Penon Sphere
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Introduction
By now, many enthusiasts are familiar with the portable audio retailer Penon Audio. As a specialist shop, it has tested countless products, so it's not unreasonable to think that it might have a clear idea of what good headphones should sound like. The second step is to put this knowledge into practice and start designing new products, under his own name. Actually, I don't know if the way Penon has gone about launching its own models resembles the mini-story I've told. However, the end result is the same.
As a brand, Penon has specialised in creating cables, adapters and IEMS. And almost all of their products are mid to high-end. Their first model was launched in 2017, the BS1 Earbuds. The model I’m going to analyse in this review is the Penon Sphere. It is a single Balanced Armature, inside a resin capsule, with a semi-custom ergonomic shape. Its profile is balanced, with fast bass, smooth vocals and airy treble. That's what is emphasised in the description. Personally, I would like to add, by way of introduction, that the Sphere are a warm IEMS with a surprisingly good tendency in the low end. The bass response is very extensive for a simple BA, even more so when you consider that the treble reaches the air zone with plenty of headroom. The rest of the characteristics will be explained in the following review.
Specifications
Packaging
The Penon Sphere comes in a medium sized box, whose dimensions are 130x102x59mm. Their colours are blue and red/orange. On the front side you can read Penon in the centre, next to their logo, in gold ink, on a blue background. On the back is a short presentation of the brand, as well as the model specifications and the company's contact details. All this, in white ink, also on a blue background. On one side, on the short side, there is a realistic photo of the capsules. After opening the box by lifting it upwards, you can see a blue case, made of imitation leather, with a golden zip. It is almost rectangular, its corners are rounded, it has a good height and in its centre is the logo and brand name in gold lettering. It is encased in dense black foam rubber. Underneath is a brown pouch, also in imitation leather, but sturdier. It has a clip and closes like an envelope. Inside the pouch are all the accessories. In brief, they are as follows:
The outer presentation is austere, but, in reality, no more is needed. The zippered case is spacious and great for storing IEMS at home. Perhaps it's too big to use for transport. That's what the other leather bag is for, but this one is a bit more cramped as it's flat. The metal clip is not very common and I welcome the presence of a cleaning tool, with brush and fork.
Sober and simple, but very useful and coherent.
Construction and Design
The Penon Sphere are IEMS with a Single Balanced Armature inside a dark resin capsule. The material is not completely opaque and, although it is dark, something is visible inside: some small wires and a good-sized BA driver. It is not located in the mouthpiece, but rather between the outer face of the capsules and the beginning of the mouthpiece neck. A small tube appears to emerge from the BA emitter hole and leads to the outside of the mouthpiece. Thus, the nozzle is a simple orifice that is not covered by a grid. A whitish coating can be seen on the inside. The shape of the nozzle is not straight, but more like a ring that narrows at the neck and widens again on the way to the inner body of the capsule. It has a semi-custom, ergonomic shape. Although there are parts inside that seem to be empty, i.e. between the 2Pin 0.78mm connection and the driver, the capsule has a good medium size. I think it could be a bit more compact. The inner side is characterised by the ergonomic shape of the side protrusion and the neck of the mouthpiece: all these parts are very rounded and stubby. The 2Pin connections are integrated inside the body of the capsule, located at the apex where the protrusion is located, closest to the outer face. This face has that typical African continent shape, sharper at its lower apex. The left capsule reads PENON, in blue letters, which are slightly below the surface. The right capsule reads SPHERE.
The cable consists of 4 knotted strands. It has a 3.5mm SE angled jack plug, gold plated. It is a classic cylinder with a spring-loaded elbow to protect the cable and its coupling. The splitter piece is a small, narrow, elongated cylinder with a smooth rubber sleeve that protects the cable at the cable entry. The pin is a small piece of translucent plastic with two holes, one for each channel. The cables, on their way to the 2Pin connectors, have a translucent, over-ear, coating/guide. The connector is black plastic, slightly curved, of traditional shape, narrower at the part close to the cable. There is a letter inscribed on each pin, indicating the channel, plus two highlighted dots near the cable. The pins protrude gold-plated on a rectangular piece, slightly smaller than the connector body.
The weight of the capsules is minimal, but the construction feels solid, sober, functional, yet pleasant. Perhaps, a relatively large capsule for a single BA is striking. Actually, this section is in line with the packaging: functionality and practicality, rather than any experimentation that might go wrong. I would have liked a more eye-catching cable, more, coming from a brand expert in cables: a silver-plated cable, perhaps?
Adjustment and Ergonomics
The fit goes somewhat beyond that of a semi-custom universal capsule. Its nozzle has a stubby shape that is not particularly long, but its diameter allows for a shallow to medium insertion. The minimal weight and ergonomic shape offer a certain freedom inside the bell, favouring a small oscillation of the capsules once they are in place, something that, perhaps, has an influence on the final sound obtained. When an optimum fit is achieved with the most suitable tips (in my case, as is almost always the case, the large foam-filled tips that I make myself), the isolation is above average, achieving a remarkable level of immersion.
The wheel is not being invented, but the use of this capsule achieves very good results that are undoubtedly effective and desirable.
Sound
Profile
It is impressive to see the frequency response of the Penon Sphere. The only part I find weaker is the air area. But, in reality, there are many IEMS with dynamic drivers that have a similar response in the upper treble, so I don't find it problematic. Who wants to listen to treble above 15khz? Or, rather, who can hear them?
The Sphere's profile could be defined as balanced and warm. With a fairly linear low end that glides very smoothly into the midrange, the balance feels backed up by an upper midrange tuned to match, so as not to lose harmony. There's an undeniable sense of warmth to be felt the first time you use them. That means a very full sound in the mids and also a big surprise in the low end. I must admit that, at first, it is difficult to get into the sound of the Sphere. That sense of closeness and warmth gives me a slight feeling of darkness. It is a personal reaction, but, once inside the sound, both the proximity and the coherence of the sound offer an intimate, pleasant and highly musical feeling that remains in the memory.
Bass
I have to repeat once again that the presence of the low end in the Sphere is surprising, as well as its sonority. It is clear that it is difficult for a Single BA to provide a realistic low end timbre. But these Penon's are certainly committed to it. I can't deny that, in the pure tone test, the sonority of the very low frequency tones is coloured. But this happens even in the best families, so it's just a matter of course. It is clear that any self-respecting bass lover would not choose these IEMS to enjoy his bass-heavy music. But the rest of you won't mind the bass-heavy presence of the Sphere. The bass is unsurprisingly not very deep because its travel to the LFOs is somewhat limited. They have a tendency to be heard rather than felt and don't move much air. This limits the physical sensation and forcefulness of a muscular low end. On the other hand, it is worth noting how well this single BA is able to reproduce bass without distortion when the volume is turned up too high. This means that the BA is clearly well dimensioned in this respect. The punch is peculiar, it is fast and decays evenly, it sounds clear and is agile. It even shows signs of rubberiness, which is very noticeable and brings it closer to the real thing. Although, it’s true that the texture is not very expressive and has more smoothness than emotion. The best part of the bass is in the centre, this is where the relationship between presence, power and naturalness is maximised. If the music focuses on this point, this is where the Sphere reveals the surprise I’m talking about, showing punch and personality. At this point, the layering and recreation of planes is coherent, showing precision in the recreation of tones. Really, a commendable effort for a Single BA.
Mids
The driver finds much more freedom to recreate the midrange and this is where the Sphere does the rest. It is clear that the weight of the bass helps the midrange to have a warmth, which translates into a very natural, highly expressive and precise range. Without being an analytical sound, the level of resolution is high, but at the same time very harmonious and musical. Everything contributes to conveying realism, and the timbre feels consistent and with a point of warmth. Everything starts with a motif, translates and returns to the same beginning. It's the vicious circle that the Sphere generates in this range. You hardly feel any dip and the range moves between very few dB's of difference, something that implies the great balance and equilibrium that this model possesses. In addition, the Sphere has been tuned with the necessary competence so that there is not even a hint of muddiness. Although the body is generous and fleshy at this stage, it is not too dense, nor does it take up more space than it should. The notes in this part are presented with air and a level of resolution capable of expanding the sound so that everything fits, but without escaping, maintaining the musicality, but demonstrating a great descriptive level. It sounds simple: the voices are expressed with an ability to detect the pronunciation of the words, even air and lip smacks, but without it feeling exaggerated, or too explicit. This virtue makes them very well suited to styles with vocals and few instruments, as they have the potential to reproduce these elements very completely, faithfully and naturally. And there's no denying the abilities for other styles either, the Sphere is also very effective with faster and more dynamic genres. This is where the driver's speed, quickness and ability to separate are demonstrated. In this sense, the dexterity to shred all the sounds of the range, isolating them, exposing them with naturalness and euphony, is evident. The upper midrange helps greatly in keeping everything in relation and maintaining coherence. Its projection is just right so that the warmth is not lost and the necessary clarity is felt so that the sound remains open, without becoming dark. I can't deny that, at first, the Sphere's tuning can be striking, because it departs from the current trend of emancipated mid-highs in search of a forced level of clarity. These Penon's don't need any such gimmicks to shine and bring a good sense of light, transparency, space and detail, but without all this being completely obvious. A guy with character.
Treble
The Sphere's treble is, of course, in keeping with the rest of the sound: balanced and measured. Just as there is nothing out of tune within their tuning, the high end is unswerving in its compliance with this premise and stays within a coherent smoothness. Admittedly, the beginning shows a little character, something that provides a slight sparkle, but its elevation remains within the narrow range of the overall variation of the entire chart, up to this point. It is also true that it is easier to stand out slightly on a flat than on a rough surface. And this is how the treble works. In any other tuning, the high end might be sparse. In the Sphere, it is convenient, meticulous, pleasant and serviceable. It's not a bright sound, but it's not blunt either, even if it's a little hard to get into the light sunset that the Spheres propose.
The extension is sufficient to the audible extreme, although the last octave is the one that comes across as the most cramped. This can affect the overall airy feel of the sound and reveals that more velvety, nuanced feel that the rest of the spectrum possesses.
Soundstage, Separation
Observing a warm sound, which can be presented slightly dark, the feeling of width of the scene is singular. The near-excellent level of separation and good definition allow this to be the case. And, although the sense of depth is not very high, the presentation of the sound is relatively wide and well resolved. It has effective laterality, providing a good stereo feel. Height is on a par with depth, generating a sound beyond intimate perception. It is true that the vocals, because of their closeness, offer this sense of proximity, but the rest of the instrumentation allows the soundstage to expand, so that it never feels compressed or overwhelming.
On the other hand, the musicality, the warmth and the softness, form that common thread that limits a superior sharpness. In this way, the perception of the background between notes is not as discernible, making it more complex to observe a dark or quieter core.
The power of resolution is high, although it is also relative: there are elements, such as the voices or the instruments in the middle zone, which are capable of being described with a great expressive level. But, on the other hand, there are more minor details that seem to hide behind this opulence. So I could categorise the level of detail as selective: excellent in some situations, more normal in others.
Comparisons
Rose Mini2 MKII 2.0
I don't have other Single BAs in the price range of the Penon Sphere, but the most appropriate Full BA for comparison is the Rose Mini2 MKII 2.0. This model uses two BA drivers, but that does not imply that it is better. The size is tiny, but so are the drivers. The first thing you notice is that the low end doesn't hold up to the Sphere and is not able to withstand the same level of bass and volume stress that the Penon can. The Rose's are more delicate and should be used with care, not suitable for thick, prominent or aggressive bass. Distortion can occur, even if the volume is not too high. As I say, the Sphere are much more tolerant and can withstand this kind of situation much better.
Both IEMS are quite balanced. The Rose is even more linear up to the upper-mids. The Sphere has more presence in the lows and is slightly superior in the upper-mids. However, the Rose breaks the balance in the treble, being clearly more prominent and extended. There is a clear upper level of brightness that splashes detail in a different way. The Sphere's mids are more complete, natural, full and dense. In contrast, the Rose's are thinner, clearly leaner. I prefer the more analogue timbre of the Sphere. But there is more sparkle in the Rose, something that also brings some problems: the sibilance is more perceptible, while there is no trace of it in the Penon. Again, the level of detail and nuance is also selective on the Rose. You could say that the two models are complementary in this respect, one has what I miss in the other and vice versa. It is clear that the Rose has a more prominent top end, but this is not always a good thing. Although this part is superior to the Sphere, it is not perfect and I wouldn't insert it, as is, in the Penon. The high end of the Rose makes them lose a bit of coherence and balance, because it gets to bite more than it should, and this is not always pleasant. But it is also true that the sound appreciates the treble boost of the Mini2s. This aspect gives them a cleaner sound, with a slightly better feeling in terms of separation and transparency, a more concrete and clearer sound. The Penon's gain in depth, while also offering a more dynamic and powerful sound. In this way the soundstage is different on both IEMS, flatter on the Rose, but more transparent. While the Sphere has more body, density and a bit more three-dimensional volume.
Conclusion
I can't help but think that the Penon Sphere is a real surprise. How something as simple as a Single BA can provide such a complex sound. It's certainly not easy, and this is where tuning plays a key role. The Sphere is a balanced and warm IEMS, with a brash and present low end, lush mids and smooth highs. The result is a very coherent and balanced sound, with a full, dynamic, very representative, evocative, natural and descriptive midrange. The timbre is very good and although at first it is difficult to get into the sound of these Penon, because of its distinction, once you get used to it, the hours fly by. A model to keep in mind, to complete our collection.
Sources Used During the Analysis
Ratings
Purchase Link
https://penonaudio.com/penon-sphere.html
You can read the full review in Spanish here:
https://hiendportable.com/2022/04/02/penon-sphere-review/
By now, many enthusiasts are familiar with the portable audio retailer Penon Audio. As a specialist shop, it has tested countless products, so it's not unreasonable to think that it might have a clear idea of what good headphones should sound like. The second step is to put this knowledge into practice and start designing new products, under his own name. Actually, I don't know if the way Penon has gone about launching its own models resembles the mini-story I've told. However, the end result is the same.
As a brand, Penon has specialised in creating cables, adapters and IEMS. And almost all of their products are mid to high-end. Their first model was launched in 2017, the BS1 Earbuds. The model I’m going to analyse in this review is the Penon Sphere. It is a single Balanced Armature, inside a resin capsule, with a semi-custom ergonomic shape. Its profile is balanced, with fast bass, smooth vocals and airy treble. That's what is emphasised in the description. Personally, I would like to add, by way of introduction, that the Sphere are a warm IEMS with a surprisingly good tendency in the low end. The bass response is very extensive for a simple BA, even more so when you consider that the treble reaches the air zone with plenty of headroom. The rest of the characteristics will be explained in the following review.
Specifications
- Driver Type: Single Balanced Armature.
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: 118dB/1mW
- Impedance: 6 Ω @ 1 kHz
- Passive Noise Reduction: 26dB
- Jack Connector: SE 3.5mm
- Capsule Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm
- Cable Length: 1.2M
Packaging
The Penon Sphere comes in a medium sized box, whose dimensions are 130x102x59mm. Their colours are blue and red/orange. On the front side you can read Penon in the centre, next to their logo, in gold ink, on a blue background. On the back is a short presentation of the brand, as well as the model specifications and the company's contact details. All this, in white ink, also on a blue background. On one side, on the short side, there is a realistic photo of the capsules. After opening the box by lifting it upwards, you can see a blue case, made of imitation leather, with a golden zip. It is almost rectangular, its corners are rounded, it has a good height and in its centre is the logo and brand name in gold lettering. It is encased in dense black foam rubber. Underneath is a brown pouch, also in imitation leather, but sturdier. It has a clip and closes like an envelope. Inside the pouch are all the accessories. In brief, they are as follows:
- The two Penon Sphere capsules.
- One 4-strand black braided cable, with 3.5mm SE jack plug and 2Pin 0.78mm interface.
- Three pairs of white silicone tips, sizes SxMxL, wide channel.
- Three pairs of black silicone tips, blue core, sizes SxMxL, medium channel.
- One pair of foam tips, size medium/large.
- Metal clothes pin.
- Cleaning brush/fork tool.
- Blue leather case with zip.
- Brown leather pouch with clip.
The outer presentation is austere, but, in reality, no more is needed. The zippered case is spacious and great for storing IEMS at home. Perhaps it's too big to use for transport. That's what the other leather bag is for, but this one is a bit more cramped as it's flat. The metal clip is not very common and I welcome the presence of a cleaning tool, with brush and fork.
Sober and simple, but very useful and coherent.
Construction and Design
The Penon Sphere are IEMS with a Single Balanced Armature inside a dark resin capsule. The material is not completely opaque and, although it is dark, something is visible inside: some small wires and a good-sized BA driver. It is not located in the mouthpiece, but rather between the outer face of the capsules and the beginning of the mouthpiece neck. A small tube appears to emerge from the BA emitter hole and leads to the outside of the mouthpiece. Thus, the nozzle is a simple orifice that is not covered by a grid. A whitish coating can be seen on the inside. The shape of the nozzle is not straight, but more like a ring that narrows at the neck and widens again on the way to the inner body of the capsule. It has a semi-custom, ergonomic shape. Although there are parts inside that seem to be empty, i.e. between the 2Pin 0.78mm connection and the driver, the capsule has a good medium size. I think it could be a bit more compact. The inner side is characterised by the ergonomic shape of the side protrusion and the neck of the mouthpiece: all these parts are very rounded and stubby. The 2Pin connections are integrated inside the body of the capsule, located at the apex where the protrusion is located, closest to the outer face. This face has that typical African continent shape, sharper at its lower apex. The left capsule reads PENON, in blue letters, which are slightly below the surface. The right capsule reads SPHERE.
The cable consists of 4 knotted strands. It has a 3.5mm SE angled jack plug, gold plated. It is a classic cylinder with a spring-loaded elbow to protect the cable and its coupling. The splitter piece is a small, narrow, elongated cylinder with a smooth rubber sleeve that protects the cable at the cable entry. The pin is a small piece of translucent plastic with two holes, one for each channel. The cables, on their way to the 2Pin connectors, have a translucent, over-ear, coating/guide. The connector is black plastic, slightly curved, of traditional shape, narrower at the part close to the cable. There is a letter inscribed on each pin, indicating the channel, plus two highlighted dots near the cable. The pins protrude gold-plated on a rectangular piece, slightly smaller than the connector body.
The weight of the capsules is minimal, but the construction feels solid, sober, functional, yet pleasant. Perhaps, a relatively large capsule for a single BA is striking. Actually, this section is in line with the packaging: functionality and practicality, rather than any experimentation that might go wrong. I would have liked a more eye-catching cable, more, coming from a brand expert in cables: a silver-plated cable, perhaps?
Adjustment and Ergonomics
The fit goes somewhat beyond that of a semi-custom universal capsule. Its nozzle has a stubby shape that is not particularly long, but its diameter allows for a shallow to medium insertion. The minimal weight and ergonomic shape offer a certain freedom inside the bell, favouring a small oscillation of the capsules once they are in place, something that, perhaps, has an influence on the final sound obtained. When an optimum fit is achieved with the most suitable tips (in my case, as is almost always the case, the large foam-filled tips that I make myself), the isolation is above average, achieving a remarkable level of immersion.
The wheel is not being invented, but the use of this capsule achieves very good results that are undoubtedly effective and desirable.
Sound
Profile
It is impressive to see the frequency response of the Penon Sphere. The only part I find weaker is the air area. But, in reality, there are many IEMS with dynamic drivers that have a similar response in the upper treble, so I don't find it problematic. Who wants to listen to treble above 15khz? Or, rather, who can hear them?
The Sphere's profile could be defined as balanced and warm. With a fairly linear low end that glides very smoothly into the midrange, the balance feels backed up by an upper midrange tuned to match, so as not to lose harmony. There's an undeniable sense of warmth to be felt the first time you use them. That means a very full sound in the mids and also a big surprise in the low end. I must admit that, at first, it is difficult to get into the sound of the Sphere. That sense of closeness and warmth gives me a slight feeling of darkness. It is a personal reaction, but, once inside the sound, both the proximity and the coherence of the sound offer an intimate, pleasant and highly musical feeling that remains in the memory.
Bass
I have to repeat once again that the presence of the low end in the Sphere is surprising, as well as its sonority. It is clear that it is difficult for a Single BA to provide a realistic low end timbre. But these Penon's are certainly committed to it. I can't deny that, in the pure tone test, the sonority of the very low frequency tones is coloured. But this happens even in the best families, so it's just a matter of course. It is clear that any self-respecting bass lover would not choose these IEMS to enjoy his bass-heavy music. But the rest of you won't mind the bass-heavy presence of the Sphere. The bass is unsurprisingly not very deep because its travel to the LFOs is somewhat limited. They have a tendency to be heard rather than felt and don't move much air. This limits the physical sensation and forcefulness of a muscular low end. On the other hand, it is worth noting how well this single BA is able to reproduce bass without distortion when the volume is turned up too high. This means that the BA is clearly well dimensioned in this respect. The punch is peculiar, it is fast and decays evenly, it sounds clear and is agile. It even shows signs of rubberiness, which is very noticeable and brings it closer to the real thing. Although, it’s true that the texture is not very expressive and has more smoothness than emotion. The best part of the bass is in the centre, this is where the relationship between presence, power and naturalness is maximised. If the music focuses on this point, this is where the Sphere reveals the surprise I’m talking about, showing punch and personality. At this point, the layering and recreation of planes is coherent, showing precision in the recreation of tones. Really, a commendable effort for a Single BA.
Mids
The driver finds much more freedom to recreate the midrange and this is where the Sphere does the rest. It is clear that the weight of the bass helps the midrange to have a warmth, which translates into a very natural, highly expressive and precise range. Without being an analytical sound, the level of resolution is high, but at the same time very harmonious and musical. Everything contributes to conveying realism, and the timbre feels consistent and with a point of warmth. Everything starts with a motif, translates and returns to the same beginning. It's the vicious circle that the Sphere generates in this range. You hardly feel any dip and the range moves between very few dB's of difference, something that implies the great balance and equilibrium that this model possesses. In addition, the Sphere has been tuned with the necessary competence so that there is not even a hint of muddiness. Although the body is generous and fleshy at this stage, it is not too dense, nor does it take up more space than it should. The notes in this part are presented with air and a level of resolution capable of expanding the sound so that everything fits, but without escaping, maintaining the musicality, but demonstrating a great descriptive level. It sounds simple: the voices are expressed with an ability to detect the pronunciation of the words, even air and lip smacks, but without it feeling exaggerated, or too explicit. This virtue makes them very well suited to styles with vocals and few instruments, as they have the potential to reproduce these elements very completely, faithfully and naturally. And there's no denying the abilities for other styles either, the Sphere is also very effective with faster and more dynamic genres. This is where the driver's speed, quickness and ability to separate are demonstrated. In this sense, the dexterity to shred all the sounds of the range, isolating them, exposing them with naturalness and euphony, is evident. The upper midrange helps greatly in keeping everything in relation and maintaining coherence. Its projection is just right so that the warmth is not lost and the necessary clarity is felt so that the sound remains open, without becoming dark. I can't deny that, at first, the Sphere's tuning can be striking, because it departs from the current trend of emancipated mid-highs in search of a forced level of clarity. These Penon's don't need any such gimmicks to shine and bring a good sense of light, transparency, space and detail, but without all this being completely obvious. A guy with character.
Treble
The Sphere's treble is, of course, in keeping with the rest of the sound: balanced and measured. Just as there is nothing out of tune within their tuning, the high end is unswerving in its compliance with this premise and stays within a coherent smoothness. Admittedly, the beginning shows a little character, something that provides a slight sparkle, but its elevation remains within the narrow range of the overall variation of the entire chart, up to this point. It is also true that it is easier to stand out slightly on a flat than on a rough surface. And this is how the treble works. In any other tuning, the high end might be sparse. In the Sphere, it is convenient, meticulous, pleasant and serviceable. It's not a bright sound, but it's not blunt either, even if it's a little hard to get into the light sunset that the Spheres propose.
The extension is sufficient to the audible extreme, although the last octave is the one that comes across as the most cramped. This can affect the overall airy feel of the sound and reveals that more velvety, nuanced feel that the rest of the spectrum possesses.
Soundstage, Separation
Observing a warm sound, which can be presented slightly dark, the feeling of width of the scene is singular. The near-excellent level of separation and good definition allow this to be the case. And, although the sense of depth is not very high, the presentation of the sound is relatively wide and well resolved. It has effective laterality, providing a good stereo feel. Height is on a par with depth, generating a sound beyond intimate perception. It is true that the vocals, because of their closeness, offer this sense of proximity, but the rest of the instrumentation allows the soundstage to expand, so that it never feels compressed or overwhelming.
On the other hand, the musicality, the warmth and the softness, form that common thread that limits a superior sharpness. In this way, the perception of the background between notes is not as discernible, making it more complex to observe a dark or quieter core.
The power of resolution is high, although it is also relative: there are elements, such as the voices or the instruments in the middle zone, which are capable of being described with a great expressive level. But, on the other hand, there are more minor details that seem to hide behind this opulence. So I could categorise the level of detail as selective: excellent in some situations, more normal in others.
Comparisons
Rose Mini2 MKII 2.0
I don't have other Single BAs in the price range of the Penon Sphere, but the most appropriate Full BA for comparison is the Rose Mini2 MKII 2.0. This model uses two BA drivers, but that does not imply that it is better. The size is tiny, but so are the drivers. The first thing you notice is that the low end doesn't hold up to the Sphere and is not able to withstand the same level of bass and volume stress that the Penon can. The Rose's are more delicate and should be used with care, not suitable for thick, prominent or aggressive bass. Distortion can occur, even if the volume is not too high. As I say, the Sphere are much more tolerant and can withstand this kind of situation much better.
Both IEMS are quite balanced. The Rose is even more linear up to the upper-mids. The Sphere has more presence in the lows and is slightly superior in the upper-mids. However, the Rose breaks the balance in the treble, being clearly more prominent and extended. There is a clear upper level of brightness that splashes detail in a different way. The Sphere's mids are more complete, natural, full and dense. In contrast, the Rose's are thinner, clearly leaner. I prefer the more analogue timbre of the Sphere. But there is more sparkle in the Rose, something that also brings some problems: the sibilance is more perceptible, while there is no trace of it in the Penon. Again, the level of detail and nuance is also selective on the Rose. You could say that the two models are complementary in this respect, one has what I miss in the other and vice versa. It is clear that the Rose has a more prominent top end, but this is not always a good thing. Although this part is superior to the Sphere, it is not perfect and I wouldn't insert it, as is, in the Penon. The high end of the Rose makes them lose a bit of coherence and balance, because it gets to bite more than it should, and this is not always pleasant. But it is also true that the sound appreciates the treble boost of the Mini2s. This aspect gives them a cleaner sound, with a slightly better feeling in terms of separation and transparency, a more concrete and clearer sound. The Penon's gain in depth, while also offering a more dynamic and powerful sound. In this way the soundstage is different on both IEMS, flatter on the Rose, but more transparent. While the Sphere has more body, density and a bit more three-dimensional volume.
Conclusion
I can't help but think that the Penon Sphere is a real surprise. How something as simple as a Single BA can provide such a complex sound. It's certainly not easy, and this is where tuning plays a key role. The Sphere is a balanced and warm IEMS, with a brash and present low end, lush mids and smooth highs. The result is a very coherent and balanced sound, with a full, dynamic, very representative, evocative, natural and descriptive midrange. The timbre is very good and although at first it is difficult to get into the sound of these Penon, because of its distinction, once you get used to it, the hours fly by. A model to keep in mind, to complete our collection.
Sources Used During the Analysis
- Earmen Colibri.
- Earmen Sparrow.
- xDuoo Link2 BAL.
- Hidizs S9 Pro.
- E1DA #9038D.
- HiBy R3 Pro.
- Hidizs AP80 PRO-X.
- Burson Audio Playmate.
- S.M.S.L Sanskrit 10th MKII + iFi ZEN CAN.
Ratings
- Construction and Design: 80
- Adjustment/Ergonomics: 85
- Accessories: 88
- Bass: 82
- Mids: 93
- Treble: 73
- Separation: 88
- Soundstage: 80
- Quality/Price: 85
Penon Audio Store, offered me this model, in exchange for writing an honest review. I want to make it clear that all my opinions written in this review have not been conditioned by this fact, nor will I ever write anything that I do not really think or feel here. I will only write about my personal opinion in relation to the revised product.
Purchase Link
https://penonaudio.com/penon-sphere.html
You can read the full review in Spanish here:
https://hiendportable.com/2022/04/02/penon-sphere-review/
ehjie
I use wide bore tips such as the Sedna Earfit original grey stem - to squeeze out most of the treble it can give...
Alino
Fine review I can only agree with. Sphere is so musical.
Before starting this review, I would like to share technical aspects and package details.
Also, I would like to thanks to Penon Audio for this great opportunity. Here is the link of the Sphere: https://penon-official.com/product/sphere-iem/
Specifications:
Driver: Balanced Armature
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20000Hz
Impedance:6Ω@1kHz
Sensitivity:118dB/1mW
Passive noise reduction: 26dB
Earphone interface: 2Pin 0.78mm
Plug:3.5mm
Cable Length: 1.2M
Package Details:
Sphere IEM
Stock Cable
6 pairs of silicone eartips
Wooden case
Test Equipment:
Astell & Kern AK120
Opus #1
Emotiva Big Ego
Package, Design & Isolation;
Penon Sphere shares the same famous red and blue colored box as the other Penon products and the unboxing experience is also similar. There is a rounded wooden carry case, velvet pouch, cleaning tool and silicon tips inside the package. Package contents are not the best but it is fairly enough for not to complain about it. Actually, that wooden case is way better than the most companies’ cheap nylon case.
Sphere’s design looks simple but it is elegant with its black shells and blue sparkle Penon-Sphere name on the faceplate. There is no other color option but I assume many people like it a lot. Right faceplate has Penon logo on top and left has Sphere name. Sphere uses 2pin 0.78mm industry standard socket, so it is suitable to use with after market cables. Shell design is simply geourgeus. Its small and custom like design provides fantastic fit and you can use without any pain for long long hours.
The stock cable looks simple and it is similar with other brands’ stock cable. Cable material is SPC I believe but not sure for that. It is 4 braided which I am guessing it has 30awg size and its material is pretty soft and ergonomic. It has metal L-shaped 3.5mm jack and metal y splitter. There is not much to say about it. It is good and simple but Sphere deserves a better cable I believe.
With the proper tips, Sphere provides great isolation, and it blocks all the noise that comes from outside. I’ve used it outside many times and Sphere did a fantastic job to isolate outside noise. Stock tips are does great job, but I always find mandarin tips are better for my ears. Ergonomic design and size of the shell is fantastic.
Sound:
Sphere has a slightly warm and balanced sound character. The musical and natural sound structure makes it very pleasant to listen. I’ve experienced many single ba driver earphones, and they were lack in bass quantity, but Sphere has surprisingly strong and deep bass. It’s a pleasure to see that bass doesn’t lose its control to disturb other frequencies. The mid frequencies are slightly laid back but quite balanced and the detail level is pretty high. The vocals are surprisingly clean and slightly forward. Treble is another frequency that I found successful in Sphere. Both extension and level of detail are impressive for a single ba driver. I don’t know what driver model and brand that they used, but Penon seems that they push all the limits of the armature driver. In the period of popularity of hybrid and multi-drivers iems, Penon reminds that the single-driver earphones are also perform very well. The perception of the soundstage is quite spacious. Although it is not possible to talk about such a wide and deep stage, it offers spacious instrument separation. Overall, Sphere is a very impressive earphone, especially for the price. It might be the best single armature driver earphone I’ve listened to.
The treble is neither too bright nor too laid back. The extension and the level of details are certainly very successful. No sibilance or sharp presentations which it makes easy to listen. As I said, the balanced structure of the sound character is reflected in the treble. The instrument separation is successful and the distinction is sufficient. You can clearly hear every single instrument. There’s no wildly detailed presentation, but it’s certainly impressive. Especially when I remember Sphere has only one driver.
Mid frequencies are slightly laid back and vocals are relatively forward. Due to the softness of the overall presentation, the mid frequencies are velvety smooth and easy to listen. The instrument sounds are natural and are not thicker or thinner than they should be. The distance between the instruments is also very easily distinguishable. Especially vocals have a very clean and smooth presentation. So, I listened to a lot of vocal songs and I really admired Sphere’s vocal presentation.
Bass is another frequency area where Sphere is extremely successful. The bass goes deep enough for many genres. It is not hard to say that I get fulfilling results, even though with EDM music. Of course, it is not strong and powerful as like as dynamic driver, but it certainly has kept your rhythm with your feet. I would also like to point out that the armature driver does not have those dry, dull presentation, it has natural and soft strokes instead.
The soundstage is not very wide, but it certainly does not have a closed presentation. The instruments and vocals are playing in wide area. And the background of Sphere is quite clean and dark.
Comparison:
Sphere vs Final Audio B2:
Final Audio B2 is the new earphone from Final Audio’s line up and it has also one armature driver like Sphere. Both earphones are beautiful in different ways. B2 feels more premium and elegant in hands with its metal body while Sphere has acrylic simple design, but Sphere is also beautiful iem. Both earphones provide good ergonomics but Sphere is much better and comfortable into ears. Sounds; B2 sound is mildy forward, slightly dark and rolled off on both bass and trebles while Sphere is natural, slightly V-shaped and bright in tonality when I compare with B2. Sphere trebles has more sparkle and extended better and also clearer. B2’s trebles are rolled off and it is slightly veiled. Instruments separation is more audible and better with Sphere. Mids are more forward and pronounced with B2 while Sphere has slightly laid back and centered on stage. B2’s lush and smooth sound making vocals more intimate and romantic. Bass is better in terms of control and dynamic on Sphere and also more in quantity. B2’s bass is rolled off and it is not as deep as like Sphere. Soundstage is wider and airier on Sphere while B2 has more intimate due to its forward mid presentation.
Cable Rolling:
Rhapsodio SGD2.98 MK2:
SGD2.98 MK2 is warm and smooth cable which is great match up with bright earphones. Sphere matches good with SGD2.98 MK2 and It mostly improve bass frequencies with harder beats notes. It hits harder and goes deeper. Overall sounds become warmer and bright atmosphere on the treble’s switches to smooth and lush atmosphere. Mids notes becomes little bit bolder and It adds some weight on mid-bass. Soundstage is wider and it has more depth than the stock cable.
Effect Audio Eros:
Ares is one of my favorite cable from Effect Audio and is safe choice for most earphones. Sphere and Ares are matches great; I like the synergy between those two. Bass become tighter and more controlled, quantity is same or maybe slightly better, hard to understand. Mids are clean and clear, vocals have more forward and dramatic presentation. Treble is more tamed but still clear and extend pretty well. Soundstage is noticeably better both wide and depth. Overall, I like Ares and Sphere matches.
Penon Audio Leo Plus:
Leo Plus is silver plated gold-silver-palladium alloy cable from Penon Audio. I haven’t tested with other earphones yet but it matches with Sphere really great. It improves all frequencies top to bottom. Trebles are more pronounced and detailed; it extends better in every way. Also, instruments separation is much better and more distinguishable. Mids are more forward, thicker and it adds some body. Bass goes little bit deeper, but the biggest improvement is much more controlled and tighter with Leo+. It also improves soundstage both depth and width. Overall, Leo+ is great partner for Sphere.
Verdict:
When Penon Audio start to make cables, I wasn’t sure about their sound quality and I had some suspicious about their success, but they did a great job. They’ve released many good cables which I am using with some of my TOTL earphones. After the success of the cable they decided to release their new IEM, and I knew at the moment that I’ve heard it will be good iem. Sphere is very impressive earphone and its retail price is bargain for its sound performance. All the frequencies are alive and dynamism is so good to listen. Gambling with the 1 balanced armature was a little bit risky for the first product, but they did a great job. Sphere is great earphone bottom to top and it deserve some attention at this price range.
Also, I would like to thanks to Penon Audio for this great opportunity. Here is the link of the Sphere: https://penon-official.com/product/sphere-iem/
Specifications:
Driver: Balanced Armature
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20000Hz
Impedance:6Ω@1kHz
Sensitivity:118dB/1mW
Passive noise reduction: 26dB
Earphone interface: 2Pin 0.78mm
Plug:3.5mm
Cable Length: 1.2M
Package Details:
Sphere IEM
Stock Cable
6 pairs of silicone eartips
Wooden case
Test Equipment:
Astell & Kern AK120
Opus #1
Emotiva Big Ego
Package, Design & Isolation;
Penon Sphere shares the same famous red and blue colored box as the other Penon products and the unboxing experience is also similar. There is a rounded wooden carry case, velvet pouch, cleaning tool and silicon tips inside the package. Package contents are not the best but it is fairly enough for not to complain about it. Actually, that wooden case is way better than the most companies’ cheap nylon case.
Sphere’s design looks simple but it is elegant with its black shells and blue sparkle Penon-Sphere name on the faceplate. There is no other color option but I assume many people like it a lot. Right faceplate has Penon logo on top and left has Sphere name. Sphere uses 2pin 0.78mm industry standard socket, so it is suitable to use with after market cables. Shell design is simply geourgeus. Its small and custom like design provides fantastic fit and you can use without any pain for long long hours.
The stock cable looks simple and it is similar with other brands’ stock cable. Cable material is SPC I believe but not sure for that. It is 4 braided which I am guessing it has 30awg size and its material is pretty soft and ergonomic. It has metal L-shaped 3.5mm jack and metal y splitter. There is not much to say about it. It is good and simple but Sphere deserves a better cable I believe.
With the proper tips, Sphere provides great isolation, and it blocks all the noise that comes from outside. I’ve used it outside many times and Sphere did a fantastic job to isolate outside noise. Stock tips are does great job, but I always find mandarin tips are better for my ears. Ergonomic design and size of the shell is fantastic.
Sound:
Sphere has a slightly warm and balanced sound character. The musical and natural sound structure makes it very pleasant to listen. I’ve experienced many single ba driver earphones, and they were lack in bass quantity, but Sphere has surprisingly strong and deep bass. It’s a pleasure to see that bass doesn’t lose its control to disturb other frequencies. The mid frequencies are slightly laid back but quite balanced and the detail level is pretty high. The vocals are surprisingly clean and slightly forward. Treble is another frequency that I found successful in Sphere. Both extension and level of detail are impressive for a single ba driver. I don’t know what driver model and brand that they used, but Penon seems that they push all the limits of the armature driver. In the period of popularity of hybrid and multi-drivers iems, Penon reminds that the single-driver earphones are also perform very well. The perception of the soundstage is quite spacious. Although it is not possible to talk about such a wide and deep stage, it offers spacious instrument separation. Overall, Sphere is a very impressive earphone, especially for the price. It might be the best single armature driver earphone I’ve listened to.
The treble is neither too bright nor too laid back. The extension and the level of details are certainly very successful. No sibilance or sharp presentations which it makes easy to listen. As I said, the balanced structure of the sound character is reflected in the treble. The instrument separation is successful and the distinction is sufficient. You can clearly hear every single instrument. There’s no wildly detailed presentation, but it’s certainly impressive. Especially when I remember Sphere has only one driver.
Mid frequencies are slightly laid back and vocals are relatively forward. Due to the softness of the overall presentation, the mid frequencies are velvety smooth and easy to listen. The instrument sounds are natural and are not thicker or thinner than they should be. The distance between the instruments is also very easily distinguishable. Especially vocals have a very clean and smooth presentation. So, I listened to a lot of vocal songs and I really admired Sphere’s vocal presentation.
Bass is another frequency area where Sphere is extremely successful. The bass goes deep enough for many genres. It is not hard to say that I get fulfilling results, even though with EDM music. Of course, it is not strong and powerful as like as dynamic driver, but it certainly has kept your rhythm with your feet. I would also like to point out that the armature driver does not have those dry, dull presentation, it has natural and soft strokes instead.
The soundstage is not very wide, but it certainly does not have a closed presentation. The instruments and vocals are playing in wide area. And the background of Sphere is quite clean and dark.
Comparison:
Sphere vs Final Audio B2:
Final Audio B2 is the new earphone from Final Audio’s line up and it has also one armature driver like Sphere. Both earphones are beautiful in different ways. B2 feels more premium and elegant in hands with its metal body while Sphere has acrylic simple design, but Sphere is also beautiful iem. Both earphones provide good ergonomics but Sphere is much better and comfortable into ears. Sounds; B2 sound is mildy forward, slightly dark and rolled off on both bass and trebles while Sphere is natural, slightly V-shaped and bright in tonality when I compare with B2. Sphere trebles has more sparkle and extended better and also clearer. B2’s trebles are rolled off and it is slightly veiled. Instruments separation is more audible and better with Sphere. Mids are more forward and pronounced with B2 while Sphere has slightly laid back and centered on stage. B2’s lush and smooth sound making vocals more intimate and romantic. Bass is better in terms of control and dynamic on Sphere and also more in quantity. B2’s bass is rolled off and it is not as deep as like Sphere. Soundstage is wider and airier on Sphere while B2 has more intimate due to its forward mid presentation.
Cable Rolling:
Rhapsodio SGD2.98 MK2:
SGD2.98 MK2 is warm and smooth cable which is great match up with bright earphones. Sphere matches good with SGD2.98 MK2 and It mostly improve bass frequencies with harder beats notes. It hits harder and goes deeper. Overall sounds become warmer and bright atmosphere on the treble’s switches to smooth and lush atmosphere. Mids notes becomes little bit bolder and It adds some weight on mid-bass. Soundstage is wider and it has more depth than the stock cable.
Effect Audio Eros:
Ares is one of my favorite cable from Effect Audio and is safe choice for most earphones. Sphere and Ares are matches great; I like the synergy between those two. Bass become tighter and more controlled, quantity is same or maybe slightly better, hard to understand. Mids are clean and clear, vocals have more forward and dramatic presentation. Treble is more tamed but still clear and extend pretty well. Soundstage is noticeably better both wide and depth. Overall, I like Ares and Sphere matches.
Penon Audio Leo Plus:
Leo Plus is silver plated gold-silver-palladium alloy cable from Penon Audio. I haven’t tested with other earphones yet but it matches with Sphere really great. It improves all frequencies top to bottom. Trebles are more pronounced and detailed; it extends better in every way. Also, instruments separation is much better and more distinguishable. Mids are more forward, thicker and it adds some body. Bass goes little bit deeper, but the biggest improvement is much more controlled and tighter with Leo+. It also improves soundstage both depth and width. Overall, Leo+ is great partner for Sphere.
Verdict:
When Penon Audio start to make cables, I wasn’t sure about their sound quality and I had some suspicious about their success, but they did a great job. They’ve released many good cables which I am using with some of my TOTL earphones. After the success of the cable they decided to release their new IEM, and I knew at the moment that I’ve heard it will be good iem. Sphere is very impressive earphone and its retail price is bargain for its sound performance. All the frequencies are alive and dynamism is so good to listen. Gambling with the 1 balanced armature was a little bit risky for the first product, but they did a great job. Sphere is great earphone bottom to top and it deserve some attention at this price range.
Ace Bee
Can you give a comparison with a single DD in the same price-bracket?
Penon Sphere
This one was a surprise to me and in the most interesting way. I have had a few single BA earphones in the past and the way things goes now a days. The more the better right? You don't want a single hamburger patty. Why have one when you can have 3 with cheese.
As conventions goes there is an ever increasing movement in audio land that more gets you more, somehow better sound. I mean if you had a choice to lets say get a 6BA iem and or a single BA iem. Both tuned well enough. Which one would you go for? Better yet how about an interesting hybrid with the added element of a dynamic for bass. All 3 phones costing the same. And you know nothing about the phones, which one you gonna go for?
Be honest. Your not gonna look at the single BA earphone right? See that is too bad cus what if I told you that single BA earphone is the best sounding out of the 3..
How good can a single BA earphone sound? How can something that uses a single measly BA sound complete? There has to be a sacrifice somewhere in the sound. Well whatever your thoughts are about what can be achieved using a single full ranged Balanced Armature driver you can throw out the door here.
I recalled the first time I threw them in my ears. I was simply dumbfounded. Couldn’t find the right words to explain it. They sounded soo right. Soo complete. I kept on taking them out of my ears and kept looking at them. WHAT!? How can this be!?
Before I get into the review I would like to thank Penon for the review sample of the Spheres. These were provided for the purpose of review and can be purchased on their site here. I have no affiliation to Penon audio. I was reached out to due to having a funny name on the nets. I also have no affiliation to Dietz nuts. That is a meat company. These are my views about the Penon Spheres.
Penon Spheres comes in an attractive package that is unique to Penon as they include what looks like a wood carved canister for early purchasers by the way so I have no idea now many will get the wood canister. Inside the canister are the earphones and cables. The rest of the box contents had 2 different types of pouches and one of them a smaller square button up type that includes 2 sets of silicone tips. Love the wood canister by the way. It is something you don’t get with earphones. The package is compact, to the point and classy at the same time. On first inspection the Spheres themselves is a smaller semi custom resin design that is not too unfamiliar to earphone enthusiasts. The size of the phones itself is actually one of the smaller shells for this design.
Being physically smaller means these will fit most ears comfortably. They sit over the ear with minimal amount of external noise, microphonics or otherwise. Add to the fact since the earphone design is a solid piece of resin. You get at least 26dbs of passive isolation. Which I can confirm after doing my isolation tests. My test isn’t too scientific, a bit dangerous though. I drive with my iems in the ears. I have a good understanding of how good a phone can isolate if it blocks out external noise of the car and traffic. Spheres are excellent noise blockers. One of the best I have actually. I know, I know. That isn’t safe. Hey I have a long commute to work what can I say and my car audio don’t cut it.
The build is sturdy,solid and light so it is very comfortable to use. These make for perfect out and about phones due to the great isolation and build.I am gonna be honest here and say that I am not a fan of the cables that came with the Spheres and the tips are just ok. The included set of tips one set in particular is very similar to the Mardarin Symbio type tips so those are very nice. The included cable is very average in form and function. I was told by the designer of the Spheres the cables while it does show the sound design of the phones, agreed with my take that better cables make them sound even better than they already do. As a disclaimer I did do the bulk of my listening of the spheres using the stock cable.The cables and tips fall into the category of “good enough.”
Specification
Evaluation of the Penon Speres was done using a variety of sources: Ibasso DX160, Shanling M5s, Cayin N5ii,Shanling M3s, Sony ZX300a and my IFI black label.
Onto the important aspect of the Spheres. The sound. I have to admit I was guilty of having a limited perception of single BA sound.I know most single BAs I have heard usually have good mids but lacks for the outer extremities when it comes to sound. Spheres on open listen came at me with a bold, airy fluid sound, that was smooth, rich, dynamic, and had an impact in the bass area that was honestly surprising. This sound can’t come from a single BA phone? I mean I haven’t heard a dual or 3 BA earphones that does what these spheres do. This much gusto to the sound and not just your average sound either. It has refinements in just about every region of the sound.
Forget about what you thought a good single BA implantation might sound like, instead let's focus on what matters. We don’t spend our hard earned cash in audio to get something that isn’t a complete sound right?. This is in fact what you get. I think it was the completeness of what I was hearing that caught me off guard. I own 6BA 12 and even a 14BA earphone sets.. How can such a mature detailed engaging sound come from just one of em.
The sonics emanate from a single bore in the nozzle of the Spheres with a BA filter in the middle of the nozzle. The sound projection these throw out in the ear has a large spacious well balanced and most importantly a full bodied sound. A sound balancing that is effortless in its portrayal of vocal harmonies and instruments a like due to the slight mid forward yet balanced signature of the Spheres. Add a sprinkle of excellent punchy dynamism from the bass and clean articulate treble in the mix and you get a sound that is not usually associated with single BA iems. I never knew sound could be this complete from a single BA. Sphere have changed my perception of what can be achieved with a single BA driver.
Spheres sound absolutely musical while having a good fundamental balanced Fr that sounds superb to listen to. Enthusiasts that enjoy themselves, vocal performances be it male or females will fall in love with the sound of the Speres. It has to be one of the better iems for vocal music I have heard on anything. The tuning is masterful and has an excellent mix of musical, technical, clarity and dynamism added with a sprinkle of air and you get the spheres.
Speres have a low impedance so they are easy to drive out of just about everything. Unlike most sensitive iems these are quite forgiving of bad recordings. Possibly due to the smooth musical nature of the sound but makes for a very enjoyable sound that you can listen to for hours on end with no fatigue.
Treble detail is also done exceptionally well for a single BA. Spheres incorporate a slight lift of the lower treble frequencies to inject a bit of detail with treble that easily extends in the brilliance part of the upper treble which injects some air to the sonics. Treble comes clean and well defined notes in the region. Extension is actually good for treble but sounds just a shy thin in the heart of the treble region otherwise you will hear your detail where it should be. It is quite the accomplishment actually. Considering multi BA earphones incorporating anywhere from 1-4BAs just dedicated for the highs sometimes don’t get this part right.
The stage and projection of the sound on the Spheres add to the musical element. A larger spacious environment to work with within the head. The sound stage while medium large in scope dont have any form of confinement or incoherent issues multi BA and hybrids are guilty of. The height and depth of sound is another aspect that is very surprising on the Spheres. This aspect is best enhanced with aftermarket cables.
Music has excellent well defined depth with a very even tonality which gives the Spheres a fluid yet airy type of sound. Layers of your music sounds more open than closed and for that the sphere excel in engagement factor.
This completeness of sound would have had me guessing if there was a dynamic driver in the shell and a high end one at that. For Penon to pull this sound from a single BA I found myself having a whole new respect for what Penon has achieved for the Sphere.
In the world of huge driver counts on fancy looking earphones with the cost to match. Penon is doing something that truly exemplifies what can be achieved with a single driver and some finesse with tuning. While listening to the Penon Spheres critically for flaws and weaknesses. Sure these aren’t gonna have the same textured rumble of the well tuned dynamic or shoot for the stars in the treble but you know what? They more than make up for it with above average isolation comfort and best of all an excellent mature sound quality. If your gonna make one earphone in 2 years. I suppose it has to be good.
Extra: So this section I would like to reveal to owners and potential buyers of the Spheres. In an exchange of back no forth with the Penon rep. I was told the cable while of a good quality is not exactly the best for maximizing the sonics of the Spheres.
If your of the belief that cables does absolutely nothing for your sound and are just used to connect to the drivers to get the sound then this portion is not for you. However if your the type of enthusiasts that throws on one of your own cables out of the box and throws the stock cable in the case to never see the light of day. This portion is for you.
Neutrality and detail: Silver, SPC Silver plating, silver coating cables will inject a bit of extra treble shimmer and inject a cleaner definition to the sonics of the spheres. Will lean out the forwardness a touch in the process but gives a natural expansion of sonics with greater clarity cleaner notes, blacker space with better imaging. Neo cable shown here from Penon.
Musicality and depth: Copper cables, OCC, UPOCC, Single crystal copper. My favorite pairing with the spheres. Excellent choice for guys that want their mids full and juicy while not sacrificing any of the detail. Copper imo is the way to go with the Spheres. Fiery cable shown here which injects not only better definition but more punchier take on the bass end. If more musicality is your jam. Copper cables for the win.
This one was a surprise to me and in the most interesting way. I have had a few single BA earphones in the past and the way things goes now a days. The more the better right? You don't want a single hamburger patty. Why have one when you can have 3 with cheese.
As conventions goes there is an ever increasing movement in audio land that more gets you more, somehow better sound. I mean if you had a choice to lets say get a 6BA iem and or a single BA iem. Both tuned well enough. Which one would you go for? Better yet how about an interesting hybrid with the added element of a dynamic for bass. All 3 phones costing the same. And you know nothing about the phones, which one you gonna go for?
Be honest. Your not gonna look at the single BA earphone right? See that is too bad cus what if I told you that single BA earphone is the best sounding out of the 3..
How good can a single BA earphone sound? How can something that uses a single measly BA sound complete? There has to be a sacrifice somewhere in the sound. Well whatever your thoughts are about what can be achieved using a single full ranged Balanced Armature driver you can throw out the door here.
I recalled the first time I threw them in my ears. I was simply dumbfounded. Couldn’t find the right words to explain it. They sounded soo right. Soo complete. I kept on taking them out of my ears and kept looking at them. WHAT!? How can this be!?
Before I get into the review I would like to thank Penon for the review sample of the Spheres. These were provided for the purpose of review and can be purchased on their site here. I have no affiliation to Penon audio. I was reached out to due to having a funny name on the nets. I also have no affiliation to Dietz nuts. That is a meat company. These are my views about the Penon Spheres.
Penon Spheres comes in an attractive package that is unique to Penon as they include what looks like a wood carved canister for early purchasers by the way so I have no idea now many will get the wood canister. Inside the canister are the earphones and cables. The rest of the box contents had 2 different types of pouches and one of them a smaller square button up type that includes 2 sets of silicone tips. Love the wood canister by the way. It is something you don’t get with earphones. The package is compact, to the point and classy at the same time. On first inspection the Spheres themselves is a smaller semi custom resin design that is not too unfamiliar to earphone enthusiasts. The size of the phones itself is actually one of the smaller shells for this design.
Being physically smaller means these will fit most ears comfortably. They sit over the ear with minimal amount of external noise, microphonics or otherwise. Add to the fact since the earphone design is a solid piece of resin. You get at least 26dbs of passive isolation. Which I can confirm after doing my isolation tests. My test isn’t too scientific, a bit dangerous though. I drive with my iems in the ears. I have a good understanding of how good a phone can isolate if it blocks out external noise of the car and traffic. Spheres are excellent noise blockers. One of the best I have actually. I know, I know. That isn’t safe. Hey I have a long commute to work what can I say and my car audio don’t cut it.
The build is sturdy,solid and light so it is very comfortable to use. These make for perfect out and about phones due to the great isolation and build.I am gonna be honest here and say that I am not a fan of the cables that came with the Spheres and the tips are just ok. The included set of tips one set in particular is very similar to the Mardarin Symbio type tips so those are very nice. The included cable is very average in form and function. I was told by the designer of the Spheres the cables while it does show the sound design of the phones, agreed with my take that better cables make them sound even better than they already do. As a disclaimer I did do the bulk of my listening of the spheres using the stock cable.The cables and tips fall into the category of “good enough.”
Specification
- Driver: Balanced Armature
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20000Hz
- Impedance:6Ω@1kHz
- Sensitivity:118dB/1mW
- Passive noise reduction: 26dB
- Earphone interface: 2Pin 0.78mm
- Plug:3.5mm
- Cable Length: 1.2M
- SPHERE IEM
- 6 pairs of silicone eartips
- Wooden case (ONLY available for the 1st batch )
Evaluation of the Penon Speres was done using a variety of sources: Ibasso DX160, Shanling M5s, Cayin N5ii,Shanling M3s, Sony ZX300a and my IFI black label.
Onto the important aspect of the Spheres. The sound. I have to admit I was guilty of having a limited perception of single BA sound.I know most single BAs I have heard usually have good mids but lacks for the outer extremities when it comes to sound. Spheres on open listen came at me with a bold, airy fluid sound, that was smooth, rich, dynamic, and had an impact in the bass area that was honestly surprising. This sound can’t come from a single BA phone? I mean I haven’t heard a dual or 3 BA earphones that does what these spheres do. This much gusto to the sound and not just your average sound either. It has refinements in just about every region of the sound.
Forget about what you thought a good single BA implantation might sound like, instead let's focus on what matters. We don’t spend our hard earned cash in audio to get something that isn’t a complete sound right?. This is in fact what you get. I think it was the completeness of what I was hearing that caught me off guard. I own 6BA 12 and even a 14BA earphone sets.. How can such a mature detailed engaging sound come from just one of em.
The sonics emanate from a single bore in the nozzle of the Spheres with a BA filter in the middle of the nozzle. The sound projection these throw out in the ear has a large spacious well balanced and most importantly a full bodied sound. A sound balancing that is effortless in its portrayal of vocal harmonies and instruments a like due to the slight mid forward yet balanced signature of the Spheres. Add a sprinkle of excellent punchy dynamism from the bass and clean articulate treble in the mix and you get a sound that is not usually associated with single BA iems. I never knew sound could be this complete from a single BA. Sphere have changed my perception of what can be achieved with a single BA driver.
Spheres sound absolutely musical while having a good fundamental balanced Fr that sounds superb to listen to. Enthusiasts that enjoy themselves, vocal performances be it male or females will fall in love with the sound of the Speres. It has to be one of the better iems for vocal music I have heard on anything. The tuning is masterful and has an excellent mix of musical, technical, clarity and dynamism added with a sprinkle of air and you get the spheres.
Speres have a low impedance so they are easy to drive out of just about everything. Unlike most sensitive iems these are quite forgiving of bad recordings. Possibly due to the smooth musical nature of the sound but makes for a very enjoyable sound that you can listen to for hours on end with no fatigue.
Treble detail is also done exceptionally well for a single BA. Spheres incorporate a slight lift of the lower treble frequencies to inject a bit of detail with treble that easily extends in the brilliance part of the upper treble which injects some air to the sonics. Treble comes clean and well defined notes in the region. Extension is actually good for treble but sounds just a shy thin in the heart of the treble region otherwise you will hear your detail where it should be. It is quite the accomplishment actually. Considering multi BA earphones incorporating anywhere from 1-4BAs just dedicated for the highs sometimes don’t get this part right.
The stage and projection of the sound on the Spheres add to the musical element. A larger spacious environment to work with within the head. The sound stage while medium large in scope dont have any form of confinement or incoherent issues multi BA and hybrids are guilty of. The height and depth of sound is another aspect that is very surprising on the Spheres. This aspect is best enhanced with aftermarket cables.
Music has excellent well defined depth with a very even tonality which gives the Spheres a fluid yet airy type of sound. Layers of your music sounds more open than closed and for that the sphere excel in engagement factor.
This completeness of sound would have had me guessing if there was a dynamic driver in the shell and a high end one at that. For Penon to pull this sound from a single BA I found myself having a whole new respect for what Penon has achieved for the Sphere.
In the world of huge driver counts on fancy looking earphones with the cost to match. Penon is doing something that truly exemplifies what can be achieved with a single driver and some finesse with tuning. While listening to the Penon Spheres critically for flaws and weaknesses. Sure these aren’t gonna have the same textured rumble of the well tuned dynamic or shoot for the stars in the treble but you know what? They more than make up for it with above average isolation comfort and best of all an excellent mature sound quality. If your gonna make one earphone in 2 years. I suppose it has to be good.
Extra: So this section I would like to reveal to owners and potential buyers of the Spheres. In an exchange of back no forth with the Penon rep. I was told the cable while of a good quality is not exactly the best for maximizing the sonics of the Spheres.
If your of the belief that cables does absolutely nothing for your sound and are just used to connect to the drivers to get the sound then this portion is not for you. However if your the type of enthusiasts that throws on one of your own cables out of the box and throws the stock cable in the case to never see the light of day. This portion is for you.
Neutrality and detail: Silver, SPC Silver plating, silver coating cables will inject a bit of extra treble shimmer and inject a cleaner definition to the sonics of the spheres. Will lean out the forwardness a touch in the process but gives a natural expansion of sonics with greater clarity cleaner notes, blacker space with better imaging. Neo cable shown here from Penon.
Musicality and depth: Copper cables, OCC, UPOCC, Single crystal copper. My favorite pairing with the spheres. Excellent choice for guys that want their mids full and juicy while not sacrificing any of the detail. Copper imo is the way to go with the Spheres. Fiery cable shown here which injects not only better definition but more punchier take on the bass end. If more musicality is your jam. Copper cables for the win.
LostnAmerica
What? Free Spheres? Nice. Penon has been excellent with me also, (although I paid for mine) 
colourgravity
Sorry! I think it was just because there were some delivery problems with a previous order of mine, and Penon obviously care deeply about customer satisfaction - to my, grateful, benefit in this case!
Audio Fun
Hi Dsnuts,
It seems like you own both of nm2 and sphere, would you mind to do a brief comparison between them? Thank you!
It seems like you own both of nm2 and sphere, would you mind to do a brief comparison between them? Thank you!
