Rikubuds Rider 1

Introduction​

Well, by now RIkubuds needs no new introduction. But for those that are not familiar with them, let me tell you a bit about the man behind them - @RikudouGoku . He is a beloved and respected individual in the audiophile community. A quite competent reviewer and overall a very nice person. Rikubuds is his venture into the earbuds world.

I was not a very big fan of earbuds, to be honest. The fit sometimes gave me pain in the ears and the lack of sealing made the ambient noise a bit intrusive into the music. However, after owning and enjoying multiple iems, I got curious enough, and reasoned with myself that it will be same as listening music through speakers, which I enjoy despite the presence of ambient noise. So I got something else, and then thought of getting the Rider 1 as well.

Specification​

Packaging, Design, & Fit​

Rikubuds comes in a very spartan packaging. Just a cheap small carrying case, housing the earbuds, spare foam covers of two different colours (black and blue), and the class card.

While making the product page, I have not included a photo of the same because the appearance of Rider 1 can be modded slightly by choosing the mx500 shell colour and cable colour. Remember, just the colour, as the inside is same - silver plated copper. I chose a dark blue shell (red being the other option) with matching blue/white cable. Looks stunning, as you can see below. Termination is 3.5 mm single ended.



Initially I had to struggle with the fit a bit, my ears took time to accustom to it and I went through slight pain on the concha. However, to search for a better fit and to get a bit more bass, I chose to put two foam covers back to back on the buds, and voila! Now it is much pleasant to wear with a slight more bass boost. Presently using them with Hiegi foams, better clarity over double foam while preserving the bass boost.

Disclaimer: I bought it at full price (50 Euro + 16 Euro shipping). I was not obliged to write a review but I love it so very much I have decided to write my opinions about them. I believe I am the first one from India to be an owner of a Rikubuds earbud.

Sound​

Source: Phone 3.5mm port, Venture Electronics Abigail, Fosi Audio DS1 single ended port

Let me tell you this - I was NOT prepared for the sound that came out of Rider 1. It immediately felt as if I was swimming in a world full of music. The projection was well beyond the boundaries of my head - very similar to having a speaker arrangement around my head at a slight distance. I was lost in a musical euphoria.

Tonality wise it can be classified as warm neutral. Previously it was neutral with a hint of warmth, but putting two foam covers back to back has introduced a hair bit more warmth.

Bass surprised me with its slam in the midbass. It is not that I have not experienced the same with other earbuds before, but they did not come with such awesome transparency. Now, coming from IEMs, the bass definitely did not sound as powerful or visceral in the beginning, but once my ears got used to it, I actually found it sufficiently full in most occasions. The midbass has a really nice punch and a volume that feels just right. Subbass extension is not bad either, but ultimately it does not get very tactile. Still, there is a very nice weight in the whole bass region that makes it sound natural, and the textures are wonderfully reproduced. If I have to nitpick, the decay sometimes seems to be a bit faster than my preference.

The drums in Metallica - Enter Sandman and The Four Horsemen sound quite impactful and fun. But the bass drums in Battlestar Galactica Season 2 OST - Prelude To War does not thunder to their best capacity, they do still sound quite punchy, but not as full because of the slight compromise in the subbass and the decay. The bassline of Massive Attack - Angel has enough pressure

Midrange took my breath away. I did not expect such effortlessly natural mids with outstanding separation, textures, a fair bit of crunchiness but completely devoid of sharpness. This is a refinement unexperienced beforehand. Yeah they are not overly juicy and thick, but still sufficiently organic. The notes sit forward, and strike a perfect balance between organic and textured, having a fair amount of body & weight with well-defined edges. Male vocals have an hint of that throaty feel. Female vocals sound delightfully emotional and euphonic. String instruments are sublime. The magic lies in how well each and every instrument are reproduced without overlapping each other, and even the faintest sound can be distinctly heard in the mix. Nothing dominates anything - it is a masterful cohabitation of all of them to their best capacity. What fascinates me most is that sometimes the instruments sound so alive that I feel I could just touch them.

Listening to Lana Del Rey has simply been a treat with them. Not just that, they also handled Bloodhunter quite nice!

Treble is smooth, yes, but very prominent. This region feels very present, and yet not pushed forward. They are placed slightly behind the midrange, but only in position, not in presence. The notes have a very realistic timbre - feel very tactile, and have very well defined body. The energy feels adequate. Details are easily noticeable. Upper treble extends very nicely and is quite airy.

The cymbals in Metallica - Enter Sandman, and Steely Dan - Do It Again sounded smooth but quite present.

Technicalities are fairly strong also. The stage is large with lots of space between the notes, owing to the open nature. It extends more in height than in width, although the width isn't bad either. Due to the forward midrange the presentation might sound a bit intimate, but the spacious presentation helps to keep it from being congested. Separation is outstanding, and imaging is quite fairly articulated as well.

Conclusion​

Rider 1 is just a glimpse of Kevin's tuning prowess. And it left me amazed since the get go. I honestly do not know what is not to like about this pair except perhaps a bit more rumble and body in the subbass, which I cannot really fault them with since it is not exactly a forte of any earbuds. The highly organic midrange, the punchy bass, and the smooth but prominent treble, coupled with an airy soundstage simply blows you away with a wave of pure musicality. Your only choice is to get on top of it and ride along! So godspeed!