Jialai Carat

Introduction

JIALAI presents itself as a sister brand of NiceHCK and the Carats are the first models under its belt. All ChiFi fans know the AliExpress shop NiceHCK and it may come as a bit of a surprise to start with another parallel brand. But be that as it may, here are the JIALAI Carat, an IEMS using a dynamic driver with a 10mm titanium-plated DLC diaphragm. The capsule is made of aluminium alloy using a five-axis CNC, while tuning is based on the IE 2019 curve. Finally, the Carats come with a good number of accessories for their price, as well as a high-purity OFC cable with 2Pin 0.78mm interface. Let's take a closer look at what this new model has to offer.



Specifications

• Driver Type: Dynamic driver with 10mm titanium-plated DLC diaphragm.
• Frequency Response: 10Hz-28kHz.
• Sensitivity: 106dB/mW.
• Impedance: 32Ω.
• Capsule material: Aluminium alloy.
• Jack Connector: SE 3.5mm.
• Capsule Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm.
• Cable: High purity OFC.

Packaging

The JIALAI Carat comes in a square, silver box whose dimensions are 115x115x67mm. On the main side is the name of the brand and model in the centre, in large black letters. The brand name can be read from top to bottom in silver letters on the left side. There is a small description at the bottom right base. On the back side all the lettering is black. At the top left is the brand logo. To its right the m model and below it the description. In the next section are the specifications. Then, the brand's contact details and other information. The box opens like a chest and on the lower part of the lid, the characteristics of the model are repeated. The capsules are inside a black foam base with a cloth strip for easy removal. On the second level there is a leatherette case with a magnetised clasp and the rest of the accessories. In a summary:

• The two JIALAI Carat capsules.
• A black imitation leather case with magnetic closure.
• One user's manual.
• One 4-strand high purity OFC cable.
• Three pairs of black silicone narrow core tips, sizes SxMxL.
• Three pairs of black silicone wide-core tips, sizes SxMxL.
• Three pairs of blue silicone tips model NiceHCK 08, sizes SxMxL.

Currently, the JIALAI Carat can be bought for less than €60. The standard of the accessories is pretty good. But I think the cable, coming from a brand like NiceHCK, could be a bit better, as it feels a bit basic in its outer construction.



Construction and Design

The JIALAI Carat has a mix of classic design and a blend of newer features. It is an aluminium alloy capsule with a mirror finish, which is a fingerprint magnet. Its size is on the small side of a medium-sized shape. It is quite flat and because of its somewhat short mouthpiece, its integration in my ears is quite flush. The outer shape is based on an almost rectangular triangle, with the vertices cut off. The outer face is composed of 5 flat sides in a triangular shape. Surprisingly, it is not too thick. At the bottom of the border, the full name of the model can be read, as well as the letter indicating the channel. All this by means of a perfect inscription on its surface. On the other side of the rim is the 2PIN 0.78mm interface, inside the capsule, on a plastic plate. Next to it, there is a hole. The inner side has a first part away from the nozzles which is flat. Then there is a flat slope going upwards and almost at the end there is another hole. Immediately after are the matt golden mouthpieces, which look like brass. Their interior is protected by a metal grille. The approximate length is 4.5mm, while the inner diameter is 4.8mm and the crown is 5.8mm. It is surprisingly light weight, compared to other similar capsules.
The cable consists of 4 strands wound together in two pairs. The outer sheath is black and somewhat coarse. The sleeve of the 3.5mm gold-plated SE plug is a dark metal cylinder. It has the brand name written in white letters lengthwise. It has a small rubber protection at the cable outlet. The splitter piece is the same shape but smaller, without any lettering. The pin is a ring that fulfils its fitting role very well, as it does not slip easily. The gold-plated 2Pin 0.78mm connection interface has a very classically shaped half-angled sleeve, with that all-too-simple black plastic look that is so common on budget models. There is a letter inscribed to indicate the channel. Then, the cable has a semi-rigid sleeve to shape it over the ear.
The construction of the capsules is quite good, with that medium/small size, that somewhat distinctive shape and its low thickness and weight. The cable is a bit basic, not the classic ChiFi cable, but it is a bit stiff and has parts, such as the 2Pin termination sleeve, that could be improved, as well as the cable sleeve itself. NiceHCK has much better cables for a very low price.



Adjustment and Ergonomics

The weight is low, the shape is very good, I'm surprised how well the whole thing fits in my ear. The problem is that the tips are a bit short. I had to look for longer tips in order to reach a shallow insertion. Once I found them, the fit is simple, occlusive, no movement, no rotation, quite firm. But with the somewhat fragile drawback that the mouthpieces are a bit short and it seems that the capsules could fall off at some point. In reality, this is not the case because my foam-filled tips generate a vacuum-like effect, which facilitates a tighter and more durable fit. But it does give that slight impression. Even so, I don't have any problems with firm use and smooth movement. Finally, there is driver flex, especially in the right capsule.



Sound

Profile

The JIALAI Carat's border on the current classic U-V profile. Focused on the lower bass, it also sits energetically in the upper midrange, but without being overdriven. There is a good level of energy in the early treble, adding a good initial extension in this upper band. The midranges don't feel too recessed, and there is some balance between the lows and the upper mids. But there is always that lighter, more distant initial central range.
The brand itself specifies that the Carats are based on the IE 2019 curve. And what is clear is that this is a tuning that is not unique, as there are many models, even in this price range, that have a similar FR. Another thing is how each model manages to sound technically speaking.
The Carat's need some power to reach a good volume level.



Bass

Bass is something that feels enhanced in the Carat. Their energy starts from the very bottom and they have a certain dark, springy character that sets them apart from other models that are drier in their execution. For better or worse, the Carat's generate a powerful, slightly rubbery hit that makes them enjoyable, more extended, more fun to play, with a discernible rather than smooth texture. However, not an ounce of darkness and depth is lost in this feel, as a sub-bass advancing into the low-midrange remains the star of the show.
In the very low frequency pure tone test, one can perceive the reason for this dark, deep, sensory, textured and slightly flexible character. The lower frequency is perceived in equal parts physically and aurally, with some noticeable undulating behaviour. Several of these qualities, as well as a somewhat more prolonged decay, follow from this. I find its behaviour, colour and timbre adequate, as well as the level of energy, naturalness and realism. But that more elastic feel subtly takes it away from a more perfect behaviour, technically speaking. Assuming that there are many higher-priced IEMS that don't quite execute bass the way the Carat does, the low end of this model is certainly remarkable for its price range. It can be said that the energy level exceeds neutrality and that these are bass-boosted IEMS. On the other hand, the more elastic character, with a slightly longer fade, contributes to this perception. But in the dirty, raw and unfiltered bass test, the Carats endorse their overall good behaviour without generating problems. They are quite capable of performing complex, simultaneous bass lines, and can discern quite well between them. It doesn't lose control in the heaviest bass and manages to layer layers with little or no mixing. It may not be the most technical, clean or precise when it comes to bass performance under $100. But in its demeanour and execution lies a certain appeal that is more enjoyable than concise. Although, to be fair, the Carat's bass has the resolution and definition to make the lower range a powerful and well-executed band. And not all of them have that level.



Mids

The Carats have that in-vogue tuning of relatively thin initial midranges and hot upper mids. Although the unevenness is not that great, the increased bass can make that initial phase more distant. There is no obvious bleed from the bass into the midrange, but the limited technical level of the Carats in the lower range can disturb the tranquillity of the midrange.
The initial phase is slightly lean, with well-represented male voices, with an acceptable timbre and naturalness. In this case, they seem to have a good base, but lack a certain body in the central part. You can feel a deep bass in them, but as the frequencies rise, they are a bit more distant and it is there where you can perceive a certain thinness in their development. The harmonics are well represented thanks to the extension of the upper mids and first highs. In this sense, the male voices feel relatively full and with an adequate timbre. However, they can be susceptible to some trace of sibilance.
Again, the energy of the lower range can make the initial phase denser, somewhat darker and not quite clean or transparent. In that sense, there is a level of warmth that combines with the energy of the upper mids. This creates a certain imbalance and the dreaded hollowness in the middle of the central range. That certain valley in the higher range instruments is the weak point of Carat-style midranges (and many IEMS suffer from the same characteristics). The tuning enhances the base and the details. But fortunately in the Carat this feeling is not so evident and the plateau of the upper midrange helps in this respect. In this way, the energy resulting from the V of the midrange is slightly nuanced and compensated. It's not about a totally splashy or vivid sound in the second half of the midrange, but it's about seeking a certain calmness by softening the peaks. Some of this is achieved, but at other times there is a more sibilant feeling that contrasts with the initial warmth. In this way, the central range is not so well resolved: it is not explicitly clear, transparent or clean, but neither is it totally balanced, smooth or homogeneous.
Things improve in the female vocals and in the instruments better represented by the second half of the midranges. Here there is that more solid base, a fuller body, plus a more prominent and evident presence. It's still not a completely clear or transparent sound, but it does get an edge when the musical load is focused on the early midrange. The problem? As usual, you have to deal with that amount of energy.
In short, the Carat attempts to overcome certain aspects of the trend towards thin midrange and energetic upper- mids by homogenising the mix. But, it remains incomplete by forgetting the middle part and by keeping more energy than necessary in the final phase. On the other hand, it is not very technical and has a relatively limited range of resolution. In this respect, it is more musical than analytical. This results in a lesser sense of clarity, transparency, distance and separation.



Treble

The high notes start with a good initial sparkle and then gradually fade away, in the interest of a natural execution of the higher notes. In many ways this is the case, and I don't think it's a tuning problem. But there is a certain rawness in the sound that takes it away from a more natural performance and sonority. The treble can be a bit harsh in this respect. There is a sense that the sound lacks some refinement and this seems to be more noticeable in this upper range. That mix of technical limitation and the subtly uncontrolled energy level can create that less musical, rougher feel.
Turning to the treble, it is slightly crisp, not overly thin or penetrating. Although there is no control zone as such, there is an attenuating aspect that makes them tolerable. But again, the technical level is the limiting aspect. Nevertheless, there is a good level of extension and airy feel.



Soundstage, Separation

The Carat scene is moderately wide and deeper. It does not have a 180° sound, but it has a lateral perception beyond average. It does not have an expansive character and the pitch is average. The scene feels tight and natural, with no signs of volatility or three-dimensionality beyond the ordinary. The level of detail is not very evident, nor does it feel forced, although the upper midranges and first highs may make the macro detail and highlights more noticeable. In the background, the level of resolution is somewhat limited and the micro detail is not very noticeable, but is somewhat relegated to the midrange, even diluted. The notes are not described as very sharp and thus the separation is not so evident, nor is their background. There is clarity and a more than decent level of transparency. But the sound can be a bit abrupt, raw, without a superior refinement that would make it musically smoother, informative and descriptive. Still, none of these negative aspects fully influence the final sound. This description is being more incisive than usual, given the amount of competition in this range. But overall, both the scene and the image, as well as the level of detail, informativeness and descriptiveness, and the sharpness and clarity of the sound, are in the upper part of the average.



Comparisons

EPZ Q5

In a very similar price range, the EPZ Q5 can currently be found for $78 versus $70 for the JIALAI Carat. I prefer the all-metal construction of the Carat over the other model-inspired design of the Q5. Both have a good set of accessories, pretty evenly matched, but I find the Carat's cable to be inferior to the Q5's, which I don't like either. However, the Carat's cable seems thicker. The EPZs come with a zippered case, although it's more common, I appreciate it over the Carat's case with magnetic closure, as it's more manageable and narrower. While the Carat comes with three sets of tips, the Q5 comes with only two, although it does come with a cleaning wipe.
The ergonomics of the Q5 are very good, with a longer mouthpiece. The Carat fit flatter and fuller to my ears and provide a better isolation, maybe that's the trump card of the Q5 in this aspect. But the driver flex is annoying.
The Q5s are subtly more sensitive. In terms of profile, the Q5s are brighter and less bass-heavy in the midrange. While the Carats are slightly warmer, a little darker and more bass-heavy. Both share a distinct sparkle in the upper-midrange and early treble. While the Carats are somewhat more restrained and even in this upper range, the Q5s are more penetrating and incisive.
The lower range is somewhat more technical and cleaner in the Q5s, the bass representation is drier. The Carat's are deeper, darker, with a more natural presentation in timbre and colour, although they are more elastic, with a more pronounced texture, more power in the low-midrange and more body. The Q5's bass is more compact and quicker, while the Carat's bass has a longer fade and slower recovery. Their travel is longer, but they linger longer in the room.
The first part of the Q5 midrange is thinner, leaner and lighter than in the Carat. There is more body and base in the JIALAI, also more warmth, something I appreciate more. The midrange of the Q5 seems more pushed forward, especially in the upper range, but it lacks a solid base, it gets lost in the midrange leaving just the base and top notes. That way it becomes leaner and more incisive. The Carat has more meat at the inflection point and is not as exalted in the upper midranges. In this sense, I find it more pleasant, fuller, more homogeneous and balanced. It is also a little darker and somewhat less refined.
The macro detail is more explicit in a more splashy profile of the Q5s. In the background, the micro detail is the same for both, not too visible. Being sharper, the Q5's detail is closer, in the foreground, which makes it sharper, but also more persistent and fatiguing. Underneath, the technical skill is similar and the descriptiveness of the smallest detail reveals that both models are not overly analytical. It is only a difference in exposition, but not in refinement. There is a little more rawness in the Carat and a little more abruptness in the Q5. But, the 5kHz peak of the Q5s seems to me to be more intense overall and makes it and can be more unpleasant at times. The Carats also have a good level of energy in the upper midrange, but slightly nuanced by comparison.
The Q5's treble is thinner and crisper, with a higher initial energy level that makes it more penetrating and incisive. The Carats have a slightly more restrained and slightly more extended treble. A slight initial homogeneity of the Carat's treble is traded for a little more lift and power in the Q5. Perhaps, lovers of crisper and more powerful treble will prefer the Q5s. I prefer the less insistent tuning of the Carat.
The cleaner, thinner sound of the Q5s generates a greater sense of separation. The soundstage is similarly wide on both, but many elements feel closer on the Q5s, while the Carats are deeper. I'd say the scene is slightly wider on the Carat and the image is sharper on the Q5.
As I comment, the Q5s fall victim to their insistent peak at 5kHz. The Carats have more bass and a subtly more restrained upper mids region. Overall, I would choose the Carat over the Q5. They are even cheaper and more solidly built.



Conclusion

In my opinion, the JIALAI Carat is a remarkable IEMS. They have a good design and better construction. They possess a tuning that hovers around several successful models in their price range. They start with a deep, energetic and full bass. They continue with the classic, subtly warm midrange, somewhat lean in their initial phase and more emphasised in the upper mids. Finally, the treble has good extension, energy level, but limited so as not to generate too much incisive listening. Overall, the sound is somewhat raw, with an average technical ability that doesn't become analytical, but neither is it completely relaxed or musical. It moves into more fun, flashy territory because of its energy level. But it doesn't reach a level of refinement capable of offering a higher level of information and description. Perhaps that is not its purpose.



Sources Used During the Analysis

• Burson Audio Playmate.
• EPZ TP50.
• Hidizs S8 Pro Robin.
• Tempotec V3.

Purchase Link



You can read the full review in Spanish here

Carat is a mass measurement for gemstones and pearls in which it is equivalent to 200 mg.

JIALAI is one of the latest audio companies from China and they have a strong business relationship with NICEHCK. In this review article, I'll introduce their first ever product release and this one is quite interesting.



This is JIALAI CARAT and it has a single driver configuration. It has a 10mm dynamic driver with a titanium-coated DLC diaphragm and the combination of two materials will give more tensile strength and elasticity at the same time that it gives more responsive vibrations to deliver a clear and detailed sound quality.




The drivers were encased in a light aluminium alloy shell chassis that underwent a CNC-milling process to achieve the precise and seamless finish of the shell components. It has mirror-finished on its surface to that glossy and shining effect although its angular shell design and its contours reminds me that it takes some inspiration from other sets like MOONDROP KATO and CVJ MEI. The CARAT uses a 2-pin connector as its interchangeable mechanism with its detachable cable which makes this set more easy to do some cable swapping.




For its wearing and comfort, I find this set a bit finicky as I need to put up some eartips with longer stems on it as it has a stubby nozzle thats make the fitting a bit more challenging that it also affects the passive noise isolation to block some unwanted external noises from the outside.



The stock cable of this one is rather decent for its price as I think is durable and flexible although they are not the most supple and it's more prone to entanglement. It has 4-core high purity oxygen-free copper wirings that are braided and twisted and on its termination end, it has a 3.5mm single end on its termination plug.



At its asking price, the JIALAI CARAT is quite loaded with accessories and its packaging box is pretty well-presented. It has a rather bulky medium-size square packaging with a silver-coloured that fully covers its entire surface.



Here are the following contents inside JIALAI CARAT's packaging box:

• Pair of JIALAI CARAT IEM transducers.
• Stock cable
• Black-coloured PU leather case
• Three (3) pairs of narrow-bored silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
• Three (3) pairs of balanced bore silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
• Three pairs of wide-bored silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
• User manual

With a resistance mark of 32 ohms and sensitivity rating of 106db, This set is surely an easy to drive one on how it responds well with some sources with decent rating in a usual normal gain power output. With an enough power output for amplification, this set is able to sound fuller with a good amount of dynamics in it.



As for its tonal performance, The JIALAI CARAT has a more V-shaped sound profile as it has a more emphasis on lows and highs than the midrange which is in a trough on its overall frequency range presentation.


(The FR graph was provided by @baskingshark , credits to his effort)


LOWS/BASS:

Its overall bass response is predominantly with sub bass presence rather than the mid bass texturing as it sounds more rumbly and a tad less punchy and firmer bass response. But on how the bass response was executed, it gives that sense of tidiness of its bass presentation.

Sub bass presence is perceptibly clear on this one as I felt its reverberations and grumble generated from instruments like low tuned bass guitars and double basses, drum machines and synthesisers. In the mid bass section, it appears that it has lean note weight on it that affects the sound characteristics on some instruments and deep male vocals. Both double basses and bass guitars have earthy and a tad hollow sound while bass kick drums have sombre and soft sound. On bass and bass-baritone vocals, while their vibrato can be perceived to be heard of, they have this lack of weight and inadequate tonal solidity of its sound quality.


MIDRANGE:

The midrange part of its overall presentation, its indeed recessed and lean sounding on its sound quality but it appears that it has transparent, clear and energetic profile that will benefit more on female vocals and some classes of instruments like woodwinds, strings and percussives

While baritones, some tenors and contraltos sound less voluminous, lack richness and are less warm as they will sound less natural as they don't have enough depth of range. But on some higher range male vocals like leggero tenor have flexibility and agility to execute some florid passages while countertenors have light and tenderness on their vocals but a bit hollowed. Mezzo-soprano vocals are quite capable of delivering a coppery and fiery sound while sopranos are able to execute a shimmering, clear and spacious vocals with good modulation albeit its sounds a bit piercing and ringing end.

As for instruments’ tonal quality and timbre aspect, Strings like guitars and violins have a crisp, bright and vibrant sound on them while brasses like trumpets, trombones and horns have brilliant, overpowering and a bit intense sounding respectively. On woodwinds, concert flutes have penetrating and shrill sound while clarinets and saxophones have a lively and incisive sound on both of them. The percussive instruments like tom-toms, snares, field/tenor drums and kettledrums have a sharp, hard, sombre and dry sound correspondingly. Piano appears to have an uneven tone as I am quite a bit bothered by its timbre (like it's note keys should have a consistent homogenous of harmonics, just try to listen to Yiruma's Kiss The Rain or Maksim's Flight of the BumbleBee and you know what I mean).


HIGHS/TREBLE:

The CARAT is definitely on the brighter side of tuning as I initially notice the slight elevation on the upper-mids then a sudden boost in the presence part of the treble region. In my keen observation which is rather unusual, while the sibilance was kept under control, some instances of shrill and a tad piercing sound that will occur on some tracks. That boost on the presence treble will give more definition and clarity on vocals and most instrument's attack.

On its brilliance section, it has a well-delineated sparkle while the treble air has a moderate extension for a single DD set. Cymbals have metallic and a tad piercing while the hi-hats have more sizzle on it than its usual natural sound which should have a short buzzing sound. Celestas have glistening and intense sound and glockenspiels brilliant and a bit strident sounding.


SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

Its sound/speaker stage somehow conveys an average to above-average sound field, it has a moderate lateral span, good height reach and a less defined depth on which is my concern, In general, it gives me relatively moderate head room within my aural sense.

On stereo imaging, this set projects a concave-like presentation in which I can panned out and locate the placement of vocals and instruments but not the most accurate as I'm quite struggling to pinpoint them in a decently layered soundscape and less refinement on separation aspect that it will flounder on playing back some of complex multi-instrumental tracks in my testing tracks.

Coherency of its driver is quite excellent on how it delivers a fast transient response that benefited that quality of the entire envelopment of a sound aspect to exhibit a clear and absence of distortions or any other sonic phasing issues. The CARAT is considered pretty resolving due to the augmentation on the presence treble to add some sharper definition on micro-detail retrieval to extract some details and nuances along with a sufficiently detailed note texture on its macrodynamics.


PEER COMPARISONS:

Oriveti OD100

• Like the CARAT, this set also has a DLC diaphragm dynamic driver and also encased in a metal alloy chassis although it has a cylindrical shaped shell chassis and at the same, it has a heft and more solidly built. The OD100's stock cable is a bit better in quality compared to the CARAT as it has more texture, more supple and even more flexible.
• The OD100 has a U/V-shaped sound profile (depending on choices of eartips). It has a warmer tonality compared to the CARAT as it has more textured mid bass and lower midrange with similar crisp and energetic sound upper-mids up to the presence on the treble region.
• On technicalities, it has a similar sound/speaker stage with the CARAT in terms of perceived width span but on height and depth, it's more on reverse as OD100 doesn't have the height reach that the CARAT have but it has a better depth than the latter set. This set's stereo imaging projects a typical two-dimensional presentation but on layering and separation capabilities, it has similar performance with the CARAT. OD100 also has more solid macro-dynamics compared to the Carat but its micro-detail definition is somewhat blunted.

EPZ Q1 PRO

• This set has also a single dynamic driver configuration but the difference between this set to the CARAT is that its diaphragm uses a composite materials like LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) and PU (Polyurethane), and it was encapsulated in a resin shell chassis. This IEM earphone has a bit better stock cable compared to the CARAT's but the latter has more choices of eartips and a more premium looking storage case.
• The Q1 PRO has a U-shaped sound signature with tad warmth on its tonality which makes this set more balanced sounding than the CARAT. Compared to the CARAT, it has a more balanced bass response as it has a more tactility and punchiness on it, a less recessed midrange with more texture and warmth to make vocals and instruments sound more natural, and a smooth and balanced treble response with ample brightness on it.
• Technicality-wise, it has similar sound/speaker stage width but again, the Q1 PRO has a less height reach but better depth compared to the CARAT. It has similar stereo imaging which also projects a concave-like presentation just like the CARAT with the same less defined layering but the Q1 PRO has better separation. On resolution capabilities, the Q1 PRO has more solid macro-dynamics but the CARAT has a sharper micro-detail definition.

SIMGOT EW200

• This set also has metal alloy shell chassis and also with single driver configuration but on its internals, there are some differences if it will be in comparison between this one and the CARAT. While it also employs a dynamic driver, its diaphragm is made of special composite materials consisting of LCP and DLC and it also incorporates its multi-layered tuning module to give that more distinctive sound profile. This set offers a better stock cable than the one with CARAT but the latter has a better storage case and more choices of eartips to choose from.
• SIMGOT usually employs a Harman-ish style of tuning which is more in a U-shaped sound profile and EW200 also has it albeit it has a tad brighter tuning. Compared to the CARAT, this set has a sub bass-focused bass presentation which is rumbly and tighter sounding, a clean, transparent and energetic midrange but it has less notched in midrange presentation and a similar treble presentation which is also in a brighter side of tuning but in some way, EW200 appears to be more refined.
• In technical capabilities, the EW200 has a similar soundstage width span with the CARAT but it has less height reach but again, it has a bit better depth definition. It has a bog-standard two-dimensional stereo presentation but it has better layering and separation. Overall, EW200 is more resolving in terms of resolution capabilities, as it has fairly good macro-dynamics and is more polished in micro-detail definition.

Since this is JIALAI's first product release, it appears that its tuning will be more appealing to some neophyte audio enthusiasts who are transitioning from a typical casual type of tuning to the level of high fidelity appreciation that makes this set more of a stepping stone towards that path.

For sure that JIALAI CARAT still needs more further refinement on its tuning as it still has those rough edges that needs to be polished given that its competitors in similar price range brackets also now offer more finesse and mature tuning. In other words, The CARAT will be heading to a tough battle in the already competitive portable audio market in the entry-level segment.



JIALAI CARAT is now available at NICEHCK Official Store in Aliexpress. I provided a non-affiliate website link below.

★★JIALAI CARAT - ALIEXPRESS★★

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: JIALAI CARAT
IMPEDANCE: 32Ω
SENSITIVITY: 106dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 10Hz – 28KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2M
PIN TYPE: 0.78mm 2-PIN CONNECTOR
PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm
DRIVER UNIT(S): (1) DYNAMIC DRIVER

Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *
Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**
Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **
Mountain - Mississippi Queen *
Queen - Killer Queen **
Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'
Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'
Pearl Jam - Daughter **
Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *
Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*
Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *
New Order - Blue Monday *
The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *
The Madness- Buggy Trousers *
Metallica - Motorbreath **
Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *
Destiny's Child - Say My Name *
Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *
Mozart - Lacrimosa *
New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*
Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *
Exciter - Violence and Force *
Diana Krall - Stop This World **
Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*
The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**
Suzanne Vega – Luka **
Lauren Christy – Steep *
Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *
Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*



P.S.

I am not affiliated to JIALAI or NICEHCK nor receive any monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to Ms. VIVIAN for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate her generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.

TLDR version on YouTube: TDLR - Jialai Carat

The Jialai Carat have been sent to me by the brand, which is part of NiceHCK, in exchange for my impressions. I have received no requests or comments and, as always, I will do my very best to be as unbiased as possible.

You can find a non-affiliate link to the Jialai Carat here by visiting the version of this review published on my blog (www.achoreviews.com).

To avoid being repetitive in my reviews, you can find all the info about how I create the reviews, equipment used, how I receive the products and how to interpret my reviews by visiting: About my reviews



Intro…

Jialai is a new brand in the world of IEMs and is a sister brand of NiceHCK, a brand that has been around for quite some time. The Carat is the first model and opts for a single 10mmm titanium coated DLC driver, coming in at around 65€, depending on where you purchase from.

They are stated as being tuned to the IE2019 frequency curve, something that they say will ensure enhanced clarity for vocals and a smooth overall presentation.

So, how does the Carat perform amongst the masses of budget focused IEMs that are available on the market?



Presentation…

I have to say that the presentation is pretty impressive for a set that is slightly over what I would consider ultra-budget.

Arriving in a silver coloured flip top box, the front simply shows the brand and model, while the back shares some basic specs about the model.

Flipping open the top reveals the very shiny IEMs sitting in their foam cutouts, underneath which we find a storage/transport case along with the cable, a basic user manual and 9 sets of silicone tips in 3 different styles.

It is not that we are receiving out of the ordinary but it is nice to see the inclusion of a selection of tips along with a case that is of decent quality.

There really is nothing to complain about in regards to packaging or amount of accessories.



Build and aesthetics…

The shells are made from CNC machined aluminium and have a mirror like finish to them. While this makes them look shiny and impressive when opening the box, the finish will collect more fingerprints than CSI Miami. The positive side is that they clean very easily with a microfiber cloth but, unless you are going to wear gloves, it is almost impossible to keep them looking as shiny as they do out of the box.

The build is good and they are nice and light for a full metal build, however, due to the short nozzles, the fit is not very deep, meaning I needed to opt for a larger size of tips that I would usually. I ended up opting for the yellow core tips from the included sets, which is a large size, and once I placed them in my ears with these tips, the result is very comfortable.

While the IEMs are well built and have nice aesthetics, I can’t say the same for the included cable. The cable has a very plastic feel to it and is rather rigid, keeping the folds and kinks that it came with (from being wrapped in the box) even after using it for almost a week. The cable does function and does it’s job but, knowing that NiceHCK make some decent cables, it would have been nice to include something a little better than what we get with the Carat.



Sound…

All tracks mentioned are clickable links that allow you to open the reference track in the streaming service of your choice (YouTube, Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, etc.)

Before starting with my subjective impressions, here is the graph of the Carat in relation to my usual preference curve:



As always, the preference curve is just as a guide, it is not a rule that means I will like or dislike a product.

Starting off with the subbass and my obligatory “Chameleon” test, there is presence but the quality is not the best nor is it the cleanest. This is mainly due to a large presence of midbass that seems to fusion with the subbass and create a low end that is not very defined.

While there is too much midbass for my personal preference, using “Crazy” as my usual fatigue test, the quality of the midbass is actually not too bad. I don’t find the midbass overly fatiguing but I think that the driver seems to struggle a little with subbass, which, when added to the midbass boost, creates a rather unfocused low end.

This is again noticeable with “No Sanctuary Here”, where the low end just seems to struggle for clarity, something that seems to clean up as soon as we remove subbass from the equation.

As we move into the midrange, there is quite a noticeable dip in the mids which makes certain vocals and instruments get a little lost in their midrange when the track has a decent amount of low end (especially subbass). With simpler tracks, this doesn’t become an issue but with bassy and busy tracks, this does not help.

Moving into the upper ranges, the tuning is decent but can come across a little hot on occasions. I wouldn’t have thought this based on the graph but to my ears, certain songs do suddenly become a little spicy.

This is less apparent when the low end is busy but then that accentuates the V shaped tuning, making the dip in the midrange more apparent. So it solves one but creates another.



Conclusion…

It is great to see new contenders in the budget focused IEM world, yet the Jialai Carat doesn’t quite do it for me. While the build is great, except for the cable, and the tuning is something that I can see a lot of people liking, I just find that the performance doesn’t really stand out as being brilliant.

That low end can suffer quite a bit when there is a presence of both subbass and midbass, making things come across as poorly defined, but even when there isn’t a lot of low end in the mix, they still don’t come across as overly detailed.

I am not really saying these are a bad set of IEMs, it wasn’t long ago that they would have been pretty impressive, I just don’t think that they are great at anything in particular and really don’t have much going on that would make me pick them over quite a few other options in this price bracket.

__
As always, this review is also available in Spanish, both on my blog (www.achoreviews.com) and on YouTube (www.youtube.com/achoreviews)

All FR measurements of IEMs can be viewed and compared on achoreviews.squig.link

All isolation measurements of IEMs can be found on achoreviews.squig.link/isolation