Penon IEM

General Information

PENON IEM HiFi In-ear Earphone Member Exclusive Not for Sale

Note:

Purchase any product (non-accessory) from our store can get it at member price of US9.99 ,if you buy it at original price US99.90 ,we won't send out the goods.
Need burn-in 100-200 hours .
Specification:

Model:Dynamic
Type: In-ear
Driver:10mm
Frequency response :5-28000hz
Impedance : 32Ohm
Sensitivity: 108dB
The housing Material: Metal Alloy
Maximum power :280mW
Cable Length: 1.3m
Interface : 3.5mm gold plated
Weight : 10g
Package

Penon IEM earphone
S/M/L eartips

Latest reviews

suman134

Headphoneus Supremus
INTRO:-
 
 What I have here is the PENON IEM V1 and V2 both, yes, PENON IEM, both in one article, as I don’t think these earphones need separate reviews. PENON is an well known audio head gear seller from HONG KONG, known for their diverse collection of earphones, amps and DAPs.
 
 I feel I don't need to give you guys much intro on this as PENON themselves are not exactly selling these earphones and these earphones don’t even come with a retail package. These earphones are given for additional $10 when you buy something from their store (non-accessories), V1 has a MIC version too ( mine has not). MRP is $100 but you can't buy it, if you end up buying one they will refund it.
 
 Now as I said earlier, there are two versions, V1 with straight plug, single line cable, V2 with 90 degree jack and dual line cable. Earpieces are exactly the same, no differences at all. Both have 10mm drivers and sound different to an extent.
 
 Now I don’t think these have any competition as PENON is not exactly selling these. But for $10 you can buy KZ ATR and KZ ED9, not to forget VE monk +.
 
 I would like to thank PENON for these sample units.
 You can add one to your cart from this link:-
 http://penonaudio.com/PENON-IEM
 
 ACCESSORIES:-
 
IMG_20161220_122145.jpg  IMG_20161220_122104.jpg
 First Pack of tips from V1, 2nd from V2.
 
 Both these earphones come with a spacious carry pouch, 4 pairs of single flange tips, V2 has an extra pair of clear bi-flanges. Both comes with PENON branded cable ties. Nothing fancy at all.
 V1 has a really nice copper body, design is simple and easy on ears. Ergonomically its really comfortable, one can wear these over ear too. Cable on these are strong, non bouncy without much microphonics. Has a straight jack.
 
 V2 has the same body, exact ergonomics, no problem with fitment here too. What I like here Is that it has thicker cable and comes with a 90 degree 3.5mm jack. Cable is not bouncy nor has much microphonics.
 
 Both have vent below the chamber, behind the cable entry. There is no cable slider on both.
 Isolation is average at best and the wind noise can be bothersome.
 
SOUND QUALITY:-
 
 Both these earphones are bassy, V1 has more of it, V2 has enough of it. Both are burned for more than 100 hrs and I am using stock single flange tips for this review.
 For your info, both these earphones are loud enough right out mobile devices, you can use an amp but not necessary.
 
 Here are some of the tracks used for this review.
 Eminem - Rap god, space bound, not afraid,
 Twenty one pilots - Heathens,
 Drake - one dance,
 The Weeknd - cant feel my face,
 Tom Odell - Another love,
 Coldplay - Adventure of a life time, Hymn for the weekend,
 Justin Bieber -  what do you mean,
 Felix Jaehn - Aint nobody loves me better,
Shawn Mendes - Treat you better,
 Royal Deluxe - Dangerous, Wanted man,
 Will.I.am & Pia Mia - boys & girls,
 Will.I.am - Freshy,
  Selena Gomez - Good for you,
 Zara Larson & MNEK - Never forget you,
 And some more.
 
We will start with the V1.
 
 Bass:-
 V1 is the bassier one of the two and bass takes the driving seat here. Its not exactly full but has good body after the 30-35hz mark, its the rumble which keeps me seated but I would have liked a bit more body with sub bass and bit more depth too. Decay is slower when compared with the V2 but is on par with other bassy earphones, slightly Better than WooDuo 2 but Wollduo 2 is a monster in different level of its own.
 It moves good amount of air with good slam, impact is nice, doesn't over do anything. Details is acceptable, precision is kind of compromised, it feels like it can deliver but something is holding it back. There is some mid bass emphasis, not bothering by any means but does makes it sound a bit less enjoyable. FYI there is no bleeding into the mids.
 One should not expect much from it. This bass can keep one seated but won't please a basshead like a Hisoundaudio Wooduo 2.
 
Mid Range :-
 V1 has a V shaped signature which does put the mids in the velly but thankfully doesn't drown it. Mid range has good clarity and nice sharpness, details are good too when compared with ha-fx40 or fx-101.
 Male vocals do sound a bit unnatural with slightly more sharpness than usual, if you like sharper notes you will like it, same with female vocals too but it's more acceptable. Not full bodied but not lean too. Has good amount of clarity and details. Lacks micro details but it's enough for its price.
 Instruments are sharp and clear, one can hear most of instruments and separation is good too, yes, you can't hear those micro details.
 Separation and layering is acceptable, sound stage is good too, has good overall dimensions, nice depth, better than average height with narrower width, still overall stage is better than S0, M1 and Meelec M7P.
 
 Yes.. It doesnt have the natural timber and sounds a bit dry too.
 
 Highs:-
 It has nice highs, nice sharpness, doesn't have the type of spark I love but its good, makes it's presens felt sadly lacks extension which makes this high end a bit less exciting.
 There is good amount of details, don't expect anything like a BA or even the Brainwavz Jive but when we take S0 or twinwoofers into account Penon IEM has good bite and more than engaging amount of details.
 
 I will give it 2.4 out of 5, its not bad, but.. Nothing special about it. Go for the MIC version.
 
Lets move on to the V2.
 
Bass:-
 V2 has a bit more balanced signature still there is healthy amount of bass for someone to enjoy. I like this one more. It has nice air movement, good slam, acceptable body, there is some rumble too with better decay. Just like the V1, V2 too lacks sub bass quantity and extension.
 When compared with soundmagic E50, E50 has softer slam, bit more mid bass, some sub bass presence.
 Here we have better details and precision, no bleeding, has mid bass emphasis but not bothering at all.
 
Mid Range:-
 Mid are more forward here and has better details and slightly better transparency. Instruments have more details to them and sound clearer. Separation and transparency are better, sound stage is more or less the same with slightly better Width.
 Everything else is similar to the V1.
 
 Highs:-
 I like these highs, has better extension to start with and retains the sharpness of the V1. As I said extension is good but not as good as a VSD2/S or Brainwavz Jive but better than V1.
 Has good details, instruments sound good, has more than acceptable layering. Just like the V1 this one too sounds unnatural with some instruments like cymbals and trumpets tend to lose their neutrality.
 
 This one gets 3.2 out of 5. It has better clarity and details. And for $10, this one is the one one should go for of the two (if you can live with lesser bass).
 
IMG_20161110_135550.jpg  IMG_20161110_135710.jpg
 Nicely spacious carry pouch.
IMG_20161220_111225.jpg  IMG_20161220_111334.jpg
 V1 with straight plug.
 
IMG_20161220_111438.jpg
 This is the V2 with 90 degree jack and bigger y splitter.
 
 Conclusion:-
 
 Both these earphones are good for their price, one should Pick one if they are buying things from PENON. Its just not better at anything.
 
 But for $10 it has its own merits, first of all build quality is really nice, microphonics is low and doesn’t sound downright cheap too, there is enough to keep an average listener seated, someone who is not critical about details or anything. All in all you can gift it to someone, for $10 these are cheap and good looking earphones.
 
 I hope next time PENON makes an IEM they will tune it better with more sub-bass and bit more extension.
 
 I hope you liked this article, happy shopping!! Festive season Coming up, Enjoy!!
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B9Scrambler
B9Scrambler
Nice review! My V1 Penon IEM is still going strong. Only complaint is the mid-bass quantity. EQ'd down and they're competitive in the price range. It's a good earphone :)
suman134
suman134
@B9Scrambler thanks!! Dont you find these sound unnatural? Good earphones never the less.

Cinder

Formerly known as Res-Reviews
Pros: Decent isolation, good left/right separation, decent retrieval, decent extension on both sides
Cons: Some hushed mids

IMG_0891.jpg

-Introduction-​

This isn't going to be my typical review. Since the Penon IEMs are "gifts" included with purchases $100 or more on Penon Audio (it still costs $10), I don't feel it necessary to do an in-depth analysis of their sound. I will primary focus on general impressions and comparisons.
 
Find the Penon IEM here on Penon Audio's official website.
 

-Impressions-​

The Penon IEM is a warm IEM with some spikes in the mids to assist vocals, and a small peak up in the mid-treble. The result is an IEM that, at first, can sound a little off-putting. However, after some brain-burn-in, I've found their sound signature to be more than acceptable. I found myself thinking "dang, are these really free?". There is a good amount of sub and mid-bass response, but it is a little slow. Not a huge issue for me, as I can't really tell the difference most of the time. People who enjoy a warm sound signature with a good amount of bass will enjoy the Penon IEM. 
 
One thing that really surprised me is the blackness of the Penon IEM. It has no audible hiss when idle.
 

-Comparisons-​

Penon IEM v.s Hidizs EX-01 ($39)

The Hidizs EX-01 is very similar to the Penon IEM in terms of sound signature. I notice a slightly more fleshed-out upper mid-range on the Penon IEM, while the Hidizs EX-01 is a better player in the lower-mids and bass. Sound staging is better on the EX-01, while the Penon IEM has more air to it. They trade blows, and I think that it comes down to preference on this one.
 
 

Penon IEM v.s First Harmonic IEB6 ($30)

The IEB6 is a much more treble-heavy IEM than the Penon IEM. This combined with its lack of mid-bass and small 6mm driver lend it is raw sound signature, making it sound unnatural when compared to the Penon IEM. The Penon IEM's warmer sound signature and balanced bass combined with relaxed, but extended highs makes it the better choice.
 
 

Penon IEM v.s Accutone Pavo ($51)

The Pavo has a more receded mid-range than the Penon IEM, but has better treble extension and retrieval. The Pavo shapes bass better, and has better sub-bass extension, and a higher general level of detail. The Pavo is the winner here, as it also has the advantage in build-quality.
 
 

-Build Quality-​

The Penon IEM has a pretty decent level of build quality. Making use of a machined magnesium-alloy body, the Penon IEM appears to be reasonably durable. Without any obvious flaws in the design, I'd say the Penon IEM rivals the likes of the First Harmonic IEB6.
 ​
 

-Summary-​

The Penon IEM is a good deal for $10, let alone the $0 you can sometimes get it for. With a warm and full sound signature and decent build quality, the Penon IEM is a fantastic value.
jeronim0
jeronim0
Free gift? I purchased these at $9 from them, and it was on an order above $500
Cinder
Cinder
> The Penon IEM is a good deal for $10, let alone the $0 you can sometimes get it for.
 
I mentioned that it costs money, but I'll edit the post be more clear.

HiFiChris

Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: build quality, design, price
Cons: coloured sound, bloated and slow bass
Preamble:

Before I start with my actual review, I would like to thank Penon Audio for providing me with a sample of their Penon IEM (http://penonaudio.com/PENON-IEM) in exchange for my honest opinion on it. I am not affiliated with Penon in any way and this review (as usual) reflects my actual thoughts on the products.
Penon Audio is a Chinese online shop for hi-fi products and was founded in 2013.
I have also been a client of theirs and bought products from them several times and can’t really report any bad things about them. With standard shipping, the delivery time never exceeded two weeks, and this time the Penon IEMs (along with the Fidue A65) arrived quite quickly as well (12 days) here in Germany.

The Penon IEM can be bought for $9.99 and only in combination with another order from Penon Audio.


Technical Specifications:

Drivers: dynamic, 10 mm
Frequency Response: 5 – 28000 Hz
Impedance: 32 Ohms
Sensitivity: 108 dB
May. Input Power: 280 mW
Cable Length: 1.3 m


Delivery Content:

The Penon IEMs arrive in a small cardboard box that contains one pair of black silicone tips, one pair of black bi-flange tips, three pairs of semi-transparent, red-core hybrid silicone tips as well as the in-ears.
 

IMG_0782.jpg IMG_0783.jpg

 
 
Looks, Feels, Build Quality:

The in-ears are made of bronze-coloured metal and seem very sturdy. There are no sharp edges or build flaws that I could spot and general build quality is pretty decent for the price.
The cable is surprisingly well made, as it is very flexible, tangle-free and has got a good strain relief at the 3.5 mm plug as well as below the y-split, however none above or near the in-ear bodies. A chin-slider is also not present.
 

IMG_0787.jpg IMG_0790.jpg
IMG_0792.jpg

 

Comfort, Isolation:

The in-ears are easy to insert as well as position and sit securely and comfortably in my ears. Wearing them with the cables around the ears, I don’t get any microphonics (cable noise) at all.

Isolation is a bit better than mediocre, albeit not as good as with IEMs that have got entirely closed bodies.


Sound:

The source devices I used most of the time were my HiFime 9018d as DAC/Amp on my computer as well as the iBasso DX90. Just in case, the in-ears were burnt in within the recommended amount of time before listening tests started.

For listening and evaluation, I used the large included red core hybrid silicone tips.

Tonality:

Über-Bassbomber-Basshead-Level tuning.

The bass is heavily emphasised by about 15 dB and should therefore be a delight for all bassheads. The emphasis reaches from the lower mid-bass all over the ground-tone and stops in the lower mids.
Subjectively, level rolls off a bit towards sub-bass. The giant wall of bass starts decreasing from about 150 Hz on and stops at around 800 Hz, where the level becomes normal again. As an effect of the mighty ground-tone, mids are over-shadowed and sound warm as well as woolly. As the level also decreases a bit from 1 to 2 kHz, this effect intensifies even more.
In the treble department, there are two small peaks at 5.5 and 8.5 kHz (the latter is less than the first), but they are not strong enough to compensate for the mighty bass.

Resolution:

In stock form, they sound about what you would expect from $10 in-ears with a decent build quality – not super good, as the monstrous bass just strains the drivers too much.
The whole sound lacks resolution, definition as well as differentiation; and “natural” is certainly not the first word that comes into my mind. The bass is spongy, quite slow and sounds dull, blunted and somehow disconnected plus bloated as well.
The mids clearly lack details, but the treble is actually not too bad.

With heavy EQ-ing and reducing the bass, the resolution clearly increases and especially the lows tighten up and gain more control. However, the midrange is still not the very best in terms of details and there are other $10 IEMs that are better in this regard by delivering real resolution without any EQ tweaks.
But honestly, with an EQ, they can be made at least halfway decent sounding and resolving for $10.

Soundstage:

I perceive the soundstage as somewhat wider than average. There is also some depth, but not as much in relation to the width.
As more or less expected from the price, the spatial presentation is rather blurry.


Conclusion:
 
Are the Penon IEMs for the dust bin? No, they are not, but they are no hi-fi in-ears either. For a price of $10, you get what you pay for – not more, but luckily not really much less. In stock form, the Penon IEMs lack control, sound too spongy and the mids are veiled as well. With the help of a good equalizer and reducing the bass, the resolution increases and becomes audibly better – but other in-ears like the ones from Knowledge Zenith can do the same and even better without the help of an EQ.
What one gets though are nicely and sturdily built in-ears with a decent, tangle-free cable, that however only sound decent and lose strenuousness with the help of an equalizer (and my evaluations and final ratings usually refer to the un-EQ’d sound).
As a nice gift for someone who doesn’t have the highest standards for sound quality, the Penon IEMs could be a good present; and all in all, I come to a result of between 2 and 2.5 stars – the price of $9.99 is fair and you get well manufactured IEMs with sound quality according to the price. Though, more than $10 would be too much for those.
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r2muchstuff
r2muchstuff
Just as you described.  At the botton of my IEM list.  Dust bin, almost.
 
r2

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