03. The Cardinal is quite power hungry despite the specs on paper, with amping improving the details, soundstage, dynamics and tightening up the bass.
I heard a very slight hiss with this IEM on laptops/PC/smartphones. But this is not obvious once music starts, and it can also be eliminated by an amp, impedance mismatch device or in line volume controller.
Though I don't have any rigs to objectively graph the Cardinal, from my ears, it does sound to me that the Cardinal has a similar tuning to the BL-03, which makes a few owners of the Cardinal on headfi (and myself) think that it is likely the same driver used between the two siblings. The Cardinal has a slight L shaped tuning, with boosted midbass, very slightly recessed lower mids, with some light roll off at the upper treble. I didn't notice any awkward peaks or troughs in the FR.
Compared to the BL-03, the Cardinal has better isolation and soundstage and fit and lesser midbass bleed, hence these contribute to slightly better technicalities in the Cardinal than the BL-03 in the areas of detail, clarity and instrument separation. If I could subjectively grade the improvement, it is about 20% better in the Cardinal in these areas compared to the BL-03. Imaging is similar on both siblings.
The Cardinal keeps the best aspects of the BLON BL-03, and that's in the areas of excellent timbre, natural dynamics and very coherent tonality. Hence, like the BL-03, the Cardinal would excel at slower genres which incorporate a lot of acoustic instruments, such as in classical, jazz and acoustic genres. Its strengths may not be so apparent if your choice of music uses synthetic instruments like in electronic/EDM, or if you wanted a hyperdetailed analytical signature.
I found the clarity, instrument separation and details to be above average for a single DD driver, but it won't trump a dedicated multi BA/hybrid IEM in this aspect. With very complex instrumentation or in music with lots of competing riffs/melodies going on, the Cardinal does have a bit of difficulty keeping up, much like the BL-03.
Overall, the sound of the BLON Cardinal is less analogue sounding and less veiled compared to the BL-03, though it does retain some degree of sounding "tube amp like" due to the likely same driver/tuning used as its younger brother. Some may find this a plus or minus, but if one wants a slightly clearer resolution than the BL-03, the Cardinal definitely provides it.
Bass:
I did hear a difference in the bass section compared to the BL-03. With stock tips on the Cardinal (compared to spinfit CP100 on the BL-03), I did find the subbass to extend lower and have more quantity on the Cardinal, with the midbass slightly flattened on the Cardinal. When using spinfit CP100s on both the BL-03 and the Cardinal, I found the midbass was similar in the hump/quantity on both sets, but the Cardinal had more subbass extension/quantity than the BL-03.
Hence I would say the Cardinal may be even bassier than the BL-03, especially in the subbass frequencies. It's one level shy of basshead sets like the TFZ No. 3, but most bassheads will still have a field day with the Cardinal. Though I probably can't say the same for those who prefer a neutral bass, as quite a number of folks in the headfi threads seem to dislike the BL-03's midbass hump. I suspect that more subbass is perceived on the Cardinal due to the better isolation on it compared to the BL-03.
Bass on the Cardinal is very typical of a well tuned DD driver, with good subbass extension and displacement of air. Bass is on the slower side for a DD bass and hits hard in the midbass. Subbass has a very slight roll off compared to midbass. In songs with very complex bass movements, it generally managed to keep up with good control and details, but had occasional smearing.
There was less midbass bleed and no distortion unlike the BL-03.
The eartips and source/amping have a big influence on the quantity and speed/texturing of the bass on the Cardinal, so explore around to see which provides the best synergy for your needs. Amping definitely tightens the bass.
Mids:
Similarly tuned to the BL-03:
Very slightly recessed in lower mids. Note weight/density is very good and natural compared to most other multi BA/hybrid setups. The upper mids are slightly brighter than lower mids, hence female voices sound more forward than male ones. The Cardinal doesn't have the typical 2 - 4 kHz harsh CHIFI peak and hence it is non fatiguing for longer listening sessions. The mids are detailed with good clarity and instrument separation, although dedicated multi BA/hybrid setups will trump the Cardinal in these areas.
Treble:
Treble is airier and brighter than the BL-03 and has no fatigue/harshness/sibilance. Very good for listening for long sessions and having a relaxing listen. Cymbals sound very authentic compared to the usual splashy cymbals heard in some budget CHIFI sets. I would class the treble as marginally bright compared to the usual bright CHIFI treble tuning, and it extends quite well but has a slight rolloff at the upper treble. The lower treble is slightly boosted but not harsh. Overall, I didn't notice any spikes, and neither did I notice any grain on the treble.
Conclusion:
Thanks for reading thus far. Now to answer the million dollar question: Should I get the Cardinal if I'm already a proud owner of a BL-03?
Well, I think for existing owners of the BL-03, it is worthwhile getting the Cardinal/Bluejay if u want a better fit, better isolation and soundstage (and if u have tried many different tips and still can't get a good fit). There's marginal upgrades in the technicalities (details/clarity/instrument separation) as discussed above, so it may not be cost effective for those who already have a good fit with aftermarket tips/cables with the BL-03, considering the Cardinal is more than two times the retail price of the BL-03.
The Cardinal is also bassier (with the same tips/source) than the BL-03, so for folks who are bass averse, it will probably be wise to give this a miss, but bassheads like myself will appreciate it.
For folks who haven't gotten the BL-03 and are wondering what is the BL-03 hypetrain about and don't wanna waste time eartip rolling or finding aftermarket cables, the Cardinal comes in a ready made package that is good to go OOTB. IMHO, if u are gonna spend 20 bucks on an aftermarket cable and around 5 - 10 bucks on a more expensive eartip like Spinfits or JVC spiral dots for the BL-03, the costs are almost thereabouts between the 2 sets. YMMV.
Since there're plans for the BL-03 Mk 2 which has a longer nozzle and less midbass, if one is truly averse to the bass but still wants a better fit, that's an option too, though nobody knows how the tuning will turn out. The Cardinal does come with ready improvements desired by the community for the BL-03, though the bass seems to be of more prominence.
TLDR: The Cardinal lives up to its name as the big brother of the BL-03, incorporating slight improvements in technicalities, fit and isolation/soundstage, while keeping aspects that make us love the BL-03, such as in timbre and tonality and tuning. Though it may be a bassier beast, which may not be everyone's cup of tea. For myself, I do travel a lot and require much isolation, which the BL-03 can't provide, so this is an area of improvement I do appreciate. I love the tuning of the BLON siblings and I will keep both sets, the BL-03 as a spare in view of the slight improvements in the Cardinal. But both are good options to consider, depending on your needs and budget! Thanks for reading and enjoy the music AKA let music burn!
I bought the BLON Cardinal from Aliexpress at my own expense.
Introduction:
The latest CHIFI hypetrain single DD IEM, the BLON BL-03, has rave reviews on headfi and other audio sites the past few weeks. It was praised for its great timbre/tonality and affordable price. Though most folks had issues with the fit and stock tips due to the short nozzle of the BL-03, and a few also had issues with the stock cable due to the stiffness of the earhooks. The BL-03 had below average isolation, but was otherwise quite well received in the sound department, even by some strict reviewers.
At the time of writing, there's plans in the works for a MK2 version of the BL-03 (see the BLON or discovery headfi thread), it supposedly has a longer nozzle with lesser midbass, and is planned to be sub $100 USD. I do wish them the best, as it might be a gamechanger if the fit issues of the BL-03 were fixed.
Interestingly, there was an older sibling of the BL-03 that was released before the BL-03 came out. It was available towards the end of 2018 and was called the BLON Bluejay/Cardinal, and it had a few scattered positive reviews on aliexpress and taobao, but it was not well known in the mainstream audio sites. The Cardinal/Bluejay purportedly had the same tuning as the BL-03, but came at a more expensive price tag and with a larger shell and longer nozzle, which should theoretically give a better fit. The difference between the Bluejay and Cardinal is just in the external colour, with the internals supposedly being identical, though most stores are strangely selling the Cardinal at about $10 USD more.
So is the BL-03 the spiritual successor of the Cardinal, or just a younger upstart brother? Read on to find out more!
For some reason, they still love to burn music! But the "Oppoty and Driams" have disappeared!
Specifications:
- Driver: single dynamic driver
- Sensitivity: 106dB
- Cable: MMCX detachable cable
- Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz
- Impedence: 16Ω
Accessories:
In addition to the IEM, it comes with:
- Sackcloth pouch
- 1x 3.5 mm stock cable, 1x spare cable (with mic)
- Multiple silicone tips/foam tips
- Hard case
- 1/4 inch to 3.5 mm jack
Accessories as you can see, are much more generous than that provided in the BLON BL-03's packaging.
Build/comfort:
I'm glad to report the fit on the Cardinal is much better than that of the BLON BL-03 due to the longer nozzle. Most Westerners had an issue with the BL-03 with the stock tips due to the short nozzle, but the Cardinal is very ergonomic and well fitting. The Cardinal's stock cables are also of better quality and less stiff than the BL-03's.
I had a good fit OOTB with the stock tips and cables unlike the BL-03.
The Cardinal's shell is on the bigger side, just slightly smaller in size compared to the Audiosense T800 (see pictures below). Unlike the metal finish of the BL-03, the Cardinal shell is larger and made of nice resin, and feels and looks like a semi custom shell. There is a protrusion over the concha, which some folks may find uncomfortable, while I know others that love this protrusion.
The Cardinal is comfortable and light. I can wear it for hours without issues. It cannot be worn cable down due to the size and concha protrusion.
I did not note any driver flex when using the Cardinal.
Compared here in size is the Audiosense T800 vs BLON Cardinal vs BLON BL-03, scaled to a 1/4 inch jack.
Isolation:
Above average compared to my other CHIFIs. I estimate it can give about 15 dB isolation, much better than the BLON BL-03, but not as good as my best isolating CHIFI IEM, the Audiosense T800 (about 30 dB isolation). The Cardinal's larger shell and better fit makes it a suitable transit IEM in view of its better isolating properties. In addition, with the midbass hump of the Cardinal (which we will discuss in further detail below in the sound section), the Cardinal does compensate for the loss of bass frequencies, which is usually the first frequency to be lost in outside environments like the subway/bus.
One caveat though: the BLON Cardinal is not suitable for use in windy environments. There is a large vent (see near the MMCX connector) and it is noisy when wind gets in. The vent is so huge they had to put a mesh over it LOL. This vent runs parallel to where one is facing so if the wind blows perpendicular to you, the isolation is top notch, but once the wind blows into your face, that's where the wind sound enters the vent also.
Soundstage:
Above average in width, wider than the BL-03, but similar in depth to BL-03.
Sound:
I tested the Cardinal with a Desktop -> Khadas Tone Board -> Fiio A3 and Ziku HK-X9. The Cardinal is drivable from smart phones but definitely scales better with a DAC/AMP, much like its younger brother, the BL-03. The Cardinal is quite power hungry despite the specs on paper, with amping improving the details, soundstage, dynamics and tightening up the bass.
I heard a very slight hiss with this IEM on laptops/PC/smartphones. But this is not obvious once music starts, and it can also be eliminated by an amp, impedance mismatch device or in line volume controller.
Though I don't have any rigs to objectively graph the Cardinal, from my ears, it does sound to me that the Cardinal has a similar tuning to the BL-03, which makes a few owners of the Cardinal on headfi (and myself) think that it is likely the same driver used between the two siblings. The Cardinal has a slight L shaped tuning, with boosted midbass, very slightly recessed lower mids, with some light roll off at the upper treble. I didn't notice any awkward peaks or troughs in the FR.
Compared to the BL-03, the Cardinal has better isolation and soundstage and fit and lesser midbass bleed, hence these contribute to slightly better technicalities in the Cardinal than the BL-03 in the areas of detail, clarity and instrument separation. If I could subjectively grade the improvement, it is about 20% better in the Cardinal in these areas compared to the BL-03. Imaging is similar on both siblings.
The Cardinal keeps the best aspects of the BLON BL-03, and that's in the areas of excellent timbre, natural dynamics and very coherent tonality. Hence, like the BL-03, the Cardinal would excel at slower genres which incorporate a lot of acoustic instruments, such as in classical, jazz and acoustic genres. Its strengths may not be so apparent if your choice of music uses synthetic instruments like in electronic/EDM, or if you wanted a hyperdetailed analytical signature.
I found the clarity, instrument separation and details to be above average for a single DD driver, but it won't trump a dedicated multi BA/hybrid IEM in this aspect. With very complex instrumentation or in music with lots of competing riffs/melodies going on, the Cardinal does have a bit of difficulty keeping up, much like the BL-03.
Overall, the sound of the BLON Cardinal is less analogue sounding and less veiled compared to the BL-03, though it does retain some degree of sounding "tube amp like" due to the likely same driver/tuning used as its younger brother. Some may find this a plus or minus, but if one wants a slightly clearer resolution than the BL-03, the Cardinal definitely provides it.
Bass:
I did hear a difference in the bass section compared to the BL-03. With stock tips on the Cardinal (compared to spinfit CP100 on the BL-03), I did find the subbass to extend lower and have more quantity on the Cardinal, with the midbass slightly flattened on the Cardinal. When using spinfit CP100s on both the BL-03 and the Cardinal, I found the midbass was similar in the hump/quantity on both sets, but the Cardinal had more subbass extension/quantity than the BL-03.
Hence I would say the Cardinal may be even bassier than the BL-03, especially in the subbass frequencies. It's one level shy of basshead sets like the TFZ No. 3, but most bassheads will still have a field day with the Cardinal. Though I probably can't say the same for those who prefer a neutral bass, as quite a number of folks in the headfi threads seem to dislike the BL-03's midbass hump. I suspect that more subbass is perceived on the Cardinal due to the better isolation on it compared to the BL-03.
Bass on the Cardinal is very typical of a well tuned DD driver, with good subbass extension and displacement of air. Bass is on the slower side for a DD bass and hits hard in the midbass. Subbass has a very slight roll off compared to midbass. In songs with very complex bass movements, it generally managed to keep up with good control and details, but had occasional smearing.
There was less midbass bleed and no distortion unlike the BL-03.
The eartips and source/amping have a big influence on the quantity and speed/texturing of the bass on the Cardinal, so explore around to see which provides the best synergy for your needs. Amping definitely tightens the bass.
Mids:
Similarly tuned to the BL-03:
Very slightly recessed in lower mids. Note weight/density is very good and natural compared to most other multi BA/hybrid setups. The upper mids are slightly brighter than lower mids, hence female voices sound more forward than male ones. The Cardinal doesn't have the typical 2 - 4 kHz harsh CHIFI peak and hence it is non fatiguing for longer listening sessions. The mids are detailed with good clarity and instrument separation, although dedicated multi BA/hybrid setups will trump the Cardinal in these areas.
Treble:
Treble is airier and brighter than the BL-03 and has no fatigue/harshness/sibilance. Very good for listening for long sessions and having a relaxing listen. Cymbals sound very authentic compared to the usual splashy cymbals heard in some budget CHIFI sets. I would class the treble as marginally bright compared to the usual bright CHIFI treble tuning, and it extends quite well but has a slight rolloff at the upper treble. The lower treble is slightly boosted but not harsh. Overall, I didn't notice any spikes, and neither did I notice any grain on the treble.
Conclusion:
Thanks for reading thus far. Now to answer the million dollar question: Should I get the Cardinal if I'm already a proud owner of a BL-03?
Well, I think for existing owners of the BL-03, it is worthwhile getting the Cardinal/Bluejay if u want a better fit, better isolation and soundstage (and if u have tried many different tips and still can't get a good fit). There's marginal upgrades in the technicalities (details/clarity/instrument separation) as discussed above, so it may not be cost effective for those who already have a good fit with aftermarket tips/cables with the BL-03, considering the Cardinal is more than two times the retail price of the BL-03.
The Cardinal is also bassier (with the same tips/source) than the BL-03, so for folks who are bass averse, it will probably be wise to give this a miss, but bassheads like myself will appreciate it.
For folks who haven't gotten the BL-03 and are wondering what is the BL-03 hypetrain about and don't wanna waste time eartip rolling or finding aftermarket cables, the Cardinal comes in a ready made package that is good to go OOTB. IMHO, if u are gonna spend 20 bucks on an aftermarket cable and around 5 - 10 bucks on a more expensive eartip like Spinfits or JVC spiral dots for the BL-03, the costs are almost thereabouts between the 2 sets. YMMV.
Since there're plans for the BL-03 Mk 2 which has a longer nozzle and less midbass, if one is truly averse to the bass but still wants a better fit, that's an option too, though nobody knows how the tuning will turn out. The Cardinal does come with ready improvements desired by the community for the BL-03, though the bass seems to be of more prominence.
TLDR: The Cardinal lives up to its name as the big brother of the BL-03, incorporating slight improvements in technicalities, fit and isolation/soundstage, while keeping aspects that make us love the BL-03, such as in timbre and tonality and tuning. Though it may be a bassier beast, which may not be everyone's cup of tea. For myself, I do travel a lot and require much isolation, which the BL-03 can't provide, so this is an area of improvement I do appreciate. I love the tuning of the BLON siblings and I will keep both sets, the BL-03 as a spare in view of the slight improvements in the Cardinal. But both are good options to consider, depending on your needs and budget! Thanks for reading and enjoy the music AKA let music burn!
