NF Audio NM2

Happy 10th Anniversary to NF Audio! Today’s review is dedicated to your decade of innovation and excellence in the audio industry. It’s a good wish from my heart, and I hope that in the future, we will continue to see many more high-quality audio gears from you. May you reach even greater heights in the years to come. Praying for your continued success and advancement.

Disclaimer
I purchased the NF Audio NM2 earphones 1.5 years ago using my own funds. My review is unbiased and solely reflects my personal experience with these earphones. I have not been influenced by any third parties to present either positive or negative opinions. The insights I’ve shared are based on extensive use over this period.

As an additional note, I believe that long-term use is crucial for evaluating the true quality of audio equipment, and my extended experience with the NM2 has allowed me to provide a well-rounded review.

Technical Specifications:-

• Double Cavity Dynamic Driver Unit
• Impedance: 18ohms
• Frequency Response Range: 10Hz-40kHz
• Sensitivity: 108dB/mW
• Maximum SPL: 125dB
• Distortion: <1%
• 0.78mm 2pin connectors
• 5N silver-coated OFC cable

Package Contents:-

• One pair of NF Audio NA2 earphones
• One 2-pin 5N silver-plated OFC cable
• Six pairs of silicone tips
• Storage Box
• One 3.5mm-6.35mm adapter
• User guide

The build quality might be considered a weak point of this earphone as it is made of plastic, which gives it a somewhat cheap appearance. However, having used it for 1.5 years, I can confidently say that despite its look, the durability and quality of the plastic are quite good. The housing is transparent, allowing a clear view of the driver inside. It employs a qdc connection which is fairly sturdy. Even after such prolonged use, I haven’t encountered any major issues with the earphones, and they have provided me with ample confidence in their performance. Overall, considering the sound quality provided and the capabilities of the driver, I have no complaints about the build quality.

Due to its plastic build, if there’s one aspect that benefits the most, it would be the fit of these earphones. They are extremely lightweight, and even after wearing them for extended periods, you hardly feel any weight, to the point where you might even forget they’re in your ears. The nozzle reaches a good depth into the ear, which means with the right ear tips, you can achieve good noise isolation. In my experience, I’ve used these earphones for over three to four hours straight and found them to be extremely comfortable without causing any pain or discomfort in my ears. For those who spend long hours working on a computer or gaming, the lightweight design and good noise isolation of these earphones can be quite helpful. In my opinion, they could be an ideal choice for gamers who play for extended periods. Overall, the nm2’s fit and comfort have greatly supported my daily usage experience and it stands as one of the most comfortable earphones in my collection.
The stock cable is decent in terms of price. However, it is prone to tangling and has a minor issue with microphonics. Personally, I did not find the stock cable satisfactory, which led me to avoid using it. In my usage, I have switched to the NiceHCK Mixpp cable, which I feel significantly contributes to extracting the proper musical experience from these earphones. This cable also seems to smooth out the treble area, effectively controlling any excessive energy and sharpness.

The ear tips that came with the NF Audio NM2 didn’t give me the best sound or feel comfortable in my ears. They also didn’t seem to match well with the earphones.

After trying many different ear tips, I found that the Dunu candy tips make the bass sound better. These tips also help tone down the treble that’s a bit too strong, making the music sound nicer.

Using ear tips that make the bass stronger can bring out more from the NM2 and make the music feel more alive. I suggest that everyone try different ear tips with these earphones and find a pair that fits well and sounds good to you. This way, you’ll get the best listening experience from them.

Testing Source
Dap:
•Cowon Plenue R2
•Astell & kern sp1000m
•Hiby R3 ii
•Hiny R5 saver

Dongle:
•Questyle M15
•Cayin ru7
•QULOOS MC01
•Ddhifi tc44c
•FOSI AUDIO DS1
•Moondrop dawn pro
•Epz tp30
•Nicehck TC3
•Apple dongle type c

BT DAC:
•IFI Go Blue
•Fiio btr7 and btr5 2021
•Shanling up4 and up5

Dextop:
•Shanling h5
•IFI Zen dac V2
•IFI Hip DAC V2
•Xduoo xd05 basic

Mobile phone:
•Lg v60
•Asus zenfone 10
•LG v50

These earphones are super easy to use. They work really well with all kinds of devices like phones or music players, and they don’t need a lot of power to sound good. But, if you use them with a really good music player or Dac dongle , you’ll notice that the bass gets better and the overall sound feels more alive and dynamic.

I’ve also found that if the music player or system is bright , the earphones can make some hissy or ‘s’ sounds (this is called sibilance). But when I use them with a music player or system that has a warm, warm-neutral, neutral, or analog-sounding sound, the music feels richer and more enjoyable."

The nm2 delivers a solid bass response that is present but not overpowering, allowing for a balanced audio experience. The bass is tight and controlled, providing a good foundation without muddying the midrange.

Sub-bass
The NF Audio nm2 is really good at playing deep bass sounds that you can feel, like a rumble. It keeps these low sounds clear and interesting. The nm2 can play very deep bass sounds without losing any quality. When you listen to songs with a lot of deep bass, like “Praise The Lord (Da Shine)” by A$AP Rocky featuring Skepta, the nm2 does a great job at keeping the bass line sounding right.

What’s special about the nm2 is that it can play songs with lots of deep bass without making other parts of the music sound bad. It keeps the deep bass and the middle sounds separate, so everything stays clear and you can hear all the details in the music.

Mid-bass
The NF Audio nm2 impresses with its mid-bass capabilities, delivering a punch that is both strong and full of life. The mid-bass has a rich texture, which brings out the details in music, making each note distinct and clear. It has a good amount of weight, giving the music a solid feel, but there’s room for an even fuller sound that could enhance the impact of the mid-bass further.

I find the mid-bass to be of high quality, adding a lot to my listening experience. It’s not just about the strength of the bass but also about how it blends with the rest of the music without taking over. The nm2 does this balance well, making sure that the bass is felt but not overwhelming. This makes for an enjoyable and detailed sound that I personally find very satisfying.

Bass Speed and Dynamics: The NF Audio nm2 is really good at handling fast bass sounds. It can keep up with quick and complicated music without any problems. This makes songs with a lot of fast beats sound clear and sharp.

For example, in the song “Scene Seven: I. The Dance of Eternity” by Dream Theater, the nm2 can follow the fast parts easily, making sure you can hear every note. In “Let There Be Rock” by AC/DC, the nm2 keeps the bass sounding quick and clear, which makes the song feel more exciting.

The nm2 can also change from quiet to loud sounds very quickly, which is great for songs like “Never Going Back Again” by Fleetwood Mac where the drums really stand out. It feels like you’re right there listening to the music live.

In “A Little Piece of Heaven” by Avenged Sevenfold, the nm2 shows it can handle powerful bass without making it too loud or unclear. Even when the song gets really intense, you can still hear each instrument on its own.

Overall, the nm2 is great for people who love music with a lot of bass. It’s fast, powerful, and makes listening to complex songs a great experience.


The NF Audio nm2 IEM’s midrange is indeed neutral, clean, and clear. The bass does not bleed into the midrange, which keeps the midrange sounding natural and lively.

Male Vocals: Listening to “Time In A Bottle” by Jim Croce on the nm2, you’ll notice how clear and true-to-life the vocals are. The song’s gentle melody is delivered with precision, and Jim Croce’s heartfelt performance is captured beautifully, making you feel every word.

Female Vocals: Turning to “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, the nm2 showcases its strength in handling female vocals. The song’s powerful chorus is crisp and vibrant, with Gloria Gaynor’s voice soaring over the disco beat. The nm2 ensures that her voice remains distinct and full of energy, driving the song’s empowering message home.

For midrange instruments, let’s consider “The Logical Song” by Supertramp. The piano and saxophone are key midrange elements here. The nm2 reproduces the piano with a clear and precise tone, while the saxophone sounds smooth and full-bodied, capturing the soulful essence of the music.

In “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, the acoustic guitar in the intro and the electric guitar solos are midrange highlights. The nm2 allows these guitars to shine with a natural resonance and detail that brings out the intricacies of Jimmy Page’s legendary playing.

In both songs, as well as in “Time In A Bottle” and “I Will Survive,” the nm2’s midrange allows for a rich listening experience where vocals and instruments are center stage, complemented by a backdrop of instruments that are equally well-defined and engaging.

Potential cons: While the nm2 excels in clarity and neutrality, some users might find that male vocals lack a bit of depth and richness. This means that while the vocals are clear, they might not have that full, warm sound that some listeners prefer, especially in deeper male voices. It’s like having a very clear picture but wishing for a little more color in it.

This isn’t a big issue and doesn’t take away from the overall excellent performance of the nm2. However, for those who love listening to music with deep male vocals, this slight enhancement could make the experience even better by giving those voices a more powerful and resonant quality.


The treble, or the high sounds in music, on the NF Audio nm2 IEM is slightly forward, meaning it’s a bit more prominent but still well-controlled. It doesn’t become harsh or too sharp, which is great for listening to a lot of details in music.

For example, in “Hotel California” by Eagles, the guitar solos have a sparkle that makes them stand out beautifully. The nm2 captures the delicate plucking of strings and the subtle details in the music, making you feel like you’re right there at the concert.

In “Fear of the Dark” by Iron Maiden, the fast guitar riffs and high-pitched vocals are clear and energetic. The nm2 keeps up with the speed and complexity of the song, letting you hear every note without any harshness.

Listening to “Cemetery Gates” by Pantera, the nm2 shows off its ability to handle powerful high notes. The screaming guitar solos are full of emotion and intensity but don’t become uncomfortable to listen to.

With “Master of Puppets” by Metallica, the rapid drumming and aggressive guitar work are sharp and precise. The nm2 allows you to hear all the layers of the music, from the fast drums to the intricate guitar solos.

However, if a song’s recording quality isn’t great, you might notice that some treble sounds a bit sharp on the nm2. This isn’t a fault of the IEM itself but rather an indication of its ability to reveal flaws in a recording.

The NF Audio NM2 showcases its technical prowess with a wide soundstage that offers a good sense of depth and width, making it ideal for a variety of music genres. Let’s explore how it performs with my specific tasting tracks.

Just The Two Of Us by Grover Washington, Jr.: This classic track features a smooth blend of jazz and R&B elements. The NM2’s wide soundstage allows for the saxophone’s rich tones to flow effortlessly, enveloping the listener in its warmth. The separation is evident as each instrument, from the subtle keyboard to the gentle percussion, finds its own space without overshadowing Bill Withers’ soulful vocals. The imaging is precise, placing each element in a way that feels natural and cohesive.

Hold On by Amber Rubarth: In this acoustic piece, the NM2’s capabilities shine through with its excellent separation and clarity. Amber Rubarth’s intimate vocals are front and center, while the guitar strings resonate with a crispness that feels like you’re in the same room. The soundstage provides a sense of openness that complements the track’s reflective mood, and the imaging allows for an immersive experience as if you’re part of the live performance.

Just Take My Heart by Mr. Big: This power ballad benefits from the NM2’s dynamic range and precise imaging. The emotional vocals are delivered with clarity, while the electric guitar solos soar without overwhelming the mix. The drums have a punchy presence that drives the song forward, and the soundstage ensures that each instrument is distinctly heard, from the bass lines to the backing vocals.

The NF Audio NM2 excels in delivering a clear and separated sound that enhances the listening experience across various music styles. Its technical performance makes it a versatile choice for both casual listeners and audiophiles alike.

Long-term Listeners: If you use earphones for extended periods and are looking for a comfortable option, the NM2 could be an ideal choice.

Gamers: Those seeking quality earphones for gaming that provide precise imaging will find the NM2 to be a great option.

Rock and Metal Enthusiasts: If you enjoy complex rock or metal music, the NM2 can offer excellent support and handle the intricacies of these genres well.

Tech-Savvy Users: For those who value technical capabilities in earphones, the NM2 offers impressive features.

Detail-Oriented Listeners: The NM2 is a good offering for those who focus on details and enjoy immersive music experiences.

Ease of Driving: The NM2 doesn’t require much power to drive, making it user-friendly. Pairing it with a good DAC can further enhance its output.

Who Should Not Get the NF Audio NM2?
Warm Sound Lovers: If you prefer a warm, relaxing sound, the NM2 might not suit your taste.

Extremely Treble Sensitive: For those who are very sensitive to treble, this might not be the best fit.

Build Quality and Design Critics: If you are very particular about build quality and design, you may want to consider other options.

Note: If anyone is looking for a more detailed and informative gaming review of these earphones, my friend MotherX1 has written a digital review about their gaming performance. I will share the link here, so you can get a comprehensive understanding of the earphones’ gaming capabilities from that review.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/nf-audio-nm2.24401/review/34281/

Intro:

The world of in-ear monitors (IEMs) often seems divided between those catering to the booming bass of EDM or the analytical needs of audiophiles. The NF Audio NM2 attempts to bridge this gap, targeting gamers with its crisp audio for footsteps and explosions while also boasting a sound signature that caters to a wide variety of musical genres. Having spent significant time with the NM2 paired with a PC for gaming and a smartphone for music listening, this review delves into its strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for your audio needs.

Context:​

The NM2's V-shaped sound signature translates into a fun and energetic experience for certain music genres.

I tried the NM2 with the ddHiFi Tc44c, Xduoo Xd05 Basic, and LG V60, both in standard configuration and with pure copper cable and several tips such as Divinus Velvet, Spinfit W1, 145, and Penon Orange. I loved it best with Velvet and Penon Orange tips. And I used a Nicehck Mixpp & Stardream cable.

Disclaimer:
I purchased the condo with my own money and interest. There is no monitoring transaction with NF Audio. So, my evaluation is completely neutral and based on my listening experiences over the last 1 year.


The review is based on my observations and firsthand experience with several IEMs. Your experience might be influenced by physical differences, such as the depth and shape of the ear canal, as well as personal preferences.

Note: I use this set of iems with this cable, eartips, and sources. That is the basis for my overall review.

If you want to buy this iem, visit NF Audio . If you are from Bangladesh, you may visit GeekMart.



Specification:


Model: NF Audio NM2

Driver: dual cavity dynamic driver

Frequency response: 10-40kHz

Maximum SPL: 125dB

Sensitivity: 108dB/mW

Distortion: <1%

Impedance: 18ohm

Sound insulation: 25dB

Cable: 2pin 0.78mm 5N silver-plated OFC

Plug: 3.5mm

Size: 138*225*50

Net weight: 300g


Package


NF Audio NM2

Balanced eartips set(S/M/L)

Bass eartips set(S/M/L)

2pin 0.78mm 5N cable

6.35mm to 3.5mm adapter

Storage box

Build Quality:​

The NM2's first impression leans towards the utilitarian. The shells are constructed from a lightweight plastic that feels a tad flimsy compared to some metal-bodied competitors. While not a dealbreaker, it certainly doesn't scream premium. The detachable cable utilizes a two-pin connection, a welcome feature for future upgrades or replacements. It's braided and seems reasonably durable, with minimal microphonics (cable noise) detected during use.


Fit & Comfort:


Comfort is a strong suit for the NM2. The lightweight shells and included ear tips (both balanced and bass-oriented) provide a secure and comfortable fit for extended gaming sessions. Passive noise isolation is decent, blocking out a good portion of low-frequency ambient noise.

Gaming Performance:​

Competitive Shooters (CS:GO, Valorant):

These games are all about hearing every footstep and gunshot with pinpoint accuracy. Thankfully, the NM2 excels here. Enemies practically announce their presence with clear and crisp audio cues. You'll be able to differentiate between friendly and enemy footsteps, a crucial advantage in those clutch bomb defusal situations in CS:GO. The wide soundstage in Valorant helps you pinpoint where that sneaky Jett is flanking from.



Here's the good stuff:

Footstep Frenzy: Forget sneaking around. The NM2 practically amplifies enemy footsteps, making them crystal clear.

Bang & Boom: Explosions and gunfire sound impactful, immersing you in the action without muddying other audio cues.



Open World Adventures (Battlefield, GTA V):

The NM2 holds its own in these open-world experiences. Battlefield's chaotic symphony of war comes alive with distinct weapon sounds and clear directional cues. You'll hear the roar of tanks in the distance and the zip of bullets whizzing past your head. In GTA V, the engine purrs and police sirens blare realistically, adding to the immersive world.


Here's what works:


Soundscape Immersion: The wide soundstage brings the game world to life, letting you hear the environment around you with detail.

Vehicle Vibes: Engine roars and car chases sound satisfyingly realistic, adding to the adrenaline rush.



Tactical Team Games (PUBG, The Finals):

These games require a balance between pinpointing enemies and awareness of your surroundings. The NM2 performs decently here. You'll hear gunshots and footsteps clearly, but the boosted treble can be a bit harsh at times, especially with the environmental sounds like rustling grass in PUBG. Experimenting with the included ear tips (balanced vs. bass-oriented) might help.


Here's what to consider:

Treble Trouble: The boosted treble can make environmental sounds a bit harsh in some situations.

Overall:
The NM2 is a solid choice for gamers on a budget who prioritize precise enemy location and clear communication. It shines in competitive shooters and offers a decent experience in open-world titles. Just be aware of the potentially fatiguing treble in games that rely heavily on environmental sounds.

Bonus Tip: If you find the treble a bit too much, try using the "balanced" ear tips or consider using a separate DAC/Amp with EQ to tweak the sound signature to your preference.

Sound impressions:​

Let's move on to the topic of music now. The vivid accent works nicely in some genres. Rock is distinct from classic rock. Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" gleams with detail, and you can actually hear the ticking clock and the cash register ring. The clear highs help Deep Purple and Rainbow so that the guitars can really sing. In a similar vein, White Snake and Eagles' songs come to life with the vigor of drum lines and the sizzle of hi-hats.


Nonetheless, for certain genres, the NM2's brightness might work against it. Though soulful, Mark Knopfler's voice sometimes come out as a little weak. Even while Gloria Estefan and Whitney Houston are still powerful, some listeners may find the treble a little tiresome after a while. The NM2 might not be the best option for genres like smooth jazz or classical, where a warmer, smoother performance is desired.



Bass: The NM2's strong mid-bass punch makes it ideal for the thumping bass lines found in rock and pop songs. But sub-bass extension feels rolled off a little bit, so the lowest low frequencies might not be as impactful as they would be with some specific IEMs with a lot of bass. The NM2 could leave EDM fans wanting more in terms of earth-shattering bass.


Mids: A little bit more body would be nice for the lower mids, especially in music that emphasizes vocals. But the upper mids' forwardness guarantees that instruments like keyboards and guitars stay distinct and prominent in the mix.


Treble: This is where the V-shape of the NM2 is most noticeable. The treble focus highlights the assault of transients and the sheen of cymbals while adding sparkle and detail. But as was already said, some listeners may become fatigued due to this brightness, particularly when recordings have sibilant voices or are very bright.


Soundstage & Imaging: For an IEM, the NM2 has an incredibly spacious soundstage that is particularly useful for gaming. The placement of musical instruments on the soundstage produces a feeling of clarity and separation.


Amping Up the Experience:
While the NM2 can be driven straight from a smartphone or PC, pairing it with a dedicated portable dac/amp can elevate the listening experience. A good dac/amp can add a touch more warmth and improve overall control, particularly in the bass region. Also, some cable changes and eartips changes will make your listening experience better.

Conclusion:​

If you're a competitive gamer seeking an IEM that prioritizes clear audio cues and immersive soundscapes, the NF Audio NM2 is a top contender. Its V-shaped sound signature and wide soundstage provide a significant advantage in games like CS:GO, Valorant, and PUBG. While music reproduction might require some EQ tweaking for specific genres, the NM2 remains a versatile option for gamers who also enjoy a variety of music.



Thanks for joining me on this deep dive into the NF Audio NM2! I hope this review helped you decide if these versatile IEMs are a good fit for your listening preferences. Happy listening

I am not too familiar with NF Audio as a company, so I decided to take a shot at their NM2 single-dynamic model when they were offered. They claim to have years of experience in making “real” monitoring earphones, so their entry-level IEMs should showcase their expertise.

There is a plethora of sub-$100 IEMs these days and every other review will claim one of them to be the “best” under $100. NF Audio NM2 entered this crowded market with some established heavy-hitters already staring them down. Let’s see if these can carve themselves a niche.

This review was originally published on Audioreviews.

Note: the ratings given will be subjective to the price tier. KeepHiFi was kind enough to send me the NF Audio NM2 for evaluation.

Sources used: Sony NW-A55
Price, while reviewed: $90. Can be bought from KeepHiFi.

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PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES​

Packaging of the NM2 is rather interesting with vinyl-like shapes abound. In terms of accessories, you get a bunch of eartips, a round carrying case (looks cool but a bit cramped), and a stock cable that has one of the worst memory wires in existence. The memory wire is so stiff that the IEMs pop out of the ear at times by itself.




Apart from the memory wire portion, the cable itself is good: supple, well-braided, and doesn’t carry much touch noise. You also get a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter, keeping true to the “studio monitor” status of the IEMs.
3/5

BUILD QUALITY​

Build quality is the weakest point of the NF Audio NM2. I find the plastic shells cheap and they feel fragile. The finish is also subpar and reminiscent of $5 budget IEMs. Even the nozzle is plastic instead of metal, which some $5 IEMs nowadays have as well.



It’s clear where NF Audio did their cost-cutting, but I wish they left the build quality somewhat passable for the price bracket.
2/5

COMFORT, ISOLATION, AND FIT​

Comfort and isolation are very good, with the single vent near the 2-pin connectors not allowing much outside noise in. The plastic shell is ironically a help here due to their lightweight and skin-friendliness.
4.5/5

SOURCE AND EARTIPS​

For the review, I used Spinfit CP-100+ tips and Sony NW-A55 DAP (MrWalkman firmware modded). The NM2 are fairly sensitive so won’t need much powerful sources.

DRIVER SETUP​

NF Audio used a dual-cavity 10mm dynamic driver for the NM2, with the twist being that there are two rear cavities to further optimize the pressure behind the diaphragm. The driver is called MCL2-10, though I have no idea what that acronym stands for.

TONALITY AND TECHNICALITIES​

NF Audio NM2 treads the fine line between “bright” and “energetic”. In loose terms, the NM2 can be categorized as “bright V-shaped” even though that description does them a disservice.

Bass response on the NM2 is very interesting. It has the sub-bass rumble and mid-bass punch, but lacks some of the mid-bass texture. This results in a bass response that is fast and (mostly) accurate while lacking the fullness of low notes.

Midrange is where the things can become divisive. The lower-mids could have done with a bit more body, but they don’t sound overly recessed as the mid-bass bump adds body to the lower-midrange. Upper-mids can be contentious due to peaking around 4KHz which adds intensity to guitar riffs and leading edge of hi-hats or cymbals.

Fortunately, the intensity is counterbalanced by the boosted sub-bass. In most tracks the upper-mid glare is masked by the sub-bass frequencies. Only in acoustic or vocal-oriented music do you notice the peakiness in that region.

Treble can be too forward on some tracks due to the aforementioned 4KHz peak but things never got sibilant or splashy. Treble is well-done here with adequate sparkle and good upper-treble extension. Triangles and cymbals decay naturally with their resonant frequencies being audible beyond 14KHz. Many IEMs in this range opt for treble roll-off and NM2 does it better than most here.

Soundstage is fairly wide but lacks the depth due to the forwardness in the upper-midrange. Imaging is accurate with good cardinal and ordinal placements of instruments (within the limitations of the in-ear form-factor of course).

These are especially adept at locating the position of the microphone relative to the speaker or singer. As a result, while live recording with a stereo mic you can notice if the singer is singing off-center.

Macrodynamic punch is above-average but there are other IEMs that do it better. The lack of mid-bass fullness somewhat dampens the impact here. Microdynamics (subtle gradation in volume) are excellent though as you can track the subtle shifts in volume even in busy tracks.

Separation is good when it comes to mids and highs but the recessed lower-mids can make some low-notes smear into each other. Timbre is mostly good with a hint of metallic sheen to some higher-pitched notes. In general, the NM2 are excellent for acoustic or live music and also suited for live microphone monitoring.

Bass: 4/5
Midrange: 4/5
Treble: 4/5
Staging: 4/5
Imaging and Separation: 4/5
Dynamics and Speed: 4/5

FREQUENCY RESPONSE GRAPH​

SELECT COMPARISONS​

vs Dunu Titan S, Moondrop Aria, Tin T3 Plus​

So, I somehow ended up with all three of the contenders for the “best under $100” tag, namely: Dunu Titan S, Moondrop Aria, Tin T3 Plus, and of course: NF Audio NM2.

I will go about it a bit differently this time around, and rank each of the IEMs based on a specific aspects.


Build: Titan S = T3 Plus > Aria >> NM2

Titan S with their metal shells and T3 Plus with the resin shells – both have excellent build. Aria’s paint tend to chip off and NM2 has the build quality of $5 QKZ IEMs.


Accessories: T3 Plus = Titan S > Aria > NM2

T3 Plus got a good cable and decent tips but the carrying case is poor. Titan S got a great carrying case (better than many expensive IEMs come with) and good tips but meh cable. Aria got horrible cable and meh eartiops and case. NM2 got the worst cable of the bunch, replacement recommended.


Bass: Aria = Titan S > NM2 > T3 PlusAria has slightly denser bass whereas Titan S has more “neutral” bass tuning. Both are fast with good texture. NM2 can sound thin in mid-bass at times and T3 Plus lacks texture.


Mids: NM2 > Titan S > T3 Plus = Aria

Both T3 Plus and Aria have issues with lower-mids. NM2 handle lower and upper mid pretty well, so does the Titan S. However, Titan S tended to get slightly shoutier.


Treble: Titan S > NM2 > T3 Plus > Aria

Aria has the weakest treble response among these. T3 Plus has a bit more energy in lower-treble. Titan S and NM2 both got good treble extension but the NM2 has more focus near lower-treble which can be fatiguing. If you like higher amount of treble: NM2 for you.


Soundstage: Titan S > Aria > T3 Plus = NM2

Perceived stage is widest and deepest on Titan S. Aria comes second though the margin between Titan S and Aria is sizeable. T3 Plus sound congested, whereas NM2 can sound too forward at times.


Imaging: Titan S > NM2 = Aria > T3 Plus


Separation: Titan S > NM2 > T3 Plus > Aria


Dynamics: Titan S = Aria > NM2 > T3 Plus

I am bit torn here. Microdynamics are superior on Titan S whereas Aria has better macrodynamics (e.g. sudden bass drops). NM2 does both better than average but doesn’t exceed the performance of the benchmarks.

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Overall, I think the Titan S ticks most of the boxes. It’s got good technicalities coupled with a neutral bright tonality that works well. NM2 is the most technical among them and will cater well to those who need more information up top.Aria meanwhile got the best timbre and has the smoothest signature here. T3 Plus is more of a mixed bag due to the odd-sounding bass.

CONCLUDING REMARKS​

NF Audio NM2 are primarily let down by their uninspiring design and cheap build, which is a shame. The tuning is unconventional and offers something unique among the myriad of Harman-target doppelgangers. This gives rise to a “nice” problem – there are a number of good choices for the end-user and it becomes confusing to pick the right one.

While the NM2 nails technicalities, tonality could have been better or smoother for general listening. However, the intended purpose of these IEMs are studio monitoring and for professional applications there is usually some presence-region emphasis. On that front, the tuning choices are justified.

The NF Audio NM2 earns my recommendation for studio monitoring purposes, and will suit those who prefer an energetic and engaging listen.