NF Audio NM2

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.

Introduction:
Founded in 2014, NF(Near Field) Audio is a brand from China that produces in-ear monitors in both custom and universal fit. They got popular through their NA and NM series of IEMs that utilizes a single dynamic driver, but they also have IEMs with balanced armature and electrostatic drivers. The NM2 was released way back in 2020, as well as its sibling, the NM2+. The NM2 currently retails for 99 USD, and was provided to me for free by KeepHiFi in exchange for this review.

International purchase link

Specifications:
Driver unit: MCL2-10 dynamic, dual cavity (diameter not specified)
Impedance: 18 ohms
Sensitivity: 108 dB
Frequency response range: 10 Hz - 40 kHz

Source:
Poco X3 paired with FiiO KA3, Tempotec Sonata E35 and Zishan U1

Test tracks:
Africano - Earth Wind and Fire
Dark Necessities - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Gurenge - Lisa
The Chain - Fleetwood Mac
Monsters - All Time Low
Ours - Taylor Swift
Stay - Mayday Parade
Snuff - Slipknot
Yesterday Once More - Carpenters
So Slow - Freestyle
Aurora Sunrise - Franco
Attention - Pentatonix
Blue Bird - Ikimono-gakari
You're Still The One - Shania Twain
Anyone Who Knows What Love Is(Will Understand) - Irma Thomas
Salamin - Slapshock
AOV - Slipknot
Hey Jude - The Beatles
The Way You Make Me Feel - Michael Jackson
...and a lot more.

Unboxing and Accessories:
The NM2 comes in a pretty unique packaging. The box is sleeved but only one side is open. The accent color of the box depends on the color variant of the earphone. In my case, I chose pink, so the box was also pink. The inner box opens like a book. On the left side, there is the instruction manual, and underneath it is the round hard fabric case that contains the 3.5 mm female to 6.35 mm male adapter, and a pair of a super small widebore silicone eartips. On the right side, there are the earphone inserted in a circular foam, and made to look like a compact disc. Underneath, there is a circular card that holds two sets of silicone eartips in three sizes. An "atmosphere" set which has wide bores, and a "balanced" set with regular size of bore. Lastly there is the cable with a velcro strap and a plastic cap for the plug.

Build:
The shells are made of transparent resin with a smooth and glossy surface. The faceplate sports the NF Audio logo. It is barely noticeable but right blow the female pins, there is a small vent. Another vent is present at the rear side of the shell. The medium-length nozzles are equipped with a recessed metal filters and a lip to hold eartips in place.

The cable is a 4-core silver plated oxygen-free copper. It is slightly on the thin side but construction feels good. Some microphonics can be heard but nothing major. It is light, very soft and has great flexibility. The male 0.78 mm 2 pin connectors are made of plastic, the splitter is made of hard rubber, while the chin slider and the 3.5 mm gold plated plug are made of metal.

Now let's get to the sound.

Lows:
The lows also have a smooth and clean texture but with an almost neutral attack. Subbass has a slightly above average depth with an adequate level of decay. Midbass is average in weight and is placed at just the right spot along with the subbass.

Overall, the lows of the NM2 exhibit a very dynamic approach where the rumble is impactful when the track calls for it, and takes a step back when not needed.

Mids:
The mids are placed at the center and reproduced with great transparency. Vocals have an above average level of articulation. Both the lower and upper mids are average in terms of note weight. However, there is a small bump in the upper mids that give extra energy to the female vocals and highlight to guitar and pianos.

Overall, I consider the mids of the NM2 to be an all-rounder since it sounds great for most genres. Depending on the track, the boost in the upper mids can sometimes give a hint of aggressiveness although it is very minimal.

Highs:
The highs are presented in a neutral manner. Treble reach and its accompanying decay is average. Having said that, subtleties are still fairly easy to pinpoint. The splashing sound of cymbals and lead guitar overtones sound detailed and crisp.

Overall, the NM2's highs are balanced in such a way that it doesn't come across as too sparkly or too tame, yet it maintains its presence well and doesn't get drowned out easily by neighboring frequencies.

Soundstage and Imaging:
The NM2 has an average size of stage. The height partially expands more than the width. Instruments sound airy, spacious and well separated and the resolution in the imaging is really, really good. Accuracy is great as well as the clarity. Instruments sound airy, spacious and well separated. Congestion is very minimal even in busy tracks.

Comparisons:
NF Audio NM2 (1 DD, 99 USD) vs. TForce Yuan Li (1 DD, 119 USD)
These two are not far from each other in terms of price and overall sound signature, but the Yuan Li is a lot harder to drive than the NM2. The Yuan Li has the bigger sounding lows. Subbass has more depth and cleaner in texture with the Yuan Li. It has a louder rumble, although the difference is very, very small. Length of decay is just about the same. Midbass impact and weight are identical but slightly more forward in the Yuan Li. With the mids, the difference is also really, really small. The Yuan Li only has partially more energy in the upper mids and slightly better transparency. Other than that, they are identical. In the highs, the decay is equal but the Yuan Li has a very slight, almost unnoticeable edge in the reach. As for the soundstage, they have the same expansion in the width but the NM2 has a bit more height. Imaging, instrument separation and layering are also identical.

Conclusion:
Many have pointed out that the NM2's shells doesn't look all that impressive given its price tag. They are absolutely right. NF Audio could have improved it especially when similarly priced IEMs come in fancy, elegant looking shells. But what the NM2 lacked for the aesthetics, it made up for the sound quality extremely well. Despite being released a few years ago, the NM2 remains to be a great option until today for its respectable sonic performance.

NFAUDIO NM2 REVIEW

TONE: 7.5/10
TECHNiCALITIES: 7.5/10
BUILD: 7/10
SOUND BENEFIT: 7/10



SOUND IMPRESSIONS

The TONALITY is lively, balanced with an emphasis on the textures of the mediums. This is between a bright V curve and a colored neutrality. There is a boost of the mid bass and the mid and high midrange. Energetic, with punch and an excited, front-end presentation, the NM2s favor vocals, midrange energy and bass hits but is not really rumbly or extension.
The TECHNICALITIES are pretty decent for the price, it's faster than well controlled, favors macro resolution over micro details, and cuts short in bass-to-high extension. Presence zones are amplified, providing a two-step type of dynamic: low-high mids. There's no air, it's not very clean or very well defined in the contours, but in the end it's quite agile and versatile in terms of performance, although not super refined and a bit rough.

The BASS concentrate their energy in the hitting of the mid-bass. It hits without moving alot of air and the extension does not dig deep. The definition is rather warm and tenuous, the texture quite saturated and without solid grip. The seat lacks weight, so we feel the kicks more cerebrally than physically. Here there is more quantity than quality, the resolution being muffled and the whole thing lacking in well-sculpted roundness. It slips a little on the mids without giving them more body, therefore affecting the overall cleanliness but not in a dramatic way. In short, the bass lacks flexibility and extension as well as a well-defined separation. Not recommended for double bass, cello and acoustic basses in general which sound tonally out of tune, the cello being too thin and grumpy and the double bass lacking linear extension and natural resonance.

The MIDS benefit the female vocals, which have a very prominent presence with a nice opening in width but lacking a little transparency. It's very energetic, with an artificially pushed clarity. The timbre is realistic but not very refined and nuanced in texture, it also lacks a bit of warmth and density. The attack lacks grip for all that requires high harmonics such as violin, piano etc. Speaking of the piano, the notes have little weight, as if both the bass and high harmonics are tenuous, so again, it is the presence of resolution that intrigues the listener. I believe that it could pass for rock, because it remains quite abrasive and that the electric guitars have their emphasized distortion, without the need for a precise hook like the violin, piano or acoustic guitar. A little garish, but very little prone to sibilance. The mids are both crisp in their presence and muted in their impact and grip.

The TREBLE leaves me perplexed due to a cut extension that steals the air between the instruments, the brilliance and resonances of high percussion and acoustic string instrument pulled or struck like the guitar or the harpsichord. The harpsichord is really not pampered by the NM2s, it's dry, without weight or resonance and brilliance, with a strange emphasis on the saturation of note texture, but it's quite fast and the resolution is sharp in the low and middle highs. The presentation is rather "in your face" with a dynamic presented in a packaged amplitude. The NM2s are pretty cruel to bad recordings too, tending to extract background hiss-distortion. Yeah, I'm really not a fan of the NM2 treble, like its big brother the NM2+. It's a bit garish and the aggressiveness is too concentrated in the lower treble. The NM2 only extract very few micro-details, the snare drum always seems full of distortion and the cymbals too. Primitive treble.

SPATIALITY has not many dimensions, it is frontal and intimate, it has an average width, but little height and almost no depth. You are not traveling in a vast landscape with the NM2, you are rather subjected to a wall of sound.

IMAGING is not much better, for simple music it is okay'is, we will not look for the location of the instruments, but in the end it sounds more mono than stereo. The lack of micro definition and clean space between the instruments makes the location diffuse, muffled and saturated. The highs are particularly difficult to pin down. Overall, very mediocre for the price.

CONSTRUCTION:
Cheap, light plastic. Nothing to write about really. Cable is decent. Comfort is good due to light housing. QDC connector isn't a plus imo. It come in different colors, even pink I think, which is kinda cool. Isolation is average.
Box presentation is very nice with a magnetic black box and refined presentation. Carrying case and 6 pairs of good ear tips of different shapre. A plus here.

COMPARISONS

VS NFaudio NM2+ (1DD-180$)

On the mids and highs side it's super similar, although a little cleaner and more extensive with the NM2+, but it's especially on the bass side that the difference is obvious. The NM2s are therefore significantly more boosted in the low mids, have a warmer strike too, and less clean. In the end, they are more of a balanced V signature, making the Nm2+ look very neutral and mature. Technically, they are almost equivalent, the attack speed being good for both, the NM2+ stand out with their treble and high midrange hooks. Yeah, the NM2+ are more monitor-like and the NM2 mainstream-like, less cold and sharp, and ultimately, to my ears at least, more pleasing because the notes have more weight, the basses have more body and vibrancy, the mediums more body and sweetness, only the highs are less extended and clean.

VS WHIZZER HE01 (1DD-80$)

When I listened to the NM2, I kept thinking about the similarities with the HE01. Now that I compare them side by side it is even more obvious, to believe that they use the same dynamic transducers! But it's not exactly the same, just like with the Nm2+ there are small differences. The timbre seems the same, but the bass is a little more pushed and warm with the NM2, so it's more sharp in the upper mids. It's so subtle that I can only put them on the same level of sound quality. Since the HE01 is $20 less, it's a better buy, and the build is more glorious.

CONCLUSION

Although well balanced and quite fast in the attack, the Nfaudio NM2 leaves something to be desired in terms of technicality in general and offers an aggressive tone even if without extreme peaks. In a market saturated with earphones superior to these, it's hard to recommend them. Especially with the fact that the Whizzer HE01 are extremely similar, better calibrated and $20 cheaper.
On the positive side, if you love the NM2+, the NM2 is 99% as good for 70$ less.

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PS: I wanna thanks KEEPHIFI for sending me this review sample as well as letting me full freedom to express honnestly myself without compromise.
You can buy the NFaudio NM2 for 90$ (on sale) here:https://keephifi.com/fr/products/nf-audio-nm2

Disclaimer:

• KeepHiFi sent over this unit to me in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that the following observations and findings will be away from bias/es as much as possible.
• The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
• No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
• Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.

Burn-in time: 5-10 hours per day, 4 days.

Source/s used:

• Hidizs AP80
• Not-By-VE Avani Realtek Dongle
• Zishan U1 (AKM Variant) USB DAC
• Samsung Galaxy S3 (WM1811 DAC)
• Non-HiFi smartphone (realme 5i)
• Local Files via Foobar and Roon, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.

IEM and configuration: Stock wide-bore medium eartips, stock cable, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 40-60% volume, both high and low gain.

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Sound signature:

• Sound signature is balanced, most of the time. It can sound w-shaped or balanced with a very, very slight hint of warmth depending on the source and tracks paired. Controlled lows, clear and sometimes intimate mids, well extended smooth treble without losing any detail. Excellent technicalities for its price.

Bass:

• Bass is almost linear in terms of presentation. It does not lack any extension or "fun" compared to some neutral bright-sounding IEM under 100 USD. Subbass is a bit dominant over the sub-bass on rare occasions, but most of the time they exhibit an equal level of amount. Decay is also on the quicker side and does not lack. As a result, the NM2 delivers well-textured and controlled lows. It might not satisfy basshead levels of bass but is well-rounded and will sound good on most tracks.

Mids:

• Mids are also almost linear with a very small elevation at the upper mids. Lower mids are clean and has a slight tinge of warmth to add a bit of realism and thickness to male vocals and instruments. I wouldn't call it a bleed since it did not sounded nasal, veiled, or recessed during my observation period. Upper mids are clear, with a decent amount of air and sparkle. It might sound intimate at times depending on the track but avoided any sibilance or peaks very well. To put it simply, the mids on the NM2 sounds clean and can cater whatever track you may put at it without any sacrifices such as bleeds, thinness, veil, or sibilance.

Treble:

• The treble is exhibited in a smooth manner. It is well extended, articulate and will never sound rolled off or piercing. Detail retrieval is excellent without sounding too clinical or boring. Overall, the treble on the NM2 is well extended, smooth, and will please both types of people who asks for more treble and those people who are sensitive to treble.

Soundstage, imaging, and separation:

• This IEM is one of those sets that excel in their technical performance. The soundstage is wide, has slightly above average level of expansion with decent levels of depth and width. Separation is excellent with very good capabilities of handling very busy tracks with ease. The Imaging is precise and can pinpoint the placement of vocals and instruments.

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality for its asking price, maybe even "the best" under 100USD (subjective)​
• Musical sound quality​
• Controlled, clean lows​
• Clean mids​
• Intimate mids at times (subjective)​
• Smooth, well-extended highs​
• Excellent technicalities​
• Very capable to be used as a budget professional monitor for mixing and mastering tracks.​
• Decent set of accessories​
• Very good packaging and presentation​
• Excellent fit and Isolation​
• Very easy to drive​

Cons:

• No Frills design, we've seen this design on budget IEMs under 20usd.
• Cable is decent enough but could be better. (nitpick)
• QDC 2pin connection (also nitpick)

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Despite its "no-frills, just gets the job done" look, the NF Audio NM2 surprised me. Its technical capabilities are unrivaled by the IEMs I've auditioned and currently possess for less than $100 USD. Not to mention how comfortable it is to wear for long periods of time thanks to its flush fit and how simple it is for the user to listen to its non-fatiguing sound without making any big sacrifices on both its tonality and technicality aspect. When compared to the Etymotic ER2XR I have loaned and auditioned before, this trade blows to it. I can say that this is the "musical" version, while the ER2XR is still the "boring" version (but in a good way, I do like the Etymotic house sound) of that IEM. Both are very good options and very capable of being used as a budget professional monitoring equipment when mixing/mastering tracks. This IEM fits the quote "A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one" as it doesn't have any significant elevations throughout its sound over the other frequencies, but this one is excellent on both technicality and tonality, apparently.


Thank you for reading!

Additional Photos:

My Thanks to https://keephifi.com/products/nf-audio-nm2 for the product and fast delivery.


The box is the typical NF audio .. Big box with a great presentation arranged in a circular pattern. Acessories are plentiful and you get the following inside.

NF Audio NM2 IEM with resin shell in clear blue, pink or smoke gray.
Detachable Cable with 0.78mm 2-Pin Connector
Silicone Bass Ear Tips in 3 sizes
Silicone Balanced Ear Tips in 3 sizes
a small round NF Carry case
a NF 3.5mm to 6.3mm Headphone Adaptor

The product has a light, but decent build and its light weight adds to the comfort of the NM2, Isolation is good, and it looks nice but the see-through aesthetic is a little over played now thanks to lower budget IEMs like TRN and CCA. At least to me it seems to cheapen the feel of this premium sounding set of earphones still they are not that bad looking.



Review in my own words without influence or hype as always this is my opinion, given from my years of experience with 1000s of audio products.
Specs:
Technical specifications:
Driver: MCL2-10 Double Cavity Dynamic Driver
Impedance: 18Ω
Frequency range: 9 Hz – 40 kHz
Sensitivity: 110dB/mW
Distortion: <%1
Max. SPL: 125dB
Isolation: 25dB

Sound:
Bass:
Bass both Sub and Mid are not the focus here while they present with power and speed, they are slated towards the neutral / balanced side giving the NM2 great controlled punchy tight Mid-Bass and a deep but fast roll off in the Sub-Bass.

Mids:
Lower Mids are mildly warm with a richness and clear details while the upper Mids are brighter and more pronounced both are forward but natural sounding and have good energy and clarity to them. There is more pleasantness with female vocals, but this doesn't mean male are left behind, in my opinion they're both well-presented and have good detail retrieval. Upper Mids can be a little hot on occasion but not as much as its sibling the NM2+ by far are not the worst I've heard just noting what I feel.
Treble:
The highs both lower and upper present neutral without any extra emphasis, this said they have a good number of details and sparkle but never reach a point of harshness, I found they had enough energy and openness to be enjoyable without fatigue.

Soundstage:
The NM2 may not have the widest soundstage but it does have an almost equal amount of width, depth and height to be good. The NM2's almost 180-degree field is full details are far more accurate than I was expecting. It was very good for mobile gaming and RPG games in particular it worked well.

Conclusion:
The NF audio NM2 works for monitoring because of the rich details and its well-tuned mature U-shaped signature. While not flat I think the majority of people will find it good for monitoring, critical listening and just enjoying it wealth of pleasantries. It offers a great value for its price range that will be hard to beat.

A large variety of devices including the Hidizs AP80 pro X, the TRI TK-2 , IFI Hip-Dac , ifi Go blue, Surfans F20 and SMSL sp200 / M100 combo, the Aune X1s, Apple iPad Mini, LG V-30, Samsung A72 5G and so on. Using TIdal, Spotify, Amazon, Apple and MP3,FLAC, ALAC , MQA and DSD files locally both wired and Bluetooth for testing.

The NF Audio NM2 have been sent to me by KeepHifi in exchange for the publication of this review. They have not requested anything specific but I will include the (non-affiliate) link to the NM2 via their site as always on my blog, as it is the least I can do.

As always, I will try to keep this review as sincere and unbiased as possible but it is always good that you consider the fact that these IEMs have not cost me anything.

Intro…

NF Audio is a brand that I have never tried before and to be honest, know very little about. I actually like it when I receive stuff that I know nothing about as I avoid some expectation biases and it is always fun to assign a price to something in my mind and then see how far I am from reality when I finally check the price. In this case, I was actually quite close with my guess which was fairly close to their retail price of just over 85€ (I actually guessed around 90 to 100).




Presentation…

The presentation for the NM2 was a little different to the usual packaging from other IEMs. They arrive in a fairly large box, which is actually a lot taller than I would expect and the box opens in two halves, top and bottom, or left and right (once open).

On the right side, at first I thought it was a CD that they had included, as there is a circular piece of cardboard covered foam that contains the IEMs and actually looks quite a bit like a CD. Under this disc, NF Audio include multiple sizes of two different types of tips, labelled as Balanced and Bass.

In the left half of the box, we find the user manual and under that we have a round transport case with the NF logo and the cable inside.

I would say that NF audio include the expected accessories with a set of IEMs at this price range and I don’t have any complaints about content or presentation. Yes, it could have been simpler, but the only thing that is really overdone is the size of the box, which at least makes it stand out from the norm.



Build and aesthetics…

When I first removed the IEMs from the packaging, I couldn’t believe how light they were. They also have an aesthetic to them that doesn’t really stand out as being high quality. I mean, in comparison to other sub 100€ IEMs, the IEM shells are rather simple transparent plastic that remind me quite a bit of the shells used on models like the TRN MT1 or the CCZ Melody.

This is only an aesthetic thing though, the actual shells seem to be very well built and do not show any signs of flaws that would hint at reduced durability. They are also, as I just said, extremely lightweight. That means that they are a great option for long sessions, if you find them comfortable.

I say “if you find them comfortable” as I am unlucky enough to not find them extremely comfortable. While there is nothing really strange about their shape, they are just the correct size to put pressure on the upper part of my ear, making me feel discomfort after longer sessions. They are not extremely uncomfortable, I can wear them, but they do tire my ears.

One other thing that stood out to me is the cable. It is a simple “twisted” cable that is rather thin but seems to be decent enough, very similar to a few other cables I have received recently. However, the memory wire is the springiest and snappies I have come across. It literally acts like a spring and clamps down behind the ear. This hasn’t caused me any discomfort but was certainly strange the first time I put them in. This cable will guarantee to not move while jogging, dancing or even sky diving!

I did actually choose to move on to an aftermarket cable and swap out tips, opting for using the Xelastec in order to improve comfort slightly and also, in my opinion, removes just a touch of top end (more on that in a moment).



Sound…

I must start off by saying that the sound also surprised me, as it wasn’t what I expected after unpacking them. I expected another run of the mill V shape with decent enough capabilities but nothing out of the ordinary in comparison to so many other sets.

However, what I was greeted with was a very clear, non bloated, detailed sound. I have since taken a look at the website for the NM2 and I see that they are marketed as being for monitoring. Although I haven’t been on a stage lately, I can actually see these working well as monitors, not only due to their sound but also due to the passive isolation they have (and of course the cable ear hooks which will keep them in place while headbanging!).

Starting off with the subbass, I find that there is a decent extension that is fairly well balanced with the rest of the bass frequencies. I would say that the NM2 manages to keep the presence of the low end without putting a specific focus on mid bass or subbass specifically.

These are not IEMs for those looking for a eardrum tickle but they do make sure that the lowest of notes are present and well defined.

In the midbass area, things remain rather similar. The bass does not take over the low end, nor is there any noticeable bleed into the lower mids, but it does give enough presence to bass guitars. I spent an afternoon listening to Dire Straits and I must say that the NM2 made it very easy to appreciate the work of John Illsley (the bassist, or that guy with the guitar missing a couple of strings as he is known by many) without him becoming the centre of attention and detracting from Knopler’s guitar playing or anything else. In fact, the song “Money For Nothing” from the live album “On The Night”, was presented in a wonderfully balanced way during the guitar solo, where the guitar was extremely enjoyable without overshadowing the bass at any moment.

But… this does not mean that they are light on bass or on subbass for that matter! When a track calls for it, there is plenty of bass on tap. I moved from listening to Dire Straits on to some Hip Hop (I forget exactly what, I think I was just on shuffle) and the bass hits completely surprised me, reminding me that the low end is there if the song needs it.

I also need to stress that the bass is clear and defined but will show any issues with recordings. In other words, if the track in question has too much bass, or bass that is not well recorded, the NM2 will not only not fix it, it will actually highlight the issues.

Moving into the mids, there is a bit of a dip in the centre of the region, however, as both the bass and the higher frequencies are well balanced, there is no sensation of this taking anything away from the performance.

The higher mids are rather present and, if these are going to have a negative reaction from anyone, it will probably be the high mids that are the culprit.

It is not that the high mids are bad, or extremely boosted, it is that they present the same issues as the bass frequencies. They are present in a way that balances them well with the lows, on a well recorded and mastered track. On a track that presents some harshness or excess in these frequencies, or even a lack in other frequencies, then the NM2 can once again highlight the problem.

This is a good thing, the fact that they are well balanced on good recordings, if you listen to good recordings of course. If the music you listen to is not so well recorded, or is overly sharp in the higher mids, then I think you will find that the NM2 are not really suited.

The higher frequencies are not the most extended but are good enough to not make me feel like there is anything missing in the higher range. They don’t have the top end sparkle and air that some other contenders do, but that is mainly due to their tuning and focus on the lows and higher mids.

As far as detail, I have already said that these are decently detailed IEMs. They do a good job of separating layers and instruments, allowing you to focus on details of different instruments and their playing, without difficulty.

The sound stage is not huge but is slightly above average, with the placement and use of the available space being good, allowing enough room for things to spread out. I have especially enjoyed some of the multi-mic’d (well recorded) live performances.



Conclusion…

When I opened the NM2, my mind automatically thought that it would be another run of the mill tuned economic IEM. I was surprised at what I actually heard when I started listening, as it certainly isn’t just another run of the mill tuning.

The tuning is far more balanced than I expected and it comes with very competent technical performance, along with a soundstage that is very acceptable. I can see that the NM2 would actually perform well as a monitor, but it is also capable of being a very enjoyable, not necessarily boring.

The shell design might not be the most exciting but its extreme lightweight makes it great for longer sessions. I do experience a little uncomfort over time due to fit being just that few mm off for my personal anatomy, however, that is something that is totally personal and if it is not the case with your own ears, then these would make great IEMs for long sessions and also while on the go, due to the decent isolation also.

All in all, I must say that the NM2 is a decent IEM for the price it sits at.


*This review is also available in Spanish on my blog here and on YouTube here

Introduction
NF Audio is the Chinese company founded in 2014, they are specialized in the CIEM and recently they were focus on the UIEM products that is priced more affordable. In this review, I am taking a look at the NM2, which is their entry levels IEM in the NM(monitor) line up. The retail price is $99USD, and the driver configuration is single DD.




Disclaimer
I would like to thanks Yihua Chen form Aoshida Hifi for given this opportunity, and the review will be based on my honest opinion through the music I listen to.


Package & Accessories
The NM2 come with the moderate sizes box, there are the brand name, model name and IEMs illustration located at the front cover, whereas the specifications at the button. There is the black box with the brand logo in the located at the middle after removed the cover. After the box opened, one side of it has the IEMs sited in the foam, with the ear tips contained underneath. Moving on the other side, the user manual with the carry pouch underneath, which contains the cable and other accessories.










Accessories list:
1 pair x NF Audio NM2 In-Ear Monitor
1 pcs x Detachable Cable with 0.78mm 2-Pin Connector
3 pairs x Silicone Bass Ear Tips
3 pairs x Silicone Balanced Ear Tips
1 pcs x Cleaning Tool
1 pcs x Carry pouch
1 pcs x 3.5mm to 6.3mm Headphone Adaptor



The accessories come with the NM2 is pretty good for its price. The hard shell carry pouch it come with is well build and feel solid, there is the brand logo located at the front.





The NM2 come with two different types of ear tips, which are bass-black ear tips; balanced-white ear tips respectively to provide the best sound and fit. There are also the nicely made 3.5mm to 6.3mm headphone adaptor included.





The NM2 come with the 4 core twisted cable, it has 3.5 mm straight connector in matted metal finished with branded logo. It features the 0.78mm 2 pin connector with L&R to indicated left and right. The Y-splitter are in silver metal shell in matted finish, where the 2 pin connector are finished with plastic housing. There are cable slider in transparency plastic shell finished. It is overall solid and flexible cable.




Design & Build & Comfort
The NM2 has semi-custom shells design. The shells are in blue color with great transparency levels. There are also different colors options to choose from, pink and black respectively. The shell is made high-strength polycarbonate material, which is durable and significantly light weight. There are branded logo located at the faceplate, while the word “NM2 Monitor” and left and right indicator are located at the backside of IEMs. There are the vent on the rear side of the shell.





The build quality on the NM2 is outstanding. It is made with two pieces of the polycarbonate material, which is the shell and faceplate respectively. The shell are well rounded with smooth curve. The drivers inside are perfectly placed in the place, and the wires inside are neatly organized. There are no shape edges or glue around the joint part of the shell. There are the metal filter to prevent from the ear dust. The 2 pin female connectors (QDC) are tight, and do not have sign of wear and tear after I swapped few times of cable.





The fits on the NM2 is outstanding, thanks to its semi-custom shell design. The nozzle has moderate length, so it can fit pretty stable in your ears. The isolation is above average, and thanks to the vents there are no pressure build up after a long listening.






Technical specifications:
Driver: MCL2-10 Double Cavity Dynamic Driver
Impedance: 18Ω
Frequency range: 9 Hz – 40 kHz
Sensitivity: 110dB/mW
Distortion: <%1
Max. SPL: 125dB
Isolation: 25dB


Sound

Paring
I pair up with the stock cable and balance ear tips, as the bass ear tips emphasis too much bass for my preference, and run through my music library on the Fiio M11 and Topping E30.




Overall tonality
The NM2 has a mildly U shape tonality, it is presented in lively yet clear, and fatiguing free manner.

Bass
The bass is clear and well controlled. It has good levels of sub bass extension with quick decay speed, which is more pronounced than mid bass. The bass has average impact and punch with fair amount of rumble. On the other hand, the bass has good level of speed and control, while the detail retrieval and clarity are really well. It is overall clean and tight bass.

Mids
The midrange has a slightly warmer than neutral tonality. There is an clear yet lively presentation. The lower midrange has moderate amount of bodies presented in clear manner. The upper midrange has great emphasis and slightly more pronounced than lower midrange. The upper midrange sound lively with good levels of transparency and control. The detail retrieval and clarity are both great.

Treble
The treble is smooth yet engaging, without any harshness. The lower treble has good amount of energy and brightness, there is also good levels of control. The upper treble is slightly roll off, which lead the tonality fairly smooth and easy to listen to. The detail retrieval and clarity are really good.

Soundstage and imaging
The soundstage is pretty wide with good levels of depth.
The imaging is holographic, which is outstanding for its price range.



Comparison
Moondrop Aria ($79USD)

Bass
There are slightly more sub bass and mid bass quantity on the Aria, which lead to the warmer tonality. The sub bass on both extended well, but the NM2 has fuller rumble. The bass has less weight and clearer tone on the NM2, while the Aria has relatively fuller tone and slightly lusher. The Aria provide slightly better sense of impact, while the NM2 is punchier and tighter. Both of them have pretty control bass, but the NM2 is slightly better. The detail retrieval and clarity is better on NM2.

Mids
The midrange on both are both fairly neutral with bit of warmth, but the NM2 has clearer tone, while the Aria has fuller tone. The lower midrange is tad clearer NM2, whereas the Aria is tad lusher, no significantly different here. The upper midrange on both are pronounced, the NM2 has relatively brighter tonality with a lively presentation, same as NM2, but the Aria has slight laid back kind of presentation. The detail retrieval and clarity is better on NM2.

Treble
The treble are both tuned toward the bright side, and both extended well with good levels of control. The lower treble has more energy on NM2 and it is tad brighter and sharper, where the Aria is more relax here. The upper treble has slightly more crispness and sparkle on Aria, where the NM2 is roll off and smoother here. The detail retrieval and and clarity are both well done.

Soundstage and imaging
The soundstage width is comparable, depth is better on NM2.
The imaging is better on NM2.


Shanling ME80 ($99USD)

Bass
There are slight more sub bass NM2, where the mid bass has tad more quantity on the ME80. They both have clean and clear bass presentation. The sub bass has better extension on NM2 with more rumble. The mid bass sound fuller with a tad punchier and warmer tone on the ME80, where the NM2 sound leaner with better sense of clarity here. The NM2 has better control and both have pretty tight bass. The detail retrieval and and clarity are both well done.

Mids
The midrange on both are neutral, but the NM2 is tad warmer, where the ME80 are tad brighter. The lower midrange has more bodies and better depth on NM2, where the ME80 sound leaner. The upper midrange sound pretty similar, both are lively and slightly brighter than neutral, the transparency is slightly better on ME80, but the NM2 has better control, without being too hot. The detail retrieval and clarity is better on NM2.

Treble
The treble are both bright done well, with a smooth presentation and both extended well. The lower treble are more pronounced on ME80, whee the NM2 is smoother with better control here. The upper treble on both are smooth and airy, the ME80 has more slightly crispness on the top end. The detail retrieval and clarity are both pretty solid.

Soundstage and imaging
The soundstage is slightly wider and deeper on NM2.
The imaging is better on NM2.




Conclusion
The NM2 is outstanding IEMs for its price range. It offers really cool package, and the shells is extremely light and feel solid. Not surprisingly, the NM2 is really well tuned IEMs that provides a clear yet smooth tone, with highly detailed and natural upper midrange. The imaging is also the strong parts of NM2, the 3D holographic experience punch way above its price range. The NM2 will be my best sub$100 dollars IEMs in any aspects, definitely look forward for others IEMs from NF audio. Thank you for reading, and Happy Listening!!

NF audio official website: http://www.nfaudio.cn/en/index.html
Aoshida audio website: https://aoshida-audio.com/
NF audio NM2 product page: https://www.aoshida-audio.com/products/nf-audio-nm2

Introduction

NF Audio does not stop in its search for the best IEMS for $100. Building on the design of the previous NA2, NF has created a new IEMS for music monitoring: the NM2. Their capsule is practically the same in shape, but this time their body is smooth and more transparent. The packaging has not changed too much either, and still presents the same concept. What does change is the musical philosophy of these IEMS, as I have already said, NF Audio has created them to be used as audio monitors, with the idea of being able to capture the true expression of each musical instrument and its timbre. In this way, the details, the tone, the melodies, as well as the harmony, can be appreciated in an easy, fast and simple way. Let's see how these new NM2s really perform.



Specifications

• Type of drivers: Dynamic dual-cavity drivers.
• Frequency Response: 10Hz - 40kHz.
• Sensitivity: 108dB/mW
• Impedance: 18Ω
• Maximum SPL: 125dB
• Acoustic insulation: 25dB
• Distortion Ratio: <1%
• Cable: 0.78mm 2pin 5N silver-plated OFC
• Jack connector: 3.5mm Audio

Packaging

Again, NF Audio maintains the same concept as the previous models and presents a very similar case. The packaging measures 145x128x83mm and weighs 300g. The outer cardboard is quite dark, following its previous design: in a uniform colour band, on the top, the model, its name and series are described. Below it, a realistic photo of the IEMS. On the back, more notes about the model, in Chinese and English. The specifications are on the side. When the cardboard is removed, it is possible to see the box, completely black, with the logo of the brand and its name, in the centre, written in silver letters. It opens like a book and on the left side, there is the instruction manual and, underneath, the appreciable zippered case and the 6.35mm plug adapter. On the right, the already classic foam CD which holds the capsules and, underneath it, the round blister pack with the tips and the cable. In short:

• The two capsules.
• The 2pin 5N silver-plated OFC cable.
• Three pairs of white silicone tips SxMxL balanced.
• Three pairs of black silicone tips SxMxL bass.
• Zippered case.
• Adapter for 6.35mm plug.

Little to object, same presentation, packaging and content as previous models. Totally suitable and appreciable.



Construction and Design

Following the continuity line, the NM2 model has the same shape as the NA2 model. For this occasion, its capsule is clean and transparent, which gives it a substantial difference, despite the similarity. It can be chosen in three different colours: Pink, blue transparent and black transparent.

The material used is still high resistance polycarbonate, which gives it a very high lightness. The shape is the same as that of the NA2 and retains the two strategic holes. The shape of the capsules is maintained due to the fact that their design is very advantageous, both ergonomically and musically. The comfort was evident in the previous model and after the studies carried out by the brand, it continues to be trusted. On an internal level, the acoustic cavity has been precisely designed to reduce excess reflected sound, using 4 dampers to control air pressure. In this way, the balance between the front and rear cavity is better adjusted, providing a more precise sound.

The cable has 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. In this way, it tries to separate the cable from the head, to provide a better fit over the ear. The cable, in the area next to this sheath, has a semi-rigid guide, made of translucent plastic, 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 metal piece with two holes. The Jack connector is 3.5mm, gold-plated and its cover is a cylinder in two grey colours, with a lowered and polished face, where the brand name can be read. Finally, the cable has a customised Velcro strip, for easy retrieval.

Successful design, totally advantageous, it is not changed.



Adjustment and Ergonomics

The insertion is semi-surface. The fit is very good, the capsule rubs minimally on the ear parts. The socket is very suitable and easily fixed, preventing movement and being very durable. As the weight is very low, as well as the friction, they are very pleasant for continuous and daily use. The level of insulation is quite high. The cable, despite the shape of the guides, is neither problematic nor uncomfortable. The excellent ergonomics and comfort of the previous model are maintained.



Sound

Profile

The NF Audio NM2 maintains its lightweight W-profile. But this time there is a clear call to emphasise clarity of sound in all ranges. In this way, the sound is very vivid and dynamic, explicit and enormously descriptive. On the other hand, the NM2s are very easy to move, have low impedance and a fairly high sensitivity.



Bass

Before I go on to describe the range, I must tell you something: The lower area is a real party, bass lovers, you must listen to the NM2. Having said that, I'll move on to the gentler description of the lower zone.

As I said before, the NM2s move very easily. They stand out for their great clarity and the musical proximity they offer. In the midst of this, the power of the lower zone also stands out with great ease. The tremor of the sub-bass is perceived instantly, like a thundering roar, but very controlled, both in execution and volume. Despite their notoriety, these are not bass IEMS, but it is true that the hitting is very impressive, as well as the roughness that is perceived, because it has a lot of energy, depth and penetration capacity. As soon as it begins to reproduce, the very low frequency vibrations flood our ears, causing a pleasant surprise, due to its weight and strength. The bass starts from very bottom, its capacity of definition, allows it to represent the range of notes quite accurately. The speed of the beat is high and its decay is fast. It is an agile and very well defined low zone, with a very realistic tone, which is not warm, but rather neutral. The range is perceived to be quite linear, but it is felt that from the mid-bass, its power decreases. This makes the incidence of the low zone, in the mids, practically null.

As it corresponds to an agile and dynamic zone, the driver is highly capable of representing complex bass passages, with great precision, resolution and definition power. The planes are drawn with great ease and separation, with plenty of air between them. The texture is clearly perceptible, but the speed of the bass makes it short, not too rough, but natural, descriptive and with a good level of detail. With all these characteristics, it is not at all unimportant that these IEMS are sold to monitor music, as they are very capable of representing every note in the lower zone, with a very realistic, natural and not powerless property.



Mids

In the midrange, clarity, analytical skills and extraction of detail persist. In fact, on this occasion, the dynamic driver has been tuned to demonstrate its best technical side, but without falling into a purely cold tendency. The tone remains neutral, with a large dose of air and light. The great resolution and definition capacity persists, shining easily. In this way, the nuances are quickly highlighted, being very exposed and ready to be observed, but without losing the musicality, nor the fun factor.

When talking about monitoring headphones, one tends to think that they will be suitable, those whose frequency response is quite flat, without there being a clear tendency or disregard for any band. On this occasion, the NM2 does not fit this profile pattern, as it is not so flat. But it is true, that this is a current version of this belief. Their technical capabilities are in line with what is expected of them. It is very easy to follow any instrument individually and isolate it from the rest, all without disturbing the bass and treble. And this does not seem easy at all, using only one dynamic driver at this price level. It's true that the profile lacks warmth, describing the instrumentation on the cold and fine side. But, at the end of the day, it is a matter of emphasizing the definition of all of them, above the musicality itself, without losing it and without falling into a purely analytical and boring profile. And it is clear that the NM2s achieve this more than enough. The amount of nuances they are able to expose is very surprising. The instruments sound really defined, with a highly polished texture, something that gives them a higher resolution, which allows them to reveal a fairly high level of micro detail. On the other hand, the voices do not sound distant, but enjoy good protagonism. It is true that their body is not dense, nor very wide, but it appears somewhat thinner, but with very good projection, recreation and fabulously well mixed in its rich environment. The greater emphasis on the upper mid-range favours the reproduction of female voices, giving them a moderately higher profile, but without abandoning the neutral sound that characterises the NM2.



Treble

The treble is perhaps the least exposed of all the ranges. Although they start with a good level of energy and presentation, following the path of the upper mid-range, it is not an over-boosted or fully emphasized area. The character of the NM2 is extremely clean, even bright, but it is not based on persistent or predominant highs. Its tendency continues to seek that somewhat cold neutrality, which registers the rest of the ranges, but without losing its naturalness, nor giving the sound a too sharp or penetrating trail. The real virtue of the NM2 treble is the balance between detail, delicacy, finesse and persistence. They are fine enough to provide enormous detail. They are delicate enough to give the sound naturalness and bring out a great deal of nuance. And they are moderately persistent to avoid fatigue. In addition, they also have just the right amount of extension and air to complete the scene.



Soundstage, Separation

The scene is perceived as semi-spherical, with plenty of air and cleanliness. The three-dimensionality is not exceptional, because it lacks a little more body, but there is a remarkable degree of depth, width and a good height. The instrumental placement is quite correct, without being its strength, despite the fact that the separation is superior. Even so, the stage is not perceived as enormous, it is rather medium, without reaching an ethereal or unrealistic extreme, always within a fairly realistic image, which does not allow the sounds to escape beyond natural perception.



Comparisons

NF Audio NA2

Fratricidal duel between two IEMS of the same brand, which are externally very similar. The aesthetic differences are minimal: while NA2s have a frosted capsule appearance, NM2s are completely transparent. This effect could even be a premonition of the sound of each other. There is even another detail that reinforces this idea: the word "Music" is written on the NA2 capsules under the model name, while the NM2 capsules have "Monitor" written on them.

With a fairly similar profile, the differences are based on the level of resolution of each and their analytical capabilities, rather than on large differences between each range.

The lower area is very similar, but, overall, the NM2 has a bit more sensitivity, which gives it more freshness. Tonally, they are quite similar, but in my opinion the NM2 is somewhat faster, with a more concise, vivid hit and its texture is more noticeable. There is a little more power in the lows of the NM2, some more forcefulness, while in the NA2 they feel darker and with a bit more depth, reaching the lower end with a little more emphasis. Thus, overall, the lows of the NA2 are perceived as somewhat softer. However, in the NM2, they are more compact and contained, but at the same time more descriptive. This is the first basis of IEMS that are clearly more analytical.

The mid zone advances along the same lines, where the NA2s describe a more musical and sweet profile, the NM2s emit a more precise and detailed sound, finer and with a higher resolution. This is how music sounds clearer and cleaner, with even more space for silence. In tone, there are still great similarities. It is in the mid-high zone where the greatest differences are perceived. In my opinion, the NM2s have a slight enhancement there, which makes them more explicit and vivid. In this way, their means have more light and clarity, as well as more precision. The NA2s are softer, musical and a bit darker. In fact, the NM2s have a higher resolution capability, and their properties for extracting more information from musical passages are instantly perceived. As a result, their sound is bigger and more detailed, has more firmness and presence, and a more comprehensive and present tone.

In the upper zone all the above is revealed with more strength: where the NA2 is softer and more musical, the NM2 is more analytical and fine. It is here where the amount of information of the NM2, can exceed the musicality of the NA2. For better or worse, the amount of detail exposed by the NM2s may not be to the taste of all listeners, and can be tiring, just because it is explicit. In this sense, everyone must be clear about what they are looking for, in order to choose one or the other. I have no doubt that for long listeners I would choose the NA2. But, for critical and detailed listening, and to feel each moment with more strength and clarity, I would choose the NM2. In the long run, I like this profile more, because, even, its scene is wider and cleaner, besides offering a stricter and more defined positioning and more space between the sounds.



Moondrop Kanas Pro

I want to make things difficult for NF Audio NM2, comparing it to one of my favourite IEMS.

Without going into details about the construction of each one, as it is obvious (metal vs. polycarbonate), the shape of each one is similar. The Kanas are slightly smaller and rounded. The NM2 has more protrusions and is somewhat more stylish. The cable, without being enormously superior, is better in the Kanas, it is thicker and with double the number of wires.

Moving directly to the sound, the profile of both also bears similarities, with the NM2 being more emphasized in each range. Meanwhile, the Kanas is softer, more musical, homogeneous and fuller, it doesn't feel as bright, although it doesn't forget the details. On a sensitivity level the difference is great: the NM2 is much more sensitive than the Kanas. On the other hand, the Moondrop are grateful for a more powerful source to demonstrate their virtues.

The lower zone of the Kanas feels slightly slower, with a softer texture and a point of greater darkness. The NM2 offers a more energetic, powerful and fast hit, with a more defined and descriptive texture, which has a more noticeable roughness. In addition, there is more air in the lower zone, which gives the bass more dynamics and better recreation of sound planes.

In the mid zone, the Kanas' smoother voices offer a sweeter and thicker body in the lower zone, thanks to the greater warmth of their bass. In the NM2, the bass decay is faster and more abrupt. This is why the voices are perceived to be somewhat thinner, but their timbre is more precise and offers a more exact and less diffuse projection than in the Kanas, even gaining in realism, despite a greater coldness in their reproduction. The instrumentation has more energy in the NM2, a more evident definition, with more clarity and a closer exposure. All this allows details to be observed more easily, thanks to the higher resolution of the NM2s, which is a major factor in making their profile more analytical and rich in detail.

The highs offered by the NM2 are clearly brighter, finer, with more energy. They have a sharper tone, are more agile and appear more luminous. In the Kanas, the trebles are softer, less defined and smoother, seeking the soft side of the range, with the intention of not losing the musicality of the ensemble.

The scene is perceived to be flatter in the Kanas, while in the NM2, there is more depth and even three-dimensionality. The recreation of details draws a fuller image, which not only limits the origin to a few planes, but also makes it easier to distinguish the path of the notes and nuances. Meanwhile, in the Kanas, this origin is perceived as darker and somewhat more diffuse. The horizontal separation is similar, but at the level of height and depth, the NM2s offer more air and distance.

The NM2 can clearly compete at the same level as the Moondrop Kanas Pro. They can even be superior, depending on your individual tastes. In my case, the luck is to have both, as I can choose one or the other, depending on what I'm looking for at the time.



Conclusion

NF Audio surprises. It seems that all their knowledge has been captured in this affordable product. These monitoring IEMS, regardless of their sound profile, really show what they stand for. NM2s are accurate, analytical, timbre-appropriate, and offer a wealth of detail and information. In addition, their scene is large and enjoys good three-dimensionality, offering remarkable instrumental positioning and the same level of separation.

On the other hand, it should be noted that these are not flat and anodyne IEMS, where the search for exact fidelity prevails. Such a profile is not at all strange, indeed, one could say that it is quite common and very suitable for enjoying music. But it is in the recreation of the timbre and texture, where the NM2s shine with all their power. That's where these IEMS are not exactly the same as the rest. Try it out for yourself.



Sources Used During the Analysis

• Burson Audio Playmate.
• Tempotec Serenade iDSD.
• Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus.
• JWD JWM-115.
• HiBy R3 Pro.

Ratings

• Construction and Design: 83
• Adjustment/Ergonomics: 90
• Accessories: 78
• Bass: 91
• Mids: 90
• Treble: 88
• Separation: 91
• Soundstage: 88
• Quality/Price: 95

Purchase Link

You can read the full review in Spanish here

NF Audio NM2


The NM2 is the newest IEM from NF Audio. It is very interesting to me that these new earphones are marketed for monitoring.

General consensus of monitoring phones means it will mostly be neutral with accuracy throughout the frequencies so you can hear the true level of what you're listening for. Experiencing a few monitoring phones, my old Sony EX600 and even my current favorite CAN the DT1990 pros, it seems not all monitoring phones are equal in how they are tuned. Just because it is intended for monitoring and mixing use doesn’t mean it isn’t musical or engaging. If you look up reviews of the Beyerdynamic DT1990 pros you will be surprised to see just how many fans there are for that particular CAN and for good reason. I feel the NM2 can fill a similar niche for earphones. While the NM2 is marketed for monitoring. Are they any good for music listening?


NM2 is the follow up to NF audio’s NA2 that is also a newer released earphone. While the two share the same technical stats with identical builds. Same material and housing with a bit different looks due to the finish on the shells. The tunings are different. My NA2 review here shows that it is tuned to be balanced with a slight elevated bass end vs their previous more analytical reference tuned NA1. So it was interesting to hear the NM2 on open listen. It had a similar detailed sonic reproduction of the NA1 with a bit less emphasis on the treble end making the NM2 a slightly more balanced NA1. With not as much bass emphasis of the NA2. This was getting interesting.

Before moving onto the review I would like to thank Penon Audio and NF Audio for the review sample. These can be purchased on the Penonaudio web site here. These are my thoughts of the new NM2. All sound impressions were observed using my sources the Fiio M15, Shanling M6 pro, M5s, M3s, Ibasso DX160 and IFI Black Label.


Sharing more similarities to the NA1 than the NA2 the NM2 has been burned in fully for a good 150 hours. This is the one dynamic earphone that really doesn't change sonically with burn in. In fact I found that both the NA1 and the NA2 barely changes if at all with burn in as well. However I will mention that these NF audio earphones the ones mentioned here all benefit from aftermarket cables. In the case of the NM2 I consider it a necessity. Being a cable aficionado I have done my share of cable reviews and own more than I would like to admit. I will get this out of the way. The stock cable is functionable but I noticed it brings out a colder side of sound on both the NM2 and the NA1. I highly recommend copper cables for the NM2, NA1 and a silver coated variety for the NA2. Especially if you plan on using them in a balanced configuration.


The build of the NM2 consists of 2 pieces of Polycarbonate for the shell with an interesting dual cavity dynamic driver. The shells are light as it is mostly a high strength plastic but very durable. Instead of the frosted shells on the NA2 the NM2 is all clear. Decidedly better looking. The 2 pin is a protruding 2 pin design that is most commonly used with custom type earphones for stage monitoring. Since NF audio has a history of making custom in-ear monitors this is the 2 pin of choice on their earphones. The benefit of this protruding 2 pin design is that you get extra sturdiness to the connectors. The negative is that you can’t use your standard 2 pin designs, well you can but this makes the connectors stick out of the housing a bit too much.

The stock cables are well made and sturdy but I have to admit I am not a fan of the stiff circular ear guides on the cables. I feel this cable would have been better if the guides were not there. At least it would be much more comfortable to use. You get 2 sets of silicones. One set for a balanced sound and another for bass enhancement. These are ok but I am sure you will dig into your jar of tips and come up with some better ones.


As per the popular aftermarket tips used on the NM2. Wider nozzle tips throws out a stronger sub bass and a slightly brighter treble performance. Spiral dots for example. Tips with a medium sized nozzle opening tend to balance out the sonics better. Example Symbio W tips. Tip effects are subtle in what they do but it does affect the sonics. Standard cable works but just know it is not the best optimized sonically or has the best comfort due to the stiff ear guides. You get a circular smaller zip up pouch and a 6.35mm adaptor in case of actual monitor use.

The NM2 is easily driven with any source and is not overly sensitive with it’s 18 Ohms. It gets plenty loud from even a phone but through a dedicated source is where the sonics struts its stuff. Like most dynamic earphones. The NM2 reacts positively to an increase in power. Not that it needs it but I notice an expansion of sonics using my Black Label or when using them in balanced out of my players.

NM2 and the NA1 share very similar tunings, with the NM2 having a similar upper mids lower treble emphasis at 3-4khz a solid weighted treble end with more emphasis at the lower treble and a sub bass lift for the sound balancing. NM2 is marketed with the idea they should be used for monitoring. I actually agree with the marketing here, these would actually make for great monitoring use. The level of detail retrieval and sound balancing is done very well with a lift in the lower sub bass and due to a well optimized treble region. These would make for very good vocal and or instrument monitoring. A lot of newer earphones marketed in China seem to have the upper mids take precedence to give the overall tuning more presence and detail. Here the upper mid lift was done for vocal clarity and range. This being said, I have to admit vocals sound spectacular on the NM2 be it male or female vocals.


NM2s at the current going price has to be one of the best $100 earphones in existence, substantially more so with an aftermarket copper cable. I actually prefer it to the highly regarded NA1. Where I had some issues listening to synthetic treble on the NA1 from EDM tracks, the NM2 not only does better in the region but EDM in general is now listenable on the NM2. And this was my only real complaint on the NA1. This minor tweak has made the NM2 more tonally balanced sounding to my ears and that makes a big difference. The custom hand made build of the NA1 I would imagine cost more to make vs the mass produced NA2 and these NM2s. Cost cutting aside, these are simply tuned better and cost less. A win and another win.


Out of the 3 NF audio earphones, I can make a case of how good each of them are. It is the NM2 that ultimately has the best value out of the 3 earphones mentioned. I can see some folks not liking the upper mid emphasis of the NM2. It does project vocals to be forward in the mix but since the staging of the earphones have proper depth and height. With excellent use of space, vocals don’t sound congested or too up front. In fact once you get used to hearing that intimate, rangy vocal performances, these will grow on you. These earphones will let you hear up front and center exactly what is in your recordings. They do an outstanding job at detail retrieval much better than what you consider to be good in the price range. In fact the surprising aspect of these earphones is that they keep up with better tuned BAs when it comes to detail and that is a mark of some great drivers being used by NF audio.


If the staging or the imaging was not fleshed out, the upper mid enhancement would make vocals shouty with background instruments distant at the same time. Not so with the NM2. It is masterfully tuned and retains musicality due to its full low bass end with a nice 3Dness of sound stage. The sound ultimately has a spacious full bodied powerful sound with excellent dynamic range in what you're hearing. The tuning has the lower sub bass being more emphasized than the mid bass of the NM2 and this makes listening to EDM and hip hop a must listen using these. It has plenty of mid bass emphasis with a tight punch and elasticity for bassy instruments and percussion. Again I can see how in a monitoring situation you can pick out the details of each instrument exactly how you want to hear it. NM2 sounds more balanced, than a classic V shaped IEM or a U shaped Fr.


NF audio has a clear winner here. These might not be over the top flashy looking or a brand name you are too familiar with but I do know one thing. These guys are very good at tuning and utilizing the dynamic drivers in the NM2 to the best of its ability. I have owned plenty of in ears that are $100 or less. These are going to pleasantly surprise enthusiasts with their precise detailed dynamic sound. Having an outstanding spacious dimensional stage with a healthy dose of bass. Sonically it is not lacking much in any part of the spectrum. It has a detailed clean treble response with no overly splashy or brightness. It has forward vocal presentation without being shouty or harsh. Instruments have a good natural timbre and sound like they should with very good range. Bass notes are well established as it has emphasis where it counts. This excellent sub bass focussed bass is quick, agile and beefy when called for. If this sounds like a winning formula for an enjoyable listening earphone as well can be used for monitoring. It most definitely is.


I can’t think of too many off my recollections that actually sound better than these for the money. With a good 25dbs of passive isolation, easy to drive, extremely comfortable to use, easy to switch out to a cable that brings the sonic goodness to another level. You're getting absolute value for your money when looking at the NM2.

I finished my Dunu Luna review right before I got the NM2 and you would figure the sonic drop off would be significant. The truth is. I found myself enjoying the NM2 almost as much and that is saying something. They are technical, detailed, balanced well, coherent, energetic,spacious and have a powerful sound. Sometimes things happen unexpectedly and come your way that surprises. These are just that.


The level of sound quality here is more closer to the refinement level of my Ibasso IT01S which is double the cost and again this is a testament to how good these sound. If you're in the market for a solid all round earphone and want one of the better dynamic tuned earphones. Try one of these. Don’t let the made for monitoring moniker on the descriptions of these deter you from looking into these. These are most definitely made for music enjoyment. It will surprise you just how much.

As always thanks for taking the time to read my descriptions of the NF audio NM2.

As a bonus here are the differences between the NM2 and the other earphones mentioned on this review.


NA1 vs NM2.


These are similarly tuned earphones but with some slight yet significant differences. I have a feeling the NA1 has a different inner housing/ dampening material and I also notice it has a larger vent on the back of the NA1 shell. Could be due to the extra venting but the NA1 sounds more semi open which makes the treble a touch sharper and airier on the NA1. It has the blacker background with faster transients. Better instrument separation but not by a large margin vs the NM2. NM2 is a little bit easier to drive and sounds a touch smoother vs the NA1. Treble is the main difference on the NM2. Treble doesn't stand out as much on the NM2 and is blended better with the rest of the sonic frequencies and ends up balancing the sound signature better than the NA1. Hence I can actually listen to EDM music on the NM2 and sound great doing so.


NA2 vs NM2

NA2 has the least amount of treble emphasis out of the 3 earphones and for treble sensitive folks the NA2 will be the earphones to get. However just because it has the least amount of treble emphasis don’t mean the earphones will sound dark or overly warm. It is the most musical sounding out of the 3. Due to the decrease in the treble these ultimately have the best balancing of the frequencies out of the 3. Upper mids are the least emphasized out of the 3 here also. Vocals don’t sound as forward on the NA2 as does with the other two earphones. This is the one earphone I actually recommend a silver coated copper cable to help bring out the details in the mid range. NA2 sounds spacious with a slightly warmer tuning vs the other 2 mentioned.

NM2 does have an upper hand when it comes to detail retrieval. It is somewhere between the NA1 and the NA2. NA2 has the most bass emphasis out of the 3 earphones and the smoothest tone out of the 3. It is NF audios more smoother musical tuning and their first to use these polycarbonate shells.