Hisenior Okavango

Disclamer​

The Hisenior Okavango is a loaned unit from Dream Audio Store here in Indonesia. They have no input on what I'm supposed to say about the HiSenior Products and the opinion is completely my own. However, as a token of gratitude, I will link them Here. I also want to thank Mr Gareth from HiSenior for giving me the contact of Dream Audio and making all of this possible. For ordering and more information of HiSenior Okavango, you can click here. Both links are NON affiliated links.

Design​

Named after a delta in Africa, the design does resemble pictures from the Internet. Green with a little bit of sandy brown. The green part is made of resin and the sandy brown is actually stabilized wood, a representing design for sure.

The Okavango's fitment design is a semi-custom ergonomic, a middle ground of universal fitment and custom fitments. This shape offers a sealing inside of you ears and theoretically should be more comfortable. While, the Okavango is actually comfortable to my ears, putting them on is another different story. I guess it's just the nature of Hybrid IEMs, the fittings can be a little awkward since they're usually larger than IEMs with single drivers or less drivers than the Okavango.

Sound​

The First Impression I got about them is that they sound off, they don't sound as clean as the PhoenixCall I reviewed a while ago. However, they are cleaner than my usual Zero:Red. Turns out, the issue was that the Okavango was in the Bass+ configuration. Bass+ configuration does not suit me very well due to it having a lot of midbass and not enough treble. But we will get back to the switches in the later section.

My second note I have about the Okavango is on the treble, while the treble is pretty good, there seems to be an absence of some frequencies in some of the mixes I listen to, notably in Barracuda by Heart, in some part of the song, there is an acoustic guitar strumming along in the background. While it is definitely not supposed to be prominent, playing it with the Okavango pushed it slightly backwards making the sound incredibly small and barely noticeable. Similar issue is also present in Babymetal's Karate, but instead of an acoustic guitar it is a tapping of electric guitars. Perhaps this is all a nitpick but, I think it is worth noting if you want to hear more details in your playlist(s).

The other nitpick that I have, is that the female vocals are a bit less forward and sparkly compared to something like the Blessing 3, PhoenixCall, or the Variations. Compared to the PhoenixCall, the treble performance also has slight less bite but at the same time, the Okavango sounds more natural compared to the PhoenixCall.

Personally, I don’t have any notes about the Mids, it sounded lush and good most of the time. Coming from something with a significant mid scoop. I find The Okavango is more versatile than the PhoenixCall. Okavango works really well for a lot of Metal and Rock tracks. Vocals got a lot of body to them, giving it a weighty feeling to the notes.

The bass performance of the Okavango is what you expect from a V-tuned IEM. Personally, I find the bass performance of the Okavango helps a lot creating a sense of wide soundstage while having a decent texturing . However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. As the sub-bass of the Okavango feel slightly lacking from what I prefer. The kickdrums in my opinion are not defined (punchy) enough to what I’m used to. However, this is probably another nitpick as I enjoy the versatility of the Okavango.

4K to 6K dip ?​

ToneDeafMonk's Okavango Frequency response graph here

This perhaps explains where the acoustic guitar strumming in Barracuda by Heart and electric guitar tapping in Karate are gone to when I talked about them earlier. Personally, this might be a double-edged sword as it causes the Okavango to be less fatiguing while sacrificing in some of that detail retrieval and some weight to cymbals.

My theory is that the Okavango is actually designed to be a stage IEM, where it is aimed to be extra comfortable and not fatiguing for long sessions. The 4k to 6k dip maybe an attempt by HiSenior to reduce the chance of treble fatigue in that scenario. Personally, I find the Okavango comfortable and enjoyable to wear for a long period of time.

Switches​

The Okavango has 2 switches on the back of the IEM, next to the vent holes on each sides. It is marked with the number '1' and '2', with 'On' for the point of reference if the switches are switched on. The Okavango is my first time reviewing an IEM with Switches and I think it delivers, as the tuning switches changes the sound and feel of the Okavango.




When I first got them, the Okavango is on the Bass+ Configuration. I personally find them not my kind of thing as I find the bass slightly overpowers the Treble and mids, giving a sense of too much bass for my preferences.

The Balanced works the best for me, as the Balance offers a more balanced presentation of both bass and treble without being overpowered in either ends. The Balanced Configuration is my go-to for most of my listening sessions.

To be completly honest, I didn't try the Vocal+ Configuration that much, however on some occasion where I feel like it could use a little more sparkle. The Vocal+ delivers a sparklier and livelier vocals.

The Soundstage+ works really well with movies, I watched Dune 2 and Episode 13 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch. The Soundstage+ works really well at giving a 3D space and feeling of a wide soundstage as if You are watching them in with a set of Home Theatre or speakers. Well, technically it would be better with speakers and in cinema but for a portable setup, the Soundstage+ is really good for movies.

TL;DR​

The Okavango is an IEM from HiSenior/Febos. It is a 7 drivers hybrid, consisting of 6 Balance Armature Drivers and a Single Dynamic Driver. While the fitting was rather awkward, it is worth noting that most Hybrids or multiple drivers IEM seems to always fit a bit weird. To be fair, the Okavango is actually very comfortable for prolonged listening session. The inclusion of switches are nice, offering a variety of options for the user. Overall, I’m satisfied with the Okavango, the Tonality are A- for me and B for technicalities. Technicalities in the form of detail retrieval could use a little bit of work. However, the imaging, soundstaging, and instrument separation are good enough to impress me.

Video Review​

Some of The Music I Enjoy with The Okavango​

Hisenior audio has been in the industry for years, mostly catering to the custom monitor market. While I have always wanted to try one of its IEMs, I never got around to it, until the release of Okavango that is.

The driver configuration of the Okavango is quite comprehensive for their price tag: 1 Bio-cellulose DD + 6 BA drivers with true 4-way crossover are nothing to scoff at. Add to that the tuning switches and things certainly look interesting to say the least.

This isn’t a numbers game though, so the driver count barely matters as long as the sound is competitive. At the asking price, there are several well-established competitors, which leaves little room for mistake on Hisenior’s part. No pressure, I guess.

Note: the ratings given will be subjective to the price tier. I purchased the Okavango and Whitewhale cable at a discount.
This review was originally published on Audioreviews.
Sources used: Cayin RU7, Lotoo PAW Gold Touch, Questyle CMA Twelve Master
Price, while reviewed: $300. Can be bought from Hisenior’s official website.

PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES​

The highlight of the packaging is definitely the Pelican-like hard-shell carry case. The case is waterproof, crush-proof, and has lined mesh pockets along with foam padding. I’d pay $50 for a case like this and here you get one for free. Not bad at all.



The stock cable is less of a standout. It’s a generic cloth-braided cable. I also purchased the WhiteWhale cable in 4.4mm termination. This is a great cable in terms of ergonomics and overall aesthetics. The 6N SP-OCC material is radiates a certain sheen that catches the eye.



There are also 10 pairs of tips inside the package. I ended up using Spinfit CP-100+ for this review, but the stock tips were pretty decent as well. Finally, you get a SIM-card tool for engaging the switches, and a cleaning brush.

BUILD QUALITY​

Okavango use a pseudo-custom resin shell. The faceplate design and even the shell color can be customized on the Okavango Custom-design variant, at a price-premium. I liked the look of the stock shell and just invested the extra bucks into the cable.

The faceplate seems to be stabilized wood on the upper portion. On the side, there are the tuning switches and a large vent to alleviate pressure buildup and allow airflow into the chamber for the dynamic driver.



The nozzle is on the thicker side, though I did not find it to be uncomfortable. There is a metal mesh on top of the nozzle but underneath it should be individual sound bores. The switches are rather small and needs a small, pointy object to be engaged. I ended up using the tip of a ballpoint pen most of the times.



Overall, the typically “solid” build quality one should expect at the asking price.

COMFORT, ISOLATION, AND FIT​

Comfort is fairly good on the Okavango, other than the nozzle which can feel substantial when worn, albeit it was not uncomfortable for me. Isolation is above average with silicone tips and good with foam tips.

SOURCE AND EARTIPS​

I primarily used the Okavango with the Cayin RU7 that helped with the BA timbre in the highs. The Okavango are not power hungry at all and should be easily driven by most dongles in the market.

DRIVER SETUP​

The Hisenior Okavango are 7-driver hybrids, with a four way crossover splitting the driver setup into low, mids, highs, and ultra-highs. The single DD is used for bass frequencies only, whereas the rest of the frequencies are handled by the 6BA drivers. Hisenior does not divulge further information about specific driver types used in construction.

Moreover, there are two tuning switches, resulting in four different combination of the switches (00, 01, 10, 11). These switches can noticeably alter the overall presentation.

TONALITY AND TECHNICALITIES​

As the Okavango have four different tuning choices, It is hard to generalize the sound signature. However, all the tunings are somewhat V-shaped, and the degree of the “steepness” of the curve on either side depends on the tuning mode selected.



Many dynamic + BA hybrids tend to focus less on the performance of the BA driver which results in a slow bass that is highly incoherent against the rest of the (ultra-fast) BA driver array.

Hisenior mostly solves this issue by choosing a dynamic driver with fast transients, so bass notes do not linger or lag behind even in relatively complex tracks. Moreover, there is a physicality to the bass that further enhances the sense of engagement, as can be heard on John Mayer’s Clarity. Mid-bass texture is well-rendered, with heavy snare hits having adequate body.

Mids are tuned in a crowd-pleasing manner. None of the tuning modes offer much upper-midrange prominence, resulting in a slightly laid-back, smooth vocal rendition. Male vocals can sound recessed in bass-heavy tracks, Acoustic guitars and strings do not lose the sharpness of the leading edge, neither do heavy guitar riffs, thanks to the peak near 4kHz.

This peak alone would be problematic if the treble rolled-off from thereon, but the mid-treble peak around 7kHz balances out the forwardness in lower-treble. However, this leads to the tuning coming across as “analytical” in certain source pairings and switch configurations. The bass configuration (first switch up, second one down) aids in this regard and mellows out the signature considerably.

One notable issue is the dry BA timbre that hi-hats or cymbal hits can exhibit. Pairing to a slightly warmer source like Cayin RU7 takes care of the issue to a degree, but the “brittleness” of treble notes remain. I guess it’s one of those concessions you have to make at this price point.

Staging is the widest in the brightest configuration, while imaging is also the most precise when treble mode is engaged. The other three modes either narrow the stage, or add some haziness to the staging. Considering the competition, the staging and imaging on the Okavango range from above-average (bass config) to very good (bright config).

Macrodynamics are rendered exceptionally well, with sudden bass drops or orchestral rises having the “drama” you expect. Microdynamics or subtle shifts in volume are less obvious, which seems to be a case for most hybrid IEMs that I’ve come across.

Overall, really competent tuning and good technicalities result in IEMs that stand out amidst a sea of competition.

SELECT COMPARISONS​

vs Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite​

The Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite are priced slightly lower than the Okavango and have an all-BA setup, with 8 BA drivers taking care of everything. Build is similar between both, but the Orchestra Lite go for a transparent inner-shell which looks better IMO.

Comfort is similar on both, while isolation is better on Orchestra Lite.

When it comes to sound, the Okavango have far superior bass response, there really is no contest here. Bass slam, depth, mid-bass texture – all put the vented BAs on the Orchestra Lite to shame. Mids are slightly smoother on the Orchestra Lite, so is the treble. Okavango have more focus in mid and lower-treble while the upper-treble airiness can be better than the Orchestra Lite in the treble configuration.

Staging is wider on the Okavango, while imaging is similar between both. Dynamics are also superior on the Hisenior IEMs, resulting in a near slam-dunk of the Okavango over the Orchestra Lite.

CONCLUDING REMARKS​

Hisenior quietly released one of the best hybrid IEMs around the USD $300 mark. The tuning switches work well, all four tunings have their place depending on one’s playlist and mood, and the general build and finish is as competitive as anything in this price range.

If I had to improve something, it would be the overall timbre. The timbral mismatch between the bass and treble is quite noticeable.

Then again, if all those things happened, the Okavango would likely be priced considerably higher. There is always a catch after all.

Introduction!
Hello friends!
Today we’ll talk about very cool headphones from the company Hisenior Audio, called Okavango, and they come in a medium-sized and heavy box with a nice design and on the front side the headphones themselves are depicted!
And here at the back are the technical characteristics of the headphones, and 1 dynamic driver and as many as 6 armature drivers are responsible for the sound, and the sensitivity of the headphones is 112dB and they have a 20ohm impedance,and here the address of the manufacturer is also written and what is included in the package!

Let's take a look at what's included!
And the first thing that greets us is a black box!

And inside it there is a cool case that I personally have never seen anywhere before and a separate box with accessories, which we will look at later.

And there are headphones in it, very neatly arranged, and they come in these bags, and in my opinion they look really very good and this design is not often found, medical resin is used here so they are very smooth, and the front panel is like this an additional wooden insert and a rather large Okavango inscription on both headphones!

And there are also two switches nearby, the first one is responsible for low frequencies and it boosts them so noticeably and later I will show you this on the graph, but the second one is responsible for high frequencies and the upper middle and it also has a very noticeable effect!

Well, there’s also one acoustic hole nearby, and according to the standard they got a 2-pin connector that goes exactly flush with the body like this!

And on the inside of the earphone there is a serial number of the model and a marking indicating that this is a right or left earphone, but their nozzle is not the smallest and not the largest, it is quite standard and its diameter is 0.5cm, also one of the advantages I liked is that there are ear pads they cling very tightly due to the fact that the nozzle has this protrusion.

Ergonomics and convenience!
And with the ergonomic fit, of course, everything is excellent here, they fit very tightly in the ears and provide good sound insulation
Accessories!
And of course, where would we be without a cable, it’s a pretty good 4-wire one and practically doesn’t get tangled, it has 2-pin connectors with comfortable earhooks, and the ability to replace the plug, which is important, with any jack 3.5, 2.5 and 4.4!

It’s also worth saying that the manufacturer did not forget about additional accessories,
and here, as you can see, there is everything you need and will be useful, these are two good sets of silicone ear pads, and one set of foam tips, maybe some of you still use them, and there is also a clothespin and an ejector for switching switches on the headphones, and two branded company stickers, and a very smooth branded cloth.

How do these headphones sound?
Well, now friends, let's talk about the most important thing, namely the sound of this model!
And this is what their frequency response graph looks like without using switches, and they are configured
it is very familiar and there is a quite confident amount of bass with a light and neat entry into the mid range and a smooth transition to the upper mid range, in addition to quite long and not bright high frequencies!

And I immediately want to answer the question whether it’s worth using switches or not, and in the end we get such an interesting picture that on the one hand, without using switches, we have a fairly familiar and neutral tuning without obvious dominance of the bass, and on the other hand, when using switches we have a very fun, fun and bass-heavy tuning with insanely booming bass and a more emotional presentation!

And I think it’s cool that there is such an opportunity to just switch and choose something suitable for yourself, I personally liked both options, especially for electronic pop and hip-hop music with switches, this is exactly what you need, but for everything else you can listen and without them, but if you are a basshead, be sure to turn on at least the first switch.
Low Frequencies:
The sub-bass region in these headphones has excellent depth and density, and the midbass complements it well with its weight and mass, and when using the switch, the low frequencies more clearly and noticeably draw attention to themselves and make us immediately understand who is in charge here, it is worth saying that they extend a little into the midrange, but this does not spoil the overall big picture at all, since the bass control is quite good, as well as very long decays, which become especially more noticeable when using the first switch!
Well, of course, there are no problems with textural elaboration here, and the bass may not sound as transparent as in the Simgot EA1000 headphones from the previous review, but nevertheless it is presented as warm and perfectly reproduces and reveals the saturation and distortion of guitars due to this good approaching the lower middle, and it’s worth saying that the kick sounds very emphasized with such a good kick and therefore it doesn’t get lost at all when hit simultaneously with the bass
Mid Frequencies:
Well, the mid frequencies, friends, are what you need, from the first listen I noticed that they are very neutral, have a calm, non-screaming smooth tone, and they are very warm and simply pleasant to the ear, and I liked that finally someone cleaned up the upper mids, so you won’t need to use various filters for the nozzle, so just connect your headphones and listen and enjoy!
And of course, due to this, the female vocals will not let you get tired of their shrillness and brightness, and the drums will simply neatly do their job without obvious and unnecessary emphasis on themselves, as is often the case.
But the instruments sound very sophisticated and natural, with a good and noticeable emphasized attack on the piano and excellent natural timbres with high resolution and the transparency and detail necessary to reveal the range.
High Frequencies:
Well, at the high frequencies of the Okavango, a very familiar and also quite neutral but slightly more musical approach to tuning with moderate, not excessive detail is immediately noticeable if we talk about the sound with the switch turned off, and as a result we have such a warm, neat presentation with moderate, albeit not clearly highlighted, for example, like Simgot EA1000 technicality,but excellent but correct, not excessive shine and an emphasis on hi-hats and crashes with a switch, the situation quite clearly changes; this will be heard on the vocal part and even on the cymbals themselves, since they will be more forward towards you due to their amplification!
And the most important thing that is probably worth saying is that when listening you will not find any sibilance in these headphones, since they are not super demanding on recording quality and do not go too far into hard analytics like the same simgots, so even in heavy metal or rock music with a ton of dirty, distortion-heavy instruments, these headphones still deliver this area very safely on the ear, preventing you from paying attention to any recording problems in the song you're listening to, even with the switches turned on.
Well, it is also worth noting a very good bias in micro and macro details and very noticeable obvious long-lasting tails from reverberation effects that do not end very abruptly but, on the contrary, have a fairly long continuation due to a very good expansion of high frequencies.
Stage and stereo panorama:
And here is the sound stage and visualization:
in the high-senior okavango headphones, it turned out to be not the widest and most stretched out, but rather optimal and correct; there is a fairly good stereo panorama and not a hidden depiction of plans and various images
My conclusion on these headphones:
Hisenior Okavango turned out to be very good headphones with a non-tiring, moderately emotional presentation that is pleasant to the ear, without any sibilance or harsh analytics, where you don’t need to listen to the problems of the recorded material, but just enjoy it, you are also offered two settings to choose from, one for basshead themes who wants to get a clear pumping effect and such a booming bass, and the second option without using switches is a familiar setting for everyone, with a moderate amount of textured bass, and very pleasant, non-tiring mid and high frequencies, and I’m sure everyone will choose the right option for themselves.
Link where you can buy them!
Aliexpress: https://aliexpress.ru/item/1005005980090666.html
Icygenius was with you, I will be glad if you subscribe to my YouTube channel and watch this full review on HISENIOR OKAVANGO !

HISENIOR OKAVANGO: A Sonic Adventure Worth Taking

Introduction: -

Hisenior Audio is a Chinese audio company founded in 2015 and they specialize in handcrafted custom in-ear monitors for musicians, studio engineers and audiophiles. They mostly create multi-balanced armature earphones, as well as hybrid IEMs. Hisenior Okavango is a hybrid 7 Drivers In-ear monitor. It consists of one dual magnet 9.5 mm bio cellular diaphragm dynamic driver for a warm profound bass, 4 Sonion BA for mids and 2 Knowles BA for highs. It is the first IEM in the newest and professional Wild-Nature series by the brand. According to Hisenior Audio, the project aimed to deliver clear, profound, dynamic, and relaxed music symbolizing the Okavango delta. The IEM comes with integrated tuning switches to customize the sound based on the music. The Hisenior Okavango comes in a nice sturdy pelican box with plenty of accessories. The universal version comes for US$ 299. We also like to add here that Hisenior also offers a CIEM version of Okavango which comes for US$ 349.



Specifications: -

• Driver Configuration: 1 Dynamic Driver + 6 Balanced Armature
• Crossover: 4-Way Integrated Crossovers
• Impedance: 20Ω ± 10%
• Freq Response: 10Hz-30Khz
• Sensitivity: 112dB/mW
• Noise Isolation: -20dB
• Tuning Switches: BALANCE/BASS+/SOUNDSTAGE+/VOCAL+

Disclaimer: -

We are thankful to Hisenior for the discounted price for the IEM. We were also delighted with the opportunity to review it.

Packaging & Accessories: -

The Hisenior Okavango didn’t come in an official package, but with all the official accessories, which include Okavango in-ear monitor, 4Core OCC Upgrade Cable with 4.4mm Termination, Pelican Waterproof Protective Case, Clean Fiber Wiper, All Size Ear-Tips a pair each total 8 pairs and a Switch Adjust Pin.




IEM Build & Design: -

The Okavango has both options for Universal as well as Custom Faceplate design. We chose the universal one and it looks beautiful. The universal version of IEMs comes in a pale forest green color while the faceplate is a fusion of sparkly green resin and sand color-stabilized wood. The shell is ergonomically designed to suit and provide decent isolation. The IEM comes with a high-quality OCC cable which is soft and comfortable. The fit is okay, and the isolation is very good, but the shell size could have been a bit smaller for a person having smaller ears.




Sound Analysis: -

Credits: @Soundcheck39

• Tonality: - The tonality of Hisenior Okavango leans towards the warm musical and mid-centric. It is kind of a modern take on the HARMAN IEM target curve providing a smooth coherence from bass to treble yet a very trippy and exciting foot-tapping sound. The Hisenior Okavango has a beautiful musical signature with compromising on technical (which can be somewhat recovered by tuning the switch). The sound is balanced across the spectrum where the bass doesn’t split to mids and highs are airy and right at the point thus can be used for longer listening. Vocals and acoustic instruments sound very natural without even a whiff of BA timbre.


• Lows: - The Hisenior Okavango offers a very profound textured bass. Mid-bass is a bit forward with decent thump and impact while the subbass has decent extension without mudding the mids yet making it a bit musical. With the bass switch turned on, Sub-bass gains more presence and extension. Although surprisingly the mids remain clear and detailed. The upper-mids presence is more prominent than in the balanced mode while the vocals become warmer and especially female vocals sound much better than on the balanced mode. Highs become a bit relaxed and less airy than in the balanced mode while still carrying a good detail retrieval.


• Mids: - The Hisenior Okavango offers a dynamic forward and smooth mids across the frequency. While in balanced mode the male vocals sound much better than the female vocals but with the bass switch turned on the female vocals also improve and become balanced with the male counterparts. The micro details are retrieved easily especially using an analytical source. With the vocal switch turned on the upper-mids become more energetic and fun while the detail retrieval increases across the spectrum.


• Highs: - The best and the unique part of Hisenior Okavango lies in its Treble. The highs are clean and airy without a bit of harshness. There is good extension up towards the end of frequency without being fatigued and spiky. This also shows while listening to saxophone-based tracks such as In Your Eyes by the Weekend where the timbre of saxophone is very organic real and yet airy. With the vocals switch turned on highs become clearer and airier along with adding a little more shimmer to instruments.


• Soundstage & Imaging: - The Hisenior Okavango offers a very intimate soundstage in balanced mode. The width and depth are above average, providing enough space between the instruments yet sounding very cohesive. The imaging is decently above average, but we feel layering could have been a bit better. With both bass and vocals switched on the soundstage improves in both width and depth with more space among the instruments which can be really of help while listening to rock and metal genres. Also, the imaging improves a bit, but we don’t see any improvement in layering.


• Synergy: - After trying it with different sources (Astell and Kern AK100, SP1000m, Dethonray DTR1, DTR1+, Pegasus SG1 Gold, Aune M1p and Tanchjim Space and Space lite dongles) we can confidently say that it synergises well with analytical daps like Dethonray DTR1+ and Tanchjim Space lite in our case. Also, we would like to add that Dethonray SG1 Gold helps in making bass more thumps and hard-hitting. In the case of cables, while high-quality copper cables help in making vocals sweeter and buttery, the silver cable helps in more detail retrieving and increasing the soundstage, but we suggest the use of high-quality UPOCC Copper (Like Rhapsodio Copper, Effect Audio Cadmus) cable to enjoy the Hisenior Okavango at its best, the vocals sound magical.




Conclusion: -

The Hisenior Okavango is a unique offering from Hisenior Audio. After reviewing Hisenior T2 we were very excited about this brand but that reduced after listening to Hisenior Mega5 EST. But we can happily say that Hisenior Audio has made a very strong comeback with Okavango. The best thing about Okavango lies in its beautiful timbre and musical tonality which stands strong like a pillar and doesn’t get affected by its tuning switches. the tuning switches help in listening to different genres of music with only one IEM and yes, the customized offering by Hisenior Audio makes the deal sound much sweeter and Personalized. It is good for longer listening as there is no harshness and details can be heard at low volume thus showing the calibre of the IEM. The only thing we didn’t like about the Hisenior Okavango is its average layering. If you are in the market in search of an item that can sound very musically fun and airy then it’s an easy recommendation from us at Aural Café.

Non-Affiliated Link: -
- https://www.hisenior-iem.com/products/okavangouniversal

Hisenior/Febos Okavango ($299)


i think hisenior is moving towards international market with its new "febos"
and releasing a mid tier iem called okavango using 1dd and 6 ba configuration

build :
another typical chifi resin built, and I'm really gonna be honest that i really hate the green color here, looks cheap and poisonous, not elegant green, even worse with that liquid pattern....

and you know when you have tried a lot of resin iems, you could tell that resin like kara or mooondrop s8 feels thick and full and high quality

well this okavango feels thin and lightweight, not really convincing

the cable has elongated pin for recessed housing but the housing has no recession
cable, making the pin looks a bit out of place, and the cable itself is wrapped in fabric with noticable microphonics, kinda stiff in touch

fit : basically no problem with the housing but the earguide arch does feels too far from my ideal position and the cable stiffness and microphonics-ness could be annoying when walking

tonal : i categorize it as v shaped with elevation mostly on bass and treble area around 7-10khz with somehow balanced midrange

switch : this iem comes with 2 switches the first switch does add a bit of bass
while the second switch add the treble

unfortunately in my unit the right switch is constantly turned on and cannot be toned down even i change the switch position, basically a faulty unit/switch

the bass is fun and thumping especially with switch up, giving fun factor to the music, nice textured bass but not a really tight one

midrange is well tuned avoiding any sibilance/shoutiness and sound balance on both male/female vocal but sometimes i feel the transient edge is a bit blunted some piano/guitar attacks are not really well defined, on FR you see that noticable dip on the 5-6khz, now this does affect the “edge” of vocal and instruments indeed

i see what they're trying to do with the treble but i don't like it, the lower treble 5-6 khz is lowered down for smoothness but adding treble rise around 8-10khz for sparkle....

well for me this dip and rise is too drastic a giving a sense of "detachment" from the rest of the frequency, simply said it doesn't sound cohesive and coherent overall

technical is basically good, maybe just a bit below blessing 3 good, i feel some planars like s12 or timeless is still better overall in resolution but the separation is not as good as okavango

again i feel the technical is bit strange on these because the midrange transient feel blunted thanks to its lower treble drastic dip, but that rise on mid treble area does give a bit sense of extra sparkle and resolution on that area

vs blessing 3 : blessing 3 simply sound more cohesive overall more neutral in tuning but sound colder and not as fun, not my ideal kind of tone either but i'd pick blessing 3 over okavango due to better build, fit, and simply sound more cohesive and resolving overall

in the end for me... it's not bad... but since right now there are some more competitive iems around its price point and even cheaper planars like timeless and s12 due to simply similar resolution, better transient edge and cohesiveness
this doesn't sound competitive enough for now at least for me

The HiSenior Okavango Universal IEM
Named after one of the largest jungle regions in the world, the Okavango IEM has both a slightly unique sound while still offering HiSenior’s take on a HARMAN reference tune.

Who is HiSenior?
They make the $549.00 Mega5EST a 2EST/2BA/1DD Hybrid, the $239.00 Mega5P.........a 4BA/1DD Hybrid and the T4, a 4BA IEM.......just to name a few. In reality besides the Okavango..........they make 5 different audiophile cables and 5 other IEMs of coming-in at both greater and lesser cost………many of them also CIEMs.

Cables:
Air8S
Air4C
Mix2Dragon
Mix4G
WhiteWhale

IEMs:
T2
T2 CIEM
T4
T4 CIEM
Okavango
Okavango CIEM
Mega5P
Mega5 EST
Fe8
Fe8 CIEM
Fe12 CIEM

Cases:
HiSenior 1010A 2 IEM case

This review will be about the Okavango Universal IEM and the upgrade White Whale aftermarket cable.

Let's get going............

Comparisons:
Interestingly enough............side-by-sides can go at the end of one of my reviews, or the start. Comparisons are both a way to finalize an explanation of an IEM's tone, or introduce tuning ideas at the start.

The Penon Neo5 (4BA X 1DD Hybrid)
$279.00
https://penonaudio.com/isn-audio-neo-5.html

The Sound Rhyme SR7 (6BA X 1DD Hybrid)
$369.00
https://penonaudio.com/sound-rhyme-sr7.html

The HiSenior Okavango (6BA X 1DD Hybrid)
$299.00
https://penonaudio.com/Hisenior-Okavango

I chose these three (to compare) primarily based on price, that and the fact that the other two IEMs represent new 2023 build and tuning ideas. Such comparisons are important to explain subjective sound value and possibly construction/methodology ideas. The other fun part of comparing these three has to do with tuning, as both the Neo5 and the SR7 have way more bass. The SR7 has a tuning switch to lessen the bass presence, and yes it comes closer with that to the Okavango, but there are still many differences, which we will get into. So this introduction is slightly convoluted, yet still if you were on the fence as to which of these three IEMs to get, the preceding may help? Or of course if you were wanting differences and looking for complementary sound responses, this section helps explain that too. Here while wanting to use the aftermarket White Whale cable, I refrained............and used the included Okavango cable.

The Okavango v The Sound Rhyme SR7:
This test takes place with just how the switch settings are when they arrive. All up on both pairs. SR7 offered a bigger and more dynamic sound, seemingly spread-out farther into infinity, and while you know there was more bass, the SR7 still somehow sounded even, and correct, which may be due to balance with-in itself? The Okavango offers a crisper, more controlled stage, almost offering an exact imaging into performance, to make the SR7 seem unnaturally wide. Still, this makes me want to switch to the White Whale as the White Whale added bass and stage which made the SR7 and Okavango closer to the same. To try and get to the bottom of this comparison, the Okavango is less flamboyant and more universally correct, it is like the suit and tie guy, in comparison to the wild dress of an entertainer. The Okavango is more straight-laced, the SR7 more uncontrolled and wild. It’s super hard to critique both on the fact that they are different yet still entertaining to no end. The heavy bass of the SR7 and balancing highs, leave the listener not perturbed yet fulfilled, same as the more careful and in-the-end correct demeanor of the Okavango goes ahead to showcase that you can still be complete and correct with-out going overboard. Honestly I can’t choose, they are in a way complementary. I wish I could find fault here, with either one? I would probably have to go way back to the early days of Head-Fi and could maybe find a few (sound engineers) that would prefer the carefulness of the Okavango, and hold that as a value over the all-out flamboyance of the SR7?

The Penon Neo5 v The Okavango:
Laughingly as I was going over this list once more I realized that I was making my life harder rather than easier by choosing such a battle. Especially once I got into the side-by-sides…..I mean people who are reading this are out for blood, yet we are not going to find any. As it seems today, and with what market leaders that (being what they are) are found................that the battle is more about showing differences and not faults. Now it’s important to note that the Neo5 was introduced with a different cable. Yep, upon first release the Neo5 had the ISN S8 cable. After a week in the wild it was discovered that the Neo5 was way, way better with the ISN S4 cable, so that is what we are using. And a little bit of improvements can be viewed as parallel to upgrading the Okavango to the White Whale cable. Except the S4 brought about clarity in pace and imaging, seemingly moving the vocals forward, sculpturing the Neo5 bass and increasing imaging and pace. Later I will get (fully) into the White Whale cable, but it improves the stage of the Okavango and adds bass and lower midrange density among other things. Still the resulting White Whale is bringing-up Okavango clarity too, as an end result.

ISN Neo5:
In some ways reviewing the Neo5 has left me with a knowing, the Neo5 showing itself to be an old friend, even though it just came out. This is what happens when you go about the total effort to review an IEM. And even though I didn’t have the preferred ISN S4 cable to do the (Neo5) review, I did use a number of aftermarket cables during the review process. One thing of note is how the ISN S4 cable size physically appears exactly like the included Okavango cable. One is silvery grey and the other white. More Bass, that’s the first thing you notice, then the fact that the stage is bigger. But more than that (and of possibly a more important value here) is that there is an introduced spatialization here in where the vocals sit, it’s like someone moved the speakers in a room. Just way bigger in presentation. A floating spectacle of hovering forwardness in vocals and even splashy instrumentation out into the outskirts of our mind……ahhh….......I mean hearing? I’m going to tear-up here……I’m sorry, I can’t write, this is beautiful, though it’s probably the music not the IEMs?

Gosh, the Neo5? How do I ever compare these two?
I like the Neo5 better. So there? Remember when your parents said honesty is the best policy? Still let me find a way around this, at least something that reads as presentable on paper? This is the part where as reviewers we can try and take out subjectivity, out of the equation? I say this as I’m still going to give the Okavango a super score, I mean listen to it, how can you not? And there was a time when the S8 Neo5 could be perceived as bass heavy……..and it could still be perceived as having too much bass with ISN S4 use? Still with this S4 cable with the Neo 5....….is the cat’s meow, it really is!

Anyways:
To try and salvage this comparison, to try and get a slightly more objective viewpoint to come to terms with what the Okavango is and can be with a purchase………the Okavango is big sounding and has a sound which is both beautiful and correct. In fact there are many aspects that could in fact make the Neo5 sound sloppy. Because in many ways there is a better technicality to how the Okavango comes off? And the Okavango stage is still average, just not gigantic like the Neo5. And vocals while sitting really in the perfect place...........they don’t quite have the size of the Neo5, but are totally immersive nonetheless. I would have to say the feeling I get from the Okavango is not like a jungle at all, it is of a well taken care of household. Where the jungle is wild, filled with wild animals and uncontrolled growing plants of all styles. Really the Okavango belongs to the city, maybe Japan where everything is correctly placed and (what you see) is in controlled order? That’s the beauty in Okavango playback, and due to this carefulness, I can listen all day. It just doesn’t offer that uncontrolled wildness, that full-on emotion that pulls your heartstrings like the Neo5. And remember me saying there was no blood in this battle, well there is some bruising!



Okavango

Highlights:
1) Hybrid 7-Drivers/ 4-Ways Integrated Crossover

2) Tuning Switch with 4 sound profiles

3) Harman IEM Target Curve referred Tuning, Smooth Coherence from Bass to Treble,

4) Well-detailed and Clean Top Instrumental Definition

5) 10Hz-30KHz

6) Ergonomic Design, Small Ear friendly

7) New Custom Logo + CNC processed half wood and half pearl resin tech applied

Cable:
1.2m length OCC silver-plated Litz structure, black and silver mixed, provides 3-in-1 modular (2.5mm/3.5mm/4.4mm plugs).

Specifications:
Drivers : 1DD+6BAs
Tuning 4-Ways Integrated Crossover (Passive)
Frequency Response: 10Hzz-30Khz
Sensitivity:112db@1mW
Impedance: 20Ω±10%
Distortion: 0.5%±0.1%
Noise Isolation:-20db
Warranty: 1 Year (IEM only)

Package:
Okavango In-ear Monitor
HiSenior Carry Case
8Pairs Silicone Ear-tips (L/M/S)
2Pairs Foam Ear-tips (M)
Clean Cloth
Cable Clip
Switch Adjust Pin



Shown here is the White Whale cable and included cable to the right.


Cable Change-outs:
The HiSenior White Whale TOTL cable v The included cable, The ISN G4, and The Penon SPACE cable:
Such antics can occur here at Redcarmoose Labs due to curiosity? I mean you are supplied with a great cable. Really the ergonomics and build are top-notch. The included cable comes with an easy and confident 3-in1 Multi-plug. There is also a slight resemblance that can be noted that both cables are made by the same company. Where the included cable is not even thin, like some included cables are. In fact the included cable rides that perfect area where it’s robust in construction, yet not cumbersome in use.

I spent almost two solid weeks testing the Okavango, after 100 hours of burn-in, subsequent changes took place in regards to driver smoothness and cohesiveness. The stance was of slightly deeper bass, more real bass and a uniform yet exciting direction of Harman. The top-end also seemed to open-up and show an integrated (clearer) demeanor……also well integrated for a Hybrid. The Sony WM1A with MrWalkman’s aftermarket firmware was utilized. Most of my listening was via my standard wide-bore silicone ear-tips.

Included cable:
This may sound a little crazy but I took a long break from the Okavango; I did other reviews and heard a bunch of other stuff, just to get my ears right for this test. I also did a quick listen with the White Whale cable to get an approximation of its sound, beforehand. And surprisingly the White Whale is really an upgrade here. Truthfully I wanted this section to say the differences were not that drastic, yet that was not the case. The White Whale was slightly warmer and added a filled-up nature, it changed the size of the stage and bass additions, and even seemed slightly louder. Smoother, louder and more rich, what can I say….I just write down what I hear? My issue is of course that the White Whale is $96.00 by itself and that is 1/3 of our Okavango cost! Still I can’t help but relate my experiences here? Where stock (cable) the Okavango is fine, just slightly less open or filled-in, still if you had nothing else you probably wouldn’t be any the wiser? Meaning stock Okavango IEM with stock cable gets you 90% of the possible tone available.

https://penonaudio.com/Hisenior-White-Whale-Cable.html

But that extra 10% is the reason we’re here, right? That small 10% becomes an entire world once we start strangely focusing on it. And…..I must say, the White Whale is not necessarily designed for the Okavango, except it really did dial the Okavango into a better place adding all that was needed. Primarily you would call it thickness, for lack of a better word? This White Whale is HiSenior’s TOTL cable and designed for use with many of their products, except here with the Harman Tune provided the White Whale adds a slight authority and warm smoothness, where the included cable was slightly more digital sounding?

Lets see if we can out-do the White Whale?
Yep, there is more than one way to skin-a-cat here. We are choosing the Penon Space cable due to it being a Head-Fi favorite with the HiSenior Okavango. On paper the Penon Space is adding stage and opening the Okavango up, also the more time I spend with the Space the more I realize that it truly is adding a slight bit of treble energy too? This may read differently than my Penon Space Cable review, but that is the reality in cable testing, that more time goes by and with the more IEMs you interface with a cable, new realities are discovered.

The Penon SPACE cable v The White Whale cable:
My gosh, the SPACE is fantastic here. And….more so being that after 100 hours of burn-in and some mental acclimation, I’m in the zone. This zone is mesmerized, due to just how correct the Okavango is anyway, except this SPACE cable goes to add a quality. That SPACE quality is spatial imaging with a slight forwardness in difference from the included cable. Also strangely I was going to write about the SPACE ergonomics and the fact that the SPACE often responds with cable noise in regards to the stethoscope effect, but none of that is found with these IEMs, I don’t know why? I mean sure you can hear a little bit with the music paused, but there is no inclusion during playback?

Going back to the White Whale once more (with the sound off) there is zero microphonics. And while wonderfully expanded from the stock cable provided, the imaging is of a slightly lesser (in-size) stance. Not so up-front and in-your-face as the SPACE, I could even go so far as to call the White Whale as a degree more relaxed, except that gives the wrong impression also. In fact, this White Whale may be just the ticket here…….showing slightly less forward energy? Really I’m splitting hairs here, as both cables would be a grand advantage over stock, really coming down to maybe if you had other uses for the SPACE, then it would be advantageous to have, but still I can’t get over the White Whale? The fact that it may be slightly less energetic than the SPACE, and as a result showing a slight deepness in the bass? A kind-of profound smoothness that is charming, while still offering the stage expansion?

Next up The ISN G4 v The White Whale:
On paper the ISN G4 will bring the properties of Graphene to the table. Such metal attributes have their very own character……..which is both an expansion into the stage of imaging, yet of a more tame style than silver, offering-up a smoother, slightly less bright rendition. Truth to be stated, the ISN G4 is a regularly used cable power-house, one that is relied upon to deliver the goods on a regular basis here at Redcarmoose Labs. Having to go back and keep reintroducing the two cables in side-by-sides comparisons shows the differences are pretty slim if any? Meaning yes, we are still getting the separation of the G4, except this White Whale turns out to have its own special magic to deliver? While the White Whale is showcasing a more even and almost “normal” stage while adding lower midrange density, which the ISN G4 (slightly mixes-up) doing just what it does on a regular basis? It’s the G4 subtle repositioning of stage attributes, the fact that the White Whale has its own charm, yet both are so very equal in abilities, funny too, on second thought they are priced almost identical?

While both ISN G4 and The White Whale are improvements over the stock cable, I’m not sure I can recommend the ISN G4 as better than the White Whale in this test? And that ends with really being a complement to the White Whale, and remember too, the White Whale has the ear-hooks which could be a benefit in use with the Okavango? But to sum-up this test, both the White Whale and G4 were slightly less energetic than the SPACE, where this more forward imaging and also included with the outward “SPACING”...........could be a wanted thing with the Okavango, as all three were great, yet the SPACE was the most energetic, and in-your-face? Where probably the White Whale was a fraction more laid-back, but even that isn’t the word, but it had the best bass, and accentuated what bass there was with the Okavango.............and so forth made the Okavango special?

Cable conclusion:
Well it also can’t go overlooked that in fact the ISN G4 brought about a more tailored Bass in use with the Okavango. Such Bass personality is unique to the ISN G4, and often becomes what listeners are smitten with while listening to the G4. And while the White Whale didn’t bring such refined personalities to the Bass, what it did do was talked about at the start, a fuller sound and denser bass and lower midrange emphasis, offering an effortless wider-stage than what was encountered from the stock cable. I just realized where they got the name for the White Whale, due to maybe stage size? Still it wasn’t the biggest going up against the SPACE replay, and still that was fine? But to summarize this nonsense, it was really the feeling of how the White Whale was built, just the ergonomics in that it was silent in use (while not totally able to be coiled in place) was also effortless in use?




Sound:
After the side-by-sides, a new view of the Okavango was discovered. Yet, it’s all good. I’ve got one word for you. HARMAN, yep HARMAN. Except the word can mean many things……..like there is budget TINHIFI HARMAN, then there………well let’s concentrate on what HARMAN is. Because there are a few ways to do it. Mainly if it’s not boring I’m game for it. And the Okavango HARMAN is about as far from boring as you can get. Still it has a careful and controlled bass. I wasn’t going to include a graph but maybe it’s important here? As you can see there are two response curves for 3/4 of the graph, at least up to 3kHz. And that’s fine, we will eventually get to what the tuning switches do. But how can you do the sound section without talking about the tuning switches? Because I’m doing the sound section concentrating on the UU position. Why? Because it’s my review.

Back to other boring HARMAN tunes, here maybe it’s the bass, or the balance, or maybe just maybe it’s the realism from all the drivers (all 7 of them) in action that they are able to subvert any boredom?

Treble:
A few owners have remarked about the space held inside of the treble. And they say it’s fine, but they wish there was more? I mean you are posting after just dropping $299.00 and reporting in? And after my run of side-by-sides, I get that.....except the other aspect to what they are saying……..that the Okavango is fine. Now what is fascinating about that comment is in a way it describes HARMAN. Can you believe it? Meaning there is a balance and at times, that balance walks a line between a lot and a little boring. But most of all it kinda shows where we are at tone wise. Especially if we are on the not-boring side, where we are residing. One of the first things I do to analyze this phenomena is to access different playback devices. Meaning I want to know if there is a distribution of character about the WM1A that with MrWalkman’s firmware is making the stage for the treble to exist abnormally wide, or extra interesting.......or something. So a quick change over to my Shanling UA3 is a great comparison test tool. And nope, the treble is still the same, yet the bass and stage are still great, it is just totally entertaining.......but in a conservative and wholesome way…..HARMAN! Where itemization is not super bright or in-your-face, and nothing is too far back either. The Okavango is well rounded and balanced and performs great from a phone, a DAP or a Dongle. Yet at the same time is resolving enough that it will show you the character of your source, in a subtle and subdued way. Some could even call this a lack of detail, but I beg to argue that fact?



Midrange:
So…..do you see the peak at 2.4 kHz and the dip at 3 kHz, only to raise at 4 kHz? Careful and controlled and with just enough contrast (due to BAs) to make life fun. We can’t really do a midrange section without first describing the tuck at 80Hz all the way to 600Hz. That is what never ever interferes with our mids, that and the balance at the two upper midrange peaks, to go ahead and delineate our tone. All and all so carefully done, and such replay adds to our amazement in that the Okavango is both well rounded, and fun.

Kind-of like that subdued girl you knew in school, yes……..she was careful and nerdy, except still widely interesting once you started-up a conversation. She was sophisticated beyond her years…..that’s the Okavango! Oh…..I almost forgot to mention the timbre……super well done….in fact totally realistic with almost no metallic timbre tone. This year of 2023 has been the grouping of good BA timbre…..and the Okavango continues the quest in flying colors! It’s almost a given now that popular multi BA IEMs will have successful timbre, a far cry from what BAs were in 2019.

Bass:
Bass, what do you want me to say? It’s strangely satisfying without ruining the show. I mean I like bass, so if this was an example of anemic bass it would be an issue. Maybe the 4 way crossover delineates it? Because I can see how if you took (a few) dBs of bass out, the whole signature would offer a different stance. That is how careful this line the Okavango walks. But strangely it sounded great from any source?

Is Bass activated by source?
As kind of a new (Redcarmoose Labs) exploration into IEMs and sources, I will try and relay what bass differences I hear as different sources are put into place. This concept (of different sources used) really affects everything as far as tonal character, though at times (maybe) bass would be considered more important? Yet there is another aspect of replay that I want to emphasize here. It’s two fold, being that in my comparisons I noted how the bass was a little less than the Neo5 and SR7. Yet the important thing is how no matter what we do to the Okavango, the bass character remains roughly the same. This as a concept is super important, and goes to relay the fact that you can’t hurt the Okavango bass even by completely changing sources. So while it is a careful style of bass, its still not totally detailed, yet adequate as far as delivering the goods. Meaning the bass is not slow or fast or standout-ish? It’s crazy………..as it is utilitarian and satisfying, and just right. It’s tight and shows a form of detail, yet there could be an area where the whole bass is simply there and doing its job but not overly detailed? So you could imagine how this character of bass would send me off on tangents to learn just how much we could change the character by different sources. Yep!


Note the infamous silicone wide-bore ear-tips, eventually these were the tips I settled in use on. Lucky I got one photograph of them in action, as they were fantastic with the Okavango!

HiBy R3II with White Whale cable:
I spent half of the night as well as a good portion of the morning with this set-up. Such a set-up would have you guess slightly less bass than some following gear? Yet, once again the Okavango is resisting change and coming through with a great bass tone. Being that I have set myself-up for descriptions, the differences are yet, totally inconsequential to even deserve talking about. And that’s a good thing here, yep the bass is full, musical and satisfying….enough said.

The Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03 with White Whale cable:
Now the crazy thing is there is really no difference, between the HiBy R3II and the TA. That lends itself to speculation, as these IEMs nowadays are suppose to be transparent, and yes, some other IEMs made by other manufactures are wildly transparent enough to warrant a different amp to change the bass character. But I will level with you……the difference could even be phycological in nature? Meaning you hear an IEM from a different source and you have expectation bias as to the source personality, seemingly finding it when in fact it’s the same. This review isn’t about sources, so I will try and keep this short. I used the Okavango with lots of sources and it was always the same, which was a good thing.

A phone? What?
Finally, after trying to cause trouble with the Okavango I switched to 3.5mm, and brought my test subject to an old Samsung phone. Surely this can’t be good? And sure enough the stage was slightly compressed, itemizations were less spread-out and separated, yet the tone, and the bass character was (while smaller) remained pretty much the same. And this extreme proves my point, that the tone of the Okavango remains consistent. Now obviously after the contrast between players, I did learn that I liked the Shanling UA3 Dongle as well as the HiBy R3II as middle of the road examples of playback, but there was no way the small added stage and resolution from the TA would have me even value it as that much different. And I’m sure newer readers that own the new crop of modern IEMs will already understand this concept, as overall tone remains unmovable with different sources, but imaging and technicalities and far as stage change slightly…………..depending on source chosen.


The DIP-switches:
These switches remind me of the SR7 in placement and description? Let’s see what they do? The Okavango arrived with the switches in the UU position. I thought that just like the identical SR7 switch placement upon arrival, HiSenior wanted to suggest this as the best way to go, but offer options to those aspiring to other tones?

DIP-switches:
Your Okavango will come with both switches in the up position. I found this to be my favorite. And while I would like to report such switches were a success, because they were, the UU was the way to go. Also note (included) graph that changes were not always consistent across the four switches, that there was basically two sound profile to a certain point in the upper mids. After that point there was noticeable differences in treble, but it was never actualized farther out into the stage as a treble technicality.

All-up: Soundstage +
This must be manufacturer preferred as it offers the widest stage? I just went with it, getting to know the Okavango. Probably all-up was showing-off technicalities? Later going to the POP setting (all-down) was the total opposite, and the switches really do something here to control tone.

All-down: Balanced
Tell me, how do you even know the benefits of both-up until you try the opposite? Such as the stage deficit here, I would probably opt for more stage?

One-up/two-down: Bass +
Funny as I was expecting a lot of bass, but this setting is good too. Probably one I won’t be using, but nothing wrong with it, the reason I say this is that vocals are still really well maintained. Never is any one setting bad………

One-down/two-up: Vocal +
My gosh, they were not kidding when they described what is in-action here. Absolutely beautiful here. Man, this is great…..simply more vocals, but not too forward.

The Okavango faceplate and shell designs:
It should be noted the HiSenior offers a wide ranging aesthetic choices as far as build materials and colors. Such examples can offer a message of self-expression if you’re not game for the Okavango Jungle Motif. If anything the striking tones shown in contrast of wood and green sparkle seem to do it for me? Yet who knows, what dramatic or subdued color choices you can come up with? Still there is nothing wrong with the stock build, as I have gone out of my way to photograph here.

Build:
While part of the amazement seems that the build is incredibly like the SR7. Really the two even though made by different companies show more than one commonality? The driver configuration, the offering of a custom faceplate and shell. The switches? The way location and construction of the single air-vent? The nozzle material made of metal with the screen placement and wire material? Even the actual diameters of the nozzles circumferences seem identical? While each Okavango offers its own individual serial number the SR7 does not. Probably the biggest difference (as shown in photos) is the SR7 shows a longer length shell profile. Not only is it longer but shows to be ever so slightly taller when looked at from the side. When in reality the SR7 and Okavango medical grade resin construction offer identical overall fit and feel? Also the semi-universal custom shape of both models offer noise occlusion, and a snug fit for everyone. The most crazy aspect separating the two starts to be noted with the narrowness of the SR7 faceplate? Where you would be forgiven for thinking the Okavango is actually bigger simply by staring directly down upon its faceplate……when it’s really slightly smaller in the end? Flush 2Pins work super well and accept all cables. Though (as normal) the nozzle length found goes to proclaim the most noticeable factor in getting correct fit. It can be said that everything in construction lends to fit, and while weight is a factor………..the Okavango, just like the SR7 is 5 grams a piece. In our testing today the Neo5 did show a smaller size with being 4 grams a piece in weight. Really at this point in time, with how advanced construction has become in regards to fit, they really can’t be criticized in the least? Hence also due to construction……..noise occlusion is also a side-effect of such a careful and complete fit! The fit and feel are truly out of this world, where hypoallergenic resins finish off the pleasure of wearability?



Packaging:
Note actual product packaging photo show an extra collection of silicone ear-tips which I didn't receive.




Music:
Due to following the Harman tune, we are truly gifted with a well rounded Okavango playback, success in multiple music genres can be found, success with multiple sources can be used, though take note that the bigger the stage in the music file means the bigger the outcome into your ears. All testing done with the UU switch settings on the Okavango.



In case you didn't notice the Blade Runner description in the apex of the review, the singularly best description you will find today. All in a nut-shell.

Hans Zimmer & Benjamin Wallfisch
Blade Runner 2049 OST
Mesa
44.1 kHz - 16 bit
The question is finding such large and space expanded music……..is it cheating? Still I’m looking for a way in here, not out. And while we know the Okavango does respond to staging differences, the other technicalities like note-weight and tone are fairly forgiving of file type or source. But yes, here we are going for it……trying to make the large Okavango jungle environment as described by the manufacturer. And you know what……..maybe it’s the music? Maybe it’s the MrWalkman’s firmware in the DAP? The WM1A maybe? Except this whole deal is way bigger than I thought, spread-out in a more detailed manner, and controlled manner.....bigger than I ever dreamed possible? All I can say is after burn-in and with the right source, you should visit this Okavango Jungle? Much of this may be due to a style of bass that comes-off exactly clear, with no added filagree to promote distortion? Such bass finds itself both controlled, yet not at all sterile. Seemingly spread way out, differently positioned than the previously guessed character. Where this OST offers-up LARGE washes of bass-tone in the past, now it’s going to the limits of perfect stratifications of bass, controlled...... yet somehow wonderfully detailed too? Who knew? The start is with the piano notes, slightly set back......yet holding great timbre. Then they start to come……the careful bass drops…......yep, all I could ask for. In many ways I’m learning this IEM all over again, and that’s what good music can do, it can make an IEM that you have spent two weeks getting to know become fully actualized into being its best. While not the biggest stage, it is wonderfully controlled, and I could see many loving this just for what it is in the end?



DCD
Within The Realm Of A Dying Sun
Windfall
88.2 kHz - 24 bit
This song gives way to tell the tale of dramatics and stage, or at least the inevitable reality of those items heard? While again not the biggest, and not the most forward in presentation, there is both a harmonious interaction, and a far-away-ness? A carefulness of persona? Yet a completeness too? This somehow becomes the total opposite of the last OST heard? Not bad in any way, but showcasing the overly correct and reserved demeanor found in the Okavango. With this Windfall song, it is asking for more volume to get the thrills. It is what it is? In so many ways this single song is a sketch of a song, no vocals, only the most rudimentary of ideas explored. There is still an earthy bass presence, maybe it is just in contrast to the last album, as it is difficult to have any sort of thrill like the last album proclaimed?



DCD
Within The Realm Of A Dying Sun
Dawn Of The Iconoclast
88.2 kHz - 24 bit
Ahh…back to the normal programming here. Vocals arrive! The 5th song out of 8 songs on the album and they release Lisa Gerrard’s vocal performance. The fanfare of the opening instrumentation gives us a clue as to what is/was up. Probably it’s the note-weight that makes this be ultimately what it is, and the value it becomes as far as entertainment, that and of course the timbre. We talked about timbre before in this review and this song simply goes ahead to prove such technicalities exist once more. And in many ways this album is the opposite from the first Hans Zimmer OST. In that sure the stage is big, but not Blade Runner 2049 big? You get my message here I hope…….that while seemingly well put together in playback, the stage is filled with activity, and as such music that is big like the Blade Runner OST get the distribution of size into a reality during playback…………..and that size and grandeur is provocative and real…….and it becomes a place you want to visit but never leave………..hence a style of vacation. Hence the honesty and realism of the Okavango, that it simply plays back the stage you offer it to do…..and at times its average and at times it seems bigger than ever, but never the biggest you have heard.




Conclusion:
There you have it, my first HiSenior Review. Now while not perfect, the Okavango has a way it carries itself. I don’t feel the need to go on further as I have fully made my point, especially if you have read the above. I mean that’s what reviews are in the end, an explanation on an IEM's tone and overall performance. So now comes to the place of value judgment…..and due to the correctness and evenness…..and completeness found in the Okavango Jungle.........I do recommend the Okavango, how could I not? Though really I don’t see a Jungle personality at all here? It’s more dressed-up formal and meant for domestic affairs. Where the jungle is wild, full of unexpected life and events of happenstance. The Okavango finds itself fit and proper, never going too far in any one direction. The Okavango personality finds itself at a dinner table, maybe in public......maybe in a restaurant, or a home with guests. Yep…..you know the score............acting with correct manners and etiquette, truly the opposite of a beast........more of a gentleman of respect. Such respect comes from always following the rules and never going out of line. With that said, get the Okavango some stage to chew on and be prepared to be floored, at least I was?

$299.00
https://penonaudio.com/Hisenior-Okavango

$96.00
https://penonaudio.com/Hisenior-White-Whale-Cable

Disclaimer:
I want to thank Penon Audio for the love and for the Okavango Universal IEM review sample.

Disclaimer:
I want to thank Penon Audio for the love and for the White Whale review sample.

Disclaimer:
These are one person's ideas and concepts, your results may vary.

Equipment Used:
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
Samsung Phone 3.5mm
Shanling UA3 Dongle 4.4mm
HiBy R3II 4 DAP 4.4mm

NOTES:

The Hisenior Okavango is another recent release from the company whose claim to fame is supplying music professionals (prosumers) with their iems. Now they have branched out in a big way into the consumer market. Still in the “regular” consumer space they are not a well-known entity and this is really a shame as the products I have had the pleasure of listening to have all been very good to excellent. My recent Hisenior T4U review can attest to Hisenior’s capabilities and tuning prowess.

Retailing at $299, discounted from $374, the Okavango is placed in a price range rife with competition. That being said this is an ambitious release from Hisenior both on the technical front and with respect to sound.

The driver compliment that the Okavango brings to the table includes a single Custom 9.5mm dual magnet Bio-cellular Diaphragm partnered with six balanced armature drivers, all under the control of a 4-Way integrated crossover. The Okavango also sports a dual tuning switch setup as seen on the T4U. Via these switches the sound can be tailored. The different sound settings are Bass+, Soundstage+, Vocal+ and Balanced, which are sensible in my opinion.

Fairly easy to drive the Hisenior Okavango does benefit from more capable sources and I was very happy driving it with the E1DA 9038S G3 dongle. Tip selection while still important seemed less critical than the other Hisenior iems I have. Still taking the time to get the right tips that will lead to a good seal and add to the overall synergy is more than recommended.

For the sake of this review the majority of listening was carried out with the switches set to “Balanced”. I found to my ears this sounded most pleasing and…….balanced…..

SPECS:





BUILD, FIT & QUALITY:

The Hisenior Okavango is a beautiful IEM and the manufacturer does provide a good selection of custom faceplates as well as other customization options. Fit and finish are top notch as well with the smooth resin shells done flawlessly.

The Okavango is on the large side of medium in size but its shape afforded a very secure and comfortable fit. At no time during long listening session was there any discomfort.

The unit I had was a loaner and as such I did not have the full retail package. A quick google search revealed that it was the same as with other Hisenior earphones coming with a larger but very durable carrying case and a good selection of tips. There is an option of a cable, other than stock, for an additional modest fee. This “White Whale” cable is available through the company’s website at a discounted price if ordered with the Okavango.

The Hisenior is a quality product from start to finish. Well done.

SOUND:

BASS:

The Okavango bass is characterized by a smooth presentation while retaining a good measure of detail. Bass goes deep here with a nicely balanced feel. “Angel” by Massive Attack has a driving bass line with a clearly audible texture to it. The Okavango relayed these details well, if not necessarily class leading. On the Robert Glasper Trio’s incredible track “No Worries” the acoustic bass was easily isolated in the mix sounding nicely thick and rounded. Again, quite pleasing yet not class leading with respect to absolute definition, something the Okavango’s stablemate the T4U excels at. “No Limit” by Marcus Miller again showcased the Okavango’s bass as having a pleasing thick roundness to it while still having decent detail.

With respect to impact, the kick drum on “Chocolate Chip Trip” by Tool was impactful, tight and clean with little overhang or added resonance.

Overall, the Okavango offers a bass that while not basshead in quantity is more than convincing enough to serve as a solid foundation to any track. It is a balanced low end that many will find pleasing.



MIDRANGE:

The midrange of the Hisenior Okavango is delivered with a smoothness that can be alluring. There is a good balance between macro and micro details here with macro taking a slight lead. There is no harshness to speak of, yet with the switches set to “Vocal+” the upper midrange and treble did take on a spiciness that I found distracting at times.

Midrange resolution is good but not class leading as per the smoother delivery. Likewise for layering and separation, which wile the Okavango rarely sounded congested yet was again bested by its stablemate the T4U. In that same vein we have timbre which while not perfect is pleasing enough. The midrange of the Okavango is not boring at all and can be lively when the source material calls for it. There is a warmth in the mids that adds to the overall sonic character as well.

Transients are handled well with the Okavango not coming off as overly fast nor slow. Dynamic passages are also done well with pleasing impact.

The midrange of the Hisenior Okavango is like a comfortable blanket. It is unassuming and welcoming. Though while listening to the Okavango, I often felt that I was listening to music as opposed to being pulled in and being an active participant, it was still a pleasurable experience. While comparatively not the best with respect to any one metric, it does achieve a balance that suits long listening sessions well.




TREBLE:

Treble is moderately extended and detailed with a reasonable amount of air and sparkle. With the switches set to “balanced’ the treble does stand out on the Okavango and is arguably the best part of its sound signature. With the Vocal+ or Soundstage+ setting I found that a touch of crispness being not quite natural was heard.

The treble has a sweetness to it that is well done. On “Vanston Place 12am” by Ronny Jordan, the treble elements were cleanly conveyed sounding both distinct and musical. Nicely done.




IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE:

The Hisenior Okavango offer a moderately sized soundstage, being more intimate than expansive. No one dimension stands out here with depth being somewhat less apparent than height and width. “Stimelah” by Hugh Masekela highlighted the modest sized soundstage with good instrument placement.

Nothing out of the ordinary was noted here and the Okavango never sounded congested nor constrained.




VERSUS:

-Hisenior T4-

Stablemates but different is so many ways. The T4 sports a four balanced armature driver compliment proving once again that less is more.

Bass is thicker on the Okavango but more detailed with greater speed on the T4U. The Okavango has the lead with bass prominence but with respect overall bass quality the T4U gets the nod.

With the midrange the T4U leads on detail retrieval as well as layering and separation. Transients are also sharper with the T4U while still being natural. The T4U also gets the nod in being more organic in sound delivery than the Okavango.

With respect to the treble thing get much closer. The T4U still offers the greater level of detail but the Okavango has a slightly sweeter tone. Choose your poison.

Both of these earphones are very good at what they do which is music reproduction. That being said, I choose the T4U over the Okavango.






CONCLUSION:

Hisenior has my attention as they consistently release quality gear. The Okavango is yet another product from this company that follows this trend.

Having now listened to a number of Hisenior’s products I can say with all confidence that I have not heard a bad one yet, far from that.

The Hisenior Okivango is a smooth operator favoring this type of sonic footprint rather than the hyper-detailed and technical sonics of some of its competitors, not to mention the added flexibility of its available tuning modes. It is also well suited to long listening sessions with its fatigue free sound.

If this is the type of sound you are after the Hisenior Okavango should be on your shortlist.

Hisenior Okavango



Disclaimer

The Okavango is my first IEM from Hisenior, I bought it with my own money with a review discount. All impressions are my own subjective thoughts, after having used Okavango for some weeks.
This is also a very subjective hobby where everything from experience, anatomy or age will affect what we hear. Also keep in mind that it is easy to use bold words when talking about differences, while it may be perceived as a small change for you. While I can perceive something as natural sounding, I do believe we can never get a perfect performance similar to what is achieved live.



About me and my gear used for the review

My audio preference is neutral with increased low end, mids can be forward but not too much. I can also handle some treble spikes if it is not excessive. I am a believer in having different tuned IEMs for different genres or moods instead of chasing the single perfect one.
Main music genres I listen to are Metal, Electronica, Jazz, Indy rock/metal, R&B, Pop. I am a music lover, and can also listen to almost all the genres out there. I have been into music gear since the mid 90s, gifted some big speakers at an early age. Then moved more and more into headphones with the Koss Porta Pro and a Sony Discman and Minidisc.

I have also tried playing many instruments over the years from piano to sax and have a feel for what's a natural tone, but not the biggest patience in learning to play. My wife has also played many instruments from string to wind instruments and also piano.

My current standard in Headphones is ZMF Verite and Beyerdynamic T1 G2.

My current standard in IEMs is AüR Audio Neon Pro and AüR Audio Aurora. The NEON Pro has 10 BAs, and has a near perfect tonality for me on the brighter side. AüR Audio Aurora 2 DD + 6 BA has the best bass quality I have tried in an IEM, while not taking over the mids and showing very natural sound.

Gear used in the main rig is Topping E70 DAC together with the Topping A90 Discrete headphone Amp. I also have a Schiit Lokuis I can swap in if I want to do a little analogue EQ.
Portable gear used during the review is Cayin N7, Penon Tail, Hiby R6 III, FIIO BTR7.
I have a good range of cables from ISN, Penon, NiceHCK, XINHS, DUNU, Effect Audio and Gladiator Cables.



Who is Hisenior

https://www.hisenior-iem.com/

I heard about Hisenior for the first time last year, and heard praise about their Mega5P hybrid IEM. Found it to be excellent for the money when I had it on loan from a friend, had a natural and good tonality. Great built and felt better than what they asked for, the market has changed and more and more hybrids have entered.
So it's good to see that the new Okavango is priced nicely according to specs also, even if the market is flooded with hybrids now.

Hisenior as I understand has been making IEMs for a good time, but aimed for the professional market. This is also why they offer IEMs in the CIEM versions, the new models have options for both CIEM and universal design.

About Us page:

We are Hisenior Audio, the designer, manufacture of professional in-ear monitors for musicians, studio engineers and audiophiles.

EVERY MUSIC DREAM IS WORTHY OF RESPECT

No Matter You Play Bass,Drum,Keys,Guitar or Sing the Songs, No Matter Where Your Musics Happen(at Home, In Street or On Stage), We Believe Every of Your Music Dream is Worthy of Respect and Protection, No Matter How Small It is. Join Us and Together for more......

www.facebook.com/HiseniorAudio)
www.instagram.com/hisenior/)
https://twitter.com/febosIEM)



So what is the Okavango

The Okavango is a hybrid IEM with 1 dynamic driver and 6 balanced armatures, priced at 299 usd. It can also be purchased with a custom designed shell and faceplate for 349 usd, and if you want a CIEM shell it is 299 usd.

The Okavango is part of their new tuning series called WILD-NATURE, this as I understand is a move into more fun sounding IEMs aimed more away from the professional market.

Resin shell that is very comfortable and should please most people, nozzle in metal with lip. Nozzle also has fairly nice length so you can get a secure fit easily, its average in nozzle width.
The resin shell is also combined with wood on the front plate, a nice design choice and makes it stick apart from most other IEMs. The combination of wood and the green colored resin is quite pleasing to the eye, I love that I did go for stock design.

The cable provided is black and more than good to get your going, though I changed to my own higher end cables for this.

The dynamic driver is Bio-Cellulose in 9.5mm, I love this material from previous headphones I have tried. As it provides a very organic sound not being too sterile or dull, just a well balanced material for drivers.

I have no idea about the BAs used here, but from the sound they sound very good. No BA timbre that I can hear, so from that I think they are good BAs used.

Also one part about driver flex, the first units shipped out to the reviewers and customers had driver flex. Myself and others contacted Hisenior about the issue, they found a solution for the next batch. They will use a plastic socket with the DD driver, which has an air pressure relief vent. The DD will sound the same with just a fix for the problem, good to see a company accepting a problem and fixing it.

https://www.hisenior-iem.com/products/okavangouniversal





Taken from the product listing:

Okavango Design Inspirations​

• Okavango HYBRID 7-DRIVERS IN-EAR MONITOR is the 1ST IEM in the newest and professional WILD-NATURE series, named after the world's largest inland Desert Delta.
• We design, and we hope OKavango can be a SoundOasis for you where you can get clear, profound, dynamic, and relaxed music anywhere you need it. Just like the Okavango Delta, a life Oasis for creatures living there.

Sound​

• Okavango Hybrid has 7-drivers on each side, and a 4-Ways integrated crossover tuned in-ear monitor.
• Okavango has a more dynamic and balanced natural sound and offers a softer presentation of a mix. Beautiful upper-highs imaging, superior high extension up to 30 Khz, realistically presenting instruments like guitars and piano as well as breathing life into saturated mid-bass mixes.
• Custom 9.5mm dual magnet Bio-cellular Diaphragm and bass-focused dynamic driver brings you a warm profound bass and dive deeper to 10hz.
• Using the tuning switch and different ear-tips, Okavango allows the listener to further customize the sound based on the needs of the music

Highlights​

• Hybrid 7-Drivers/ 4-Ways Integrated Crossover
• Tuning Switch (1 IEM 4Sounds: Bass+/Soundstage/Vocal/Balance)
• Harman IEM Target Curve referred Tuning, Smooth Coherence from Bass to Treble, Well-detailed and Top-Clean Instrumental Definition
• 10Hz-30KHz
• Ergonomic Design, Small Ear friendly
• New Custom Logo + CNC processed half wood and half pearl resin tech applied

​

Tech Specifications​

​

What's in the Box​

• Okavango In-ear Monitor
• Air4C Premium Cable (4.4mm)
• Hisenior Carry Case
• 8 Pairs Silicone Eartips(L/M/S)
• 2 Pairs Foam Eartips(M)
• Clean Cloth
• Cable Clip
• Switch Adjust Pin

Timbre

First off, what is Timbre?
From the Wikipedia:
The Acoustical Society of America (ASA) Acoustical Terminology definition 12.09 of timbre describes it as "that attribute of auditory sensation which enables a listener to judge that two nonidentical sounds, similarly presented and having the same loudness and pitch, are dissimilar", adding, "Timbre depends primarily upon the frequency spectrum, although it also depends upon the sound pressure and the temporal characteristics of the sound"

First minutes of trying a new set of gear, what I always listen to is how natural and musical it sounds. Much of this goes down to how I perceive the Timbre.

Main comparison is with both switches down, unless I say otherwise.

The Okavango sound big and fun, depending on switches it can go from a slight basshead set to even more basshead tuned. Low end is boosted and thick, this goes also slightly into the mids where you get a rich instrument and vocal range. The highs are also present so you don't get a dark sound, just a fun and rich experience that is less analytical. So while not being reference sounding and correct on everything, it has a full foot tapping factor on everything that works.

Timbre changes quite much when you activate the first switch, this adds bass and dampen the upper mid range and removes some presence from the music in trade for a more low end heavy tonality.

I am not a fan of using measurements for evaluation, but it's good here to show what the switches do to the tuning. Taken from aftersound squig, thanks.



Going to use the ranges here in review:





Details and soundstage

The Okavango is more on the fun side than analytical, it's still more than detailed enough so I appreciate good recordings. I find the soundstage to be slightly average, it has a circular presentation.

Bass

The Okavango bass is lush and textured, a good mix of both sub bass and mid bass. If we talk about the amount, it's thicker than what some would like, even with the bass switch down. As a sort of basshead I love this, and will use Okavango after the review with switch up half the time.

Sub bass reaches down to the lowest range, and is very satisfying for both music and movies. Mid bass has some extra weight to it, and gives music that extra thickness that some love and others hate.

It can both slam hard with visceral effect and resonate slowly to show nuanced bass elements on instruments or in the electronic realm.
And if we look at speed it's in a sweet spot, not slow and not fast.

Due to the bass switch changing the upper midrange also, it sounds like it is boosting it more than the graph would say. This change also makes it sound slower, a trade off that is okay for some music but not all.

Mids

Vocals are forward on both male and female, this is also for instruments in midrange.
Male vocals have that thickness that I love, great fullness and resolution. This goes even up into soprano males being full, at same time not being muddy. Females depend on the artist, the ones who need no thickness to mids will not like this. Personally it has a great balance, so while I might not use it for asian bright females it will work with most other artists.

Nothing to complain about string instruments, they sound both real and full. Cellos are full and resolving, violin can be airy and real. Brass instruments are also very correct, personally I can get fatigued by forward upper midrange. This strikes a good balance of nice presence for trumpet or sax without being fatiguing.

Treble

Treble is forward enough to balance the rest of the tuning, give a good amount of treble detail without being fatigued or spiky. When going through some of my treble test tracks it has a very nice balance of details and open treble

Good extensions up top, both airy and resolving. Since the low end on Okavango is forward it's good it has enough energy in the treble. Percussion has that little extra shimmer I like, same for other instruments. Some would like more air, I am in the boat that thinks some sets that boost the upper air region too much sound fake. And this is a good balance of air so it shows without that “fakeness”.



Synergies

A small part about what gear I have been enjoying the most with the Okavango.

Most of my listening has been done with Cayin N7 and Topping E70/A90 Discrete, my favorite pairing being Cayin N7. N7 just keeps the low end more tight and in control, A90D is also similar to some degree. Why I might enjoy N7 over A90D is due to the treble being more crisp and clear on N7, with an extra large stage.

Tips has been a mixed thing, I found all my usual tips to work well. Favorite is perhaps AZLA SednaEarfit Vivid, having a nice balanced sound.

Cables I have tried much due to also writing a review on Effect Audio now.
Both Cadmus 8W and Eros S Anniversary are best, and here I prefer Cadmus the most. It seems to have better mid control while keeping the treble more open and clear.
When listening to the midrange it seems to have a more natural presentation on Cadmus over Eros, so both vocals and instruments have that extra realism and presence.
It also keeps the low range full sounding, without being bloated.

Another pairing that is superb is Gladiator Cables Silver Palladium, a custom cable I ordered from the Italian maker. Even more resolving and open sounding than the Effect Audio cables, but has a little less body to the low end. In trade the mids and treble sounds even more detailed and real.




Music

I will just talk about some of the music I like, the music I use here are some of my reference tracks and also just some I like. When I am listening to music and not evaluating, I prefer to listen to whole albums. When comparing Okavango to other sets I have used the tracks listed here and more.
Using both switches down when evaluating, I have also used the same Silver Plated Copper when evaluating the sets.



Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, 9th Wonder, Kamasi Washington - From My heart and My Soul

Terrace Martin has some great releases within the jazz or jazz hop genre, this is no exception and is a superb album and track. He has a nice voice and has an old school vibe, like a 90s hip hop sound blended with jazz. The track is very bass heavy with a thicker mid presentation.

Bass is super satisfying here, but this is where I go and take the switch down on Okavango. With the first switch up the bass takes over much of the sound, especially since the track is already boosted. Very textured and fun, got no complaints really. Just correct the amount of speed of the DD that is not too fast or slow.

The vocals are also very satisfying with a nice rich thickness to it, maybe not the most technical but above average. This is maybe one of my favorite IEMs for this album, just fun and addicting to listen to.



AES DANA - Jetlag Corporation

Vibrant and powerful Electronica, not sure about genre really. Is tagged as IDM, Downtempo, Deep Tech and Progressive Trance. Perfect for checking tonality, bass and treble detail.

Tonality is very fun here, but I lack some resolution and speed. Since the album and track is very technical, a highly resolving set that is fast is best. I must say that I also prefer this album with switch up for more bass, but then I lose even more on the resolution.



Symbolico - Like Water

I have been into similar music for a long time, a short while ago I discovered Symbolico. Psychedelic electronica or glitch hop, but genre doesn't matter. What matters is how good this guy from Israel is at mixing together everything into something magical.
The beat is addicting, you do get into a trance-like state of mind listening to this.
This is better than the Aes Dana track above, not as fast and technical. The speed and amount of bass is very correct, sounds very impressive and addictive.
Bass is impactful and not drown the rest, so all the sound elements can be quite equal present.



Emanuel - Need You

Need You is an emotional song, Emanuel has a nice vibe going on here. Touching and with great emotions, the piano accompanying it feels very grounded and pure. The deep heavy bass kick also enhances the emotional vibe.

Emanual has music I love with my AüR Audio AURE, Okavango shares some similarities in sound. So here also Okavango is very great, his voice is forward and nuanced. Can show all the nuanced feelings he portrays when singing here, sounds also not muddy or too thick.

Background piano is also good and sounds to me quite real, the bass kick going through has full weight to it adding to the mood of the song.



Veronica Swift - This Bitter Earth

Love to use this song for checking tonality, great for checking female vocals, piano and strings.

Her voice is beautiful, it is touching and emotional. Okavango has very good resolution and gives her justice, picking up nuances in both her more slow silent part and the more forward airy part. Though it might be too thick sounding depending on your taste, I love it here. Rich and emotional piano, is also very correct not lacking with airy sound. The strings have great nuances and good dynamic range.
And her singing has lots of detail and is spectacular and emotional, I think if it was less bass bleed it would have been thinner than my preference.



YOUNHA - WINTER FLOWER (Feat. RM)

YOUNHA is a female artist from Korea with a superb voice, together with RM a rapper that is very well known. Mainly going to focus on the voice of both artists here, the instruments are not that forward in the mix.

His voice is rather thick and fun, just how I like it. Younha is also good, but a little too thick. Still nuanced and detailed, with some airy tonality. But leaner midrange would have sounded more correct, and would have let her be more clean sounding in the mix. Other than that its great dynamic range on the Okavango, big change going from the relaxed part to the more intense.



The Comet is Coming - Birth of Creation

Nu jazz from London, a group consisting of King Shabaka on sax, Danalogue on keyboard and Betamax on drums. This album is special and has been in my listening rotation since it came out, the track Birth of Creation is one of the best tracks on the album.

Sax is played with finesse and has a mellow and dark sound, almost like a voice singing. The drums gave a nice mix of sparkling cymbals, hits and nice kicks. While the keyboard makes this more of a mix between electronica and jazz, it's a cool track with a story being told.

Personally I prefer leaner bass bass and low mids for this, but it's not bad and depends on your taste. Mids on the other hand are very pleasing and have a nice thick presence of the instruments and let them sing. Stage of Okavango also helps the track be spacious, and not closed in.



Tzusing - Nature Is Not Created in the Image of Man’s Compassion

Techno or EBM album, not for everyone I admit that. Some sets can be very tiresome here, I both like this album and use it as a test for fatigue and bass amount. BA bass fails for me here, doesn't matter if its top of the line drivers and implementation.

Okavango has a nice thick presentation, and the bass is both impressive and fun in its texture and impact.
Imaging cues is quite impressive, and gives you a sense of being drowned in the sound. Just the correct amount of detail, not too much or little. And the overall fun tuning of Okavango makes this very enjoyable.



Ahab - The Isle

Ahab is a German funeral doom metal band, an extreme sub genre of death metal. Doom funeral metal is a slow type of metal often very thick sounding, and it always sounds wrong on lean IEMs for me. This album is based upon the 1907 horror book The Boats of the ¨Glen Carrig¨ by William Hope Hodgson.

The soft start is magical, and if you don't know what type of album it is you would have been shocked later. The electric guitar is clear and magical and the bass is giving a great atmospheric vibe, his vocal drags you in with lyrics telling a story.
I always prefer more full sounding IEMs for this and also most metal in general, my go to IEM for this is always Neon Pro and Penon Serial. Personally here I would use switch UP DOWN, to get more low end. Every drum hit is heavy and full, same for the distorted bass and guitar. When he sings it's with great detail and start and same when it goes over to growling.
It's also great to see it handle both the slow musical start and the more intense parts equally good, if I could nit-pick some more treble presence could have worked well here.



Anathema - A Natural Disaster (Live)

Found this group lately, recommended by a friend from Spain that is also a lover of metal and rock. This is a live recording and sounds very open and big, and the performance is superb to be live. Her voice has lots of detail, with vibrato and big control. His voice is also really nice but she is clearly the one on focus here. Guitars, cello and drums, the whole package is really good.

This is such a nice recording and to say it like that all my IEMs do it good, some better than others. And I rate the Okavango high on that list, the added richness to its low end gives music like this life. Both the bass and mids fullness is great here, let both instruments and vocals have good weight. Treble is also forward enough so it's not dark sounding or boring. Stage is rather spacious and dimensional.

Comparisons





The spider chart is slightly exaggerated on some points to show differences.





ISN Audio NEO 5

The NEO 5 is a hybrid also around the same price as Okavango, not many months since it was released. Its 1DD and 4BA Knowles, tuned very similar to Okavango.
First a word about comfort, both are good for me. But it's smaller the NEO 5, and while both are comfortable this might be a concern for some with small ears.

Bass on NEO 5 is leaner, Okavango has more in the mid bass area. I would say that Okavango has more nuances and texture, slightly more dynamic range. Also the added mid bass goes more into the vocal range, for some good and other it's not acceptable.

Midrange of NEO 5 is very good, Okavango has similar quality mids but with more note weight on a few instruments and artists vocals in the lowest range. Basically this means that you will have more rich and full vocals on Okavango, while NEO 5 will be leaner without as much bleed as it's often called.
For me this preference depends on mood or music, both have rich mids just the amount of low mid presence being more on Okavango.
If we listen to more instruments in the upper mids like violins and sax the Okavango has more detail than NEO 5, this goes also for piano playing. Mind you it's subtle and both are great for the price, and none of them are resolution kings and are more on the musical fun side.
I had one complaint about NEO 5 midrange and that was some unnatural timbre when listening to piano pieces, this is more natural on Okavango.

Treble is more pronounced on Okavango, this is what was lacking the most about NEO 5. I lack both some airy tonality and presence, the stock cable got the blame. But I used other better cables when evaluating anyway, stock cable just did not help it and the new ISN S4 they provide with it now is better. It's not a disaster and I am exaggerating slightly here, both are not veiled or anything.
Just that the Okavango has a slightly better treble that is more natural and open sounding.

Soundstage is the biggest difference between the two IEMs, I know the perceived stage is very different from person to person. The NEO 5 is like listening to the first row, and everything is placed in front of your face or between your ears, imaging is spot on and there is nothing to complain there. Okavango has a more expansive stage in all directions, with more width, depth and height. More normal sounding and not closed in, some might like closed in sound but not me personally.

Resolution I also talked about during the evaluation before, and is a step up on Okavango. While both are no analytical IEM, both keep it on the more musical and fun side.

A Natural Disaster has a fuller sounding cello on Okavango, also her voice is more airy and full over NEO 5. His voice also has that added richness, this goes also to the drums and guitars playing. Both do it well for tonality, where I find a clear win is that the stage feels small on a recording that is already large with NEO 5.

Birth of Creation is also nice to see what I mean about the mids range being slightly off on NEO 5, sax lacks some bite and nuance that is there on Okavango. It also feels congested on the stage, I still think this might be a personal problem as others have said the stage is okay.

WINTER FLOWER (feat. RM) focusing on his voice it's more full and detailed on Okavango, while the Neo 5 is also very good and full. She on the other hand is more clean on NEO 5 and goes back to that bass bleed, many will prefer this. I am one of the few who like more weight to my K-pop and would pick Okavango here.

In the end both are great sets, and I bet its depends who you are which is your preference.



Penon Serial

The Serial has been my reference IEM for correct DD timbre on the lush side, both cello and piano has such realistic weight to it. Just some added richness over perfect realism, perfect to make music enjoyable and not sterile. The Serial has 3 DDs per side, is fairly hard to drive and needs more power than most IEMs.

Comfort is better on Okavango even if the shell is bigger, as both shell and nozzle are more ergonomic. The Serial has short nozzles mixed with a boxy body, making it harder to get it to reach nice ear canal depth without giving concha pain over time. This can be different for people with smaller ears than me, so keep that in mind.

Bass is of a slower type on Serial than Okavango, both are good and similar in the amount. Perhaps some more sub bass than Serial, while mids bass richness is very similar. If I listen to some double bass plucking and or bowing it's similar amount of bass detail. Also since it's a little faster it suits some more music than Serial.

Both have great midrange, slight difference from track to track. Serial has a little more organic sound to most instruments and vocals, but lacks the extra airyness that Okavango can show. But when going by resolution, it's more happening on Okavango be it electronic or acoustic music.

Treble is as I said more airy on Okavango, treble is the only part I would have wished for more on the Serial. And that's here on Okavango. Soundstage is also more spacious with more layers than Serial.

The Tzussing track is very nice to show the richness of the DD, and how it resonates with the slower kicks. Here it's slightly more detailed in the bass on Okavango, more nuances and present. Same for the cues in the song having a slightly more spacious effect.

The Isle is a slow doom metal track and plays perfect for me on Serial, both have similar weight to both instruments and vocals. Bass is slightly better on Okavango but it's not that noticeable on this music since it's slow, cymbals ring slightly better on Okavango. Other than that even if it's BA vs DD they are very similar, I like both as much for this.

This Bitter Earth is also superb on both, here I like the most on Serial. She just has a slightly more organic and real sounding voice on Serial, same for piano and string instruments. But at same time it's more resolving on Okavango and everything is positioned further out, this also goes for the background being blacker. Treble has more bite and sparkle over Serial.



Conclusion

Hisenior Okavango is just pure fun, it delivers a joyful experience where your feet will start tapping to your music. Not the most resolving set out there, but this was never what they tried to make here. Bass is lush and organic, mids are full and forward and treble is detailed and not tiresome.
The Okavango is for me a set where you can put on everything, good for just sitting down and enjoying music. Not for picking apart music, but for enjoyment sake.
Going by my evaluation system the Okavango gets a solid 8.0 in score, that is 4 stars. This means it's very good and punches correct for its price range.

Enjoy your music guys and gals.

Ranking System

1 Very bad or unlistanable
2 Listenable but not good
3 Average
4 Very good
5 Exceptional or having a special sauce

Price can push something up or down half grade.

Going by this ranking system together with my deeper evaluation matrix, the Okavango get a 4 in sound qualities.

HiSenior Okavango Aug 2023

HiSenior Okavango - All The Magic Sauce For A Musical Ride

INFO AND PURCHASE LINKS: $399-$469
https://www.hisenior-iem.com/products/okavangocustom

Thank you to Hisenior for choosing me to be part of the reviewer group and getting a discount on the unit.
As you will see from the pictures I paid extra for the custom shell design.
I choose Abalone top plates and silver pearl shells.

Lets Start Off with the who cares not important nerdy stuff: (SOUND IS THE IMPORTANT STUFF)
Hisenior Okavango 1+6 Hybrid IEM
1x 9.5mm Dual Magnet Bio-Cellulose Dynamic Driver
4x SONION Balanced Armature for the Mids
2x KNOWLES Balanced Armature for the Highs
4 way X-over
Frequency response 10Hz-30KHz
Sensitivity 112db 1mW
Impedance of 20 Ohms
2 Tuning Switches ( Bass+/Soundstage+/Vocal+/Balanced )



Pictured in final configuration for sound impressions with Hakugei Golden Boudi PRO Cable, Moondrop Springtips L. The stock cable I swapped out because I liked of the synergy of this mixed Metal Cable. Gold Plated 7NOCC & Litz Silver Plated 7NOCC & Copper Silver Palladium Alloy $90.
I used this cable because I wanted to tighten up the bottom end, and brighten up the upper mids and treble. - Did it work? Only slightly over the stock cable but enough that I thought it was the best cable to bring out the special sauce of the Okavango.

Now cables, while some people get called out for including cable impressions as shills, I don’t think that’s fair honestly. If you cant hear a difference that’s OK. If you can then great why not cable roll. My belief is that I can hear a difference , though not earth shattering like some people state that make my roll my eyes I do honestly believe cable to some extent shape the overall sound. I find pure copper enhances the bass, Graphene enhances and tightens the Mids, a gold element thickens and enhances vocals while softening the highs and Silver and Palladium enhance the highs. That’s my take on how I perceive the tuning changes I hear and whether you agree or not is totally allowed as you have your own beliefs on the subject.
Mostly my choice in cables come down to what attributes I think I can instill into the IEM I am listening too, to enhance or detract to achieve my ideal sound preference but mostly
I WANT IT TO LOOK COOL! Silly as that sounds it floats my boat.



I treat fine tuning my Impressions including cables like this in my journey with IEM's.
TIPS CHANGE THE SOUND GREATER THAN ANYTHING ELSE. ( Stage, bass, vocals, highs ) Can be greatly altered by tips and are first thing I try for fitment and comfort and overall shaping the sound to my desired preference.

Sources are second for me. Since my new Hiby R6 Pro2 almost rivals my desktop stack Geshelli Labs AKM J2/ Topping A90D , I stuck with the Hiby solely with this review because my DACS are out being modded by Geshelli for OP-AMP upgrades.

Subjective Part of my Audio Review -

I share my impressions as I hear them with my ears.
As all our ears are different shapes & size so what I hear as bright or bass heavy -you might hear as dull and Vise-Versa; just something to be mindful of.

What makes my ears happy as a sound signature is a slightly more aggressive L shape. I love my Bass Sub and Mid Bass slam, love it all actually; and in balanced quantity. With the Bass, I prefer a faster decay the faster the better so as to not bleed into the mids., I am treble sensitive and prefer a slightly darker warmer replay with good treble extension.

I prefer the fast speedy bass of the Beryllium Coated Driver of my Xenns Mangird UP with a Beryllium Coated Driver. My reference is my THOR Mjölinar MKII single DD.
Of course, there are exceptions in the market - as I also find the bass of the PENON 10th Anniversary IEM special - has some great mid bass snap as well as some serious sub-bass!

My music Library is widely varied from; Metallica, Great White, Cowboy Junkies, Pink Floyd, Adelle, Melisa Ethridge, Fleetwood Mac, Five for Fighting, Mänskin, Poncho Sanchez, Jimmy Smith, Chopin, The Crystal Method just to name a few. When not listening to my test tracks the majority is Jazz or Alternative Rock especially Female Rock. Lorde, Halsey, Alanis Morrisette, Evanescence. All depends on my mood.

Sources: Solely used the most excellent Hiby R6 PRO2 on 4.4 Pentaconn out.
Tips Used for the OKAVANGO Impressions were the Moondrop Springtips

Before I begin with some sound impressions, I would like to share a bit of my journey with the OKAVANGO

I like sharing this part as it gives context on how I came upon my sound impressions:

PRESSURE BUILD UP & DRIVER FLEX:

• This is a big deal for me possible for many others without even realizing it, and the reason I have not enjoyed any set for any length of time when I experience this effect.
• Without vented shells - My GS Audio SE12 $1000, NF Audio NF2U, Hisenior T2 , Hidizs MS5, all give me a headache after 5 Minutes , I get a loss of bass and a enhancement of the highs that vastly contour my sound impressions to the actual intended tuning. Now to be fair on past reviews I didn’t pick up on this until recently when another member of the community I respect Mr. Paul Wasabi suggested foam tips to alleviate the pressure and mitigate the issue. Using foam tips also has their downside for me as I find the highs are muted as well.
• I normally tip roll with some of my favorite tips, AZLA Crystal, BGVP W01, JVC Spiral Dots, to name a few. All of these are wide bore for maximum stage and vocals.
• What I experienced was a little bit of driver flex - NOT HORRIBLE just a bit but more importantly the pressure build up would change the sound for me and make the Okavango uncomfortable after about 40 minutes of listening.
• Happy to say after switching to spring tips from Moondrop it completely eliminated the Driver Flex issue and pressure build up. Springtips have a softer sidewalls and allow some pressure to escape while keeping the bass in play and stage large as possible.

NOW THIS NEXT PART IS IMPORTANT AND WHY I THINK COMPANIES LIKE HISENIOR ARE ONES TO KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

• I reached out to Gareth the Hisenior representative and gave some feedback, as myself and others were experiencing this with certain ear tips.
• With a few days Gareth responded with a solution for a upgraded venting system you will see in a running change to the Okavango.
• This is a company listening to its customers and willing to take the steps to fix even small things most people won't even notice and that seriously commendable and gains a huge amount of respect from me and the community in large.
• Now to be fair most people won't notice the driver flex nor pressure build up so this is less of a issue and certainly not a concern for the driver's longevity and I don’t think something you need to worry about if you were thinking about picking a unit up prior to the fix unless you are super sensitive like myself.

TUNING SWITCHES:

• 2 - Tuning switches- I hate Tuning switches most don’t work on IEM's enough to make it a useful feature.
• Again I am happy to report that not only can you turn the Okavango into a into a treble monster you can also tune it to a Balanced or even a bassy warm set if you so choose.
• Okavango has really only two major tunings , bassy warm and musical and a setting to seriously enhance 6200Hz to 14000 +12db for treble heads who want maximum details at the expense of natural tonality and timbre - this setting was great for certain song without too much high frequency energy in the mix but that ratio changed the music became harsh and sibilant with noticeable distortion.
• A perfect tuning would have been adding 2-3db in that same range with the switch off and maximum +6db with treble switch on a tweak not a blast per say.
• 00 Bassy, warm, musical, lush, effortless musical chill vocal forward setting by far my most favorite setting and the bass was snappier It would make the Okavango perfect for my tastes! ( All my next sound impressions based on this setting )
• 01 An assault on my treble sensitivities just too much in the wrong place makes instruments pop but in a un-natural way
• 10 Made bass too muddy and by reducing the mid energy at 2-4k makes female vocals too thick and unnatural my least favorite setting
• 11 Wrong in all the full context of the word, bloated bass , vocals way off and all that extra high frequency energy just made the Okavango so unbalanced.

SOUND IMPRESSIONS:
OK from reading above You would think that I didn't enjoy my time with the Okavango, But that couldn't be further from the truth this is the first IEM in the new WILD-NATURE series. What Hisenior has set out to do by stating that they were trying to get a "clear profound dynamic and relaxed music anywhere you need it" I definitely think they hit the nail smack dab on the head. Mission accomplished!

The Bass is warm and organic in a old school ported sub box big box speaker sound. When run on sentence needed for that description but that's exactly how I would describe it. The bass is nicely weighted and sub bass focused, can go low and sustain continuous hits without breaking up or distorting. A excellent quality driver showing great control with excellent decay on the notes but at times lack the snap and attack I prefer from the low frequency transducers. With the setting at 01 the bass did not have as much effect as the 00 setting on the overall tonality of the upper mids and treble adding in too much huskiness and wight to female vocals.

Mids and vocals are defiantly the star of the show no big surprise here and the use of a whopping 4 SONION Balanced Armature drivers made sure your vocals both male and female comes across as musical and lush. (PENON LOOK OUT)
Vocals come across on the warmer side and a bit forward in the mix.
Now I won't say they come across as purely natural on 00 setting as there defiantly is some colorization going on adding more body to vocals than neutral, but to me I love this kind of tuning. I would so rather have extra note weight than listen to a dry and thin midrange tunings.

Highs have lots of details, they present clean, clear and crisp. No sibilance or sharpness to detect. BA timbre was not detectable and the overall coherence with the DD & BA's were well tuned working together for a very coherent tuning. This again is based off of 00 Setting with the treble switch OFF.
I do feel the extra energy from the lower frequencies pulls some attention away from making the overall replay as open and detailed as it could be, giving you a lesser sense of sparkle and air on certain tracks.

Stage is very much not 3D , width is good, depth is OK, height is OK. Is this a death sentence? For some maybe but honestly it plays really well into the overall tuning allowing you to fully immerse yourself into the music, instead of trying to pick apart a song to analyze all the minutiae. This kind of stage is great for when you just want to listen to music and not the gear playing it. Overall stage sounds more intimate rather than giving you a greater sense of spaciousness.
To be fair I have the Amazing Softears Twilight and have yet to hear anything close to this IEM's ability to project a 3D stage not even the 64 Audio gear can come remotely close, and everything else seems intimate to me now with that as a reference.

CONCLUSION:
If you are someone who prioritizes details, want a very analytical set while stilling not sacrificing the bass - the Okavango might be for you with the treble switch set to on? That being said you still not going to get a neutral tuning. There will be a lot of the Hisenior colourization going on making this set kind of unique with a tuning that I have not heard before and quite unique experience for me.

If you are a mid bass lover that lives for the attack / slam and perfect tonality in snares and high hats as I do , you just might find yourself forgiving the Okavango for its faults because you ended up falling in love with the overall sheer musicality of this set.

In the END I would say if you can overlook some of the Okavango's flaws and you decide to pick up this set you will go a an magical musical journey with a IEM that will immerse yourself into the music and let you forget about the worries of life and all the small things that don’t really matter. You will listening to the music and bopping your head to lush jams and riveting riffs.

FINAL OBSERVATIONS:
I have now listened to many IEM's , and as much as I can appreciate different turnings. I like you, have my sound preferences of what I enjoy over others. That being said my impression of Hisenior Mega 5p was also very favourable but the highest thing on my wish list was more high frequency extension. The Okavango fixed what I thought the MEGA5P was missing. The YanYin Canon OG is also one of my favourite IEM's with its very organic bass and the Okavango definitely gave me flashbacks of that sounding set as well, but here again better top end implementation with the dual KNOWLES BA for the highs in the Okavango. The Sound Rhyme SR7 also have some quality overtones and traits that I find desirable for my particular tastes and I enjoyed that IEM as well, but found something still missing.

One Final thought that I was left with: Hisenior having used the pricier SONION BA for the mids and Knowles BA for the highs the OKAVANGO shows they are not afraid to put quality drivers in their gear showing that they can tune them well. I would recommend the Okavango over the Canon, The SR7, The Mega5P because you are getting the best of each incorporated within the Okavango. Is it a perfect IEM? No of course not! Not even close but what special sauce did Hisenior put into the Okavango will make you want to crave it fortnightly when you're in the mood for something musical and relaxing.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review.
My Video review is here: TO BE DONE LATER

My Spotify Playlist: I use DSD and FLAC files on my player but have copied the tracks I use on a Spotify Playlist to give you a reference on my tastes.


My SQUIG:
https://tonedeafmonk.squig.link/

My YouTube Chan:
https://www.youtube.com/@tonedeafmonk

My Discord:

KOVABUNGA
FEBOS (HISENIOR) OKAVANGO

Driver Setup. 1DD 9.5mm Dual Magnet BioCellurar – 4 Sonion BA - 2 Knowles Ba – 4Way Crossover

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Sen & Imp. 112dB/mW | 20Ω

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Price. 299€

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EVALUATION S-​

Having them on right now on my head, as I write these paragraphs, the following always comes to mind...

...Chinese market is taking great care of us music lovers. Lucky for us "lovers the warm tones", that some brands are not obsessed with the technical part, caring more about the musicality and relaxing presentation.

The ratio dollar/performance of this headset places it as one of my favorites for everyone those who enjoy a special, biodynamic and technically notable bass. I couldn't write something "bad" about this piece of gear, also see how HISENIOR has been following the reception of the product in the community, means that next WILD NATURE release, already have all my interest.

I hope that more Asian brands change the step towards more Western (relaxed) tuning, without mid-highs exaggerated and seeking more enjoyment than technical correction on their presentations.

And the tends of switches, anytime is applied this way, its the way to go.

bit.ly/nosoundhifireviews (full reviews here)
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