IMR BC 2023 Dual Dynamic Driver IEM

The energetic Bass Cannon from UK



IMR BC 2023

Disclaimer

The BC 2023 is my first IEM from IMR, I bought it with my own money. All impressions are my own subjective thoughts after using them for many months, I have no association with IMR writing this.
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 Penon Serial. The NEON Pro has 10 BAs, and has a near perfect tonality for me on the brighter side. The Penon Serial that also has a near perfect tonality for me, that is more euphonic, relaxing and organic sounding with its triple DD configuration. Both of them have sound signatures that I can listen to all types of music with.
Another set that has shown me how good DD can be in the low end is the AüR Audio Aurora, while not taking over the mids and showing superb natural sound.
In general 3 good sets that set the stage high when I compare other sets.

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.
I have also used the Feliks Audio Echo, one of the more silent OTL amps.

Portable gear used during the review: Penon Tail, Truthear SHIO, Tempotec Sonata HD II , Hiby R6 III, Quidelix 5k.

I have a good range of cables from ISN, DUNU, Penon, NiceHCK, XINHS and Gladiator Cables.

Note on photo, kind of funny since this can give you the same wake up call as a fresh cup of coffee.



So what is the IMR BC 2023

IMR Acoustics was founded in 2017 by Bob, it's a brand that is based in the UK. They have many followers all over the world, even if there have been some controversies around the brand. The models they make are for the most part ordered before they are made, this has given many people a headache. Reason of this is that IMR is a master of delayed products, promised shipping dates overdue and more.

Many of their builds have been focused on having a good tonality with enough bass, especially since Bob loves bass. But there have also been models with more of a reference sound, with very special combinations of drivers. Overall an exotic line-up of models, but once sold out its second hand marker only. It is one run per product, and just lately Bob has started to have some models partnered with Penon to have as stock models.

The BC2023 is made in metal and has a very small shell, the backside is very open so you don't get that plugged in feeling so much. Good balance in the weight, not too heavy or light. Nozzle is fairly long and big, and has some comfort problems for me. But the problem was more due to angle and that the shell is small, it makes it harder to sit secure and get a good seal. Some tip rolling and a soft cable solved it, and I can use them for quite some long time without pain.







Taken from the product page of BC 2023.

https://imracoustics.com/products/imr-bc

I know many of you are bass heads (me too) and I have wanted to create the ultimate audiophile bass head IEM for a while.

The BC (bass cannon) is that very IEM!

Utilizing the all new 2023 IMR ADLC Bass Dynamic driver combined with the an all new midrange/treble ADLC (amorphous diamond like carbon) driver provides a bass heads dream IEM.

The sub bass is the most substantial and clear I could make with smooth and seamless transitions into the mid bass. Staging has plenty of height, width and depth.

The trouble with bass rich IEM is always maintaining a balance between that rich sound and detail. The new BC sets new standards for a bashed IEM and adds that detail magic and provides all the detail you could ask for with beautiful placement, luscious vocals and a beautiful treble.

If you are an audiophile bass head, could this be your end game?

Further enhancing your tuning capabilities when combined with the IMR acoustic tuning nozzles (included).

The drivers are encased in a light weight compact all anodised aluminum CNC chassis for long term durability and finish.

Hand assembled and driver matched for unrivaled finish and sound!

IMR 2023 generation Wide band ADLC dynamic driver featuring rare earth Neodymium motors with a composite diaphragm + 6mm ADLC (amorphous diamond like carbon) driver

8 acoustic audio nozzles + 6 acoustic dampers

2 Pin detachable cable (3.5mm/2.5mm balanced)

Frequency response: 8- 40000Hz

Impedance: 32 Ohm

Sensitivity: 102 +/- 3DB

24ct Gold plated 3.5mm Jack

1.4M length OFC cable

6.35mm Adapter

Carry case for all equipment

Huge selection of ear tips for the perfect fit

Limited to 50 units per run. 100 units per year total.

REQUIRES 200/300hrs + BURN IN TIME



Package and accessories

What IMR provides is excellent. There are two copper cables, one balanced and one unbalanced. Nothing spectacular about them, they sound OK and should be more than good to get your going. There is some memory in the cable and the ear guide is not perfect, for me they do not sit very secure.

Eartips are silicon, foam and double flanged silicone. The orange and gray ones are very good quality.

There is also a normal 6.35mm to 3.5mm adapter.

You also get two blocks of metal with all the filters secured in one place.

The case provided is great, but is too big to take with you. So it is better to use just as a storage container at home for all the accessories.








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.

First time listening to BC 2023 was horrible, no way around it. Bass was non-existent, even my neutral flathead earbuds had the same amount of low end. The sound was overall very sharp and metallic, with a horrible timbre.
Had to have my friend test it, to be sure it's not just a sealing problem. He said the same, same did my wife when testing.

As always on IMR the description said hundreds of hours of burn in is needed, 300-500 hours in and no change. Was about to complain and ask for a refund, and asked my wife to start my DAP so it could burn in another 12 hours. What I didn't know is that the small R3 III was at high gain and 100% volume, enough volume to ruin your hearing after some seconds most likely. Guess what, the sound and drivers opened up. Bass got huge, mids clear and forward. Upper mids and treble still on the more forward almost metallic side, but much better.

So the sound here is fast and visceral, with a grand stage. Bass is tight with really good slam and speed, the amount is also on the bigger side. Mids forward and detailed, more on the clear side than thick and lush. Treble is clear and slightly sharp, and the stage is bigger than your average set.

Also a note about filter combos, I have preferred to use the stock black on black config. Another combo I liked was black bass filter and Gold for the treble, this gives the least aggressive upper mids. Had to use black bass filters on all the combinations, as the BC 2023 needed balance to balance out the sharp upper range.





Going to use the ranges here in review:





Prefer not to use any measurement when evaluating, but since I had problems I asked bob for the measurement of the BC 2023. Here with the stock black filters.



Bass

Once working as it should the bass is visceral, digs deep and can both rumble and slam hard. Sub range goes deep and I can not hear the roll off that the measurement is showing.
What I mean with visceral is that the bass is very fast, and rebounds extremely fast for a dynamic driver. Usually I am not that happy with this style of bass, but here is sounds very good and pairs well with the right music.

The mid bass is boosted and help give darker vocals some extra fullness, and have some bleed because of it.

Mids

Starting with vocals, it is boosted especially on darker vocals. This will also make some female vocals get too thick to some degree, but at the same time the more clear fast sound of the driver makes it less annoying than on slower sets with boosted mid bass. Maybe one of the reasons is also since the sibilance dip in the treble region is quite large, this takes away some of the presence on the brighter females. For this reason I can find one album having great vocals, then on the next artis it sounds like trash. So it lacks coherence going from music to music.

Instruments in general are good, and the more dry and sharp nature makes especially metal instruments very correct and addicting with extra lifelike qualities. Listened to some acoustic guitar with steel strings, and the sound is remarkable. Then go to something like a clarinet with a more mellow tone and I find it lacking soul.

Because of this I find it better with pop, rock, metal, electronica and other genres where they use less orchestral instruments. Also on much of my jazz the extra upper mid sharpness makes it unbearable on especially brass instruments.


Treble and Air

First start with the sibilance dip, it's a little too big where it removes some of the sparkle on females and on cymbals and such. But at the same time how the tonality and sharp tone is, not dipping it this much would have made it unbearable to listen to on a lot of music.

Overall the treble detail is very clear and forward, and I don't find it lacking. It is very detailed with lots of elements showing in all types of music, just when entering orchestral works I notice lack of air on certain pieces.

Soundstage and Imaging

Soundstage is very large to be an IEM, closer to earbud level in width and depth. It is wider than how forward it is, the forwardness is more similar to the best I have tried in an IEM. While the width is maybe the widest I have ever tried for an IEM, impressive and addictive. Especially fun on some live rock recordings where the stage is already big, then BC 2023 can show it vaste power.

Imaging is quite good and average for an IEM.



Synergies

A small part about what gear I have been enjoying the most with the BC 2023.

Pure copper has been my favourite, my Gladiator Cables copper Starry Night is perfect. I also like the NiceHCK Blacksoul as it takes always some of the upper mids, but it's subtle.

Tips have been a nightmare since I had comfort issues, the ones that have worked the best are Tri Clarion. The second tip in silicon that worked well is JVC Spiral Dot, it is very soft and contours easily to the ear canal. Sound also reduces some treble, making it less aggressive.

I loved N7, even though Cayin N7 is a warm sounding DAP with clear treble. It gave the soundstage even more room, and in a way kept the treble more clean than my ESS based devices.




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 the BC 2023 to other sets I have used the tracks listed here and more.



Infected Mushroom - Deeply Disturbed

One of my favorite tracks from Infected Mushroom, I always test it on every set of IEM. Found first about Infected Mushroom at my first full time work, the customer had to show off his $50000 stereo. I was sold and loved Infected Mushroom since.

Psy-trance with a touch of rock, it is a very long track with lots of progression and different parts.
The BC 2023 has a lovely sound here, the energetic nature of BC keeps it very entertaining. Lots of detail, in both the lowest parts and the rest. For some folks who are more treble sensitive this will perhaps be too much, I can handle more treble than many.
Both the electronic parts and the guitar are great.



Benjamin Wallfisch - Techno Syndrome 2021

Let's fight!
Grew up with Mortal Kombat on SNES, my friend had it in secret- All the boys gathered to play when no parents were there. But this is not about gaming, this track is a remake of the original..

My friend Kenneth from Singapore mentioned this one a while back, great electronica track. Very energetic and fast, with a more bright forward sound. Been using it to check for both fatigue and how it sounds.
The BC 2023 have great fast bass that goes very well here, but the amount of upper mids or treble do make it quite fatiguing. It is quite resolving and that makes it almost painful, the last part when the dubstep begins is full and impressive. It handles the speed excellent, not that weird since BC is very fast sounding.




Epsilon - Habalmas ft. Dycide

My famous bass rattle test, I often use it to check if a set can handle this. The low end is huge, try for yourself but do not cry if your set starts to rattle.

BC is very solidly built, the amount of pressure you get is immense. I do listen to this loud when testing, and it's fun to also see how much detail the other sounds have.

Bass is perfect, detail level is also quite good. Good spatial cues, and a sense of being drowned in sound all around.



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.

Rock or metal is superb on BC2023, the soft parts have such depth and finesse. While the more dramatic intense parts have all the grit and fullness it deserves. Growling is deep and nuanced, and clear so you can hear what he is saying. Some sets just drown the growling, not here.

The drums also are very real sounding with great impact, cymbals have nice crisp airiness. The electric guitar on the more mellow parts is dreamlike, with ethereal moments.




Eagles - hotel California (2013 Remaster)

This is already a very bright track, also a classic very many know. Perfect for checking soundstage and imaging cues, or just tonality since there is lots going on here.

The BC 2023 is too bright for this, so try a few times through then take a break.

Even if it's bright it has superb details going on, like how crisp and clear the whole picture is. Guitar is not dull and you can hear the steel strings resonating, drums have superb impact with also great cymbals tonality that just lack a little shimmer.

His voice is already lean here, so more forwardness would have helped. The BC is more neutral in the presentation of vocals, not too thick or thin.

Also the staging is rather deep with a great level of layering, very dynamic sounding and 3D.





Swallow the Sun - Songs from the North

Swallow the Sun usually makes melodic doom metal, disc 2 on this release is not really metal. It is focusing more on a relaxed listening with melodic acoustic music. This track has both instruments, male and female voice.

The BC 2023 makes the guitar and cymbal have a great crisp tonality, the drums have great impact. The bright nature does make the track slightly more energetic than my preference, at the same time it's so clear and nice sounding. She lacks some airyness when she sings, almost like the presence is lacking slightly.
The sound is almost a little metallic when both of them sing, something that happens for me if upper mids are boosted too much.

Overall I find the BC 2023 great here, I just wished for it to have a more organic sound.



Nao Yoshioka - Love is the Answer ( Tokyo Funk Sessions Ver.)

I love this version of Love is the Answer, the recording is superb. The players have made a masterpiece here, and Nao has a superb voice for this.

The BC2023 is a little too bright for my taste here, some of the instruments are a little piercing. I can be sensitive to brass when it's too forward, like it is here. Same for her voice, when she goes intense it shows that the presence region of the BC 2023 can be too forward.

The bass line can also be a little too much where it takes over some of the picture.



Sade - Smooth Operator

Sade with Smooth Operator is a classic, love the sound of her more mellow voice.
That drummin on the start is perfect for checking punch, the BC 2023 has a great sound to the drums with superb impact. The mellow tenor sax is also very very good, and the extra presence of BC 2023 helps it slightly. Also how the electric bass and guitar is great, with good detail and feel.

Her singing is great but lacks a little, could have had a more fullness as it's a little thin. Still how the track is done is on the darker side, and the brighter side of BC2023 breathes a little life to it.



millet - Tell Me

Quite a busy and complex track, millet can have a very tiresome voice. And it's clear immediately here for me that the upper mids have too much presence, she gets grainy and almost harsh.

There is never any problem that too much happens, as the rest of the sounds are good.
Just how her voice is done is not very pleasant, giving off a sort of gritty vibe. I tried some more bright Japanese female artists, and the same often happens where it's not very clean sounding. And this is at my threshold for fatigue.



Leonard Cohen - You Want It Darker

Perfect for checking overall how full sounding and how forward the mids are. Leonard Cohen's husky voice has a lot of presence. The natural dark tone of his voice and the choir is represented, but has some gritty edge to it. But at the same time the BC 2023 gives him great authority and detail.

The staging has great layering, Leonard is a little away in front of you. While the choir is further spaced behind and to the side from him, and the last vocal is even further out and higher up.




Hanz Zimmer - Now We Are Free

Love this track, and I bet many others also do the same. Magical ending of the movie Gladiator, that can give me emotional feelings every time.

First I notice here is that Lisa Gerrard does not have the fullness I prefer, at the same time it has a good dynamic presence and not veiled at all. Her vocal is slightly pushed back with BC 2033, here it does help with changing to a more intense filter combo. Maybe this is also since I use the Serial or Aure when a playlist where this one is in.

There is a subtle drum in the back, more in the lowest range of bass. This is more forward than on my Penon Serial and similar to EST50. Show that BC2023 can dig quite deep.
The instruments are okay, nothing spectacular. Sounds very correct, just lacks a little detail and true to life timbre since it's a little metallic.

Soundstage is quite breathtaking and it all sounds very grand, with very good imaging capability.



Hans Zimmer - Mountains

Since I am already tested with one track from Zimmer, why not one more. Could have taken other tracks also from this soundtrack, lots of gems here.

The ticking clock at start accompanied by the instruments builds up more and more, and when it goes off it feels like I'm almost lifted from my chair. Such epic and grand it all is.

First off the dynamic range is huge, and never feels busy or congested when it takes off. The sound is overall very crisp and resolving, almost too intense on the last part. But this intense tonality also gives it a more sense of dramatic liveliness.
Epic performance and BC2023 does it very well.



Comparisons


Added a category for how fast they sound, the speed of BC 2023 is higher than fast BA sets. A very impressive thing.



Penon Serial

The Penon Serial is an IEM with 3 Dynamic Drivers, one for bass, mids and highs. The set is highly recommended by many people. Priced a little lower than BC 2023, a very musical IEM with great timbre. The Serial is warm with superb bass and mids, treble is clear but remains a little dark in comparison to the bass and mids.

Comfort is very good on Serial, but it has a spot on the shell that hurts after a while. So with the right tips, I might prefer the design of BC 2023 the most.

Bass is similar in loudness and rumble on both sets while the BC 2023 has some extra, the biggest difference here is how fast and visceral the BC 2023 is in comparison. Can be that the bass is louder on BC 2023 also, but since the upper mids is forward it balances it.
Both are superb for bass heads, I kinda see it as it depends on your mood which is best. Or maybe how BC nails speedy metal drums best and Serials low end wins on hip hop or reggae.

Mids are more thick on Serial, vocals are both thicker and more intimate sounding. For vocals I would choose the Serial every day, also retain more airyness on brighter females.
Instruments depend very much, slower music or orchestral pieces the Serial have the most pleasing and correct sound. Go to instruments like drums, the impact and more dry sound of BC 2023 gives it realism in a way. Same can be for electric guitar or many metal percussions, almost like it was made for metal instruments. With exception for some brass or wind instruments, they can get too much boost due to the upper mid energy.
Piano is also way better on the Serial, more natural and full timbre on the whole range from the lowest octave to the highest.

Treble is very similar in the forwardness, I pick up more detail on violins and percussions on the Serial. Some of the reason is due to the upper mids not being so aggressive, and also since the air is boosted more on the Serial. But even so the Serial sound darker than BC 2023, but I think this is more due to material and hoe the upper mids is done on BC.


Soundstage on the Serial has never been huge for me, maybe slightly over an average single DD IEM. But the serial is much more spherical than BC 2023, as the BC has a wider presentation. And on some recordings the BC 2023 can sound a little distant, then Serial sounds more correct. Imaging is very similar, maybe slightly better positioning on the Serial.

Overall resolution seems more nuanced and detailed on the BC2023, I pick up more micro detail. Just some instruments where the air region is used the Serial will show more sparkle.



AüR Audio Neon Pro

Not very fair since this is a 10 BA set costing around $700, it is my reference set and I love it for rock and metal. Neon Pro is one of the most resolving sets out there, energetic sound with superb imaging and soundstage. Using the Neon Pro with bass switch on as it makes them closer in the low end.

Comfort is a big step up for me with Neon Pro. I prefer this type of IEM design as it makes IEMs sit more comfortably and secure for me.

Bass is similar in amount on both, but in a way the BC is more visceral on some music with a sharper slam and even faster rebound. Maybe not weird as even if the NP can fool many to believe its DD, it's still BA bass while the BC 2023 has one of the best bass drivers I have tried.
Mid bass is forward on both, maybe more present in the BC 2023. BC has a more visceral bass compared to Neon Pro, but for some music the Neon Pro bass is more correct responding.

Mids are very different, both have forward mids. But how it sounds is the difference, Neon Pro is thick and easy on the ears. While BC 2023 is more crisp, it is more dry. At the same time the dry and metallic sound, makes metal strings and brass have superb bite on the BC 2023. But depending on recording or how you tolerate this it can be too much. More airiness and detail on females with Neon Pro, and NP can make male vocals more lush than the BC 2023.
The BC 2023 on female vocals is more sharp in the sound and can make the vocals appear more forward in a few songs.

Both have good treble detail, but as I mentioned the upper mids and low treble of the BC 2023 is too forward. The sibilance dip on the BC2023 is too big, and takes away some realism that Neon Pro has. There is also more air and sparkle going on with Neon Pro.

Soundstage is big on both, but I believe that BC 2023 is wider while both have the same forwardness. Layering is very similar, and for that matter very good.

Sade with Smooth Operator has more detail going on with Neon Pro, the resolution is on a higher level. Her voice has more feeling and nuance, like how when she goes high you hear more throbbing. Sax also has that extra realistic sound that I lack on BC 2023.

Habalmas my bass check track, has less bass on Neon Pro than the BC. But even if it is BA bass, the immense pressure is also here but maybe just a little less. The rest of the sound cues are more present and clear on Neon Pro, and you can hear the more metallic aspect of the BC 2023. But I would still choose the BC 2023 for every type of electronica if the treble is not too spicy.

The Isle is such a magical experience on Neon Pro, I immediately understood why I call Neon Pro the master of metal and rock. Neon Pro is also an energetic set, but the timbre is more rounded and never hard or metallic like on the BC 2023. The sound is more pleasing and natural sounding, be it drums, guitars or the growling. But wow the BC 2023 is also good, but in a way where it wants to destroy you with intense sound.

Hotel California has overall higher resolution on Neon Pro, be it instruments, vocals or just how the spatial cues are separated. The sound is more musical and not painful with Neon Pro.

Deeply Disturbed is great on both, both have superb tonality for it. BC 2023 is more metallic bright, while the Neon Pro is more warm. If we talk about detail it goes to Neon Pro, but not that weird since it's one of the kings for detail under $1000. But on this one I like both, and the DD of BC makes me love the BC 2023. It also plays so well with guitars that use metal strings, like made for it.



Conclussion

I started my journey with IMR on the rough side, luck and patience made it worth it. The BC 2023 truly lives up to its name, bringing the best bass Bob can make with great tonality elsewhere also. The bass can both slam and rumble with authority, while also giving you a clear and energetic sound in the mids and highs. And the soundstage width and depth is remarkable.

Not the IEM to use for every type of music out there, and clearly not when tired. The sound is both addicting and brutal, use this for a week and most of your other sets will sound dull after.

Even if the name says bass cannon this is the full deal, the mids are on a high level with maybe a little too much upper energy for some. Treble is also very good, with lots of detail and never boring. But the star of the show is the bass for me, such immense slam and speed. Every drum hit sounds so real and impactful, it reminds me of live concerts. And this is where it excels the most, both studio and live rock and metal recording is so extremely satisfying.

So in the end I love the BC 2023, and it will stay in my collection for use with rock, metal and electronica. It is where I find this type of energetic sound to be best, and with that I'm ending this listening to some good old Metallica.

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.

And by that for the right music and mood this is a solid 5/5 for me, but on some music more 3.5/5. In the end I belive it deserve a solid 4.5, but remember music type is a thing here.

Introduction:

Balance:
Can you imagine a product named Bass Cannon getting a review with the word, and most importantly the concept of balance at the forefront? Well it is what it is, and our primary tuning design goal here was both bass and balance. If done right they can coexist. Maybe it’s because these are fully open back?

The marketing script from IMR says………
"………… always maintaining a balance between that rich sound and detail."

And guess what, it’s absolutely the truth. All of our understanding of tone started years ago, maybe when we were even children. We were left in the front room of the house with the stereo. As kids we were simply inquisitive as to what these two tone knobs did. Turn the treble knob and the overall balance was shifted brighter and thinner…….yet there was more detail. Turn the bass knob and the thump was created. Back then we started to realize we had control over the musical experience, and our parents had purposely had the tone adjusted in a specific way for a reason. Yet we were not done yet, there was that time when our friends came over and we played with the stereo tone knobs. We could dial in more bass (and while not as clear) there was a noticeable deepness to the tone that seemed to work with certain styles of music. Still this was a trade-off……yep, more bass creeped into the midrange and started to pollute other frequencies of the song. Especially (with added bass) the vocals were not as clear as they normally were. Even then, in our youth we started to realize that there were rules and guidelines to EQ. This education stayed with us our whole life and we came to accept that this was reality, music reality. So what if the rules were altered slightly, what if there was an IEM that could really do it all. By doing it all I’m simply referring to doing upfront and clear vocals and slightly boosted bass? You see IMR in their marketing are promoting a Bass Cannon………….and we all know the connotations that go with such a term. Let me just say the IMR BC 2023 is offering a deep and sculpted bass that simply doesn’t get in the way.

That is primarily what this whole review is about, that the bass simply doesn’t overshadow the rest of the frequency bands like you were taught by experience as a child.

Now second to that I’m also going to go over other attributes as to why I love the IMR BC 2023.

1) The open-back soundstage (Yep, you better believe it)
2) Vocals (I know I just mentioned vocals, but they are actually one of the stars of the show)
3) The cohesiveness (You know a style of cohesiveness that only 2X DD can do)
4) Clean Bass (Most of the you are still thinking dirty bass, really it’s not)
5) Hand assembled and driver matched for unrivaled finish and sound.
6) One 6mm ADLC (amorphous diamond like carbon) driver and one (size undocumented) ADLC driver
7) 8 acoustic audio nozzles + 6 acoustic dampers.
8) Perfect size and weight at 6 grams a piece.
9) Your choice of 3.5mm/4.4mm version or 3.5mm/2.5mm version. (2 cables included)

Now if the quality of construction, comfort-size and weight are provided for, really there is nothing else critical for listening success except for the correct FR and technicalities. You see this whole business is not that difficult once you realize that the sound maybe takes care of itself? Knowing if the frequency range style blends with your personal taste is truly the single main reason we read reviews. Maybe FR is 80% of what we are drawn to with-in a product, that if the tone pushes our buttons and delivers an even, correct and complete response then all is happy sailing?



Scheduled highlights:
Introduction (you just finished that section)
Comparisons to other similar IEMs
Different cable explorations
Build
Packaging
8 acoustic audio nozzles + 6 acoustic dampers
Sound impressions/music demonstrations
Conclusion
Value statement

Comparisons:
In this section I am going to pull-out a few IEMs to cross-compare the value, over-all tone and technical ability, and build ideas. Often this section will be the most enlightening to understanding sound, as it’s only through side-by-sides that the true individual nature of sound reproduction is discovered.


Sony XBA-Z5:

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/so...s-in-ear-headphone.20347/reviews#review-25850

While reviewing it in May of 2021, I was still incredibly late to the party. In fact this 3-way 1DD X 2BA invention was an early Hybrid idea from Sony way back in 2014. And while hindsight can be 20/20……the IMR BC 2023 reminded me sonically of what the XBA-Z5 was and is. Specifically it was the bass tone and texture. It was also imperative that I test the XBA-Z5 with the included Sony Dual Density EP-EX11, the original supplied ear-tips. While different Sony IEMs yield different results with changing ear-tips, the XBA-Z5 rebelled and a wicked grainy BA tone was discovered with alternative ear-tip choices. Because the provided “rubbery” included cable simply is a no-go with the shape and build-style of the XBA-Z5, the suggested MUC-M12SB1 was placed into use.

https://www.sony-asia.com/electronics/headphone-extension-cables/muc-m12sb1

Talking about engineering, it needs to be disclosed that in many ways the XBA-Z5 was a profound learning experience for Sony. In the coming years they would introduce a parallel to the eardrum drivers in both the XBA-N3 and TOTL IER-Z1R. They would also start to diminish their bass presence a little. To start with the full-size past flagship 2014’s MDR-Z5 would have it’s bass presence reduced in reference to the TOTL MDR-ZIR. The XBA-N3 and IER-Z1R would enjoy a lighter faster bass while still being less bass-authoritative than the XBA-Z5. Where does this put the XBA-Z5 levels? In the basshead zone, dummy. Yep, it’s all here, a bassheads dream, and in fact I still get questions about the XBA-Z5, and there is still legendary a XBA-Z5 status despite the ergonomics of it all! It seems the audiophile will put-up with a lot to hear his bass! So after all that lead-in what do we have?

Sony XBA-Z5 v IMR BC 2023:
Surprisingly the IMR BC 2023 was way more efficient with power, I don’t have a volume testing device but I would approximate it to be 35% more efficient. At this point too I want to disclose I’m using the supplied IMR black nozzles, including IMR BC 2023 4.4mm cable and my favorite wide-bore silicone ear-tips. And guess what, the bass is incredibly at the same level. Where vocal-wise you have the (XBA-Z5) twin-BA examples putting out a hair more steely shine, and obviously the IMR BC 2023 is putting out a more cohesive and filled-in approach. The XBA-Z5 has its famous separation in imaging which is more itemized, but at a cost. Where this really comes into noticeability is when changing to more treble involved music, you hear a more developed and finer rendition of treble elements, except they hold a synthetic air, which is a given coming from BAs. This example truly challenges my predisposition to Hybrids as being the best methodology to render music? Truly no time in recent memory was the feeling of a DD combo winning out so flawlessly to an older heavyweight? Maybe times have truly moved on and the XBA-Z5 is old-hat? Truly to be fair the XBA-Z5 still has its qualities, except the IMR BC 2023 had better note-weight across the board midrange on-up.


Penon Serial v IMR BC 2023:
At $299.00 the Serial is priced $70.00 less than $369.00 IMR BC 2023. Now the original TOTL Flagship cost of the XBA-Z5 was $700.00 back in 2014…and at 2.72% annual inflation that’s $891.00 in 2023 dollars. Still retail, new XBA-Z5s can be found for $500, and the used market today puts the XBA-Z5 right around $369.00 if you can find a pair. Anyway the Penon Serial is nothing short of a phenomena, with buyers often perturbed failing to find them either new or on the used market. That’s the price you pay for success. Coming into life at the end of 2021, the Serial uses 3X DDs of all different make-up to provide a kind of DD party in your ears. Gone are any artifacts from BAs as there is none, yet more technical than a single full-range DD due to not a single DD having to foot-the-bill for every and all frequencies. And while we can all get a great idea of what the Serial is about with the supplied Penon CS819 cable, it must be disclosed that the Serial has the potential to scale with better cable purchases and equipment. I’m not sure (from memory) how this will pan-out? Will the Serial kick-some-ass or will they simply end up friends in offering a different yet same as good rendition of your favorite songs?

Penon Serial v IMR BC 2023:
I’m going to do something crazy here, I’m going to demonstrate both IEMs with the Penon Space 3-in-1 cable. Why? Well for one reason it’s literally the Cat’s Meow for the Serial, taking it to the place it rightfully belongs. Now if my instincts are correct the Space will also be a huge improvement for the IMR BC 2023. Now if this doesn’t work-out no big deal……….but I think it will work. Why? The Space belongs to a rare breed of cable that doesn’t change the sound of an IEM, it just adds space into which the soundstage and instrumentation can be ultimately perceived. So what we would be doing for the Penon Serial and IMR BC 2023 is adding dimension to their already admirable soundstage. Are you ready?

Penon Serial v IMR BC 2023:
Results not as expected, where the Serial had slightly more warm harmonics provided it was less loud at the same volume. The IMR BC 2023 was actually surprisingly more forward with the midrange offering a slightly more compression rendition which some may perceive as lively? While both approach soundstage from different directions it actually took multiple back and forth side-by-sides to come to a style of truth as to what direction was up. Penon Serial v IMR soundstage, is much of the same size as the IMR BC 2023, yet when volumes are attempted to be equalized the added bass of the IMR BC 2023 seems to make the illusion of size. Now the fascinating thing is with positioning and tone with-in that stage. Yep, the IMC BC 2023 is more forward with midrange tones and imaging. Where (unexpectedly) the Serial actually becomes the more laid back IEM, at every volume used. Where there is both added bass dBs with the IMR BC 2023 and added midrange clarity! Though this style of forward vividness with the IMR could be looked at as an attribute or a deficit, depending on your personal taste. Personally, while a little less romantic than the Serial, the BC 2023 add (which only could be described as mid-range technicalities through clarity) is the winner in my book! Though in many ways these are both brothers emitting pure DD timbre but coming from 2 different sides of town build wise. One a CNC aluminum encasement (which maybe resonates aluminum clarity) where the other is handmade medical resin. Could they end-up complementary? I think so, where the Serial is stepped back and more laid back, with the IMR a more contrasty and slightly extreme affair. Both have their choices when in the mood, though right now and here, I choose the IMR as the most thrilling. I hope I don’t get Schiit for saying this? Part of it too could be the new toy phenomena? Where you start to choose the clearest due to only clarity reasons?

Cable change-outs:
Every cable used today is with the WM1Z DAP with no EQ. The regular Silicone Wide-bore tips were used. Every once is a while I would refer back to the included cable for reference. There may be questions from some of you that wonder why so many cable changes? The answer to that is two fold, one being it simply shows how well rounded an IEM is to go forward into many different cable uses to never maybe need a cable to actually put out a fire, but instead offers many enjoyable variations in which to enjoy the tonal response. The other reason is you can simply understand where an IEM is coming from by interfacing many ranges of cables with it, eventually a sincere personality is formed. But in use I typically find Dynamic Drivers or combinations of Dynamic Drivers to offer more choices in cable adds. This could partially be due to never having to worry about the BA tone/timbre and how to work with it?


ISN G4 Cable:
What can I say this cable is incredible!
https://penonaudio.com/isn-audio-g4.html
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/isn-g4-iem-cables.25670/reviews#review-29405

At $99.50 it should be! When I reviewed this cable back in October of 2022 it was a roundabout surprise, and continues that fame now. In fact the ISN G4 ended my go-to cable that I flawlessly used on everything. It may be the warm fluid spaciousness, I don’t know, maybe the size of all under the curtain of build materials and formation into a sonic structure like no other? In fact, today it won! Why…..just the perfect cable for the IMR BC 2023? At first I even thought it was too bassy, but now once the music started shifting and going to other places…….I was sure of its value. But to emphasize traits here, the success of the IMR BC 2023 has to do with its midrange ability, as that is a really where its musicality emulates from. The G4 has the midrange performance in spades.

Material: Single crystal copper mixed graphene silver-plated + single crystal copper mixed graphene gold paint hybrid cable.

It’s maybe the graphene that adds the weight, I mean It’s more than weight because the note-weight is already there? It’s the weight and the separation. The expanse of the soundstage? Whatever it is, it goes down in the books as one of the ultimate cables today! Really to tell you the truth, I wanted to retire today with this set-up, just ride off into the sunset……..I needed nothing more……nothing!


Penon Mix Cable:
https://penonaudio.com/penon-mix.html
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/penon-mix.25122/reviews#review-30153

At $149.00 I would say it’s an acquired taste. Some are going to swear by this style of set up, the results are that there is an added sense of clarity by the MIX using pure silver wire. In fact I own no pure silver cables yet this is only partially silver, mixed with pure copper. What the outcome is is that of contrast. Yep, just as you would guess, brighter, more vibrant highs and punchy lows, though they are clean and fast, which is surprising considering the bass levels here. Overall I would take the G4 over this due to liking the slightly softer display and the G4 doing more with midrange weight? There is simply a slight brittleness that I’m not looking for inside the treble, but who knows for some it may be heaven.

4 shares, single crystal copper + pure silver mixed, handmade
2 strands single crystal copper, single strand is 115 cores
2 strands pure silver, single strand is 120 cores


The Penon Obsidian Cable:
https://penonaudio.com/penon-obsidian.html
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/penon-obsidian.26143/reviews#review-29789

I don’t know why but this was one of the very first cables I used 13 days ago with the IMR BC 2023. Slightly toned-down in comparison to the Mix, but in no way dark, only darker. And really this replay is 100% acceptable as far as sound response goes. At $149.00 it’s fine here and would be welcomed by those wanting a slightly darker sound with still hearing dramatic imaging and spatial ability. And it really matters the order you hear these cables in. As if this was the very first cable I heard today I may even like it more, but it’s difficult to go up against the midrange of the ISN G4? Though the bass here sounds controlled and real?


ISN H2 Cable and included IMR BC 2023 cable:
https://penonaudio.com/isn-audio-h2.html
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/isn-audio-h2.26206/reviews#review-29803

Coming in at $79.90 it’s the 2nd least expensive, yet still has its own sound. In fact the stage is slight compacted and even toned in comparison to all that has come before. The vocals are especially good, but I’m not so sure this is better than the included cable? Though it really depends on what you’re after? As in fact this cable is incredibly balanced and does no wrong. In fact it probably is the even-steven style that would draw a person to this style of playback. None of the slight darkness of the Obsidian, yet none of that wide incredible soundstage expanse of the ISN G4? Everything is totally in order? Nothing too bright or dull. And while there is a slight loss of bass detail and texture all is well here. I really need to compare back to the included cable now! Actually the ISN H2 is an improvement over the included cable, but also the two offer slightly different characteristics. Though I put them in about the same level of cable, the included cable is slightly more airy and not as thick sounding. Though there is a special quality in fact that it is this way, being complementary to the actual IMR BC 2023 IEM it comes with. There is a slight air of both balance and nondescript sound going on with the original cable that maybe would be considered a jack-of-all-trades? Funny how the included cable is better balanced than the ISN H2 cable? There is nothing totally weird or wrong with the included cable that in fact they seemed to be going with a simple well-balanced response in the end. A cable that would be so middle-of-the-road as to enable nozzle trades? And (you know how this goes) the more and more I listen to the included cable the more I understand it. Nothing too vibrant or strange….just simple effective playback, allowing the IEM to perform at near its best, with minimal character from the cable.


ISN SC4 Cable:

https://penonaudio.com/isn-audio-sc4.html
At $99.90, the ISN SC4 is fairly pricey.

4 strands, 12 cores Pure silver and single crystal copper mixed woven.

Though once you place it between the IEMs and player…….the realization that you have something substantial starts to form. Truly this style of playback is both unique and great. Great because emphasis is now placed into soundstage and vocals, stuff is simply clearer but never harsh or even overly forward. Timbre and true tone are gifted. Plus remember that with this style of IEM we never normally have to worry about losing bass due to the cable. This becomes my second favorite right behind the G4 in today's testing.



DUNU DUW-03 Cable:
This ends up a fabulous cable that retails for $199.00. it’s charm is that it’s much like the included cable and doesn’t bestow any style of sound attribute onto the performance. Sometimes you really want to leave it be. And maybe it’s the price? But I do hear it as slightly clearer than the included cable? In fact to continue with more nozzle experiments, this cable (or the Space) would be my choice moving forward. So if you didn’t want any different character than just the IEM itself, this would be your choice so far. IMO



The Penon CS819 Cable:
This ends up a choice out of curiosity. This is the cable Penon placed with their Vortex IEM and their Serial IEM…in the package. I’m curious because in my book it was a pretty good cable with the Serial, not the best but you were able to understand what the Serial was about. Take into consideration the fact that they don’t want to place a $200.00 cable with a $369.00 priced IEM to increase the price too much. In DUNU’s decision they went ahead and included the DUNU Studio SA6 with a $199.00 cable that basically let the character of the IEM through, and priced the whole package at $549.99. This allowed consumers to choose the IEM with a cable that both allowed any choice of 3-in-1 plug and didn’t hinder the sound of the SA6. There are still ways to get ample additional character from the SA6 with new (other) cable rolls. With the CS819 we have a cable that can be picked-up for $49.00 separately. And while it’s very effective as an additional cable choice, let me explain why. Let's say you liked the included cable but didn’t want to break-the-bank so to speak and still get a new and original sound from the IMR BC 2023? The CS819 is thicker and meatier sounding than the included cable with the IMR. Not only that but it is even and correct as a cable add. So it’s a natural recommendation, and I like it better than the ISN H2 as it comes off more natural somehow, like almost the way the IMR BC 2023 was designed to sound, yet just slightly darker and fuller than the included wire.

https://penonaudio.com/penon-cs819.html

Build:

Such a joy to encounter a build such a this, flowing lines and comfortable CNC smoothness. As such they use three bolts to fasten the BC together and to hold on the faceplate. If you count the two piece nozzle arraignment it comes to 5 pieces, plus the large screen. At 6 grams a piece they become the perfect weight. A side slightly recessed 2Pin socket seems to fit all cables I tried? Truly a modern day work of art. Noise occlusion is only so-so from outside noise leaking in. Though due to the style of FR produced by the BC 2023, it naturally blocks noise. As far as sound leaking out and disturbing people, it’s somehow not an issue at all. When they are playing loud music in my ears nothing can be heard from outside the IEMs.

Packaging:
I was sent only the 4.4mm cable but regular packaging enables a choice of 2.5mm and 3.5mm or 4.4mm and 3.5mm cables.

Purchase includes:
2 IMR BC 2023 IEMs
1 shirt-clip
2 cables either 2.5mm/3.5mm or 4.4mm/3.5mm with cable ties
2 sets foam ear-tips
1 set double-flange silicone ear-tips
3 pairs silicone ear-tips S/M/L
8 acoustic audio nozzles in holder
6 acoustic dampers in holder
1 carrying case
1 1/4 inch adapter

Above two photographs supplied by Penon Audio

8 acoustic audio nozzles + 6 acoustic dampers:
As consumers and hobbyists many of us have come to realize that a minuscule piece of material at the nozzle end can make or break a product's popularity. Yep, the effects of nozzle filters are huge. Why? Because much of this hobby is dealing with super slight variations of sound reproduction to arrive at success. It’s not that the drivers themselves don’t have their very own unchangeable character, because they do. But in many ways our goals are to enhance or diminish the actual driver character, the parts of the sound that we can actually affect. Remember too the end results are a combination of everything in the signal path.

1) DAP Character
2) Ear-tips
3) Cable character (if you believe such things)
4) Ear-canal physical differences
5) The music files used
6) The exact volume listened to
7) Mental tone preferences

So IMR introduced a way to change the signal. Also while I’m mentally more biased towards cable changes, still because this concept of nozzle materials was important to IMR, it became a subject of importance in this review. So I went back, yep I set everything up like this was my first day with IEMs. I used the stock 4.4mm cable….and I had fun. What the results were was I was surprised at just how much influence the 8 different acoustic audio nozzles and 6 acoustic audio dampers could provide. And in-fact maybe because we are working with 2 DDs per channel there was way more leeway than maybe found with BAs. Where BA’s seem to have a spice to them which can raise up out of nowhere and render the signal unusable, here was drawn-out ranges of tone that were in fact adjustable and malleable. I’m not going to go over all what all the nozzle filters and dampers do, but you can read about their different qualities in the owners guide as well as view an actual response graph concerning the upper stage acoustic filters. Yep every one of them graphed out in relationship to one another. There is also a suggested filter combination section to get you going if you’re not into graphic response charts.

The end results for me:
I will be the first to admit the stock cable and acoustic nozzle combinations did in-fact somewhat replicate what I was able to do with cable changes and surpass cable metallurgy tonal responses in some cases. With this style of IEM we are possibly wanting to adapt the tone to........

1) Clear midrange and high clarity
2) Maximum bass and high treble
3) Reference response

So in a way, yes this was able to be accomplished. Yet the reference was almost always warm, yet who is to truly say what the reference is. No recording studios are standardized which means replay is in fact all over the road. This is why often every recording has its own personality. Regardless of that, I was able to find a workable tone from many of the filter combinations. Meaning maybe it was due to 2X DD, but I was surprised how really none of the various set-ups were heard as wrong? Meaning you see all these filters and guess you would need them to arrive at an acceptable sound, when in fact they simply allow you to experience the IMR BC 2023 in variations of correct. Still again this may be personal preference as to what is acceptable? Maybe this style of tonal changes will be more important depending who you are as a listener? Still the whole time I was changing filters I kept thinking about past IEMs that were made by other brands and needed to be returned to the factory due to a filter mishap. And surprisingly I didn’t meet-up with any of that drama in practice? So maybe it really depends on driver methodology as to how filters react to align FR to your personal choices? And still I don’t want to undermine the fact that there were broad and definite tonal changes to take place with the IMR BC 2023. In fact it may be the most chameleon toned IEM in my history? If this is a fact that nozzle filters are in fact more dramatic than cable rolls, so be it.

In ending this chapter:
It is just a reality that a heavy bass IEM has both the ability to alter its tone, that there is room for change. That IMR addressed the bass issue and included an avenue to reach a level of normality, while at the same time giving the bass-head the tools to go wild. And while the BC 2023 was never truly sparkly in the highs, that’s not what this buyer is after anyways. That there is a complementary nature to the sound that could make the BC 2023 your main IEM or at least a complementary IEM in your arsenal. Part of understanding the nozzle filters is simply look at them like tone control knobs on the front of your stereo system, and remember that their invention by a single sound engineer or a group of sound engineers makes the sonic outcome still subjective.

Sound impressions:
Probably what the BC 2023 has going for it the most is thrilling bass texture and tone? Meaning there is a completeness and an honesty here which is way ahead of the BC 2023 price bracket. You already know the thrilling emotion in your heart when you hear a bass section in a song……you don’t say it (out-loud) but you emotionally say “oh” to yourself. That surprise, that’s what is going on here. And there is a drama to that small excitement…….that reminds you that you have made the perfect choice.

The thing is the IMR BC 2023 sounds amazing with a wide range of cables!

Each offering a subtle new window into your musical experience. Though some combos were better than others, and that is what makes them special!

I’m never using EQ, but the bass is tight and right? I mean if I do anything with this specific chapter of the review…………is to hit home the fact that the bass can be arrived at……a tone and texture that is just right! Really it is. During the burn-in process, a plugged in DAP will just be laying on the counter putting 280 hours of burn in. The recommendation is 200 to 300 hours from the factory. Anyway I’ll go ahead (and pick-up the IEM) and find a song I know already playing and this seems to be the perfect test of an IEMs ability to be well-rounded. Meaning if I pick-up the IEM and place it into my ears and find interaction, without faults, then I can totally get on board with what the IMR BC 2023 is about. The BC 2023 didn’t sound right till about 150 hours, then the bass kind of positioned itself into the stage, removing any clutter or fogginess it seemed to have before. The bass actually gets timbre after burn-in………I know this one point is hard to believe……so believe it or not!

Now these are bass heavy IEMs, and there still is a slightly easy going “extra” additional bass kick that becomes a guilty pleasure. But due to the extras, not exactly smudging the rhythm, then all is well. There is a small amount of rhythm diminished, but it’s this sway and roll that makes up for any loss of clarity here. And the main thing is if this (lack of) rhythm influx was a problem it would be an issue with only certain styles of music, and it’s not. Later in the music example section I will try and go over why I think the IMR BC 2023 is so well rounded. I know that statement seems to be a ridiculous one…..and I forgive you for the disbelief………but that is really the whole enchilada here……that we actually have an audiophile IEM, that’s going about its day playing all ranges of music competently and effectively……getting personal involvement and emotionally taking you away.

There should probably be a disclaimer here about where I come from bass wise:
First and foremost I come from the modern Sony house sound. I sharpened my teeth on experiencing (and reviewing) the XBA-Z5, the XBA-N3, the MDR-Z1R and the IER-Z1R…….to name a few. But if you truly study the house sound of Sony and follow their firmware into which the Sony DAPs were tuned you start to come to a realization. This realization is also carried over to both their IEM lines and full-size is that they are actually going for less warmth and less bass, as they go along. Arriving at a more natural yet still warm and heavy bass sound, but a little less. They are trading heavy richness and one dimensionality……for pace and tone. What comes out the other side is bass texture (more heard texture now) short and sweet, that is what is achieved.

So how does the IMR Bass Cannon 2023 compare to the modern Sony house sound?
My best way to come-up with an answer is through music. Yep, this is all about replaying songs I know and love and trying to understand what similarities and differences there are. Really they are almost identical to a point. Though I would be remiss to not include that Sony is not this exact value. Meaning you get two things with this sound, one you totally do get the bass expertise of a style of Sony sound if not slightly more bass, though the reason it seems like slightly more bass is due to a slight diminishing in treble-brightness details which (would in Sony’s case) add more balance in playback. Yet the difference here is there is a magic in cohesiveness, and the only IEM that seems to do the same is the 2DD X 1BA Hybrid.....the IER-Z1R.

So with the above said, maybe for you, you can come to terms with how the IMR BC2023 is going about playback, if you already know the Sony sound? Still there are differences, probably much of this is due to Sony BAs which can jump ahead in the contrasts to combine with the DD to offer a more separated and defined treble/midrange. Still there is nothing wrong (at all) with what we have. And with all this talk of cohesiveness you would fall-short to misread the part about width and imaging, and think the IMR BC 2023 doesn’t offer spectacular imaging and contrasts. See, that’s the thing. The special way about the mids in that they hold everything, that they ARE separated and itemized into a more natural and less steely tone than what Sony does.

Bass boredom:
I could talk for a few more paragraphs about the differences between the Sony house sound and the IMR BC 2023, except I think I have made my point. And the real question at hand is the musicality here. Frankly it does not matter what the bass, midrange or treble do, or how they compare to anything else if there is not a communication here. That’s right, a communication of music. So while we got an idea of what we are up against, and we know the weather inside the BC 2023…….there is a question of all this being, or just starting to get a little boring. You know when you’re deprived of details, after a while the mind starts to figure out what is left out. And in that situation the left-out-parts create a wanting, or a starvation of sorts……..but not here and not ever. Call me a bass head, maybe I am a closet bassy? Because our salvation against boredom comes from the most unexpected places, maybe? It’s getting into the bass note, yep it’s finding musicality and dimension…….almost like walking into a closet. No one knows this guilty pleasure you have, though you know, and you have come to terms with it……embracing it and calling it your own………who you are. While one style of drink can be too strong for some, some embrace the whisky of the deep end. And while this never actually acclimates to anything sounding normal, it is fun and acceptable…….at least we are never bored like you think could occur. Though if I can, I have to warn you, partaking of this tone can leave you one-sided, in that the resulting acclamation into the realms of bass-hood can leave the rest of your collection sounding thin and with-out punch.

Midrange:
So there is probably some curiosity at this point? I haven’t talked much about midrange, that or vocals in particular. And the truth is prior I’ve been listening to OSTs which often by their very nature leave the vocals out. But to at least reiterate on the mids during soundtrack replay………….everything is very much gifted with a golden light, not bright white. And do I care? No in fact if something for this style of money goes ahead and plays soundtracks all day just like this……well, call me smitten. It’s the low rolls and sways of life in OST playback that, you know, reminds you of what happens in the theatre. In fact contrary to substantiating the bass here, I think after a while you do come to realize that these make Sony’s out-put as far as IEM creations seem more balanced, they really do. But still all is fine, if they are able to climb out of any darkness to do vocals?


Theatre of Tragedy
Assembly (Remastered)
“Episode”
44.1kHz - 24bit

First off I’m cheating a little as this is an overly bright song. Yep, big guitar washes and effects, yet what we are centering-on here is regardless of those items in playback. We want to know if Liv Kristine vocals are up-to-snuff. You know why? Because say you want to go on a trip and want to only bring one set of headphones? But not only that, but could the IMR BC 2023 playback the whole Assembly album…..to your satisfaction? First off…..this is definitely a slightly colored tone. And I have not even got to the vocals yet! There is a broad colored light shining on everything that is acceptable especially when you taste the bass boost areas taking place. It goes without saying this is not even in the country of linear AKG k701 or HD800 territory. We already know this, these facts are self-explanatory…….but what about listenability and what about the vocals?

Vocals:
They have totally correct timbre in the end. Also the vocals are gifted with density that offers weight..........none ever of that thin sounding BA metallic tone.

Midrange soundstage:
These are definitely not your spatial proclamations, due to tune (upper midrange) wide-soundstage players. Meaning we know how this style of tones plays out, except there are amazing entertaining spatial positioning due to the open back-ness of what is going on. Meaning these would probably not work as a closed-back IEM, but offer this amazing smooth and well imaged proclamation of images out into this warmer stage, which leaves the typical style of upper-midrange spatial tricks seemingly miles away in character? Yet, it works, though you’re often getting the idea that at times it’s on the line of failing, in truth it never does, but offers this BC 2023 world..... complete with its own version of reality and how life should be in the end.

Treble:
You may see where this is going?

Theatre of Tragedy
Assembly (Remastered)
“Play”
44.1kHz - 24bit

Again surprisingly everything holds the most natural and pleasing timbre, yet it is maybe a slight bit colored, while still natural. It’s just there is not much bite at the top-end. And due to this style of replay we are not met with the style of separation you expect into the stage. Still though what is expanded-out is 100% correct and can be viewed as a style of reality, it is just not what you would consider bright in any form or fashion. Such is the BC 2023 character, which some may say would put these into an acquired taste? But because of the style of stage offered, it’s still totally acceptable and entertaining regardless. In fact this timbre somehow makes it out into the open regardless of when you think it cannot? And different from many styles of treble where there is uneven replay of tones, here all is correct though slightly stifled as far as brightness goes. It’s all very fast and well paced despite its color. And when I speak of color, it’s not like there is any trouble because of such slight character, really it’s just a character first and foremost.



Conclusion:
Besides the difficulty of pinning down what the IMR BC 2023 truly is, due to the nozzles and cables/DAP rolls. A vibrant character still shines through stifling any human attempt to neutralize it. With so many Harman tuned clones running about it’s refreshing to encounter an IEM with real character and demeanor. And while acting robust and vivid, somehow the IMR never gets old or overstays its welcome. After reading this and before reading this you may think that the bass is too much, due to prior experience or biases. And you know what…….there is a lot of bass, but the way it’s done at times it’s almost normal, especially if the extra dBs are not in the song! The Bass only comes out when called upon, but when it does show up it owns such a refined quality that it’s your friend and emotionally you never want to let go. Truly my first ideas were that they emulated the Sony sound with bass realism through abilities, and in many ways they did just that! Except ideas of IEM creation stepped ahead once more by including a second DD. Replacing any BA ideas here with dual DDs they simultaneously are providing better note-weight and parallel sound goals in direction. As there is no way of knowing where one DD drops off and another starts sonically. As such the IMR BC 2023 becomes the very epitome of cohesiveness, sounding like oneness always.

Be it Rock-n-roll or Classical or anything in-between the IMR BC 2023 has you covered. As upon first learning of its existence you think this must be a one-trick-pony.........when it’s anything but the contrary. In fact, this well-roundedness is probably one of the single greatest surprises that I encountered while writing this review. That and the naturalness, as how could anything called a Bass Cannon be natural? Well it is natural, despite its propensity for bass tones. It took me side-by-sides with the XBA-Z5 and Penon Serial to truly understand what we are working with here. Because anyone can have a memory of whatever they want…..they are called memories for a reason. But when a (close to the same) product is interfaced off another using a controlled environment, truth starts to rear its head. And…….truly I was surprised. I didn’t expect the midrange to be as good as it was. I kinda knew the bass would do what it did, but the midrange really threw me for a loop.

Being open back we are now getting the best soundstage possible. I mean just look at the pictures of the BC 2023, does it look exactly like any IEM you have ever come in contact with? I haven’t ever seen anything like it. That big open screen is unique, but more than that, the whole feel of the IEM in your ears……the smoothness of the CNC polishing, the coating they put-on……the weight being just right at 6 grams a piece. And the shape, somehow the weight distribution and product design results in an uncanny way in which they fit? The way the cable mounts are inset, I have heard this can diminish your cable choices but I rolled a bunch of cables and never had an issue?

Value:
This IEM in particular reminds me of why I got into the IEM hobby in the first place. The romance of finding something you can set back and listen to for hours on end. The spellbound look on your face as you encounter those bass drops for the first time. The Oohs & Aahs that this whole hobby is about. That feeling of emotion when everything is correct and no-sonic missteps are taken. It’s not all that complicated except maybe luck is involved. I mean yes, these are fully designed and worked out to the tenth degree, except they don’t make 1000s of them. Nope, these are of limited production, which means only so many of them will ever be made. If you will enjoy them I can’t say, though if you have read the prior paragraphs I’ve tried. I’ve tried to explain the ins and outs of the IMR BC 2023…..for better or worse. Now comes the time for you to decide if possibly they are right for you?


$369.00
https://penonaudio.com/imr-bc-2023.html

Disclaimer:
I want to thank Penon Audio for the love and for the IMR BC 2023 review sample.

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

Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
Shanling UA3 Dongle DAC/Amplifier 4.4mm

Edit:
I was asked how the IMR BC 2023 performed with simple cellphone use. Surprisingly it got as loud as most would ever want. The bass showed better control with a DAP, but nothing was really wrong, or unbalanced. The BC 2023 had its signature sound. The DAP difference enabled more refined pace and what seemed like a blacker background in comparison to a phone.