CVJ Konoka

CVJ SYYO Konoka: The Experimental Tunable Tribrid

Disclaimer!

This unit was sent by @CVJ. However, they didn’t paid me for any written reviews. I will try my best to review this unit without any bias. Please bear with me that I’m not a professional sound engineer or musician, but I’m just a self-learnt guitarist & vocalist, who do composed my own original music and also self-learnt some mixing & mastering techniques. I am a neutral-head, analytical-head and also liking balanced sounding tunings. And also, I’m using an audio interface named Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen (a kind of DAC/Amp???) pairing for the whole listening impressions. Please take my reviews as grain of salts.

Pros:

- U-shape tuning

- Tight bass

- Minimal sibilance

- Good decent technicalities

- Budget with good value

- Light shell

- Boosted highs for more detail retrieval

Cons:

- Plastic large shell, will having lethargic feeling for long wearing

- Bass slightly bleeding into mids

- The highs could be more refined

- Metallic timbre BA

- Harsh Treble

- Not for relax long listening



Sound Quality

I will describe CVJ Konoka as U-shaped tuning signature. Having warm bass that slightly bleed into mids to enhance fun listening and also boosted highs for more revealing listening experience. Mids will be neither recessed nor too upfront. The whole review will be based on Music Mode (Down, Down) tuning, as it is the most balanced sounding tuning option that my ears told me. Let me briefly explain what did the switches did:

Music Mode (DD): Most Balanced to my ears

3D Movies Mode (DU): Adding some mid bass vibration as the Vibrating Driver is switch on

Monitor Mode (UD): Slightly boosting up vocals highs frequencies, adding vocals sweetness/airiness

3D Esports Mode (UU): Vibrating Driver on, as well as boosting up some vocals highs frequencies



Bass

Bass shelf here is slightly boosted in a mature and controlled manner. Kickdrum and bass guitar are separated, but slightly lacking in texture. Basshead might find it not having enough bass. There is some bass bleed into mids, but the bass quality is consider good. To my ears, it is really some kind of well-cooked bass tuning, which not too much and also not too less bass.

Mids

Mids here might be slightly bright sounding. There is some shoutiness at the upper mid region. Vocals are not recessed, thanks to the tight DD bass. Vocals especially female vocalist, will be occasionally nasal sounding. Sibilances are kept minimal. Instrumental mids, it is having more than enough biteness, as some might really find it harsh. Electric guitar is presence in the mix.

Highs

Highs here is definitely boosted. It is borderline boosted based on my personal preference, or slightly too overed. It is not smooth sounding, and quite aggressively boosted. This kind of highs tuning will surely satisfy treblehead. Highs could really be more refine, the top end is quite splashy sounding and lacking discreteness. Percussive highs such as cymbal crash will be quite pronounce, lively.

Tonality

Konaka is actually a U-shaped tuning signature with boosted highs. Boosted in highs definitely bringing more biteness to mid-range instruments, however it should be aware that it is not overdone. It is not for relax listening. It might be slightly fatiguing sounding and not suitable for long listening. BA definitely having some metallic timbre.

Technicalities

The soundsatge here is decently wide. Instrument separation, imaging and layering are average. Transient speed here is just decent.



Conclusion

CVJ Konoka, to me, it is a budget experimental tribrid, which is really quite innovative to include vibrating drivers in it, but to me, with the vibrating drivers on, it is add up some mid-bass messiness, which is really not that ideal for music enjoying, and as a self-learnt guitarist myself, I personally think that, the vibrating drivers will be not ideal for stage monitoring. Wisely enough, in the monitoring mode, CVJ did realize about it, as they did design to use vibrating drivers for both movie enjoying and also gaming situations. To improve, as most already read about CVJ Konoka reviews, the highs should really be tame up, as with the most balanced mode, music mode (DD), there is still some harshness.

Just a little guess too, with DD mode, actually both BA and Vibarting Driver are off, which means what we heard is just the DD driver? With UU mode, both BA and Vibrating Driver are on, and also adding up the DD driver, which means all three drivers are projecting sounds at the same time? This is just a guess.

Linsoul:

https://www.linsoul.com/products/cvj-konoka?sca_ref=4221004.ifeZSd23LW

Aliexpress:

https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mshLkrO

Disclaimer:​

The CVJ Konoka was sent to me as a review sample from CVJ, which I thank!


However, the review will still be 100% honest and, in no way, biased.


I’m not an audiophile; I’m just a guy who likes to test out different IEMs and DACs and spends a lot of time listening to music.


So I’m not going to use super technical words to review it, but I will do my best to describe them.

Tech Specs:​

• 1DD + 1BA + Haptic
• Sensitivity: 112dB+3dB
• Impedance: 28Ω±15%
• Wire material: Oxygen-Free Copper Cable
• Interface type: 3.5mm
• Frequency: 10Hz-40000Hz
• Pin type: 0.75mm 2Pin
• Cable Length: 125cm±5cm
• Price for no mic: 19USD

Packaging:​

The CVJ Konoka box is well made and looks like a much more expensive product. They could certainly have saved on a more standard and compact package. The tips seem to be of good quality, while the cable is the classic entry level in this price range. Inside, we find accessories, such as:

Tips

• Cable
• 3 pairs of tips
• Switch pin
• Manual + warranty

Design/Build Quality:​

The quality for 19 USD is pretty good, but not excellent!


In terms of design, they are reminiscent of the Tanchjim Kara, but the quality of the plastic shell is not excellent; it seems a little thin, but the construction seems solid. The interior is quite nice; I don’t really like the BA driver in the nozzle, but we’ll talk about that later. The vibrating driver is a very interesting novelty, and it is also the main reason why I absolutely wanted to try them!


Looking at it, this driver is practically the vibration motor that we find in smartphones (perhaps a smaller and less powerful version).

Comfort and Fit:​

Comfort is quite good, as the shell has a very standard shape with a well-angled nozzle. With the stock tips, I immediately found a way to seal my ears. They stay firm even when walking or running.

Initial sound impression:​

The CVJ Konoka as soon as I put them on, I was slightly disappointed, as sensing the haptic driver was not immediate. Unfortunately, you need to raise the volume a lot to hear it decisively, but even the BA, by raising the volume, begins to be heard a little too decisively. At these volumes, listening is decidedly tiring and not recommended.

Final sound impression:​

Equipment used for testing above.

Device:​

• iMac
• Redmi Note 7 (MIUI-Based)

Software:​

• Foobar2000 24bit 192khz (iMac)
• Amazon music UHD 24bit 96khz (Both)

DAC:​

• F.audio KS01 (ESS)
• EPZ TP20 3.5 mm (Dual Cirrus)
• Hidizs XO (Dual ESS)
• EPZ TP30 (Dual ESS)
• Fosi Audio K5 Pro

Before jumping to final conclusions about the sound, I played them at high levels for about 50 hours, forcing the bass response with the Fosi K5 Pro.


I’m not listing the tracks because they’re too many.




My impressions are given using the original accessories.


I confirm my first impressions, but after several hours of listening, things have changed slightly.


With Kbear or Nicehck 07 tips, you get some nice improvements in the bass region. Treble is a little bit tamed, but still a little bit fatiguing.




After several hours, I have to say that the tuning didn’t excite me. It is probably too bright due to the BA in the nozzle, but even by deactivating it, the sound is not too coherent for listening to music. But things change considerably when it comes to games. I tried COD on the PlayStation out of curiosity, and I must say that the tuning enhanced the steps, and overall there is a good three-dimensional effect. With a cable and microphone, they become a great set to use for online games.

Source and Sound:​

However, after trying different DACs, I decided to try them with the Fosi K5 Pro (“Gaming DAC”), and with the possibility of adjusting the low and high tones, the magic finally worked! I turned the treble down a little and pumped up the haptic driver, and finally, it worked as I would have expected.




Being the first IEM ever to adopt this driver, I can say that by slightly adjusting the equalization, the sound that comes out is interesting. But I’m definitely curious to try the modification made by some by placing a fabric filter between the BA and the original filter.


The bass is present and is actually tangible, but it has a slightly strange tone that is not suitable for listening to music but is excellent for gaming. Could it make some bassheads happy? I honestly think not; more impact could have been achieved by using a single higher-quality DD by avoiding the BA in the nozzle.

Soundstage and Imaging:​

Keep in mind that the soundstage is average—not really a 3D effect on music but way better on games. Imaging is a little bit muffled due to the haptic driver resonance with the plastic shell. Overall, I would still say average. They are certainly very good for their price range and for gaming purposes.

Switch Modes:​

If you remove the functionality of the haptic driver, they honestly aren’t exciting. The best modes are from my point of view, where the haptic driver is running.

• Music Mode with BA and Haptic driver off: Just using the DD, the sound isn’t engaging
• Movies Mode with Haptic driver and DD working could be a solution if you find them too harsh or sibilant.
• Monitor Mode with BA and DD working is fine but not the best experience for the price
• Esport mode with all drivers working is the best so far.

Comparison:​

From my point of view, they are IEMs for gamers, so making comparisons with models for listening to music doesn’t make much sense.


vs CHU II




The Moondrop Chu 2 absolutely remains an excellent choice considering the same price range, especially if your aim is to listen to music with them. Details, brilliance, and definition, but also soundstage, are superior! Even the bass on the Chu II is more full-bodied.


Konoka are at their best with games.


vs Tangzu Wan’er

Tangzu Wan’er S.G Fahri
With the Tangzu Wan’er, we are always at the same price, and they are also an excellent alternative. For listening to music, they beat them on all fronts.

Conclusion:​

The CVJ Konoka is without a doubt a novelty! Its haptic driver piqued my interest, although I must admit that the result was slightly below expectations. Being the first attempt, the result is good. The impact of the bass can be felt, even if it is not as decisive as it might seem! The physical vibration seems to accentuate the depth of the bass, but not as much as it should. To hear it clearly, the volume must be raised significantly beyond the safe threshold for listening.

The best of CVJ KONOKA comes out with games where the result seems clearly superior to playing music. For now they have become my IEMs to use while gaming.

If you are a gamer, you will most likely like these IEMs.

Where to buy:​

Aliexpress CVJ Store

This audio company, CVJ seems to be in a steamroll mode as it produces a substantial amount of IEMs. The introduction of CVJ Mei in the last few months did somehow improve the company's standing as it was able to earn back some of its reputation that were lost due to prior releases of less impressive and mediocre products.



It appears that CVJ will try to establish a strong presence in the ultra-budget to entry-level segment and this is it, their latest offering, The CVJ Konoka. The CVJ Konoka will differentiate itself from its competitors in this segment due to unusual drivers that CVJ implemented.



CVJ Konoka is a hybrid driver configuration IEM earphone and it consists of one (1) dynamic driver, one (1) balanced armature driver and one (1) vibration or haptic motor driver which makes a "tri-brid" set. The new vibration motor driver will handle the low frequency, the 10 mm dynamic driver will take care of the midrange up to some parts of high frequencies while it is supported by a balanced armature for brighter and better resolution. That said, the vibration motor will give an immersive and unique bass experience as I will explain later. Like most current releases of CVJ models, it has toggle switches for different sound profiles which CVJ provided on its tuning instruction manual.



The shell casing that encloses the drivers are made of a clear polycarbonate plastic material and the dimension of its shells are of medium-size which makes it more compatible to all ear sizes. Like its previous models, the CVJ still utilises a QDC-type 2-pin connector as its detachable mechanism.



The fitting and comfort on this one is quite good as it sits well in my lugholes and I don't experience any particular issues that will be obstructing my listening session. I was able to achieve a better seal into my lugholes as it able to blocks some external noises from the outside surroundings as I'm into as I'm always doing some physical activity like brisk walking.



As for product packaging, CVJ Konoka is rather utilitarian and minimalist in presentation but it has a decent amount of inclusions inside the box.



Here are the following contents inside of its packaging box:

● Pair of CVJ Konoka IEMs
● stock cable
● tuning pin
● three (3) ear tips in different standard sizes.
● paperwork like Q.C stub, warranty card and instruction manual.



Konoka is easy to drive where you simply use them with portable devices with headphone jack and voilá you will enjoy its full range sound quality.

As for its overall sound quality, Konoka has definitely a v-shaped where it has more emphasis and elevation of its bass and treble while midrange is relatively in a neutral spectrum. With its tuning switches, it will add some warmth and sort of perceivable effect due the implementation of vibration motor drivers.

These are the tuning settings of the CVJ Konoka:
(Legend: ■ = up, □ = down)

□□(Music mode) - the most "balanced" sounding among the settings, u/v-shaped signature.

■□ (Monitor mode) - V-shaped sounding with boosted upper-mids to the presence part of the treble region to a more brighter sound.

■■ (3D E-sports mode) - V-shaped with some added warmth and ambient effect.

□■ (3D movies mode) - almost the same with ■■ but marginally, it has a tad more hollow midrange and a bit brighter.




LOWS/BASS:

CVJ looks like that they have implemented a good quality dynamic driver on this one as it delivers a very tactile, authoritative and perceptibly slamming bass response as it has produces a good rumble sub bass presence and a well-textured midrange.

As with the activation of vibration/haptic motor driver especially on ■■ and □■ settings. It will add some texture on the mid-bass and at the same time it gives me an odd ambience effect and plangent sound. These settings also muddle up the lows and midrange and it somehow amalgamates the bass instruments and vocals that will certainly affect the separation of each instrument and vocals. Bass guitars have sombre, weight and resonant sound from them while bass kick drums have rumbling and sonorous sound from them. And bass-baritones have a satisfying depth and texture to have that guttural and full-bodied vocals.


MIDRANGE:

CVJ Konoka definitely has recessed presentation of its midrange frequency but has sufficiently warmth, clarity and sheen as it will give more note weight on vocals and instruments.

Here are some of my observations of sound characteristics of vocals and instruments:

□□ - The nominally the stock tuning of this set with just single DD activated, gives more texture on male vocals and mildly bright sound on female vocals. Most standard baritones have a lush and warm sound while kavalier baritones have its steely vocals and verdi ones have that vivid and darker tone. Tenors have that spiciness and brassy sound from them, while countertenors have a full and smooth sound from them. Female vocals especially contraltos have rich and full sound that gives their distinctive deep and dark tone

On instruments, they have an enjoyable tone as I listen to some percussive, strings and brass. Guitars have a satisfying bright and balanced sound as I listen to some acoustic instruments while violins have vibrant and sparkling sound to give a brighter tone. Percussives like toms-toms and field drums have these warm, resonant and sonorous sounds while snares have a sharp and clear sound. On brass instruments, trumpets have full, substantial and rounded sound while trombones have a brassy and overpowering sound.

■□ - With an added sound coming from the BA (balanced armature) driver. It gives more brighter tone as it gives an energetic and crisper female vocal-types like mezzo-sopranos and sopranos. Mezzo-sopranos have a fiery and velvety sound while sopranos have metallic and shining voices.

As on how it influences the timbre and tonality of specific instruments. It gives a crisper and brighter tone on guitars, metallic and shrill on violins, a bright and brilliant sound on concert flutes and a bright and intense sound of piccolos. And It seems that pianos have a brighter and gleaming tone with quite sharp and articulating clarity.


HIGHS/TREBLE:

The treble of this set is definitely a bright one. It has an observable boost on the upper-mids to give an energetic and gleam on females vocala and well-articulate attack and definition of instruments. There's a good emphasis on the presence range as it has a crisp and clarity on it but there are some caveats on this one especially if the BA driver was added on this one. This makes the treble's quality and quantity even more pronounced to the point that too much boosting on those particular parts of treble range will give a harsh, discordant and sibilance that will be fatiguing for a long listening session.

On the brilliance range, the □□ mode has sufficient sparkle and modest amount of treble air. And then on ■□, ■□ and □□, it further adds more flicker and shimmer and an added air on it. Cymbals have glistening and metallic sound on □□ mode and on the rest of the modes, it will sound more shrilly and metallic.


SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

CVJ Konoka has an average to above average sound field dimensions as it has a fairly average lateral span, decent height reach and good depth which gives me an fairly average headroom within my aural sense. Imaging projection of this one appears to have a typical 2-dimensional stereo panning where I am able to perceive the presentation of vocals and instruments in which I was able to locate them but not in a precise manner. The separation and layering of this one is decent but it will struggle on complex, multi-instrumental tracks that I usually tested on my reviews.

Cohesiveness of its driver is mostly positive but there was a particular driver that pays my attention and should be raised as a concern. While the high quality single DD was able to execute a nimble and agile transient response and the BA driver seems to deliver added clarity and resolution, the driver in question that I have concern was the new haptic/vibration motor driver. While it adds some quirks of our listening like ambient and resonating effect, it also affects the separation of instruments in the bass region and it sounds more boomy and unrefined.

On resolution capabilities, it has solid macro-dynamics while it decent detail retrieval on extracting some nuances and subtleties on infos coming from an audio track.


PEER COMPARISONS:

CVJ TXS

■ Unlike its cousin, it only has a single DD and its shell contours are rather unusual due to its triangular design. Also, this is quite cheaper as its asking price is around $10/£8.

■ Since it also has tuning switches, it offers a variety of tuning, but I can only distinguish two sonic profiles to be honest. TXS and Konoka are very similar sounding in some settings (Cellphone mode and Hi-Fi mode on the former, □□ on the latter) as both have punchy and authoritative bass, warm and consistently textured midrange but Konoka has a brighter treble response. Technicalities-wise, both sets have similar performance from perceiving sound/speaker stage proportions up to layering but TXS has more coherent driver performance while the Konoka is slightly better on detail retrieval.


TRN MT1 Max

● Like the TXS, this set has a single dynamic driver and also has tuning switches. It is also slightly cheaper compared to the Konoka's asking price

● With the implementation of the tuning switches on this one. MT1 Max offers four types of sound profiles. In general, it has a punchy bass but a bit hollowed mid bass, similar warmth, texture and brightness on the midrange with Konoka's □□ mode and similar bright and crisp treble especially on treble-boost mode. On technical capabilities, MT1 Max is a bit inferior to Konoka like Sound/speaker stage size and micro-dynamics but the rest, both have similar performance.


As I summarise my overall assessment of CVJ Konoka, CVJ Konoka is radically different from its ultra-budget peers due to its unique driver implementation. And haptic/vibration gives a different experience to its listeners. For sure that the philosophy on how CVJ design this set isn't just catered towards serious audio enthusiasts but also gamers and movie-lovers who wants to experience that reverberation effect.

CVJ KONOKA is now currently available in some e-commerce sites and you can check it out below.

★★CVJ KONOKA - SHOPEE★★

★★CVJ KONOKA - ALIEXPRESS★★

Here are my previous reviews of some CVJ products before:


■ CVJ CS8

■ CVJ CSN

■ CVJ MIRROR

■ CVJ CSK

■ CVJ CSE

■ CVJ SHINE

■ CVJ MEI

■ CVJ TXS

■ CVJ FREEDOM

■ CVJ NAMI



SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: CVJ KONOKA
IMPEDANCE: 28Ω
SENSITIVITY: 112dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 10Hz – 40KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2M
PIN TYPE: QDC-TYPE 2-PIN CONNECTOR
PLUG TYPE: MODULAR 3.5MM,
DRIVER UNIT(S): 1 DYNAMIC DRIVER + 1 BALANCED ARMATURE DRIVER + 1 VIBRATION MOTOR DRIVER


Some Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *
Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**
Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **
Mountain - Mississippi Queen *
Queen - Killer Queen **
Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'
Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'
Pearl Jam - Daughter **
Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *
Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*
Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *
New Order - Blue Monday *
The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *
The Madness- Buggy Trousers *
Metallica - Motorbreath **
Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *
Destiny's Child - Say My Name *
Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *
Mozart - Lacrimosa *
New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*
Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *
Exciter - Violence and Force *
Diana Krall - Stop This World **
Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*
The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**
Suzanne Vega – Luka **
Lauren Christy – Steep *
Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *
Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*
Type O Negative - Black No.1 *
Felix Ayo - Vivaldi: Presto **


P.S.

I am not affiliated to CVJ HIFI nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to the CVJ team especially to CVJ LOVE for sending this review unit. I truly appreciate their generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.