BLON BL-05S

There is a reason BLONs are found in many collector's kit - they offer a benchmark signature that is the perfect balance between analog warmth and live sound presentation.​

This was going to originally be a post on the Blon impressions thread, but it meandered long-enough to warrant being a review. This is less a structured review but will be useful to those who are wondering how a budget iem like the BLON stacks up.



In addition to my earlier posts here is some more praise for the BL-05S.

Using this IEM I was reminded of how important tips are. For a while I had been using my BL-05S with some Sony hybrids, but still wasn't quite happy with the fit and seal. Recently, I bought a Fiio FH5S that came with a great set of tips, and the Fiio Bass tips with large nozzle diameter work fantastically with the BL-05S. The tips have an effect on sound, but more importantly I am getting a really good seal with these. I feel like I'm finally getting everything out of the 05S IEM and they are wonderful.

Let's jump into some comparisons.

The Bl-05S bass quality is better than the Mini with rich texture, warmth and a decent amount of detail. It has more dimension overall in sound than the Mini thanks mostly due to frequency presentation but also it's larger CNT driver seems to be a bit more expansive with a larger dynamic range. The upper mid-to-treble on the 05S is similar to the 03 and really they are the only BLONs that share this. The Mini, A8, and 01 all have a signature that is deeper, more 'v-shaped, fun but less realistic. The 05S, with a good set of tips still gives you ample amount of low end bass for modern genres, and its mid-range and top-end balance is excellent and able to render instrumentation and vocals with sufficient realism. At the same time, the very top-end of the treble is rolled off so it never is harsh. The 05S I found can be a touch resonant, and you may notice this on finely recorded piano. Lastly, the 05S is not missing sub-bass providing you have a good seal. Pretty easy to test this via test tones and bass-oriented genres.

In comparison, Fiio FH5S has some similarity in tonal curve, but brings the upper-mid range and treble into greater prominence (arguably perhaps just a touch too much) and is able to render the best dynamic recordings with greater precision, detail and realistic air that is missing on the 05S. However you wouldn't necessarily miss it on the 05S, unless you had something to compare it to. Also if you want, you could use a touch of EQ.

Ultimately, the signature of an IEM can impact how you listen to music and even make certain music more enjoyable. The 05S strikes a very good balance - perhaps one of the best - in accessible sound, that at the same time is lively and present. The 05S is very versatile as a result.

For similar type of presentations, I could also see the Moondrop Aria and some of the Tanchjim IEMs (ie. Hana) being candidates though I haven't heard them as of yet. All of these are still a bit too warm imo to be considered truly 'accurate' imo, as they all have a bit too much bass and could use a bit more extension. However, you may find that this type of tonal presentation is emotionally accurate.

That low-end emphasis helps convey emotion and note weight that we would typically experience in live sound - concert or high-end speaker setup - as a physical sensation. However, for IEMs, this added warmth can also muddy up the sound of instruments like piano. The Heart Mirror has a more neutralish bass than the 05S which would make it more suitable for orchestral, classical, and may just be preferred depending on how you perceive bass. The FH5S for that matter also has just a touch warmer bass than neutral (though less than the 05S), so it still conveys the low-end emotional weight with a measure of accuracy. The Fh5S is still coloured and can be a bit strident. A less uncoloured sound would be more akin to the Etymotic ER4SR (which can sound downright flat at times but that is also it's strength) or the Focal Utopia (which is somehow a touch warm while remaining breathlessly transparent and never strident).

Now how important all this is really depends. Our brains quickly adjust to these sound profiles. For myself, I like having a range of signatures. I look at each one as being able to render a certain presentation, room space, and bring it's own emotive qualities.


As pictured, BLON BL-05S with aftermarket NiceHCK C16-3 16-Core High Purity Copper Cable which costs as much as the IEM and worth it for aesthetic reasons just for the hell of it. Also, cables may make you think your IEM is more awesome through promoting cognitive bias of a improved perceived experience as well as keeping your regular.

So with all this said, coming back to the 05S. It is still a fantastic budget IEM, and the CNT driver is actually quite good at rendering detail and depth with low distortion where it matters. The sound has a degree of sonority. There is a touch of bloom and lack of high-end refinement at the very upper registers, but that in part gives it an organic character.

If someone wanted an upgrade to the 05S, with much great sensation of space, air, and liveliness the FH5S would be an option. But it is less accessible as it take a path of a more true mid/treble presentation that isn't dialed back. If you are listening to classical, jazz, orchestral, instrumental and vocal performances the FH5S is well-suited whereas the tunings of the 05S and similar, are more approachable and work well for modern genres. I think the FH5S might appear harsh to some listeners, but imo, it is closer to the real in-the-room brilliance of a high-end speaker setup or live performance. The bass is also incredible on the FH5S. It all comes at a cost, but you get a much better overall package, tips, cable, and beautiful housing.

That I'm even comparing my 05S to a Focal Utopia or Fiio FH5S may seem like an unfair comparison, but in doing so I hope it underscores how good the 05S actually is. In a lot of ways, the 05S is so easy to sink into, that any of its slight failings won't matter. This is the same reason why the BL-03 is still loved and may still be preferred over the BL-05S for those who want a warmer emphasis.

Also consider how you are using your IEMs. If it isn't for critical listening, then the 05S really is all one really might need in an IEM. If you are walking around, doing other tasks, the 05S won't grate on your nerves, and it's actually quite a small housing that is very comfortable.

If you are feeling confident that you have a good selection of tips, the 05S is incredible value. I only mention the tip issue as the nozzles are a touch short and fit may not be perfect for some without the right tips. The silicone tips provided may work fine for most, but even the largest size wasn't large or extended enough for my ears.

The BLON Mini I would recommend over the 05S and other Blons if acoustic accuracy isn't paramount. They have a deeper sound to them, with accented bass and more distant sounding instrumentation. But it is a tonal sound that you can adjust to, and I recommend the Mini as a 'beater' set because you can be almost assured to get a good fit and seal with them. They also have a better cable than the 05S. However, the 05S will be more comfortable for long-term listening as they don't intrude as much into your ear canal.

The real competition for the BL-05S comes from IEMs that offer similar tonal signatures as well as more complete accessories. I can't imagine the Moondrop Aria of being leagues better sonically (if at all, but someone feel free to correct me as I'm interested in them) but it still may a better choice for a single-dynamic driver iem especially as a first purchase with its range of tips and cable. The fit may also be a bit better with a slightly longer nozzle than the 05S. Another recommendation would be the Etymotic series (ie. ER2XR) which are classics, and also a good recommendation at this price range providing you are okay with their intrusive fit (which sometimes can be uncomfortable and other times something you could wear them all day). The Ety has a different signature though, and I think the Blon type of signature is going to be more enjoyable for most.

But really, for anyone who is on a budget or is curious about low-cost IEMs the 05S are superlative for their price. Ignore the 'C+' reviews as these are only in comparison to much much more expensive sets. I can assure the budget buyer that the BL-05S - and by extension the older BL-03 - are going to provide you with pretty much all you might need for sound quality. It is easy to get carried away with the obsessive aspects of this hobby and in my experience tonal signature matters more than esoteric technicalities, as ultimately our brains perception can fill in a lot of the gaps when you are just enjoying music and not just listening to gear.

I’m not the finest and most through connaisseur of the sub-$50 IEM bracket so I cant really offer a final word – and probably not even a semi-final one – about how BL05S fare towards their most direct competition. Limited to my direct experiences I must say I’ve been impressed: these things sounds very well, truth be told.

They’re not perfect – their main technical flaw is the missing sub-bass rumble – and probably not “mesmerising” either, yet a special word is definitely deserved by their technical capabilities at space and imaging rendering which I found really remarkable, and the very elegant compromised reached in the highs between livelyness and unoffensiveness.

Considering the total failure at stock cable and tips and the consequent need to swap them instantly, the price also didnt strike me either. As a pure example, final E1000 offer a hugely better value for money (on a different timbre though!). But even that being told, I find BL05S definitely recommendable.

I got this pair of WGZBLON BL05S as a review unit from my friends at KEEPHIFI (www.keephifi.com) entrusting me to an unbiased analysis and openhearted subjective evaluation, which is what I’m reporting here above and below. You can purchase BL05S at their store.


Test setup

Sources: Apogee Groove / Questyle QP1R / Sony NW-A55 mrWalkman – Sedna Earfit Light eartips – Nicehck 16core High Purity Copper cable – lossless 16-24/44.1-192 FLAC tracks.


Signature analysis

Tonality Timbre is neutral-ish with a modest bass bump. Tonality is a mild V (almost a U) with no excesses anywhere, and nice vividness.

Sub-Bass Abruptly rolled-off, rumble is missing

Mid Bass Very good speed/meat compromise – for my taste as least. We’re definitely in DD-buttery territory, with a bump-up in terms of loudness, but a speedier transient tuning avoids bleed/bloat into the mids, or keeps it at very reasonable levels. Texturing is above decent too. Softer silicon tips like final E-clears tend to dry-up midbass further, which might be welcome depending on personal taste and musical genre.

Mids Mids are moderately recessed but well tuned nonetheless. Not lean, but not bodied either and especially not particularly textured. The higher end has a very modest tendance to glare out at higher volumes.

Male Vocals Quite nice. On the lean-ish side, still close to “natural” sounding.

Female Vocals Overall quality similar to male vocals, with the additional note of high registers tending to swish-up a tad sometimes. Not shouty nor screechy, but sometimes uniformity is a bit lacking. They also stay way from sibilance except some very rare times when they come close to it.

Highs Well done, really. Much like midbass, here too I hear a very nice compromise, in this case between livelyness and polishing. High mids and Presence are vivid and quite engaging. After them there’s a a quick reduction but with some subsequent bump-ups which add some extra detail and especially air, all while never getting sharp let alone screechy. I do hear a veeeery slight metallic tint sometime but that’s it.


Technicalities

Soundstage Stage is presented as nicely wide, and with a very good sense of verticality; depth is just hinted – although not zero. Specific sources like Groove make depth better but that happens with just about any driver

Imaging Together with separation it’s clearly one of the best parts of the product. Within the limits of stage reconstruction it’s also not flattened onto the L-R axis as so many other IEMs in this price bracket do.

Details Not a monster at microdetail retrieval, BL05S does anyway deliver quite some nice highmids and treble details when called for.

Instrument separation This obviusly depends on source quality but beyond that separation is the other “above its price” point together with imaging. Instruments are correctly differentiated in all occasions, only in the most crowded occasions – both on bass and trebles – some in-between shades layers get partially pasted. But I honestly need to pull drivers costing way more from the drawer to do better.

Driveability Extremely easy powerwise – even too much – output quality stays more than acceptable even when scaling source quality from my usual devices down to some more ordinary stuff like X3-III or a Meizu dongle – what mostly happens in such case is bass getting muddier and trebles less brilliant (i.e. the typical noise related effects).


Physicals

Build Housings solidity and resistance are quite convincing. Design is very “stalwart”: love or hate it.

Fit Can only be worn cable-up of course, and nozzles are not long. Non-short tips are required, longer ones do facilitate the fit, which is quite firm when set. Stock tips are just terrible. After the usual painstaking rolling session I found Sedna Earfit Lights are the best overall compromise for me also considering their relative length. Alternative choice for me are final E-clears.

Comfort In my case it’s just OK. Not the most “disappearing once worn” housings, yet their shape is quite comfortable for me.

Isolation Good, once properly fitted

Cable An authentic piece of stinky crap, binned instantly. The good news is a cheap ($10-ish) Nicehck 16c High Purity Copper cable is perfectly adequate sound wise.


Specifications (declared)

Housing Zinc-Alloy die-cast shells, in a light-aquamarineish-green tint with golden inserts.
Driver(s) One 3rd generation 10mm Carbon Diaphragm Dynamic Driver
Connector 2pin 0.78mm
Cable 1.2mm special (?) cable, with 3.5mm male angle single ended termination, with mic and remote
Sensitivity 108 dB
Impedance 32 Ω
Frequency Range 20-20000Hz
Package and accessories Soft carry pouch, 1 set (S/M/L) silicon tips
MSRP at this post time $90,00 ($45,00 apparently “permanent” deal price)

Special thanks to Vivian from KEEP HI-FI for arranging to have the BLON BL-05s sent over for a full review. You may purchase the BLON BL-05s with the non-affiliate links below.

Price and specifications
Price: USD$45.00
KEEP HI-FI Official Store
Friendly Audio Store Aliexpress

Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin
Impedance: 32Ω
Frequency: 20-20000hz
Sensitivity: 108dB/mW


Accessories
1.2m cable
5 pairs of ear tips (1 set of S, M, L) + (1 set of S, M)
Soft pouch

Comments on accessories
I've read of people complaining about the molded ear hooks which curve so aggressively such that the earphones are pulled out of their ears. I've never had this problem but I have to say that I feel the cable guides here more so than other cables; I have to adjust them every half an hour or so because the ear hooks feel as if they are clinging to my skin.

Build, comfort and isolation
This review wouldn't be complete without talking about that colour. I feel that this green would have been appropriate if there were other colour options available but of course that would imply more manufacturing costs and the possibility of unclearable leftover stock from unpopular colours. The BL-05 and BL-05s were released just months apart so my guess is that BLON wanted to differentiate the BLON BL-05s from the gunmetal BL-05 with this polarizing colour; and to that I say they have succeeded.

I could not achieve a proper fit with any of the included tips in the BL-03. With the BL-05s, I am happy that they fit my ears normally with the included M tips. Passive noise isolation is pretty much what you'd expect with any UIEM.


Sound
Before discussing the BLON BL-05s specifically, I think it's relevant to share my thoughts on BLON's house sound.

The BLON house sound is a V-shaped signature but with more energy at the 2kHz and 4kHz region relative to the other boosted frequencies in the upper-midrange (1kHz - 4kHz). In particular, the extra energy at 2kHz causes vocals to sit closer to the listener as compared to conventional V-shape IEMs. To me, this was the appeal with the BL-03 when it took the market by storm upon its release. Finally, a tuning that was "close to home"/familiar yet different enough to stand out from the sea of V-shaped Chi-fi IEMs.

Since then, it seems that BLON has been releasing variations of this house sound with regard to its balance on the "see-saw" of its tuning based on consumer feedback:
- BL-03 = Favours bass
- BL-05 = More balanced than BL-03 but too lean for some
- BL-05s = More warm-colouration in the mid to upper-bass to address the lean sound

In my opinion, the BL-05s is by far the "safest" BLON tuning. It is the most balanced sounding of the 3 whilst retaining the upper-midrange tuning that was "tried and tested" in their BL-03. However, as "safe" as it may sound, the warm-colouration in the upper-bass may render tracks too muddy for those who chase a low bass shelf which is becoming increasingly popular these days.

To touch on the treble, the treble region is often overshadowed by the bass and midrange. I don't often find myself listening out for cymbals and hi-hats since the BL-05s clearly adopts a musical approach as compared to an analytical one.【1】


On that note, the BL-05s scores a 1.5 for detail retrieval. There isn't much to discuss here as the BL-05s is mostly an average IEM in terms of technical performance, which is still very much acceptable given its asking price of USD$45.

Conclusion
Recommending this is tricky since the BL-05s does not excel in any particular aspect - the technicalities are average and the treble isn't exactly the star of the show here. Even the bass doesn't slam that hard when I feel it needs to in some songs.【2】 Bar those who are looking for more technical proficiency and those who have zero tolerance for a mildly bloated bass, the BL-05s is just a fairly acceptable sub-50 budget IEM.

I hope to see BLON step out of their comfort zone to push the boundaries that they created for themselves in future products. Achieving greater technical proficiency is indeed possible as seen with the KBEAR Lark "4k" version which I reviewed previously (note that these are not the retuned version which is the official one). With that, I am curious to hear how the cheaper BL-01 which came out recently compares to these and will do a review if I can get my hands on one.

Thanks for reading! You may find more reviews on my Head-fi thread.

These are some of the notable tracks used to come to my conclusions for those who're interested (not exhaustive).
Sample tracks for reference: Artiste 1 – Song 1, Song 2. Artiste 2 – Song 1…
1. ONE OK ROCK - 完全感覚Dreamer, Nobody's Home, Cry Out. Royal Blood - Out Of The Black, Figure It Out.
2. The Glitch Mob - Carry The Sun, Black Aura, Come Closer. PVRIS - Gimme a Minute, Dead Weight.