Geek Wold GK100
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The GK100 construction
There are a lot of drivers packed into the GK100 shell.
Starting with two 8mm dual cavity 2-way crossover coaxial dynamic, LCP diaphragm dynamic (low frequency) + composite titanium diaphragm dynamic (ultra-low frequency) Then there is a 8mm DLC driver for the midrange.
There are two high resolution composite balanced armatures for the high frequencies. Also two high performance 8mm piezoelectric ceramics (high frequency) and lastly two 8mm piezoelectric ceramics for the ultra-high frequency.
The resin shell is light and well finished with an attractive face plate and metal nozzle. The two pin socket is recessed a little and on this example the pins feel a little loose. Having said that the ear pieces never fell off while I was using them.
Also included with this set is an excellent Hakugei modular cable with 8 strands 6N single crystal copper silver-plated wire. Two balanced plugs (2.5 and 4.4) and one 3.5mm single sided.
The sound
The Geek Wold GK100 has the ability to seduce you with new nuances in your favourite songs while also making you hit the stop button on others.
Because of its resolution and technical abilities, particularly in the treble register, tracks that are poorly recorded, close miked or high energy, will come across as harsh and too edgy. I’ve listed to a fair selection of my library and while the majority of albums sound special, there are more than a few where I would choose other IEMs as my listening.
When the GK100 meshes with an album you love, you are in for a treat. Rich smooth textured bass, delicious fluid vocals soaring in a spacious soundscape.
Sometimes I struggle to quantify the soundstage of an IEM, listening intently to instruments left and right. Trying to work out if we have height and depth in the music presentation. Not so with the Geek Wold. Instantly you are in a large space, with musicians left and right, backing singer well behind the vocalist and instruments placed all over the shop. Rather excellent!
Down to the nitty gritty. Bass response. Good sub bass rumble, fast bass response with a full rich sound but never intruding on the midrange. Lots of separation from the vocals but with a correct rich texture. Vocals are neutral and natural, not forward or recessed but placed just right for my ears. Plenty of space and air to the vocals and both male and female sound correct and inviting.
Treble is extended and detailed and presented with maximum fidelity. GK100 is a detail monster. All those BA and Piezo drivers are there for a reason. You will hear everything the producers put into the track. You will hear sounds you never suspected were there or only just audible on other sets. Can I just say, BEWARE THE PICCILO! (I nearly died!)
Here are some artists whose albums did not suit the GK100 ( at least to my ears) Massive Attack, Alabama Shakes, Mark Ronson, The White Stripes, Bruce Springsteen, Buzzcocks, Olivia Rodrigo, Metallica, Nirvana, Spoon, KING Princess, The War on Drugs, Taylor Swift! ( true! )
Here are other artists that made me fall in love with their music all over again.
Billie Eilish, Daft Punk, City and Colour, Bonnie Raitt, Supertramp, Caroline Polacheck, Gracie Abrams, Allison Krause and Union Station, Noah Kahan.
I had to stop there because I was spending too much time immersed in the music.
Summary
The Geek Wold GK100 isn’t going to be universally loved. But if you are like me and you like your music served with a healthy serve of rich bass, natural smooth detailed mids in a holographic space with details to burn…well, you just might fall in love as I did.
Geek Wold GK100 Redcarmoose July 31, 2023 
Introduction Contrary to what you may guess there are actually many different ways to introduce an IEM. And in exploration of this concept I’m going to start right-off with music demonstrations. This style of getting to know the Geek Wold GK100 would be like finding it on a table at an IEM show, and simply putting it in your ears and listening. While of course there are a few visual clues too upon first meeting, but really it’s the sound we are all here for, right? Grabbing the GK100 off a table you are met with two things..........number one it’s on the slightly large size, but fits me perfectly. Also surprisingly I could use my favorite ear-tips and get the perfect air-tight fit. The second thing, it is inescapable not to notice the cable they give you! https://www.facebook.com/Hakugeicable/ Are you kidding me? 
Hakugei cable: A premium 8 strand, 6N silver plated crystal copper cable with your choice of 3.5mm, 4,4mm or 2.5mm connections. Now I’m attempting to replicate a show listening experience yet if you saw this IEM on a table, one of the very first things you would notice would be the boutique cable. In all honesty this looks like a $150 cable by itself, grabbing it the first thing you notice is how simply flexible and pliable it is. The connection points where the 4.4mm meets the rest of the cable are very different from what’s found with included cables regularly. I’ll stop now with this cable lust, but it’s just a big part of first impressions. Music impressions: In reality this particular song would probably not always be what I start with, but it could be the first song I try? Regardless, this is the GK100 in its elements, literally one of the best single songs I have found for it. Insomnium Argent Moon EP The Conjurer 44.1 kHz - 24 bit A full-on greeting of multiple guitars right from the get go at 00:00. First noticed is how filled out the stage is, the fact that we are basking in a level of both nice detail and that detail positioned effectively. At 00:09 the drums are rolled-in, which are very in sync with the rhythm guitar…..the pace is set here. At 00:32 there is a thin but splashy (yet separated) cymbal accent that lets us know that this is an introduction. Also proceeding is the first real statement for the song……at 00:34 this giant soaring lead guitar takes full center stage, and while clear, is showy almost too forward and bright in timbre? Still, It’s at this exact moment that we are one with the GK100, that it's in service doing what it does. That we have very quickly found musical escape here, that already it’s not about the cable, or IEM……it’s not about the Sony WM1A DAP or the ear-tips. It’s about the music and taking our mental focus to that music, to be a part of that performance. If at a headphone show this is probably the time (or soon after) that I would inquire about the price? $200.00? Oh, these are great for $200.00, would be my answer. Then I would be quiet for a very long time. 
All we are simply doing here is looking for naturalness, that and correctness. And at this exact place in the song there is a $$$ level of separation and delineation. Really some of the best, if not the best this price point has on offer. And while already I note a slight uneven upper midrange being on just the north side of bright, as well as a slight unnaturalness in the basic mids, yet both artifacts seem to enhance what we are listening to. The guitar still has all the harmonics associated here. You see this is an orchestra of guitars played all at once through the miracle of multitracking, and each and every guitar is separated and delineated into its own musical message. At times the notes diverge then come-back-home. And the bass here……..well this is not a bass centric set, but at the same time I can hear it very clearly and there is a slightly separate place for it to live. Often before the bass has been often portrayed as more dominant in this song, but this is more near-field speaker monitoring style, not floor standers. The thing is the bass notes are present, they just are not as showy as remembered........I’m not disturbed by this effect, but find it intriguing, somehow?  There is a quality of every instrument having its own living area. Now normally this disjointedness can be frowned upon at times, but here it’s what the GK100 are really about. Each and every instrument somehow getting recognition and the correct amount of focus and luster inside the stage? Yet the echoes and reverberations are both present but in thrifty amounts? And really (come to think of it) these reverberations (and lack thereof) are helping to sculpt the final character, I wonder why I didn’t notice this at the very start? But of course! So to summarize the first song it’s definitely clear……lol. I mean clarity is maybe the very center component of this style of overachiever. But there is both naturalness and the slight (over) vividness that somehow goes on at the same time here, combined with nice imaging but quick note-fall-offs. 
Lustre A Thirst For Summer Rain Quiescence 44.1 kHz - 24 bit Another seemingly made (for-the-GK100) song.  How do I even find these demo songs……anyway? Funny bell-keys are afloat, gaining sparkle and flamboyance. Funny as the same lack of reverberations on the last song are somehow an added bonus here? There is a production effect where the keys are somehow taking turns being placed first to the right, then to the left in the mix…..and the imaging here is spectacular! There is also an accompanying background synth wash that gets well done separation finding its own location here. At 00:44 the guitars kick-in, and tonally are again just right…….yet big and separated……inside of the guitars you can actually hear the electric bass and drums go into action…this may in-fact be the best song yet? And that is the theme with good IEMs, that in-fact each demo song goes to sell you on ownership, not the other way around. Things are looking up for the Geek Wold GK100! As one of the single strangest adds here, at 00:44 the bass tone way out to the left and right of the stage. Now so far this song has been incredibly minimalistic in form, yet we know from prior experience the GK100 does pace, only we are not asked at all for pace here, instead we find separation of each and every instrument into the stage, really that’s what this ear-phone is made for. Showing each instrument in a cut and dry formation of musical information. And….really it’s not all that dry........the lower section is not dry, as the bass is warm and inviting, being in its own area to be heard and enjoyed here!This effect here at 00:44 is called a wall-of-guitars, and while they are very much a central theme to the song, all the rest of the previous melodic elements are still here, only due to the bass and guitar adds, and are now living slightly behind. But I will tell you there is a style of production here that is using reverberation on everything, so the effect is very much connected with studio trickery, showing itself to become an enhanced style of music in contrast to a live room recording. Yet the GK100 eats this style of production up, it thrives having the additional reverbs added in, possibly in lack of its own? The drums while not the most authoritative I’ve heard in this replay are somehow perfect, perfect emphasis and placement, it more of a there but slightly reserved fashion…….all the much better to hear the rest of playback, yet still way big? As mentioned earlier, there is nothing at all wrong with this style of playback, and really everything is right? Still call it apprehension, but I’m waiting……I’m waiting for something that’s off? At 02:12 the vocals made their entrance if you could even call shrieks and entrance? The break: At 03:34 the biggest break takes place into the formation of the song since the start. Such a synth lead shows up as a progress of removal of guitars. In the barren aspect of stage all sounds now appear more vivid as less clutter or distortions are present. And what emerges is a style of New Wave genre keys progression, for a moment? The New Romantics genre will never let us forget their influence on modern music. And while contrasts and genre themes conflict here, really it gives a feeling of beauty, of striking beauty like a colorful flower. At 04:17 all comes back in, the vocals, the guitars and……..well really, just the vocals and guitars. What benefits take place is the fact that the vocals are really almost vocal effects, and evolution from extreme metal, now subdued and diluted into a form of accessible sound washes. This wash is held in its own area on the GK100 Hybrid, holding texture and form, while still remaining ambiguous. As the song progresses the use of soaring synth background effects take place. Somehow the pace is brooding (anew) and staggeringly walking………it ends.Intermission: Yep, I’m taking a slight break from the music demos to fill you in on the character found with the Geek Wold GK100. Upon searching out more songs I did come about finding a sonic reality where once in a while the uneven midrange and slight upper midrange boost was questionable. Yet it was only in certain areas and even could be where on one day it would be fine, and on other days the tone could be perceived as slightly different. Perception is fickle, where no one knows how these tones are perceived slightly brighter one day, then seemingly fine the next? Though I will say the GK100 walks that line, though you may discover it travels over at times? 
Delain Apocalypse & Chill Chemical Redemption 44.1 kHz - 24 bit Actually this genre can hold the energy often noted as a purveyor of the brightness goods, you know those coals of light that can be often only on the border, but can show-up as a party-pooper at times? The band Nightwish is another that holds the genre traits same as Delain. And while to really get down to business here, even the album Firepower by the band Judas Priest can hold too much GK200 heat at times, simply being an example of forwardness and brightness. To each person this can remain of individual perception, with some being able to enjoy the light, while others it can grow to become too much. Other ways of dealing with this can be changing cables to a less resolving affair, hence curtailing the flame. 
One way can be simply changing tips to a 40% reduction in opening circumference and having a longer nozzle opening will improve sonics at times with these slightly brighter examples. Changing out cables to the pure OCC Hansound ZENTOO is another route. But take there is really just so much you can do. Except for drastic tip change-outs. Yep, finding the Sony Dual-density or the old stand-by tips the Hybrids……..the Sony EP-EX11? Or of course you can limit your partaking of these edgy treble albums. That may sound like we were defeated, except nothing could be more wrong. Going back to my favorite wide-bore tips and including the included cable is somehow a win? It's a win if you pick your music. And when I say pick, you may just have 50% of your library that simply works out well in the end? Even a wide selection of EDM was totally nice and friendly, never using too much intensity in the hi-hats to balance the bass in the mix? Rammstein Angst (RMX by twocolors) 48 kHz - 24 bit Here is an example of how the bass was actually authoritative and nice, yet still in its place, a perfect example of other styles of music that are obtainable with the Geek Wold GK100. Amazing how deep and well textured this bass becomes in the end? 
Kauan Sorni Nai Akva 44.1 kHz - 24 bit Oh, gosh we have almost perfect playback here. And it’s not just this song but the whole album (it turns out) goes to reveal its charms? Probably emotional is the single word that comes to mind to describe this? This is like the Sorni Nai album IEM. While other IEMs will go ahead and give better timbre in places, there is still the unarguable size and beauty in imaging here. It’s just entertaining……….the fact that at 04:19 we can hear every element of the song in its own area, far better than I can remember any $200 IEM performing? Even at 04:12 the physical size and separation in bass placement? The fact that it’s floating out into its own…….at 04:23 there is an accent of percussion that’s the cat’s meow. The female vocals are done by Alena Belova! Perfect! Bravo! This album has gained respect and stature inside my music library and continues to pull on the heart strings…….especially in this very moment with these IEMs. Emotional. Take note I’m using the Sony WM1A, the included cable and some of the widest ear-tips made for listening. This is such a case of goodness, that I could listen to this album over and over today…..and never get tired of it. 
Kauan Ice Fleet Enne 44.1 kHz - 24 bit Six years into the future….we are attempting to re-gain the qualities found with the music from the classic 2015 Sorni Nai. Will this newer album hold the same magic? While Ice Fleet is a more modern recording, the tell-tale features that made Sorni Nai special with the GK100 are also found here. Namely the albums reverberations……the echo guitars, the distinct bass, that comes in melodic, yet firm. And once again the bass holds positioning and timbre into the stage. Though outside is this ethereal style of vocal echos……almost not even of earth. Yet the kick is off somehow? It is shown without texture or form, the definition of a thud? A switch to different IEMs (the ISN Neo 5) and the thud is still there but somehow not as showy? The ISN Neo 5 is a great example of another way to interpret this music. The stage is instantly bigger, surprisingly enough. Also there is an up front quality that of course was always there with the Neo 5 yet never appreciated till now. If anything I can visualize how these IEMs are truly opposite in nature. The ISN Neo 5 is bigger in stage and offers even bigger imaging inside that stage, what comes out is more organic and while bigger in size, there is also more note-weight. More note-weight everywhere, where the image is more filled-out with the Neo 5, that fill-out still comes at a cost, a cost of finite detail...........details the GK100 is famous for. IMO And while the Neo 5 is bigger in playback, the response isn’t quite as separated into stand alone elements. What comes out is a slightly more relaxed style of togetherness. Even that sculpted bass of the GK100 is gone, left with a more furry style of delineation. But the Neo 5 has a thinness too, of its own nature, because the treble elements are not as fully worked out as the GK100. It’s almost that the Neo 5 is the vinyl playback and the GK100 the CD. Of course that is what it is like. The GK100 is showing that upper-end detail and separation, and the Neo 5 is offering the warmth that could be found in analogue. Which do I like more, I can’t decide as they are really opposites here. Maybe it’s a choice of which mood I’m in? Though we do know that the Neo 5 is more well rounded, still if you were to hear how the GK100 did Sorni Nai, all those accolades are meaningless. 
Kauan Backing-up to 01:00 once more, we hear how the bass is so trim yet still there with the GK100. Totally trim, yet firm in comparison to the flamboyant ISN Neo 5. The bass is in a special place both in the stage and tone wise. And the guitar, such picking falls into an almost perfect form of timbre, yet from prior experience we have the perspective of its true timbre nonetheless. Falling into both right and left fall-outs along with an ethereal echo of vocals. 
Katatonia The Fall of Hearts Takeover 48 kHz - 24 bit While literally starting off with vocals 00:02 after the guitar into……here we are met with capable technicalities, but nothing earth shaking. And somehow you would expect this showy display of harmonics to push the vocals up-front more, but that is not what GK100 are about. Not that the vocals are anywhere behind stuff, it is just the guitar is a little more orchestrated here. That and the communication between the vocals and the guitar player are somehow distant, when the direct connection should be crucial here. I mean this song is a singer songwriter statement, except the replay is missing a little of that connection of soul in playback. A switch once more to the ISN Neo 5 and once more we are shown a thickness. Now pinch-me, but the Neo 5 are in no way vocal IEMs, except in this case they provide that extra soul in the lower vocals that create a intermediary connection somehow? This is also a concept for reviewers that once any issue is discovered, the brain will continue to outline the issue regardless of the qualities to a point. Meaning once identified, just like timbre, there can be an increase in focus into such features or lack of features. Still over the course of multiple days I’m pretty sure I have a handle on exactly what the GK100 is and what it is not. And at 03:31 we are introduced to the hook once more and I will say while vocals are just adequate, vocals are not the GK100’s strong point. Where probably our best performance in vocals comes when they are pushed into relief against the back-drop of instrumentation, because despite the separation on many fronts, vocals just don’t normally jump out at you. So this maybe takes place due to the uneven mids, but also that there is very little thickness at times to add character inside of vocal replay. 
Swallow the Sun Songs From The North 1, 2 and 3 The Heart Of A Cold White Land 44.1 kHz - 16 bit Such an album is one of my very favorites from the 2015 era. And once again we bring singer songwriter stuff into focus for the GK100. Ahh, while I have heard this better, it’s not bad and nothing to get sideways about. You can never challenge me by saying I simply find the music to make the IEM look good. The challenge is in-fact to see if the GK100 is up to this incredibly important task at hand. And while the bass drops are dramatic they have been found bigger and stronger than here. The guitar is nicely positioned out the sides of the stage. The sing-a-longs are adequate but nothing to write home about. And while separated and well positioned in the stage, even the violins (reminiscent of the Moody Blues) do take hold emotionally…..but I have to say the GK100 seems to be better at instrumental music?
Swallow the Sun Songs From The North 1, 2 and 3 Songs From The North 44.1 kHz - 16 bit Switching to the computer and the Shanling UA3 Dongle for this. A slightly different chance for the band to showcase guest vocalist Kaisa Gala. She and her vocal performance is the center feature (track 5) smack-dab in the middle of this epic three disk set. The even warmness of the Shanling UA3 is found welcome, accentuating the spatial dimensions but not fixing our unnatural issues at hand here. The plus comes from a rambling of (all-over-the-place) wonderful bass. In this view we can somehow hear the bass accents and improvisations at hand. There is an ethereal aspect to this song that the Shanling and GK100 enhance. Slightly less grounded as the replay found with Sony DAP use? It’s really important here to come back to this testing with fresh ears and new equipment to once again find the overall quality the same as previously encountered. This is really a mixed bag………….the GK100. The plus is the spatialization and separation at hand. No one would guess such a $200 IEM could offer such beautiful details and distance to hear them into the found stage. The slightly curtailed bass adds to the event discovered. Really these are a lot like the AKG k701 full size headphones minus the vocal ability. A trim (but firm) bass letting loose a style of accented joy in imaging. The same slightly splashy highs, and I will keep the Geek Wold GK100 around for the same reason; this originality in presentation. 
Klangwelt Here and Why Cold War Child Yep, if you are wondering besides the first couple of sonic hits experienced with the GK100, what else is special, the electronic arena is special. Mainly due to the amazing separation and fun stage we are gifted with. Deep and profound lows come-off detailed and fast. Those squelchy sounds that only exist in the synthesizer would take life here. High pitched echo laden keys encased in drama are found taking the lead-out at 07:13 as truly this is fun entertainment and reason to possibly own the Geek Wold GK100. Music summery: Here I will place the tunes/albums just heard in order of best to worst. Yep, the GK100 is like that…finicky to a point. Still when they were good the GK100 was really, really good. What ends-up being the realization is they are not perfectly well rounded performers. And in the world of IEMs some are simply more well rounded than others, that does not make the GK100 bad, only choosy of music it decides to playback well. I mean at times I get IEMs that are (once in a while) only really good with Symphonic Works. The GK100 is more well rounded than that. And despite my ideas of any wrong here (by the GK100) I had to go back multiple times just to verify how good Kauan was in replay, and it really was all that good! 1) Kauan - Sorni Nai 2) Kauan - Ice Fleet 3) Lustre - A Thirst For Summer Rain 4) Insomnium - Argent Moon EP 5) Klangwelt - Here and Why 6) Rammstein - Angst (RMX by twocolors) 7) Delain - Apocalypse & Chill 8) Katatonia - The Fall of Hearts 9) Swallow the Sun - Songs From The North 1, 2 and 3 Song listing disclaimer: You may see the Swallow the Sun placed at the very bottom (9th place) and wonder if it’s not a good listen? When in fact the two songs played from the Songs From The North album were great. It’s just that album in particular is representative of incredibly charismatic vocals, and some of the charm and individual vocal character was left out. It’s just that some (other vocal) music could be found both thrilling and pretty much without fault. Now you are probably wondering if Kauan has vocals, and yes, dramatic vocals as well as female vocals. The difference is the female vocalist in Kauan (Alina Belova) is a backing vocalist lending more atmosphere to the songs, instead of an up-front focus. The male vocals of Kauan bypass the (music connection) issues as they are not singer songwriter in style. Now if you are reading this and thinking those are very small differences, they are noticeable and real nonetheless. 
A story: Just when you thought this review couldn’t get more story-like, it then is. Lol I had a gal-friend named Lorene who was lounging about on my balcony when I decided it would be fun to test headphones. Lorene’s ideas of headphones, like many consumers starts and stops with Apple AirPods. Though an encounter (with her) took place a few weeks earlier when we tried-out the ISN Neo 5 and Penon Serial. I asked if she remembered the Serial, and she said she did remember them, they reminded her of little Alien Eggs…….of all things…..lol. Anyways, this time we tried the TANGZU Princess Chang Le with the Penon 10th Anniversary IEM and the Geek Wold GK100. She first thought the Princess Chang Le was complete sounding. The Penon 10th was awarded with circular hand gestures which went to visualize the wholesomeness presented in its response. This making of the circle was her (non-audiophile) way of showing completeness in tone. She also went on to disclose how the bass added a lower soundstage. Of course she didn’t use the word soundstage, but included additional hand gestures to try to make her point. In comes the Geek Wold GK100: I purposely tried the Delain album and more importantly the song “Chemical Redemption” to try out the guitar parts. Interestingly enough she heard the rhythm guitar as tweaked-up and forward, but not hostile? My words, not hers, as I don’t remember her terminology. 
Build: Three 8mm Dynamic Drivers composed of 1 8mm LCP for the bass. 1 8mm Titanium Dynamic Driver for the sub-bass. And….1 DLC for the mids. This is a first of using all three materials in Dynamic Drivers here at Redcarmoose Labs. Two Balanced Armatures and two 8mm Piezoelectric drivers for the highs. Two 8mm Piezoelectric drivers for the ultra highs. This is my first Geek Wold product so I don’t have any familiarity with the previous GK10 and GK80. I read the Geek Wold have used Piezoelectric drivers in the past, but never all these styles of DD materials together. Such a contraption of IEM drivers makes you realize the size needed to house it all. While coming-in a 6 grams each, the weight is really not an issue. And really as we all know it isn’t necessarily the size of an IEM, but how it is shaped that makes it comfortable or not. There is a robust thickness to the GK100 yet a subtle fin at the edge and smooth thoughtful shape make it all work out, for me anyway? The 2Pin is strangely not totally flush, but is 1/2 set into the shell recess. Each IEM is marked with GK100 on the side, right below an air-vent, as well as the letter R or L. A second vent is located directly under the faceplate at the tippy-tip far under the nozzle. It may be all the drivers used, as well as the great ventilation, which gives the feeling of an AKG k701 full-size open-back headphone in the end? Holding the GK100 in your hand results in excesses of smoothness, as you don’t encounter any stark edges until you reach the nozzle. Yep, holding a wonderful grip on many styles of ear-tips, I was able to use my favorite ear-tips, which in-turn made the stage all that much bigger in size. 
Geek Wold GK100 2BA + 4 Piezoelectric + 3DD Hybrid 2Pin 0.78mm HiFi Audiophile In-ear Earphone IEM Description High resolution composite 2 balanced armature (high frequency) Composite 2 high performance 8mm piezoelectric ceramics (high frequency) Composite 2 high-performance 8mm piezoelectric ceramics (ultra-high frequency) 8mm DLC driver (middle frequency) 2 8mm dual cavity 2-way crossover coaxial dynamic, LCP diaphragm dynamic (low frequency) + composite titanium diaphragm dynamic (ultra-low frequency) Specification Brand: GEEK WOLD Model: GK100 Impedance: 17±1Ω Sensitivity: 105±1dB Frequency response: 20 Hz-40 kHz Connector:2pin 0.78mm Cable material: 8 strands 6N single crystal copper silver-plated wire Cable : 3-in-1 modular plug( 3.5mm/2.5mm/4.4mm) Cable length: 1.2m Soundstage: The entertainment from the stage seems endless. What I'm saying is for me to compare these to the AKG k701 open back must mean something special. Being the k701 has some of the best soundstage of any headphone. And here while not so forward and back or up and down.....the width makes up for it. And the treble expansion and fireworks to the outskirts of stage make it all seem fairly dramatic? Cable: The Hakugei cable coming with the 3 in 1 system could very well be one of the best connector set-ups I’ve tried. Just permanent joining of any 4.4mm, 3.5mm or 2.5mm plug you decide on. All aluminum hardware all about, included into the chin-cinch, the splitter and the plug. Not to mention the beautiful aluminum 2Pin barrels………..painted or anodized a glossy black, with color coded rings. Not to mention the 8 strand, 6N Silver-plated Crystal Copper Cable which exudes flexibility, becoming one of the nicest if not the nicest included cable with any IEM this year, here at Redcarmoose Labs. And while often I will do a series of cable change-outs attempting to align the tone to my ears, I did try another pure copper cable and felt (somehow) I just needed to keep the included cable in use? You see, at times there can be a grocery bag of qualities that a (different) cable provides, which means if you change cables you’re only getting an improvement in half of the qualities. Really not changing cables was a surprise that in the beginning of the review I thought the included cable would get a change-out, even though the original was beautiful? Such Hakugei offerings in upgrade cables showcase a number of different builds and construction methods, offering (you know) an expensive name and concept to sell the goods, with other Hakugei wires. 
Burn-in: Really 160 hours did the trick as far as smoothing aspects of the sound and generating a different level of cohesiveness found. I would definitely suggest that if you found the GK100 slightly buzzy upon first listen that both a smoothness in the lower realms, and a more clear addition to the upper realms is still possible. This is one IEM that requires the burn! Included Extras: 
Simple phone use: Surprisingly everything across the frequency spectrum was offered in lesser amounts. What that means for phone users is we are slightly farther away from all the tones given in contrast to Dongle or DAP use. This reduces the interaction and personality of the GK100, kind-of smoothing everything thing out. While stage was still nice and adequate, it was more noticeable to be offered in the width as opposed to up and down, forward and back. Any forwardness in the upper midrange or unnaturalness was slightly subdued as we were farther away from the stark realities of the GK100. In the end there was less drama unfolding into how the tone was perceived, yet smaller details to perceive in the first place. Thus the unevenness was diminished, because you were farther from it, and it existed in a less black (less contrasty) background. 
Conclusion: When I compared the Geek Wold GK100 to the AKG k701 full-size open-back headphones I was serious. You realize the k701s are known for their fast transients, tight sculpted bass and involving open-stage, it’s just the AKG k701s were also noted as having great vocals. While maybe on the thinner side of the street, many members couldn’t let go of them, due to this repeatable charm. Yep, every album you played showed this k701 perspective of detail and transient response. And while I’ve been using the k701s off and on since they came out in 2006, normally I go for a thicker sound? Still love is blind! The Geek Wold GK100: There are harmonics inside of the midrange that the Geek Wold GK100 leaves out. Also included is the lack of vocal charm that is the center of k701 playback, the GK100 just refuses to do no matter what. That means there is no way to find those tones because they are left out, not just diminished! When I tried to enhance the tone with an OCC cable or “bass” ear-tips such tones were not there to be found? Does this mean the GK100 is a bad IEM purchase? Answer: Not at all, it simply means it is not all that well rounded. It means it’s a finicky player that picks and chooses what to have fun with. It also means you will enjoy (maybe) half your library with them. You will find joy because the Geek Wold GK100 has outstanding technicalities and performance well above the asking price. The GK100 has fulfilled its mission………..to bring detail and entertainment into discovered treble positioning for $200.00! Such performance has the GK100 stand alone in my experience. And the bass, there is a fast, warm and detailed bass that reminds me of the AKG k701 too. I mean talk about coincidences…….a 2023 IEM that goes ahead to reintroduce qualities of an idiosyncratic TOTL Flagship full-size open-back from ages ago! This k701 headphone behavior I gave up as lost in the sea of time, and while there have been similarities with other IEMs in the past, none have ever come so close. Does all this talk mean the Geek Wold GK100 is right for you? Here is the deal. While often IEMs will show the influence of different sources or cables or ear-tips………the GK100 is stubborn to change. Its character holds consistent through and through. This means that I can pretty much guess you’re going to get the same style of response as I, even though you may be using different gear. Even with different genres of music the GK100 either likes them or does not. Now of course it’s not always as cut and dry as I’m making it out to be…….it rarely is. But you do get the message, and do understand where I’m coming from here. Rarely is an IEM so wonderful yet also so fussy to befriend certain styles of music, yet when you are onboard with what the GK100 does there are no surprises, only win-win. What I mean is if you play music that you have already heard and qualified for the Geek Wold GK100, you’re home free. You really are! Now this is one release that could very well split the community. While one-half will hear the treble technicalities and clean bass response and wave flags of success, the others left-over will point-out the unevenness of midrange and the upper-midrange forwardness combined with the lack of over-all note weight, from the lower midranges on up. All and all it’s a surprise recommendation (from me personally) due to generally liking the sound. And twice as strange……..coming from someone that prefers note-weight almost above all else? $200.00 https://penonaudio.com/geek-wold-gk100.html Disclaimer: I want to thank Penon Audio for the love and for the Geek Wold GK100 review sample. Disclaimer: These are one person's ideas and concepts, your results may vary. Declaimer: A full seven days of burn-in and listening was achieved to guarantee sound maturity. Equipment Used: Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm 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 Shanling UA3 Dongle DAC/Amplifier 4.4mm Samsung Phone 3.5mm output |
hokagoteatimereviews
Nice review 
They look great, wish there wasn't their printed on the faceplate.
They look great, wish there wasn't their printed on the faceplate.
Geek Wold GK100
It was last year that I heard rumors of Geek folks talking about that they were working on a clear successor to the GK10 and GK80. Silence ensued on the Geek thread and out of the blue here comes the new Geek Wold GK100.
Prior Geek IEMs were met with varying degrees of success and it was partly due to the variations on the quality control of the IEMs. No secret that quality control issues can break any type of continued success no matter how good an IEM can sound. But hey we move onwards and upwards as they say, and that is something Geek folks seems to have done better with the new GK100. So far the initial batches of the GK100 have pretty much launched with no complaints of its build quality and the sound all seem to be universal in their descriptions. I personally wish nothing but the best for the Geek Wold folks as they seem to try really hard to bring a unique higher end sound to the masses that is more affordable vs the high end high price options you see today.
The new GK100 is on paper a unique blend of 3 dynamics 2 BAs and 4 Piezos that somehow all join together for a cohesive sound experience, or it should anyway. To be specific. The GK100 is using some stout drivers in the mix. 3 x 8mm dynamics. A dual composite dynamic composed of 8mm LCP for bass and 8mm Titanium for the sub bass + 8mm DLC dynamic for mids+ dual BAs & 2 piezos for highs + 2 piezos for ultra highs. I know that is a lot to unpack but that will be a challenge for any IEM maker I guarantee. If anything this configuration is definitely unique to Geek Wold. The use of piezos is something the Geek folks have extensive experience in using on all their products so that is nothing new but it is the better quality dynamics they are using that has me intrigued. So how does that all translate into the sound?
I would like to thank Penon audio and Geek Wold for providing a review sample of the GK100. They can be purchased with included modular Hakugei cable on the Penon site here. GK100 has been burned in for a period of a weeks time and are now ready for evaluation using my sources. Fiio K9 pro ESS, IBasso DX300Max, Fiio M15, Fiio BTR7, Shanling M5s, Fiio X3ii and IFI signature for amping.
If you're an IEM fan you will have to agree, the big mix of driver types used for the GK100 if anything is intriguing. Now using a newer all resin type plastic shell instead of the cheaper hollow heart shaped plastic shell used for both the GK10 and GK80, the new GK100 is much more premium looking and more substantial in bulk. I have to admit the body of the newer shell Geek is using will be problematic for smaller eared folks as it is a bit on the bulky side of universal designs. It is mostly comfortable for me but I can’t use it for longer than an hour as it starts to get uncomfortable for me. Housing 3 dynamics plus all of the other drivers inside you imagine the housing being a touch bulky.
What you get
The Geek GK100 comes with 2 sets of silicone tips in all sizes, a standard rectangular zip up case, a shirt clip and most importantly an upgraded Hakugei cable. A modular 6N silver plated crystal copper cable with 3 different terminations; 3.5mm single, 2.5mm balanced, and 4.4mm balanced.
Let's talk about this aftermarket cable shall we?. It's a nicely resolving SPC cable and clearly above what most include for packaging for IEMs in the $200 range. This would be a very nice cable for a warm bassy full bodied musical sounding IEM, hence the issue. If you read the descriptors of the GK100 sound. No one will mention the GK100 being a warm full bodied musical sounding IEM. But more the opposite, analytical and highly detailed.
To be fair the match up is not a 100% fail. The GK100 is abnormally more detailed than most IEMs in the given price range and the included cable does have a small play in its sonic qualities. While my own personal preference lines up with a pure copper type cables to help mitigate some of the lesser qualities on the GK100 sound signature. It is certainly a more premium transparent type cable with the added bonus of being modular. My review here is based on what to expect with the included Hakugei cable. Just my take on it but I got better note weight from using a copper based cable which is the one aspect that is lacking on the GK100.
A bit about burn in.
I was told the GK100 benefits from burn in and I have to agree. It is using mostly dynamics for the bulk of its sound. From sub bass to the mids performance adding some tizzy inducing piezos in the mix as well. They sounded unnatural to me on open listen with a thin sound. The good news there is with a good burn in the GK100 sounds way more cohesive and fills out areas that was a bit thin sound wise from listening to them on open box. This is one IEM I highly recommend you let your music play out for a week straight and then take a good listen.
Sound.
I am sure you have already seen reviews of the GK100 and have a firm idea what they should be about. Its tuning angle and what the Geek team is going for is a higher end neutrally balanced sound. Or what they think is a higher end sound. This entails a whole lot of detail and technical prowess which the GK100 actually pulls off. For the most part it is closer to a neutral bright reference U tuning with a lot of aspects that are actually done well and with some aspects not as much, I will get into in the review. I suppose I can say it is a unique tribrid formula with a unique detailed take on its balancing. The GK100 is tuned with a good 12dbs of pinna gain aka upper mids influence on its tuning which brings a cleaner vivid analytical sound profile.
Trebles
Of the GK100, unlike most harmon tuned IEMs which sees a gradual de-emphasis toward the upper trebles there is not gradual nothing on the GK100 trebles. But it doesn’t have an annoying spike in the trebles to annoy you either. Minus a minor dip in the 6-7Khz regions for some sibilance control, there is literally a treble shelf with an early pinna gain at 2Khz all the way to 16khz with zero roll off well into the 20Khz range. What that means is the piezos and dual BAs here are working overtime to give you every little treble detail possible. Treble heads rejoice you might have found your ideal treble extension and it didn’t take those much more expensive Sonion EST drivers to get there. Seems the Geek team was able to squeeze extra performance out of their piezo ceramic drivers. The results, you get a helping heaping loving of some treble extension. Treble is not enhanced over the upper mids presence so it does a good job in mostly staying in control. I say mostly but for folks that are sensitive to treble frequencies, these IEMs may not be for you. To be fair I have had much cheaper IEMs that has lesser control for the trebles so Geek actually did a great job in getting the tuning right for the trebles. The end results is that it brings a level of treble definition that is fairly uncommon at the price range.
Treble timbre and tonal qualities are what sounds a bit unnatural to me. I can forgive that the IEM is a $200 IEM so it will not have the world class EST implementation. A set of dual ESTs cost almost as much as the IEMs themselves. Piezo drivers are basically a cheap man's version of the BA or the EST treble drivers. A bit of a tizzy type treble edge, the piezo driver emits a bit thinner treble note as well. So not the most natural or timbrally accurate treble presentation but I can’t deny how detailed the trebles are picking off the smallest of nuanced treble notes without much struggle and for that the GK100 stands as one of the most detailed treble presentations for hybrids or tribrids in this case.
This zero rolled off treble is something that is more seen on much more expensive IEMs but not so much on tribrids that cost $200. The good news there is that the trebles are actually tuned well and work to provide that extra treble edge a lot of hybrids and BA sets are missing. I don't find the treble aspects of the GK100 to be harsh or eccentric but if you are the type that likes warmer tuned IEMs with rolled off trebles for easier listening the GK100 will not be for you. The GK100s are more or less for detail freaks. If that is you. Yes you can get a taste of what much higher end IEMs get detail wise in the GK100.
Mids. With an early upper mid rise at 2khz and a healthy 12dbs of emphasis and the rest of the mids being more neutral in emphasis in the mix we have a combination of a highlighted vocal presentation with not enough lower mids or natural warmth to add body to the mid bands.
The mids presentation actually has some very nice technical aspects such as imaging in space, good macro level details, a decently wide stage and good sound separation with a clean tonal character. I like the choice of drivers Geek has implemented for the GK100 for its mids and bass as the mids easily portray a nicely resolving sound profile. However due to that imbalance for the mids tuning, it does lack some note weight and fullness which also seem to hamper its dimensional character that true higher end IEMs are much better at.
The mids tuning of the GK100 highlights details for both vocals and instruments but not enough grunt on the tail end of notes that make music sound a touch flat sounding and at times a bit thin note wise. The good news there is that the DLC 8mm dynamic that is handling the mids duties does not sound unnatural nor are they affected by the slight tizzy effect that comes from the trebles. Mids has just enough body to the sound to make music sound believable but at the same time is not the most emotive or holographic. What is there has a good textured sound I have heard for its mids presentation with the correct tonal character albeit a bit cooler in tonality overall. Folks will be wowed by its sheer detail ability for certain but on the same token hear a tight detailed mids presentation with a bit thinner note weight resulting in more of an analytical type of sound presentation.
Its relatively laid back mids signature widens the stage perception of its imaging, giving the sound scope a wider sense of stage than average but does not have a good height or depth to the sound. As a result, music can sound a bit 2 dimensional/ neutral and not as engaging as I would have liked.
While the tuning may mimic a higher end IEM, that is the aspect that really makes the GK100 not actually higher end sounding to my ears. Its lack of dimensional character mixed with a lack of depth and height to the sound due to a thinner than average note weight. And really if I had one complaint about the GK100 is that it has a bit too much upper mids emphasis and not enough body to the mids. Which is the complete opposite of their Geek Fly TWS IEMs which has that note weight and fullness in spades. But The GK100 was tuned to sound a bit like a high end OPEN can in my guesstimation
A few dbs taken off of the upper mids to add to the mids registers could have gone a long way to really help balance out its sound presentation. As they are, you have to be ok with a bit of a neutral thinner presentation with lots of details that come at you. I do have to give credit to the Geek team for coming up with a completely different tuning and one that is more higher end vs their prior offerings.
Bass of the GK100 is actually fantastic but seems to have roughly 6dbs of bass emphasis above neutral. Just enough to be accurate but certainly not enough to focus its sound presentation on the bass end. Using two different dynamics for different parts of the bass lend to a more focussed and textured bass presentation. It's just that it lacks a bit of thump and presence. I like the choice of bass drivers Geek folks implemented on the GK100. I think they are definitely onto something that they need to explore in the future. In fact I hope they do a true musical basshead set utilizing similar drivers for its bass.
In understanding what they are doing with the bass end, you have to understand what they are trying with the treble end. Separating 2 sets of drivers for a given sound region to lend out their strengths was the goal. Really the only part of the GK100 that is a bit plain albeit with good definition is its mids. Both the bass end and the treble end gets multiple drivers handing their sonics. The mid bass is separated from the sub bass of the GK100 but is done seamlessly. Mid bass is just a bit reserved but does have much like the rest of the sound. Good definition, its speed is about average for dynamics but has a clean impactful tone and a tight transient response. I can’t say its bass end is overly punchy but is more neutrally accurate. Its sub bass however is 100% all about the titanium coated diaphragm. Texture is what the sub bass is about and here the sub bass has good presence and above average texture for the sub notes. Its the texture of the bass notes that stands out to me and therefore it has a nice quality to the bass notes however much like how the mids presentation is. It lacks body to the bass notes to be fully impactful.
I would have loved an added 2dbs of extra bass here to really give the low end a touch more presence to add a bit more musicality to the presentation. The bass end is actually a standout for me above the other aspects of the GK100 but needs just a bit more of it. Again if Geek took out that 2dbs of emphasis from the upper mids and put that on the bass end. Aha one can only wish.
In the end
The GK100 actually came together quite nicely. On paper they seem like a logistical nightmare. I mean it is one thing to use 3 dynamics but then adding a set of dual BAs and 4 piezos. How that all came together to form the GK100 I bet was much more complicated than just the driver count. I can only imagine the amount of trial and error the Geek team did in assessing the drivers and the crossover circuitry to make the sound coherent. I can’t say the sound is exactly liquid in coherency or do they have the best organic tonality. But it does something that no other manufacturer thus far has attempted at the price.
And that is going for a higher end sound utilizing a whole bunch of different types of drivers. I think if the GK100 came out about 5 years ago it would have garnered even more attention than they are at the moment but as they are.
Do you buy that single dynamic, planar, hybrid IEM that has a safe harmon tuning? Or you go for something different. Something that will provide details to the likes of IEMs that cost a whole lot more. While the GK100 takes the sound quality level up quite a bit from their budget GK10s, I can at least appreciate that these guys are trying something new and different vs doing more of the same using more drivers. While the sound is not perfect I can see how the GK100 will garner their own fan base just due to the sheer audacity of being more detailed than most monitors at the price range. But as you and I know a detailed presentation is not everything in the personal IEM game. I can see the GK100 being one of those IEMs that will split the enthusiast base. One side for them and the other side looking the other way. They do a bunch of aspects at a nice higher level but lack note weight that is needed for a more realistic take on how I hear my music. But if that was all that was missing out for them to achieve a true higher end sound. Then the GK100 actually can be an IEM that hangs with some of the best in the industry. Thanks for giving my thoughts a read and happy listening always.
It was last year that I heard rumors of Geek folks talking about that they were working on a clear successor to the GK10 and GK80. Silence ensued on the Geek thread and out of the blue here comes the new Geek Wold GK100.
Prior Geek IEMs were met with varying degrees of success and it was partly due to the variations on the quality control of the IEMs. No secret that quality control issues can break any type of continued success no matter how good an IEM can sound. But hey we move onwards and upwards as they say, and that is something Geek folks seems to have done better with the new GK100. So far the initial batches of the GK100 have pretty much launched with no complaints of its build quality and the sound all seem to be universal in their descriptions. I personally wish nothing but the best for the Geek Wold folks as they seem to try really hard to bring a unique higher end sound to the masses that is more affordable vs the high end high price options you see today.
The new GK100 is on paper a unique blend of 3 dynamics 2 BAs and 4 Piezos that somehow all join together for a cohesive sound experience, or it should anyway. To be specific. The GK100 is using some stout drivers in the mix. 3 x 8mm dynamics. A dual composite dynamic composed of 8mm LCP for bass and 8mm Titanium for the sub bass + 8mm DLC dynamic for mids+ dual BAs & 2 piezos for highs + 2 piezos for ultra highs. I know that is a lot to unpack but that will be a challenge for any IEM maker I guarantee. If anything this configuration is definitely unique to Geek Wold. The use of piezos is something the Geek folks have extensive experience in using on all their products so that is nothing new but it is the better quality dynamics they are using that has me intrigued. So how does that all translate into the sound?
I would like to thank Penon audio and Geek Wold for providing a review sample of the GK100. They can be purchased with included modular Hakugei cable on the Penon site here. GK100 has been burned in for a period of a weeks time and are now ready for evaluation using my sources. Fiio K9 pro ESS, IBasso DX300Max, Fiio M15, Fiio BTR7, Shanling M5s, Fiio X3ii and IFI signature for amping.
If you're an IEM fan you will have to agree, the big mix of driver types used for the GK100 if anything is intriguing. Now using a newer all resin type plastic shell instead of the cheaper hollow heart shaped plastic shell used for both the GK10 and GK80, the new GK100 is much more premium looking and more substantial in bulk. I have to admit the body of the newer shell Geek is using will be problematic for smaller eared folks as it is a bit on the bulky side of universal designs. It is mostly comfortable for me but I can’t use it for longer than an hour as it starts to get uncomfortable for me. Housing 3 dynamics plus all of the other drivers inside you imagine the housing being a touch bulky.
What you get
The Geek GK100 comes with 2 sets of silicone tips in all sizes, a standard rectangular zip up case, a shirt clip and most importantly an upgraded Hakugei cable. A modular 6N silver plated crystal copper cable with 3 different terminations; 3.5mm single, 2.5mm balanced, and 4.4mm balanced.
Let's talk about this aftermarket cable shall we?. It's a nicely resolving SPC cable and clearly above what most include for packaging for IEMs in the $200 range. This would be a very nice cable for a warm bassy full bodied musical sounding IEM, hence the issue. If you read the descriptors of the GK100 sound. No one will mention the GK100 being a warm full bodied musical sounding IEM. But more the opposite, analytical and highly detailed.
To be fair the match up is not a 100% fail. The GK100 is abnormally more detailed than most IEMs in the given price range and the included cable does have a small play in its sonic qualities. While my own personal preference lines up with a pure copper type cables to help mitigate some of the lesser qualities on the GK100 sound signature. It is certainly a more premium transparent type cable with the added bonus of being modular. My review here is based on what to expect with the included Hakugei cable. Just my take on it but I got better note weight from using a copper based cable which is the one aspect that is lacking on the GK100.
A bit about burn in.
I was told the GK100 benefits from burn in and I have to agree. It is using mostly dynamics for the bulk of its sound. From sub bass to the mids performance adding some tizzy inducing piezos in the mix as well. They sounded unnatural to me on open listen with a thin sound. The good news there is with a good burn in the GK100 sounds way more cohesive and fills out areas that was a bit thin sound wise from listening to them on open box. This is one IEM I highly recommend you let your music play out for a week straight and then take a good listen.
Sound.
I am sure you have already seen reviews of the GK100 and have a firm idea what they should be about. Its tuning angle and what the Geek team is going for is a higher end neutrally balanced sound. Or what they think is a higher end sound. This entails a whole lot of detail and technical prowess which the GK100 actually pulls off. For the most part it is closer to a neutral bright reference U tuning with a lot of aspects that are actually done well and with some aspects not as much, I will get into in the review. I suppose I can say it is a unique tribrid formula with a unique detailed take on its balancing. The GK100 is tuned with a good 12dbs of pinna gain aka upper mids influence on its tuning which brings a cleaner vivid analytical sound profile.
Trebles
Of the GK100, unlike most harmon tuned IEMs which sees a gradual de-emphasis toward the upper trebles there is not gradual nothing on the GK100 trebles. But it doesn’t have an annoying spike in the trebles to annoy you either. Minus a minor dip in the 6-7Khz regions for some sibilance control, there is literally a treble shelf with an early pinna gain at 2Khz all the way to 16khz with zero roll off well into the 20Khz range. What that means is the piezos and dual BAs here are working overtime to give you every little treble detail possible. Treble heads rejoice you might have found your ideal treble extension and it didn’t take those much more expensive Sonion EST drivers to get there. Seems the Geek team was able to squeeze extra performance out of their piezo ceramic drivers. The results, you get a helping heaping loving of some treble extension. Treble is not enhanced over the upper mids presence so it does a good job in mostly staying in control. I say mostly but for folks that are sensitive to treble frequencies, these IEMs may not be for you. To be fair I have had much cheaper IEMs that has lesser control for the trebles so Geek actually did a great job in getting the tuning right for the trebles. The end results is that it brings a level of treble definition that is fairly uncommon at the price range.
Treble timbre and tonal qualities are what sounds a bit unnatural to me. I can forgive that the IEM is a $200 IEM so it will not have the world class EST implementation. A set of dual ESTs cost almost as much as the IEMs themselves. Piezo drivers are basically a cheap man's version of the BA or the EST treble drivers. A bit of a tizzy type treble edge, the piezo driver emits a bit thinner treble note as well. So not the most natural or timbrally accurate treble presentation but I can’t deny how detailed the trebles are picking off the smallest of nuanced treble notes without much struggle and for that the GK100 stands as one of the most detailed treble presentations for hybrids or tribrids in this case.
This zero rolled off treble is something that is more seen on much more expensive IEMs but not so much on tribrids that cost $200. The good news there is that the trebles are actually tuned well and work to provide that extra treble edge a lot of hybrids and BA sets are missing. I don't find the treble aspects of the GK100 to be harsh or eccentric but if you are the type that likes warmer tuned IEMs with rolled off trebles for easier listening the GK100 will not be for you. The GK100s are more or less for detail freaks. If that is you. Yes you can get a taste of what much higher end IEMs get detail wise in the GK100.
Mids. With an early upper mid rise at 2khz and a healthy 12dbs of emphasis and the rest of the mids being more neutral in emphasis in the mix we have a combination of a highlighted vocal presentation with not enough lower mids or natural warmth to add body to the mid bands.
The mids presentation actually has some very nice technical aspects such as imaging in space, good macro level details, a decently wide stage and good sound separation with a clean tonal character. I like the choice of drivers Geek has implemented for the GK100 for its mids and bass as the mids easily portray a nicely resolving sound profile. However due to that imbalance for the mids tuning, it does lack some note weight and fullness which also seem to hamper its dimensional character that true higher end IEMs are much better at.
The mids tuning of the GK100 highlights details for both vocals and instruments but not enough grunt on the tail end of notes that make music sound a touch flat sounding and at times a bit thin note wise. The good news there is that the DLC 8mm dynamic that is handling the mids duties does not sound unnatural nor are they affected by the slight tizzy effect that comes from the trebles. Mids has just enough body to the sound to make music sound believable but at the same time is not the most emotive or holographic. What is there has a good textured sound I have heard for its mids presentation with the correct tonal character albeit a bit cooler in tonality overall. Folks will be wowed by its sheer detail ability for certain but on the same token hear a tight detailed mids presentation with a bit thinner note weight resulting in more of an analytical type of sound presentation.
Its relatively laid back mids signature widens the stage perception of its imaging, giving the sound scope a wider sense of stage than average but does not have a good height or depth to the sound. As a result, music can sound a bit 2 dimensional/ neutral and not as engaging as I would have liked.
While the tuning may mimic a higher end IEM, that is the aspect that really makes the GK100 not actually higher end sounding to my ears. Its lack of dimensional character mixed with a lack of depth and height to the sound due to a thinner than average note weight. And really if I had one complaint about the GK100 is that it has a bit too much upper mids emphasis and not enough body to the mids. Which is the complete opposite of their Geek Fly TWS IEMs which has that note weight and fullness in spades. But The GK100 was tuned to sound a bit like a high end OPEN can in my guesstimation
A few dbs taken off of the upper mids to add to the mids registers could have gone a long way to really help balance out its sound presentation. As they are, you have to be ok with a bit of a neutral thinner presentation with lots of details that come at you. I do have to give credit to the Geek team for coming up with a completely different tuning and one that is more higher end vs their prior offerings.
Bass of the GK100 is actually fantastic but seems to have roughly 6dbs of bass emphasis above neutral. Just enough to be accurate but certainly not enough to focus its sound presentation on the bass end. Using two different dynamics for different parts of the bass lend to a more focussed and textured bass presentation. It's just that it lacks a bit of thump and presence. I like the choice of bass drivers Geek folks implemented on the GK100. I think they are definitely onto something that they need to explore in the future. In fact I hope they do a true musical basshead set utilizing similar drivers for its bass.
In understanding what they are doing with the bass end, you have to understand what they are trying with the treble end. Separating 2 sets of drivers for a given sound region to lend out their strengths was the goal. Really the only part of the GK100 that is a bit plain albeit with good definition is its mids. Both the bass end and the treble end gets multiple drivers handing their sonics. The mid bass is separated from the sub bass of the GK100 but is done seamlessly. Mid bass is just a bit reserved but does have much like the rest of the sound. Good definition, its speed is about average for dynamics but has a clean impactful tone and a tight transient response. I can’t say its bass end is overly punchy but is more neutrally accurate. Its sub bass however is 100% all about the titanium coated diaphragm. Texture is what the sub bass is about and here the sub bass has good presence and above average texture for the sub notes. Its the texture of the bass notes that stands out to me and therefore it has a nice quality to the bass notes however much like how the mids presentation is. It lacks body to the bass notes to be fully impactful.
I would have loved an added 2dbs of extra bass here to really give the low end a touch more presence to add a bit more musicality to the presentation. The bass end is actually a standout for me above the other aspects of the GK100 but needs just a bit more of it. Again if Geek took out that 2dbs of emphasis from the upper mids and put that on the bass end. Aha one can only wish.
In the end
The GK100 actually came together quite nicely. On paper they seem like a logistical nightmare. I mean it is one thing to use 3 dynamics but then adding a set of dual BAs and 4 piezos. How that all came together to form the GK100 I bet was much more complicated than just the driver count. I can only imagine the amount of trial and error the Geek team did in assessing the drivers and the crossover circuitry to make the sound coherent. I can’t say the sound is exactly liquid in coherency or do they have the best organic tonality. But it does something that no other manufacturer thus far has attempted at the price.
And that is going for a higher end sound utilizing a whole bunch of different types of drivers. I think if the GK100 came out about 5 years ago it would have garnered even more attention than they are at the moment but as they are.
Do you buy that single dynamic, planar, hybrid IEM that has a safe harmon tuning? Or you go for something different. Something that will provide details to the likes of IEMs that cost a whole lot more. While the GK100 takes the sound quality level up quite a bit from their budget GK10s, I can at least appreciate that these guys are trying something new and different vs doing more of the same using more drivers. While the sound is not perfect I can see how the GK100 will garner their own fan base just due to the sheer audacity of being more detailed than most monitors at the price range. But as you and I know a detailed presentation is not everything in the personal IEM game. I can see the GK100 being one of those IEMs that will split the enthusiast base. One side for them and the other side looking the other way. They do a bunch of aspects at a nice higher level but lack note weight that is needed for a more realistic take on how I hear my music. But if that was all that was missing out for them to achieve a true higher end sound. Then the GK100 actually can be an IEM that hangs with some of the best in the industry. Thanks for giving my thoughts a read and happy listening always.
Alino
Thank you for your review.
After months with my GK100 it is a fine, great for acoustic music iem. Treble is not sharp nor innatural to my ears.Thin sounding? Better 'natural' and 'technical', analitical sounding. Transients are natural, mids/higs are particoularly sculpted but smooth and enjoy able too. Bass amount and definition is very good too (clearly if you want a set for EDM and synthetizers look elsewhere) with mid bass much more evident than sub bass. Soundstage and layering is some of its main strenghts to me; I like this IEM. I think I could not avoid to try GK200 too because of this. Since GK10 I never have had a Geek Wold product that did not surprise me big time.
After months with my GK100 it is a fine, great for acoustic music iem. Treble is not sharp nor innatural to my ears.Thin sounding? Better 'natural' and 'technical', analitical sounding. Transients are natural, mids/higs are particoularly sculpted but smooth and enjoy able too. Bass amount and definition is very good too (clearly if you want a set for EDM and synthetizers look elsewhere) with mid bass much more evident than sub bass. Soundstage and layering is some of its main strenghts to me; I like this IEM. I think I could not avoid to try GK200 too because of this. Since GK10 I never have had a Geek Wold product that did not surprise me big time.
TONALITY: 7.5/10
TECHNICALITIES: 9.5/10
CONSTRUCTION: 8.5/10
ACCESSORIES: 8.5/10
SOUND VALUE: 9/10
INTRO
Geekwold is a chinese audio company that specialize in hybrid and tribrid earphones, cabled and TWS way. They aren't well known in western world, but have good success in China.
The only IEM I have try from them is the entry level tribrid Geek Wold GK10 which is a 2DD+1BA+2piezoelectric IEM that encounter lot of quality check issue and receive mixed opinion. My pair work well but doesn't offer a well balanced tonality, still i've find it's technical performance impressive for the price.
The GK100 I will review today is aimed to solve all issue of the GK10, begining with the quality check and built quality, which is greatly improved.
Priced 200$, it's a tribrid 9 drivers IEM with 2DD for bass, 1DD for mids, 2BA for lower and mid treble, and 4 piezo electric for upper highs and ultra highs.
''High resolution composite 2 balanced armature (high frequency)
Composite 2 high performance 8mm piezoelectric ceramics (high frequency)
Composite 2 high-performance 8mm piezoelectric ceramics (ultra-high frequency)
8mm DLC driver (middle frequency)
2 8mm dual cavity 2-way crossover coaxial dynamic, LCP diaphragm dynamic (low frequency) + composite titanium diaphragm dynamic (ultra-low frequency)''
This type of tribrid IEM in sub-200$ price range is exceptionaly rare, but this mean it's harder to tune in a cohesive way too, so let see in this review if both technical and musical performance is competitive enough and worth to be excited about.
CONSTRUCTION&ACCESSORIES
The construction os GK100 is quite good. It's made of thick resin plastic and have a metal nozzle. The 2pin connector feel solid but isn't perfectly flush with the shell, it's not a big deal because it does permit better fit than polised curvy connector.
The shell is big and chunky, but light and very smooth, this design isn't thinked for deep fit since nozzle is short and better fitted for shallow fit. The back plate is very beautifull and eye catching, giving a sens of artsy luxury to it.
All in all, the construction and design is impressive for the price and feel sturdy and durable.
And this isn't all, the included cable is just incredible. It's an Hakugei modular cable with 8 strands 6N single crystal copper silver-plated wire. Their 3 plug included: 2 balanced (2.5 and 4.4) and one 3.5mm single ended. This cable scream quality and durability, it's thick, flexible and smooth and don't create microphonic. It's eye catching and even feel like a bargain at it's 50$ MSRP. This is quite ironic to find a modular cable of this high quality after having review Hifiman Svanar that I praise sound wise, but rant intensely about it's basic cable.
But the GK100 is all about the IEM and cable, as well as maximizing price value. So, don't expect a fancy box and luxurious packaging. This is basic. The carrying case is basic, but big enough. And you have 6 pair of silicone ear tips. I don't use them, but they are similar to wide bore KBear KB07 ear tips I use. You have a cable clamp too, of nice quality, if your the kind of person to use this.
All in All. We have few accessories, but they are of very high quality and value.
SOUND IMPRESSIONS
This mean we have 6 driver for the treble only too. So, don't be surprise these IEM might be extremely appealing for treble head because main tonal focus of the GK100 is all about highs, texture and details!
This is why to my ears the GK100 offer a treble centric W shape balance, which i'm not afraid to call vividly analytical. It's bright, it's energic, it have a thumpy bass with impressive speed and sub and mid bass layering, full yet understated mid range and speedy snappy highs with sharp note definition and x-ray like resolution.
Those aren't bass head, but bass lover will be impress by the quality of low end, yet, it's evident that these will please people seeking very high technical performance and boosted resolution only multi driver tribrid can achieve. I would never suggest the GK100 for audio enthusiast favoring warm, mid centric, smooth, dark or laid back musicality, nor for those sensitive to naturalness of timbre or vocal.
But if you are like me when I begin my audiophile passion and discovery and was all about finding those IEM that can pick up the most micro details possible, the wow effect is guarantee here.
Now, even if logically I should begin with the treble section because it's the one that dominate the attention, I will describe how I hear the dynamic, punchy yet slightly distant sounding bass part.
Firstly, the 2 drivers permit a fluid layering between sub and mid bass, so you are able to discern the bass line and kick drum which have both full bodied presentation but are a bit close to each other, mixing their impact vibrancy. The rumble is fast in sustain and don't have amplify resonance, it's round and rich with vibrancy and air density. The slam can be quite heavy at high volume. Its not the cleanest and most transparent sub bass, but the speed of bass line is impressive with good definition and fundamental texture.
The mid bass is a hint warmer, strangely...their a mix of brightisth lower end with warmer punch sticken above it...oh, well, it might be due to titanium diaphragm of sub bass DD, which add a bit of grain to air vibration. So yes, bass line have sharper resolution than kick drum, yet, i would never say kick is too dark or not well rounded. We are really into a great bass quality territory here and in fact i would have love a bit more sub boost, or perhaps more spacious separation from mid range because while well layered it can feel a bit condensed with the mids which are leaner.
Yet this timbral imbalance between 2 DDs can affect the presentation of contrabass, where the fundamental will lack a bit of texture and bite, mix that with the slight sub bass roll off in linear extension around 50hz and you have a boomy contrabass.
This is less problematic for electric bass, which sound quite good in fact, abrasive, thick enough and lively in presence, but it will tend to swallow kick drum presence with it's more texture and bright and dynamic rendering.
Nonetheless, this is fascinating thumpy bass, tight and fast, where the presence is more focus than roundness density of body, yet, it's not bass light or bass less and offer lively punch with bass line with fast sustain-decay.
Keywords: textured sub bass and bass line, punch but not edgy mid bass, fast resonance-decay, not basshead nor bass light
The mid range is bright and boosted in presence, yet doesn't sound thin or dead flat too. We have good amount of lower mids and good sens of fullness but the upper mids are the most boosted part of the mids, this and treble texture of mids instrument will tend to affect tone and timbre naturalness negatively by over focusing on presence grain. But this isn't what I would call a disastrous mid range at all since both male and female vocal are fowards and clear, but in a bright way that boost the texture. At least, this isn't balanced armature mids, yet, the lower treble is deal with BA, this is the issue here, i would throw off those BA or at least damp them since they are in front nozzle (yep, I check) and add fuzzyness to texture, loudness to female vocal and texture spike to some instrument like contrabass, saxophone and woodwinds instruments.
But the GK100 surprisingly do well with piano, a sign that we have a full mid range without scooped fundamental for proper note weight. Yep, we have both the texture sharp definition of note stroke and the weight of it, not ultra heavy not warm, but we feel the hit of each piano note and this is wonderfull for a sub-200$ IEM. So the mids are highly resolved, have great imaging and layering capacity, a speedy attack with great bite and enough transparency, it's a monitor like mid range we can say, not a melodious, lush or highly musical. The GK100 are technical sounding but not plain clinical due to the bass boost and slight mid bass warmth that embrace lower mids.
Instrument and vocal are edgy in definition, full in tone, hyper realist and magnify in texturing and fast in decay without being shouty like alot of DD+BAs hybrid (anything KZ for ex). It's not the most open and clean sounding presentation since their too much sound info going on, silence have ''texture'' too with the GK100.
Keywords: bright and very detailed, edgy definition and weighty note weight, excellent layering and presence clarity, nice but very fowards and loud female vocal or violin
And the treble, the bright star of the show, the pumped up details maestro! It's logical that the highs range need more drivers since it cover from 5khz to 20khz, yet most of IEM will concentrate treble effort up to 10khz. So, the question here is: did the piezo driver can replace EST, which with supreme quality DD are only drivers able to properly produce sparkle and natural decay?
The answer is no. The ceramic piezo have a rougher attack, less flexible in snap for proper sparkle resonance sustain-release. Piezo are similar to magnetostatic in timbre and attack release,its more crunchy and less crisp than an EST. At least, based on my subjective empirism. Speed wise, all of these are crazy fast and in fact the piezo seem to be fastest driver of them all in the GK100.
But we have those 2 BAs too, for lower and mid treble and they are quite excited too, in a different way, more about grain, texture, loudness of presence edge.…
Ok, enough disgression: the highs are bright and crunchy in lower treble, abrasive and detailed in mid treble and snappy, brilliant, ultra speedy and energic and in your face un upper section.
These are extremely revealing highs, that boost the whole resolution big time and and extra spatial dynamism and attack edge to the lively, immediate musicality we are rushed into.
The percussions are crazy detailed, thight and fast in timing, well define in each stroke, and in your face too, they can be overwhelming sometime and stole the show to anything else in music, with some piano jazz trio it was very problematic since the drummer seem 5m in front of pianist.…
As it pick up lotta sound info and micro details, listening to some track can become a psychadelic experience with the GK100. I mean, their infinity of it and again, this can distract you from main singer sometime, but for instrumental music it can magnify immersivity and richness of it's one-of-a-kind analytical musicality.
I listen to wide range of music style and the GK100 tend to impress me with acoustic music using guitar (not electric or distorted), violin, clavichord and to a less extend harp. It have this bright snappy bite in lead attack that is very engaging and excting, violin or guitar plucking is highly resolve and dynamic, doesn't sound thin or dry, have hint of appealing brilliance and sens of texture fullness that certainly impress.
Keywords: Vividly detailed and analytical, high amount of micro details, excellent separation and attack speed, hint fuzzy crash cymbals, non forgiving of bad recording or background hiss
The Soundstage isn't the highlight of the GK100. It's quite tall and deep but lack wideness and proper sens of openess. It feel like your in a small studio with 3 monitor speaker, center one being 2meter away, while stereo one being 1 meter away. To some extend, we can say GK100 can sound in your head too.
But this doesn't mean the imaging is bad, since now were into one of main highlight of the GK100. If I praise crisp and ultra detailed resolution as being analytical, it does mean instrument placement is clear and well define. Even with fast complex busy track ,the excellent layering of instrument will be preserve, but space between instrument in X axis will not be very wide and clean. This doesn't mean accuracy is bad at all, I don't struggle to pin point instrument position with the GK100 even if it feel it's stock in a tunnel and a hint compressed in stereo channel separation.
COMPARISONS
VS MAEAOS EAGLE (2DD+2BA-150$)
Simply put, the Eagle is like supreme downgrade version of the GK100, its a bright wonky W shape that put all details in your face, but in a unbalanced and uneven way.
Bass is less punchy, have inferior separation between sub and mid bass, less texture too, sub bass bleed way more on mid bass and lower mids and is less fast in attack. Mids are horrifious with the Eagle, they are more shouty, thin and fatiguing, timbre is off and tone too, and it feel more recessed, its all about upper mids here but shouty way. Treble is dryer, less extended more shouty and less generous in micro details as well as more fuzzy in definition edge, GK100 treble is cleaner, more extended, snappy and sparkly and more resolved in a effortless way.
Soundstage is wider, taller and deeper with the GK100 and feel compressed with the Eagle. Imaging is notably superior too, without a mid range scoop and it's crisper, more accurate in positioning.
All in all, their zero doubt that for 50$ more the GK100 feel like a TOTL IEM compared to the technicaly and tonaly inferior Eagle.
VS KINERA IDUN GOLDEN 2.0 (1DD+2BAs-190$)
The Golden is more neutral and mid centric, smoother and warmer too. The bass is less boosted, warmer in punch, less well define and notably more rolled off in sub bass. Mids are more fowards, lusher, smoother and fuller with a more natural timbre and wider less compressed presence. Vocal are way better with the Golden. GK100 mids is brighter and more detailed and transparent, have superior imaging but more agressive upper mids, dryer thinner timbre and more distant presence. The treble is way more vivid, snappy and detailed with the GK100, it make the Golden feel not very extended, lacking brilliance and airy openess, level of micro details is higher with Gk100 too, but overall dynamic is louder and can induce more fatigue than more buttery highs of the Golden.
Soundstage is notably wider with the Golden, but less tall and deep. Imaging is sharper and more accurate and crisp with the GK100.
All in all, GK100 is superior technicaly but not as cohesive and musical in balance than the Kinera which have fuller and more natural and fowards mids but darker and less detailed treble and bass.
CONCLUSION
The GeekWold GK100 is one-of-a-kind IEM that certainly will leave nobody indifferent by pushing the bundaries of sound resolution to a level i've never heard under 200$ and in fact perhaps in all price range of 300 IEMs i've try. The only IEM that come to my mind offering a level of resolution that WoW me that much is the Unique Melody Mext.
While the tonality will please more the treble head, and while i would not suggest those to treble sensitive people, it's not out of wack violently bright IEM and in fact tonal balance is well done with such high number of different drivers.
I mean, these aren't for mid centric or timbre lover because they will perceive slight timbral imbalance or texture boost that can affect their sens of musical enjoyment, but it's really cohesive in its vividly analytical musicality and hard to fault in the main goal this IEM try to achieve which is: magnify resolution, note definition and analytical imaging.
The GK100 push the limit of technical performance to it's breaking point and achieve something inimaginable at this price range. Unlike the cheaper GK10 that receive mixed impressions due to bad quality check (look at graphs on the net) and questionnable tonal balance, the GK100 is a way more serious IEM with better outside and inside built quality and good channel matching.
The sound value in term of technicalities is sky high with the GK100 and for this very reason, they are highly recommended from me.
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PS: I want to thank Penon Audio for sending me this review sample, after I manifest my sincere curiosity of this 9 drivers tribrid GK100. As always, i'm not affiliated, nor officialy sponsored, nor pay, nor influenced by the price value of this free sample since I've review so much more expensive IEMs....those are my honest subjective sound impressions.
You can order the Geek Wold GK100 for 200$ here: https://penonaudio.com/geek-wold-gk100.html
Thank-you!
I will update the review.
Edit:
Updated