ECCI YST-02

ToneDeafMonk

Previously known as TheDeafMonk
ECCI -YST-02 a Clear Sounding Hidden Gem
Pros: Super clean vocals
Very musical bass
Overall excellent tuning
Driver has wonderful speed and control with nice weight
Good dynamics and Attack
No BA timbre for me
Great treble details , tastefully done without splashiness
Excellent Coherence between DD& BA
Cons: Power Pigs - needs juice to get going and sound proper
Not a bass head IEM just to note that.
Hello TDM here and I like to share my experience with this IEM

Mr. Kong from Penon reached out to me as he knows my tastes by now and thought that I would enjoy this one.

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He was correct, even though My taste normally lean towards a little bit. Basier a little bit warmer sets. I found this one riveting and overall, quite enjoyable.

So, I've never heard of this brand before, so it was a bit of a look up on the internet. See what I could find and they're not new to the Chi-Fi industry in fact, they've been around quite a long time. What's surprised me is that I've never heard of them before.

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So once I've got the source rolling down. The tip rolling done the cable rolling done one thing came apparently clear is that these IEM really prefer a warmer source. And secondly, something with some power, some juice. Because at low volume, they didn't really come alive. Until you started putting some power to then.

And then their personality really came into play.

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Interesting when you read or see other reviews. One of the things to note is power, and is that noted in the review? Because you would totally get a completely different opinion of these. If you were just trying to drive them off a phone, you'd probably find them thin bright, lacking detail, but that's not the case when they're driven properly.

So how did I hear the YST-02 Well, I can tell you how I heard them.

If you are a graph person who looks at a graph, and thinks you know how something is gonna sound. You would be very, very off on this set.

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Because this set, does not sound anything like its graph Would suggests! Its a chameleon for sure.

The bass is actually very visceral. It has great attack and decay and hits with authority. But was even more surprising was the subfrequency's we're there when the music had some bass in the mix. And it went low and sounded very natural. A great sounding analog bass at the bottom end. The YST-02 still had a very tight and controlled personality.

To keep going on the bass just for 1 more second. Because I think it denotes attention. Is it in my notes while I was listening to it, I wrote that this IEM has one of the most musical base responses I have heard and it was a joy to listen to with a maturity to the notesand a great texture. It's really just full and complete.

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It was a complete surprise to me. Having looked at the graph prior that was my mistake. THE GRAPH LIES!

The upper Midge and that energy up top never pushed my easr to a uncomfortable level for me, with being a bit more treble scentsive I was abit worried again lookingat the graph.

Happy to report that, I had no issues. In fact like the SounRhyme e SR5 I found this tuning very enjoyable.

While the vocals might present a tad forward in the mix. It made vocals really pop sound super clean and detailed lots of nice energy, Up there, it had great dynamics and attack when replaying a song with lots of energy.
The overall tuning is really quite honestly tastefully done with no splashiness or BA timber that I heard.

The stage has a nice depth to it and rare in its price bracket.

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In conclusion I found the ECCI YST-02
a excellent sounding, enjoyable listen that gives you a detailed fun and exciting experience.

I think it's a pretty fantastic value. And it's regular price of $79 a good purchase. Now at the time of this review it's on for a special price for $59 makes this one a truly hidden gem.
A worth recommendation 👌

More information and Purchase link is here:

https://penonaudio.com/ecci-yst-02.html

My Video review because it deserved one - not all do is here:

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cqtek

1000+ Head-Fier
The Crest Of The Wave
Pros: Attractive design.
- Good cable, although not suitable for the profile.
- Remarkable bass quality.
- Very clear and bright sound.
- Good ergonomics.
Cons: Very excited high-midrange.
- It's more detailed than musical.
- The profile is not balanced, because it has a clear tendency towards brightness.
- The overexposure of the high-mids and details, blurs the scene and loses consistency at the base of many elements.
- It wants to be very technical, but the micro detail is lost because the macro detail is too exposed.
- Very few accessories, few tips and no zippered case, only a bag.
- The size of the packaging is disproportionate to what it comes with.
Introduction

ECCI seems to be an obscure brand from China, hailing from Dongzhan, Guangzhou. Looking for relative information I found that they have some peculiar IEMS (PG200, PR100 MKII, PR200 MKII, PR300 2), as well as several amplifiers (EC-1, Storm-6, Storm-B-3PRO). The aesthetics of these earlier models look like they belong to another era, while this new YST-02 has a more modern design. From this new batch and very similar to this one, there is the YST-03, whose external appearance is the same, but with one more driver. In fact, the YST-02 is a hybrid IEMS that consists of a dynamic driver and a BA customised by the brand itself. As a special feature, this model has a two-way RC frequency divider, very similar to that of bookshelf speakers. The outer face is PVD gold plated, inlaid with dyed natural abalone shells, with high transparency resin. Its texture is jewellery grade. The colour of the natural panel is unique, the abalone shell has an uneven structure in the microscopic angle and can produce bright and different colours. The appearance of the panel is random... Well, after this strange introduction, let's see what these ECCI YST-02 look like in a more orthodox way.

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Specifications

  • Driver Type: 10mm composite diaphragm + custom ultra-balanced armature.
  • Frequency Response: 5Hz-40kHz
  • Sensitivity: 102dB/Vrms(@ 1kHz)
  • Impedance: 30Ω ± 15%(@ 1kHz)
  • Distortion: <1%(@ 1kHz/1mW)
  • Jack Connector: 3.5mm SE gold-plated.
  • Capsule Connection Type: 2PIN 0.78mm
  • Cable Material: LITZ type silver plated monocrystalline copper.

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Packaging

The ECCI YST-02 comes in a rather square green box, whose dimensions are 140x138x65mm. The design is reminiscent of typical Chinese paintings, with curved line motifs in the background, like waves in the sea. At the top is the brand logo, inlaid with silver ink. Similarly, there is a circle in the centre that does not close at the bottom. Inside are Chinese letters. At the bottom of the box, the model name. On the back is the specifications, in Chinese and English, and the graph with the frequency response, which, to tell the truth, looks very close to my measurement. At the bottom is the brand name. Removed from the outer cardboard is a completely black box with only the brand logo in the upper right corner. Once the lid is opened, there is a black foam mould and a green card that follows the motifs of the outer box. The capsules are embedded in the mould and underneath it is a cloth bag whose embroidery persists in Chinese motifs such as sea waves or clouds in the sky, because of its mixture of white and blue colours. Inside this bag is the cable and a small bag with silicone tips. In a nutshell:

  • The two ECCI YST-02 capsules.
  • One LITZ type cable of silver plated monocrystalline copper, with 2Pin 0.78mm connection and 3.5mm SE connector.
  • 4 pairs of black silicone tips with red core, sizes SxMxL.
  • One cloth bag.
  • One user card/manual.

Minimal contents for the price. The box is big for what little it comes with, a measly set of tips, a decent cable, which doesn't match the model's profile, and a bag whose best comment is that it's attractive, soft and pleasant. But it only serves the purpose of storage, not shock protection.

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Construction and Design

The capsules are made up of two distinct parts. The outer face is made of abalone shell, flanked by a PVD gold-plated rim. On the base of each of them is the name of the model. The external shape is of African continental type with stylised apex and rounded forms. The inner face appears to be constructed of black, slightly translucent polycarbonate. There are two holes away from the mouthpieces and these appear to be brass, with a thin base, a 4.7mm inner neck and a 5.7mm diameter outer crown. The total nozzle length is 3.5mm. They are protected by a double grille. The outermost one is metallic and has oval openings, but you can see the inner grille is more dense and has much smaller holes.
The connection is 2Pin 0.78mm and is mounted on a rectangular, shallow translucent plastic plate. The connections are gold plated. Next to each plate there is a white letter indicating the channel.
The cable has 4 LITZ strands of silver-plated monocrystalline copper. The connector is a 3.5mm gold-plated connector. The connector sleeve is a smooth cylinder, gently depressed in the centre. It has white Chinese letters written lengthwise. The cable coming out of it is protected at the beginning by a short, whitish-white translucent plastic sleeve, which has two levels. The dividing piece has the same depressed cylinder shape, but is shorter and with bevelled edges. This time without lettering. It does not have a fitting pin. The sleeves of the 2Pin connectors match the rest of the connectors and the pins come out of red and transparent bases, which indicate the colour. A blue mole indicates the polarity of the 2Pin. There is a sleeve for the 3.5mm connector.
The design and the cable is beautiful. As the manufacturer itself describes, it tries to propose a jewellery-grade finish that does not fall into a sober facism. The gold-plating prevents it from being more modern and adds that less attractive point for my taste. The abalone shell outer face gives it a unique and distinctive touch.
The weight is relatively light, it gives the impression of being heavier due to an initial metallic appearance. In reality, this is not the case and although it is not one of the lightest non-metallic capsules, its weight is not high at all.

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Adjustment and Ergonomics

The fit is quite good and the slight weight is not noticeable. They fit very well inside the ear cup and don't rotate once they're on, thanks to the protrusion on the rim. But for those who think that this appendage might be annoying, it is not at all; at least not for my morphology. The over-ear cable does not irritate and is hardly noticeable. The insertion can vary from shallow to medium, depending on the tips used. The level of insulation is quite good, with my homemade tips filled with foam.
In general, the ergonomics are very good and it is totally valid for external use, walking or light exercise and the fact that it is not metallic means that the weight is not high.

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Sound

Profile


The frequency response has a certain resemblance to the Rtings target. Its profile starts from a balance in the first half, which gets dangerously excited in the mid-highs. This rise is clear and pronounced. To my taste, this breaks the neutrality and homogeneity. Thus, it becomes a profile that can be fatiguing, depending on the genres of music played. I find the silver-plated cable unsuitable for this profile, I would have preferred a pure copper one. It is also advisable to use warm sources to compensate for over clarity and sibilance. I find it necessary to make a good choice of tips to match the profile. Finally, although the impedance is not high (30Ω), they are not easy to move and a powerful or desktop source is necessary to improve performance. Another tip would be to use a copper cable with a balanced connection, taking advantage of the fact that with such a connection you can get more power, even with a simple dongle.

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Bass

As is usually the case with this type of IEMS with this profile and a good dynamic driver, the bass is of good quality. My regret is that, for my taste, they are neutral. They have a good punch, if the bass is isolated. When listening to music focused on the lower range, one can notice these virtues: a relatively powerful punch, good air movement, concise performance, remarkable texture, quick decay and little aftertaste. This is a skilful bass, with remarkable speed, but it leaves you wanting more quantity and power.
The tuning is rather flat, so the aural emphasis is on the mid bass. It has a very slight dip towards the mids. I would have preferred a slightly more enhanced sub-bass, to compensate for the mid-highs, as these feel above the low range. There is a predominance of the cymbals over the bass drums and this causes me fatigue in the medium term. This fact detracts from a band that appears technical, quite natural in its execution, tone and timbre. Although I think that with a more neutral and homogeneous profile, from 1kHz onwards, it would have been much more accurate, exciting and adequate, always from my personal point of view, of course.

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Mids

The mid-range presents the classic IEMS ambivalence with over-emphasised mid-highs. While the first half is really in keeping with what the low end proposes, with a good transition, some warmth and colour, an adequate physical and corporeal base. The second half rises towards the clouds, crossing my threshold of bearable and pleasant. We're talking 12 or 13dB of pinna gain, an excitement that turns the bass into neutrals and offers a piercing presentation of female vocals, cymbals and sibilance. I've paired it with my warmer sources, such as the Aune Flamingo for its TUBE output and also with the iFi Zen Can amp, to make the review more bearable and it's true that I get a more acceptable tone and timbre, which doesn't get out of bright naturalness, but which persists over time, being fatiguing to my ears, more used to more prominent bass, softer mids and treble that can go a little beyond neutral. Thus, I can't speak of balance in the mid-range, in the aspect of its profile. Other things are the level of clarity, the technical ability, the feeling of transparency, the level of separation, the precise, concise presentation, the level of resolution and the ability to extract detail that ECCIs possess. Again, it is necessary to have a well-powered source for the YST-02s to shine. But, even so, the overexposure of the mid-highs struggles to keep a lot of detail and nuance in front, which eventually ends up overpowering each other, obscuring micro detail and losing both tonal and descriptive richness. In short, I hear more harmonics, details, sparkles, nuances and accompanying elements than the actual voices or instruments, making the music splashy, but not quite a cage of crickets. I insist that the excitement of the pinna gain does not imply a more technical, skilful, clear, transparent or natural sound. It is a way of forcing the sound. And when this is the case, harmony is lost, secondary elements are enhanced and the musicality of the whole is lost. If this gain had been softened, it would have been a different story, because the base is good and the skills demonstrated are above average.

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Treble

The treble is concentrated in the first half of the range, forgetting a little about the upper range. Starting from a high level, they have a slight drop in control which is in keeping with the end of the mids, but which does not help to make the whole homogeneous and balanced. The BA driver is used for the higher frequencies and I think it serves as a reinforcement for a full-range dynamic driver, which has been filtered by the crossover and enhanced by the BA driver. In this way, the transition is seen to be adequate, but the BA timbre appears subtly in the flares, harmonics and higher notes.
There is a clear exposure of the treble, reaching a considerable height, with a sharp, sparkling and vivid projection. Not bad in itself, but if isolated it can seem a little high. Those who like a strong treble and don't mind a slight BA timbre are welcome. Those who prefer soft, melodious and pleasant treble will get salt and pepper here. But I insist again that this is not a disproportionate high end, it retains a slightly elevated, bright timbre, with that BA essence, but within an excited naturalness. Although I would have preferred this driver to have provided a little more extension in the air zone.

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Soundstage, Separation

There is a war between the innate technical abilities of the IEM itself and those provided by the tuning. In essence, the ECCI YST-02s are remarkable, but I feel that they have been forced by a tuning that has sought to emphasise detail rather than music. This has resulted in a mix where the sum is not 1+1=2, but rather below, even counterproductive. A level of transparency has been forced without a sufficient amount of air, which means a less obvious background and a lower level of separation. There is an obvious technical ability, which does not overwhelm. The resolution is obviously exposed, but the over-excitement makes its presence predominant, without ever disappearing from the music, which increases the sense of fatigue, lingering brightness and a descriptive and informative perception that is too high. Too much detail, less music. When, in the end, such a level of resolution is not adequate for micro detail but for medium or more obvious detail.
Thanks to a good level of clarity and forced transparency, the scene appears wide, clean, relatively well focused, with an adequate level of height and enveloping feeling. Dappled detail brings the scene closer and limits the sense of depth. If the genre is presented free of such artefacts, this depth can be felt more clearly, as well as a more realistic instrumental positioning. Otherwise, it will look like a flash photo of a shiny object, the flashes obscuring what is important.

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Comparisons

Dunu Titan S


The Dunu Titan S is arguably an analogue version of a balanced/neutral profile. Their mid-high emphasis is controlled, with a pinna gain that is not quite as high as that of the ECCIs, but is in turn well flanked by a relatively sharp treble control zone, which limits the expansive power of the mid-treble transition emphasis. With a very similar low end, subtly higher in the ECCIs, both IEMS advocate a restrained low end, with good texture and technical ability. What happens in the Titan S is that the mids are resolved in a way that is more favourable to the overall interests of the music played on them. Without having the analytical ability of the Hidizs MS2s, the Titan S's navigate in that more pleasant zone that does not forget a present mid-high exposure, but with a more neutral bass.
I find a lot of similarities in the bass behaviour. Both have a very similar tuning in this range and both characteristics and technical abilities are similar. Even the texture, the presence and the punch is similar. What changes is the brightness, the dryness and I think the speed. I prefer the darker and more natural timbre of the Titan S, as well as that dryness I am talking about, because it is less contaminated by the high frequencies.
In the midrange, surprisingly, the male voices seem more forward on the ECCIs, perhaps because of the projection of detail and the level of clarity. In the Dunu, however, the timbre is more accurate and the sibilance is more controlled, even in those male voices. Everything is more harmonious and pleasing in the Titan S. In the female voices, both the body and the physicality are more exuberant in the Dunu. There is a clear emphasis on the base and not on the details, something that offers superior realism. And all this without the details being hidden, or suffering, as they do in the ECCIs.
It is clear that the high end of the YST-02s rises higher and has a brighter timbre. The Titan S are surprising for their level and presence. But the brightness is clearly superior in the ECCIs. It is noticeable that the tuning is different and although I can't say that the Dunu's are completely smooth, they don't have the initial explosion of the YST-02's. But this is only in the first part. But this is only in the first part. After that, both in pure extension and in air the Dunu are better.
All this affects scene exposure, image, detail, separation, dark background feeling, focus and positioning of the elements. As ECCIs are more concerned with details, the body of the elements are more diffuse and depth is lost. In the Dunu, as this exposure is more realistic, the focus is more normal, the laterality is superior, the depth is appreciable and the positioning more coherent. Separation is also felt on top, as is the size of the scene.

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Hidizs MS2

Going back to MS2 is like taking a break. I think the Hidizs chart is much more appropriate. It is a hybrid that is not the same, because the frequency division is different. Whereas the ECCIs seem to have a full-range dynamic driver complemented by a high-frequency BA; the MS2 has a dedicated bass DD, with a BA for mids and highs. Even so, both the mids and highs of the MS2s are better tuned than the ECCIs. There is more treble extension, air, better transition, naturalness, homogeneity and balance in the Hidizs. They don't have the explicit capability of the YST-02s, but the music doesn't need it, what it needs is a more organic and somewhat warmer sound. This is taken care of by a more emphasised DD in the low-mid range (some more sub-bass would have been preferable), which brings warmth and physicality to the low end. Also to the upper mids, achieving a more euphonic presence and timbre. The details are less explicit, but I praise the technical ability of its BA driver, which sounds more realistic and much less forced. Here the details don't just pop out of the window, but are where you expect them to be, forming a more coherent, appropriate and musical representation. The tuning does not struggle to overpower the technicalities, but the definition is more explicit and is shown in its proper measure, without being hindered or muddied. This is what superior technical and analytical ability is all about.
The sound might even seem darker, comparatively speaking, but it is not. The Hidizs offer a reference and the ECCIs an exception. This is how the scene is presented more in accordance, with a more proportionate exposition, with a palpable depth, a patent laterality and a harmonic instrumental positioning, in accordance, more in line with a more logical and normal presentation.
Finally, the Hidizs MS2s are much easier to move than the ECCI YST-02s.

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Conclusion

The ECCI YST-02 are specialised IEMS. I don't consider them to be for every enthusiast. I'm sure their audience will find them great, but I can't consider them all-rounders.
The value for the price is pretty good, they are well built, comfortable, the design is attractive, they are not heavy, the cable is good, although it is not in line with the sound profile. Starting with the low end, perhaps the strongest point of these IEMS. They possess remarkable quality and technical abilities. The mids can be a mixture of sensations. It can work very well, depending on the genre, but the excitement of the upper-mids can easily fatigue those ears sensitive to this area. I think ECCI focus more on the details than on the music itself and it has a bright imbalance, which can make it unpleasant. The high end works relatively well, as long as you are tolerant of the level of crisp sparkle exposed. It is in keeping with the end of the mids, but it polarises the sound too much towards a very bright version of reality. And this is something that can negatively influence many aspects of the sound.
It is clear that I am not a fan of this profile, but neither should I demonise IEMS, which has good quality, albeit a somewhat compromised tuning, for my personal taste.

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Sources Used During the Analysis

  • Aune Flamingo.
  • Hidizs XO.
  • Earmen Angel.
  • TempoTec Variations V6.
  • Hidizs AP80 PRO-X Red Copper Limited Edition.
  • ACMEE MF02s.
  • xDuoo XD05 BAL.
  • S.M.S.L Sanskrit 10th MKII + iFi ZEN CAN.

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Ratings

  • Construction and Design: 75
  • Adjustment/Ergonomics: 87
  • Accessories: 55
  • Bass: 85
  • Mids: 70
  • Treble: 80
  • Separation: 78
  • Soundstage: 80
  • Quality/Price: 80

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Penon Audio Store, offered me this model, in exchange for writing an honest review. I want to make it clear that all my opinions written in this review have not been conditioned by this fact, nor will I ever write anything that I do not really think or feel here. I will only write about my personal opinion in relation to the revised product.

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Purchase Link

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You can read the full review in Spanish here

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Redcarmoose

Headphoneus Supremus
A Beautiful Balance
Pros: Sounds well-balanced off a phone though will increase in girth from a DAP or desktop
Prefect size, form-factor and weight
Extremely well-tuned
Complete, even and correct frequency response (key word here complete)
Authoritative bass while still kept in-check
An enhanced Harman-tune
Comes with extra nice cable not normally included with price-bracket
Cons: Hard to drive to its potential without DAP or desktop power
The ECCI YST-02

Life is filled with two kinds of people. Those who are positive and looking for a way in, and negative people who who are always looking for a way out. Interestingly enough the ECCI YST-02 is both an above average IEM and a profoundly great $75.00 IEM. It all depends on how you use it. While perfectly fine from a dongle or phone, there are DAP and desktop places it can scale to far above its humble price-tag. Today we will be looking for a way in, deep inside the ECCI YST-02.


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Sound Demo:
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Metallica
“The Black Album”
48 kHz - 24 bit


It is these contrasts, these farthest extensions of treble and bass that I’m most enamored with. Really that’s it. The fact that there are more low-end reserves that are not always tapped-into. Also the subtle but perfect way the super-tweeter does positioning of elements out into the soundstage. While they are not the brightest or most vibrant treble details, they are still there and exist to proclaim their frequencies. Now remember how I said I’m most fascinated by the contrasts, it’s those same contrasts which bring about both pace and detail. That after 50 hours of burn-in the soundstage seemed to open and become slightly more effortless in ability. That there is nothing more than simple positioning which starts to give clues as to the quality here. For starters.........................


Nothing Else Matters:

Probably nothing sums up this contrast ability better than the epic and well regarded Metallica album from 1991 commonly referred to as “The Black Album”. This album I have secretly used to audition almost every review IEM.........ever! I don’t listen to the whole album, but often only the very beginning of Nothing Else Matters. Such a song shows the full frequency range here. But way more than that, it’s actually perfect to show the delineated guitar harmonics in the start. The drone starts off from second-one showing us the pace. But right away at 10 seconds we already start to encounter a breakaway in development. The really small extra embellishments at 29 seconds start to show a style of expansion which the album producers wanted to convey. In fact that is the single most rewarding aspect of this song................the contrast. The contrast from quiet to loud, from non-existent into reality. And a special treat to have the character of the ECCI YST-02 seemingly effortlessly going along for the ride.

It’s at 37 seconds that they quit messing around and the full-on volume levels are reached. It’s the fastness, the transient response that is kicking here. And the fact that at 40 seconds they introduce the violins into the outskirts! All this yet the fireworks haven’t even been lit-off. I mean, I guess I chose this song due to the dynamics in action? I have written about the ability of the song before though not in such detail as we have here today. And probably it’s the ability of the YST-02 that’s so inspiring?

At 49 seconds the string plucks are even louder. It’s one of those pieces that gives a thrill due to both fascinating pace and use of volume. The fact that there are these plateaus of development that are each a step forward, yet the full heaviness is not yet introduced. Such teasing makes the final heaviness that much more. At 59 seconds there is a very specific sound that may be violins with a doppler?


The Doppler effect or Doppler shift (or simply Doppler, when in context) is the change in frequency of a wave in relation to an observer who is moving relative to the wave source. It is named after the Austrian physicist Christian Doppler, who described the phenomenon in 1842.


Such a moving target is the match that lights the fireworks. As at 1 minute the bass kicks in....and what a kick. Now even though we have been moved by this introduction, the song is in essence only starting with a world-class 1 minute start. The basic quality is that everything, every tone and addition is represented. So we now find each introductory element is fully in use with the only new add as vocalist/guitarist James Hetfield. He is crooning and somehow singing us to sleep. No wonder 3/4 of the fan-bass left after hearing this. This was a song for our parents maybe, but not us? Such is the trajectory from rags to riches, that it softens us and we become more pliable. So this is either the greatest Metallica album or the worst, it’s all up to personal interpretations what’s up.

Still whatever it is, it becomes a fantastic test record and recorded really really well. I have so many copies of it I’ve forgotten them, a vinyl, a DVD Audio, a CD. Probably it’s most redeeming factor deals with stark contrasts. This album by its own nature is separated and delineated almost to perfection. Now what’s wild is while using the YST-02 you may forget what IEM you are using. The fact that the music takes all your attention and focus. It’s not about any specifics like musical ability or lack there of. But yes, there is a slight off timbre to the guitars where they sound slightly brighter. But of course it could be my DAP doing that, let’s check.

The switch to the 1Z, and ultimately the Sony TA desktop.

So absolutely the WM1A pushed the midrange and made the lion’s share of the off timbre visible. A switch to 3.5mm in the WM1Z made it better, then a switch of cables to 4.4mm using a different amplifier in the 1Z made it even better. Finally a final switch to the TA desktop showed it could in-fact be “handled” and better than “handled” basically made virtually non-existent! Such a discovery when working with such an IEM! Just the fact that we can never forget we are dealing with whole systems which never fail to bestow their own private personality onto and into whatever IEM we are using.

The elephant in the room:
The elephant in the room here is drivability. With that said the ECCI YST-02 really sounds fantastic from a IPad or phone. But it’s incredibly hard to drive to perfection. Meaning you will see (if you buy them) that on the go they provide a balanced entertainment form a phone, but take them home, and get them desktop power and prepare to amazed.

https://www.dunu-topsound.com/product-page/duw-03
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/sony-ta-zh1es.22253/

Truly though, switching from 4.4mm Balanced DUW-03 to the OCC HandSound Zen was even slightly better. As remember these midrange intensities walk that line at times. I ended in a place quite cozy, and smooth. And listening to Nothing Else Matters again on the rebound was once again an experience. We get to the place where hooking a $75 IEM to thousands of dollars in HI/Fi due to the sound-possibilities at hand. While still not-perfect, it seemed to be relaxed with it’s new gifts I brought it. Seemingly playing a final output, far, far above its price point. The best are violins which co-exist along with guitar. It was and is an enigma how these brutal renegades went high-brow on us. They asked us to go along on this journey into bigger and a more elaborate sound. While still integrating all the band members instruments, there was these add-ons that don’t seem bolted-on, but truly who they are, or better yet, where they ended up. And the YST-02 went from humble beginnings on a phone to scale up with the big boys. Not only did the YST scale, but (lost) (tossed-off) much of its qualities along the way! Ultimately discovering who it was truly in the end. I’m not saying you are required to use the YST-02 in such a fashion, but realize it’s there when called for.




Test #2
While I’m here I might as well visit difficulty?

Such an album is not really the best material for IEMs. What I’m trying to say is only a select few IEMs even play this correctly. Probably when it first came out it was used by reviewers to approach balanced armatures and exploit their inherent quickness? I mean why else would you endure such musical pain?


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Mick Gordon
Doom (48 kHz -24 bit USB Key)

At Doom’s Gate

Even the beginning bass texture is nice at 9 seconds. The rhythms of bass at 13 seconds offer great competence. Though the test, the ultimate IEM meltdown..................happens at 24 seconds in. The question is if it can separate the blast into its make-up parts?................... And the YST-02 does fine. And maybe even more important, the slight low end bass bumps that come in between..............till the next blast at 31 seconds. The fact that it may be the cheapest IEM that does all this. Partially because the bass is not only low but it is fast and taut. The YST-02 is not as separated as some TOTL playback examples, but it gets the job done by excellence in the fundamentals. Also one of the main reasons I play this is to get inquiry as to the personality of those blasts on a test IEM. Some combinations can be too much, taking the music to sonic overload, here though we are gifted with just the right amount of energy, in a style of energy hardly ever encountered on a daily basis. Glad that is over.

Test #3
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Delain
Apocalypse & Chill
Burning Bridges

44.1 kHz - 24 bit

Big sound, but more than that, it’s filled-in. Such aspects of filled-in drum accents let you know the ECCI YST-02 is not missing much in the way of detail. So both big established tone along with what it takes to fill-in the details. But more than the basics the YST-02 is taking every opportunity to pull you into the emotion of what’s playing. I have tried to ascertain as to the reasons why? But it probably comes down to doing the basics well?

At 13 seconds of Burning Bridges there is an accented downbeat. Such small things are where the magic is at. Such accents go to show the fast and complete character we are dealing with here. Because we all know it’s the change-ups and breaks where the emotion is. Now I can talk all-day about the music. The music is the reason we are here, not the hardware. Still we are dependent upon the hardware to transfer the files. The IEM is simply the go-between.


So let’s do some comparisons right off. Reason being is at times you can learn more from two IEMs combined that all this wondering talk of treble, midrange and bass.

The Sony XBA-Z5 vs the ECCI YST-02:

Ha, we are using the Delain song we were just taking about……because, why not? Burning Bridges is way quieter on the XBA-Z5. Do you realize what I just said? Do you even begin to comprehend the ramifications of such a statement? That’s right, the ECCI YST-02 is power mad. So much so that it draws even more juice to get it going than the notoriously hard to drive Sony XBA-Z5. That’s why I placed this comparison here, so you could start to see some perspective of where we are. In many ways the XBA-Z5 has a thirst for power just like the YST-02, meaning that the bass comes alive when fed right. But that’s where they start to differ. The Z5 is darker and contains a boosted lower midrange that makes the YST-02 sound anemic. Yet here is the thing, the deep sub-bass is there with the YST-02. It’s just this YST-02 Harmon Tune against the deep V of the Sony house sound. So we are really way more mid-forward with the YST-02. The YST-02 is all midrange with an enhanced sub-bass. Though along with that midrange on the YST-02 comes a style of slightly off timbre on electric guitars. Delain was actually chosen as an example of the extreme limits of this individual guitar tone. There over produced and dialed in guitar sound is way more forward with the YST-02 and all the "off-character" exposed. It’s this midrange guitar that’s simply part of their sound. It’s not so bad with the YST-02 as it becomes a trade. Forwardness and clarity……way way more forwardness and clarity than the Sony XBA-Z5 could ever hope to come-up with. In turn the Z5 is sleepy and slow, laidback and less audiophile, maybe? The Z5 is also more together or compacted with 1 DD and 2 BAs. Still this ends as a super important side-by side as the Sony XBA-Z5 was/is one of the first big Hybrids on the market way back in 2014. It’s like our YST-02 becomes more energetic and youthful, brighter and more in your face. Probably my biggest surprise was the fact that the YST-02 offered farther out separation and itemization of musical elements in comparison to the Z5. There was more space in the soundstage for each item to breathe, being let out of that slow fog the XBA-Z5 seems to exhibit 24/7. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Z5 and I could in-time return to it’s charms, but in faster side-by-side testing the YST-02 offers more vibrancy and contrast, even if slightly pushed.

Take note every one of these tests were done with the ECCI YST-02 switched to balanced 4.4mm, also every IEM tested had a 4.4mm cable.

Sony XBA-N3 vs the ECCI YST-02

Here again the XBA-N3 was easier to drive. Also just to change things up I put the biggest-wide-mouth imaging tips on the N3. Such finds were incased with the Giant Panda Planar as very special ear-tips. Anyways the two headphones were very much close to the same, with both sharing a similar bass tone as well as soundstage, The YST-02 was used with the included “red-barrel” tips. The Sony 9mm LCP DD and single ultra-high treble balanced armature writes-up on-paper much like our YST-02 10mm composite diaphragm and single ultra-high balanced armature tweeter. And in fact the two really do share much in common. Where they show the most difference was found in the YST-02 upper midrange boost and well as the vocal enhancement simply due to the midrange tuning. The XBA-N3 offered some small smoothness here and there which the YST-02 probably over shadowed with the midrange? All and all they were very equal in technicalities. And, equal to a point of someone already dancing to the XBA-N3 could easily make a transition over to the YST-02, while looking for that slightly brighter vocals and upper midrange. In a good sense they were the same, yet complementary in response. So much so that I would say YST makes a great extra purchase to enable a lateral move to vocals. It’s just there inefficient power requirements make the YST a unique purchase. Surprisingly the XBA-N3 heavy slow/bass wasn’t an issue today as normal, and probably could be the result of spending the day listening to the YST/Z5/N3 together as well as the immediate affects of the wide-bore imaging tips that are notoriously known for reducing bass character.


At times we have IEMs which personify “China-made”. The ECCI YST-02 IS the poster child for Chinese exotic gifs.

1) Incredible sound value per dollar spent
2) 4 core 5N four-strand litz structure single crystal copper silver-plated 2pin 0.78mm cable

3) Strange and wild silk carrying case



Now I only listed three example but in truth the exoticness is through and though. This style of (unknown to the USA) rarity is what I find charming of import IEMs. Now of course if the sound quality didn’t float-my-boat, none of the extras would matter.

You can pick-up a pair here for $75.00
https://penonaudio.com/ecci-yst-02.html?search=ecci

Description

Custom ultra-high single balanced armature
Japanese CCAW voice coil dynamic driver
5N single crystal copper silver-plated cable
Acoustic Space Tuning Technology
PVD gold-plated border inlaid dyed natural abalone shells
Easy to push omnivorous, comfortable to wear



Specification
Brand: ECCI
Model:YST-02
Driver: 10mm composite diaphragm + custom ultra-high balanced armature
Sensitivity: 102dB/Vrms(@1kHz)
Impedance: 30Ω ±15%(@1kHz)
Distortion: <1%(@1kHz/1mW)
Frequency response: 5Hz-40kHz
Cable material: litz single crystal copper silver-plated
Cable: 1.25m
Plug: 3.5mm
Connector: 2pin 0.78mm
Package

ECCI YST-02


ECCI is a little known brand with a few items sold through-out the years.
The ECCI Storm-6 Amplifier $86.00
The ECCI Storm-B 3Pro Amplifier $267.00
The ECCI EC-1 Amplifier $115.00
The ECCI PR300 2 IEM $59.00
The ECCI YST-03 IEM $105.00 (direct successor to the YST-02)
The ECCI PG200 $19.00
The ECCI PR100 MKII $22.00

The ECCI PR200 MKII $35.00

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Included:
1 ECCI YST-02 IEM
1 Set Ear-tips
1 5N four-strand litz structure single crystal copper silver-plated 2pin 0.78mm cable
1 Silk-cloth pouch
1 Warranty/Instruction Booklet


The unboxing experience:
Let’s start with the box opening, only because it’s so very special. The outside shows the name, though I’m guessing the center is Chinese for ECCI YST-02? The flip-side shows a FR response graph as well as names, addresses and specifications. Once opened we find a pure-black-box with a magnetic latch and the name ECCI as foil writing across the right upper corner. Upon opening we still don’t see the IEMs but have a style of small individual cover only just covering the two IEMs. Once that is taken off, there they are. Lifting the IEM “tray’ out we are met with the silk pouch. I’m not sure if it’s actual silk, but it seems like it is? The storage pouch has two wooden balls to cinch-it-up. Amazingly the inside is a very soft velvet like material. Inside of the pouch comes our cable. Normally I would complain about there being only four sets of ear-tips, except that I seemed to find spectacular fit right-off. That’s the thing, if the quality is good the quantity is less important, and that’s what we have here.

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Build:

Truthfully the weight is just right. There has been some discussion as to how they are too lightweight? I truly don’t see how this can be. They are way lighter than they look. Due to the black onyx shell and abalone faceplate, you would be forgiven for guessing they are weighty. The fact that everything seems incredibly ergonomic down to the smallest variable. The subtle PU curve of the cable to guide it over your ears. The 2 pin fits flawlessly into the IEM’s protruding two pin. The semi-custom form factor that just seems to really work, to allow a very secure and close fit into your ear. The fit, form-factor and weight would completely work as a sports IEM, even though it looks visually contradictory to such use. It would seem that this is the very first Hybrid IEM for ECCI. As such the YST-02 incorporates a 10mm composite diaphragm as well as a single ultra high balanced armature for highs. Such a build makes the YST-02 as a solution to the wanted extra imaging and separation hoped for but not achieved by the regularly built single (1) full-range dynamic drivers.


The cable:
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The sound in general:

The core of our sound comes from a balancing of a two way system. The method may seem simple, it’s commonly found in home stereo speakers. An example is an extra super-tweeter added on to bookshelf speakers or commonly found implemented to full-size floor standers. Basically IEMs are now replicating home speakers due to design. Upon reading the above definition of the Hybrid emulating speaker sound you may in fact look at such a description as being too rudimentary. When in-fact that is the exact sound we are achieving inside the IEM. Even with all the 68 product reviews I’ve written thus far, the speaker senerio fits what I hear best. These IEMs sound like speakers. Hybrids have been around since 2008......................they truly are getting better and coming down in price. Either you are all for this slight separation or you are not. Its is a style of delineation where the imaging from the treble can have it’s own zone at times. I’m personally into such styles of separation if done correctly, while seemingly dove-taileded into the frequency response. And…..my friends that’s what we have. There are slight issues with balanced armatures in that there will be a style of balanced armature tone that can be a slight departure in realism. And, yes we do find a slight off color to the highs, but since the bulk of the whole sound is actually a dynamic driver, any BA adverse effects are in truth minimized. Realistically the ultrahigh treble doesn’t have all the authority or energy of some TOTL IEMs, yet they have somehow enabled this deficit to become an attribute? How this may take place with with the more dense and enabled midrange display.


The midrange:

Due to the tuning, it really seems like almost all midrange. At least that’s what you will be emotionally thinking when you go to pick the YST-02 up out of a pile. The mids and upper-mids are forward in this most delightful way. While still respecting the bass and treble, the midrange takes the show, which is how it should be anyway, maybe? Most of what you listen to all goes down in the midrange. There is better IEMs, that will do some of the technicalities far better, but you can’t fault the midrange tune here. The detail and presence in the midrange reveals all............far more than it’s humble price-point would have you guess. So as much as the mids and upper mids are focused on, it’s at the expense of the lower midrange. Meaning if you think these are lower midrange emphasized, think again. And that may be part of how our pace is so good? There is a slightly thick bass, but it’s so well positioned, slightly back in the stage, you would have no idea 80-90% of this sound is coming from a single DD! The fact that the mids the way they are tuned, gives special focus into the character of electric guitars and vocals.


The bass:

The bass is there when called for. It is gloriously there as exampled in my coverage of “Nothing Else Matters”. When the information is signaled upstream, the bass comes out of its lair to become a big presence. Yet it’s also controlled and not foggy or slow like the XBA-Z5. Such is the perfect example to describe the bass. Everything that the XBA-Z5 is, the YST is not. The YST cleanness, the pace, the dynamic authority with-in the soundstage. The only thing it shares with the XBA-Z5 is bass-presence at full bore, as they are both almost equal in total size. But that size retracts with the YST........in record time, to leave room for pace and rhythm to occur.

The treble:

While present, the very tip-top is not 3D and full of detail. Meaning it’s there and enjoyable just not way up forward. What we end up with is a style of “accent” which is with-out fault. Often when things are talked about as slightly less than, we question that we must be missing a frequency or two therefor bad. When in this case nothing could be farther from the truth. It’s a style of treble where the mid-treble and lower treble are fully present. If anything the lower treble gets accentuated with the upper midrange as that’s the overall tune/effect. Such tuning ends being complementary to the overall sound. It really doesn’t seem like anything is left out. It’s just if you just came from listening to a more forward upper-treble you may notice that it’s just getting by. That you are witnessing a style of treble that’s somehow nice in it’s own way? There are numinous other treble personalities (in other even more expensive IEMs) which come off as non-fulfilling or pedestrian in nature. But not here, somehow it’s only pulled back. The gift here is the imaging, and the fact that the mid-treble and lower-treble offer this style of accentuated separation which bring those elements to life. Such playfulness seems to allow for the tip-top treble to sit in authority allowing such play.

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Conclusion:

This ECCI IEM once again maintains its style (maybe) as the consummate Chinese exotic rarity. Though I would guess prior models never gained traction due to (loss of) ability? I can’t say for sure, as I have never heard them, they may have been great? Though THIS ONE is amazing. It’s a fairly neutral experience with add-ons in the very best of places. In the end the ECCI YST-02 gives us all we need and more than we asked for. Such a find includes a complete kit that looks like it originated from some far-away land………..because it did originate from some far-away land. Besides the looks, the YST was absolutely tuned for Western Ears. So much so that it will be a comfortable first listen upon first getting your set. Improvements due to burn-in are real and an added bonus as playability improves and refines. The ECCI YST-02 becomes an IEM that plays well from a phone but scales up with your best equipment if such performance is required. As members slowly take a chance and are rewarded for their bravery, I can’t help but think this particular IEM fulfills the roll of making an even, correct and complete frequency response. Part of the response was like my prior favorite Hybrids like the XBA-N3 and XBA-Z5, except this midrange is way more exciting and involving. But more than that, this is the quintessential China made IEM, complete with all the trimmings. The litz single crystal copper silver-plated cable, the amazing fit and shape, the extra low weight and the unique abalone faceplate. The fact that they are purely middle-of-the-road-unisex in design. Such a feature means you or your a gal will find yourself right at home using them both in-the-house, and out-and-about. The way they fit................it’s almost a guarantee that they will fit anyone. The main reason for this is besides the semi-custom form-factor they actually have long nozzles, which as you know, wins out over half of currently made short-model IEMs. The fact that they are really low-weight despite a heavy look.

Generically good sound means they will be generally liked by everyone. Here we have a middle-of-the-road tune that has extra spices in all the best of places. It does vocals well, Classical well, EDM and OSTs well. It performs instrumentals well as rock beautifully. While not perfect, it’s still a winner. My time spent reviewing the YST was extra fun! I hope you too will partake of the magic at hand here. I give this one a full-recommendation, due to sound quality for quantity of dollars spent.


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Disclaimer: These thoughts and ideas are of one individual, your results may vary.


You can pick-up a pair here

https://penonaudio.com/ecci-yst-02.html?search=ecci


Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm/3.5mm
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm/3.5mm
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
Apple iPad

I would like to thank Penon Audio for the review sample.

This ends review.
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C
Carpet
Waiting for mine. :L3000:
C
Carpet
They arrived today, listening to them now. These have earned a place in rotation with my $200 pairs. :ksc75smile:
Redcarmoose
Redcarmoose
They are really better than the ECCI YST-03 IEM I happen to writing a review about as we speak. The YST-02 has a more even of a response as well as a nice lower midrange...........which seems to be missing from the YST-03. Even though the YST-02 has a rolled-off treble, it’s also a more natural treble than the YST-03 displays. You have the better of the two, no question about it. Ha, $200!

KutuzovGambit

1000+ Head-Fier
Quiet Contender
Pros: Reference tuning
Extremely competent technicalities for a budget offering
Very natural midrange, open yet well-bodied
Smooth treble with good extension
Very comfortable
Excellent stock cable, Litz silver-plated single crystal copper
Cons: BA timbre and some incoherence in treble
Rolled-off bass and flat tuning might be anemic to some
Somewhat insubstantial-feeling build
Sparse accessories
Very difficult price point in which to compete
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Introduction: ECCI is a brand that seems to have gone dormant for nearly a decade, but is now back with a budget-tier offering in the YST-02, a 1DD+1BA hybrid with an MSRP of $79. This is an incredibly competitive price point, especially with the recent release of several notable solid entries from established names like the Moondrop Aria and the Dunu Titan S, not to mention such upstarts as the Tripowin Olina. Will the ECCI be able to hold its own in the face of such stiff competition? Read on to find out.

I would like to thank Penon Audio for providing me with a copy of the YST-02 in exchange for my honest review. You can purchase one for yourself here. The specifications are as follows:
  • Driver: 10mm composite diaphragm + custom ultra-high balanced armature
  • Sensitivity: 102dB/Vrms(@1kHz)
  • Impedance: 30Ω ±15%(@1kHz)
  • Distortion: <1%(@1kHz/1mW)
  • Frequency response: 5Hz-40kHz
  • Cable material: Litz silver-plated single crystal copper
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Packaging & Accessories: The packaging of the YST-02 gives a premium feel, featuring a dark green sleeve embossed with wave patterns and adorned with Chinese script on the front, while the rear displays the technical specifications as well as a frequency response graph. Within is a black hardshell box with magnetic closure, opening to reveal the IEMs themselves ensconced in black foam. Underneath the foam are the various accessories, which are actually quite scant; there is a cloth storage bag (with a nice pattern and some Chinese characters on the front, and wood beads on the drawstrings), one set of silicon tips, the stock cable, and that’s it. However the stock cable is probably one of the nicest I have encountered in the sub-$100 price bracket: it’s a 4-core Litz silver-plated single crystal copper cable, and it’s supple with very nice construction and hardware. The only knock I have against it is the rather inexplicable lack of a chin slider. As far as the single set of tips goes, I actually found them to match up with the YST-02 quite well and didn’t feel the need to roll other tips at all. I would prefer to see ECCI include a choice of foams in the future however.

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Build & Comfort: The YST-02 is quite photogenic, if perhaps a bit flashy for my personal taste. The dyed abalone shells inlaid in the faceplate definitely catch the light in a very pleasing way. The shells are extremely lightweight, and while this makes them extremely comfortable to wear it does also combine with the use of some plastics in the housing to come off as feeling somewhat insubstantial and firmly budget-tier. Despite this I have no reason to doubt the actual build quality, however, and as I said the ergonomics and long-term comfort are quite impeccable. I also appreciate the decision to opt for protruding 2-pin connectors. The double-vented shells were able to prevent any driver flex or pressure buildup for me, although isolation as a consequence is only average.

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It should also be noted that the relatively low sensitivity means that the YST-02 is harder to drive than is typical these days; I was able to get sufficient power from my mobile phone, but with less headroom than that to which I am accustomed.

Signature: The YST-02 turns out to be that rarest of creations: a budget-tier midcentric IEM, hewing fairly close to an audiophile-neutral signature. Rather than pumping up the low end for some head-rattling bass or employing a sawtooth-boosted treble region to create an artificial sense of excitement and detail, as so many budget-tier offerings do, the YST-02 opts instead for a quiet and restrained presentation. Although some of those accustomed to more flashy or colored tunings may find the YST-02 a bit flat or lacking in dynamics, others will doubtless appreciate the deftness with which the YST-02 gets out of its own way and simply introduces us to the music, stepping back from the recording in a retiring and self-effacing fashion.

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Bass: The low end of the frequency spectrum is by no means the star here, choosing rather to be a humble servant of the midrange. Nevertheless it performs this appointed role with alacrity, providing a firm foundation upon which the YST-02 constructs the remainder of the edifice. The amount of bass elevation is restrained, only around 5 dB or so, and as it is also somewhat rolled off there is not much slam, rumble, or physicality; however there is still quite a nice amount of texture and detail on offer here for a budget offering (cellos, for example, are portrayed quite well, with very rich, pleasing timbre, as for example in Sarah Jarosz’ cover of Dylan’s “Simple Twist of Fate”). In addition the upper bass descends gradually to neutrality, allow a mild amount of warmth and body to be passed on to the lower mids and filling out the sound signature in a deft and gratifying manner.

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Mids: The midrange is not what I would call precisely “neutral,” but rather a closely related "natural” presentation characterized by a masterful blend of openness and clarity on the one hand, and body and substantiality on the other. As I mentioned above, there is a mild amount of warmth inherited from the upper bass that gives instruments and male vocals just the right amount of note weight. As the midrange is still powered by the dynamic driver, timbre is uniformly excellent. Pinna gain is on the high end of my tolerance range at around 10dB but always remains comfortable, and this allows strings and female vocals to remain well balanced with the lower midrange.

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Treble: The treble region is fairly even and decently well-extended, thanks to the BA tweeter. There is a bit of a clarity bump around 5K but otherwise I don’t detect any peakiness, and this bump is fairly mild and shouldn’t bother anyone but the most sensitive. There is some air in the presentation although the upper treble does roll off. Detail and resolution are fairly good, especially given the budget-tier nature of the offering. The one downfall here is that the use of the BA tweeter does come with the well-nigh inevitable tradeoff of introducing some plasticy timbre and a bit of incoherence to the sound in the upper regions. So our budget-tier shopper is left with the traditional dilemna: to prioritize timbre and coherence at the cost of detail and extension, or to prioritize technical performance by opting for a hybrid setup. As long as you know what you’re getting into, the tradeoff is in my opinion a fair one.

Soundstage & Technicalities: And indeed, the tradeoff does net the prospective buyer one of the most well-rounded technical performances available at this price tier. While the soundstage is not the absolute widest in diameter, it is exceptionally well-proportioned in width and height for a budget offering, and moreover features very good imaging and excellent layering and separation for the price. Resolution is also very good for this price bracket, and more importantly this is real resolution and not a facsimile generated by clarity boosts or tuning shenanigans.

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Select Comparisons:
vs. Dunu Titan S ($79): The Titan S has recently become my default rec for the sub-$100 price bracket, and so is the natural competitor in my book for the YST-02. The Titan S is a slightly more colored earphone than the YST-02, possessing a meatier bass response while at the same time featuring a brighter tuning in the treble region. It also has notably better timbre than the YST-02, being a single-DD (although due to the treble brightness it is not absolutely perfect timbre either). On the other hand, the YST-02 has the expected advantages of a hybrid with unquestionably better technicalities, avoiding the congested imaging which can plague the Titan S on busier tracks. For me, my high priority on timbre and my library consisting mainly of acoustic and classical music mean that the Titan S is a better fit personally, but those searching for the technical prowess of a hybrid while retaining a natural tonality and excellent midrange timbre will likely want to opt for the YST-02 instead.

Conclusion: ECCI has chosen a highly competitive price point in which to relaunch their product catalog, yet at the same time it is targeting a rather underserved tonal niche in the budget realm: relative neutrality undergirded by a hybrid’s technical capability. For the price, I do not think they could have executed their vision any better, and I look forward to following their renewed efforts in the future.

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C
Carpet
Good review. That intense blue/green is the natural appearance of paua, without dye!
C
Carpet
I know the sub $100 sector is tough competition, but these are competitive at $150! Just got mine and loving them.

Dsnuts

Headphoneus Supremus
ECCI YST-02 10mm composite diaphragm + customized ultra high BA
Pros: Obscure Chinese brand hybrid IEM with some of the best SQ for the money. Ergonomic 2 pin design with a customized ocean blue abalone and gold trim on a black onyx colored shell. Nicely balanced harmonish tuning with the bulk of the sound from the 10mm composite dynamic. Ultra highs taken care of by the customized BA. Solid detail from bass to treble the tuning is very versatile. Comes with unique pouch. Very good timbre and technicalities especially at this price.
Crystal copper silver plated cable in litz structure. Much better cable than what comes with most earphones at this price.
Cons: One set of tips. average passive isolation. No choice in terminations.
ECCI YST-02
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ECCI has a few earphones and some amps they have made in the past and it seems it has been a while since the group has made an IEM. The YST-02 represents a newer modern style IEM for the group and I believe their first ever hybrid. Modern as in detachable 2 pin cables and a new semi-custom shell type. The YST-02 incorporates a new 10mm composite diaphragm and a customized BA for ultra-high notes. The YST-02 by configuration and design is nothing new but once you actually hold the shells in hand you will immediately see where the YST-02 is different especially for the asking price point.
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Looks and build of the YST-02 is using darker ocean blue colored abalone shells and the housing itself, while made of a sturdy plastic, has a metallic onyx finish with gold trim making them stand out from other offerings. The shell shape is similar to the many you have seen in semi-custom form in standard 2 pin .78mm design. It has a very ergonomic form in a medium sized shell and should fit most with ease. The rest of the accessories package includes a bare minimum 4 pairs of silicones and a very nice looking handmade Chinese motif luxurious looking pouch. Best aspect of the throw in accessories is by far its cable.
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You get a nice 4 cored, 5N crystal copper cable plated in silver. While this cable is nothing spectacular, at this price you usually get OFC stuff and or standard copper variants, so the cable is something much better than your usual offerings.
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I would like to thank Penon audio for the review sample of the YST-02. If you feel the need to get a proper sounding wallet friendly hybrid. You can purchase a set for you on Penon web site here. The YST-02 has been burned in for a week and are now ready for sound evaluation using my IBasso DX300Max, Fiio M15, Shanling M6 Pro, M5s, M3s, Ibasso DX160, Sony ZX300, Fiio K3 2021, and IFI black label for amping.
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Sound

As I understand it. There was a slight delay in releasing the YST-02 due to some finalization issues they had. Once they figured out what was happening to the YST-02. They got a quick QC revision and a release that sees the final production model I have on hand. And the wait for the YST-02 was all done for the sake of the best sound possible using two drivers in a spacious medium sized housing. The sound signature of the YST-02 has a harmon balancing but infused with a bit of coloring to make them highlight detail for treble and upper mids with good bass impact and rumble. The bulk of the YST-02 sound comes from the composite dynamic. The sound from the lowest hitting bass notes to the low-mid trebles is mostly done by the dynamic driver and the BA is basically a tweeter to handle the ultra highs. This configuration means you're getting the benefit of dynamic timbre and sound characteristics of the composite diaphragm and the BA is there to throw a bit of air and shimmer to the treble up top.
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Treble is mostly handled by the dynamic but when you get to the highest octaves the BA comes into play injecting some upper sheen, air and micro detailing for the highs. This ends up working well as the BA is more or less just a tweeter to enhance the high notes. You’ve seen BAs for hybrids that are tuned to handle mids and highs while the dynamic naturally handles the lows but in this case the ability of the nicely tuned composite dynamic does the bulk of the sound profile. The advantage of this particular design is that the ultra high notes are accounted for. This essentially is the work of the higher end ESTs and or a lower end Piezo drivers for hybrids and tribrids.

Highs are detailed well and have a good presence in the region. Does not have any undue spikes that I can detect but here is where the cohesion of the two drivers have a contrast. The treble notes from the dynamic while natural and sounds complete, the upper treble emits a slight and subtle metallic over tone. I don’t perceive this to be an issue if you come from listening to speakers you will know what to expect here. The advantage of this single BA tweeter is that you're getting a level of detail for the treble notes that is not too common for this price range. I would say the sub $100 category for earphones are still within the budget range and there are not too many budget level earphones that represent the much higher treble notes like how the YST-02 here does it. The upper treble BA is there to accentuate and highlight the high notes and in that regard it succeeds giving the YTS-02 an arguably higher end, a higher fidelity sound in general.
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Mids of the YST-02 are substantial, this is where the composite dynamic is tuned exceptionally well. It has a spacious full on sound signature. Showing a very good resolving mids character. Vocals both male and female come through with excellent range. Full bodied and dense when called for, the upper mid pinna gain is not too much and not too little here for a proper mids presentation. Mids emit a smooth and a slight lush type of full on spacious mids signature that just jives with me.

While the mids are not overly forward they are in no way recessed in any part of the mid bands. It is the mids timbre, its imaging in space, sound separation and detail that the tuning here focuses on. Tonality of the YST-02 is spot on as well. Even out of the box I can tell the YST-02 is tuned and balanced nicely. It's got all the hallmarks of what makes a modern hybrid sound as good as it gets. The sound is presented with a moderate yet spacious sound that immerses you into your music, the depth and height of the sound is not as expansive as much higher end offerings but certainly not restrictive, the mids dynamic character is a standout on the YST-02.
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Bass end of the YST-02 is slightly above what I call mild level emphasis meaning they have a boldness when called for. Punchy and well defined. The bass of the YST-02 is slightly more mid bass than sub bass but has a versatile bass end that seems to add to the YST-02 overall sound signature. This composite dynamic has good low end presence and definition with a deep reaching bass and clearly stays away from the mid bands. It's got enough grunt to represent bass genres properly and while the speed of the bass end here is not the fastest it is represented with a tightly defined bass character that is one of the better bass presentations in the price range that I have heard.

Its sub bass sounds natural with a slower decay. Once again for the dynamic here to present with some nice technical aspects and a good bass end these will surprise just how versatile the sound tuning is on the YST-02. Bass is more moderate in emphasis vs being overly present or big, but for what its got, it does a good job in bass ability for all types of music. The bass end is versatile, you can’t expect world class bass for the price but for what its got. It has just enough quality and quantity ratio to complete the sound profile for the YST-02.
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In the end
The YST-02 is the first earphone I have heard from the ECCI group and I think these folks have a bright future. If they keep making these affordable good sounding earphones. These will catch on among enthusiasts. I can see a scenario where they will start to get a following for their earphones. The YST-02 is a nice sounding hybrid out of nowhere. It does more right than wrong in fact I have on hand two other brand new earphones I am reviewing, one of them which cost more than double the price of the YST-02 and I much prefer the YST-02. Here is a case where proper tuning and utilizing both drivers to their full ability meet to give the buyer a real value in sound quality.
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They look much more premium in hand vs pictures and not to mention they sound superb in general. I think most folks reading this have never heard of ECCI. I certainly haven’t even though they have made phones in the past, but the YST-02 will get these guys known. I hope to see more offerings from the group and I can honestly say for your money. These are well worth taking a look if not due to the fact that they perform better than you would imagine at their price point. This is one earphone I can say is worth owning. The sound is a prime example of how much manufacturers are stepping up their game when it comes to these earphones. I think ECCI did a fine job with this one, thanks for taking the time to read. Happy listening always.
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Dsnuts
Dsnuts
Looking forward to checking out the YST-03
C
Carpet
Great review as usual. I do love the appearance of these... :L3000:
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Carpet
Purchased and love them, thanks for the heads up!
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