JOYODIO SHINE

𝑱𝑶𝒀𝑶𝑫𝑰𝑶 𝑺𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒆: 𝑮𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑱𝒐𝒚


|| 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 ||

JOYODIO is a “new’ company debuting their newest and first IEM, the JOYODIO Shine. With all the hints toward JOYODIO being a sub-brand or a sister company of the well-known budget oriented company KZ that is known for their budget sets with questionable reputation.

Sporting a mix of 1DD + 2BA with tunable switches priced under the $100, will this be able to penetrate one of the most competitive price ranges in the hobby and stand as a company on its own without the aforementioned associations?


|| 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 ||

I don’t consider myself as an audiophile or an enthusiast, therefore the terminology and the overall review will be more mainstream.

I prefer to keep our reviews simple without too much confusing lingo and terminologies

This review set is a part of a review tour and was sent free of charge in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for us to do this review.

I guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.

My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.


** 𝗛𝘂𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 Linsoul Audio 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝗿 𝗘𝗶𝗷𝗶 𝗭𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽. 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗴 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝘁: 𝗲𝘂𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀.𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁.𝗰𝗼𝗺 **


| 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 |

It comes with a simple and somewhat compact box with an illustration of the IEMs in the front and a couple of branding throughout the box. Nothing much going on here really.




| 𝗨𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 |

Upon removing the other parts of the packaging, greets you another nice black textured box that flips open. After that is some envelope-like cardboard that holds all the paperwork. They also provide a handy little guide for what configurations this IEM has with its switches. After those are the IEM drivers themselves encased in foam, ear tips that are neatly organized and arranged with an ear tip holder and another box pertaining to the included faux leather case in blue.



The case holds the remaining accessories such as the included stock QDC Cable and a pin ejector tool used for flipping the switches on and off. The included case is quite small and because of the accordion-style mechanism, putting in objects can be quite tedious but it feels nice to the touch.



Great inclusions coming from JOYODIO that are also nicely presented.

𝗜𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻:

Paperwork
Tuning switch guide
8-core silver plated QDC cable
A set of normal clear ear tips (S,M,L)
A set of KZ silicone tips that has a whirlpool-esque design (S,M,L)
Blue faux leather accordion case
Pin ejector tool


| 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 & 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 |

The JOYODIO Shine is built from a 3D-printed resin for the body and a type of alloy for the faceplate. It’s nice and light but still has a nice amount of heft to feel good in the hand. The tuning switch is located in the rear of the shell and a singular vent beside the nozzle.



The design is quite subtle with the faceplate just having a different type of black than the rest of the body making it a more gray color with a nice gloss coating. This can attract fingerprint and is more prone to scratches but is quite nice and shiny once wiped down with a microfiber cloth



The Shine also uses a QDC connection that can introduce cable compatibility issues since the standard 2-pin and QDC is not as 1:1 as some people think.



The Shine is composed of a 1DD + 2BA setup that is quite common in the sub $200 category for its renowned flexibility and great performance.


| 𝗜𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 |

Isolation on these is below average, as I could not get a deeper insertion depth for this set to muffle out sounds in the environment more.


| 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 |

It fits well in my ears and allows me to wear it for hours on end without hurting my ears or having to remove them to let my ears rest from time to time. The occlusion effect on this is similar to most IEMs which is no issue given that it's a downside of IEMs themselves

I do however like to have a deeper insertion depth.


**𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗽 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀(𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹) 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗭𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝟭**





|| 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 ||

I really enjoyed this set as this offers me a sound signature that is energetic but is not too fatiguing to listen to in longer sessions.





| 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 |

I did find these to require more volume to be at a listenable level but it’s not too power hungry that it requires more power.




| 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝘀 |

Sub-bass is present, bodied, and with great texture and doesn't spill over other frequencies. Grit of the sub-bass is easily distinguishable with great execution.

Mid-bass has a nice punch and body but on rare occasions sound quite hollow. Bleed of the low-end is non-existent or if there was, I wasn’t able to pick it up during playback.


| 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝘀 |

Female vocals tend to sound a bit forward than their male counterparts and in some occasions, male vocals sound thin whilst female vocals have no such issue. Male being thin sounding could also be because they tend to not be as prominent as other sound sources and or due to my playlist not consisting of male vocalists that is on the lower end of voices .

“S” and “T” sounds can sound a tad bit harsh but this is no big issue on lower volumes and is tolerable. I like listening to brass instruments with either orchestral tracks or Video Game OSTs. Cymbal strikes sound great being full and decaying long but still natural


| 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘀 |

Highs are well extended, detailed and have more than enough room for air. Sound sources sound full and don't deliver any splashy-ness during the most time with my playback.

There is also a minor issue of this set sounding metallic. This could be what they refer to as the “balanced armature timbre”, but I have not encounter this on other sets with BAs I’ve tried, therefore I won’t conclude this as having that “timbre”

As someone who is quite sensitive to treble, I find loving this set as it has a more treble forward sound without being intolerable for my ears.


| 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 |

Imaging is above average, meaning it’s greater than most IEMs I’ve tried. Distinguishing things with this set is a breeze.

This could be the benefit of having treble forward sound. Layering is great with no mushing of sounds but staging is a little narrower than the competition but it still suffices my needs.


|| 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 ||

This set is quite a unique one, as this is a really engaging set that does not have a weird spike around the 8khz that I find really uncomfortable to. The JOYODIO shine is one great IEM for the price especially with the tunable switches, which is turning to be quite the trend nowadays after modular cables which is a good thing.

Tunable switches offer customizable in the performance of sound that can’t be sufficed by outer factors such as ear tips. I did find the stock tuning to be the best out of all of them and suits my taste really well.

Overall a great contender for a fun and engaging sound that isn’t taxing on the ear. Definitely recommending this for those, who like me have a weird sensitivity on the 8 khz region but still have an engaging playback, and recommend this for anyone looking for a great IEM under $100 in general.

Review OF The Joyodio Shine​

Introduction​

I was unable to find out much more about Joyodio, a recently established Chinese company, but from what I did find out, they have introduced and released their new IEM. They have taken a very unique approach to entering the IEM market, neither being very affordable nor very expensive, coming in the sub-100 dollar market. They feature a four-switch mechanism built in for various tunings, which the owner may change to any tuning they like. This doesn't imply a significant alteration in the original tune, but rather that it favours the preferences of the user, particularly an audiophile. Although it could seem like a good method to give someone what they want, the absence of logic in this concept typically doesn't interest an audiophile much. However, it will become clear once I examine Shine, their self-titled debut. But let's first go over some topics I need to clarify before we delve into it's sound.

Disclaimer​

*Since this unit tour was organised by the kindly people at Linsoul, I am grateful to them. And as I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as "Shine."
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Shine based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification​

The Shine has a hybrid driver configuration where there are two balanced armature drivers and one dynamic driver. The dynamic driver is a 7mm dual magnetic and dual cavity driver which handles the bass. The other two driver handles the mid range and the treble, which are the 29689 and 30019 balanced armature drivers. The shells are 3D printed resin housing 3d printed sound tubes and high end zinc alloy faceplate. The shell also have a 4-level adjustable tuning switches as well. The cable is a 8 strand silver plated cable with 2 pin connectors ending with a 3.5mm termination L-shaped plug. The accessories which comes the Shine are 7 pairs of eatips with different sizes(small, medium and large and they come in two different types) except a pair of medium one. Other than the eartips, a good quality storage box, a metal needle for tuning adjustment and a manual with instructions for tuning adjustment is provided. Coming to the technical specification, the impedance is 11-31ohms with sensitivity of 106dB. The frequency response ranges from 20Hz to 40kHz.

I should also include that the placement of the tuning switch tray is opposite to one another, below is the picture of what I meant.

​

Sound​

I will only discuss the set's standard tuning in this review; however, I will go into more detail about other specific tunings as well. To be completely honest, I chose to compare the shine with my Monarch MKII because these are that good. The shine sounds balanced and relaxed right out of the box, and it has a sizable soundstage, making it one of the best IEMs on the market, in my opinion. First and foremost, the technical aspects overall aren't the best; you could find better technical IEMs in this price range. However, the only problem I experienced was with the softness of the details, which while appealing to some may not be for others. While the midrange is present in the mix and may feel somewhat recessed, the treble is very expansive and airy. The control, timing, and speed of resolution more than make up for the bass' lack of the best texture or details. I mean, none of these qualities are the worst that can be found. I think these sound above average in terms of technicality in the current market. When it comes to tonality, these perform tones that are calming and pleasing. To make it more understandable, I'll go into more detail about various areas so you can make up your mind. Some people may have the opposite reaction, feeling boring and loose. However, as a whole, these IEMs are a good set to own. Let's explore the sound more.

Treble​

One aspect of these IEMs that really stands out and gives it a competitive edge on the market is the treble. The treble is expansive and has a pleasant synergy between all of the elements in the region. In addition to sounding relaxed, it pays fairly to the other regions and improves the presentation of the entire mix. The mix is kept informative and from dissolving thanks to the excellent far and wide extension of the upper treble. Due to the details' soft dynamics and lack of dissolution, the sound matches the details exactly. The response has a richer note weight and is rounded. In the presentation, it feels appropriate and correct. The vocals are clear and don't stutter or break down into isolated tones. The vocals sound melodic and entrancing because they are soft and warm. The instruments' response is satisfactory; they sound natural and a little muted, similar to how the snare hits are absolute and have good note analogies but the cymbal crashes don't sparkle or shine. The best way to describe them is that they have a denser approach that sounds more natural and makes the instruments sound recognisable but not particularly clear or transparent. When it comes to the lower treble, there is enough energy to bring out the best in the vocals and the instruments. While the instruments complement and sound a little more detailed with better dynamics, the vocals seem more presentable with a slightly more forward approach. Nothing sounds particularly offensive because the vocals and instruments are less approachable. The information is conveyed clearly and without creating any annoyance. Overall, the treble region has a pleasant, expansive, and smooth sound with subtle details and rounder, warmer characteristics.

Mid Range​

Regarding the mid range, Shine may not be particularly strong in this area, but I assure you that everything sounds flawlessly mixed in this area. Nearly identical traits and behavior's can be found in the upper mid range and lower treble. The presentation of the upper mid range is more organic. While not as overt, the vocals and instruments have a more harmonious and beautiful sound. The listening becomes more enticing and loving as a result of the soothing and pleasing approach. Some people who enjoy excitement and high levels of energy in this area may find this type of approach dull or boring. However, the harmony between each of these regions is what distinguishes them. In other words, even though the mid-range is not particularly high-achieving, it still plays a role in keeping the harmony. When we return to the upper midrange, the instruments have a thick, organic approach with good note weight and density. This area has a very welcoming atmosphere and non-offensive sound. The best part is that, whether you listen for a short while or a long time, the entire response never makes you feel stressed or fatigued. The lower mid range is defined, much to my surprise. It sounds clearer and acceptable with details rather than muddy or hollow. The instruments don't sound muddy or blurry, and the vocals don't get lost in the background noise. Even the bass line maintains a certain level of clarity while having good thick notes. Although there is undoubtedly bass bleed into the lower midrange, this results in a warmer and tonally denser response at higher frequencies. I do think they are well recessed, but nothing outside of the lower mid range comes out worse or weird. The mid range is presented in an appealing, organic, and balanced manner overall.

Bass​

Even though the bass lacks any details or texture, it still manages to make the entire response sound perfectly placed with just the right amount of lows in the overall mix. The sub bass is highlighted. Although it doesn't rumble much, the sub bass extends far enough to sound punchy. One could argue that these lack the low-end rumble, which I think is quite accurate. The lows don't feel particularly shocking or exciting, but rather supportive. However, when it comes to bass-heavy tracks, these function as intended because there is enough rumble and punch in the mix to make it sound full of sub bass and mid bass playfulness. Moving on to the mid bass, the same is audible here as well, and there are just the right amount of slams and bomminess to keep the response from sounding vile or bloated. The overall response is enhanced by the bass's tight control and effective surround sound. Although this IEM's bass details and texture aren't worth evaluating, the driver does its best to bring out a good amount of bass. It gives me comfort to know that, more than any other IEM in this market, complex tracks that are challenging to resolve are being handled well when I'm listening to them. The bass region's overall presentation is effective, efficient, and well-controlled.

Technical Performance​

Technically, these function perfectly much like an IEM in this price range; there are some areas where they compare favourably to other IEMs and others where they excel. Let's take the soundstage as an example. It is very wide and has a very distant sound, and the elemental separation is better than with other IEMs but the imaging is not clearer . The resolution is a little bit alright because some details are plainly apparent and the pace is fairly quick. Although it is not particularly impressive, it does, as I said, bring out the best in any tracks. Let's go into this in more detail.

Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation​

These have one of the best soundstages I have ever heard in an IEM, even above the price range these are available at, based on my observations and experiences I have had with many IEMs in this price range. The stage is so vast and deep, with a great sense of depth, that occasionally some tracks overwhelm me, but I also notice a lack of clarity and details. This is not to say that they do not deliver, but I feel that if these had better imaging, there would have been no question as to whether or not I would call them a "Baby Monarch MKII", even though I still believe they are deserving of that credential. I apologise for my exaggeration. Resuming, the separation is really impressive because the components are far apart and easy to distinguish to the listener, and I have no trouble identifying the directions the sound is coming from.

Speed & Resolution​

The resolving power of these IEMs isn't that great, they lack details, and the notes have a softness to them that makes them sound less resolved and clear. I'll just come right out and say that. I can accept that because the stage is to blame, but I'm still amazed that such an IEM which produces such a stage can even reveal this much information. Please excuse my exaggeration once more; I'm sorry. The notes hit quickly and resolve quickly, which makes the mix clean but has no effect on the notes' clarity. As a result, I don't hear any loose or wandering sounds in the mix.

Sound Impressions​

Tuning Switches​

I know that most tuning switches don't result in significant tuning changes based on my experiences with devices that have one, two, or three tuning switches, but when I learned that there is a reasonably priced IEM that is embedded with four switches, my mind was completely blown, not because I found that interesting but rather because I had doubts about the possibility of a change in the sound. Before I played around with the switches, I almost convinced myself that this was the case. Although I was taken aback by the differences, I wasn't fascinated because it was always customary to flip the fourth switch to alter the sound. I will only discuss the switches listed on the card included in the box and share my observation because when I used only those three switches, the other three did not produce the same differences.



R&B/Rock - With sufficient bass response and a configuration that elevates the treble and upper midrange, most tuning adjustments are made as the details become more vibrant and lively. After hearing them on standard configuration, it seems like a lot of the response is directed at your face. The treble becomes lively, detailed, and slightly sibilant, while the midrange emerges slightly more forward and with a hint of metallic flavour. The sub bass region is where the bass is more prominent, but the slams and punches sound largely the same; it just comes out more. Of course, with better imaging, resolution, and layering, the stage is more populated and sounds fuller. Everything else remains unchanged. I prefer this configuration over the other three in general.



HIFI - The treble is given a sparkly appearance in this arrangement, and it is given more emphasis than the other parts. The bass loses its weight and slams, and it feels flat. The fulling bass improves in accuracy and prominence in punchy characteristics. The treble has the clearest and most vibrant sound, and the mid range supports the treble. I believe the technicalities have improved and gotten more noticeable. A closer look has a slight negative impact on the stage, but all other aspects feel mature and well-defined. The treble becomes a little harsh on the ears, with notes merging into one another and forming singular tones. Overall, I believe that this tuning works best to add life to soothing or pleasing songs.

Classical - This set up sounds similar to the HIFI set up, but the midrange is more prominently pronounced with the treble. The vocals become more expressive, the treble drops, and the instruments sound more lively. If not for the punch in the sub bass, the bass feels almost nonexistent. The stage is affected, but other than that, the technical aspects feel the same while the rest has improved. The metallic flavour I detected in the HIFI configuration is lessened, and the sibilance in the treble is less noticeable. Overall, I don't think this tuning suits my taste. True, listening to classical music with this tuning may calm you down, but I would have preferred a little warmth in the mid bass and lower mid range.

Pop - So while this configuration is intriguing, it still isn't any better, especially since I don't like it. When all the switches are turned on, everything goes into overdrive but remains under control because everyone wants to shine in their own way. The midrange sounds forward and playful with the instruments, where I find them competing with each other for the lead position, and the treble sounds livelier but not that much detailed, in fact feels a little clustered. In fact, the fun I had with the bass when it wasn't even altered is gone. The bass feels better with more resonance and a meatier approach, but the details or texture feel spoiled. Not many offensive sounds were present in the mix. The technicalities feel like they haven't changed all that much, and the stage I was proud of is gone in this tournament that combines all of its components. Overall, the setup doesn't sound particularly impressive at all; it almost sounds like any generic Chi-fi IEM with a proper V-shape sound.

Sources​

Tempotec V6 - When listening to this pairing through the V6, the sound is even, laid-back, and spacious with a sense of airiness. The treble is open and well-extended, and the midrange is, in my opinion, roomy and natural. With the punches and slams, the bass feels a little flat, but it still sounds good. The technical performance is impressive because even with the same stage and separation, the resolution is better. This pairing is my favourite overall.



iFi Hipdac - I have fun with this combination of Shine and the hipdac. Less extended and airy, but still appropriate, is the treble. It seems more rounded to me, which makes it more cosy. The instruments complemented the vocals' increased expressiveness and mid-range prominence. When the punches and slams have good weight, the bass improves significantly. The bass has more impact in the mix and is absolute. The sound has changed to sound more playful and interesting rather than monotonous. Technicality suffers a little but still functions in the same way. Overall, the pairing makes me feel good, but I still believe that this IEM's distinctive quality—which I didn't notice with the tempotec V6—has been lost, turning it into just another enjoyable-sounding IEM.

Tracks Used​

Earth, Wind & Fire - September
Earth, Wind & Fire - Let's Groove
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere(Remastered)
Toto - Africa
The Police - Every Breath You Take
Daft Punk - Tron Legacy (End Titles)
GOJIRA - Amazonia
Fergie - Glamorous
50 Cent - In Da Club
Skrillex - XENA
Skrillex - Torture You
The Neighbourhood - Sweater Weather
Luna Haruna - Overfly
Blck Cobrv - Candy Shop
LMYM - 0 (zero)
Indila - Love Story
Marina Hoiuchi - Mizukagami no Sekai
Wayne - Not Enough

Conclusion​

For me, it has been a rollercoaster journey with many ups and downs, as well as a lot of tuning and pairing, to conclude this review. I must admit that these are, in my opinion, "Baby Monarch MKII." Maybe it's because I had previously listened to the Monarch MKII or perhaps it's because I was ABing Shine with the Monarch MKII, but I still spent a lot of time listening to this IEM, and doing so now makes me feel the same way as it did before. Of course, these are just my opinions and they don't apply to everyone. I value other people's comprehension. The IEM shouldn't have tuning switches, in my opinion, as the standard tuning has always produced the best results. However, with this IEM, I consider the switches to be a bonus. Since I have already compared these to my beloved Monarch MKII and given them such a bold name, I can say without a doubt that I do not find any issues with these IEMs. I would therefore heartily recommend them.

One of a kind IEM from JOYODIO, practically the only IEM now to offer 16 different sound tuning in one unit. This is not an IEM for the casual user, will require a bit of tweaking with the dip switches on the IEM shells (each side) to find the sweet spot. Shine can satisfy the need to do hardware EQ on the fly, jumping from being V sound curve to W, or anything in between - even going into something which is close to being neutral sounding - you just need to put some effort to toggle the switches - and also experiment with different tips to complement the varying sound curves.

With proper power and synergy, Shine has proven itself to be quite competent with technicalities as well. Being a hybrid, the soundstage is fairly spacious with 3D spatial imaging and positioning. Speed and coherency is good too.

PS: Be mindful that the stock switch settings out of the box were set at 83 Ohm which means that Shine will need lots of driving power to sound good, reversing the switch position will correctly set it to the intended stock sound at 32 Ohm impedance.

Joyodio Shine ($80)​

I was recently asked to review the Joyodio Shine from the brand-new audio company “Joyodio” provided to me through Linsoul. This is the first time I’ve ever received a set through Linsoul, but I was not in any way asked to say anything or skew my thoughts in any direction so… Kudos to them and respect. Of course, I am more than happy to check this set out and give my most honest impressions. The moment I heard of the Shine I was immediately impressed with how advantageous this new company is to release their first iem with four tuning dipswitches on each earphone. I will obviously try my best to explain myself but options like dip switches always add to the job of a reviewer.

Light & Shadows​

In the promotional material it states that the Shine was inspired by the concept of “light” & “shadows”. I love a good idea to build around, or a theme if you will. I like to see companies which almost provide a ‘blueprint’ into how their product was conceived. The intention was to create an earphone which could provide a warmth, like from the sun, which represents light as well as a coolness in its tonality like the dark coolness of night. This is a fine concept which could dovetail into many more iems or audio devices which rally around this fundamental premise. Great job, it’s artistic, thoughtful and it’s creative. Now, does the design and tuning actually encompass this concept? Joyodio relates the idea of light within the shadows to the sunlight which cannot be seen or touched yet can still be felt. A tough premise, but a good one.

Before I move on, I want to thank you for checking out this review. Again, the Joyodio Shine was provided by Linsoul for a fair and honest review. I hate to say it, but I have to; just because I receive a product, it will never translate to me not providing my actual thoughts and opinions. Integrity is of the utmost importance to me always and I will always share my exact views on anything that I review. Good or bad. With that said, thanks again, and without further ado…The Joyodio Shine!

Gear used​

–Moondrop Dawn 4.4
–Ifi Go Blu
–Ibasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2
–Shanling M6 Ultra

Packaging​

I suppose if you’re gonna do it, you might as well do it right. Joyodio put together a nice package with better than decent accessories for the price point. Not a game changer or anything but I do suppose that Joyodio offered more than I expected. Or better said, Joyodio offers great quality accessories for the price.

In the box​

Upon receiving the Shine, I was greeted with a pretty large rectangular box. Around the box is a sleeve with a graphic of the earphones themselves as well as some verbiage. Take off the sleeve and the first thing you’ll see is a thin box with some reading material. Very important to grab the legend which shows what the switches do. Lift that out of the way and you’ll notice the Shine earphones encased in foam cutouts. Right below the earphones youll see the eartips provided with the Shine. To the left is another box which holds the case as well as the cable. There is a small metal needle tool used for the dip switches. Everything included is actually of good quality.

Carrying case​

I think the case which comes with the Shine is of very nice quality, durable and of good size. The case has a deep blue colorway with an easy-to-use zipper. The material which covers the case is most likely a faux leather. To the touch it has a premium type of feel. I have received earphones many times more expensive with much worse cases provided. I don’t use a case, for those who do, you will have a nice one to tote around your iems.

Eartips​

The eartips which came with the Shine are also of good quality. I received one pair of medium KZ Starlines tips which were on the Shine upon first removing them. You also get three pairs (L, M, S) of some white, shallow fit wide-bore tips with good flange thickness. The next set is a wide bore set of three (L, M, S) tips similar to Tenmak Whirlwind tips. Literally they are the same exact tips so, these are some nice ones to keep around. I did not go with any of the included tips as I stuck with my go to KBear 07 tips. For the price they are nice additions and can easily be used for another set of earphones if you don’t use them on the Shine.

Change it up… ​

One thing I did notice when going through different tips is how much the sound will differ with different tip selection. I have a cavern of old tips that I meticulously go through on every review. Oddly enough, I seem to always go back to the KBear 07’s or the nearly identical Fiio Bass tips. However, during my hour and a half venture through my tip collection I noticed that the Shine is pretty sensitive to this as I could switch up the bass, mids, and treble to my desired sound much more so than on other sets. Now this isn’t some anomaly as many iems react in such a way but when you add in the tuning switches it starts to become a hobbyist’s playground so-to-speak. You can change things up until your heart’s content.

Cable​

The included cable is a white in color, 2-pin QDC style braided 8 strand silver-plated copper cable which terminates with a 3.5 single ended jack. This is a solid cable folks. I would say it is of the same quality as a decent upgrade cable likely costing about $15 to $20. For any single ended use, I did use the included cable but for the greatest majority of my listening I used a QDC white 16 core Fedai balanced cable for use with my balanced sources. I really think that the Shine does well with more power and so to maximize the sound quality I made sure to go balanced.

Build / Design / Internals / Fit​

Build ​

For a first attempt within the IEM’Verse I am very impressed. The Shine is a very well-constructed iem using a shiny lightweight metal for the Faceplate while opting for a 3D-printed resin cavity for the shell body. The build is seamless and very robust in the hand. Along the backside of the Shine are the easily noticeable dip switches. Like I said earlier, there are a total of four switches on each earphone and they are very easy to move into your desired position. The Shine feels nice and lightweight but also dense enough to not feel fragile at all. The nozzles don’t extend too deeply and are of average length, capped off with a metal mesh screen.

Design​

Joyodio is off to a rockin’ start! What a cool design! The Shine that I received is a silver-on-black colorway, silver on the faceplate and the shell being semi-transparent black. The Faceplate has these almost curved lines which converge almost looking like blades of grass. Perhaps this is supposed to signify sun rays, who knows. What I do know is that it looks pretty sweet. The shape of the Shine is not unheard of or unseen but really it is a very good size for most any ear I would think. I love the uneven but wavy area where the faceplate meets the shell, it’s unorthodox but also unique.

The Shine is a terrific first attempt at breaking into the audio world and if looks were what we judged an iem by the Shine would be up there with the best. Also, compared to similarly priced iems this design does come across much more polished than many sets in the hobby.

Internals​

The Joyodio Shine is in a Hybrid setup consisting of one Dynamic Driver and two Balanced Armature Drivers. The Dynamic is what Joyodio calls a high-performance 7mm Dual Cavity / Dual Magnetic Driver. The Balanced Armatures used are ‘29689’ as well as ‘30019’. I don’t know the exact quality of the drivers but using a hybrid system has the potential to help on many fronts. We shall see.

Fit / Isolation ​

As far as fit goes, I did have to tip-roll to get a good seal. As I stated earlier, I used the KBear 07 Large sized tips and once I did that the fit was fantastic on the Shine for me. You may be completely opposite from me so obviously you may have a different outcome. Isolation is about average for an iem built mostly for casual listening. For the most part there is very minimal sound leakage as well as very minimal outside sounds distracting me while listening. To sum up; the fit isn’t bad once a seal is met, sound leakage is good, and isolation is where it should be.

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Drivability​

The Shine has an 11–31-ohm rating depending on what switches you have turned on or not, and a sensitivity of 106+-3db. Honestly the Shine is fairly easy to drive to good volume but does begin to come alive with greater amping. In fact, I feel that a decently powerful source is a must to bring out the best in this set. I used a very powerful and snappy source in the Moondrop Dawn 4.4. Obviously, this means that I am running on balanced, and the Shine seemed to synergize nicely. In fact, I’d say that the Shine made nice with everything used. The IFi Go Blu brought a nice dynamism to the Shine while also ushering a hair more warmth which is nice depending on how you have your switches.

More Juice​

Using the iBasso DX240 on medium gain with a balanced cable was a nice compliment to the Shine with the DX240’s ES9038 Pro dac chip. The DX240 has an almost neutral tonality with a hint of warmth while having an energetic sound with great transients. Then switching over to the Shanling M6 Ultra I found my favorite way of enjoying the Shine. The M6 Ultra has this almost velvet sound which countered the Shine’s edginess perfectly. The M6 Ultra uses an AK4493SEQ dac chip which takes a bit of the edge off of the Shine. I also ran the M6 Ultra on medium gain using a balanced cable as well which offered a nice sense of stage and life to the Shine.

Dongle will do​

When all is said and done the Shine will do perfectly fine with at least a decent Dongle Dac but can be passable on a lesser output source as well. However, the Shine does like some more power! Now I don’t think you need a powerful DAP to get the most out of the Shine, but a good and very clean source will do wonders. Obviously attaching the Shine to the DX240 or the M6 Ultra will yield good results for myself, after all, they are fantastic sounding Daps and the Shine scales to them and reacts well to the different sound signatures native to the devices. So, to sum it up, get a decently powered source which gives good and clean power and…enjoy.

Note: Before I dive into this sound portion, I do want to add that I did give the Shine about 100 hours of burn-in. Prior to burn-in there was a graininess to the sound or a certain coarse and jagged, almost fuzzy note definition with obvious BA timbre. Imaging was not the best; bass was pillowy and fuzzy and even slightly hollow and almost in the background. The treble was sheened out and metallic. Anyways, I do feel that the Shine made enough of an improvement for me to jot that info down in this review. In fact, every area that was an issue was helped at least to a degree. Also, tip changes and more juice do wonders as well.​

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Ambitious first attempt​

Many sets which offer dip switches don’t usually have as many in number, and the changes which take effect aren’t always as drastic. Obviously, there are some great exceptions, but those sets are normally quite a bit more expensive too. The Shine, at $79 is slinging dB’s around with each push of the needle tool as you can add or take away fairly easily. I am more than impressed and I want to make that clear, I believe that Joyodio is obviously a very forward-thinking young company who seeks to impress. Truth is, we could use more companies like this who are willing to take chances and willing to push the envelope, so to speak.

However, to make this easier for review purposes, I am mostly going to speak in general terms and mostly to my preferred listening style and switch arrangements and I will do so as best I can. You can imagine how long this review would be if I were to discuss each and every different setting.

Sixteen is a lot​

The Shine has a ridiculous amount of possible listening styles due to the four dipswitches, which I truthfully feel is ‘Possibly’ a bit much. Now, I am very impressed. Don’t get it twisted. I think it is very impressive and quite an achievement. There are sixteen total ways of changing up the sound. For a company in its beginning stages, this is quite an impressive iem to launch as your first product. A nicely advanced and advantageous set for sure.

It could be argued that reducing the number of switches and perfecting those ‘fewer’ settings with lesser variables would have been a better move. Maybe just optimize one particular base tuning with less switches to hone and polish. I say that but in the same breath, it’s pretty cool to have so many ways to alter or to switch up the sound to your liking. Furthermore, the sound does make pretty distinct and fairly recognizable changes with every switch orientation.

How do the switches work?​

The Shine uses the dip switches in a typical on/off method. You can literally go from neutral & flat, to slightly warm & dynamic, and almost every sound-sig and tonal temperature in between. However, generally the sound is closer to neutral with a slight tilt towards bright. Just grab the included metal needle tool and click on or off on the switches that suit you. The switches are labeled one through four with one being the low-end, two is the Highs, three is the ultra-highs and four is full frequency regulation which basically changes the sensitivity or impedance from what I understand.

Switches cont…​

I suppose the easiest way to show you (the reader) these values for the purpose of this review is to call “1/on” and “0/off”. For instance, 1111 is all switches “on”, and 0000 is all switches “off”. Personally, I enjoy either ‘1000’ or ‘1001’ or ‘1011’ the most. Of course, I haven’t had nearly enough time with each of the sixteen different sound changes to fully describe them all or to get a good understanding of each. That is up to you. Joyodio gives us five switch alignments which they describe and have labeled themselves. These are “Pop” (1111), “Classical” (0011), “R&B/Rock” (1001), “Hifi” (0001) and “Standard” (0000). Truthfully there are a number of different combinations to run through.

Sound Impressions​

I would generally call the Shine a mostly neutral sound to warm-neutral with a hint of some bright luster depending on what switch setting you have. I’d also say the Shine has a very slight V-shape to U-shaped sound-signature. The Shine is an energetic listen with a decently sized stage and above average details.

Generally speaking, the bass is either flat, held back a touch, or it can be fairly deep and moderately authoritative depending on the switch location. In any setting the transient response is perceptively on the tighter side. The midrange is not too recessed for me and actually comes across more forward, especially female vocals which stay in the upper-mids. Treble is decently detailed for the most part and can either sound laid-back or energized and lively. There are some issues with coherency at times, with a caveat; this isn’t as apparent with all dip switch orientations, yet it is still always there. There are some other issues which I will speak about later on as well but for the most part the Shine has an uplifted sound with plenty of sharp energy.

Bass​

It’s difficult to describe the bass section when there are so many variations to describe and how the switches affect the overall rendering of the bass area with those changes. I think the bass can be pretty effective at representing the lower 3rd of the frequency but it never truly comes together for me. Almost as though it is held back or as if it takes a backseat role.

There is some very slight pillowy behavior at times with different switch alignments. In any alignment though, I’m not hearing that concrete, hard and definitive punch. Believe me though, I’ve heard much worse. Now, this is helped a bit when I bring the low-end forward (1001 or 1000) using the first dip switch. These settings seem to have a less flat or hollow effect on the bass section but never truly takes away the fuzz to bass notes. I should also note that the bass does have enough fullness to not be completely lacking. As far as coherency, to my ear the best switch alignments are ‘1000’ or ‘1001’. It helps to bring the low end more forward to offset the highs a bit and that BA timbre.

Sub-bass​

The sub-bass can be felt but is moderate at best. It isn’t the deepest sub-bass rumble, but it isn’t devoid of rumbly bass either and there is decent texture to the rumble it does have. This will absolutely NOT attract bass heads who want something more fun and Bassy. The Shine simply isn’t tuned in such a way. However, when a track calls for it, the Shine can rise to the occasion.

“Paradigm” by The Head & the Heart for instance, begins with a very sonorous and guttural bassline which most any iem can playback with some shuddering oomph. In this recording the bass is really gravelly and is very resonant and deep. Kinda like some Billie Eilish tracks. Basically, any set will bring at least a little thunder. However, the Shine does so with decent authority and with very nice texture, maybe a little light, but the bass comes across cleanly. I would even go as far as to say it is mildly juddering with plenty of meat for this song. Certainly not lacking while carrying decent resolution.

Sub-bass cont… ​

“Heavy is the Ocean” by Bush is another that simply growls at you when the Shine is in the ‘1001’ arrangement. Honestly, it sounds pretty darn good. Definitely far underneath basshead territory but still very raucous & deep. In this track the loudness grows in a grungy and reverberating manner. Again, the Shine takes on this song well and is very satisfying to me. Also, the sub-bass is perceivably pretty forceful which is a requirement for this track. Of course, there is still a feeling of this area being held back a bit or distant. Almost reminiscent of BA bass where fullness or quantity is concerned, yet not as compact or punchy or speedy in comparison. Note definition isn’t bad either, not by any means, but it never truly becomes hard edged and solid or so defined that it gives any “Wow” effect. It’s simply…there.

Mid-bass​

The mid bass has okay slam, again I am relaying what I hear in the ‘1000’ settings or ‘1001’. Kick drums in the song “Billie Jean” by Weezer is a nice track to gauge how resounding a big kick drum boom can be, or for how slight or soft the impact is. On the Shine, no matter the arrangement, I don’t get that super authoritative punch. I don’t want to dissuade anyone though as there is an appropriate thud albeit it comes across slightly soft in timbre or tactile feel.

The Shine isn’t entirely at a loss though. Case in point, tracks which have very defined basslines, like “Deep Reverence” by Big Sean feat. Nipsey Hussle does well to inflict a nice bass drop and then double bassline. Or “Pristina” by Faith No More, the Shine does have that deeper, thrumming drone to it. So, the Shine can rise to the occasion when needed. Again, not elevated enough to be considered basshead but enough to represent most genres while never encroaching on the rest of the mix.

7mm Driver​

I think the 7mm driver comes across a bit differently than we would normally hear with a driver 10mm plus DD. There is a fullness that seems to not be as present on the smaller driver. I can’t blame it all on the driver size though as I have smaller drivers in my collection which hit with plenty of depth and fullness. I think it certainly doesn’t help the situation, if of course you are after a deeper low-end. I’m sure that many hobbyists will find the bass perfectly suitable, some will say it’s not enough and others will even say it’s too much.

Not bad at all… ​

When all is said and done, the bass is not bad at all. Yeah, it’s a slight bit plush and less concentrated and solid but it is pretty agile and seems to take multiple basslines or quicker bass tracks pretty good. Another thing, it is possible to render this bass almost flat if that is your thing. The versatility is a very nice addition to this price point. Also, there isn’t any great push over into the midrange which could muddy up the sound. There are some areas that could be thought of as issues, but the Shine does have some redeeming qualities as well.

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Midrange​

The midrange as a whole has decent energy, perhaps it is slightly recessed but still has good presence. The Shine does also have a livelier pinna-gain. Consequently, the Shine can get a little shouty with the right tracks and per which switches are turned on or off. The midrange has average note weight and density and comes across relatively naturally albeit a little grainy. I cannot quantify or measure this to you but to my ear this is what I hear.

Details aren’t lost in the midrange either and separation isn’t too bad unless you are listening to complicated tracks or obviously lesser quality files. The midrange is fairly musical in most any switch orientation but there is slight graininess. This also depends on the recording as well. The mids aren’t the cleanest I’ve ever heard but they do have pretty good resolution with nice vibrancy. Again, like I said earlier there is a problem with coherency between the dynamic driver and the balanced armatures as there is some BA timbre which clashes a bit with the DD. I was easily able to look past this and enjoy my jams though.

Lower midrange​

The lower mids have a mostly natural note weight, not too thick but also not too thin. At times there is a slight dryness but the low-mids do give the impression of a more natural sound. I would say that males have average thickness (whatever that means) and are relatively forward but don’t really stick out and grab my attention. I don’t hear that warm, full bodied and robust sound in male voices. Despite that, whether it be a baritone or tenor, males do sound nicely defined and realistic enough. For instance, “Plain to See Plainsman” by Colter Wall shows off his deep Southern voice with good energy and with a sharpness to the inflection in Colter’s vocals. Not really smooth but more knife edged and clear. It actually sounds great but don’t expect that guttural and deep resonance in a baritone.

I’d say the Shine does male vocals pretty well in their own way. A track like “Maybe” by Lewis Capaldi with his powerful Scottish brogue which comes across slightly coarse or even crisp and has good presence as the Shine seems to cater to such a voice. Or a song like “Wasted Time” by Vance Joy, the Shine is able to capture the soft stresses in his voice and the smoother cadence without a problem.

Instruments​

Instrumentation really takes on quite a few changes depending on the switches that you have on or off. On ‘1001’ most midrange instruments like percussion have a more robust snappiness to them like Tom’s, Kick Dums, Snares, cymbals/hi hats etc. The fundamental frequency of a cymbal strike is firm and has decent body. Strings are a little dry and somewhat thinned out but come across with pretty nice energy and detail. Remember, you can change the sound up in many ways with the dip switches and with tip changes as well.

Upper-Midrange ​

The upper midrange renders female vocals to have more of a crispness to them. For the most part females have nice liveliness and vitality. That said, depending on the track, the switch orientation, the volume and a few other variables, some females can have a hair too much of a glare to them. For instance, Megan Trainor (Stop laughing, it’s for science and only for review purposes…lol) in her new song “Sensitive” will make you want to turn the volume down at the chorus section. Just a bit too biting. This can be corrected marginally but probably not enough for some of the readers here. Using the first switch to bring up the low-end while dropping the last three to the off position is one way. Tip changes help a bit as well.

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Treble​

Overall, the treble can go from pretty laid back (1000) to almost flat (0000) to really energetic and bright (0111) and everywhere in between. This goes for the entire frequency and each switch orientation makes a difference. I hear the beginnings of some sibilance, but it isn’t so extensive that it is a real problem. Additionally, depending on your dip-switch settings the treble can be a little splashy. The flipside to that is the treble area is okay detailed, snappy, and crisp.

The Shine can keep up​

The treble is also adequately speedy and can keep up with complicated treble sections rather well. For instance, “Bishop School” by Yusef Lateef is literally littered with treble activity. The song plays along with rapid fire progression and a lot of it lands in the treble region. The Shine is in its element with this track as details are easily distinguished and discernable. It’s a weird freaking song but we are testing gear here. It’s almost as though, when the Shine is tested, and when good power is fed to it that it rises to the occasion. I didn’t notice timbre issues while replaying this track and all sounded decently natural.

“Concierto de Aranjuez” by Miles Davis plays beautifully with nice body to the piano. “The Sad Skinhead” by Faust is another track that is just smeared in treble activity, if your set can keep up and separate all elements of this track then… Bravo, they are keepers. With the Shine they do pretty well, it is your brain that has to maintain focus with this track. Imaging is okay, separation is nice, and all instruments can be heard and accounted for. I can only do a track like this once or twice because it’s just too caked in commotion.

Not bad​

All in all, the treble has some issues that mostly show up in the wrong dip switch setting so be advised that you may need to play around with them…check that… you WILL need to play around with them. The treble is pretty agile and while it is a hair dry, it is able to keep up to chaotic tracks pretty nicely. Maybe not up to planar levels but good, nonetheless. Bear in mind, the treble can certainly be over ambitious and have too much glare and sheen with the right track and the right settings but once again… switch it up.

Technicalities ​

Soundstage​

The stage size is about average all the way around in general. Small tweaks can be made in width, height and depth with the switches but for the most part the stage stays about average in each category. In truth, I don’t need a huge stage, never have needed it. I need my music to sound appropriate to the music which is playing and so long as the stage isn’t choked, closed in, and congested, I don’t have an issue with it. I do hear decent depth on the Shine which is always nice.

Separation / Imaging ​

Separation of elements within most tracks are separated pretty well except instances involving the midrange with really complicated tracks. For the most part separation isn’t a big issue. Imaging is the same but like I said earlier, the imaging was most certainly an issue upon first hearing the Shine. After extensive burn-in (100+ hrs.) the problem had begun to correct itself to an extent. I don’t see it as too big of an issue anymore except, once again, if I am playing a complicated track the mids seem to blur the mental image very slightly. Overall, most of my library is not so crazy and I don’t see separation and imaging as a huge deterrent. In fact, 85% of my library I don’t hear anything too stuffy or blurred.

Details​

Details really aren’t bad at all either. The treble does well to pick up some macro and even some micro details. You can enhance this by fiddling with the switches but just watch out because other issues can arise by doing so. For the most part the Shine does perfectly fine and even a bit better than the price point normally caters to. Finger glides on guitar strings come across well, and also the subtleties in the inflections within a voice are not missed. This really depends on the track too whether the Shine is going to illuminate the minutiae within a song. Acoustic stuff there is no issue, live recordings aren’t bad either. I think most of the problems stem from switch orientation and song choice. Sorry if that is vague but ya know what… So is the definition of “details” and “technicalities”.

Comparisons​

*Note: Any comparison that I complete is not a duel to the death. I really try to simply point out differences so as to explain the device which is being reviewed. I don’t always succeed at that. One more thing, I will only use quick and vague explanations to quickly point out differences because taking the time to break everything down would make this review ridiculously long and drawn out. They are already too long. So, I do hope it helps. Remember, these are only my opinions, and you know what they say about opinions. Each comparison takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on how closely aligned they are, probably closer to the former.

Truthear Hexa ($79)​

The phenom is back. That price point breaking hybrid which represents the best the $50-$100 price point has to offer in hybrid form… in my humble opinion of course. The Hexa is a delightful iem which comes with one 10mm LCP Diaphragm Dynamic Driver and three Balanced Armature Drivers. What a set! Not the most fun but it’s detailed and musical and when I’m in a listening session with the Hexa I am always smiling. This was one of those sets which I really didn’t jive with at first, but it really grew on me. You can read my detailed review HERE.

Low-end​

The Hexa has a snappier and puncher low-end by a small margin. Possibly a quicker and better-defined bass with cleaner note edges as well. The Hexa has slightly deeper sub-bass rumble with a pinch more in quantity to the more rolled-off Shine. It is so very close though. The Shine (with switch 1 “on”) has a bit more in mid-bass levels with subtly more slam in this area. I still think the Hexa has better definition and clarity. Bass guitars have better, fuller growl and are more realistic on the Shine while the Hexa comes across light to my ears in comparison. The low-end of the Hexa is better detailed and comes with better layering as well.

Mids​

The Shine (1001) has a more lively and more forward midrange. The Hexa is drier and more analytical. Male vocals come across more energetic and thicker in note weight on the Shine. The Hexa carries a more detailed low-mid region and is simply cleaner overall, but I think I actually like the energy and presentation of the Shine here a bit more. As far as female vocals are concerned, the Shine are more forward again. That said, the Shine also has a better chance at glare while the Hexa has better resolution with better clarity to my ears. Both sets have minimal sibilance, so that is a wash. However, details on the Hexa (Hexa’s superpower) are easier to discern.

Treble ​

Both sets offer a pretty dry treble area, and both sets perform very well to my ears for the price point. However, the Shine seems to carry a bit more energy while the Hexa stays true to form and offers better details, resolution, and clarity by the slightest of margins. I would say that both sets do well with complicated tracks and both sets are well extended past 8k. I’d give the nod to the Hexa for keeping a bit better control and coherency with the Dynamic Driver.

The Shine has a bit larger stage to my ears, but it is very close. Honestly, both sets offer a perfectly fine stage. The Hexa however has better separation and better imaging as well as a more detailed listen. Between the two the Shine may have a more fun sound with more vibrancy. The Hexa is the more technically savvy iem of the two. Coherence is easier to digest on the Hexa and timbre as well. Both sets do very well within the price point though and both are priced very well for what they offer. Of course, I should make mention of the fact that the Hexa is about $30 more than the Shine, so, take that for what it’s worth.

Fiio FH3 ($129)​

The FH3 is one of those sets that just set the audio hobby on fire with opinions. Mostly those opinions were positive but there were some detractors. There are plenty of top 10 lists under $200 which have the FH3 placed somewhere within them. The FH3 is a three Driver hybrid iem with one 10mm Beryllium Plated Dynamic Driver and two Knowles Balanced Armature Drivers. I still break out the FH3 from time to time and I have always enjoyed this set. The FH3 has a great build and is designed just as well as it is built with a very nice tuning within its price segment.

Low-end ​

The FH3 has a deeper sub-bass judder yet has less of a mid-bass emphasis than the Shine…depending on switch alignment. The FH3 has the fuller sounding low-end and a tighter and more robust sound down low with less fuzzy note definition. Both the Shine and the FH3 have nice perceived speed concerning attack/decay/sustain. Timbre sounds more natural listening on the FH3 but of course that is simply my opinion.

Mids​

The FH3 is more forward in the midrange with thicker weight for male vocals. In comparison, the Shine is more laid back, thinner and not as forward sounding. Females on the FH3 sound more energetic than on the Shine. The FH3 has a warmer, easier, and smoother sound with better timbre overall and more obvious coherence between drivers. The Shine is a little coarser and crispier on vocals and instruments. Of course, it should be noted that the FH3 is also priced at $60 more than the Shine. I would hope that the FH3 renders better results.

Treble​

The treble on the Shine can be more pronounced and again, depending on where the switches are, the treble can be more piercing. The FH3 are nicely energetic with good body where the Shine is a hair dryer. In any switch setting the Shine has better extension while both sets offer decent to good detail retrieval.

The FH3 has a wider stage with a bit more depth and offer a more robust sound to my ears. Be that as it may, the price gap starts to show itself a bit when comparing in my estimation. However, I am not everyone. I’m quite positive there will be a number of people who desire the sound of the Shine in the setting of their choosing. For me though, I do like the FH3 a bit more. The Shine does a commendable job, but the drivers sound a bit more refined on the FH3.

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Is the Joyodio Shine worth the asking price? ​

Absolutely. Without question I think the asking price is more than generous for what is offered. In fact, the more I am listening to the Shine, the more I am enjoying this set. Yes, there are issues, but name me an iem that doesn’t have issues. Those issues are also only issues to those that they are issues to. Meaning, what I consider a problem, the next person may not, and this is sometimes lost on some of us reviewers. Like I stated earlier, the world doesn’t revolve around me and while I want to depict exactly what I hear, those thoughts are also my opinions formed from my taste and understanding.

The absolute truth is, the Shine is a very well-constructed iem which gives many different variations to your listening with simple and easy flicks of some switches. I strongly believe that more power helps quite a bit as well as some good and long usage or burn in before you judge them. For what you get this is a very nice set for the price. From packaging/accessories, the fantastic build and design to the multiple tuning options and nice sound quality. For the price I would be crazy to not think the Shine isn’t worth the $70 price tag. Even more so if you absolutely love the sound of this set.




Well, that is it. I again want to thank Joyodio and Linsoul for providing the Shine for my honest opinion as well as a feature at Mobileaudiophile.com. Overall, this is a valiant first effort with many upsides for such a daring first attempt. I’d say Joyodio has a bright future if they keep seeking to maximize price to performance, price to build and price to accessories and doing so in a progressive & aggressive manner. As an audio enthusiast how could I not like what I’m seeing. One thing that plagues me is that in reading this review it will sound like a rebuke of the Shine. This is simply not the case. The Shine does more well than any concerns or criticisms.

Other perspectives​

Please take in other thoughts of the Joyodio Shine. This set will have differing opinions and I can promise you that. So please read, listen or watch other reviews so you may get a better understanding of the sound of the Shine and how it fits your preferences. We are all different. Each one of us can have different hearing abilities, different likes and dislikes, different audio gear and the biggest thing is that we haven’t all gone down the same audio journey. So, take in other accounts of the Shine and don’t simply take my word for it. I want to thank anyone who reads this review, please stay safe and take care…God Bless.

Joyodio Shine's Sound Impression



Gears used for this impression

• Joyodio Shine with stock cable and stock eartips
• Topping DX1 + JDS Atom
• Earmen Angel Dac Amp
• Sony Walkman ZX300 with MrWalkman’s Firmware
• iPod Touch 5th Gen
• Macbook Air M2’s 3.5mm port

Foreword
My impression is solely based on what I hear via my equipment and I never consider my reviews to be objective in any way rather a subjective approach. Do take into consideration that everyone’s ear anatomy is not the same, so the psychoacoustics perception might be different as well, but i believe it will not stray too far

Tuning Switches

• 4 switches that will affect low, high, ultra high and full frequency regulation
• Do take note that the switches on the right side are inverted, meaning when you look at it from top down view, the normal switch up which correspond to on will be down on the right side
• Turning the individual switch or a combination does changes the sound to my ears, and they’re easily discernible on the bass, soundstage, mids and also treble

Sound Impression (based on HiFi mode)
Shine is slightly bright to my ears but not to the point where it’s harsh or offensive, the timbre sounds natural and organic to my ears.

Bass

• Bass has got a good body to it, it is fast and handles tracks like Slipknot’s People = crap! very well due to its speed
• Sub bass does rumble when the track calls for it, but it doesn’t really extend that much, sufficient for me but will not satisfy bassheads
• Bass has got good control overall and it’s tight and punchy

Mids

• The mid range is quite forward sounding
• Male and female vocal has got good texture to it, but female vocal does sound a little bit more energetic due to the gain i believe
• Doesn’t sound thin overall and sufficient note weight

Treble

• Good amount of air and it contributes to a 3D-ish soundstage to my ears
• Detail retrieval is considerably good for the asking price
• Treble is lively and energetic but not to the point where it’s harsh and sibilant

Soundstage/Imaging

• Soundstage is good for the asking price, 3D-ish with good height, depth and width, not speaker like soundstage, but considerably good for an IEM
• Imaging is also good, instruments can be identified easily and it doesn’t sound congested during busy tracks where a lot of instruments are playing simultaneously

Driveability

• You will push out decent volume from your 3.5mm jack, however the dynamic will be lacking
• Doesn’t really require a powerful amp, but a decent dongle will do the job
• When it is amped, everything sounded more dynamic, bass has got better control, better dynamic range, treble doesn’t sound that harsh and safe to say overall experience with Shine is better, though, a decent dongle is good enough if you don’t have an amp

Final Thoughts
Joyodio is a new brand that came out of nowhere and debuted their first IEM namely, Shine. The price at the time of writing is 80$, which i personally think it's fair considering the versatility that it offers. The combination of various switches that alter a certain frequency will definitely appeal to certain audiences where they like to fine tune the sound signature to their liking. I personally settled with HiFi mode config as it works well across my library. I definitely look forward to their next release and I hope they will bring the current standard that they have set over to their next release.

*Joyodio’s Shine is sent over by @Linsoul Audio in exchange for this impression/review. I thank them for the opportunity given and also the support.

Head over to the following link to purchase a pair if you are interested
Joyodio Shine - Non Affiliated