Reecho SG-01 Dawn
Redcarmoose Labs January 9th, 2024
A new SG-01 Dawn
So the Dawn comes in and I do what I normally do. I photograph an unopened box, then take the box and photographically create a box opening experience........like a little story.
Funny, as I started looking at the box, it brought back memories of the original Reecho SG-01 “OVA”. I mean they are titled the same, which is very different from most IEMs I get that are named in continuing model number after model number, like new numbers signify improvement/advancement?
Even though that original OVA box was opened in May of 2022, it was unique. Unique because the OVA was priced at only $49.00, yet sounded like more of an IEM? The OVA had an involved set of extra boxes......and some boxes had nothing inside but they created a two story box opening experience. Back then I had different terminology to describe playback…….I called the OVA my “Golden Retriever” laughingly enough? What that simply meant was that it was balanced and didn’t do much wrong. Kind-of like a dog that was loyal and didn’t cause much trouble around the house. And if you turn both IEMs onto their backside they do look a little the same.
This is probably the only time you will see me post the same photograph twice? Due to emphasizing the diameter of the included nozzles?
Pictured here is only the Dawn, but you can order different shell colors within the same model, or of course have your shells match.
Now in comparison, the OVA and Dawn are both 9 grams a piece in weight. This places them into the heavier side of IEMs. Now though the difference is the Dawn is about a third thicker, not so much wider, but they do stick out (of your ear) further than the OVA. Yet the one big difference is the faceplate, where the OVA was a continuation of the metal back, the Dawn on the other hand has a hand painted faceplate. And finally the nozzles are very different. Not noted so much in photographs, but in the hand the nozzle diameter of the Dawn is considerably wider. So much so that I got a photo just showing this size with my favorite wide-bore tips in place. Now don’t fret if you don’t have any wide-bore tips like this……in fact these wide-bores (I think) they came with the original OVA. But don’t worry as Reecho has included your very own (wide-bore) set with the Dawn. And just like everything else here, the included tips may even be an improvement than the ones that came with the OVA, as they offer a slight increase in length, which means you can use them with shorter nozzle IEMs.
Now really I’m beating around the bush here...................why? Because the sound is what is different. Now demoing the two side by side, sure there are similarities as far as how they are tuned. Yet, from simply going by my memory I thought tonally they were way different, but they are not. But what is different is this new Dawn driver is a whole different animal. So imagine with me that for the most part the two IEMs really do explore the same basic sound, but the difference here is they have utilized a 3nd generation driver and subsequently (while tonally the same) we are hearing a more sophisticated style of playback. The peak in the upper midrange with the OVA has been lessened and instead a more realistic and next level detail has been acquired. And yes, this can come-off subtle when you're looking for big differences, yet they are real and they are there. With the new SG-01 OVA being $49.00 and this new SG-01 Dawn being $51.99. I am not sure if they did product testing to learn how to make an improvement on the OVA, but the way the upper midrange is now with the Dawn is way more accessible and refined.
Detail:
So it not only brings a slight level of extra detail, but it is ever so slightly smoother and shows a polish of that specific area. There is also a complete rearrangement of the stage, which can be quite confusing and takes a moment to understand, where this new Dawn is showcasing a slightly more 3D and better arranged display. And to me, this is where the extra value comes in, of course that and the upper midrange showing more maturity and finesses. The Dawn is simply more realistic in the end.
Review summary:
This summary is “OK” early on in the Reecho Dawn review. You may not need to read any longer? Many feel reviews are too long and tedious to read, though others like the extra details, so here is a review encapsulation. The Reecho Dawn is a further development of the purple OVA, which was a refinement of the original black OVA.
Here are Dsnuts' conclusions in relation from the original ($10.00 less) black OVA, to the new edition I have.
"Going back and forth from the standard version vs the new OVA. The sound balancing/tuning is identical but now with a slightly better treble and mids definition."
Imagine that?
Funny as it seems we have the exact same improvements to this Dawn design. It is held in an improvement to the midrange and treble definition. Yet in able to reach such sound goals they had to completely redesign the body, and make the exit nozzle wider. The purple OVA has a 10mm Graphite Composite Diaphragm. This new Dawn has a newer 10mm Carbon Nano Diaphragm. Not hearing the purple OVA (I had) for quite some time, hearing this new model was quite the experience. Though I was simply only half right about these new improved performance and character differences.
What I did was find myself blown away by the extra details, so much so that I thought they had modified the total tune even, to make the Dawn more trebly. When in fact I was only focusing on the more natural and more realistic upper midrange and treble details. And that my friends is normal for comparing a tune with a nice improvement to your memory of an older similar tuned IEM. What kinda happens is you can become fascinated by this new section of sound, especially if it has an area of both naturalness and increased definition. You will forget possibly comparing the lower details and like seeing a view from a mountain-top, and focusing in on this new view of a sonic city. Such a description of discovering a new sound truly explains the wonder and excitement discovered that afternoon. There was simply more realistic detail, yet that detail went and seemed to lift the whole signature to a different zone.
End of review summary:
You see the difference here was there was an area of the original 2nd generation purple OVA that held a style of lacking separation, a clump of details that you couldn’t see into as well. Yet where the purple OVA hasn’t changed is in overall stage and lower midrange, and bass……those are really almost the same. The house tuning for Reecho is a balanced U tuning, thus (they are) continuing and refining this sound. The results are an IEM which promotes great imaging, separation and timbre, actually very uncommon for a single full-range DD? Thus the cream on the top has been to leave their over-all sound the same, but offer this upper midrange detail and smoothness which took the original sound signature and made it that much better! It’s more involving and emotional simply because it is now more real. It’s like a sheet has been pulled away and clarity discovered underneath, this area is more 3D and yet a little smoother.
Comparisons:
Here we will once more compare the SG-01 Dawn and purple SG-01 OVA….I mean why not? I was looking for single DDs to add to these side-by-sides, and while rummaging through my gear, I stumbled across the ISN H30. Now my original quest was to find the ISN D10, as it was a more pricey single full-range DD, but after finding the H30 it dawned on me that it would be more fun to compare. At $129.00 the ISN H30 is a 2BA + 1DD Hybrid. Now it’s not always fair to find an IEM to compare that’s over double the price of our Dawn, yet I feel this will be a grand learning experience? One of the main reasons to bring the ISN H30 in for comparison is the introduction of BAs, and slightly brighter BA sound in comparison to full-range single DDs.
Note in comparison the kitchen appliance look of the nozzle, a first...and I love it!
A) ISN H30:
2 Balanced Armature + 1 Dynamic driver hybrid
1) 9.2mm beryllium frosted diaphragm dynamic driver for low frequency
1) Sonion BA for middle frequency
1) Knowles BA for high frequency
B) Reecho SG-01 OVA: Single full-range 10mm with 7 microns Graphene Composite Diaphragm:
C) Reecho SG-01 Dawn: Single full-range 10mm Carbon Nano Diaphragm:
In choosing the odd man out with the ISN H30 there are the possibilities to both help delineate what the Dawn actually is and what it is not. While the two IEMs could be looked at as different and complementary, they do have some features which end parallel. Typically Hybrid IEMs will offer a slight skew of timbre into the midrange, upper-midrange and treble. This occurs because we are utilizing BAs, and even though we find ISN bring in name brand mid Knowles and treble Sonion BA drivers, there can still be expected such slight metallic timbre. The reason Hybrids are always my favorite over single full-range DDs is because there is also an added display of separation and imaging, which in my mind (as long as they are kept in check) overrides any timbre issues. And the truth of the matter is this is not a yes, no style of timbre issue. No, with Hybrids there can be endless truly subtle differences depending on the character of the BA, and the exact tune implementation into the sonic IEM signature. As of late there have even been house drivers made by various manufactures, which refuse to pay for outsourced Sonion and outsourced Knowles drivers, to include custom BAs into their IEMs, that due to tuning (and probably build quality) go the extra step moving forward with more realistic tone. As such inventions progress we even may see an extra level of competition to our single full-range DD. So the single full-range DD manufactures are too upping-up their performance with bigger size N52 driver magnets which contain even better control over the diaphragm. With the Dawn Reecho are reintroducing a new self-developed second generation carbon nano-tube diaphragm. And guess what the end results are? More detail like the BA brothers. Yep DDs are actually approaching BA performance, this stuff is real and part of the reason I was launched emotionally 6 feet off the ground when I heard the Dawn for the first time.
Crazy as it sounds……my first impressions of the Reecho Dawn had me thinking the driver sounded almost like a BA? It was the best of both worlds, thus having the detail of a BA with the cohesiveness of a full-range DD. It was this slight extra detail, 3D imaging and vibrant tone which really surprised me…….surprised me so much that I endlessly talked about how this new Dawn was so special…..that it was in fact revolutionary?
The included cable:
The 148 cores OCC silver-plated cable is both balanced sounding and ergonomic. Ergonomic as it just lays wherever you want it to and doesn't get in the way. Probably the best testament to this cable quality is the fact that after using the included cable, I went and tried to use a 4.4mm balanced cable, yet went back to the included cable for my testing. There was an elegant and truthful sound, really all you would ever need. Unless of course you wanted to try and find the extreme of where the Dawn could go sonically, then sure aftermarket cables were a definite change to the sound character......which I will get into.
Preparation for testing and equipment changes:
I spent an hour touring different cables for both the OVA and Dawn, reason being, my version of the ISN H30 has 4.4mm plugs which uses a different amplifier in the Sony 1A. And after experimenting with various 4.4mm cables on the normally equipped 3.5mm OVA and Dawn I eventually went back to the included Reecho Dawn cable. Yet what I learned in that hour was something else. I tried the expensive ISN GC4 cable and the ISN G4 cable. And of note was the fact that the ISN GC4 completely altered the low-end of the Dawn to be very different from the OVA. Yep, first off I kept getting intuitions to try the ISN GC4 with the Dawn. Now when that happens instinct is at work, showing me possibilities. And sure enough, with the GC4 in place for once there was a big difference in how the OVA and Dawn were as far as midrange and low-end. It was like those differences we noted at the beginning of the review were still there, but the Dawn was noted now as being a totally different driver. Now the Dawn showed extra 3D and textured low-end, a separated experience which was miles better than the 2nd generation OVA? Yet, the replay was slightly colored as that is what the GC4 does, it is a speciality cable. I then tried the ISN G4 and found it went back to the low-end I was familiar with from the stock Dawn cable. So I ended up using 3.5mm output of the 1A and the stock cable on both the OVA and Dawn, and the included 4.4mm cable with the ISN H30. But just so you know, if you have a number of cables laying around, there is a pretty good chance to explore low-end textures and definition with an alternative cable than the one the Dawn came with. And at $179.00 the ISN GC4 is not going to be the choice for everyone to match with a $51.99 Dawn IEM?
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/isn-gc4.24454/reviews#review-30860
https://penonaudio.com/isn-audio-gc4.html
Yet incase you did already have the ISN GC4 or wanted one of the very best cables to experience the Dawn after falling in love with it and it’s included cable, I can thoroughly recommend the (slightly colored) ISN GC4, as one of the aftermarket cables which took the Reecho SG-01 Dawn to a whole new level!
Let us begin:
ISN H30:
In replay the H30 was noticeably better than I remember it to be. Of course part of this is trying new music that just by itself, the music helps IEMs to be their best. Big washes of midrange elements is maybe the first thing you will notice, that and how the bass is sequestered-off into its own “bass zone”.
Kaveh Cohen, Michael Nielsen
Forza Motorsport OST
Brotherhood
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
Really the break when the bass arrives is no better place to showcase this phenomena. Right at the 00:42 mark the song goes to a different level where surprisingly I don’t remember the H30 as being so plush and into how the lower midrange and bass was heard, of course it could be the music, accentuating stuff? Remember it is the effects separated out to the edges and completely itemized, that the Dawn can’t keep up with. While offering really the opposite in how the nozzles work, the H30’s are on the long side, and the Dawn is on the shorter side, yet I’m able to get my preferred ear-tips to work flawlessly! A switch to the Dawn and we are met with both a more together style of playback and denser, thicker and even holding more bass physicality. Yet don’t make that together comment mean the music is not separated and not fully spacial….because it gloriously is. And while yes, timbre is better with the Dawn, the difference was not something I picked-up on right away………..it was this warmth….now someone could say that warmth is the timbre differences between the two IEMs……and I wouldn’t argue. You see really the shining Dawn difference here in comparison to many DDs is the beautiful separation, especially in the upper midrange of this song…………so much so that I forgot which IEM I had in my ears and had to feel them! But to cut this comparison short….yes Dawn soundstage is narrower, imaging out to the sides takes place closer to home with the Dawn and of course the separation in of lesser notice, but most of all this bass and lower midrange is clearer, somehow? Though due to the separation the ISN H30 still offers a style of bass definition, but that is not one of its strong points. Yet while holding better H30 details, those details don’t carry the note-weight of the Dawn. Where the H30 is way more midrange centered and holding action in a thinner but more refined way, especially when imaging goes out to the side. It is truly hard for me to choose the best, and really if anything they would be truly considered complementary. Yet, my heart tugs on the Dawn, which is very unusual as normally Hybrids are always my choice, and to think this H30 Hybrid was even powered by the better amplifier in the WM1A DAP? Lol
The OVA v the Dawn:
Yep, I’m comparing them again, different days, different moods, YADA, YADA. Why not….there could be more to be discovered. And while the ISN GC4 cable did start to give clues as to highlight the deep-end difference between the two OVA and Dawn….Let’s see if those features show-up now using the included cable (for both IEMs) in 3.5mm……..maybe?
Lorne Balfe and Andrew Kawczynski
Grand Turismo OST
Academy Race
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
Sure enough, with the sonic clues provided into vision of the low-end by the use of the ISN GC4 cables, now returning to the original Dawn provided cable and 2nd generation OVA IEM truth is found. The only way I can explain this is psychology. As listeners we are distracted and even though I did do a low-end comparison between the OVA and Dawn before……sonically I was given new clues after cable rolls. As such the bass was not only 1dB deeper, it was more defined and separated with this new Dawn 10mm Carbon Nano Diaphragm. I mean how could it not be really? The driver is moving ahead to proclaim a different midrange and treble showcasing more detail, so why wouldn’t the same go downstairs? It could be said that the OVA being the same weight, yet slightly smaller probably fits a little better? Where the OVA weight sits more inside your ear? Yet these sound differences are real. And yes it would be the treble and midrange and upper midrange that get the resolution details the most…..and the biggest issue with the 2nd generation OVA was that area of less resolution than the Dawn, a difference that is maybe even worth upgrading even if you had the original OVA and were wondering if that difference was enough……..as with different cables than the included Dawn cable……those differences will end up totally surprising and drastic. And truly I apologize in advance that while ear-tips made a difference, the cable rolls here were nothing short of staggering?
While in no way is the Academy Race track played back perfectly, the issues at hand are truly meaningless at the asking price for the Reecho SG-01 Dawn. Such favoritism here most likely revolves around the musicality found. As such you may forgive me for such enthusiasm? But if I was to try and take Academy Race playback apart……the stage here is actually tall and wide, even forward and back. Such displays of imaging are slightly more connected and at the same time while there is even more detail in places in comparison to the 2nd generation OVA, we still are met with a lack of total imaging resolution and refinement in comparison to more expensive IEMs. I don’t want to call the SG-01 Dawn blurry, but if you were looking to throw rocks here, that may be the defining starting point. Still with the layers offered regardless of detail withheld inside of the imaging……the Dawn is still a ton of fun and totally offering close (close) to near perfect timbre. Even the darker and thick violins at 01:45 while not completely airy hold a deep seated connection to the deep cello work as well as the standup bass here. While some may point-out, this sea of elements, there are beautiful harmonically rich details found holding provocative low-end energy.
The packaging:
Slightly different is the original OVA package.
Note similar included cable and my favorite ever wide-bore ear-tips.
From a phone:
I always have to try this. And while maybe meaning even more as this time, I used some generic middle-bore ear-tips. Not really in fear of losing my sacred wide-bore tips out of the house as the Dawn offers super wide nozzles being a first of their kind here at Redcarmoose Labs. As such the diameter will hold any tip on-tight. It is just the point of going outside with my wide-bores, as I only have two pairs and don’t know where to get more. Anyway the sound was very balanced from a phone, which may be the point as there were less contrasts into the stage, yet the stage was still big and easily liked. Were here we were noticing a smooth midrange and treble and the bass (while compacted) still sat in its place and offered a warm charm, that while not something I would maybe choose first to leave the house with, was fine none-the-less. There was nothing offensive or out of place, the payback was simply holding less stage and less technicalities from coming from a slightly smaller stage.
Build:
While the same weight as the previous edition, now we can see wider nozzles, they even look way different than in the photos. Bigger probably the biggest I have ever seen in IEM land. We are also gifted a solid shell with the addition of two air vents. Such a semi custom design ends a joy in daily use.
Conclusion:
While I never heard the original black OVA, I did do a review of the 2nd generation purple OVA. And following down the understood and expected path to glory, Reecho and company have once more reinvented the SG-01. And different from other companies putting out an ocean of different sounding gear, here Reecho in a very careful and conservative way is naming the IEM the same, yet keeping up with the times. Offering a vastly different level of resolution which is noticeable between the OVA and the Dawn, yet can be drastically noticed upon trying new variations of cables. So much so that I can imagine people getting the ISN GC4 cable and naturally matching the Dawn to bring new lower-end details and wonderful textures to life. Now at this place in time if you’re game to explore simply what the included Dawn package provides, you will be thoroughly amused and satisfied, yet this here Dawn has incredible quality to scale with better and better gear, so much so that its potential is astounding?
Yet, remember early on I had not discovered such traits, as it was simply the benefit of this new Single Full-range 10mm Carbon Nano Diaphragm, and a new encasement which thrilled me. And sure the $51.99 Dawn is not everything, but at this level of musicality, I really don’t need anything more. As many are in the know…….that there is a secret in that regardless of price, Single Full-range DDs can mesmerize regardless of cost, if they are made correctly, and the Dawn is just that.
Only $51.99
https://penonaudio.com/Reecho-SG-01-Dawn.html
Take note they come in a myriad of color choices!
Disclaimer:
I want to thank Penon Audio for the love and for the Reecho SG-01 Dawn review sample.
Disclaimer:
These are one person's ideas and concepts, your results may vary.
Disclaimer on 4.5 star rating:
Normally I would go ahead and rate the Dawn a full 5 stars, due to rating on sound quality % to cost. Yep, it is value where I get my rating system from. The Dawn is all that, regardless of a rating system......in fact if there was 6 stars the Dawn would get that, simply because we are not trying to get every ounce of detail from a $51.99 IEM, it's impossible. Yet upon finding the Dawn to be both incredibly musical and detailed for what it is, I found myself emotionally beside myself.......I really thought this IEM is possibly the best DD I have ever heard (regardless of price) and I still think that way. Yet due to folks finding my judgment to be overly enthusiastic, and off the ground.........I am giving a 4.5 star review here. Yet as more people get the Dawn, and you will witness a phenomenon of success, I promise you that. Cheers!
Equipment Used:
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
Samsung Phone 3.5mm output
Redcarmoose Labs January 9th, 2024
A new SG-01 Dawn
So the Dawn comes in and I do what I normally do. I photograph an unopened box, then take the box and photographically create a box opening experience........like a little story.
Funny, as I started looking at the box, it brought back memories of the original Reecho SG-01 “OVA”. I mean they are titled the same, which is very different from most IEMs I get that are named in continuing model number after model number, like new numbers signify improvement/advancement?
Even though that original OVA box was opened in May of 2022, it was unique. Unique because the OVA was priced at only $49.00, yet sounded like more of an IEM? The OVA had an involved set of extra boxes......and some boxes had nothing inside but they created a two story box opening experience. Back then I had different terminology to describe playback…….I called the OVA my “Golden Retriever” laughingly enough? What that simply meant was that it was balanced and didn’t do much wrong. Kind-of like a dog that was loyal and didn’t cause much trouble around the house. And if you turn both IEMs onto their backside they do look a little the same.
This is probably the only time you will see me post the same photograph twice? Due to emphasizing the diameter of the included nozzles?
Pictured here is only the Dawn, but you can order different shell colors within the same model, or of course have your shells match.
Now in comparison, the OVA and Dawn are both 9 grams a piece in weight. This places them into the heavier side of IEMs. Now though the difference is the Dawn is about a third thicker, not so much wider, but they do stick out (of your ear) further than the OVA. Yet the one big difference is the faceplate, where the OVA was a continuation of the metal back, the Dawn on the other hand has a hand painted faceplate. And finally the nozzles are very different. Not noted so much in photographs, but in the hand the nozzle diameter of the Dawn is considerably wider. So much so that I got a photo just showing this size with my favorite wide-bore tips in place. Now don’t fret if you don’t have any wide-bore tips like this……in fact these wide-bores (I think) they came with the original OVA. But don’t worry as Reecho has included your very own (wide-bore) set with the Dawn. And just like everything else here, the included tips may even be an improvement than the ones that came with the OVA, as they offer a slight increase in length, which means you can use them with shorter nozzle IEMs.
Now really I’m beating around the bush here...................why? Because the sound is what is different. Now demoing the two side by side, sure there are similarities as far as how they are tuned. Yet, from simply going by my memory I thought tonally they were way different, but they are not. But what is different is this new Dawn driver is a whole different animal. So imagine with me that for the most part the two IEMs really do explore the same basic sound, but the difference here is they have utilized a 3nd generation driver and subsequently (while tonally the same) we are hearing a more sophisticated style of playback. The peak in the upper midrange with the OVA has been lessened and instead a more realistic and next level detail has been acquired. And yes, this can come-off subtle when you're looking for big differences, yet they are real and they are there. With the new SG-01 OVA being $49.00 and this new SG-01 Dawn being $51.99. I am not sure if they did product testing to learn how to make an improvement on the OVA, but the way the upper midrange is now with the Dawn is way more accessible and refined.
Detail:
So it not only brings a slight level of extra detail, but it is ever so slightly smoother and shows a polish of that specific area. There is also a complete rearrangement of the stage, which can be quite confusing and takes a moment to understand, where this new Dawn is showcasing a slightly more 3D and better arranged display. And to me, this is where the extra value comes in, of course that and the upper midrange showing more maturity and finesses. The Dawn is simply more realistic in the end.
Review summary:
This summary is “OK” early on in the Reecho Dawn review. You may not need to read any longer? Many feel reviews are too long and tedious to read, though others like the extra details, so here is a review encapsulation. The Reecho Dawn is a further development of the purple OVA, which was a refinement of the original black OVA.
Here are Dsnuts' conclusions in relation from the original ($10.00 less) black OVA, to the new edition I have.
"Going back and forth from the standard version vs the new OVA. The sound balancing/tuning is identical but now with a slightly better treble and mids definition."
Imagine that?
Funny as it seems we have the exact same improvements to this Dawn design. It is held in an improvement to the midrange and treble definition. Yet in able to reach such sound goals they had to completely redesign the body, and make the exit nozzle wider. The purple OVA has a 10mm Graphite Composite Diaphragm. This new Dawn has a newer 10mm Carbon Nano Diaphragm. Not hearing the purple OVA (I had) for quite some time, hearing this new model was quite the experience. Though I was simply only half right about these new improved performance and character differences.
What I did was find myself blown away by the extra details, so much so that I thought they had modified the total tune even, to make the Dawn more trebly. When in fact I was only focusing on the more natural and more realistic upper midrange and treble details. And that my friends is normal for comparing a tune with a nice improvement to your memory of an older similar tuned IEM. What kinda happens is you can become fascinated by this new section of sound, especially if it has an area of both naturalness and increased definition. You will forget possibly comparing the lower details and like seeing a view from a mountain-top, and focusing in on this new view of a sonic city. Such a description of discovering a new sound truly explains the wonder and excitement discovered that afternoon. There was simply more realistic detail, yet that detail went and seemed to lift the whole signature to a different zone.
End of review summary:
You see the difference here was there was an area of the original 2nd generation purple OVA that held a style of lacking separation, a clump of details that you couldn’t see into as well. Yet where the purple OVA hasn’t changed is in overall stage and lower midrange, and bass……those are really almost the same. The house tuning for Reecho is a balanced U tuning, thus (they are) continuing and refining this sound. The results are an IEM which promotes great imaging, separation and timbre, actually very uncommon for a single full-range DD? Thus the cream on the top has been to leave their over-all sound the same, but offer this upper midrange detail and smoothness which took the original sound signature and made it that much better! It’s more involving and emotional simply because it is now more real. It’s like a sheet has been pulled away and clarity discovered underneath, this area is more 3D and yet a little smoother.
Comparisons:
Here we will once more compare the SG-01 Dawn and purple SG-01 OVA….I mean why not? I was looking for single DDs to add to these side-by-sides, and while rummaging through my gear, I stumbled across the ISN H30. Now my original quest was to find the ISN D10, as it was a more pricey single full-range DD, but after finding the H30 it dawned on me that it would be more fun to compare. At $129.00 the ISN H30 is a 2BA + 1DD Hybrid. Now it’s not always fair to find an IEM to compare that’s over double the price of our Dawn, yet I feel this will be a grand learning experience? One of the main reasons to bring the ISN H30 in for comparison is the introduction of BAs, and slightly brighter BA sound in comparison to full-range single DDs.
Note in comparison the kitchen appliance look of the nozzle, a first...and I love it!
A) ISN H30:
2 Balanced Armature + 1 Dynamic driver hybrid
1) 9.2mm beryllium frosted diaphragm dynamic driver for low frequency
1) Sonion BA for middle frequency
1) Knowles BA for high frequency
B) Reecho SG-01 OVA: Single full-range 10mm with 7 microns Graphene Composite Diaphragm:
C) Reecho SG-01 Dawn: Single full-range 10mm Carbon Nano Diaphragm:
In choosing the odd man out with the ISN H30 there are the possibilities to both help delineate what the Dawn actually is and what it is not. While the two IEMs could be looked at as different and complementary, they do have some features which end parallel. Typically Hybrid IEMs will offer a slight skew of timbre into the midrange, upper-midrange and treble. This occurs because we are utilizing BAs, and even though we find ISN bring in name brand mid Knowles and treble Sonion BA drivers, there can still be expected such slight metallic timbre. The reason Hybrids are always my favorite over single full-range DDs is because there is also an added display of separation and imaging, which in my mind (as long as they are kept in check) overrides any timbre issues. And the truth of the matter is this is not a yes, no style of timbre issue. No, with Hybrids there can be endless truly subtle differences depending on the character of the BA, and the exact tune implementation into the sonic IEM signature. As of late there have even been house drivers made by various manufactures, which refuse to pay for outsourced Sonion and outsourced Knowles drivers, to include custom BAs into their IEMs, that due to tuning (and probably build quality) go the extra step moving forward with more realistic tone. As such inventions progress we even may see an extra level of competition to our single full-range DD. So the single full-range DD manufactures are too upping-up their performance with bigger size N52 driver magnets which contain even better control over the diaphragm. With the Dawn Reecho are reintroducing a new self-developed second generation carbon nano-tube diaphragm. And guess what the end results are? More detail like the BA brothers. Yep DDs are actually approaching BA performance, this stuff is real and part of the reason I was launched emotionally 6 feet off the ground when I heard the Dawn for the first time.
Crazy as it sounds……my first impressions of the Reecho Dawn had me thinking the driver sounded almost like a BA? It was the best of both worlds, thus having the detail of a BA with the cohesiveness of a full-range DD. It was this slight extra detail, 3D imaging and vibrant tone which really surprised me…….surprised me so much that I endlessly talked about how this new Dawn was so special…..that it was in fact revolutionary?
The included cable:
The 148 cores OCC silver-plated cable is both balanced sounding and ergonomic. Ergonomic as it just lays wherever you want it to and doesn't get in the way. Probably the best testament to this cable quality is the fact that after using the included cable, I went and tried to use a 4.4mm balanced cable, yet went back to the included cable for my testing. There was an elegant and truthful sound, really all you would ever need. Unless of course you wanted to try and find the extreme of where the Dawn could go sonically, then sure aftermarket cables were a definite change to the sound character......which I will get into.
Preparation for testing and equipment changes:
I spent an hour touring different cables for both the OVA and Dawn, reason being, my version of the ISN H30 has 4.4mm plugs which uses a different amplifier in the Sony 1A. And after experimenting with various 4.4mm cables on the normally equipped 3.5mm OVA and Dawn I eventually went back to the included Reecho Dawn cable. Yet what I learned in that hour was something else. I tried the expensive ISN GC4 cable and the ISN G4 cable. And of note was the fact that the ISN GC4 completely altered the low-end of the Dawn to be very different from the OVA. Yep, first off I kept getting intuitions to try the ISN GC4 with the Dawn. Now when that happens instinct is at work, showing me possibilities. And sure enough, with the GC4 in place for once there was a big difference in how the OVA and Dawn were as far as midrange and low-end. It was like those differences we noted at the beginning of the review were still there, but the Dawn was noted now as being a totally different driver. Now the Dawn showed extra 3D and textured low-end, a separated experience which was miles better than the 2nd generation OVA? Yet, the replay was slightly colored as that is what the GC4 does, it is a speciality cable. I then tried the ISN G4 and found it went back to the low-end I was familiar with from the stock Dawn cable. So I ended up using 3.5mm output of the 1A and the stock cable on both the OVA and Dawn, and the included 4.4mm cable with the ISN H30. But just so you know, if you have a number of cables laying around, there is a pretty good chance to explore low-end textures and definition with an alternative cable than the one the Dawn came with. And at $179.00 the ISN GC4 is not going to be the choice for everyone to match with a $51.99 Dawn IEM?
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/isn-gc4.24454/reviews#review-30860
https://penonaudio.com/isn-audio-gc4.html
Yet incase you did already have the ISN GC4 or wanted one of the very best cables to experience the Dawn after falling in love with it and it’s included cable, I can thoroughly recommend the (slightly colored) ISN GC4, as one of the aftermarket cables which took the Reecho SG-01 Dawn to a whole new level!
Let us begin:
ISN H30:
In replay the H30 was noticeably better than I remember it to be. Of course part of this is trying new music that just by itself, the music helps IEMs to be their best. Big washes of midrange elements is maybe the first thing you will notice, that and how the bass is sequestered-off into its own “bass zone”.
Kaveh Cohen, Michael Nielsen
Forza Motorsport OST
Brotherhood
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
Really the break when the bass arrives is no better place to showcase this phenomena. Right at the 00:42 mark the song goes to a different level where surprisingly I don’t remember the H30 as being so plush and into how the lower midrange and bass was heard, of course it could be the music, accentuating stuff? Remember it is the effects separated out to the edges and completely itemized, that the Dawn can’t keep up with. While offering really the opposite in how the nozzles work, the H30’s are on the long side, and the Dawn is on the shorter side, yet I’m able to get my preferred ear-tips to work flawlessly! A switch to the Dawn and we are met with both a more together style of playback and denser, thicker and even holding more bass physicality. Yet don’t make that together comment mean the music is not separated and not fully spacial….because it gloriously is. And while yes, timbre is better with the Dawn, the difference was not something I picked-up on right away………..it was this warmth….now someone could say that warmth is the timbre differences between the two IEMs……and I wouldn’t argue. You see really the shining Dawn difference here in comparison to many DDs is the beautiful separation, especially in the upper midrange of this song…………so much so that I forgot which IEM I had in my ears and had to feel them! But to cut this comparison short….yes Dawn soundstage is narrower, imaging out to the sides takes place closer to home with the Dawn and of course the separation in of lesser notice, but most of all this bass and lower midrange is clearer, somehow? Though due to the separation the ISN H30 still offers a style of bass definition, but that is not one of its strong points. Yet while holding better H30 details, those details don’t carry the note-weight of the Dawn. Where the H30 is way more midrange centered and holding action in a thinner but more refined way, especially when imaging goes out to the side. It is truly hard for me to choose the best, and really if anything they would be truly considered complementary. Yet, my heart tugs on the Dawn, which is very unusual as normally Hybrids are always my choice, and to think this H30 Hybrid was even powered by the better amplifier in the WM1A DAP? Lol
The OVA v the Dawn:
Yep, I’m comparing them again, different days, different moods, YADA, YADA. Why not….there could be more to be discovered. And while the ISN GC4 cable did start to give clues as to highlight the deep-end difference between the two OVA and Dawn….Let’s see if those features show-up now using the included cable (for both IEMs) in 3.5mm……..maybe?
Lorne Balfe and Andrew Kawczynski
Grand Turismo OST
Academy Race
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
Sure enough, with the sonic clues provided into vision of the low-end by the use of the ISN GC4 cables, now returning to the original Dawn provided cable and 2nd generation OVA IEM truth is found. The only way I can explain this is psychology. As listeners we are distracted and even though I did do a low-end comparison between the OVA and Dawn before……sonically I was given new clues after cable rolls. As such the bass was not only 1dB deeper, it was more defined and separated with this new Dawn 10mm Carbon Nano Diaphragm. I mean how could it not be really? The driver is moving ahead to proclaim a different midrange and treble showcasing more detail, so why wouldn’t the same go downstairs? It could be said that the OVA being the same weight, yet slightly smaller probably fits a little better? Where the OVA weight sits more inside your ear? Yet these sound differences are real. And yes it would be the treble and midrange and upper midrange that get the resolution details the most…..and the biggest issue with the 2nd generation OVA was that area of less resolution than the Dawn, a difference that is maybe even worth upgrading even if you had the original OVA and were wondering if that difference was enough……..as with different cables than the included Dawn cable……those differences will end up totally surprising and drastic. And truly I apologize in advance that while ear-tips made a difference, the cable rolls here were nothing short of staggering?
While in no way is the Academy Race track played back perfectly, the issues at hand are truly meaningless at the asking price for the Reecho SG-01 Dawn. Such favoritism here most likely revolves around the musicality found. As such you may forgive me for such enthusiasm? But if I was to try and take Academy Race playback apart……the stage here is actually tall and wide, even forward and back. Such displays of imaging are slightly more connected and at the same time while there is even more detail in places in comparison to the 2nd generation OVA, we still are met with a lack of total imaging resolution and refinement in comparison to more expensive IEMs. I don’t want to call the SG-01 Dawn blurry, but if you were looking to throw rocks here, that may be the defining starting point. Still with the layers offered regardless of detail withheld inside of the imaging……the Dawn is still a ton of fun and totally offering close (close) to near perfect timbre. Even the darker and thick violins at 01:45 while not completely airy hold a deep seated connection to the deep cello work as well as the standup bass here. While some may point-out, this sea of elements, there are beautiful harmonically rich details found holding provocative low-end energy.
The packaging:
Slightly different is the original OVA package.
Note similar included cable and my favorite ever wide-bore ear-tips.
From a phone:
I always have to try this. And while maybe meaning even more as this time, I used some generic middle-bore ear-tips. Not really in fear of losing my sacred wide-bore tips out of the house as the Dawn offers super wide nozzles being a first of their kind here at Redcarmoose Labs. As such the diameter will hold any tip on-tight. It is just the point of going outside with my wide-bores, as I only have two pairs and don’t know where to get more. Anyway the sound was very balanced from a phone, which may be the point as there were less contrasts into the stage, yet the stage was still big and easily liked. Were here we were noticing a smooth midrange and treble and the bass (while compacted) still sat in its place and offered a warm charm, that while not something I would maybe choose first to leave the house with, was fine none-the-less. There was nothing offensive or out of place, the payback was simply holding less stage and less technicalities from coming from a slightly smaller stage.
Build:
While the same weight as the previous edition, now we can see wider nozzles, they even look way different than in the photos. Bigger probably the biggest I have ever seen in IEM land. We are also gifted a solid shell with the addition of two air vents. Such a semi custom design ends a joy in daily use.
Conclusion:
While I never heard the original black OVA, I did do a review of the 2nd generation purple OVA. And following down the understood and expected path to glory, Reecho and company have once more reinvented the SG-01. And different from other companies putting out an ocean of different sounding gear, here Reecho in a very careful and conservative way is naming the IEM the same, yet keeping up with the times. Offering a vastly different level of resolution which is noticeable between the OVA and the Dawn, yet can be drastically noticed upon trying new variations of cables. So much so that I can imagine people getting the ISN GC4 cable and naturally matching the Dawn to bring new lower-end details and wonderful textures to life. Now at this place in time if you’re game to explore simply what the included Dawn package provides, you will be thoroughly amused and satisfied, yet this here Dawn has incredible quality to scale with better and better gear, so much so that its potential is astounding?
Yet, remember early on I had not discovered such traits, as it was simply the benefit of this new Single Full-range 10mm Carbon Nano Diaphragm, and a new encasement which thrilled me. And sure the $51.99 Dawn is not everything, but at this level of musicality, I really don’t need anything more. As many are in the know…….that there is a secret in that regardless of price, Single Full-range DDs can mesmerize regardless of cost, if they are made correctly, and the Dawn is just that.
Only $51.99
https://penonaudio.com/Reecho-SG-01-Dawn.html
Take note they come in a myriad of color choices!
Disclaimer:
I want to thank Penon Audio for the love and for the Reecho SG-01 Dawn review sample.
Disclaimer:
These are one person's ideas and concepts, your results may vary.
Disclaimer on 4.5 star rating:
Normally I would go ahead and rate the Dawn a full 5 stars, due to rating on sound quality % to cost. Yep, it is value where I get my rating system from. The Dawn is all that, regardless of a rating system......in fact if there was 6 stars the Dawn would get that, simply because we are not trying to get every ounce of detail from a $51.99 IEM, it's impossible. Yet upon finding the Dawn to be both incredibly musical and detailed for what it is, I found myself emotionally beside myself.......I really thought this IEM is possibly the best DD I have ever heard (regardless of price) and I still think that way. Yet due to folks finding my judgment to be overly enthusiastic, and off the ground.........I am giving a 4.5 star review here. Yet as more people get the Dawn, and you will witness a phenomenon of success, I promise you that.
Cheers!Equipment Used:
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
Samsung Phone 3.5mm output
