KiiBOOM Evoke Universal IEM

Introduction

For the second time, I have the pleasure of reviewing some IEMS from the KiiBOOM brand, that heterogeneous collective of multidisciplinary enthusiasts. This time it's the Evoke model, the top of their range. Well, actually, so far they only have two models, the Allure and this Evoke. Their driver configuration is the classic triple driver: 1DDD + 2BA. The dynamic driver is 10mm and has a liquid crystal polymer diaphragm (LCP). "The Evoke has been designed to prioritise acoustic precision, which means a tonal signature similar to that of studio monitors. This translates into a thunderous sub-bass impact that maintains midrange neutrality for accurate tonality on instruments and vocals. It's the closest thing to a physical studio monitor with subwoofer in a headphone design." For the mids and treble, specific genuine Knowles BA drivers are used. The capsules are 3D printed using European medical grade resin, used for hearing aids. After printing, each capsule is matched, sanded, polished and finished by hand. The cable used consists of 4 strands of OFC copper, silver plated, uses 2Pin 0.78mm connections and a 3.5mm SE plug. Let's take a look at the rest of this model's goodness in the following review.



Specifications

• Driver Type: 1DDD (10mm) + 1BA for midrange + 1BA for treble.
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 44kHz.
• Sensitivity: 108dB.
• Impedance: 15 Ω.
• 4-strand OFC silver-plated copper cable.
• Jack Connector: 3.5mm SE gold plated.
• Capsule Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm gold plated.

Packaging

Like the previous model, the KiiBOOM Evoke comes in a fairly large box, sized 189x147x86mm. Its colours move in the range of pinks, blues and purples. On the main side is the capsules' drawing, in its outline of white lines. This representation is not the Evoke, exactly. The brand name and model name is highlighted in large, white at the top, also in white. There is a small description of the contents on a label on the same background, in the lower left corner. On the back face is what could be the brand's mascot, an owl with headphones on a skateboard/keyboard. A brief specification and other branding can also be read. The box is made of thick cardboard that opens like a chest. Inside is a huge zippered case, protected with foam. It has metal brand lettering on the bottom. Inside are the IEMS and the silicone tips. The box is very large and the interior layout is not usable for storing the IEMS with a DAP or something similar. I think the internal shape makes the case not very useful. The contents are minimal:

• The two KiiBOOM Evoke capsules.
• One 4-strand silver-plated OFC copper cable.
• Three pairs of silicone tips, sizes SxMxL.
• A huge zippered case.

Each capsule is protected by a transparent plastic zip bag. The silicone tips also come in a separate zip bag.
The cable exceeds expectations, but they only have a 3.5mm SE plug option. Again, the case is of little use due to its large size and interior design. And only one set of silicone tips is insufficient, considering that this is a more expensive model than the previous one.
There are three different colours to choose from. The colour of this review is Emerald, which retails for $199. There are also two other colours to choose from: Turquoise and Jacinth, which are priced at a lower price of $169.



Construction and Design

The capsules of the KiiBOOM Evoke are made of European medical grade resin, 3D printed, sanded, polished and finished by hand. The model in this review is the Emerald, whose outer plate is made of a mixture of crinkled gold foil and a kind of emerald green stone with black veins. Admittedly, the face is a real eye-catcher. On the right capsule is the brand logo, in shiny silver lettering. There is nothing else on the left capsule. The shape is semi-custom and the outer face resembles the African continent, but with a narrower, slimmer lower half. The profile is relatively thick, black, smooth, polished and shiny, moulded to fit human morphology. On the upper face of the rim is a hole covered with a metal grille. On the adjacent face is the 2Pin 0.78mm connection, fully recessed in the capsule, inside a translucent rigid plastic plate. The inner side has the classic protrusion on the edge. The model name can be read on it in gold lettering. There is a more pronounced valley in the centre down to the projected base of the nozzles. In it are inserted the metal mouthpieces, the lower diameter of which is 5.4mm, while the rim is 6.3mm in diameter. The length is 4.1mm. A dense grid protects the interior.
The metal parts of the cable are the same as those of the Allure cable, except for the pin, which is a metal ring with two holes. The sleeve of the gold-plated 3.5mm SE plug is metallic and hexagonal. It has a slit in the first third and a grub screw to secure the cable inside. The brand name can be read on one side. The splitter piece is similar, but smaller. It has guides on the ear and the 2Pin connectors are metal cylinders, with a ring as an indentation. The 2Pins are external and come out of a black rectangular piece of plastic.
The cable consists of 4 coiled strands of silver plated OFC copper. It has a very attractive shiny milky colour. It is extremely docile and soft, handles with excellent ease, can be bent very easily and has no tendency to get twisted into shape. It is a pity that such a good looking and handling cable does not have a balanced option.
The Evoke Emerald model is very beautiful, attractive and eye-catching. The crinkled gold foils are shimmering and together with the emerald green they form a very suggestive, almost seductive combination. The semi-custom shape in shiny black resin and the silver cable do the rest.



Adjustment and Ergonomics

The semi-custom shape is an absolute winner here. The profile of the capsules fit me very precisely and the moulded rim helps in this respect. The top protrusion does not bother at all and helps to enhance the perfect fit in my ears. The mouthpiece may be a little thick for a medium insertion, although its projection might help in this regard. In my case, the fit is superficial, using my big silicone home-made tips, with a big core and a foam-filled interior. With them, as usual, I get a perfect seal, a precise, durable and occlusive fit, which allows the best of the bass to be extracted by the expansion of the foam inside my ear canal. The details, mids and highs are also enhanced by the wide core of the tips and the proximity of the mouthpiece to the outside of the tips. It is clear that this type of large, home-made hybrid tips tries to combine the best of both worlds, foam and silicone, to achieve the best fit, greater isolation, a higher occlusive capacity that guarantees a more physical and punchy bass, as well as an open, clear and detailed sound, thanks to the large inner diameter of the tips. The design of the Evoke capsules allows to enhance the use of these tips, obtaining a very full sound, as well as a firm, fixed, non-rotating, durable and comfortable fit for hours.



Sound

Profile

You could say that the KiiBOOM Evoke have a decreasing W profile, where the first two peaks are pronounced and the last one is more recessed, almost flat. There is a good amount of energy in the sub-bass and in the beginning of the mid-highs, while the treble gradually decays to offer a slight sparkle of air. The result is an energetic IEMS in the first two phases, being soft in the third. But there is enough initial sparkle not to be considered warm, dark or anything like that. There is enough excitement in the lows and mids to lift the sound, then show control in the highs.



Bass

I've enjoyed the KiiBOOM Evoke for weeks now, but I've also been alternating them with two bass monsters, the Hidizs MS5 and the 7Hz Legato. That has caused my enthusiasm for bass to grow, although it has minimised the impact of the Evoke's lower range, but only in presence. As a first impression, the Evoke may seem powerful in bass, if compared from a neutral point of view, it is. The bass of these IEMS start from very low and present a good level of energy on the kick drum, providing a very pleasant, yet powerful, physical sensation. In the very low frequency pure tone test the result was stellar, assuming great technical ability mixed with unusual realism. The lower LFOs are clearly sensory, virtually inaudible but full of energy, a testament to the realism and naturalness of their execution. As the hertz advance, the Evoke's skill, dexterity and performance are exemplary, offering a physical, vigorous, yet fast and dynamic bass. In raw, unfiltered passages it moves like a fish in water and is able to draw several bass lines without mixing them, colouring them or creating confusion between them. It maintains definition in all of them and is able to generate very well layered layers thanks to its excellent resolution. It is clear that the Evoke has plenty of definition and resolution, but it also has speed and a fast decay. In addition, the bass is very clean, does not mix with the mids and the driver division is perfect. Really, one is able to notice how the drivers work separately, with no musical difference or distance between the bass, mids and treble. In this respect, the musical cohesion is very good, but the frequency division works to ensure the best specialisation of each driver in its own performance.
As a good technical driver, texture is present, but it is medium-grained, overcoming a degree of bland smoothness that would lower its appeal and also its note. Fortunately, this is not the case and the Evoke is able to embellish the bass lines with a pleasant, slightly marked roughness that is not rough or abrupt. The result is in line with what the Evoke is all about, a blend of power, skill, naturalness and realism.



Mids

Thanks to the excellent feeling of frequency division and good integration, the mids sound completely clean and free of bleed. On the one hand, the sub-bass oriented tuning helps this situation, but the BA driver dedicated to the mids also helps in this respect. However, I would not like to appeal to the pejorative sense of BA timbre, because in this case that is not the situation. It is true that the sonority of the mids is close to technical splendour, very clear and transparent, but this does not have to be at odds with musicality. On the contrary, the midrange is luminous, broad, rich and very detailed. But also very pleasant and harmonious. But I want to make it clear: the Evoke meets my requirements in the midrange in both technical and analytical aspects, without being cold or soulless. There is a clear ability to maximise resolution and definition, something I really appreciate and look for in both sources and IEMS. And here it comes across naturally and unabashedly. The Evoke exudes technical skill and musicality in equal measure. However, they are not midcentric IEMS. Even their mid-range, especially in their first half, is not very full or dense. Indeed, in contrast to other, warmer IEMS, the first mids are kept at a distance, full of cleanliness and transparency, but never sounding dense or oppressive. The W tuning frees this early part from a more prominent presence, but places them at a distance where they are never missed. Likewise, they are able to maintain enough energy and strength to stand out on their own. The male voices are not a marvel of body or physicality, but their articulation, speed and dexterity, as well as their ornamental richness, are excellent. This ability shines through in the female voices, gaining volume from the thrust of the tuning, once past the central inflection point. In them the detail is doubled, the level of resolution and allied with the high level of transparency, a level of detail and nuance is achieved that appears and disappears with great speed and dynamism. This contrast between speed, detail and enormous clarity is very pleasantly surprising. Everything is explicit, but without sounding overloaded. The cleanliness is exuberant, as is the clarity and transparency. This minimises proximity to the listener, but the musicality and realism allow everything to sound uniform: details do not overlap the fundamentals, nuances do not overwhelm the voices, but the blend is harmonious and coherent. The result is a splendid mid-range, very explicit, though not in the foreground. Although, it is possible that there are instruments and situations, aided by the excitement of the upper-mids, that sound more projected and energetic. This can happen in higher female voices, guitars, and other instruments whose fundamentals are in this zone. This higher force can enhance certain elements, but without breaking up the musicality of the whole, although it can add a little spice to the mix, offering a more splashy, vivid and sparkling staging, but without going over the sibilance barrier or sounding too piercing. This more critical aspect is where the BA character comes to the fore. On the edge, its sharpest timbre can be felt, for in the face of such insightful separation, everything glistens, both the good and the bad. But fortunately, for skill and ability, there is much more good to enjoy than bad to suffer in these Evoke.



Treble

Although it has a treble-only BA driver, it has been tuned to be smooth. Focused on the first half of the treble, it helps to expand the midrange detail, while adding a point of smoothness and control to the overall package. I think KiiBOOM wanted to make the effort of restraint in the second half of the high end to avoid greater evils. As I say, the explicit character of the Evoke could have lost musicality if the treble were more energetic or elevated. The sparkle, the penetrating ability and their power could have adversely affected the ensemble. However, they have chosen to cut back around 8kHz, to gain smoothness and control. The treble might sound a little dry due to this cut in projection, but there is enough ability in the driver to still sound credible and detailed. It is also true that this clipping can affect the midrange, adding a sterile overtone, but it also helps the sound cleaner as it avoids unwanted sibilance and echoes.
On the other hand, the extension is not so limited and BAs always have a little heart and all these frequencies appear inside them, even if they are more attenuated. Last but not least, there is more than a fair amount of air, which safely adorns the high range of the Evoke.



Soundstage, Separation

The scene is wide, oval, with good stereo representation, depth and height. The sense of envelopment is not very high, nor is it too three-dimensional. It stands out much more for its explicit and analytical capability, as well as for its level of separation, clarity and transparency. The outstanding definition and resolving power are guilty of extending and widening the scene. It never sounds unreal, although it is not very vaporous or ethereal. There is plenty of light, air, distance, silence and, above all, separation. Clearly, this is a very detailed ensemble, with very fine, subtle, delicate notes, very well executed and defined. It is what I mean by an analytical, yet musical ensemble, highly enjoyable to my ears.
With such precision the image is so precise, it is easy to locate the elements on a macro level. The elements are presented coherently, well placed and well defined. Although perhaps some more physical or corporeal representation is missed.



Comparisons

LetShuoer S12

We are going to make things difficult for the KiiBOOM Evoke with one of the best rated IEMS of recent times. This is the LetsShuoer S12, a famous planar magnetic model. Aesthetically, the capsules of the S12 are smaller and metallic. It is true that they have a particular shape, but they weigh very little and fit quite well. Most importantly, they are not fatiguing over the hours. The Evoke have that classic semi-custom shape, they are bigger and thicker. Their fit is more snug, but I understand that it can be tricky for those with smaller pinnae. At the limit of continuous use, the smaller size of the S12s works to their advantage. But for everyday use or light sport, the more durable and snug fit of the Evoke may work better.
When they were first released, the S12s were priced similarly to the Evoke in their most basic version. Now, they are at a knockdown price, also because of the Pro version of the same. I wanted to analyse the basic version because of its greater resemblance between FR.
The profile of the S12 can be categorised as a U-shaped, or almost W-shaped crescent. It has a larger lower range and presence in the bass-midrange, something that gives it that feeling of greater density, physicality and wall of sound. The treble is more extended, especially in that part where the Evoke's are more washed out or softer. In general, planars have a wider frequency range. However, they require a greater amount of energy to sound at the same volume. The peaks in the S12s are higher than in the Evoke, which is noticeable in the bass, which is bigger, and in the treble, which has more energy, presence and extension. In a one-to-one comparison in bass and sub-bass, you can notice the different sonority of one and the other. The Evoke has that more classic dynamic driver timbre. But the S12s have a more prolonged energy, with a fuller, wider body and a bit more punch. It's very deep and punchy. The Evoke is more concise, thinner, not as physical, but with less punch and good recovery. Both in the lows and in the mids, the S12s produce a feeling of a wall of sound, of density and sound full of energy and power. The Evoke is more delicate and analytical. There is more separation in them, also more silence and darkness between elements. So much power, body and density can be more tiring on long listens with the S12s, while the Evoke can be a bit more penetrating because they are sharper and more analytical. What is clear is that they are smoother in the treble than the S12s. The over-information in the high end of the LetShuoer can work against or for them, depending on the individual. However, the Evoke's are more secure in this respect. The high-mids of the Evoke can be a bit louder, but that's because of the lows' lows' offloading and cleansing towards the mids. The S12s can be a little warmer and generate a little more mid-bass punch. The Evoke shines where the S12s don't and vice versa. If you're looking for a very well defined, sharper, finer, more delicate, more skillful, more descriptive, detailed, higher resolution and critical sound, the Evoke is your IEMS. If you're looking for something more relaxed in detail, more dense, full-bodied, a little warmer but more expansive, the S12s will be what you're looking for. It's not that the S12s don't have detail, but in the Evoke they are more evident and finer, also clearer, more transparent, cleaner and more separated. In terms of scene, those are the differences: the S12s are more homogeneous, with a more frontal representation, but deeper and more cohesive. There is better laterality and a more precise presentation, as well as more height in the Evoke, though with less depth. Neither are prodigies in these respects, but I prefer the Evoke for its greater separation and projection in height, something that gives it a more three-dimensional and ethereal feel.



Conclusion

I can't judge the KiiBOOM Evoke by the sum of my numerical ratings, because their overall performance is above and beyond them. First of all, KiiBOOM has to their credit one of my favourite IEMS in the $100 range and their second model is able to fill in the gaps or shortcomings that the Allure had. If KiiBOOM decides to make a superior third model that combines the virtues of the Evoke and the Allure, the result could be impressive. But, back to the Evoke, these are classic triple drivers (1DDD + 2BA) with a tuning in decreasing W, whose lows are pronounced at their lower limit, being very clean and precise. The mids are balanced, slightly thinner, but delicate, full of detail, definition and high resolution. Without a doubt, the Evoke is a set with a very high capacity for extracting detail and information. Yes, I consider them analytical, but I like them. They combine very good bass, relatively present, with a high descriptive capacity, while their treble is more relaxed, hence their decreasing W profile.
KiiBOOM repeats the presentation, again with a huge zippered case and only one set of tips, which is too small for the price. The cable is very good, perhaps among the best for its flexibility and brightness. A balanced option is missing, though. It's a pity that minor aspects, such as the accessories, tarnish such a good and beautiful sound, as well as a beautiful design, which can be chosen in three different versions, two of them cheaper. And this is where the Evoke raises its price/performance ratio. For $169 for the Turquoise or Jacinth version, you get a sound whose value is superior to the whole, a real gem for its price.



Sources Used During the Analysis

• Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + EarMen ST-Amp.
• Aune Flamingo.
• EarMen Colibri.
• Hidizs AP80 PRO-X Red Copper LE.
• Earmen Angel.
• TempoTec Variations V6.
• xDuoo XD05 BAL.
• Xduoo Link2 BAL.

Purchase Link



You can read the full review in Spanish here

KiiBOOM Evoke
The Evoke is a hybrid in-ear monitor designed using the combinations of a single dynamic driver for bass, a full range balanced armature driver for mids, and a micro tweeter balanced armature for the upper trebles.

https://www.kiiboom.com/pages/about-us

Price is $169.00 for the Turquoise (shown) or Jacinth color.
Price is $199.00 for the Emerald color.

Order here:
https://www.kiiboom.com/products/kiiboom-evoke?variant=43512552653044

The above is all the information the KiiBOOM website gives besides photographs of the three colors. And…….for many that will be all that is needed to make a purchase. Huh? Yep, most people are not like you and I. Normies as they are called (outside of Head-Fi) are regular folks with regular needs. They don’t need to know who made the Micro-Tweeter. They aren’t even all that curious as to the graphical response data. And……in-fact that...............is who this product is aimed at, not us! The KiiBOOM company caters to computer enthusiasts with keyboards and keyboard cables………oh, and they offer two surprising IEMs. The Allure comes as a repackaged 1/2 priced THIEAUDIO Elixir…and this Evoke a totally new creation, not a rebranded older THIEAUDIO IEM.


Here is the repackaged THIEAUDIO Elixir, called the Allure, KiiBOOM's only other IEM offering. Coming-in at $99.00..................even less than half of $209.00 Elixir's price, yet it's the same! Yep, same sounding IEM, same sounding cable, only a few less accessories in the box! This is a "loss leader" probably just as much as the Evoke model is. At times new companies will sell products at or below cost to generate enthusiasm for the brand. Maybe a new Cereal at the store costs 99 cents when in reality it's a $3.99 product, advertised simply to get you into the store, hoping you'll pick-up other stuff. Chevrolet added sizzle putting the dreamy Corvette in showrooms, knowing that most consumers couldn't afford such a car, yet those same consumers went and purchased a lower cost car and drove away with a purchase anyway!




In fact both the Elixir and Evoke share much of the same sound characteristics. They have been made to both be well-rounded performers, offering an easy going sound profile with just enough forgiveness and just enough detail to make them special.

KiiBOOM got my email probably from THIEAUDIO, and surprisingly they share many of the same website characteristics. So you could say this is an audiophile company (THIEAUDIO) spreading its wings and offering new products to less fussy customers. Does this mean that they will be successful selling older products like the Allure/Elixir to unsuspecting gamers?

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/thieaudio-elixir-universal-in-ear-monitor.25849/reviews

Well for 1/2 the price and the same cable only covered different, I would think so? The Elixir was a ground breaking offing for THIEAUDIO back in May of this year……..and offering it again in a different color at 1/2 price………….seems like a no-brainer. But this single review isn’t about the Elixir/Allure…….no it’s about something new and different. A first really and something that isn’t exactly like anything I’ve seen before.


KiiBOOM Evoke

So to start this review off with a generalization, these are audiophile IEMs, if you haven’t guessed. But their marketing is just not. Why? Because many gamers want great sound but don’t care how or why. And that’s fine, yet this is Head-Fi so we want to investigate the Evoke further and basically take it apart and see how the Evoke ticks.

Specifications

• Driver Information: 1 x 10mm Dynamic Driver – liquid-crystal polymer (LCP)
• 2 x Balanced Armatures
• Impedance: 16ohm
• Sensitivity: 112db

Treble, Micro-tweeter:
I’m starting-off showing you a graph because the graph looks so good. Yet the Evoke is much more than a simple graph would have you guess, yet that dip at 6kHz to 9kHz is definitely there. Lets start out with the micro-tweeter. What’s the difference between a micro-tweeter and a super-tweeter? Just the name gives you phycological insights. Yet this particular style of tweeter is just that, slightly micro-treble in sound replay. It does just enough to create a spacial separation of the treble without any troublesome heat. In fact, I spent the better part of an afternoon experimenting. What I found after about 9 cable changeouts was subtle response changes, and all of them with-in the realms of acceptability. In fact the overall easy-going stature the Evoke expresses, seems almost uncanny?

With the included 4-core oxygen-free copper cable the sound was remarkably balanced and went on to show pretty much a basic layout of what you get with the Evoke. Still I wanted to know more, I wanted to fully understand the limits to the included treble. And sure enough the ISN SC4 (being one of the brighter cables I own) showed increased separation and delineation, fully itemizing such facets as hi-hat sparkles. Yet at the same time the bass was now reserved and tame; more on the bass personality in the bass section. But to sum-up my investigations, I was in whole fully surprised to find (due to the treble) the Evoke a well rounded and fully forgiving player in the end. That’s right, I could get the treble to travel farther outside in the soundstage and obtain a higher level of resolution, yet never was it found to be too bright or hot. The Evoke was much like a few of my more expensive IEMs in showing a nice (Hybrid) separation of elements, spacial wise, but never the heat! Such a character of warmth will continue to describe the Evoke's over-all character in proceeding script. So to sum up the top-end…….it’s a forgiving concoction which while providing detail, is not forward in presence and not creating unnatural timbre, resulting in an IEM of profound well-roundedness. Yep, I could see most people combining the Evoke with a multitude of sources and continuing to get just the right amount of detail to gain interaction, yet forgiving enough for hours of use.

Mids:
In total we are bestowed a slightly darker tone, which would have you guess these are not mid forward or treble forward………If anything they ARE bass forward. Yet such a display of character can be played with in use of different cables or amplifier characters. Such easy-going response is also combined with a raise at 2.5k to 4k, which goes ahead to make the splendid midrange all the more visible. It’s this almost perfect style of warmer/darker response that has me choose such a tune as a great recommendation. Yep, this does it all, all day long. When you factor in price, fit and FR……….the Evoke evokes me to suggest this would be my choice of collaboration. Lol, I would go ahead and introduce this as my signature tune..........if I laughingly had one. Why? Because the Evoke is relatively low-cost for all it does, looks cools, fits remarkable and comes as a complete package. That complete package is the sound package as well as the accessories.

Sure, later I will get to what it’s not the best at, of course nothing is perfect………but probably the bass detail is a start?

Bass:
While exuding ample amounts of bass levels, I was curious as to increasing bass texture with different cable changeouts. You see the included cable gets you pretty much all the WOW factor as far as bass response. And depending on your wanted subjective demands.........the way the bass is parlayed may be fine…......as it is super fun. It’s just if we are going to be critical, the bass “inside” soundstage doesn’t show-off incredible bass texture. And while just trying out to see where it would go with brighter cables, there was a point especially with the ISN SC4 where the fog was lifted, and the midrange and treble WAS rearranged in perspective, yet the bass was only slightly improved as to texture, yet the bottom frequency half, was lost. So in ending, this bass is more of a fun rendition of your favorites, this is simply another add in making this one of the more well rounded performers to cross my desk this year. You see, the Evoke doesn’t try to be good at any one thing, but results in being an incredibly well-rounded player. Such talk may sound boring at first read, yet it’s this die-hard evocative tune that just keeps pumping-up the involvement. Meaning after a while you stop analyzing any imperfections and simply start to groove with the musicality.



Build:
Can you say “Natural sound occlusion?” Surprisingly the better an IEM goes into your ear-hole, the better the sound occlusion! Yep! One, if not the best fitting IEMs ever. When you’re not trying to jam 15 drivers into an IEM side, it gives you the freedom as a builder to go ahead and create magic. And……….if that builder is Linsoul/THIEAUDIO then you can also retain those years and years of experience to accomplish such works of art. And…..that’s what we have…..not to mention the pretty faceplate of your choice. I can only reiterate on the Turquoise build as having the most transfixing depth. Being medical-grade resin/3D printed and hand-finished, the Evoke is a sight to behold. Topped-off with chrome nozzle, the fit is fabulous. The single (in-and-out) air-vent set-back and screened, the permanently affixed nozzle port (screen) means no hassles and enhanced reliability in fit. Just the style of metal lip on the edge of the nozzle adds confidence and secure placement of ear-tips. The medical-grade resin is totally black with the only way to see inside is though the top-faceplate. And…..even then only the shadows of drivers can be seen. On the bottom the word “Evoke” is situated inside the resin build, and the single word “KiiBOOM” emblazoned across the single right-hand-side faceplate. Weighing-in at a stealthy 4 grams a piece, they truly feel like nothing. You could even be forgiven for using these for all day listening, in-trade of so many more “driver-count” models out there. When upon my ear-holes I all of a sudden asked, do these have ear-hooks? Yep, you know the cable was done right when you truly don’t know if they have ear-hooks or not.

The Cable:
If you have been following my reviews the last 10 months or so you may have noticed I never (almost never) included a product shot with the entire included cable photographed. The reason being many cables appear sloppy or out-of-control. Here I’m proud to showcase the cable as it’s truly ergonomic in function. Holding the wind in-between your fingers a forward push brings the upper layers apart, a reverse pull brings the lower layers into action. All aluminum hardware means business, as easy to identify R and L markings on the cable plugs. In fact this particular cable gets extra points for laying where it’s told, never jumping out into unexpected maneuvers in daily use. And while I did at least 9 different cable change outs, the included cable seemed always well respected and special. Still if wanting to access the 4.4mm balanced amplification abilities, a cable change could be desired? Yet, again while showing the various abilities of specific cable metallurgy, the cable and amp change were never needed to put-out-a-fire. Meaning this single Evoke IEM is so easy going that a wide range of cables could be used and well as being easy to drive which meant 4.4mm balanced connections not necessarily needed. Even a phone seemed to drive the Evoke to almost its full potential. Meaning there is a slight mystery as to the fact the Evoke did show cable changes but always put-out an even and nice tone, regardless of the ultimate tonal balance. In fact after testing I ended using the included cable for the remainder of testing, just because it was so middle-of-the-road in tone. It seemed the ISN SC4 Hybrid increased bass clarity and spacial positioning, yet took away a little of what made the Evoke, evoke. So it’s this kind of Goldilocks abilities in that the included cable has great clarity and ergonomics. The 0.78 2pin was totally easy to use being flush with the sidewall, making cable changes a breeze.

Ear-tips:
The included three sets of tips work, but somehow work better with the other IEM release, the Allure? Meaning both IEMs come with the same set of ear-tips……but the L size seemed to fit me better with the Allure…..maybe because of nozzle shape? Also due to the characteristic sound response spacial positioning, wide-bore were really the way to go for me. Meaning I seem to get a faster bass and wider soundstage from wide-bore tips……and that is probably the only single complaint, that I wish a set of wide-bore ear-tips were included……….especially for young people that may have a limited selection of ear-tips present.





Packaging:
This looks a little different than many IEMs in my history. A vibrant box, a drawing on the box-top of a different IEM? The storage case is giant. This model of case has a non-removable liner. The one issue I have is the shinny metal nameplate that says “KiiBOOM” as such it is actually metal, which I feel could scratch the IEMs with its sharp edges. If any change here, it would be to include a soft cloth nameplate or simply remove the name all together...........like I did later. With such a minimalistic approach to packaging, you can tell they put all the effort towards the IEM, like it should be! Once you hold the IEM in your hands and view the detail, any questions as to the packaging instantly become secondary.

Technicalities:
Often a set will shine to give the impression of increased technicalities, when in truth those said technicalities seem to only reside in one or two genres. So, what if you don’t listen to those musical genres? What I am referring to is the ability to replay Classical then switch to the most stark Techno you could imagine. Then switch to a vocal-centric track...................how’s the weather. Yep, the Evoke, if it does anything right, it plays any and everything. Now obviously, not the best playback on planet earth, but truly great for its price bracket. My favorite IEMs have this “well-rounded” ability and I truly value such traits. In fact I could be questioned in liking these jack-of-all-trades too much? Seemingly overlooking any drawbacks in favor of well-roundedness? The ability to playback any genre, and DAP choice as well as use any cable. This ability......truly not with every IEM out there, and surly not with the last few IEMs I’ve heard. I have finally made a “pet” name for this single response style.

The Golden Retriever

Yep, just like dogs have many different response characteristics, so do IEMs. Such a demeanor means you are pretty much guaranteed success. No surprise incapability with your amp, no issues with your favorite musical genre of choice, and if you needed an IEM for gaming, this is specifically designed to work-out.

With that said it’s not a vocal speciality IEM, it’s not a bass speciality IEM, nor is it a treble specific IEM, it seems it’s rare that an IEM can be all things. Now yes, there are better all-rounders……which just by their tune and implementation of more drivers (read expensive) do more. So those are well-rounded and do better bass, treble or midrange “vocals” better, but they cost more too and aren’t so comfortable to wear.

Soundstage:
If you’re wondering where the Evoke falls short it’s in the technicalities to a point, I mean you have to realize the “tune” is bonkers! It’s just three drivers can only do so much at times. And I don’t want this to be any rain of the Evoke parade here. It’s just that the itemization and separation……the delineation of musical elements will be found to be better as you double or quadruple your expenditure. The lessening of such gets glossed over by just how big Hybrid sound can get. Yep, it’s this authority of the push, this size of the image playback that is what you’re paying for………not the inside details. And if you have never heard better, you’ll be none-the-wiser. Strangely it’s kinda like that, being we only have personal IEM experience to rely on when comparing playback………so even though you may have heard live music before, still if the Evoke happens to be the best IEM playback you have heard, you will be incredibly happy and not in need of more.Your brain will interpret these as totally correct and better than correct…….possibly astonishing? It’s just that Hybrids do a specific style of separation, which can come-off disjointed and apart, but to aficionados like myself it’s the only way to go. Yep, I wouldn’t change a thing here. Nice big washes of sound filling the stage………going on and on……..bringing you enhanced involvement continually being brought into the center of the musical message.

Pace:
Surprisingly the bass is authoritative, but still allowing for pace to take place. Probably no where else in this response is the actual balance to carefully brought into focus as to the display of pace. For if the bass is too thick the bass waves seem to touch and decrease the separation of beats…….yet this never occurs. It’s just that inside of the beats, if there is a rhythm played, the Evoke doesn’t have the last word in bass detail, it’s kinda just there.

Timbre:
One of the single greatest features of the Evoke. We are roughly 20 odd days out of finding ourselves in 2023. If you’re wondering what strides have been made in IEM replay, and what improvements you will gain from purchasing the Evoke to replace whatever older 2018-2019 IEM you have been listening to, the timbre here is it. Yep, they have this so much better down for starters. The off-timbre is maybe buried if there at all. I don’t know? These are so well done. Such offenders as a metallic sheen (character) upon especially known real instrument replay would have been an accepted and put-up-with as a fact of daily life……….but not anymore. Nope…….they have these improvements figured out now, these conquests in natural tone are why the Evoke is valuable. Of course maybe this could be due to a tone-downed brightness, what is natural is the result of a blend, a cohesive tone where no mater what is playing, it just sounds right? When heard, this off-tone is what decreases musical involvement, but now.......on the contrary............ we have involvement because realistic tone creates the illusion of real-life replay.

For many this timbre quality will seal the deal, when in reality it’s just part of the whole package that makes the KiiBOOM Evoke worth buying!



Conclusion:
I could keep writing on and on about the Evoke. This particular IEM pushes all my buttons, needless to say it’s sold by a keyboard company. All jokes aside…….this exact IEM would be my dream tune, my searched out IEM “faux” Collaboration. You read that right, this would actually be something I would put my name onto. Why? Price v sound, fit v comfort, tone v technicalities. Simply put the Evoke has it all and it’s only $169.00! I’m going to do a few comparisons, simply to try and gain reference to sound here? In doing research maybe the only one that could come close would be the AFUL Performer 5, still it most-likely sounds different (I have yet to hear them) and we are probably speaking apples v oranges? Either way the Evoke is an incredibly special IEM to me. It has a build, a shape and a tone that while accessible and musical, is forgiving and well-balanced. It’s an IEM you can join with any amp, any cable and listen to any genre of music to find joy. How much is that worth? The Evoke has a specific natural shape bringing about great sound occlusion. The chrome nozzles hold the tips on when taken out of your ear…….and if done outside, when walking about town, how much is that worth? The fact that just the authoritative sound profile blocks-out much of the low-frequency rumble found out-and-about…….getting you better musical involvement free from any noise pollution.

Yet if quite at home, the Evoke promises you that level of detail to move you, to get at one with your favorite tracks. If this isn’t enough for you.................I’m not sure what else is? The build is impeccable, yet you wont truly know that till they arrive in your hands………as pictures don’t do them justice. The cable is unique in my experience, and I hope other manufactures will notice………..this is how it’s done. Today’s idea of a competitive product are different than last year. Last year just this graphical representation would have caused such a fuss. And…….in many ways it’s causing a fuss right now at Redcarmoose Labs……….being such a beautiful and provocative tune. But if you have read this review up to this point, you realize that this is much more than just a simple FR. Yet probably FR is 80% of personal win when choosing a new IEM?

But to tally this up, it’s the FR, the build, and the price. Oh……..and the technicalities too……those mainly have to do with timbre, but soundstage and pace are super nice too. Every so often I get a GOLDEN RETRIEVER…………and this particular IEM fits that bill. Hopefully it will fit yours too!




Bonus Comparisons:

TRN ST5 Universal IEM
Fearless Audio S6Rui Universal IEM
BGVP DM6 Universal IEM
THIEAUDIO Legacy 4 Universal IEM

You have read this far in the review, and made it to the final Evoke test-descriptions. Yep, here is where it all goes down, and in doing so fully defines what the Evoke IS for better or worse. It is through these side by sides that a style of reality is perceived………..and a style of truth is arrived at. It is what IT is, for better or worse. In choosing my comparisons I have looked at a few ideas, one being popularity, as if someone had an old BGVP DM6 and was truly wondering what you get now for your money……well this answers that. If you were to read this (Evoke) review and the TRN ST5 reviews, you would instantly know which was my favorite. But still if you had the TRN ST5 and were wondering how it would compare to the Evoke……..here it is.

The Fearless Audio S6Rui……is an example of just how far we have come in regards to BA timbre being an issue. In fact in March of 2019 the Fearless Audio S6Rui was part of a hype-train fad being it exploited BA detail and shine, yet after these few short years..........it’s amazing how far we have come……..to address the single timbre issue……..plus the realness of exquisite DD bass, which the S6Rui lacks. And finally the Legacy 4……….priced at $195.00……it’s very close to our Emerald version of the Evoke. And while I had my passing infatuation with the L4, if anything the L4 bass gets bonus points for offering maybe more bass detail…….but more than that……….the Evoke has an over all win-win due to balance and the use of that balance to create an entire sound signature platform. You don’t truly need to read on……..but if you do, eventually you will come to the same conclusion as I did………yep…..that’s right, the Evoke comes around and eats all their lunch……..and there is nothing anyone can say or do to stop it. It’s just in life at times……it is just what it is! Truth to be told, I actually kept doing comparisons long after these side-by-sides were done, continuously finding the Evoke to be noticeably better....the Tripowin Rhombus was simply another example of too bright, or uneven of a response in comparison to the Evoke.....I could go on, but to save time and space I've listed four other IEMs!

TRN ST5 Universal IEM:

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/trn-st5-hybrid-universal-iem.26032/reviews#review-29189
https://www.linsoul.com/products/trn-st5

$59.80
One Beryllium-coated dual-magnet 10mm driver, two 30095 balanced armature drivers for midrange and two 50060 balanced armature drivers for treble section. I may have been way too critical in my ST5 review.........though probably not. In fact, I do my comparisons in my reviews from the bottom up. Which means I try not to cross compare IEMs when I’m comparing others to the Evoke, except it naturally occurs.

Meaning I have finally landed on the ST5 after the Evoke the Fearless Audio S6Rui, the BGVP DM6 and finally the THIEAUDIO Legacy 4 IEMs. And………I can say the ST5 is fun, yet offers maybe the worst offender to off-timbre here. Of course these BA units remain unnamed, much like (laughably) un-pedigreed dogs………seemingly wild and of off-character. These no-name BAs mix with the 10mm dynamic to still put out a show, yet I would pay dearly for the umpteenth levels of comforting naturalness bestowed upon us with the Evoke. Yes, just give me the Evoke please………as the correctness is there. There due to the extra warmth, that the ST5 doesn’t have, the sweet fall-off of the Evoke treble detail, ever so polished and refined…..far more than the price would have you guess! Now also to be honest I don't know the names of the balanced armatures in the Evoke, but they sound like name brand devices. I'm not taking my Evoke pair apart to see.

Fearless Audio S6Rui Universal IEM:

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/fearless-audio-s6rui.23646/reviews#review-22356
https://www.linsoul.com/products/fearlessaudio-s6?variant=40238225981595

$389.00
6 Balanced Armature Drivers, 3-way Crossover, 2 Sound Tubes. Much like the following BGVP DM6 comparisons to follow this S6Rui take, the two IEMs share many of the same attributes. Both offer this fast take-off of endearing transients, yet miss the mark on the timbre. I can’t help but still be infatuated with how the S6Rui separates the imaging, and offers a bewildering soundstage in size. Of course when the midrange starts to take precedence in FR, with less bass in the way……these types of phenomena occur. Actually the bass the S6Rui puts out is nice bass for an all BA set, somehow beating the DM6 is sculpturing……….and beating the Evoke in definition. Yet there is less bass to define anyways, less to sculpt or play with. The full-on soundstage is better separated, less messy than the Evoke, yet of course the trade-off is the actual sound elements are of off-timbre in the end. Where the Evoke sound items hold more note weight, and tails-off longer, emitting an overall more realistic playback, despite the slight inner coalescence and lack of separation at hand.

BGVP DM6 Universal IEM:
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/bgvp-dm6.23290/reviews#review-21914

$199.00
5 balanced armatures including Knowles 22955 and 30017. Laughably the little DM6 sounded way better than I remember it. While offering a pure BA response and timbre, the size and pure involvement was great…….even if subsequently off-tone. Such was the days when we were all blown-away by the seemingly large display of DM6 playback. And if you were truly wondering what different items you get with the Evoke playback, it’s simply natural timbre, as in this case the stage the DM6 still produces is slightly bigger and involving being what it is. So try to imagine washes of BA timbre, still totally entertaining, just with an overall blanket of BA sheen! Fast, way fast incredible transients of off-timbre delight. Yet another downside is the fact that the DM6 nozzles don’t ever hold ear-tips on! If I can say one thing……….there are truly reasons for the 2019 popularity to the DM6!




THIEAUDIO Legacy 4 Universal IEM:
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/thieaudio-legacy-4-universal-iem.24851/reviews#review-24982
https://www.linsoul.com/products/thieaudio-legacy-4?variant=42460862775513

Priced at $195.00 add $70 more for custom build.
One proprietary 8mm polymembrane DD, one Knowles ED29689 BA for midrange and a set of dual BA custom made Bellsing/Linsoul tweeters. I was the very first to review the L4, and subsequently didn’t notice the 5kHz bump to cause any issues for my listening. Since then reviews have come out to delineate this slight issue, hence if you are sensitive to the bump, then it may be an area of concern. The Evoke v the L4 comes down to pure brute force……..the Evoke is more, more of everything. Yet still the L4 offers a slightly more spacial separation of sound elements into the stage. The L4 bass comes off (maybe) in slightly more detail, though probably this is perceived as the bass is more in a reserved place? When you really listen the 8mm should have faster bass transients and decays than the Evoke’s 10mm but it doesn’t…………..It’s that the Evokes bass is simply more and more in-front. As far as staging and interaction, the Evoke is simply bigger in presentation and offers a slightly smoother more refined style of playback. Yep, THIEAUDIO have evolved-out further and improved what you can get for your money!

Disclaimer:
I would like to thank Jennifer from KiiBOOM for the love and the Evoke Universal IEM review sample.

Disclaimer:
These are one persons ideas and concepts, your results may vary.

Disclaimer:
After 100 hours of burn-in the Evoke was studied for truly one super important factor. Does it have enough upper detail to make it engaging? Well…….even with my darkest amp, the TA-ZH1ES, the Evoke has the intrinsic ability to somehow standardize its playback, becoming well-tempered with any source……….not too dark or lacking detail. Somehow the Evoke retains its composure with the darkest amp style of playback, still revealing details in the most charming of ways. In regards to desktop use with the TA-ZH1ES…….the Evoke still went ahead and showed ability to scale-up with better gear, delineating the TA’s blacker background and clarity of focus over standard DAPs.

Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
UA3 Dongle DAC/Amplifier 4.4mm and 3.5mm