Jialai Carat

Introduction

JIALAI presents itself as a sister brand of NiceHCK and the Carats are the first models under its belt. All ChiFi fans know the AliExpress shop NiceHCK and it may come as a bit of a surprise to start with another parallel brand. But be that as it may, here are the JIALAI Carat, an IEMS using a dynamic driver with a 10mm titanium-plated DLC diaphragm. The capsule is made of aluminium alloy using a five-axis CNC, while tuning is based on the IE 2019 curve. Finally, the Carats come with a good number of accessories for their price, as well as a high-purity OFC cable with 2Pin 0.78mm interface. Let's take a closer look at what this new model has to offer.



Specifications

• Driver Type: Dynamic driver with 10mm titanium-plated DLC diaphragm.
• Frequency Response: 10Hz-28kHz.
• Sensitivity: 106dB/mW.
• Impedance: 32Ω.
• Capsule material: Aluminium alloy.
• Jack Connector: SE 3.5mm.
• Capsule Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm.
• Cable: High purity OFC.

Packaging

The JIALAI Carat comes in a square, silver box whose dimensions are 115x115x67mm. On the main side is the name of the brand and model in the centre, in large black letters. The brand name can be read from top to bottom in silver letters on the left side. There is a small description at the bottom right base. On the back side all the lettering is black. At the top left is the brand logo. To its right the m model and below it the description. In the next section are the specifications. Then, the brand's contact details and other information. The box opens like a chest and on the lower part of the lid, the characteristics of the model are repeated. The capsules are inside a black foam base with a cloth strip for easy removal. On the second level there is a leatherette case with a magnetised clasp and the rest of the accessories. In a summary:

• The two JIALAI Carat capsules.
• A black imitation leather case with magnetic closure.
• One user's manual.
• One 4-strand high purity OFC cable.
• Three pairs of black silicone narrow core tips, sizes SxMxL.
• Three pairs of black silicone wide-core tips, sizes SxMxL.
• Three pairs of blue silicone tips model NiceHCK 08, sizes SxMxL.

Currently, the JIALAI Carat can be bought for less than €60. The standard of the accessories is pretty good. But I think the cable, coming from a brand like NiceHCK, could be a bit better, as it feels a bit basic in its outer construction.



Construction and Design

The JIALAI Carat has a mix of classic design and a blend of newer features. It is an aluminium alloy capsule with a mirror finish, which is a fingerprint magnet. Its size is on the small side of a medium-sized shape. It is quite flat and because of its somewhat short mouthpiece, its integration in my ears is quite flush. The outer shape is based on an almost rectangular triangle, with the vertices cut off. The outer face is composed of 5 flat sides in a triangular shape. Surprisingly, it is not too thick. At the bottom of the border, the full name of the model can be read, as well as the letter indicating the channel. All this by means of a perfect inscription on its surface. On the other side of the rim is the 2PIN 0.78mm interface, inside the capsule, on a plastic plate. Next to it, there is a hole. The inner side has a first part away from the nozzles which is flat. Then there is a flat slope going upwards and almost at the end there is another hole. Immediately after are the matt golden mouthpieces, which look like brass. Their interior is protected by a metal grille. The approximate length is 4.5mm, while the inner diameter is 4.8mm and the crown is 5.8mm. It is surprisingly light weight, compared to other similar capsules.
The cable consists of 4 strands wound together in two pairs. The outer sheath is black and somewhat coarse. The sleeve of the 3.5mm gold-plated SE plug is a dark metal cylinder. It has the brand name written in white letters lengthwise. It has a small rubber protection at the cable outlet. The splitter piece is the same shape but smaller, without any lettering. The pin is a ring that fulfils its fitting role very well, as it does not slip easily. The gold-plated 2Pin 0.78mm connection interface has a very classically shaped half-angled sleeve, with that all-too-simple black plastic look that is so common on budget models. There is a letter inscribed to indicate the channel. Then, the cable has a semi-rigid sleeve to shape it over the ear.
The construction of the capsules is quite good, with that medium/small size, that somewhat distinctive shape and its low thickness and weight. The cable is a bit basic, not the classic ChiFi cable, but it is a bit stiff and has parts, such as the 2Pin termination sleeve, that could be improved, as well as the cable sleeve itself. NiceHCK has much better cables for a very low price.



Adjustment and Ergonomics

The weight is low, the shape is very good, I'm surprised how well the whole thing fits in my ear. The problem is that the tips are a bit short. I had to look for longer tips in order to reach a shallow insertion. Once I found them, the fit is simple, occlusive, no movement, no rotation, quite firm. But with the somewhat fragile drawback that the mouthpieces are a bit short and it seems that the capsules could fall off at some point. In reality, this is not the case because my foam-filled tips generate a vacuum-like effect, which facilitates a tighter and more durable fit. But it does give that slight impression. Even so, I don't have any problems with firm use and smooth movement. Finally, there is driver flex, especially in the right capsule.



Sound

Profile

The JIALAI Carat's border on the current classic U-V profile. Focused on the lower bass, it also sits energetically in the upper midrange, but without being overdriven. There is a good level of energy in the early treble, adding a good initial extension in this upper band. The midranges don't feel too recessed, and there is some balance between the lows and the upper mids. But there is always that lighter, more distant initial central range.
The brand itself specifies that the Carats are based on the IE 2019 curve. And what is clear is that this is a tuning that is not unique, as there are many models, even in this price range, that have a similar FR. Another thing is how each model manages to sound technically speaking.
The Carat's need some power to reach a good volume level.



Bass

Bass is something that feels enhanced in the Carat. Their energy starts from the very bottom and they have a certain dark, springy character that sets them apart from other models that are drier in their execution. For better or worse, the Carat's generate a powerful, slightly rubbery hit that makes them enjoyable, more extended, more fun to play, with a discernible rather than smooth texture. However, not an ounce of darkness and depth is lost in this feel, as a sub-bass advancing into the low-midrange remains the star of the show.
In the very low frequency pure tone test, one can perceive the reason for this dark, deep, sensory, textured and slightly flexible character. The lower frequency is perceived in equal parts physically and aurally, with some noticeable undulating behaviour. Several of these qualities, as well as a somewhat more prolonged decay, follow from this. I find its behaviour, colour and timbre adequate, as well as the level of energy, naturalness and realism. But that more elastic feel subtly takes it away from a more perfect behaviour, technically speaking. Assuming that there are many higher-priced IEMS that don't quite execute bass the way the Carat does, the low end of this model is certainly remarkable for its price range. It can be said that the energy level exceeds neutrality and that these are bass-boosted IEMS. On the other hand, the more elastic character, with a slightly longer fade, contributes to this perception. But in the dirty, raw and unfiltered bass test, the Carats endorse their overall good behaviour without generating problems. They are quite capable of performing complex, simultaneous bass lines, and can discern quite well between them. It doesn't lose control in the heaviest bass and manages to layer layers with little or no mixing. It may not be the most technical, clean or precise when it comes to bass performance under $100. But in its demeanour and execution lies a certain appeal that is more enjoyable than concise. Although, to be fair, the Carat's bass has the resolution and definition to make the lower range a powerful and well-executed band. And not all of them have that level.



Mids

The Carats have that in-vogue tuning of relatively thin initial midranges and hot upper mids. Although the unevenness is not that great, the increased bass can make that initial phase more distant. There is no obvious bleed from the bass into the midrange, but the limited technical level of the Carats in the lower range can disturb the tranquillity of the midrange.
The initial phase is slightly lean, with well-represented male voices, with an acceptable timbre and naturalness. In this case, they seem to have a good base, but lack a certain body in the central part. You can feel a deep bass in them, but as the frequencies rise, they are a bit more distant and it is there where you can perceive a certain thinness in their development. The harmonics are well represented thanks to the extension of the upper mids and first highs. In this sense, the male voices feel relatively full and with an adequate timbre. However, they can be susceptible to some trace of sibilance.
Again, the energy of the lower range can make the initial phase denser, somewhat darker and not quite clean or transparent. In that sense, there is a level of warmth that combines with the energy of the upper mids. This creates a certain imbalance and the dreaded hollowness in the middle of the central range. That certain valley in the higher range instruments is the weak point of Carat-style midranges (and many IEMS suffer from the same characteristics). The tuning enhances the base and the details. But fortunately in the Carat this feeling is not so evident and the plateau of the upper midrange helps in this respect. In this way, the energy resulting from the V of the midrange is slightly nuanced and compensated. It's not about a totally splashy or vivid sound in the second half of the midrange, but it's about seeking a certain calmness by softening the peaks. Some of this is achieved, but at other times there is a more sibilant feeling that contrasts with the initial warmth. In this way, the central range is not so well resolved: it is not explicitly clear, transparent or clean, but neither is it totally balanced, smooth or homogeneous.
Things improve in the female vocals and in the instruments better represented by the second half of the midranges. Here there is that more solid base, a fuller body, plus a more prominent and evident presence. It's still not a completely clear or transparent sound, but it does get an edge when the musical load is focused on the early midrange. The problem? As usual, you have to deal with that amount of energy.
In short, the Carat attempts to overcome certain aspects of the trend towards thin midrange and energetic upper- mids by homogenising the mix. But, it remains incomplete by forgetting the middle part and by keeping more energy than necessary in the final phase. On the other hand, it is not very technical and has a relatively limited range of resolution. In this respect, it is more musical than analytical. This results in a lesser sense of clarity, transparency, distance and separation.



Treble

The high notes start with a good initial sparkle and then gradually fade away, in the interest of a natural execution of the higher notes. In many ways this is the case, and I don't think it's a tuning problem. But there is a certain rawness in the sound that takes it away from a more natural performance and sonority. The treble can be a bit harsh in this respect. There is a sense that the sound lacks some refinement and this seems to be more noticeable in this upper range. That mix of technical limitation and the subtly uncontrolled energy level can create that less musical, rougher feel.
Turning to the treble, it is slightly crisp, not overly thin or penetrating. Although there is no control zone as such, there is an attenuating aspect that makes them tolerable. But again, the technical level is the limiting aspect. Nevertheless, there is a good level of extension and airy feel.



Soundstage, Separation

The Carat scene is moderately wide and deeper. It does not have a 180° sound, but it has a lateral perception beyond average. It does not have an expansive character and the pitch is average. The scene feels tight and natural, with no signs of volatility or three-dimensionality beyond the ordinary. The level of detail is not very evident, nor does it feel forced, although the upper midranges and first highs may make the macro detail and highlights more noticeable. In the background, the level of resolution is somewhat limited and the micro detail is not very noticeable, but is somewhat relegated to the midrange, even diluted. The notes are not described as very sharp and thus the separation is not so evident, nor is their background. There is clarity and a more than decent level of transparency. But the sound can be a bit abrupt, raw, without a superior refinement that would make it musically smoother, informative and descriptive. Still, none of these negative aspects fully influence the final sound. This description is being more incisive than usual, given the amount of competition in this range. But overall, both the scene and the image, as well as the level of detail, informativeness and descriptiveness, and the sharpness and clarity of the sound, are in the upper part of the average.



Comparisons

EPZ Q5

In a very similar price range, the EPZ Q5 can currently be found for $78 versus $70 for the JIALAI Carat. I prefer the all-metal construction of the Carat over the other model-inspired design of the Q5. Both have a good set of accessories, pretty evenly matched, but I find the Carat's cable to be inferior to the Q5's, which I don't like either. However, the Carat's cable seems thicker. The EPZs come with a zippered case, although it's more common, I appreciate it over the Carat's case with magnetic closure, as it's more manageable and narrower. While the Carat comes with three sets of tips, the Q5 comes with only two, although it does come with a cleaning wipe.
The ergonomics of the Q5 are very good, with a longer mouthpiece. The Carat fit flatter and fuller to my ears and provide a better isolation, maybe that's the trump card of the Q5 in this aspect. But the driver flex is annoying.
The Q5s are subtly more sensitive. In terms of profile, the Q5s are brighter and less bass-heavy in the midrange. While the Carats are slightly warmer, a little darker and more bass-heavy. Both share a distinct sparkle in the upper-midrange and early treble. While the Carats are somewhat more restrained and even in this upper range, the Q5s are more penetrating and incisive.
The lower range is somewhat more technical and cleaner in the Q5s, the bass representation is drier. The Carat's are deeper, darker, with a more natural presentation in timbre and colour, although they are more elastic, with a more pronounced texture, more power in the low-midrange and more body. The Q5's bass is more compact and quicker, while the Carat's bass has a longer fade and slower recovery. Their travel is longer, but they linger longer in the room.
The first part of the Q5 midrange is thinner, leaner and lighter than in the Carat. There is more body and base in the JIALAI, also more warmth, something I appreciate more. The midrange of the Q5 seems more pushed forward, especially in the upper range, but it lacks a solid base, it gets lost in the midrange leaving just the base and top notes. That way it becomes leaner and more incisive. The Carat has more meat at the inflection point and is not as exalted in the upper midranges. In this sense, I find it more pleasant, fuller, more homogeneous and balanced. It is also a little darker and somewhat less refined.
The macro detail is more explicit in a more splashy profile of the Q5s. In the background, the micro detail is the same for both, not too visible. Being sharper, the Q5's detail is closer, in the foreground, which makes it sharper, but also more persistent and fatiguing. Underneath, the technical skill is similar and the descriptiveness of the smallest detail reveals that both models are not overly analytical. It is only a difference in exposition, but not in refinement. There is a little more rawness in the Carat and a little more abruptness in the Q5. But, the 5kHz peak of the Q5s seems to me to be more intense overall and makes it and can be more unpleasant at times. The Carats also have a good level of energy in the upper midrange, but slightly nuanced by comparison.
The Q5's treble is thinner and crisper, with a higher initial energy level that makes it more penetrating and incisive. The Carats have a slightly more restrained and slightly more extended treble. A slight initial homogeneity of the Carat's treble is traded for a little more lift and power in the Q5. Perhaps, lovers of crisper and more powerful treble will prefer the Q5s. I prefer the less insistent tuning of the Carat.
The cleaner, thinner sound of the Q5s generates a greater sense of separation. The soundstage is similarly wide on both, but many elements feel closer on the Q5s, while the Carats are deeper. I'd say the scene is slightly wider on the Carat and the image is sharper on the Q5.
As I comment, the Q5s fall victim to their insistent peak at 5kHz. The Carats have more bass and a subtly more restrained upper mids region. Overall, I would choose the Carat over the Q5. They are even cheaper and more solidly built.



Conclusion

In my opinion, the JIALAI Carat is a remarkable IEMS. They have a good design and better construction. They possess a tuning that hovers around several successful models in their price range. They start with a deep, energetic and full bass. They continue with the classic, subtly warm midrange, somewhat lean in their initial phase and more emphasised in the upper mids. Finally, the treble has good extension, energy level, but limited so as not to generate too much incisive listening. Overall, the sound is somewhat raw, with an average technical ability that doesn't become analytical, but neither is it completely relaxed or musical. It moves into more fun, flashy territory because of its energy level. But it doesn't reach a level of refinement capable of offering a higher level of information and description. Perhaps that is not its purpose.



Sources Used During the Analysis

• Burson Audio Playmate.
• EPZ TP50.
• Hidizs S8 Pro Robin.
• Tempotec V3.

Purchase Link



You can read the full review in Spanish here

Carat is a mass measurement for gemstones and pearls in which it is equivalent to 200 mg.

JIALAI is one of the latest audio companies from China and they have a strong business relationship with NICEHCK. In this review article, I'll introduce their first ever product release and this one is quite interesting.



This is JIALAI CARAT and it has a single driver configuration. It has a 10mm dynamic driver with a titanium-coated DLC diaphragm and the combination of two materials will give more tensile strength and elasticity at the same time that it gives more responsive vibrations to deliver a clear and detailed sound quality.




The drivers were encased in a light aluminium alloy shell chassis that underwent a CNC-milling process to achieve the precise and seamless finish of the shell components. It has mirror-finished on its surface to that glossy and shining effect although its angular shell design and its contours reminds me that it takes some inspiration from other sets like MOONDROP KATO and CVJ MEI. The CARAT uses a 2-pin connector as its interchangeable mechanism with its detachable cable which makes this set more easy to do some cable swapping.




For its wearing and comfort, I find this set a bit finicky as I need to put up some eartips with longer stems on it as it has a stubby nozzle thats make the fitting a bit more challenging that it also affects the passive noise isolation to block some unwanted external noises from the outside.



The stock cable of this one is rather decent for its price as I think is durable and flexible although they are not the most supple and it's more prone to entanglement. It has 4-core high purity oxygen-free copper wirings that are braided and twisted and on its termination end, it has a 3.5mm single end on its termination plug.



At its asking price, the JIALAI CARAT is quite loaded with accessories and its packaging box is pretty well-presented. It has a rather bulky medium-size square packaging with a silver-coloured that fully covers its entire surface.



Here are the following contents inside JIALAI CARAT's packaging box:

• Pair of JIALAI CARAT IEM transducers.
• Stock cable
• Black-coloured PU leather case
• Three (3) pairs of narrow-bored silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
• Three (3) pairs of balanced bore silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
• Three pairs of wide-bored silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
• User manual

With a resistance mark of 32 ohms and sensitivity rating of 106db, This set is surely an easy to drive one on how it responds well with some sources with decent rating in a usual normal gain power output. With an enough power output for amplification, this set is able to sound fuller with a good amount of dynamics in it.



As for its tonal performance, The JIALAI CARAT has a more V-shaped sound profile as it has a more emphasis on lows and highs than the midrange which is in a trough on its overall frequency range presentation.


(The FR graph was provided by @baskingshark , credits to his effort)


LOWS/BASS:

Its overall bass response is predominantly with sub bass presence rather than the mid bass texturing as it sounds more rumbly and a tad less punchy and firmer bass response. But on how the bass response was executed, it gives that sense of tidiness of its bass presentation.

Sub bass presence is perceptibly clear on this one as I felt its reverberations and grumble generated from instruments like low tuned bass guitars and double basses, drum machines and synthesisers. In the mid bass section, it appears that it has lean note weight on it that affects the sound characteristics on some instruments and deep male vocals. Both double basses and bass guitars have earthy and a tad hollow sound while bass kick drums have sombre and soft sound. On bass and bass-baritone vocals, while their vibrato can be perceived to be heard of, they have this lack of weight and inadequate tonal solidity of its sound quality.


MIDRANGE:

The midrange part of its overall presentation, its indeed recessed and lean sounding on its sound quality but it appears that it has transparent, clear and energetic profile that will benefit more on female vocals and some classes of instruments like woodwinds, strings and percussives

While baritones, some tenors and contraltos sound less voluminous, lack richness and are less warm as they will sound less natural as they don't have enough depth of range. But on some higher range male vocals like leggero tenor have flexibility and agility to execute some florid passages while countertenors have light and tenderness on their vocals but a bit hollowed. Mezzo-soprano vocals are quite capable of delivering a coppery and fiery sound while sopranos are able to execute a shimmering, clear and spacious vocals with good modulation albeit its sounds a bit piercing and ringing end.

As for instruments’ tonal quality and timbre aspect, Strings like guitars and violins have a crisp, bright and vibrant sound on them while brasses like trumpets, trombones and horns have brilliant, overpowering and a bit intense sounding respectively. On woodwinds, concert flutes have penetrating and shrill sound while clarinets and saxophones have a lively and incisive sound on both of them. The percussive instruments like tom-toms, snares, field/tenor drums and kettledrums have a sharp, hard, sombre and dry sound correspondingly. Piano appears to have an uneven tone as I am quite a bit bothered by its timbre (like it's note keys should have a consistent homogenous of harmonics, just try to listen to Yiruma's Kiss The Rain or Maksim's Flight of the BumbleBee and you know what I mean).


HIGHS/TREBLE:

The CARAT is definitely on the brighter side of tuning as I initially notice the slight elevation on the upper-mids then a sudden boost in the presence part of the treble region. In my keen observation which is rather unusual, while the sibilance was kept under control, some instances of shrill and a tad piercing sound that will occur on some tracks. That boost on the presence treble will give more definition and clarity on vocals and most instrument's attack.

On its brilliance section, it has a well-delineated sparkle while the treble air has a moderate extension for a single DD set. Cymbals have metallic and a tad piercing while the hi-hats have more sizzle on it than its usual natural sound which should have a short buzzing sound. Celestas have glistening and intense sound and glockenspiels brilliant and a bit strident sounding.


SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

Its sound/speaker stage somehow conveys an average to above-average sound field, it has a moderate lateral span, good height reach and a less defined depth on which is my concern, In general, it gives me relatively moderate head room within my aural sense.

On stereo imaging, this set projects a concave-like presentation in which I can panned out and locate the placement of vocals and instruments but not the most accurate as I'm quite struggling to pinpoint them in a decently layered soundscape and less refinement on separation aspect that it will flounder on playing back some of complex multi-instrumental tracks in my testing tracks.

Coherency of its driver is quite excellent on how it delivers a fast transient response that benefited that quality of the entire envelopment of a sound aspect to exhibit a clear and absence of distortions or any other sonic phasing issues. The CARAT is considered pretty resolving due to the augmentation on the presence treble to add some sharper definition on micro-detail retrieval to extract some details and nuances along with a sufficiently detailed note texture on its macrodynamics.


PEER COMPARISONS:

Oriveti OD100

• Like the CARAT, this set also has a DLC diaphragm dynamic driver and also encased in a metal alloy chassis although it has a cylindrical shaped shell chassis and at the same, it has a heft and more solidly built. The OD100's stock cable is a bit better in quality compared to the CARAT as it has more texture, more supple and even more flexible.
• The OD100 has a U/V-shaped sound profile (depending on choices of eartips). It has a warmer tonality compared to the CARAT as it has more textured mid bass and lower midrange with similar crisp and energetic sound upper-mids up to the presence on the treble region.
• On technicalities, it has a similar sound/speaker stage with the CARAT in terms of perceived width span but on height and depth, it's more on reverse as OD100 doesn't have the height reach that the CARAT have but it has a better depth than the latter set. This set's stereo imaging projects a typical two-dimensional presentation but on layering and separation capabilities, it has similar performance with the CARAT. OD100 also has more solid macro-dynamics compared to the Carat but its micro-detail definition is somewhat blunted.

EPZ Q1 PRO

• This set has also a single dynamic driver configuration but the difference between this set to the CARAT is that its diaphragm uses a composite materials like LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) and PU (Polyurethane), and it was encapsulated in a resin shell chassis. This IEM earphone has a bit better stock cable compared to the CARAT's but the latter has more choices of eartips and a more premium looking storage case.
• The Q1 PRO has a U-shaped sound signature with tad warmth on its tonality which makes this set more balanced sounding than the CARAT. Compared to the CARAT, it has a more balanced bass response as it has a more tactility and punchiness on it, a less recessed midrange with more texture and warmth to make vocals and instruments sound more natural, and a smooth and balanced treble response with ample brightness on it.
• Technicality-wise, it has similar sound/speaker stage width but again, the Q1 PRO has a less height reach but better depth compared to the CARAT. It has similar stereo imaging which also projects a concave-like presentation just like the CARAT with the same less defined layering but the Q1 PRO has better separation. On resolution capabilities, the Q1 PRO has more solid macro-dynamics but the CARAT has a sharper micro-detail definition.

SIMGOT EW200

• This set also has metal alloy shell chassis and also with single driver configuration but on its internals, there are some differences if it will be in comparison between this one and the CARAT. While it also employs a dynamic driver, its diaphragm is made of special composite materials consisting of LCP and DLC and it also incorporates its multi-layered tuning module to give that more distinctive sound profile. This set offers a better stock cable than the one with CARAT but the latter has a better storage case and more choices of eartips to choose from.
• SIMGOT usually employs a Harman-ish style of tuning which is more in a U-shaped sound profile and EW200 also has it albeit it has a tad brighter tuning. Compared to the CARAT, this set has a sub bass-focused bass presentation which is rumbly and tighter sounding, a clean, transparent and energetic midrange but it has less notched in midrange presentation and a similar treble presentation which is also in a brighter side of tuning but in some way, EW200 appears to be more refined.
• In technical capabilities, the EW200 has a similar soundstage width span with the CARAT but it has less height reach but again, it has a bit better depth definition. It has a bog-standard two-dimensional stereo presentation but it has better layering and separation. Overall, EW200 is more resolving in terms of resolution capabilities, as it has fairly good macro-dynamics and is more polished in micro-detail definition.

Since this is JIALAI's first product release, it appears that its tuning will be more appealing to some neophyte audio enthusiasts who are transitioning from a typical casual type of tuning to the level of high fidelity appreciation that makes this set more of a stepping stone towards that path.

For sure that JIALAI CARAT still needs more further refinement on its tuning as it still has those rough edges that needs to be polished given that its competitors in similar price range brackets also now offer more finesse and mature tuning. In other words, The CARAT will be heading to a tough battle in the already competitive portable audio market in the entry-level segment.



JIALAI CARAT is now available at NICEHCK Official Store in Aliexpress. I provided a non-affiliate website link below.

★★JIALAI CARAT - ALIEXPRESS★★

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: JIALAI CARAT
IMPEDANCE: 32Ω
SENSITIVITY: 106dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 10Hz – 28KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2M
PIN TYPE: 0.78mm 2-PIN CONNECTOR
PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm
DRIVER UNIT(S): (1) DYNAMIC DRIVER

Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *
Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**
Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **
Mountain - Mississippi Queen *
Queen - Killer Queen **
Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'
Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'
Pearl Jam - Daughter **
Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *
Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*
Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *
New Order - Blue Monday *
The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *
The Madness- Buggy Trousers *
Metallica - Motorbreath **
Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *
Destiny's Child - Say My Name *
Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *
Mozart - Lacrimosa *
New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*
Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *
Exciter - Violence and Force *
Diana Krall - Stop This World **
Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*
The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**
Suzanne Vega – Luka **
Lauren Christy – Steep *
Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *
Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*



P.S.

I am not affiliated to JIALAI or NICEHCK nor receive any monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to Ms. VIVIAN for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate her generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.

TLDR version on YouTube: TDLR - Jialai Carat

The Jialai Carat have been sent to me by the brand, which is part of NiceHCK, in exchange for my impressions. I have received no requests or comments and, as always, I will do my very best to be as unbiased as possible.

You can find a non-affiliate link to the Jialai Carat here by visiting the version of this review published on my blog (www.achoreviews.com).

To avoid being repetitive in my reviews, you can find all the info about how I create the reviews, equipment used, how I receive the products and how to interpret my reviews by visiting: About my reviews



Intro…

Jialai is a new brand in the world of IEMs and is a sister brand of NiceHCK, a brand that has been around for quite some time. The Carat is the first model and opts for a single 10mmm titanium coated DLC driver, coming in at around 65€, depending on where you purchase from.

They are stated as being tuned to the IE2019 frequency curve, something that they say will ensure enhanced clarity for vocals and a smooth overall presentation.

So, how does the Carat perform amongst the masses of budget focused IEMs that are available on the market?



Presentation…

I have to say that the presentation is pretty impressive for a set that is slightly over what I would consider ultra-budget.

Arriving in a silver coloured flip top box, the front simply shows the brand and model, while the back shares some basic specs about the model.

Flipping open the top reveals the very shiny IEMs sitting in their foam cutouts, underneath which we find a storage/transport case along with the cable, a basic user manual and 9 sets of silicone tips in 3 different styles.

It is not that we are receiving out of the ordinary but it is nice to see the inclusion of a selection of tips along with a case that is of decent quality.

There really is nothing to complain about in regards to packaging or amount of accessories.



Build and aesthetics…

The shells are made from CNC machined aluminium and have a mirror like finish to them. While this makes them look shiny and impressive when opening the box, the finish will collect more fingerprints than CSI Miami. The positive side is that they clean very easily with a microfiber cloth but, unless you are going to wear gloves, it is almost impossible to keep them looking as shiny as they do out of the box.

The build is good and they are nice and light for a full metal build, however, due to the short nozzles, the fit is not very deep, meaning I needed to opt for a larger size of tips that I would usually. I ended up opting for the yellow core tips from the included sets, which is a large size, and once I placed them in my ears with these tips, the result is very comfortable.

While the IEMs are well built and have nice aesthetics, I can’t say the same for the included cable. The cable has a very plastic feel to it and is rather rigid, keeping the folds and kinks that it came with (from being wrapped in the box) even after using it for almost a week. The cable does function and does it’s job but, knowing that NiceHCK make some decent cables, it would have been nice to include something a little better than what we get with the Carat.



Sound…

All tracks mentioned are clickable links that allow you to open the reference track in the streaming service of your choice (YouTube, Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, etc.)

Before starting with my subjective impressions, here is the graph of the Carat in relation to my usual preference curve:



As always, the preference curve is just as a guide, it is not a rule that means I will like or dislike a product.

Starting off with the subbass and my obligatory “Chameleon” test, there is presence but the quality is not the best nor is it the cleanest. This is mainly due to a large presence of midbass that seems to fusion with the subbass and create a low end that is not very defined.

While there is too much midbass for my personal preference, using “Crazy” as my usual fatigue test, the quality of the midbass is actually not too bad. I don’t find the midbass overly fatiguing but I think that the driver seems to struggle a little with subbass, which, when added to the midbass boost, creates a rather unfocused low end.

This is again noticeable with “No Sanctuary Here”, where the low end just seems to struggle for clarity, something that seems to clean up as soon as we remove subbass from the equation.

As we move into the midrange, there is quite a noticeable dip in the mids which makes certain vocals and instruments get a little lost in their midrange when the track has a decent amount of low end (especially subbass). With simpler tracks, this doesn’t become an issue but with bassy and busy tracks, this does not help.

Moving into the upper ranges, the tuning is decent but can come across a little hot on occasions. I wouldn’t have thought this based on the graph but to my ears, certain songs do suddenly become a little spicy.

This is less apparent when the low end is busy but then that accentuates the V shaped tuning, making the dip in the midrange more apparent. So it solves one but creates another.



Conclusion…

It is great to see new contenders in the budget focused IEM world, yet the Jialai Carat doesn’t quite do it for me. While the build is great, except for the cable, and the tuning is something that I can see a lot of people liking, I just find that the performance doesn’t really stand out as being brilliant.

That low end can suffer quite a bit when there is a presence of both subbass and midbass, making things come across as poorly defined, but even when there isn’t a lot of low end in the mix, they still don’t come across as overly detailed.

I am not really saying these are a bad set of IEMs, it wasn’t long ago that they would have been pretty impressive, I just don’t think that they are great at anything in particular and really don’t have much going on that would make me pick them over quite a few other options in this price bracket.

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As always, this review is also available in Spanish, both on my blog (www.achoreviews.com) and on YouTube (www.youtube.com/achoreviews)

All FR measurements of IEMs can be viewed and compared on achoreviews.squig.link

All isolation measurements of IEMs can be found on achoreviews.squig.link/isolation

Minimalists say less is more... so will spending less on earphones make us happier?

But price isn't the only factor.

More IEM drivers = better, right? Minimalists disagree, yet hybrids have become the norm.

I bring this up because I was sent a pair of JIALAI Carats in exchange for my thoughts, which as $66 single-DDs are minimal in both ways.

My single-DD IEM addiction is long behind me so it's been ages since I tried one, and visually the Carats are an instant reminder of my old A8000s.

Many of my audio friends insist on keeping at least one single-DD earphone in their collection at all times, such is their unique allure.

So how much can we expect from a single driver under a hundred bucks?

Packaging​

The USD $66 JIALAI Carats arrive in a very small, shiny cardboard box that looks quite flashy.

Inside are the earphones, a small PU carry case that's decently sized for a pocket, a user manual, three sets of silicone eartips in 3 sizes, and the stock cable.

Unfortunately the black OFC stock cable is quite basic, and available only with a 3.5mm plug. That's reasonable considering the Carat's modest price, but I still prefer seeing 4.4mm options made available.

Ergonomics​

The Carats' aluminium alloy shells are fully vented, and finished so beautifully as to give no indication of their modest price. They really do look premium.

By contrast the nozzles are fairly matte and look a little out of place, they're also quite short which may make obtaining a tight seal more difficult.

As for the fit, that's a very personal thing so I can only tell you how they work for me - splendidly. They're incredibly light & tiny, and the nozzles are just long enough to avoid being an issue.

I find the Carats' exceptionally comfortable even for long listening sessions, though they scratch easily.

Sound Impressions​

The Carats use a single 10mm Titanium Plated DLC DD to produce a somewhat v-shaped sound with tremendous cohesion, a commendably open soundstage & punchy bass.



Bass

Bass is probably the Carat's most impressive aspect. Not only is it capably tight, but also goes quite deep with a feeling of weight behind it. Even bass texture is satisfying, avoiding being pillowy or insubstantial.

Yet JIALAI have decided to keep bass in check to avoid it overshadowing the midrange. There's a nice balance here of enough bass to make things feel punchy, without deviating too far from neutrality.

Bass has a nice balance between sub bass and midbass, probably leaning towards midbass. Bassheads may be left wanting for quantity however.





Midrange

The problem with single-driver IEMs (regardless of cost) is a lone DD cannot cover the entire frequency range as competently as multi-driver hybrids. Every single-DD IEM I've heard has "gaps" in the FR where you can feel instruments aren't being reproduced with same presence & fullness.

The Carats are no exception, and it's the midrange that I notice this most. There's a sense of thinness & lack of body here that's easier to overlook on some tracks than others.

In return for the single-driver tradeoff is superb cohesion no hybrid IEM can match. There's something special about single-DDs - they don't effortlessly reveal every minute nuance like hybrids, but that cohesion lets my brain to relax as if less work is required to process what I'm hearing.

Treble

The Carats are fairly bright, right up until the upper treble where they tend to roll off quite a bit.

That brightness helps compensate for one inherent shortcoming of single-DD configurations which is poor technical performance, which boosting treble generally helps improve.

I wouldn't say treble is dramatically high quality, but there's no piercing upper treble which is nice.

Technical Performance​

The Carats' single-DD is very responsive by budget standards. It won't keep instruments separated during busy passages quite as well as hybrids of similar value, but gets much closer than most single-DDs I've tried regardless of budget!

Soundstage dimensions are another area low cost single-DDs often struggle, but not here - the Carats boast a surprisingly wide stage, and even depth is quite good with impressive three-dimensionality.

Imaging is also very decent, probably helped by that boosted lower treble. Resolution is mediocre, but with only one driver that's to be expected.

Dynamics are average, and I find instruments can sound smaller through the Carats than many hybrids.

IEM Comparisons​

I compared the Carats to other IEMs with a Luxury & Precision P6 Pro set to hi-gain at 6/60 volume.



NiceHCK DB2 – 1xBA 1xDD (USD $22)



The DB2 is much thicker through the midrange but can also be shouty with much more forward vocals.

It sounds less coherent & occasionally congested with a DD that has more trouble keeping up with the music, slower bass decay though bass leans towards midbass & doesn't go as deep as the Carats.

The DB2s are a bit more dynamic with slightly higher resolution, but the Carats are smoother & more relaxed with a blacker background.



BLON BL-03 1xDD (USD $26)



A blast from the past, the BL-03's are a budget classic. They're more transparent & dynamic than the Carats with instruments that sound larger and a wider soundstage, but their DD is quite slow so bass decay is longer but they struggle to keep pace with fast music.

The BL-03s have a fun, exaggerated tuning with a midrange that can sound a little hollow at times, and they can come across as sloppy on faster tracks but the tuning remains a hugely enjoyable one.

However the Carats are much more refined with a blacker background, tighter bass, slightly higher resolution and they sound more neutral, reflective of more recent improvements in DD driver technology.



ISN Neo1 – 1xDD (USD $39)



The Neo1s are significantly more neutral & transparent, and much more midrange centric with vocals that are more forward, wetter & articulate.

They're also brighter with a slightly thinner tonality and also less coherent, and I find their bass decay is faster without the same quantity or bass impact of the Carats.

Treble's higher quality on the Neo1s as is overall resolution with a blacker background & better dynamics.



Tanchjim Oxygen – 1xDD (USD $230)



Mine are the original version of the Oxygens which have had the grilles removed, and they're certainly more refined than the Carats.

The Oxygens are more polite but not as dynamic, with higher resolution, blacker background and a wider but flatter stage. Bass doesn't go as deep & bass texture isn't as satisfying, and the drivers feel slower than those of the Carats which is quite a surprise.

The Harman tuning of the Oxygens feels tonally unnatural and the soundstage sounds like it's being artificially stretched, whereas the Carats are more V-shaped & bassier.

Cable Comparisons​

I tested the Carats with a number of aftermarket cables to gauge how effectively they scale.



NiceHCK Blacksoul (USD $50)



BlackSoul improves dynamics slightly though soundstage dimensions don't change greatly - perhaps there's a tiny bit more depth.

The tonality is a bit smoother and vocals feel a tiny bit more forward and slightly more resolving, but overall this is a fairly underwhelming pairing.



Penon Vocal (USD $69)



The soundstage feels a little wider and as usual Vocal adds greater emphasis to the midrange which feels a bit more resolving.

There's a slightly treble roll off leading to a warmer tonality than the stock cable, but overall I'm not noticing massive differences.



NiceHCK FirstTouch (USD $89)



Dynamics improve quite markedly, the soundstage is a little wider & deeper, and even imaging improves with a blacker background.

The Carats gain a slightly darker but very enjoyable tonality which sounds significantly more refined in this great pairing.



Effect Audio Ares S 4 Wire (USD $179)



The soundstage feels more spacious with depth in particular improving, and dynamics are also better, there's also a little more midbass present.

Tonality becomes smoother with more lower midrange warmth yet treble doesn't seem rolled off, this is a good pairing but I'm not sure it fully justifies the cable's cost.



Overall Cable Thoughts

As is often the case, single-DD IEMs don't seem to scale nearly as much with cable upgrades compared to hybrids utilising crossover components that also benefit, and the Carats are no exception

So I wouldn't necessarily recommend spending a fortune on an upgrade to the Carats' stock cable, rather to improve performance you'd be much better off purchasing a portable amplifier instead - single-DDs invariably benefit much more from higher quality amplification in my experience.

Conclusion​

The JIALAI Carats are a reminder of just how far the portable audio industry has come in recent years.

To be able to purchase a dynamic driver IEM able to keep up with fast music so effortlessly for just $66, with shells that will fool anyone into thinking they're premium no less... I think is quite insane.

Every year it gets harder & harder to convince others that spending big bucks on earphones is justified, and when quality like this can be had for so little I almost want to give up trying.

The Carats are far from perfect of course. I love how tiny they are but some ears will fit larger IEMs fit better, their treble quality is fairly mediocre and it's hard getting great technical performance out of a single driver, which isn't what the Carats are all about anyway.

For a measly $66 they've reminded me why I used to be so addicted to single-driver earphones, there's something magical about their cohesiveness that just makes it easier to listen & listen.

I would like to thank the NiceHCK for providing this review unit to Audio reviews Downunder, the Australian tour group.
NiceHCK JIALAI Carat uses a 10mm DLC Titanium-Coated Diaphragm. It is supplied with a practical leather case and has a 32 Ohm impedance.

Fit and comfort

The Carat is a fairly small IEM and as such is a comfortable fit. Experimentation with other tips to get a good seal is vital to extract the pull bass levels the IEM is capable of. The nozzle is moderately short and I actually had to use a medium tip to get the proper insertion.


Testing equipment.

I used my Hiby R3 2022 Sabre DAP both with the balanced outputs on high gain and also with two DACs, a JCally JM10 and Hidizs S9 pro Martha. I also used the DACs with my pixel phone in all cases with stored lossless music files.

Source and tip dependent. Wide bore tips are no no. Bass tips with a strong deep bore work best. I used Penon liquor black tips. The Hiby S9 pro DAC gave a clean sound but without a lot of body. Reverting to my Hiby R3 Saber with high gain and 46 volume level gave a better balanced sound with correct weight in the lower registers.


Distinctly V shaped, the Jialai Carat had a boosted sub bass and an elevated treble.
Tuning is unique. Very vocal centric. Male and female vocals are front and center with natural timbre. Space and air around the vocalist allow the lyrics to live in the air with the rest of the instruments placed around and across the space in a very realistic way. The soundstage is not expansive, but the airy tuning gives the impression of a spacious setting. There is no congestion or muddiness with this IEM. Just dynamic and vigorous sound that is quite unlike most earphones you will have heard.



Perhaps the best way to describe this Carat is to describe some songs I used to audition it. You can follow the links so you can hear what I’m about.

Psycho by Amy Shark.

Great snare. Tambourine in drum kit clear and clean. Bold bass line, strong sub bass. Breathy Amy vocal until she belts it out at the end of the song. Hiby R3. Pixel phone with JCally JM10. DAC is neutral and pretty powerful. Big bass boost. Tom drums punchier and more impactful. Less airy vocal, fuller, and more forceful. Treble is a little hotter with the JCally, balanced to some extent by the bass boost. A different sound balance to the Hiby R3 DAP. This IEM is quite source dependent.

Literally every track you listen to will sound different to any other IEM . Some Iron Maiden rocks pretty darn hard. Guitars cut thru cleanly and the bass guitar and drums go hard and yet the sound balance is clean and sharp and spatially large.

Aching to be by The Replacements

Sounds smooth, with Paul Westerberg's vocals well placed center stage with good timbre and the rest of the band surrounding him. Tamborine to the right, harmonica to the left, drum kit behind. Easy to locate everything.

Finally Beautiful Stranger by Halsey

Her husky voice with a clear and vibrant acoustic guitar as backing. When the full instrumentation kicks in there is a nice deep sub bass underpinning the song. Trebles are detailed, snares crisp without being overdone.

Cream by Prince.

The first thing is a forceful snare with reverb sounding great followed the slinky low bass line and Princes distinctive guitar flair. Again, great sense of air and space in this song and nice left to right panning across the soundstage.

Dreamer. By Supertramp

One of the best audiophile pop recordings gives a great range of macro and micro details again in a wide soundstage. Very enjoyable.

Some smooth EDM with Rufus du Sol in the track Alive https://tinyurl.com/3sp7u9zf

This track pumps strongly and engagingly with satisfying deep bass counterpointed with a sea of high frequencies that never get sibilant.


Summary


Refreshing different, the Carat stands out from a sea of single DD IEMS that are tuned similarly tuned. You need to be a bit of a treble head because Carat has great clarity and good details, but the boisterous top end coupled with a good bass and sub bass makes for a different listening experience. I found I needed to experiment with tips and sources to find the sweet spot (as detailed above) but when I did, I enjoyed listening to the Jialai Carat. Similarly, you might find it works better with some genres compared to others. Horses for courses, as they say. Take the Carat challenge and Vive la difference!

DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank the NiceHCK for providing this review unit.

The Jialai Carat can be gotten here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006660245454.html (no affiliate links).




SPECIFICATIONS

• Driver configuration: 10 mm titanium-plated DLC dynamic driver
• Frequency response: 10 Hz - 28 kHz
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Sensitivity: 106 dB/mW
• Cable: 2-pin, 0.78 mm; OFC cable
• Tested at: $69 USD

ACCESSORIES

Other than the IEM, these are included:

- 3 pairs of wide-bore silicone eartips (S/M/L/)
- 3 pairs of narrow-bore silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of balanced silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- Cable
- Carrying case

Other than the lack of foam tips, the provisions are very generous for a sub-$100 USD IEM. I've definitely seen pricier sets with stingier accessories.




We have 3 variations of silicone tips. The wide-bore ones boost treble and soundstage, whereas the narrow-bore ones do the opposite in increasing bass but compressing staging. The balanced ones are a midpoint between these 2 in terms of sonics.




The OFC 2-pin cable is braided decently, but has microphonics and is a bit tangly. There is a chin cinch for added grip. Not the best stock cable, but serviceable in a way.




Lastly, we have a leatherette semi-rigid case. This has a magnetic clasp, and is lined internally with velvet to cushion the contents.

The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock balanced silicone tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.


BUILD/COMFORT



Like its namesake, the Carat is gleaming and alluring, with a polished mirror-like finish. The shells are fashioned from aluminum alloy via 5-axis CNC machining, with solid build. These enchanting housings are however scratch and fingerprint magnets, so on a practical basis, it might behoof the user to baby this IEM during usage.



Comfort and ergonomics are good. The shells are light, with no awkward protrusions on the inner aspects to poke the ears. It can be used for marathon listening sessions without discomfort.

Isolation is average in view of the vented acoustics. I did not encounter any driver flex on my pair.




INTERNALS

The Carat's engine is a 10 mm titanium-plated DLC dynamic driver.


DRIVABILITY

I tested the Carat with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Chord Mojo 2
- Fiio KA11 dongle
- Fiio KA17 dongle
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone

This IEM is easily driven, and amplification is not 100% necessary.


SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

Graph of the Jialai Carat via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler peak.

Tonally, the Carat sports a bright V-shaped tuning, with an emphasis at the top-end.

The Carat has a sub-bass preponderance, with decent rumble at the low-end. It doesn't exactly hit basshead levels, but is definitely north of neutral. Mid-bass is thumpy, with above average texturing and speed. Mid-bass bleed is thankfully mild.

As per the V-shaped profile, the lower midrange is recessed, and can come across as thin. Hitting nearly 9 dB in the ear gain region, the upper mids are forwards with some nasalness and shoutiness noted, especially at louder volumes (Fletcher Munson curve).

Continuing on from the upper mids, the lower treble peaks at around the 5 - 6 kHz regions. This provides lots of clarity, but there is some sibilance and fatigue, especially if one is treble-sensitive. Trebleheads will certainly like the tuning choices though, so there are pros and cons here.

In terms of timbre, while acoustic instruments sound quite accurately portrayed, the aforementioned thin note weight does bestow sterileness to the soundscape and nasalness to vocals.

I would grade the Carat as having above average technicalities. Soundstage is not compressed but not classleading either, going to just beyond the ears. Imaging while not exactly dead pinpoint, is still fairly well-localized. Clarity is emphasized by the feisty upper end, and instrument separation is acceptable. Micro-detailing is solid for a sub-$100 single DD.


COMPARISONS

The Carat will be compared against some other budget single DDs. Hybrids, pure BAs and planars are left out of the comparisons, as the different transducer types will have their own inherent pros and cons.


Simgot EA500LM


Graphs of the EA500LM via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler peak.

The EA500LM has 3 tuning nozzles to vary the sonics and provide more versatility, though all tunings still lie towards a brighter Harmanish tone.

The EA500LM has a thicker note weight, with a slightly more organic timbre. In technical chops, the EA500LM has a better soundstage, with more precise imaging, though micro-detailing and clarity goes to the Carat.


Kefine Delci

Graph of the Delci via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler peak.

The Delci has less treble and upper mids, thus bestowing a more relaxing upper end, with less fatigue and sibilance heard.

The Delci has a more natural timbre with a thicker note weight. In technicalities, the Delci trumps the Carat in soundstage, though the Delci has weaker micro-detailing. Imaging is about on par, though the Carat has sharper edge definition to notes.


CONCLUSIONS



In a sea of weekly single DD releases, we hear a clean and bright tone in the Carat, coupled with decent technical chops and a good sprinkling of micro-detailing and clarity. Accessories are second to none at this price range, with beautiful mirror-like shells, comfortable fit and easy drivability. While the charming mirror-like shells are a looker, on a practical basis, the housings may easily get scratched or smudged.

Sound-wise, there are some tonal flaws - an overly thin lower midrange culminates in an exuberant bloom in the upper end - resulting in a sterile soundscape that is entwined with some fatigue in the upper mids and lower treble. Vocals can come across as nasal and the Carat is thus not one for the treble-sensitive. However, on the converse, trebleheads might be very at home with the tonality.

All things considered, the Carat is a diamond in the rough. This unearthed gem lies in the realm of average - it isn't an extraordinary jewel but isn't a bad set by any means. However, the competition in budget CHIFI-land is so cut-throat nowadays, that even average may sadly not be enough: next week promises a new shiny hypetrain to grab the attention of consumers! Nevertheless, for a pioneer release from the brand, the Jialai Carat is okay, and would be a potential bridgehead for further (hopefully) more refined and polished gems down the line.

Jialai Carat (A sideband of NiceHCK)
Redcarmoose Labs March 27th, 2024

Brand: Jialai
Model: Carat
Product Type: In-ear
Driver Unit: 10mm DD
Diaphragm: Titanium plated DLC
Shell material: 5 Axis CNC Aluminum
Sensitivity: 106dB/mW
Impedance: 32 Ohm
Frequency response 10-28kHz
Cable material: High purity OFC
Connector: 0.78mm 2Pin
Plug type: 3.5mm

Purchase link:
https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/3256806473930702.html?pdp_npi=4@dis!USD!US $125.45!US $63.98!!!125.45!63.98!@2167359c17115963850147034e6645!12000037949091148!sh!US!224701538!&spm=a2g0o.store_pc_allItems_or_groupList.new_all_items_2007598972224.1005006660245454&gatewayAdapt=glo2vnm




History:
This IEM sees itself being brought to market though a side project of NiceHCK. As such companies will offer different brands as a way to incorporate different house sounds. Where upon hearing a few of a new brands this house sound is found to be a new characteristic. Now because we have only the very first introduction, this nonsense about house sounds could be true, or could be not true. I have heard two other NiceHCK IEMs, and can probably say this Carat is a wonderful slight departure into new territory. Why?

Per o0genesis0o
“Jialai claims that Carat has been tuned according to Harman in-ear 2019 target, with flourishes based on the experience of their engineering team. To me, I found that the adjustments push Carat toward a V-shaped even more so than a “full Harman” IEM.”



I agree with o0genesis0o:
If you study the graph really, the 2019 Harman is maybe a starting point, yet everything I love (to a point) about this tune, may be a departure from the regular Harman. Though it comes through as primarily a bump to the lower midrange. As such there is a smoothing out of the pinna gain area and a boost from 40Hz to 500Hz. This low-end boost is much more pronounced due to the balance of the pinna gain being less than the Harman drastically from 2kHz to 5kHz. So the you combine both sides of the graph we are walking in thicker waters. Now what does this totally mean?

First off it would be dull if it wasn’t for 4.5kHz to 7.8kHz treble peak. When you add the peaks present now you can see why o0genesis0o was hearing and seeing by graphs how the Harman departure was going for more of a V response. The important thing to note is that this exact tune may not work out effectively if we did only the 40Hz to 500Hz. Or we also may find trouble with only the 4.5kHz to 7.8kHz treble adds? Yet together is seen balance, and that’s what the whole tune is based on. Of course it is debatable how this (drastic) bass and (drastic) treble is perceived. This thickness may be the exact route as to why NiceHCK decided to bring forth a new branding? The Jialai Carat probably is attractive to the non-purest younger crowd who gravitate towards this low-end energy adding thrust to Rock music and adding weight to even popular OSTs? I mean on the right file playback and with the right cable there is something here?

Can this weight add fog?
I mean that’s really the center of this entire review? That and at times the treble peaks can also add energy to Modern Rock, where there is an unnatural boost which makes the Carat a little less well-rounded than it could be? The only problem with modern Rock is the off tone guitar boost the Carat does? I mean sure this balance of sorts gets the job done, though at times there is a slight bit of unevenness even with Symphonic Metal………where it doesn’t sound totally natural, and this is a DD were talking about.

Yet at the same time the Carat does bring about a wonderful style of its very own musicality.

Unique:
Over a month ago when I first heard the Carat I keyed into this uniqueness of sound and that separated it from many players in this crowded IEM marketplace. And what this finally adds up to is a dramatic and powerful sounding IEM that requires you to maybe pick and choose your music genres or song files. I say this because it’s easy to like what the Carat is doing half the time, though the other half the time it may be easy to find more credible replay at the same money or even less.

Timbre and tone:
Of all the things which are flexible in IEM analysis there is a good chance small changes can be perceived differently as to tone and timbre. What I’m trying to say is this can be a judgment where Monday’s timbre and tone were slightly more off than today. Of course all reviews are understood as subjective, yet we are looking for a style of consistent results about the characteristics that make-up replay. Let’s just say with the Carat there can be days where the tone and timbre sound more off than others. And of course whatever is found upstream can have an effect on such tonality and perception of timbre. This also goes ahead with the styles of music you choose, to see if there is a chance to promote this off-timbre, or find it respectable.

From a phone:
Here we are maybe in the Carat’s element. As I can see many users finding this style of basic playback to be maybe the main implementation of the Jialai Carat, and sure enough the sound is thick and relatively exciting. Where the Carat still parleys the tone talked about previously, but with phone use everything is smaller……..a smaller pond to fish in. Where really I’m talking about reduced clarity inside of the imaging. Where a Dongle or DAP will simply get you a bigger sense of grandeur and playback scale. Where points gets given for still at least promoting that bass that the Carat is known for, that and the lower midrange thickness which goes ahead and adds size to playback, only after listening with a DAP or Dongle such phone playback shows its faraway-ness. Still due to not sounding thin, I can imagine the Carat taking use straight out of a phone……..walking around, especially due to the little physical size they are, that they do well out of the house, staying in place wherever you go.

Comparisons:
This section could offer a style of confusion to some readers. Why? I don’t always pick comparisons which seem like the way to go? Here I’m testing the Carat against the Super TFZ Crown flagship and the NiceHCK F1 Pro Planar. Why? For one because I think the tuning is better with the Crown……yet the Crown is not as memorable as the NiceHCK TOTL Himalaya. Where I’m using the Crown to prove a point about tuning, and the F1 Pro is simply another IEMs that at $99.00 is simply a better buy than the Carat. Now some would say I’m comparing apples to oranges with all three of these side-by-sides……..and I will not argue. It is just that I don't see price as a totally determining factor and that is why I’m not comparing the Carat to other single full-range DDs at the exact same price. Sure some folks have under $100.00 to spend and are in that price bracket, there is no denying that logic. Only when I have been in actual IEM shops I would ask the counter person more about tonality and not really price. Sure price comes up, and they will note the price when pulling out a $1500.00 IEM to demo. Sure there is a range, but I feel the $70.00 dollar buyer could stretch to $200? What we are looking for primarily is sound and an attempt to objectively put a value on that sound. That and to try and describe the sound to the very best of our ability here.

$219.00 TFZ Crown
$99.00 NiceHCK F1 Pro
$70.00 Jialai Carat

I also will do comparisons this way because nothing is perfect, even going up the price scale we are often not greeted with more perfection, only a different sound. Better technicalities? Sometimes where sure there seems to be a common relationship between comparably priced IEMs and their overall sound? And the riddle here is to concentrate on features which enable you the consumer to find the features that are of value. As each IEM does vary in technicalities and tone, where ultimately the Carat has a few great features and some characteristics which are sub-par for the course.

TheTFZ Crown:
Laughably at times I’m not sure why I would what to interface a recent released $219.00 IEM against a $70.00 IEM, but I think beforehand that there are tuning and technical differences which will both delineate the Carat and kind of show what each is about, due to personalities. Also due to me always routing for the underdog, I want to test just where the Carat sits in relationship to the TFZ Crown. The Crown is TFZ’s flagship IEM, the best they know how to make. And the NiceHCK Himalaya at $329.00 is of course the best here today, as NiceHCKs flagship output, yet it will not be compared today.

Let’s find out:
The TFZ Crown:
Using the Sony WM1A and SIMGOT LC7 cable. All tests today will be with the Crown tuning switch in the on-up position which smooths out the tune and ended they only way I could truly enjoy the Crown.





E-Mantra
Cinematica VOL1-“Secluded Trails”
Mysterious Murmur through the trees
44.1kHz - 24 bit
Here we are greeted with wonderful Crown separation and sparkles. Where in side-by-sides the tuning and technicalities went ahead to truly itemize the synthesizer images flowing into and out of the stage. Where the Carat still offered a vibe with this style of music, yet the stage was not as separated, nor was the imaging as vivid. Different than you may guess, I have been comparing these two IEMs off-and-on for a few days now, taking short listens of songs. And while at times during those tests the Crown showed a slightly synthetic character (showing the Crown has its own issues) yet with this style of music the Crown is in its element. Reason being the imaging and separation. When the bass drop hits with a prolonged note from 04:27 to 04:30 both IEMs show promise. And while sure the Crown was definitely more separated and vibrant even seeming louder in the same volume level there was still a remarkable cohesiveness that the Carat did, a simple easy going and more fluid take on this style of music. Now the thing is, neither IEM is right or wrong, yet the Carat was the still entertaining yet easy going example of replay. Also I had to ask myself questions personally……as sure the Crown was more technical, yet this technicality resulted from a more brash and pushed character to the point………I truly asked myself if the Carat was acceptable and while offering less detail and separation, offered a relaxed and still focused idea of playback. I mean sure much of the time the added realism of the Crown would take the cake, yet there was a fully entertaining reality off to the side with what character the Carat brought to the table. Even with more late into the night listening here, this more cohesive and really tonally perfect listen of the Carat may be the preferred choice at that time. Maybe it is just this style of music which pulls out the drama here? Meaning this music seems to be made for both IEMs, even working out with additional IEMs, that the music is both well recorded and lacking any style of off timbre, being it is direct to soundboard, synthetically made? Since no real instruments were used, it’s anyone's guess if the timbre and tone are truly correct.

Ending notes:
In many regards this song was just too easy of a job. With this style of music gaining mainstream acceptance in the early 1970s due to bands like Tangerine Dream going forward to introduce a style of music which was ultimately perfect on early headphones. As such this is a continuation (so to speak) of the same ideas yet expanded further by a new (modern day) artist with his own ideas of just how it should go. In the early 1970s this quiet sonic meditation of experiencing the soundscapes provided with this sub-gene became known as Headphone Music and paved the way to really all styles of music heard on headphones later down the road. And surely it can be remembered that audiophiles early on argued that some (orchestral) styles of music were fully incapable of being reproduced by simple headphones……..being the elitist snobs they normally are at times. Truly this next song will be more of a difficult challenge.



Theatre of Tragedy
Assembly (Remastered)
Episode
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
Here is still the challenge of the Carat against the Crown. Yep dealing out a treble fiasco for the Crown we will determine if by chance the Carat will be preferred? Note this is one of the brightest songs I know, plus it incorporates the standard recording studio ideas for actual singing with effects of both (recorded) room reverbs and obviously rack mount effects in action.

Testing:
I’m now switching to the Sony WM1Z, a more V shaped response holding almost infinitely deep low end of a round and physical character contrast with the V shape of a pushed treble creating a treble halo around your head. Here there is simply more information for the taking produced both forward and back, top-to-bottom and side to side. Plus a lot of imaging projected into the stage creating differences in positioning, yep all from the DAP. The talk on the forums is that the images the WM1Z puts out creates a style of IEM ear-candy with many lower-priced monitor examples. Yet here there could be no more of a definitive difference shown by both the music and DAP chosen. While this here can be thought of as showing the true lack of treble details created with the Carat. It is what it is where yes, the Carat plays a better tonality in replay, though it is also projecting a warmer and less separated form of treble. Where the Crown is borderline off timbre, yet going for it with separated and itemized revelations of detail. Really at this point I see this is not in any way a fair match, though through IEM contrasts found here I do hear the differences between the two. Where the Carat is almost dull showing a vastly less detailed rendition, when it was given every opportunity to soar? Probably the 10kHz dip the Carat is known for.

The F1 Pro v the Carat:

Hans Zimmer
Inception OST
Old Souls
44.1 kHz - 16 bit
Here I’m using the Himalaya stock cable and WM1A. Somehow we are finding the perfect song to use. Really making both IEMs shine here. The Carat is moderately easy to drive, but almost maxes out a phone. Yet here it is once again obvious the F1 Pro is harder to drive than the Carat. There is this thing with the lower midrange that the Carat does that it adds a thickness and romance.........that simply adds to this song. Where the F1 Pro has it beat in technicalities all over the place……….I mean still the bass with the Carat is DD bass which just by its nature is going to have its own individual charm, yet slower and almost lumbering yet relatively detailed and cool with a song like this. The bass with the Carat is softer and holding special positioning and even texture detail, yet when the midrange tries to compete, the midrange in a song like this comes off slightly Carat murky? I mean sure the violins are of great timbre and inside of a great stage, yet not really separated and holding their own as far as imaging…….held down with this lower midrange glue. Where physically in size these two IEMs both share a reduced form factor. Incredibly small yet both metal in construction with the Carat made completely out of aluminum. Both IEMs hold their nozzles right at the almost too small place in life, yet can get correct fitment with a slightly longer length ear-tip and really I find the nozzle on the F1 Pro to fit even slightly better allowing for more ear-tip choices. Though both fit great, I mean how can small not fit good? The F1 Pro shows a more normal tuning offering up treble details into slightly more vivid contrasts. And maybe not surprising both the F1 Pro and the Carat did the piano notes with correct timbre, though there was a phenomenon where the Carat notes were slightly buried and of less entertaining consequences. All and all I would say skip the Carat and get the F1 Pro, simply the F1 Pro is the better IEM and holds a better tune and better technicalities in the end.



DCD
Anastasis
Kiko
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
I have a longstanding confession to make……….here in use with Kiko is some of the very best music to test IEMs within in my history. Why? Actually I’m not totally sure why, except it is well recorded and holds a darn big stage, the instruments and vocals are well illustrated into the file, as well as holding a form of dramatic contrasts……..not with 5 or 6 IEM……..but every IEM I have ever tested. The song is so good I almost feel guilty using it as in this one instance of Kiko we are rewarded with an unusual exciting sound regardless of the IEM tested. So we all have challenges for IEMs, well this song is not one……..it makes every IEM ear-candy. And just as expected the Carat is no exception to this rule at Redcarmoose Labs. In fact the Carat sounds even better than I thought? I mean with this song playing........it keys in on the clarity and bigness brought form from the Carat, and somehow underplays any issues previously spoke about?

The drums are big, when the world guitar comes in at 00:38 it is of totally correct timbre and even positioned into great contrast in the stage. At 01:13 Lisa Gerrard makes here entrance and while it is not the most forward rendition I have heard, it is absolutely fine. The thing that needs to be noted that regardless of the drawbacks to the Carat, the Carat has great reverberations, and just how the Carat follows through with the reverbs here is something of a charm. To sum up the Carat replay here it is totally great and holds both vivid contrasts, correct timbre and seemingly problem free tuning all coming together to promote wild reverberations…….in the end. In contrast to the Carat the F1 Pro was showing a more open and spread out stage……..going forward and while sounding slightly more digital (whatever that means)……..there was simply better imaging and separation into the stage here. Yet I could taste a tinge of Planar timbre which the Carat of course held none. Yet this F1 Pro tuning was better and it held better technicalities throughout. Yet the bass was not as thick or (maybe) even not as emotional here. It is noted that the Carat was really deeper and more illustrative into bass replay. Where the F1 Pro was faster, it didn’t hold whatever magic I heard with the Carat. Strange as I was not expecting this style of outcome. What it does is almost makes the Carat complementary in union with the F1 Pro, offering up a rounded, and smoother, more alive bass, where the F1 Pro is getting in and getting out……as planar IEMs do naturally.

Build:
Gorgeous really……..just look at them? As you might guess this is the ultimate fingerprint magnet. That and the nozzle tip ends do hold tips on surprisingly well, only they are maybe on the borderline of too short? Nothing that an extra long ear-tip can't rectify. There are two vents, with one being near the base of the nozzle the other off to the side right under the faceplate. The interesting thing comes from the black screens, as I have never seen such material, maybe even plastic?


Packaging:
There are a nice set of extras, especially the case included at this price point.



Cable and cables:
I used a number of cables, and primarily due to enjoying the refreshed openness found with 4.4mm.


Sources:
As such the Carat responded well and even transparently with an arrangement of sources.

Sony WW1A
Sony WM1Z
HiBy R3 II
ifi GO bar

The Sony 1A and WM1Z:
Interestingly I used the Sony WM1A for most of this review. As such the 1A has a trim and fast bass, plus an enhanced midrange which just by its nature promotes a wild big stage……….offering a style clarity and romance found with a gambit of IEMs. While the WM1Z you would think could rectify the uneventful (10kHz) treble roll-off at times………it still wasn’t enough to brighten things up?




HiBy R3 II:
Where of special intrigue was the HiBy R3 II results. The M response of the HiBy R3 II seemed to align the Carat and make it simply more than it was with some styles of music, as a new found big stage and romantic in separation?

Lovely strings:
At times bringing the strings up and out of their hole? The further display of treble separation, it could really make you wonder what kind of synergy was present here with the HiBy R3 II? Of course once again your choice of music was important, where all of a sudden the wrong style of tuning could present a notable departure from a known and understood style of playback. Never was this more apparent than with pushed Metal guitars, making them slightly thinner than wanted or needed……where the tone/timbre was found off too.

ifi GO bar:
Here is the thing, the GO bar is slightly different than anything own. And while the smoothness and analogue tone of the whole made this un-even guitar slightly more down to earth, the 4.5kHz to 7.8kHz peaks were still there and you could not avoid noticing them. Luckily the stage of the GO bar was also introduced with the Carat, showing itself to be my third favorite source in use, right behind the WM1A and WM1Z on a regular use basis.



Conclusion:
Discovering what the Carat is and what it is not is fun. While under $100.00 only gets you only so much IEM, that so much has multiplied many times over the last few years. When I started in this IEM hobby buying only budget IEMs, I became smitten with their low cost listenability. This Carat price point is a very competitive arena to jump into……some would even call it a bloodbath. With a new IEM introduction almost every other day we are truly looking to understand where the value lies with something like the Carat? While actually my most favored attributes come from timbre and stage size, there were really good reverberations which took place all time. And while you would think this style of tune would be good with Modern Rock, there were still sonic attributes that were reason for concern, mainly the uneven tuning. Where this style of tune could almost be regarded as experimental, it does two things. One, the Carat doesn’t sound exactly like other IEMs you have heard, and two…….the Carat has both good and bad features. As such there was a romantic bass and reverberations to the bass, also an even texture that allowed me to smile on many tracks. Yet a strange lower treble tune that made tonally of guitars on Symphonic Rock sound off.

So I have to say if you're listening to electronic music late at night and want a totally correct sounding low-cost IEM the Carat is actually a special buy. Just the size of playback allows this style of music to be both dramatic and fun…………it kind of enhances the separation at hand to make the Carat special. The Carat build is great, the fit is superb, and in that specific usage task of electronic music with a smooth top treble, we are fine. Where depending on your source, truly you may find an exquisite home here, regardless of the deficits. But if you were out looking for an IEM that will playback all genres well.......you need to look at other IEM choices. Sure the Carat can sound pretty good from a phone, as if you add the style of thickness here, it almost adds the harmonics required to enjoy simple phone use……..as it is no way thin sounding.



Final conclusion:
It is what it is. What that means is sure the Carat offers-up maybe half your library in correct tonality? And after-all this trash talk you would probably need to try the Carat to be sure how gorgeous it plays the style of music it goes with. Don’t ask me why, but this style of (good) music seems to be whole albums by a particular artist, and even whole catalogues of music found? It’s just if you cross the railroad tracks off into a music genre the Carat doesn’t favor you will be instantly notified as such. And sure if you only listened to specific genres the Carat liked you would be (unbelievably) smitten with the total outcome, regardless of imperfections.....those imperfections sitting just out of hearing range.

Because when the Carat is good it is really good, and I almost want to say perfectly good, but I won’t! It’s surprisingly good at times none-the less. I have had the Carat on-hand for 5 weeks and spent way more time than needed on this review, yet I did because I care about my readers and I sincerely care about the NiceHCK company.

Disclaimer:
I want to thank Vivian at NiceHCK for the love and Jialai Carat review sample.

Disclaimer:
These are one person's ideas and concepts, your results may vary.

Equipment Used:
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm
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
HiBy R3 II DAP in 4.4mm balanced
ifi GO Bar Dongle in 4,4mm balanced
Samsung Phone 3.5mm output

Today, we a look at Carat, the debut IEM from the sister brand of NiceHck - Jialai.

Forewords​

• What I look for in an IEM is immersion. I want to feel the orchestra around me, track individual instruments, and hear all of their textures and details. I’m not picky about tonality, as long as it is not make the orchestra, violin, cellos, and pianos sound wrong. However, when an IEM does tonality especially well, I will mention.
• I rate IEMs within with a consistent scale from 1 (Poor) to 3 (Good) to 5 (Outstanding). An overall ranking of 3/5 or above is considered positive.
• Ranking list and measurement database are on my IEM review blog.
• Terms used in my reviews are consistent with the glossary by Headphonesty
• This review is based on a review sample from NiceHck (Thank you!). I have no affiliation with or financial interest in NiceHck and Jialai.
• The unit retails for $70 at the time this review was published. Unaffiliated links: NiceHck store

General Information​

Carat is equipped with a single 10mm dynamic driver with titanium-plated DLC diaphragm. The drivers are encased in aluminium alloy shells. It is tuned according to the Harman In-Ear target but with some significant variations, which we will discuss further in the frequency response analysis section of this review. Similarly to most IEMs on the market, Carat is equipped with 2-pin, 0.78mm sockets to support interchangeable cables.









The accessory kit of Carat is complete and quite generous, considering the retail price. In the box, you would find three types of ear tips in three different sizes. I recommend that you play with all of them to find the best fit for your ears, as they might change the perceived sound quality quite noticeably. Other accessories include a standard 2-pin IEM cable with decent hardware. Unfortunately, the default cable has only 3.5mm termination. Finally, and surprisingly, Jialai also supplies a faux leather case to carry the IEM.

Physical Aspects​

The earpieces of Carat are machined from an aluminium alloy and polished nearly to a mirror finish. I said nearly because if you inspect the faceplates of the IEM closely, you would find that the surfaces have slight ripples rather than being perfectly flat. Another issue, which is to be expected from mirror-like surfaces, is that Carat earpieces are fingerprint magnets. If you want to keep the IEMs beautiful all the time, you should keep a microfiber cloth nearby.





Because the earpieces are constructed from a metal alloy, they are not as light as other plastic IEMs, especially the hollow ones constructed from UV cured acrylic resins. Luckily, they are not as heavy as stainless steel IEMs like my FiiO FD5. As a result, I didn’t experience any discomfort due to the weight of the earpieces during my tests.

The ear pieces are well vented, thus I did not experience any pressure build up in my ear canal during my tests. On the other hand, the well vented design reduces the noise isolation of Carat. Though, I wouldn’t say it is less isolating than other single DD IEMs.



The nozzles of Carat are where I find some challenges. These IEMs have short nozzles with large lips at the top, a combination that makes ear tips pairing tricky. I recommend shorter ear tips with wide opening and sticky caps to pair with Carat. Shorter tips ensures that you can get the IEM to sit flush against the concha of your ears for a stable fit and smoother treble response. Because the ear tips do not sit deep in your ear canals, sticky caps are necessary to increase the stability. Wide opening is also recommended to avoid introducing unnecessary peaks to the treble response.

Driveability and Pairing​

With a rated impedance of 32ohm and sensitivity of 108dB per mW (likely measured at 1kHz), Carat is a “moderately easy” IEM to drive. It means this IEM does not sound wrong or bad from sources with weaker amplification, but it does lose some magic.

For instance, when listening to the same song with Apple USB-C dongle and with iBasso DX300, it is quite noticeable that bass attacks are duller, the soundstage loses the “3D” sensation, and surprisingly I also hear more sibilance with the Apple dongle. These differences are more noticeable when music has more bass content, but less so with simple acoustic recordings with one voice and one instrument.

I would recommend sticking to Apple dongle or an entry level USB-C dongle such as FiiO KA11 for Carat. Though I do hear enough difference in the performance of Carat between the Apple dongle and higher-end DAC/amp, the relatively low price tag of Carat cannot justify an investment for a higher-end DAC/amp or music player, unless you have decided to make audio gear your long-term hobby.

Subjective Experience​

Testing setup: iBasso DX300 (stock player app) -> stock cable (4.4mm) -> IEM -> Medium wide bore ear tips

The overall sound signature of Carat can be described as “V-shape” that leans toward the high frequencies, giving this IEM a strong sense of perceived clarity. At the same time, it has a slight emphasis in the lower midrange, which can reveal itself rather unexpectedly in some piano recordings.



Vocal music:

• Pentatonix - Can’t help falling in love: All voices have natural timbre and good balance in loudness. I hear great clarity across all voices of Pentatonix members without any shrill or sibilance, unless I use the Apple dongle. But even when I do use Apple dongle, the sibilance was not offensive. Despite the great perceived clarity, I found that the voices are not easily separated and followed in denser sections of the song.
• John Denver - Leaving on a jet plane: The voice of John Denver sounds mostly correct with great clarity. I do find the voice to be ever so slightly nasally, possibly due to a dB or two too low around 1kHz to 2kHz. However, I’m nitpicking here. In the treble region, I didn’t hear any sibilance even though this IEM does not hold back on the loudness of chimes and the fatiguing triangle on the right channel. Likely thanks to the treble, I can discern a reasonable amount of micro details.
• Ed Sheeran - Shivers: This song pushes the limit of my comfort with the shrill in the chorus section. Carat does noting to mitigate this shrill, though at least it does not intensify it. Interestingly, I found that the voice of Ed Sheeran still has a resemblance of balance and richness in this bright recording. The Carat also managed to convey a good sense of space with this track. For example, the repeated synth pattern throughout the song was able to “break the headstage” to convey the illusion that they come from a distant at the front-left direction.

Rock:

• Polyphia - Playing God: Carat reproduces this complex math rock piece quite well with a snappy, dynamic, and clear presentation. I hear the guitars spread out across a soundstage that feels quite open. Cymbals and hats are prominent in the mix but, surprisingly, not shrill or harsh. The bass quantity is not overwhelming but enough to make the bass guitar audible. The kick drums have a good sense of dynamic as Carat can reproduce the volume swings at the attack of bass notes quite well.
• MAN WITH A MISSION - Raise Your Flag: I hear a neutral-bright presentation with this track using Carat. The IEM conveys good clarity and a sense of openness to the track. However, instruments and voices in the upper mids and highs are not well separated in busy sections of the track, suggesting the limitation of the “raw resolution” of the IEMs themselves. In terms of the bass frequencies, Carat again provides good bass quality with dynamic and texture, but I find the quantity to be insufficient to convey the energy of this track.

Classical:

• J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 - Aria · Julian Rachlin · Nobuko Imai · Mischa Maisky: I hear a natural timbre and good tonal balance across all three instruments. In particular, I found the cello to have authority and texture. The positioning and separation of three instruments are also precise and stable enough, though I would note that I hear less depth contrast (i.e., near to far placement) than what I expected. In general, there is no much to complain here.
• Lang Lang - Bach: Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Aria: Coming from the strong tonal performance so far, I was shocked by how unnatural Carat sounds with this track. In particular, I hear an imbalance towards the left hand notes of the piano, making them boomy and disturbing the positioning of the piano in the mix. It feels as if I’m putting my head against the left side of the piano, putting the bass notes upfront, the midrange a bit further, and treble all the way away. This strange presentation does not exist even with “bass cannons” like FatFreq Maestro Mini, indicating that the problem comes from the lower midrange and upper bass, rather than the bass itself.

Orchestra and Cinematic Sound Tracks:

• A Way of Life - The Last Samurai: Carat creates a sufficiently open and clear presentation. However, the lack of of treble extension (“air”) prevents this IEM from fully reproducing the foggy, misty ambiance of this track. In direct comparisons against some of my benchmark IEMs, I found that Carat does not separate the background sufficiently from the foreground instruments of the mix to create the illusion.
• Final Mission - Quantum Burst: Carat conveys a good sense of space and openness with this track. The bass feels snappy and possesses good texture, lending good energy to this energetic track.

FPS gaming (CS-GO Gameplay by Throneful): Gun shots can sound out-of-head with good sense of direction. However, the sense of distance only works well when the sound comes from the sides and the back. When the sound effects move to the front, the stage feels flat.

Frequency Response Analysis​

Frequency response of Jialai Carat against the Harman in-ear target. Measurements were done with an IEC-711-compliant coupler and might only be compared with other measurements from this same coupler. Visit my graph database for more comparisons.



It is helpful to think of an IEM as a filter that highlights or subdues different parts of the incoming audio signal. This effect can be measured objectively by the squiggly lines above, called Frequency Response (FR) graphs, which measure how loud an IEM is at different frequencies from 20Hz (bass) to 20kHz (upper treble). Subjectivity is how your ears and brain interpret the effect of that filter on your music and decide whether it is “enjoyable.” There are some “rules of thumb” when it comes to tonality, but most interesting IEMs usually bend the rules masterfully.

Jialai claims that Carat has been tuned according to Harman in-ear 2019 target, with flourishes based on the experience of their engineering team. To me, I found that the adjustments push Carat toward a V-shaped even more so than a “full Harman” IEM.

Midrange (250Hz - 5kHz): The midrange of Carat follows the Harman target generally from 800Hz to around 4kHz. This adherence explains the overall sense of clarity that Carat exhibits in the midrange region. However, it has a substantial deviation in the lower midrange. The additional energy in this region helps Carat avoid the thin and somewhat disjointed midrange that plagues many full Harman IEM. However, I think that Jialai puts a few dB too much energy in this region, leading to the strange presentation of piano that I described previously.

Bass (20Hz - 250Hz): The bass boost of Carat is roughly balanced against its upper midrange, which explains the balanced presentation that I noted in the subjective impressions. The ratio between midbass (the “punch” sensation) and the subbass (the “rumble” sensation) is higher than the ratio prescribed by the target. This tuning choice partially explains the presence and texture of bass instruments.

Highs (5kHz - 20kHz): The treble region is where Carat exhibits the most deviation from the target. In particular, Carat has a strong boost in the 6-8kHz, the region where Harman target de-emphasizes. This treble boost lends Carat’s note attacks their (perceived) crispness and clarity. Fortunately, the treble was not unpleasant despite this boost. However, if you are sensitive to treble and if you use an Apple dongle, it’s possible that this boost can be difficult on the ears with some tracks.

Resolution​

Resolution is a fascinating subject due to the difficulty of pinning down what it really is. To me, “resolution” can be broken down into three components: (1) Sharpness, incisiveness, or “definition” of note attacks (see the figure above). (2) The separation of instruments and vocals, especially when they overlap on the soundstage. (3) The texture and details in the decay side of the notes. The first two give music clarity and make it easy to track individual elements of a mix. The last provides music details and nuances. Smooth and well extended treble response plays a crucial role.

Carat has a strong sense of clarity thanks to the tuning and, likely, the quality of the dynamic driver. In direct comparison, I found Carat to be noticeably crisper with more defined musical notes than the venerable Moondrop Aria (2021 version).

The instrument separation is good, though not great. Whilst Carat does a good job in sparse recording, its ability to place boundaries between instruments gets noticeably weaker in complex and busy sections of recordings, making it harder to follow individual elements of a mix. The detail retrieval ability of Carat is also adequate for casual listening, but does not stands up to focused listening sessions.



Still, for the intended user base and price bracket, I suspect that strong sense of clarity of Carat would make up for the instrument separation and detail retrieval.

Soundstage Imaging​

Stereo imaging or “soundstage” is a psychoacoustic illusion that different recording elements appear at various locations inside and around your head. Your brain creates based on the cues in the recording, which are enhanced or diminushed by your IEMs, your DAC, and your amplifier. Some IEMs present a wide but flat soundstage. Some present a “3D” soundstage with layering, depth, and height. In rare cases, with some specific songs, some IEMs can trick you into thinking that the sound comes from the environment (a.k.a., “holographic”)



The stage of Carat can feel quite open and spacious. If a track is mixed with interesting instrument placement, this IEM can convey a nice 3D illusion, though it does suffer when facing denser and more complex recordings. Moreover, whether it can achieve a good soundstage presentation depends a great deal on the DAC and amp you use to drive it. As I mentioned previously in the pairing session, I found the stage and imaging of Carat to be unremarkable with the Apple dongle.

Rating and Conclusion​

What I like about this IEM:

• Clean, clear, and open sonic presentation
• Strong sense of clarity but rarely get shrill, harsh, or sibilant
• Bass is controlled with good dynamic and texture
• Can convey a 3D sound scape with the right track
• Good build quality
• Complex set of quality accessories

What could be improved:

• Tonality can be unbalanced with some recording
• Short nozzles make ear tips pairing tricky
• Dependent on the choice of DAC and amp
• Fierce competition

Should you buy this IEM? I think Carat would make a good gift to introduce a friend or family member to the world of “audiophile” IEMs. It would make a good beginner IEM. However, if you are sensitive to treble, Carat might be pushing the boundary.

Absolute Sonic Quality Rating: 3/5 - Good (Tonality 3/5; Resolution 2.5/5; Bass 3/5; Spatial 3.5/5)

Bias Score: 3/5 - I’m okay with this IEM.



Updated: March 17, 2024