Flip Ears - Artha Argentum
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- Create date
Overview
Thanks to team AG and FlipEars for an opportunity to audition the Artha Argentum. As always, all opinions expressed are mine and have not been influenced in any manner.
FlipEars is the first Filipino company to manufacture universal and custom in-ear monitors in the country.
The FlipEars Artha Argentum is an upgrade to the previous flagship, the Artha. Having owned the Artha for a while, I was very curious to see what has changed. Quite a bit of change.
The OG edition wowed from when the box was opened, with a led screen running the creation of FlipEars video, with the Artha nestled in a jewel like manner. Unfortunately the review unit didnt come in
the original packaging, hence I couldnt compare the unbox experience.
Build
The shell of the OG Artha was resin and looked very good. The Argentum takes your breath away straight away with the silver (Argentum duh..) with the motifs on the shell, not just the faceplate.
And with all the silver, there is the weight that gives it a lot of heft. The only reason to let go of the OG was the nozzle size. The OG had a flared nozzle in resin, and is nearly reproduced here in metal!
Both OG as well as the Ag versions have a big nozzle, and this almost fit like a CIEM, without any tips. However, since the isolation took a hit, I picked through my tip collection and fitted a S sized siliconne
eartip from the Samsung buds pro 2, which are very flexible and soft. With a comfortable fit, I went over to listening to the songs.
The shells sport 2 switches, similar to the OG Artha for Bass and Treble adjustment.
The iems sport recessed 2 pin connectors. This is a bit of a hit or miss, as I have seen many iems having recessed connectors to cause users to break the 2 pin connectors when replacing cables. However this allows the cables to firmly fit into the iem shells. The cables are a nice set that look like an SPC cable.
The iems sport 8 BA drivers with 4 way crossovers incharge of frequency division.
Pairing and driveability
The iems are very easy to drive, and I was pleasantly surprised to drive it very well at a 19 volume on the iBasso DC04 pro in high gain mode, with the 4.4mm output. I dont see any issue in terms of driveability.
I listened to a combination of flacs out of Winyl through the dc04 pro and YT premium.
Sound Signature
The overall sound signature is V shaped, with the bass being well present even with the bass boost switch in the Off position. The iems are overall dark in presentation.
Bass - 4.25/5 - How in the world did FlipEars produce so much quantity of bass with an all BA iems is huge mystery! The bass goes deep and slam hard. However, there is a slight spread of the bass and not the tightest in terms of resolution. And the bass only increases with the switches moved to the On position. This is a bass monster, very reminiscent of the original Beats iems from the 2000s.
Mids - 4/5 - The mids on the Ag are slightly pushed back in comparison to the surrounding regions of sound. There is no bleed from the bass, inspite of the bass quantity. Female vocals are a bit recessed as well as the male vocals, except for the most baritone of voices.
Treble - 4/5 - The treble transitions are fast as can be expected from an all BA unit. Speed is good, with decent noteweight of stringed instruments. On poor tracks there is a bit of glare from the iems, and this can be a bit of a fatiguing listen. However, trebleheads can enjoy this, and can make them a basshead at the same time!
Imaging and Stage - Excellent instrument placement in front and around of the listener. Stage height is average and like a large room. The stage is in 3d, with a good spread in the front of the listener. The presentation is front row experience with bands being a very nice personal presentation.
Isolation - With a large nozzle, and with a flexible eartip, the isolation was very good. However a minor nitpick, would be what is close to a driver flex - a vaccuum pressure build up with sticky tips.
Conclusions
The iems are beautiful to look at and provide a top of the line V shaped signature to discerning listeners. The only worry would be with the size of the nozzles! A worthy and true successor to the original Artha in every way!
Thanks to team AG and FlipEars for an opportunity to audition the Artha Argentum. As always, all opinions expressed are mine and have not been influenced in any manner.
FlipEars is the first Filipino company to manufacture universal and custom in-ear monitors in the country.
The FlipEars Artha Argentum is an upgrade to the previous flagship, the Artha. Having owned the Artha for a while, I was very curious to see what has changed. Quite a bit of change.
The OG edition wowed from when the box was opened, with a led screen running the creation of FlipEars video, with the Artha nestled in a jewel like manner. Unfortunately the review unit didnt come in
the original packaging, hence I couldnt compare the unbox experience.
Build
The shell of the OG Artha was resin and looked very good. The Argentum takes your breath away straight away with the silver (Argentum duh..) with the motifs on the shell, not just the faceplate.
And with all the silver, there is the weight that gives it a lot of heft. The only reason to let go of the OG was the nozzle size. The OG had a flared nozzle in resin, and is nearly reproduced here in metal!
Both OG as well as the Ag versions have a big nozzle, and this almost fit like a CIEM, without any tips. However, since the isolation took a hit, I picked through my tip collection and fitted a S sized siliconne
eartip from the Samsung buds pro 2, which are very flexible and soft. With a comfortable fit, I went over to listening to the songs.
The shells sport 2 switches, similar to the OG Artha for Bass and Treble adjustment.
The iems sport recessed 2 pin connectors. This is a bit of a hit or miss, as I have seen many iems having recessed connectors to cause users to break the 2 pin connectors when replacing cables. However this allows the cables to firmly fit into the iem shells. The cables are a nice set that look like an SPC cable.
The iems sport 8 BA drivers with 4 way crossovers incharge of frequency division.
Pairing and driveability
The iems are very easy to drive, and I was pleasantly surprised to drive it very well at a 19 volume on the iBasso DC04 pro in high gain mode, with the 4.4mm output. I dont see any issue in terms of driveability.
I listened to a combination of flacs out of Winyl through the dc04 pro and YT premium.
Sound Signature
The overall sound signature is V shaped, with the bass being well present even with the bass boost switch in the Off position. The iems are overall dark in presentation.
Bass - 4.25/5 - How in the world did FlipEars produce so much quantity of bass with an all BA iems is huge mystery! The bass goes deep and slam hard. However, there is a slight spread of the bass and not the tightest in terms of resolution. And the bass only increases with the switches moved to the On position. This is a bass monster, very reminiscent of the original Beats iems from the 2000s.
Mids - 4/5 - The mids on the Ag are slightly pushed back in comparison to the surrounding regions of sound. There is no bleed from the bass, inspite of the bass quantity. Female vocals are a bit recessed as well as the male vocals, except for the most baritone of voices.
Treble - 4/5 - The treble transitions are fast as can be expected from an all BA unit. Speed is good, with decent noteweight of stringed instruments. On poor tracks there is a bit of glare from the iems, and this can be a bit of a fatiguing listen. However, trebleheads can enjoy this, and can make them a basshead at the same time!
Imaging and Stage - Excellent instrument placement in front and around of the listener. Stage height is average and like a large room. The stage is in 3d, with a good spread in the front of the listener. The presentation is front row experience with bands being a very nice personal presentation.
Isolation - With a large nozzle, and with a flexible eartip, the isolation was very good. However a minor nitpick, would be what is close to a driver flex - a vaccuum pressure build up with sticky tips.
Conclusions
The iems are beautiful to look at and provide a top of the line V shaped signature to discerning listeners. The only worry would be with the size of the nozzles! A worthy and true successor to the original Artha in every way!
Disclaimer: I am a bass head and prefer an expansive sound with natural timbre, excellent imaging and thumpy mid-bass with moderate decay and clinical precision regarding instrument separation. I am highly averse to bright-sounding transducers and sibilance in my music.
Audio Geek India sent me the Flip Ears Artha Argentum as part of the Audio Geek—Flip Ears Artha Argentum Review tour. I thank Audio Geek India and Flip Ears for this opportunity to listen to and review the Artha Argentum iem. Audio Geek/Flip Ears doesn’t influence my views in any way.
Unboxing experience: Since the unit was a review unit I did not get a chance to unbox the iem per se. AudioGeeks did send me a Toxic Silver Cable which took the iem to another level. I felt the toxic cable pairing improves the soundstage and aids technicalities overall without tampering with the overall tonality.
I have tried the cables from the brand Toxic Cables, and I have found them not to make any perceptible changes in the tonality but do add to the technicalities more than any other cable. It was no different with Artha.
The shells looked exquisite to me. Silver carved on a black background gave this ‘Knight Armor’ vibe to me. The metallic engraved shells have a vintage charm about them that I totally dig because of the choice of metals/colours and the sheer craftsmanship.
I find myself finding much aesthetic appeal in engraved shells, especially at these price points where it adds to the whole experience of owning the iem. YMMV though.
Introduction: I have tried the Flip Ears Aurora and despite it being a V-shaped iem I loved it. The prime reason was the ‘Flip ears Timbre’. I found the timbre to slightly deviate from natural but amazingly well-done nuanced timbre; that makes listening to a Flip Ears iem a unique experience altogether for me.
I knew beforehand I would like the iem because I happened to read about it and expected it to be right up my alley. And I was pleasantly surprised.
The FlipEars Artha Argentum is packed with 8 balanced armature drivers in a 2-2-2-2 configuration, a true 4-way crossover, and 2 switches – one for low boost, and the other for peak shifting – these brand new in-ears will definitely change the way you think about personal audio. It’s literally the only thing that you will ever need for all the kinds of music that you love! Distinct purposes. Different meanings.
I never felt that there wasn’t a DD driver in there. Spoiler alert – Punchiest BA bass I have ever heard. Period.
So, it has 4 tuning options.
Balanced Mode: The default setting delivers a harmonious balance across all frequencies, with slightly forward vocals that bring out the performer's presence, whether male or female.
Bass Mode: Activating the first switch enhances the bass, adding depth and power, perfect for bass-heavy genres like Hip-Hop and EDM.
Treble Mode: Engage the second switch to boost treble, offering rich, extended highs that enhance stereo imaging and detail, ideal for orchestral or live recordings.
Turbo Mode: Turn on both switches for an immersive, dynamic sound experience that adds weight to each note, transforming your commute into a captivating musical journey.
I did most of my listening between Bass mode and Turbo mode. Initially, I trod carefully and turned the treble switch off listened to it for a few days and enjoyed it. Then when I felt secure that it was far from being harsh in the highs or remotely sibilant I tried the Turbo mode and it gave the highs a lot more extention and the overall stage and detail retrieval improved without inducing any peaky harsh notes.
I felt that if I had tried this setting, I would have listened to this setting entirely. My aversion to sibilance sometimes gets in the way.
So to get the most engaging experience I would recommend Turbo mode and for a laid-back, relaxed listen I prefer the Bass mode. And both modes do impart specific changes to the tuning that I find useful and pleasant.
All tips worked well with this iem.
I tried JVC, Eletech and Divinus wide bore and preferred JVC for sound as well as comfort. No issues here. Fit was nice and snug with good isolation.
The Chain I liked on this iem is
Dx320(Coax output) -à Ibasso D16 Vanilla. I felt I liked this chain more than D16+Pb5 as I felt I didn’t need more warmth and the natural smooth sound hit the perfect spot for me.
Lows: One of the very first things that one would notice I believe is the nuanced mid-bass punch that Flip Ears offers. It feels as if the drummer is a machine and playing with immaculate precision. It gives this clinical punch every time that it gets your attention and makes you notice it even more. The sub-bass is clean and authoritative when it needs to be but the lows are tuned the way I like them. More mid-bass and lesser sub-bass, not the other way round.
In Bass mode, it does get all about the bass and I think will satisfy most bass heads who also want to listen to other frequencies. The bass attack is visceral and clinical and this is something very unique about the Flip Ears iems. Extremely satisfying mid-bass.
Mids: The mids are lush, forward and very natural. Both male and female vocals sound flawless to me and I can’t think of any flaw with them. I loved the vocals on the Aurora as well and the vocals do have a very natural presentation. You truly start to feel the difference here with no peaks or shouts. Not by a long shot.
I liked the mids more in the Turbo mode due to the great engaging overall sound that I got. Even after bumping both the bass and the treble it doesn’t sound like a V shape iem at all, to me. Vocals never lose the vividness and are always somewhat forward.
Highs: Relieved to find something smooth and palatable where I can scroll through my library without worrying that I might just hop on, ‘They Don’t Really Care About Us’ by MJ and feel some harshness. It’s an iem that does highs well and if you want that extra detail and endgame smoothness which doesn’t compromise on detail go for Turbo Mode.
For a darker tuning, I liked the Bass mode which aids in a relaxed listening session.
Technicalities: with a TOTL price tag it does offer TOTL technicalities. The soundstage is reasonably wide and deep and any sound cue going from left to right or any directional cue is conveyed accurately. The timbre is special and very likeable.
I did find one aspect where it could do better. Imaging. So I will try to depict this by an example. Let's say I am playing an open-world shooting game and I hear a gunshot from a row of houses. I can look towards the sound cue and infer which house it was fired from but cannot make out which window was it. If that makes sense. There is a slight scope for improvement in imaging. Otherwise the technicalities reek of endgame traits.
Conclusion: I dig this kind of non-sibilant and harshness-free kind of tuning. If you decide to go for Artha I do recommend spending extra on the Toxic cable or any other cable that you find that pairs well with the Artha.
The tuning is right up my alley and now I am a Flip Ears fanboy as well. This boutique brand from the Philippines has won me over with its special timbre. There are two stars of the show here. The Flip Ears timbre and the mid-bass punch. Vocals are the next best thing for me that truly shines out as well.
A very complete iem with tunable switches and looks to die for. Two thumbs up.
Audio Geek India sent me the Flip Ears Artha Argentum as part of the Audio Geek—Flip Ears Artha Argentum Review tour. I thank Audio Geek India and Flip Ears for this opportunity to listen to and review the Artha Argentum iem. Audio Geek/Flip Ears doesn’t influence my views in any way.
Unboxing experience: Since the unit was a review unit I did not get a chance to unbox the iem per se. AudioGeeks did send me a Toxic Silver Cable which took the iem to another level. I felt the toxic cable pairing improves the soundstage and aids technicalities overall without tampering with the overall tonality.
I have tried the cables from the brand Toxic Cables, and I have found them not to make any perceptible changes in the tonality but do add to the technicalities more than any other cable. It was no different with Artha.
The shells looked exquisite to me. Silver carved on a black background gave this ‘Knight Armor’ vibe to me. The metallic engraved shells have a vintage charm about them that I totally dig because of the choice of metals/colours and the sheer craftsmanship.
I find myself finding much aesthetic appeal in engraved shells, especially at these price points where it adds to the whole experience of owning the iem. YMMV though.
Introduction: I have tried the Flip Ears Aurora and despite it being a V-shaped iem I loved it. The prime reason was the ‘Flip ears Timbre’. I found the timbre to slightly deviate from natural but amazingly well-done nuanced timbre; that makes listening to a Flip Ears iem a unique experience altogether for me.
I knew beforehand I would like the iem because I happened to read about it and expected it to be right up my alley. And I was pleasantly surprised.
The FlipEars Artha Argentum is packed with 8 balanced armature drivers in a 2-2-2-2 configuration, a true 4-way crossover, and 2 switches – one for low boost, and the other for peak shifting – these brand new in-ears will definitely change the way you think about personal audio. It’s literally the only thing that you will ever need for all the kinds of music that you love! Distinct purposes. Different meanings.
I never felt that there wasn’t a DD driver in there. Spoiler alert – Punchiest BA bass I have ever heard. Period.
So, it has 4 tuning options.
Balanced Mode: The default setting delivers a harmonious balance across all frequencies, with slightly forward vocals that bring out the performer's presence, whether male or female.
Bass Mode: Activating the first switch enhances the bass, adding depth and power, perfect for bass-heavy genres like Hip-Hop and EDM.
Treble Mode: Engage the second switch to boost treble, offering rich, extended highs that enhance stereo imaging and detail, ideal for orchestral or live recordings.
Turbo Mode: Turn on both switches for an immersive, dynamic sound experience that adds weight to each note, transforming your commute into a captivating musical journey.
I did most of my listening between Bass mode and Turbo mode. Initially, I trod carefully and turned the treble switch off listened to it for a few days and enjoyed it. Then when I felt secure that it was far from being harsh in the highs or remotely sibilant I tried the Turbo mode and it gave the highs a lot more extention and the overall stage and detail retrieval improved without inducing any peaky harsh notes.
I felt that if I had tried this setting, I would have listened to this setting entirely. My aversion to sibilance sometimes gets in the way.
So to get the most engaging experience I would recommend Turbo mode and for a laid-back, relaxed listen I prefer the Bass mode. And both modes do impart specific changes to the tuning that I find useful and pleasant.
All tips worked well with this iem.
I tried JVC, Eletech and Divinus wide bore and preferred JVC for sound as well as comfort. No issues here. Fit was nice and snug with good isolation.
The Chain I liked on this iem is
Dx320(Coax output) -à Ibasso D16 Vanilla. I felt I liked this chain more than D16+Pb5 as I felt I didn’t need more warmth and the natural smooth sound hit the perfect spot for me.
Lows: One of the very first things that one would notice I believe is the nuanced mid-bass punch that Flip Ears offers. It feels as if the drummer is a machine and playing with immaculate precision. It gives this clinical punch every time that it gets your attention and makes you notice it even more. The sub-bass is clean and authoritative when it needs to be but the lows are tuned the way I like them. More mid-bass and lesser sub-bass, not the other way round.
In Bass mode, it does get all about the bass and I think will satisfy most bass heads who also want to listen to other frequencies. The bass attack is visceral and clinical and this is something very unique about the Flip Ears iems. Extremely satisfying mid-bass.
Mids: The mids are lush, forward and very natural. Both male and female vocals sound flawless to me and I can’t think of any flaw with them. I loved the vocals on the Aurora as well and the vocals do have a very natural presentation. You truly start to feel the difference here with no peaks or shouts. Not by a long shot.
I liked the mids more in the Turbo mode due to the great engaging overall sound that I got. Even after bumping both the bass and the treble it doesn’t sound like a V shape iem at all, to me. Vocals never lose the vividness and are always somewhat forward.
Highs: Relieved to find something smooth and palatable where I can scroll through my library without worrying that I might just hop on, ‘They Don’t Really Care About Us’ by MJ and feel some harshness. It’s an iem that does highs well and if you want that extra detail and endgame smoothness which doesn’t compromise on detail go for Turbo Mode.
For a darker tuning, I liked the Bass mode which aids in a relaxed listening session.
Technicalities: with a TOTL price tag it does offer TOTL technicalities. The soundstage is reasonably wide and deep and any sound cue going from left to right or any directional cue is conveyed accurately. The timbre is special and very likeable.
I did find one aspect where it could do better. Imaging. So I will try to depict this by an example. Let's say I am playing an open-world shooting game and I hear a gunshot from a row of houses. I can look towards the sound cue and infer which house it was fired from but cannot make out which window was it. If that makes sense. There is a slight scope for improvement in imaging. Otherwise the technicalities reek of endgame traits.
Conclusion: I dig this kind of non-sibilant and harshness-free kind of tuning. If you decide to go for Artha I do recommend spending extra on the Toxic cable or any other cable that you find that pairs well with the Artha.
The tuning is right up my alley and now I am a Flip Ears fanboy as well. This boutique brand from the Philippines has won me over with its special timbre. There are two stars of the show here. The Flip Ears timbre and the mid-bass punch. Vocals are the next best thing for me that truly shines out as well.
A very complete iem with tunable switches and looks to die for. Two thumbs up.
Big thanks to Sandeep Agarwal for the loaner as part of the Audio Geek India Tour.
The Flipears Artha Argentum is, without a doubt, one of the most visually stunning in-ear monitors (IEMs) I've ever come across. The design of the shell is exquisite — beautifully crafted and with an aesthetic that is spot on. I can’t seem to take my eyes off of it. The build quality feels premium, and the weight of the shells gives it a solid, high-end feel. That said, despite their heavy appearance, once worn, they feel incredibly comfortable, and you can easily enjoy long listening sessions without any discomfort. The fit is perfect for me, and it sits securely in place, making it a great choice for extended use.
As a flagship IEM from Flipears, the Artha Argentum stands out with its versatility in sound profiles. One of its most impressive features is the ability to customize the sound to your personal preference. There are four distinct sound profiles to choose from, which you can easily toggle between using a convenient switch. The default profile offers a balanced sound with slightly forward vocals — a setting that I personally love and use most often, as it brings out the details in both the instruments and vocals across various genres.
For those who prefer a bit more punch, the bass boost mode delivers that extra low-end, while the high-frequency boost mode enhances the treble for a brighter sound. There is also a combined mode that boosts both bass and high frequencies, giving you a more dynamic and energetic listening experience. Each of these modes does exactly what it promises, delivering a noticeable improvement tailored to different listening preferences.
What surprised me the most about the Artha Argentum was how well it performs even at lower volumes. I was able to hear every detail in the song clearly, with no loss of clarity or depth. This makes it perfect for those times when you prefer to listen at a more subdued volume while still enjoying an engaging and detailed listening experience.
The soundstage and imaging of the Artha Argentum are also impressive. The instruments are well separated, and you can clearly hear where each sound is coming from, allowing for a more engaging and immersive listening experience.
The Artha Argentum was tested with the Chord Mojo 2, KAEI TAP1, and Hiby R4, and in all cases, it showcased exceptional performance, adapting well to different setups and providing a rich, full-bodied sound.
Conclusion
The Flipears Artha Argentum is a high-end IEM that truly delivers on all fronts. Not only is it designed to be aesthetically beautiful and robustly built, but it also offers remarkable sound quality and comfort, making it perfect for long listening sessions without fatigue. The impressive soundstage, imaging, and ability to reveal detail at even lower volumes further elevate the experience. At a price point of $2,250, it justifies every penny with its outstanding performance, elegant design, and solid construction. Whether you’re a casual listener or an audiophile, the Artha Argentum is a premium IEM that makes complete justice to its price.
The Flipears Artha Argentum is, without a doubt, one of the most visually stunning in-ear monitors (IEMs) I've ever come across. The design of the shell is exquisite — beautifully crafted and with an aesthetic that is spot on. I can’t seem to take my eyes off of it. The build quality feels premium, and the weight of the shells gives it a solid, high-end feel. That said, despite their heavy appearance, once worn, they feel incredibly comfortable, and you can easily enjoy long listening sessions without any discomfort. The fit is perfect for me, and it sits securely in place, making it a great choice for extended use.
As a flagship IEM from Flipears, the Artha Argentum stands out with its versatility in sound profiles. One of its most impressive features is the ability to customize the sound to your personal preference. There are four distinct sound profiles to choose from, which you can easily toggle between using a convenient switch. The default profile offers a balanced sound with slightly forward vocals — a setting that I personally love and use most often, as it brings out the details in both the instruments and vocals across various genres.
For those who prefer a bit more punch, the bass boost mode delivers that extra low-end, while the high-frequency boost mode enhances the treble for a brighter sound. There is also a combined mode that boosts both bass and high frequencies, giving you a more dynamic and energetic listening experience. Each of these modes does exactly what it promises, delivering a noticeable improvement tailored to different listening preferences.
What surprised me the most about the Artha Argentum was how well it performs even at lower volumes. I was able to hear every detail in the song clearly, with no loss of clarity or depth. This makes it perfect for those times when you prefer to listen at a more subdued volume while still enjoying an engaging and detailed listening experience.
The soundstage and imaging of the Artha Argentum are also impressive. The instruments are well separated, and you can clearly hear where each sound is coming from, allowing for a more engaging and immersive listening experience.
The Artha Argentum was tested with the Chord Mojo 2, KAEI TAP1, and Hiby R4, and in all cases, it showcased exceptional performance, adapting well to different setups and providing a rich, full-bodied sound.
Conclusion
The Flipears Artha Argentum is a high-end IEM that truly delivers on all fronts. Not only is it designed to be aesthetically beautiful and robustly built, but it also offers remarkable sound quality and comfort, making it perfect for long listening sessions without fatigue. The impressive soundstage, imaging, and ability to reveal detail at even lower volumes further elevate the experience. At a price point of $2,250, it justifies every penny with its outstanding performance, elegant design, and solid construction. Whether you’re a casual listener or an audiophile, the Artha Argentum is a premium IEM that makes complete justice to its price.
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