For larger views of the photos (1200 x 800) - please click on the individual images
INTRODUCTIONI've been working with Trinity (Trinity Audio Engineering) for almost a couple of years now. I don't get paid, but I do get listened to, and it has given me the opportunity to be part of the development process. Basically I try the new prototypes, give my feedback, and then it is up to Bob (the man who is the brains behind Trinity's product range) who ultimately makes the decisions on how to proceed – and whether to incorporate our feedback (myself and a couple of other Head-Fiers) into the final product.
The underlying vision and philosophy behind Trinity is that high quality audio should be affordable to everyone – and without compromising on build or materials. And just because it is high quality – it shouldn’t mean it has to be high cost.
Bob has been incredibly busy over the last couple of years, and this has led to the release of the original range (Hyperion, Techne and Delta original), and since progressed to the Atlas and Delta V2, and coming releases of the Phantom/Master series (Sabre, Master4, Master6, Phantom Air and Hunter – some of these are still in active development). One thing I really appreciate with a company like Trinity, and a designer like Bob, is the willingness to involve his consumers in some design decisions, so that the end result is (hopefully) exactly what the target audience is looking for.
I count myself incredibly lucky to have been able to work with Bob on this project – via email, PM and phone – and must admit a little personal pride in what Trinity have achieved. So without further comment – let’s have a look at the new Delta V2 – the upgrade from the original Delta which helped kick off Trinity's journey.
DISCLAIMER
I purchased the Delta V2 at a discounted rate from Trinity Audio (and yes I paid real money). I would have been provided a free review sample if I had asked for it – but the original Delta was one of my favourites and I definitely wanted this one personally. In the past I have purchased Hyperions (2) also, but have been provided free review samples (either prototypes or finals) of the Hyperion, Techne, Delta, Atlas and Sabre. Apart from my obvious involvement in feedback on the development, I am not otherwise affiliated with Trinity in any way, nor do I make any financial gain from my contributions.
PREAMBLE - 'ABOUT ME'
I'm a 49 year old music lover. I don't say audiophile – I just love my music. Over the last couple of years, I have slowly changed from cheaper listening set-ups to my current set-up. I vary my listening from portables (including the FiiO X5ii, X3ii, X7, LP5 Pro and L3, and iPhone 5S) to my desk-top's set-up (PC > USB > iFi iDSD). I also use a portable set-up at work – usually either X3ii/X7/L3 > HP, or PC > E17K > HP. My main full sized headphones at the time of writing are the Beyerdynamic T1, Sennheiser HD600 & HD630VB, and AKG K553. Most of my portable listening is done with IEMs, and lately it has mainly been with the Jays q-Jays, Alclair Curve2 and Adel U6. A full list of the gear I have owned (past and present is listed in my Head-Fi profile).
I have very eclectic music tastes listening to a variety from classical/opera and jazz, to grunge and general rock. I listen to a lot of blues, jazz, folk music, classic rock, indie and alternative rock. I am particularly fond of female vocals. I generally tend toward cans that are relatively neutral/balanced, but I do have a fondness for clarity, and suspect I might have slight ‘treble-head’ preferences. I am not treble sensitive (at all), and in the past have really enjoyed headphones like the K701, SR325i, and of course the T1 and DT880. I have a specific sensitivity to the 2-3 kHz frequency area (most humans do) but my sensitivity is particularly strong, and I tend to like a relatively flat mid-range with slight elevation in the upper-mids around this area.
I have extensively tested myself (ABX) and I find aac256 or higher to be completely transparent. I do use exclusively red-book 16/44.1 if space is not an issue. All of my music is legally purchased (mostly CD – the rest FLAC purchased on-line). I tend to be sceptical about audiophile ‘claims’, don’t generally believe in burn-in, have never heard a difference with different cables, and would rather test myself blind on perceived differences. I am not a ‘golden eared listener’. I suffer from mild tinnitus, and at 49, my hearing is less than perfect (it only extends to around 14 kHz nowadays).
I have very eclectic music tastes listening to a variety from classical/opera and jazz, to grunge and general rock. I listen to a lot of blues, jazz, folk music, classic rock, indie and alternative rock. I am particularly fond of female vocals. I generally tend toward cans that are relatively neutral/balanced, but I do have a fondness for clarity, and suspect I might have slight ‘treble-head’ preferences. I am not treble sensitive (at all), and in the past have really enjoyed headphones like the K701, SR325i, and of course the T1 and DT880. I have a specific sensitivity to the 2-3 kHz frequency area (most humans do) but my sensitivity is particularly strong, and I tend to like a relatively flat mid-range with slight elevation in the upper-mids around this area.
I have extensively tested myself (ABX) and I find aac256 or higher to be completely transparent. I do use exclusively red-book 16/44.1 if space is not an issue. All of my music is legally purchased (mostly CD – the rest FLAC purchased on-line). I tend to be sceptical about audiophile ‘claims’, don’t generally believe in burn-in, have never heard a difference with different cables, and would rather test myself blind on perceived differences. I am not a ‘golden eared listener’. I suffer from mild tinnitus, and at 49, my hearing is less than perfect (it only extends to around 14 kHz nowadays).
This is a purely subjective review - my gear, my ears, and my experience. Please take it all with a grain of salt - especially if it does not match your own experience.
THE REVIEW
PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES
The Delta V2 arrived in the traditional grey Trinity retail “book style” retail box – measuring 125 x 190 x 55mm. The box is simple but well presented, with the Trinity logo and model (DELTA) on the front cover, and specifications, accessories and a little about the Delta's on the back.
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Front of the retail box | Rear of the retail box | Inside the front cover |
Opening the front flap reveals a couple of booklets attached to the inner cover – one with a list of all Kickstarter Backers, and a second which is an information and instruction manual. On the main part of the box is another protective board cover with clear window to observe the new Deltas. Opening this then reveals a foam inner with appropriate cut-outs to house the Delta, carry case, provided tips, and filters.
The entire package is comprehensive and includes:
- The Delta V2
- The Trinity zippered carry case
- 7 pairs of tuning filters
- 4 sets of silicone tips (1 pr small, 2 pr medium and 1 pr large)
- 1 set of dual flange silicone tips
- 2 sets of foam tips (1 pr med and 1 pr large)
- 1 multi braid cable, and one cloth covered microphone enabled cable
- 1 shirt clip
- 1 straight to right angle jack converter
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The inner compartment | Full package contents | Included tips |
The Trinity standard case is black, has an internal mesh pouch for tips etc, is triangular shaped, and zips to open/close. It is reasonably spacious, has a good mix of both flexibility and strength – so it is comfortable to pocket, but still protects your IEMs really well.
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Case, cables, clip and right angle jack converter | The filters | Undamped vs damped |
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
I've included the specifications from the original Delta for comparison.
| | Delta V2 | Delta Original |
| Type | Hybrid BA + 7mm Dynamic Driver | Hybrid BA + 8mm Dynamic Driver |
| Frequency Range | 20 Hz – 20 Khz | 19 Hz – 21 Khz |
| Impedance | 16 ohm | 16 ohm |
| Sensitivity | 110 +/-3dB @ 1kHz 1mW | 110 +/-3dB @ 1kHz 1mW |
| Cable | 1.1m std + 1.15m mic enabled (replaceable) | 1.1m OFC std (fixed) |
| Jack | 3.5mm gold plated, straight jack | 3.5mm gold plated, straight jack |
| Weight | Approx 16g with tips in place | Approx 14g with tips in place |
| IEM Shell | CNC polished aluminium | CNC polished aluminium |
FREQUENCY GRAPH
The graphs below are generated using the Vibro Veritas coupler and ARTA software. I must stress that they aren’t calibrated to IEC measurement standards, but the raw data I’m getting has been very consistent, and is actually not too far away from the raw data measured by other systems except for above 4-5 kHz where it shows significantly lower than measurements performed on a properly calibrated rig. So when reading the graphs, don’t take them as gospel – or at least remember that the area above 4-5 kHz will likely be significantly higher. It is my aim to get this system calibrated at some stage in the future.
The graphs are provided merely as a point of discussion, and I've included a comparison to the original Delta for reference. The graphs in this section are the Delta V2 with gold (or middle) filter with damping vs the original Delta's gunmetal filter (also damped). I'll use the gold damped to talk about the basic signature – as it probably has the best overall balance.
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Delta V2 frequency chart and channel matching | Delta V1 frequency chart and channel matching | Delta V2 vs Delta V1 |
The first time I heard the Delta V2 – I knew it was an original Delta tuning – but improved. The frequency response is almost the same, but the bass doesn't have as much decay – there is still plenty of thump, but not as much “boom”. But the magical mid-range isn't really changed, and this is what Bob has got so incredibly right.
There is definite sub-bass roll-off, but the Delta still manages to represent enough rumble to satisfy – and the real roll doesn't start until the 3-40 Hz area anyway. There is a mid-bass hump (the size of this depends on the filter you use), but this only makes the Delta V2 seem quite natural sounding (to me anyway). The mids have a little dip through 1kHz, but then have a nice gentle rise in the presence area between 2-3 kHz, and this brings both clarity and sweetness. Female vocals are a little fuller and richer than male vocals – but this is a tuning I really like. There is a lower treble peak at around 8-9 kHz, but it is a pretty benign one, and provides plenty of detail without getting too bright.
I'll go into much more detail when we reach the filter section.
BUILD QUALITY / DESIGN
The Delta is very similar in looks and build to the original – it just has a longer shell, and of course the detachable 2-pin cable. So starting with the body, it is once again cylindrical or cartridge shaped, approx 12mm in diameter, and made of highly polished CNC aluminium anodised with a gunmetal finish. The body is 17-18mm in length (no filter) and has a tapered front and domed rear. At the rear of the dome is a single external port.
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Delta V2 from the side | Delta V2 from the front | Delta V2 from opposite side |
There are seven included tuning filters, and each simply screws into the front of the housing and adds 6mm to the overall length. The filters are covered with a mesh cover and the nozzle section is approx 5-6mm in diameter. It has a nice lip to hold tips securely. The Trinity logo is printed across both ear pieces in white and looks really classy. Toward the rear of the Delta V2 is a raised 2 pin socket. There is no left or right markings on either ear piece, and because of this they are interchangeable (the cable decides the designation).
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Delta V2 from the rear | Cable connection system | The hard to see "R" only on the cable connector |
There are two cables included – the standard Trinity multi-braid cable, and a cloth covered single button remote and mic cable. My standard cable measures 1.1m in length from jack to 2-pin connectors. The connectors are really interesting because there is a plastic sheath around the two prongs so they are very well protected. This sheath goes over the connector socket mount on the IEM body, and fits very securely. The only clue about which connector is which is an L or R imprinted into the sheath jacket. Because this is black, it is very hard to see, and one of my few gripes about the Delta V2. I've actually snipped a couple of coloured IEM stems and slipped them over the sheaths so identification is a little easier. Another important note – the L or R should face the rear of the IEM. They fit both ways, but if you have it facing front they are audibly out of phase.
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My makeshift ID solution | Trinity standard multi-braid cable, jack and y-split | New cloth microphone cable, jack, y-split, and control unit |
The strain relief at the sheath end of the cable is reasonably rigid. The Y-split is a really nice looking aluminium tube with good flexible strain relief at the bottom, and a superbly implemented cinch at the top. The jack is gold plated, with spring loaded strain relief. It is iPhone case friendly, and for those who prefer a right angled jack, Trinity include a right angle adaptor which works really well.
The standard cable is the same as the one used on most of the Trinity products and is one of the best I've used (until you get into the mega-buck boutique cables). The cable consists of 4 OFC wires – both sets of two tight woven into a spring like weave. These two weaves are then woven again together below the Y-split. The end result is an extremely flexible, and gorgeous looking cable with virtually no memory. The weave also gives it strength. So far in my testing (over-ear), cable noise is minimal – unless it comes into contact with a rough surface (zipper etc). The cable can be slightly tangle prone – but careful winding and storage solves that easily.
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Size comparisons to the original dDelta | Similar build, except for length | Size comparison to original Delta |
The secondary cable is cloth covered, very slightly longer than the standard cable (1.15m), has a 4 pole straight jack, and this time has a combined single button control and microphone port on the left hand earpiece. The push button control is a universal standard (one-click pause/play, two click next track, three click previous track, and press and hold activates Siri for me). The control unit hangs about 4cm below my ear if worn over ear, and just below my chin if worn straight down. The microphone is pretty clear, and I had no problems being clearly understood when calling my wife. The cable also has reasonably low microphonics and virtually none when worn over ear.
Overall the build quality and attention to detail is top-notch, and the only issue I can fault is the markings on the cable connectors.
FIT / COMFORT / ISOLATION
I have one ear canal slightly different to the other one (my right is very slightly smaller) - so I tend to find that usually single silicon flanges don't fit overly well. But because of the Delta V2's shape allowing for a deeper fit, both the large single flange tips and also the dual flange both fit me like a glove. My preference was for the included foam tips which aren't Comply (Bobs ones are more durable) – and these proved to be both comfortable and seal really well. I also tried and was very successful with Sony Isolation tips, Spinfits, Ostry tuning tips, and Spiral-Dots.
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Spiral dots and Ostry tuning tips | Sony isolation and Spinfit tips | The Trinity dual flange and standard silicone |
Isolation with the Delta V2 will depend on the seal you achieve and insertion depth, but for my larger canals and relatively deep seal I find isolation is average to above average for a hybrid containing a vented dynamic driver. With music playing you’re isolated pretty well.
Comfort for me is excellent – part of this could be because of my larger ears and canals. After a while I don't really notice I'm wearing them and despite the added length, they sit flush or slightly inside my outer ear (YMMV). I've already managed to sleep many times with the Delta V2 intact and at low volumes I've even slept pretty much through the night a couple of times.
So the new Delta V2 looks good, has a fantastic build, and is comfortable to wear. Let’s have a look at the filters, and then move onto sonic impressions.
DELTA FILTER SYSTEM
The original Delta came with three exchangeable filters to allow you to tailor the sound to your preference. I've included the graph for the original Delta filters, and then the comparison with Delta V2's new 7 filter system. I've also further divided that into two section for easier discussion.
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All of the filters | Original Delta V1 filters (3) | New Delta V2 filters (7) |
Each filter stands a little over 8mm tall, with a 7mm diameter threaded base, and 5-6mm nozzle. The filter screws easily into the main body of the Delta V2, and can be replaced for different tuning. Most of the filters have a very small tuning vent located toward and just above the threaded section. Half of the filters also have a damping membrane. The vents control the bass quantity. The damping controls the upper mid-range. Together they give 7 very different options, and should have something to cater to most tastes and preferences.
The silver filter has no vent and has the maximum bass, next comes gold and finally purple. Each of these without damping has the usual mid-range rise, but this extends further and has a secondary peak between 4-5 kHz. So the undamped filters tend to be brighter and crisper, and for the silver – and gold, quite V shaped. For a summary of where each filter sits -
- Silver undamped – has the most bass (especially sub-bass) , and also emphasised clarity. This one is really the V shaped or “fun filter” (silver on the “all graph”)
- Silver damped - has slightly less bass but still second most impact. Highs are softened, sot his one is quite warm, bassy and smooth (blue on the “all graph”)
- Gunmetal damped – is the only one without a partner and is actually quite close overall to the yellow damped filter – but with a touch more bass (red on the “all graph”)
- Gold undamped – has quite a bit less bass than the silver, is quite a lot more balanced, and will be favoured by people who like a lot of clarity with tight, fast but still present bass (gold on the “all graph”)
- Gold damped – has exactly same bass as the undamped version, but without the heat in the upper mids and lower treble. It is quite balanced and sounds very natural overall (yellow on the “all graph”)
- Purple undamped – has the flattest bass of all the filters, but combined with the upper mid and lower treble emphasis delivers a very crisp, very clean signature that acoustic lovers may very well appreciate. In a lot of ways it reminds me of the DUNU Titan T3. (dark purple on the “all graph”)
- Purple damped – virtually the same bass as the undamped, but again without the heat in the upper mids and lower treble. This is possibly the most balanced of all the filters and the closest to reference level (light purple on the “all graph”)
The spare filters are housed in the now familiar little aluminium tube with the screw on cap. This is brilliant as the tube fits neatly in the case so that your filters are always with you – and the tube should be big enough so that it won’t get easily lost. There is only one included though - but should be sufficient as I'd imagine most people will have their favourite fitted and another one or two handy for alternate tunings.
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Undamped filters | Undamped left, damped right | Damped filters |
My favourite of the filters are the damped gold and damped purple. The gold is more natural sounding, but the purple is addictive for its clarity without going over the top. The one thing the Delta V2 does better than any other tunable (via filters) IEM I've tried is give real options for changing the signature- rather than just enhancing or decreasing the bass. In this regard, for my tastes, it actually bests both the Sabre and the Atlas for tunability options.
SOUND QUALITY
The following is what I hear from the Trinity Delta V2. YMMV – and probably will – as my tastes are likely different to yours (read the preamble I gave earlier for a baseline). Most of the testing at this point (unless otherwise stated) was done with my FiiO X3ii + E17K as source, the gold damped filter in place, and Bob's included foam tips.
For the record – on most tracks, the volume level on the E17K was around 17-19/60 (on low gain) which was giving me an average SPL around 65-70 dB (with peaks around 75 dB). Tracks used were across a variety of genres – and can be viewed in this list http://www.head-fi.org/a/brookos-test-tracks.
Thoughts on General Signature
The sound signature with the gold damped filters is very close to that of the original Delta. It is smooth and easy to listen to, while at the same time having very good overall resolution. Bass (especially mid-bass is slightly elevated, but it isn't as boomy as the original Delta. Lower mids are a little on the lean side, and there is a natural progression through the upper mids with female vocals being emphasised a little more. For those who've had Trinity products before you will recognise their “house sound”.
Overall Detail / Clarity
Tracks used: Gaucho, Sultans of Swing
- Good overall balance with noticeable mid-bass hump (this can be flattened with other filters)
- Good detail retrieval but subdued a little with the damped filters – can be emphasised with the undamped. Cymbals still have reasonable presence with the damped filter but they sit in the background just a little
- Guitar has extremely good edge and sounds quite natural
- Vocals in both tracks are nicely presented in contrast to the rest of the track, but marginally leaner in the mix.
Sound-stage, Imaging, and Sibilance Test
Tracks used: Tundra, Dante’s Prayer, Let it Rain
- Precise directional cues, but just outside the periphery of my head space – so average width and depth
- Good spherically presented stage – not too wide or lacking depth
- Imaging is very clean and clear and good separation of instruments without being too clinical.
- Very good contrast between vocals, piano and cello with Dante's Prayer. Loreena's vocals are amazing with the Delta V2.
- Really good immersion (applause section of Dante's Prayer) with impression that crowd is around you (you are sitting right in it). This continued with the holographic presentation of “Let It Rain”. One of the better IEM presentations of both tracks.
- Sibilance is present in “Let It Rain” - I know it exists in the recording. However it isn't overly emphasised, and for me is very tolerable.
Bass Quality and Quantity
Tracks used: Bleeding Muddy Water, Royals
- Really good mid-bass impact and good portrayal of the overall dark mood. Mark's vocals have good presentation of timbre, and texture (Mark's vocals in “Muddy Waters”) - but tonally slightly leaner than I am used to.
- Average to good speed and bass resolution – still good impact, and not too boomy.
- No signs of bass bleed into the mid-range
- Surprisingly good sub-bass for rumble (“Royals”) but not over-done. Can be lifted by moving to the silver filter.
- Good separation between mid-bass impact and vocals (“Royals”) - clean presentation.
Female Vocals
Tracks used : Aventine, Strong, For You, Human, The Bad In Each Other, Howl, Safer, Light as a Feather, Don’t Wake me Up, Ship To Wreck.
- Wonderful transition from lower-mids to upper-mids – this is one of the strengths of the Delta V2
- Nicely euphonic presentation with good air and a definite touch of sweetness to female vocals
- Extremely good contrast between vocals and lower pitch of instruments like cello
- No signs of stridency with Aventine and Strong
- Really good bass impact with music with highly dynamic content (Feist, FaTM) – contrast between bass and vocals is excellent
- Superb with slower female vocals and especially with artists like Gabriella Cilmi, Norah Jones and Sarah Jarosz. As good a tuning as I have heard for female vocalists.
Male Vocals
Track used: Away From the Sun, Art for Art’s Sake, Broken Wings, Hotel California, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Keith Don’t Go, Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town.
- Male vocals are just a little thinner, but still very enjoyable. They also feel as if they have just a little distance.
- Bass presence is impactful and dynamic, and there is good contrast with lead guitar.
- Excellent portrayal of classic rock artists like 10CC and Jethro Tull. Mix of detail and tonality is very good.
- Brilliant with acoustic tracks – especially Eagle's Hotel California. Genuine sense of space in the live track too
- Couldn't stop tapping my toes with Green Day's track – the dynamic contrast really is very good. A little more intimate with this track, but brilliantly balanced.
- Good overall presentation of timbre and tone with Pearl Jam – texture on Eddie's vocals was there but slightly distant. Good but not the best I've heard. Cymbal decay was excellent in this track.
Genre Specific Notes
- Really good with most forms of Rock and Alt Rock – especially Porcupine Tree and Floyd – presentation of detail in Money was very good, and the vocal presentation especially.
- Really good with Blues and Jazz although on some tracks I'd be tempted to slip one of the undamped filters in place if I was planning a real Jazz session (just for some extra emphasis on cymbals). Sax was smooth and thoroughly enjoyable. Purple damped or gold undamped would probably be my choice with these genres.
- EDM, Hip-hop and Trance were really good with just the gold filters – but for those wanting a lot more thump, the silver filters definitely take it to another level. You might sacrifice just a little speed for the impact though. Trance – especially with female backing vocals – was marvellous, and I'm really enjoying some Trip-Hop with the likes of Little Dragon.
- Pop was very good, and the added mid-bass for the likes of Coldplay suited the slightly rough recording quality. The upper mid-range emphasis also seems to suit this type of genre, and especially so with Adele.
- Indie was heavenly. Once again, it seems to be the combination of slightly lifted mid-bass, slightly recessed 1-2 kHz range, and then the lift in upper-mids that really seems to deliver a lot of cohesion. Band of Horses was dynamic and thoroughly enjoyable, but Wildlight's “Dawn to Flight” was the outstanding track of the whole review. There are no words to describe how beautifully the Delta V2 renders this track. Perfection.
- Classical was really good, but I'd probably keep the golds for anything with a lot of cello or piano based, and switch to purple for orchestral pieces. Netrebko and Garanca's rendition of Lakme's Flower Duet was another high moment with great tonality as well as sense of space.
AMPLIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
The Delta is easily powered straight out of the headphone-out socket of the portable devices I have, and I haven’t experienced any issues with the iPhone 5S, or any of the FiiO DAPs. With typical pop/rock songs on the iP5S I’m usually at a volume level of around 25-35%, on the X3ii around 30-40/120. Again, I did try amping with the E17K, but noticed no obvious signs of improvement. I also used the IMS Hybrid Valve Amp with the purple undamped filter and that was a really nice tonal combination – but I couldn't say that the Delta V2 either benefits from or needs additional amplification.
EQUALISATION
IMO the Delta V2 does not need it, and that is what the filters are for anyway. But in the interests of trying to see the effects, I used the X7 and played around with taking some mid-bass out whilst keeping some sub-bass more present and the result wasn't too shabby. For those who prefer not to EQ though, you'll love the filter choices.
COMPARISONS
This section is always a difficult one to try to work out as to which comparisons would be most useful. I tried to pick IEMs which are similar and in the same price bracket – but also thought it would be a good idea to compare to the original Delta (now discontinued), and also a higher end tunable IEM in the FCL8S.
All of these comparisons are very subjective – and influenced by my own preference, physiology and bias. Comparison was once again with the X3ii + E17K, and the Delta V2 had the gold damped filters. All IEMs were volume matched with a 1 kHz tone and using a proper SPL meter.
Delta V2 (~$145) vs Delta V1 (No longer available)
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Delta V1 vs Delta V2 | Frequency graph (comparative) |
Sonically they are very close. Delta V2 has less boomy bass, and more filter options. It is slightly larger, but both have the exceptional build, and now the new model also has the detachable cables + mic cable. Is it worth getting V2 if you like/own the V1? – IMO absolutely.
Delta V2 (~$145) vs Fidue A73 ($149)
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Delta V2 vs Fidue A73 | Frequency graph (comparative) |
This is an interesting one - as both are dual hybrids, and both are in the same price band. The A73 has the more ergonomic fit, but the Delta V2 has the better build, better cable, and the cables are replaceable. Delta V2 also has the 7 different tuning options. Both earphones have similar bass and mid-ranges (on the graphs), but the difference in mid-range elevation of the A73 gives it a thicker and richer sound, and also the bass sounds a lot boomier and warmer overall. The Delta V2 sounds leaner and also a lot cleaner. The A73 also has a much sharper peak in the lower treble which can make it sound reasonably hot in this area (for me it can be sibilant). This will come down to sonic preference as the two are quite different – but for me the cleaner sonic signature and tuning options very definitely put the Delta V2 a long way ahead.
Delta V2 (~$145) vs DUNU DN-1000 ($159)
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Delta V2 vs DUNU DN-1000 | Frequency graph (comparative) |
The DN-1000 was DUNU's first triple driver hybrid and it was a real game changer on its release. Both earphones have excellent build quality, with the Delta V2 ultimately getting the nod with its superior cabling, and of course the ability to change filters. The Delta also manages a little more comfort than the shorter DUNU, but really there isn't a lot in it. Sonically the DN-1000 has similar bass, but more sub-bass, and when coupled with its comparatively flatter mid-range it sounds warmer and fuller (more body). I definitely prefer the clearer and sweeter tonality of the Delta V2.
Delta V2 (~$145) vs Trinity Sabre ($110 on promo, normally $185)
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Delta V2 vs Trinity Sabre | Delta V2 all filters | Sabre all filters |
The Sabre is one of Trinity's new Phantom range and is a dual dynamic driver earphone in a push pull configuration. In terms of build, you couldn't pick a winner – both have Trinity's excellent finish and attention to detail. Both also feature the new two pin replaceable cable system. For comfort, I would say that the Sabre are slightly more comfortable being a little more ergonomic. In terms of tuning filters, the Delta V2 has 7 filters whilst the Sabre has 5, but in two different lengths. I've shown graphs for both so you can see the different tuning options. Delta V2 is definitely more configurable and has a lot more options to change signature – where Sabre's is more confined to differences in the bass. Sonically whilst I can get closer to the Sabres tuning with the undamped filters, the bass in both is very similar, with the Delta V2 feeling like it has marginally more impact, but the Sabre having the overall bolder and more vibrant signature. My actual preference here (personally) is till with the Delta V2 – simply because its signature is more in line with my personal tastes.
Delta V2 (~$145) vs FCL8S ($299)
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Delta V2 vs FCL8S | Frequency graph (comparative) |
This will seem like a miss-match with the FCL8S triple driver hybrid being double the price, but I thought it pertinent given the Delta V2 is one of the best and most configurable IEMs I've come across with tuning nozzles, and the FCL8S is probably the most configurable IEM on the market today with more than 36 different tuning tweaks available. For overall build quality, I'd definitely go with the Delta's CNC aluminium and far superior cable over the FCL8S polished plastic shell and unwieldy cable. For fit, the ergonomic shape of the FCL8S is definitely more comfortable. The FCL8S has far more tuning options and the ability to tweak to your heart's content, so with this comparison I went with black, none, gold vs the Delta's gold damped.
Bass is flatter and more extended on the FCL8S with the configuration, and I have to admit I love being able to tweak the bass to my liking with the FCL8S. The bass is close enough between the two to leave to individual preference. Both have similar texture and overall quality – but the added extension of the FCL8S will definitely be appealing to many. The mid-range presentations are very different with the FCL8S having a bump between 1-2 kHz compared to the Delta's 2-3 kHz rise. This gives the FCL8S a very intimate and up front presentation of vocals, and I know a lot of people really like this approach – but I find it fatiguing after a while, and prefer the extra space the Delta provides. Lower treble can be manipulated by both headphones using the filter systems. Ultimately it will come down again to preference – and for me as not a huge fan of the 1-2 kHz bump – I'll pick the Delta. But the one thing that is clear from A/Bing both earphones is that they are both wonderful examples of how far audio has come in the last 5-10 years. Both are quality products and each have their unique place at the moment.
DELTA V2 - SUMMARY
The Trinity Delta V2 is the best tuned dual driver hybrid earphone I’ve heard to date, and it definitely isn't embarrassed when comparing to triple drive hybrid earphones in its own, and higher priced brackets. The build is typical Trinity with precision machined aluminium shells, a fantastic cable, and a really configurable filter system which IMO is superior to any other nozzle based filter system I've tried. Fit will be dependent on your canal size (those with smaller ears may have issues), but for me personally it is very comfortable for long term listening.Sonically you can change from a V shaped fun signature to a quite balanced / natural tonality, or even a flatter reference sound simply by changing the filters, and there should be something for most tastes with 7 different options available
The new Delta V2 is an easy recommendation from me because at this price point, and for this quality, you really are getting a wonderful earphone system – one capable of besting earphones at much higher prices. It is an improvement in every way over the original without losing the original tonality which made the original Delta such a well regarded earphone on its release.
Any nitpicks I have are minor, and considering what you get for the price, I can't give this anything but 5 stars.
. i'll try out your recommendations along with the delta v2 to see which one meets my needs. thanks!