NF Audio NA2

Wiljen

Headphoneus Supremus
NF Audio NA2 - your background is showing
Pros: Good end to end extension, comfortable fit, well tuned balanced signature
Cons: Average isolation, earhooks too tight, looks less solid than it is.
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disclaimer: NF Audio approached me about reviewing their current lineup recently and I agreed. They sent me the NA2 and NM2+ models for review. I have no financial interest in NF Audio, nor have I received any directions or guidance for this review. I have received no compensation beyond the product for this review. If you have an interest in NF Audio, check out their website and Facebook Page. To purchase NF Audio products, see Aoshida Audio

Unboxing / Packaging:
The packaging on the NF Audio models is well laid out with the outer box having the picture and name on the front and specs on the reverse. When the inner box is pulled out it is a bookfold design with the manual and case on one side and the earpieces, tips, and cable on the other all neatly tucked into compartments that prevent things from falling out when opened. The provided kit is fairly complete with earpieces, cable, 6.3mm adapter, case, and six (6) sets of silicone eartips. Tips are two (2) styles in three (3) different sizes S,M,L. The cable does have a velcro tie as well as the clamshell case having a second compartment for tips and adapters. The case is large enough to hold the earpieces with cable attached but not large enough to also carry very many accessories so diligence is needed when selecting what else to carry with the earphones. Including at least a single set of foams would be appreciated at this price point, but overall not a bad kit.




Build/Fit:
The NA2 has a very familiar shape with its inverted teardrop style and uses a translucent resin shell in either clear, green or purple. Face plates are made of the same material as the inner shell and while the seam is visible, it is well fitted with no excess glue or gaps and is difficult to feel with a fingernail as a result. Size is small to mid, but nozzles are fairly pronounced to allow for deeper seating. Nozzles are part of the inner shell rather than being a separate component like many budget models and do have a lip molded in for tip retention. A vent on the inner surface is centered over the middle of the dynamic driver and sits at about the 2 o’clock position behind the nozzle and a second vent sits immediatley in front of the QDC connector. Connectors are the raised bi-pin with rounded housing and are the one piece that uses a clear resin instead of the purple or green. Comfort was good for extended wear due to the moderate size and isolation is average or slightly better due to the fit of the body of the iem in the ear and the depth of the nozzles.



Internals:
The NM Series all are based on dual magnet dynamic drivers with dual cavity design. In the NA2, the driver is listed as the MC2L-10 and seems to be revision 1 of the driver as the NM2+ uses an MC2L-10ii driver version. NF appears to have an advantage in that either they manufacture the driver in-house or have a very tight relationship with the supplier as generation time is short and they have continually improved the original design. The NA2 for example has the tuning elements (cap/resistors) built into the housing on the driver rather than a separate board as in earlier models. This combined with the dual cavity design and venting matches damping pressure on the driver to the shell cavity design to reduce reflections and improve sound quality. Magnets are neodymium iron boron and provide over 1 Tesla of flux while the diaphragm is a 5 micrometer polymer composite for lightweight and speed. polymer composite is not as rigid as Be, Ti coated, or even carbon nano-tubes, but it is lighter weight and potentially faster than all of them. NF chose the material to improve transient response beyond what is possible with the super still coatings. The end result is a driver with a nominal impedance of 18Ω and a sensitivity of 108 dB/mW making it easy to drive well with most sources.

Cable:
The provided cable is listed as silver coated OFC in a black rubberized sleeve. The jack is a 3.5mm in a straight metal housing with one flat side for gripping. The NF Audio name is printed in the flat in white on the brushed silver background. A matching 6.3mm adapter is also provided which is a nice touch as many will be used with desktop sources. The cable itself is a 4 wire double twist from jack to coin-sytle splitter. The splitter is black plastic and matches the cable while the chin slider is brushed aluminum and matches the jack. Above the split, wires are 2 wire braids with pre-formed hooks and QDC style hooded bi-pin .78mm connectors. The earhooks are a bit tight and benefit from a bit of heat from a heat gun and re-shaping to be a bit more relaxed. (If you do this remove the earpieces first to avoid heat damage to the components).




Sound:

Bass:
Sub-bass is emphasized with the center of that emphasis falling at roughly 60Hz and the roll-off not becoming evident below that peak until the lower 20Hz range. The NA2 can rumble when called upon, but it doesn’t get too far in front and bury the areas above it. Bass texture is fairly good with good note weight and just slightly slower decay than attack which keeps it from sounding thin or unnatural. Mid bass steps back as you move up the range but retains good slam when called upon and good detail and texture. Overall bass is the star here, but not so much as to overshadow the rest of the players on the field. I prefer a bit of sub-bass elevation with mid-bass more closely aligned to the mids so this signature fits well with my preferences.

Mids:
Mids while not emphasized don’t come across as recessed either and have good detail and texture throughout. Lower voices are a small step behind their female counterparts but do have good note weight and cut through the mix enough to be noticed. Guitar growl is respectably good with sharp edges, and strings have enough energy to be sound near realistic as well. The push of the upper mids and lower treble does move higher voices to the front but not so much as to seem separated from the instrumentation. The mids are deceptive in that they sound smooth and relaxed but do have good detail when one looks for it. This again is a nice tuning as it allows you to be drawn in to the music rather than paying attention to the technicalities.

Treble:
The upper-mid emphasis is continued into the lower treble range before dropping back above about 4kHz. This gives the treble enough energy to make snare rattle reasonably good although not quite as crisp as a balanced armature tends to be, but cymbals fall a little short of realistic as they lack energy in the true treble needed to really deliver. Once above the lower plateau, the true treble drops enough below the level of the mids that it causes a bit of unevenness to the treble but prevents any hint of stridency or harshness from creeping in. A peak at between 10kHz and 12kHz before final roll-off adds some air back to the mix and keeps it from feeling closed off. Overall, the treble tuning is my least favorite part of the NA2, but I understand why it was done and it certainly stands in stark comparison to many of the current crop of treble lasers on the market. Its polite and very well mannered if a bit less energetic than I would prefer.

Soundstage / Imaging:
Stage is wider than deep and has limited height giving it a somewhat ovoid form. Seating the orchestra is fairly straight forward as instrument separation is quite good and layering is as well with compression only becoming evident on extremely complex tracks with lots of bass overlap. There are a few places where stage shape limits imaging as movements on the periphery can be tracked but pinpoint positions are hard to determine. Movements in the central area are easier to track with greater precision.

Thoughts / Conclusion:
The market at the $100 USD market is quite crowded so it is always with some trepidation that I agree to review another new product at the price point because more often than not they share an awful lot with the mass of what has already come before them and don’t do enough to find their own unique space. The NA2 looks a lot like a lot of other in-ears at the price point so that doesn’t help. Nor does the fact that the translucent shells look more fragile than they actually are. The shells have no flex when pinched as hard as possible and while I stopped short of doing drop tests, I have no concern with their survival from a chair or desk height fall to the floor. Where they do stand out is in signature. The NA2 is well balanced with emphasis in sub-bass and to a smaller degree upper-mids. The NA2 delivers good detail level for its price point and does very little to offend as the tuning is definitely aimed at a smooth, polite delivery. Those who are treble sensitive will appreciate a tuning that does enough to keep treble from becoming piercing without feeling closed in in the process. Those looking for a bit more assertive treble may prefer the original NA1 or the newer NM2+.

NF Audio NA2​

NF Audio NA2
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es7ebanlv

New Head-Fier
Terrific earphones for truly enjoying your music.
Pros: I like everything of these IEMs.
Cons: Tips could be softer and stickier.
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I'm no audiophile, but I know how I like my sound.

I was searching for replacement to my old, soldered and twice broken Sony MDR-EX500 which to me were perfection incarnate, and let me tell you, choosing earphones these days is terribly difficult; before, all I had to do was enter the Sony Shop (or stores that sold decent earphones) and chose one expensive enough to ensure decent sound, but never the more expensive models. Now, you have hundreds of millions of options! It's ridiculously tiring.

Of course, if you have the money you just order a few and be done with it. Or, if you don't care about audio you... well, no, you'll be on the Apple, Skull Candy, Beats, and Bose pages, not here.

So, across the years I've found I like my audio just like those EX500s sounded: powerful (13.5mm driver!), with a slight V or W, not sibilant, with bass (but I'm no mofo basshead, you know the type, those idiots that make their cars reverberate with sub-bass and ruin all other frequencies, and the sleep of 5 or 7 city blocks), on the fast-ish side, not terribly descriptive or analytical —my most used sources don't merit it, and actually would suffer from too much analysis— but still transparent and clear, and I'd say with soundstage, but IEMs have little of that... comparing them to open cans, of course.

I'd say that's the definition of —at least to me— the perfect driver.

I tried upgrading them once years ago with some some Sony with four balanced armatures per side as drivers, and instantly hated BAs, but this time I was open to pick an hybrid model, with both a dynamic driver and one or two balanced armatures (there's models with 25 BAs per side, I think), assuming that about a decade of progress had made BAs listenable.

Considering all that, the process of choosing is crushing, took months. Firstly, I had to catch up with latest theories and schools of thought to have a general idea of what to expect in this postmodern world (1 tesla magnets! A powerful full-sized speaker system reaches that!). Then I had to chose very broadly from the brands that kept being mentioned in the forums. Then I had to read the individual long reviews.

That's the most difficult part, because you see, you can't truly trust a review from a random forum member; you have to read (and hopefully there'll be some) his other reviews in order to have an idea of what he likes and how he's reviewing. The task was to try and eliminate some of the subjectivity from the individual reviews of the several items I chose from a few brands. Adding to the difficulty is the fact that there's always opposed reviews, one guy can say whatever and the next one precisely the opposite.

You also have to read some reviews from items out of your budget (up and down), and items you won't buy for whatever reason (say, they're ugly, from a brand you don't like, don't fully fit your criteria). Same purpose as above.

On top of knowing what type of sound I was looking for, I had other considerations, such as they should work for running and cycling —which seemed very hard as I wasn't able to find too many cyclists and runners interested in decent audio, them crowd is the Bluetooth and ultra bass one, inferior race such as it is.
Another consideration was that the damned cable should be orders of magnitude better than the stupid Sony cable that always fails. Always.
The composition of the cable —its isotopes, number of electron orbits, and covalent bonds— is a myth everyone should stop spreading.

After reading tomes of obscure and arcane privileged knowledge, after asking for advice a few times and in a few places (that's how you play a decent RPG), after having chosen The One a couple of times and then changing it, I arrived at the NF Audio NA2.

They don't look as garish and tasteless as some of the metal multi-driver monstrosities, nor as plain, boring and generic as the BT buds —I liked its frosted translucent looks; cable seemed resistant enough and its conector pins are covered in a glove of plastic, increasing durability; it came with twice the usual tips. Its drivers have a "dual cavity", which probably is just marketing, and the power of its magnets is over 9000 —I remained worried about the bass, wrongfully thinking it's dependent on the driver's diameter.

I was truly surprised when I hit play, at random, and 'I Want to Break Free' from Queen blasted mid-track. It truly was a blast! "Blown away" say too lightly (because the overuse) the people who can barely write.

The volume was low, of course, the blast was a wall of all the sounds, all the frequencies, all sounding perfectly and powerfully, clearly and spatiated, not too intimate, not lacking anywhere. More songs followed, that detailed (remember, to me, always to me) sub-bass! Those fast-ish and powerful bass hits, textured! The mids... OK, not ultra loud, a bit relaxed. The highs there, sharp... but not at all tiring! Every genre!

'Could it be that they're this good?' I was constantly thinking.

From the first listen I realized they were better, considerably so, than my EX500s, not a question about it. And now, a couple of weeks in, listening a few times (I don' need no over analyzing; I trust my ears), I'm still amazed at how damn good they sound.

And they have power. Here's a table for you to grasp what 1 tesla is:

In space: 0.1-10 nanoteslas.
Earth's magnetic field: 0.00058 T.
Sunspot: 0.15 T.
Powerful speaker: ~1 T.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance equipment: >7 T.
Neutron star / magnetar: ~100 megateslas/~100 gigateslas.
...

I took my time replacing my Sonys, I knew what a hard task was going to be, and it could end tragically (ha, 'I Want to Break Free' came up! I utterly love those kind of chance's little coincidences)... Maybe pushing a bit the mids to the front, for more powerful vocals, but not at the cost of more treble, like I guess in the NM2s).
So, it's been a while for me without listening to IEMs and that could obviously skew my impressions.

The oh-so-boring cliché of "they've made me love my music again" does not feel far fetched.

All in all, I'm very satisfied with my purchase, I won't be looking for replacement for the foreseeable future, and totally recommend them for long, enjoyable listens. They sound so good you have to stop thinking and start actively listening and enjoying.

The tips do make a difference, I'd rather the bass ones as I find the balanced ones too open and with less body. Spinfits don't really work with these because the sound becomes too light and transparent, which is a shame because they're much more comfortable.
The passive sound isolation is quite OK, even with no sound you have to take them out to talk; I've tried them without music in very loud environments and they block the offending noise easily.

For cycling they're too windy, useable, but you have to up the volume, lowering your safety. I haven't tried running yet but I expect them to bee windy too.

Transport case is tight, it fits my iPod Shuffle too, but I think that's about it; I just ordered a Wiwoo U2 and will see if it fits.
Tips could be softer and stickier, like Spinfits, but I think then they wouldn't sound as full-bodied.
Other reviewers have complained about stiff ear guides, to me they work perfectly, comfortable to the point of not noticing them even after hours.

I thank here everyone that took the time to answer my questions on the different platforms I reached.
---

Addendum:

After almost two months of enjoyment, I can say that the NF Audio NA2 IEMs can take a serious amount of volume and EQing.

It's scary how loud these things can go, but without any distortion, you just hear more and more and drown in your music. And equalizing them, they can take a ridiculous amount of bass (or mids, or highs). I've never experienced earphones that behave like these

The carrying case can't take my Wiwoo U2 (which sounds better than any iPod I've owned, and has no problem driving the NA2 to ridiculous sound pressure).
---

Secundus addendum:

The chin adjustment thing (made from aluminium) is worthless, it's too lose and it doesn't stays in place at all.
Last edited:
shenzhenaudio
shenzhenaudio
NM2 is really an excellent IEM, its successor, NM2+ also performs well! Love its design!

cqtek

1000+ Head-Fier
Pros: Very well tuned profile, providing a homogeneous balance.
- Quality of the sub-bass and its balance, with a close mid-range.
- Very permissive for long listening, both for its sound profile, as for the comfort and lightness.
- Lightness of the capsules.
- Comfort and ergonomics.
- Transport box.
Cons: The wire is a little thin.
- The guides on the cable's ear are not correctly shaped and can be annoying.
- A feeling of fragility, although, really, the construction is solid.
Introduction

Again, I'm about to review a new model of the headphone brand, from China, NF Audio. After the famous NA1, now they raise the bar, lowering the price, keeping the same driver, the MC2L-10 Dynamic Driver and creating a new capsule, built in high resistance polycarbonate. Following the philosophy of offering the best sound, combined with the greatest comfort, both the exterior and interior have been redesigned to maximize the qualities of the driver, along with better ergonomics and minimal weight.

These and other qualities of the NF Audio NA2 are explained below.

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Specifications

  • Driver: double cavity dynamic driver
  • Cable: 0.78mm 2pin 5N silver-plated OFC
  • Frequency response: 10Hz-40kHz
  • Max SPL: 125dB
  • Sensitivity: 108dB/mW
  • Distortion: <1%
  • Impedance: 18Ω
  • Sound insulation: 25dB
  • Plug: 3.5mm
  • Net weight: 300g

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Packaging

The NA2s still insist on their analogy with CDs and their case has similar dimensions, except for the depth (150x132x85mm). The predominant colour is black, followed by the colour of the capsules, this time green. The main side has a band of this green color, below a photo of the capsules, on a black background. Behind it come some descriptions and the name of the model, on a photo that enlarges the vertex of the capsules. After removing the wrapping paper, a black box is shown, which opens like a book. In the centre, in silver letters, the name and logo of the brand. When the box is opened, you can see the CD on one side, a booklet with instructions on the other. On this CD, a black foam disc, the capsules are embedded. Under it, there is another disc, with the silicone tips embedded in it. There are three pairs SxMxL, Balanced type, in white. Also, there are three pairs SxMxL, of the Bass type. Finally, on this side of the box, there is the cable. On the other side, under the booklet, there is a beautiful round box, for transportation, with grey textile coating and black logo in the middle. It has a zipper and is quite rigid. Inside it there is an adapter for a 6.3mm plug.

Good presentation, the box is not very big, two sets of tips that modify the sound. A 6.3mm plug adapter, a not very common accessory, which is appreciated. And a very well built transport box, different from many others that have the same shape. It's certainly the best accessory that could come along.

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Construction and Design

From NF Audio they claim to have a large database of ear and ear canal impressions, due to their years of experience, manufacturing high-end custom earphones. Thus, the design of the capsules, has changed between the NA1 and NA2 model. Not especially in the shape of the outer face, which looks very similar to that of the African continent, but in the inner face. Externally, the lower vertex, where the mouthpiece is, is somewhat narrower. Inside, the change occurs in the nozzle, which is more inclined and shorter. The base of the nozzle is also a little more flattened and does not have the bulge of the previous model.

There are two holes in each capsule: one, at the base of the nozzle, coinciding with the center of the driver. And another, at the edge, in line with the two-pin surface connector, 0.78mm.

On a construction level, very light, high resistance polycarbonate has been used, which has followed a frosting process, giving it that cloudy look, like a glaze. The whole capsule is made of the same material, including the nozzle, forming a single piece. The only other material is inside, the metal grid that protects the driver from external contamination. In the center of the external face is silk-screened the logo of the brand and on the side, is marked the letter of the corresponding channel, in big, the name of the model, next to it and the word "Music", under it.

It is available in three colors: transparent white, transparent purple and transparent green.

The cable is the same as the NA1 model, consisting of 4 braided strands, covered with black plastic. The two-pin connector is covered by a rigid, transparent plastic sleeve. This sleeve is angled so that it separates from the vertical plane that crosses the connectors. This way, it tries to separate the cable from the head, to provide a better fit over the ear. The cable, in the immediate area of this sheath, has a semi-rigid translucent plastic guide, to ensure its position behind the ear. The dividing piece is a black plastic disc, with the brand logo inscribed on both sides. The pin is an oval, metallic piece with two holes. The Jack connector is 3.5mm, gold-plated and its cover is a two-colour grey cylinder, with a lowered and polished face, where the brand name can be read. Finally, the cable has a personalized velcro strip, to pick it up easily.

The capsules are ultra-lightweight. At first glance they might seem to be fragile, but after handling them, this feeling disappears completely, since their construction leaves no room for doubt, nor is there any hint of weakness. In fact, polycarbonate feels rigid and durable.

The cable, this time, as the price is lower, is more in line with the quality/price of this model.

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Adjustment and Ergonomics

As I said, its shape has changed, slightly, from the NA1 model. The insertion is not so deep, but the weight is minimal. The friction or contact with the parts of the ear, is almost nonexistent. The adjustment differs from the NA1, since the angle of the nozzles is different. But overall, NF Audio knows what it's doing in this area, achieving, once again, excellent ergonomics.

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Sound

Profile


The NF Audio NA2 has a slight W profile, with good balance in all ranges. Although, you could say, they have a good accent in the sub-bass area.

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Bass

The lower area is characterized by the presence of the sub-bass. But, also, by its permissive capacity with the rest of the ranges. Emphasizing the sub-bass has good virtues, if they know how to conjugate, in favor of the profile: giving power to the low zone, gaining in depth; the interference in the mid-range is minimized and the sound gains in cleanliness and control. All this, it is clear, in the low zone of the NA2. The texture of the bass is smooth, with low roughness. It articulates quite well and has good dynamics and agility. The control, is appreciated in a remarkable way, giving to the mids, in particular, the voices, a desirable prominence. The low notes do not last longer than desirable, there is hardly any contamination in this aspect. It is true that the complexity is not very high and the lower zone tends to be reproduced in an orderly and simple way, but with a realistic character and a very adequate execution. It follows that, the profile is not low, but it will be highly recommended, for those who like mids, without giving up a low zone present and deep.

The greatest emphasis of the sub-bass, is noted in the hitting of the mid bass, whose power is not so remarkable, although it is enjoyable. This characteristic, softens the body of the low zone, relaxing the presence, offering a more balanced sound, little oppressive, more liberated and clear.

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Mids

The central area is splendidly clear. There is no intrusion of the lower zone in it, hence the cleanliness in the range is high. Despite the sub-bass enhancement, the mids does not feel sunk. Moreover, there is a slight emphasis, at the high end of the central range, which brings brightness and light to the area. This quality also favours greater dynamism, without losing tonal balance. There is no darkness in the profile and its shape is defined as balanced and neutral. The mid-range is not analytical, nor predominantly warm, but seeks a balance, very appropriate, in light of describing its profile. The voices are projected clean and clear, with a medium presence. Its tonality has a tendency towards the high side, suffering, slightly, from a more complete body, presenting less pulp and flesh. Its texture is soft, with a simple descriptive level, but very correct and all-round. Wheezing is non-existent, so it is a very suitable IEMS for those sensitive to this effect.

The instrumentation is at the same time very decisive, firm and abundant. It also has a tendency to be soft, presenting a relaxed, peaceful, controlled and not very loud sound, but very musical and pleasant, being extremely ideal for very long listeners.

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Treble

The trebles are on the soft side of the performance: projected in a simple but effective way; their level of refinement is pleasant, not at all strident, moderately detailed and lively. The presentation is not ambitious, there is no artificiality in its execution, so its reproduction does not exhaust, nor does it pierce. It has a good sparkle, but without extending to the most penetrating or annoying areas. As a good W earphone, it has a good and clear dose of air, providing notable audible benefits to the rest of the ranges.

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Soundstage, Separation

The scene is described adequately wide, with a good level of depth, drawing a semi-oval stage, but with a limited height. The amount of air in the room produces a separation according to the width, with more lateral space than in depth.

The level of detail is more than correct. In spite of its softness in the execution, the high zone and the level of resolution, it favors an abundant recreation in nuances, but without deepening in the micro detail, since its analytical capacity is not high.

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Comparisons

Anew U1

I start the battle with an opponent, who came on the market more than a year ago. Like the NA2, it also uses a dynamic driver.

The profile is similar, but the big difference is in the mids. The NA2 has a greater emphasis on the upper part of the central zone, which provides many sound benefits, compared to the U1. Due to the good tonal balance, which the NA2s enjoy, this emphasis never fails, as it is very well controlled. Its tuning is very mature in this sense. The U1s suffer from this light, in that high part of the mids, presenting drier voices, with less sparkle, somewhat opaque, limited. Meanwhile, the NA2, show a comparative exuberance, which is perceived in voices and instrumentation more complete, with a wealth of tones and nuances, more extensive and pleasant.

The lower area is very even, but the Anew has a very pure color and its texture offers a roughness that I find very attractive. It is clear that the bass of these U1s have a contrasting quality. In terms of tone, depth and definition, both are in a very similar range. But I find that the NA2, have more control, agility and speed in the execution, generating a more compact, tuned and tight LFO.

The differences in tuning persist in the high zone: it contrasts the dryness and the sharpness of the first highs, in the Anew, compared to some NA2, more balanced and coherent. The micro unbalance between the mid and high of the U1, is evident when compared to the NA2, generating a less natural and more forced sonority. It could be said that the tuning of the NA2, improves the possible imbalance shown by the Anew, in some phases of its frequency response. They also improve in the tonal section and the level of detail. On the other hand, U1s have a better capacity to reveal micro nuances, because their highs are sharper, causing a better analytical capacity, in certain circumstances.

In terms of scene, the Anew, are wide, but flatter than the NF Audio, whose recreation is more oval and has more height. The greater feeling of clarity, existing in the NA2, improves the separation offered by the U1.

On a construction level, the NA2 has a lighter capsule. However, both the design and the materials used in the Anew have a more premium character, as well as a better cable. Although, it is worth mentioning that they are more expensive, but they do not include a transport box, an accessory that comes with the NA2, which is fantastic.

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TFZ No.3

One of the toughest rivals the NA2s can find is the TFZ No.3. In addition, both have a similar frequency response. Despite this similarity, the feeling of the lower zone differs, especially in its density, which is higher in the TFZ, which also gives it more body in the mids, but also more pressure in that zone. The other first sensation that comes out of the comparison, is the sensitivity, higher in the TFZ. They move more easily and that gives you a feeling of greater power. But this power is based on the greater density and pressure in the lower zone, caused by a lower response speed of the low frequencies. This makes the low frequency area feel more congested and contagious to the other ranges. The No.3s play the bass more widely, more raw, expanding it further, but with less precision and definition. In addition, their track is more persistent. The tone is very similar in both, but you feel more depth in the No.3s.

The mid zone of the NA2 is cleaner, more liberated. Without such an extensive and powerful lower area, the voices look clearer and more diaphanous, receiving a more natural prominence and a closer presence. In this way, a better appreciation of details and nuances is possible, throughout the vocal range. Perhaps, the only advantage in this aspect, is that the TFZ has a pinch of greater warmth, on the NA2.

In the mid-range instrumentation, the sensations are very similar: in No.3, the sounds of this range are less present, more hidden, far away. While in No.2, they are perceived without effort, with a more defined, explicit and resolute drawing; only, less warm, but with greater presence and closeness.

The first highs are more incipient and notorious in the TFZ, while in the NA2, they reproduce softer, not so sparkling, less present and somewhat wider. But this does not detract from the detail and liveliness of their sound, but it is more velvety, without sibilance and less energetic in this area.

The sensation of scene in both IEMS is similar, the greater density of the No.3 limits the perception of spatiality and separation, congesting the sound. The music flows more freely in the NA2, there is more air, providing a more marked opening effect. This freedom also allows you to enjoy a slight increase in the amount of detail and nuance.

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Conclusion

The NF Audio NA2 is a safe bet, both for experienced audiophiles, who are looking for an all-round IEMS, with a sound signature, perhaps common, but very well tuned, and for those neophytes, who wish to enter the world of portable HiFi. NF Audio has created some very comfortable and light IEMS, recreating a profile that aims to cover a large number of fans. The three bands have a balance that allows them to be enjoyed, both individually and as a whole, achieving a synergy that clearly improves the result. The accent in the sub-bass zone; the clarity and balance of the midrange; the smoothness, detail and air of the high zone, conform a homogeneous and very appetizing balance, that will contribute hours of enjoyment, without offering fatigue.

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Sources Used During the Analysis

  • Burson Audio Playmate.
  • Tempotec Serenade iDSD.
  • Acmee MF-01.
  • JWD JWM-115.
  • AGPTek H1.

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Ratings

  • Construction and Design: 83
  • Adjustment/Ergonomics: 90
  • Accessories: 78
  • Bass: 87
  • Mids: 86
  • Treble: 78
  • Separation: 83
  • Soundstage: 81
  • Quality/Price: 88

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Purchase Link:

https://penonaudio.com/nf-audio-na2.html

You can read the full review in Spanish here:

https://hiendportable.com/2020/04/04/nf-audio-na2-review/
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Dsnuts

Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: Expertly balanced tuning. Have you ever had a neutral tuned earphone but wanted some bass? Spacious neutrally balanced dynamic tuning with very good imaging. Very well balanced with a slight emphasis on the bass end leaning more toward sub bass. Ergonomic shell that is very comfortable for hours of use. Easy to drive and is not so picky of sources. High strength polycarbonate frosted shells are strong and light.
Cons: Average isolation, protruding 2 pin design, average accessories pack. Cable has a stiff ear guide.
NF Audio NA2
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I would like to thank NF Audio and Penon for the review sample of the NA2. The NA2 was provided for the purpose of a review. These are my thoughts about the NA2.
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NF Audio is making a statement with their in ears. While not the most cutting edge in the way they look. What looks like your random new in ear with a design that is arguably somewhat common looking has nothing to do with how they actually sound. In fact these are most definitely tuned by folks that know how to tune. I recently found out NF audio used to make custom earphones so here is where that sound pedigree kicks in. The technology behind these drivers are remarkable exemplified in their NA1 and now the NA2.
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The NA2 seems like a retuned NA1 to me, you can read my review of them here. NA2 comes in a nice unique packaging with not much in the way of accessories or a fancy looking box. It does continue the CD packaging motif with the shells embedded. A simple zip up clam shell and 2 sets of silicone tips. I was very impressed with their NA1 so I had some expectations of the sonic performance of the NA2. Especially since it is using the same driver and similar housing configuration as the NA1, so do these live up to my expectations? Let's find out.

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The NA2 has 3 varieties of shell colors to choose from. Purple frosted, green frosted and clear frosted. Housed in an all plastic universal semi custom over the ear design. Also incorporates their protruding female 2 pin .78mm design. They come with tips that enhance a bit of the bass and another set that has a more balanced take on the sonics. Testing these tips has a more subtle effect on the sound and has a slight effect with the intended purpose of enhancing a bit of mid bass and or increasing a bit of treble to balance out the sonics. To be honest both these tips were shelved for my JVC spiral dot tips which gives the advantages of both types of tips that was included not to mention fit better for me. So tip rolling is encouraged. Like you need to be told that..
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Build wise, they look and feel solid to me but I don’t purposefully bang a housing of an earphone just to test out how sturdy they are. I have no doubts with regular use these should last the duration of your use. One issue I had even with their previous NA1 and now the NA2 is that the protruding 2 pin allows for aftermarket 2 pin cables but ends up sticking out of the housing more than I would like. I hope they will consider a recessed 2 pin design in the future.
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Onto the sonics.

Single dynamics has seen a resurgence of late and these NA2 are showing that there are advancements that can still be done with the single dynamic design and not cost a lot to do it. The Tesla magnet brings forth the ability of the full ranged sound with increased fidelity, transparency and dynamism. This is without a doubt something to take note and while Beyerdynamic at one point was the only manufacturer making dynamic in ears with their tesla magnet flagship in ears. We now have more samples of the tech which NF audio has incorporated here. Using dual cavities and dual voice coils on the dynamic design. It does end up showing a better realized dynamic range in the sound tuning vs your average dynamic in ears.

In redesigning the sound balancing of the NA1 I am certain the NA2 was born. It is interesting that NF audio has simplified the looks using simple vented shells and retuned them to have more balance. NA1 has a distinct U shaped sound design to them and in the NA2 they lessened the treble end of the tuning on the NA2 to have better tonal balance with equal parts bass mids and treble. In using a more simplified shell, these now go for a good $70 less than the cost of their previous NA1 model. I was told the NA2 is their first mass produced IEM vs the NA1 which was individually hand made. So what do you get in this new revision?
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The treble end of the NA2 while not as extended or prevalent as the NA1 actually has good amount of proper presence to the balance and is detailed enough not to sound like it is lacking in the region. Treble completes the balanced sound signature and it is more proportioned here vs the previous in ear the NA1. I can tell due to the tonaily being more neutral vs cooler/ brighter in the NA1. You don’t get treble detail forced into your hearing here. Treble comes natural and proper which overall makes the sonic qualities of the NA2 more balanced and even sounding.

Treble does not stand in the sound design like the NA1 but retains good implementation and technicality. Sounds more tuned for lower treble emphasis vs the upper treble like the NA1. While not the most refined treble. You can’t expect high end treble on these but it does sound complete with decent extension and definition in the region. Treble still retains shimmer but now has the right amount which doesn't overshadow the rest of the sound like the NA1 does.I don’t hear any part of the treble having excessive peaks from just listening to various test tunes I use for reviews. Overall I am happy to report that treble sounds natural with good extension without any type of fatigue or stridency.

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Mids actually benefit from the lessened treble end from the NA1 design. Mids also exhibit a very natural degree of presence. Not distant or recessed but not really forward in the mix. The mid bands now have a better, more even feel. Both male and female vocals have equal footing on the mid bands and has an enjoyable smooth tone to the mids. I find instruments also exhibit accurate tonality and timbre in well recorded tracks with a good amount of staging. Exhibits a wider than deep or tall staging. With a bit less lower mid emphasis than upper mids which gives a cleaner sonic production to the NA2.

The mids sound a touch on the dry side which is more of a nit picking in the area than anything actually has a good realized mid range that isn’t really lacking in detail or imaging. Lacks a bit of dimensionality to the sonics which is much easier to do with BAs. So it does show a solid level of dynamic characteristics which is much more natural for instruments and vocals. Overall due to the well balancing tuning on the NA2. These have a very versatile sound which sounds great for just about every genre of music.
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Much like the bass end of the NA1 the NA2 has a similar amount of emphasis. And here we get bass focussed toward the sub bass regions which helps retain that clarity in the mid bands. Bass is one of the strong suits of this particular dynamic being used for NF audio earphones. The bass end has no real weakness when it comes to detail. While not the speediest of bass notes it does exhibit a good ability to become any type of bass note needed to compliment the tune.

Bass does not exhibit any type of roll off in the region so bass comes complete with a good show of low reaching rumble and is textured. The NA2 reminds me of the budget in ear the Tin audio T2 which was a good phone up to the bass end. Then there was almost no bass to speak of. Here is where the NA2 shows up. Bass on the NA2 has great ability in the region and will reproduce any bass note. Mid bass is less than the sub bass but has good solid impact and authority when called for.
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These also remind me of the Mee Pinnacle P1 in ears which was generally tuned neutrally but also lacking in sub bass. For the most part due to the neutral amount of mid band emphasis these are neutrally balanced more than having any part of the sound really standing out but due to the bass end having more ability than the previous mentioned in ears. These sound more complete and actually has the better versatility due to these having a good complete bass end to them.

In conclusion, while there are some stiff competition in the market at this price range. These are compelling due to their well balanced complete dynamic sound. The tech used for these in ears has shown me it can have a better, more full ranged sonic ability that a lot of in ears struggle to do in the price range. These are arguably one of the better single dynamics designs in the price segment. If you are in the market for a budget friendly in ear that has balance, a versatile sound complete with good treble, a smooth mid range to a great low end ability. The NA2 makes for a great in ear to have and use on a daily basis for your EDC. As always happy listening. Thanks for taking the time to read.
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LostnAmerica
LostnAmerica
Yay! Dsnuts, that is the answer I was hoping for, the 3 Pro. Prob not enough for the NA2 also though...btw, the coupon was expired/etc...Thx anyway for the try...
Thank you for the quick response...
Lamim Rashid
Lamim Rashid
These caught my attention recently. Seems like the best $100~ headphones are the starfield, legacy 3 and NA2. Amazing what you can get at this price point these days.
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Dsnuts
Dsnuts
NM2s are also stellar. Both the NA2 and the NM2 punchy way above what they cost.
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