Yume Reborn
Summary:
Two years ago the original 1DD X 2BA Yume put SeeAudio on the map. And while (then) a leader in the under $200 price-point, OG Yume wasn’t perfect or even close to perfect. Replacing the old (no-name) Yume drivers with the Knowles RAD Series Tweeter and a midrange Sonion 2300 BA, was a start. Next SeeAudio applied 5-axis CNC know-how to construct a precision aluminum shell, and new 3D printing technology to perfect the internal sound channeling. What we have now is an IEM with far greater build tolerances, new phase correction technology and Low Frequency Filter Conversion Pro technology. My biggest issue with the first Yume was the lack of lower midrange. It’s safe to say SeeAudio not only provided Yume MK2 with a more even, correct and complete tune, but while doing so provided much improved technicalities. All placed into a gorgeous 5 gram CNC shell…….ending with an IEM that’s not heavy, too big, or strangely shaped. The Reborn Yume is easy to drive, plays all music genres and creates an immediately accessible, yet subtle V-shaped signature. At $199.00 it’s safe to say SeeAudio did it again, they simply made the Yume MK2 one-step better.
PRODUCT PRICE
$199.00 USD
https://www.linsoul.com/products/seeaudio-yume-ii
Linsoul website: https://www.linsoul.com/
Linsoul Aliexpress Store: https://ddaudio.aliexpress.com/store/2894006
Linsoul USA Amazon Store link: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=merchant-items&me=A267P2DT104U3C
Packaging:
First off the original Yume was the first Manga Girl packaging I ever received from an IEM maker. Back in February of 2021 a box from SeeAudio/Linsoul arrived and there was this cartoon of a girl on the box-top. I didn’t know how to interrupt such marketing, is it because of the IEMs target sales demographics? Such creative “extras” I’m starting to grasp. With Yume MK2 we are now seeing a new level of sophistication, a refinement of sorts. Yume is still on the box, but she looks older and more experienced. Where Yume was floating in space on a crystal in the first edition, now she is reclining on a cloud peering at a crystal. This ongoing personification of a girl into an IEM product is starting to make complete sense now. But it’s the basic attention to detail that takes Yume MK2 over the top!
The box:
What is so special is the extras and the style of the actual box. First off much of this sounds stupid to write about, but maybe it’s important?
It was important to SeeAudio. Yume MK2 simply comes in a box, but closer attention shows it to be not any old box, no it’s quite possibly the nicest box I have ever reviewed an IEM in? Smaller and more business-like than Yume 1, Yume 2 goes ahead and provides a higher-end package. The box itself is textured with a pattern which goes to help grip. Such grip is needed as the box-top doesn’t separate without some effort; a good thing. There is a barcode and corresponding serial number emblazoned across the lower section of the box, which also matches the serial number and barcode placed on the back of the information packet inclosed inside the box. But we are getting ahead of ourselves here. The picture of Yume on the top! There is this gold trim that in fact is printed onto this plastic window placed into the box-top. And this trim is printed on the inside of the window, and sparkles many rainbow colors when light is projected on it. Yume exists behind glass, but to elaborate further..........somehow there are still the past additives? Yume has the added rabbit ears, and (still has) the (opposite) matching reverse colored eyes. We may be able to thank Hugh Hefner and Playboy magazine for this theme? Yet there is so much more with a sun in the background, a picture of Saturn............even hair color changing as everything falls into place. The center floating crystal theme is still there, yet this whole painting seems otherworldly.........and quite frankly magic! While in writing all these themes may make absolutely no sense, yet viewed as one picture.........it becomes as one. Finally at the bottom is the name “YUMU II” and underneath “1DD + 2BA IN-EAR MONITORS”…….in more gold writing. The back of the box goes ahead and introduces the major build ideas, holds graphs, as well as specifications.
Inside the box:
Opening the lid we are greeted with the IEMs covered in protective cellophane. The underside of the lid holds a gray piece of foam. All the included printed (Information packet) is placed inside of a single envelope. Removing the envelope we get our first glimpse of the jewelry case which holds the cable and Yume pin. Off to the left is an assortment of 5 individually colored ear-tips. Such display case work (in-total) is truly the first clue as to the care and refinement presented here. Each ear-tip is privately held unto itself to not become deformed in transit. Each color allows for distinguishing each size, with the outer silicone being both clear and flat textured. Such ear-tips are truly nice allowing perfect fit and correct sound.
The information packet:
Inside the first thing you notice is a bilingual owners manual which describes safe use of the Yume with close descriptions of volume levels and listening time durations. The manual even describes how to place the cable onto the earphones…etc, etc.
1) Information packet
2) Post card (so you can mail your friends a (silly) picture of Yume)
3) A set of extra nozzle filters X2
4) A cleaning cloth in a bag
5) A see-through business card with web-addresses
As a fact of life, attention to detail is a form of quality. Also it simply shows SeeAudio cares about your user experience. If the IEMs didn’t sound good none of this packaging would matter in the first place. But because the IEMs themselves showcase a carful and correct sound replay, this whole packaging set simply goes one step further to create a form of communication. What is being conveyed is the fact that SeeAudio has their act together and they are fulfilling your needs and expectations 110%.
Specifications:
- SENSITIVITY: 102dB ±1dB SPL/mW
- IMPENDANCE: 17 Ω
- FR RANGE: 20Hz - 20kHz
- FR QA/QC: ±1dB
- THD: ≤ 2%
- SOUND OCCLUTION: 26dB
- DRIVER: 1DD + 2BA
- PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm
- 2pin:（0.78mm）
- CABLE: 6N OCC silver plating
Features:
- Dynamic Driver Coated with Redesigned Optimized Liquid Silicon Diaphragm
- Knowles RAD Series Tweeter + Sonion 2300 BA
- 3D Printing Technology inside an Aviation Grade Aluminum Alloy Shell
- Applied with Low Frequency Filter Conversion Pro Technology
- Clean, Accurate and Smooth Response
- High-Purity 6N OFC Silver-Plated Cable
SeeAudio/Yume History:
SeeAudio burst onto the scene in early 2021 with 3 very cool IEMs. The original Yume coming in at $169.00, was SeeAudio’s single entry level idea. Legend has it SeeAudio was created by a (prior) qdc IEM engineer and by the looks of the products, this could very well be true? The Yume was accompanied by the flagship $1,399.00 (4 BA + 4 EST) KAGUYA and the $1099.00 (10BA) NEO. With 29 Head-fi reviews, the original Yume was and is a phenomenon. Yet after careful inspection the original Yume surly couldn’t be the product of a new company……such craftsmanship and tune showed signs of prior skill. While (for me) the original Yume tune was lacking lower midrange, I still gave it very high marks due to a mesmerizing actual midrange and superior fitment. SeeAudio went ahead later introducing the SeeAudio Crinacle Yume Midnight, maximizing the Yume bass experience. Adding the $279.00 Bravery then $299.00 Red Bravery edition subsequently.
The original 2021 Yume
Build:
Incredibly shinny, these are some of the most “ear-jewelry” IEMs I have seen in a while. What adds to that is the faceplate. Yep a whole side of the IEM is dedicated to this mirror like shape. The center has a flower symbolic in gold. The two side “leafs” give the whole design a distinctive European flair. They look heavy but feel lightweight at 5 grams a piece. Where I feel 4 grams is super lightweight, and 10 grams heavy, these fit right in as middle-lightweight. Amazingly they are actually made of three aluminum sections, with the nozzle having a semi-flat finish, maybe to help hold ear-tips on? Truly these fit (me) like a dream even as to go so far as offer a wide choice of ear-tip shape and sizes. If by chance the nozzles were too short (which they are not) you would need long ear-tips to get air-tight fit.
Here even my most shallow “donut” wide-bore tips work. The weight, shape and nozzle angle supply the needed ergonomics to where I simply put the Yume II in and forget about adjusting it. The slightly recessed 0.78 2 pin means an easy, actually super easy cable changes. I tried about 5 different cables and the Yume II was one of the easiest to do, I’m not exactly sure as to why cables are easy to change? Sometimes IEMs are just that way? As seen in the photos, the nozzle screen is slightly inset out of harms way. Yet if you look closely the wire-mesh is just that.......a mesh with almost no holes for the sound to escape? A single small vent acts as a passage to transfer air, located directly adjacent to the 2 pin. There are no other air-vents contained in the Yume II’s build. Each IEM has the name Yume II as well and right and left markings.
The cable:
The 6N OCC silver plated cable works great, though I did end up changing cables to access 4.4mm balanced power which went to encourage a wider stage and clearer tonality. This was a separate, different amp in my player which with different components goes to explain the sound differences. Yet going back to the included cable to use with a phone was fine in that the Yume II does not need much power. All and all the included cable ended perfectly fine in the ergonomics department. The subtle ear-hooks offered just the right amount of support with not acting too aggressive. The cable material was non-microphonic and positioned well. If anything the chrome embellishments went one step further to match the IEMs themselves.
Yume I against Yume II:
Laughably I went and found my bass ear-tips waiting for me on the original Yume. If that’s not a statement as to what else is needed, I don’t know what else is? My bass ear-tips happen to be Sony EX11 Hybrid models. Looking at the original Yume graph is confusing as it seems to show slightly more sub-bass than is actually there? If that sub-bass was real (like-it-graphs out) we probably could continue being happy the original Yume. Yet besides the lacking bass, the elephant in the room was the absent lower Yume midrange. And while the original Yume (is and) was popular, even class-leading due to its midrange and treble ability, when it came to authoritative music like Rock or EDM, something was missing. Lucky for us Yume II has been improved in every direction. Side-by-sides show the imaging and stage to be bigger with Yume II. Everything is more forward and the stage is wider, which results in everything more clear…………I like that. Closer.............more real. The soundstage is maybe the first thing you notice besides the lower midrange additive to the Yume II sound signature? And not just sound improvements with Rock and EDM, everything, all music is simply better. Now to be fair here, and realistic I was able to jerry-rig a through low-end set-up, but it was only in one single arraignment. Yep, to get the original Yume to shine I used the included 5N OCC cable and my Sony WM1Z, which subsequently is one of my warmest DAPs. And in this set-up OG Yume replayed almost enough low-end, and amazingly performed an adequate soundstage, with a more standard arraignment of imaging. Though the thing is OG Yume midrange had slightly more note-weight. Where this new Yume is thin in the mids, OG Yume did do this one single thing better. Really over-all OG Yume was more compact in stance, offering a traditional style of replay and reminded me of why I gave it such high marks. Yet OG Yume was not so well rounded and needed to be catered to, to perform as such.
The original Yume had 2 no-name (custom) BA drivers and a 9.2mm Liquid Silicone DD. Remembering back 2 years ago, it took me a while to understand what OG Yume was up to. Where Yume II is instantly accessible, both clearer, warmer and with better authority. Because imaging is larger in Yume II playback, there is simply more musical involvement. Because it’s warmer, the sound is in-a-way more consumer friendly, more of a standard consumer tune, with that lower midrange boost. And to be perfectly honest, it may be that each version of Yume is special to a segment of the audiophile community. Meaning the OG Yume appealed to those in search of a more neutral response…….a response that removed a section of the low-end to focus attention on those nice mids? Where Yume II still has clear mids, it’s just they are not super thick in density. So the Yume II mids are there, even forward, but just not weighty or filled out. Same as the treble, as the Yume II treble is provided, just not super detailed, yet special and entertaining. Though there are times when Yume II treble does provide the details, with great separation and form. All this while still being more forward and wider than Yume I. Yume II has the lower note weight, that is authoritative and thick, yet the mids (Sonion 2300 BA) are clear just not totally sculpted into existence. And while interestingly enough, the Yume II treble is big and entertaining, the Knowles RAD Series Tweeter is not 100% sculpted either. The lows are better than Yume I, but Yume II has accent on the mid-bass and lower mids………..such a roll-off of subs simply is what it is.
The sound in general:
What this all adds up to is a fast sound signature. Yume II is both big and explosive, just not carrying the final few dBs of the (low-end) drop. Where due to imaging and size, both the treble and midrange creations are fast but not thick. Almost a sketch of such elements, where there is spacial performance into the midrange being forward yet thin in texture. Same as the treble being big and fast moving, but not totally held-down by reality. Thus an airy, super airy posture that moves quickly and contains pace. As such the lower midrange further not burdened by the sub-bass anchor………goes ahead to take flight into speed. So the idea here is pace is performed and transients move quickly (hence imaging) yet midrange, treble and low-end only carry medium detail. What this ends up providing is a kind of guilty pleasure, where if you don’t get (too) caught-up in over-analyzing everything and let the music take you……….you can get lost in the music. Probably my favorite part is the rhythm section where there is great communication between the drums and bass. Such bounce kinda moves this whole she-bang along……….again ultimately a correct yet swaying pace.
Timbre:
Really a gift here. In that despite everything the one single thing that Yume II does is provide realistic tonal renditions of instruments. And while treble itemizations play-out thin, they are not exactly splashy. Such cymbal music is well separated and localized, just not as filled-in as more expensive IEM replay. Vocal timbre is very accurate yet simply not thick in demeanor, as almost not weighty enough? Bass replayed with correct and natural tone, and contains all the needed weight, except rolled off in the sub-bass.
Midrange:
As mentioned, while replay is correct tonally, it’s not harmonically complex. Such utilitarian vocals are not exactly wrong as they are well illustrated and come in with great accuracy, but come off to the thin side.
Treble:
Huge in size and well positioned into the stage………………if anything this style of replay is why I like Hybrids the best. Such Knowles RAD Series Tweeter lives up to its name as truly it delivers the goods……….a separate, dislocated image is anything but rolled-off. Sparkles and shine showing just what can be purchased in 2023 treble-wise. Airy to the point of amazement, and holding great transients none-the-less.
Bass:
While it’s not disclosed as to the DD size, we can only guess it’s at least as big as the 9.2mm original Yume? There is a grand separation here also, like home theater except lacking the sub-bass. Still what is provided is thrilling and satisfying to say the least. It almost seems as if they went to the other extreme (in bass) in that it’s not totally defined yet relatively big and authoritative, in what frequencies are there.
In fact the stars of this show balance on the treble and hefty low-end to create a subtle V response. It is in-fact this balance of sorts, that show us that Yume II is tuned correctly. And while this lower midrange bump may be a question of taste, if your on-board with what is going on here……it’s a form of paradise in the making. There is so much heft in the lower midrange that it over compensates for any loss in the sub-region propelling this music forward and sprinkling on the bliss.
Well-rounded-ness 
Yep, forgiving, that’s the word we all have for this phenomenon. Yume II is forgiving to a fault. This means she goes with any musical genre, any source…..any file quality and multiple volume levels. It’s one of the main reasons she is valuable here. Strangely I found myself using a wide range of ear-tips and not only got ear-fit, but the music always sounded correct. It didn’t matter if I used a mid focused DAP or and extra V shaped source, Yume II performed with-out fault. And while different cables did help gain an improvement in sound, even 4.4mm to 4.4mm differences contained in cable metallurgy, nothing was ever too extreme. Meaning this is a style of IEM that is easy going and natural sounding. There were never any styles of replay that was too bright, or too dark……..in-fact nothing really could be done to change Yume II’s demeanor, as she was always basically the same.
Conclusion:
I personally love the Yume II. Yume II is both relaxed and fun, an easy going experience that allowed for thrilling long-time listening. She played any file I threw at her, and made music even out of my thinnest files. While not overly technical (and not wrongfully colored) there is a pureness here. In fact there is actually a whole host of technicalities Yume II does super well. She is fast and responsive to changes in the music, never getting jumbled-up or confused. While maybe not 100% in note weight, there is great lower notes. The way-high-up spatialization into the stage was both imaged-well and tonally accurate. Yume II is fast and fun, but most of all she’s got a special rhythm. It’s this rhythm that once discovered becomes a favorite hang-out. Don’t ask me to describe this feature as it must have something to do with both the pace and lower midrange bump……still it’s magic and maybe the single reason why I love her so? That and the imaging. I know I’m rambling…….but so what. The image size is what is unique, unique for the price point and unique at a lot of price points. In fact the size and shape of the imaging is partially responsible for the musical involvement, it’s what makes Yume II so accessible, maybe? Just big and cheerful and sincere. Boisterous and provocative is two words I have for her. And while she is at a loss to provide pin-point imaging at times in the low-end, Yume II makes up for it to go ahead and provide that spacial size and grandeur. It’s inside this spectacle that the correct timbre is found. Because if you really focus on naturalness, Yume II has it in spades.
Also......
The box opening experience, the IEM build and design…..the way they fit.
The extras provided in the box.
The easy going nature Yume II has.
The sound stage per dollar spent.
Soundstage:
Yep, I was saving the very best for near last. While Yume II has a terrifically wide sound stage (huge) it’s not the biggest forward to back, yet still big top to bottom. Transient response, tune and imaging can go hand in hand. This style of replay naturally creates a big involving soundstage. The fact that Yume II is also a hybrid goes along to add to the stage in general. Hybrids can offer a bigger stage than planar and single DD IEMs. And that is what we have here, entertaining fun due to the itemization found in musical passages. Big thrilling size that is all that much better due to correct timbre.
SeeAudio:
SeeAudio is perfecting along the way. And while Yume II is not perfect, she is a ton of fun. Built well by a company that has been around the block. SeeAudio applied 5-axis CNC know-how to construct a precision aluminum shell and new 3D printing technology to perfect the internals. Due to a specific separation inside they created phase coherence and implemented Low Frequency Filter Conversion Pro technology to dial in the bass. The exterior shell is both comfortable and correct fitting. At 5 grams it could be said Yume II is the perfect weight.
Naturalness:
All this really means only one thing. That in use Yume II will provide an easy to access sound, provide a correct fit and offer a window into your daily music listening. And while Yume II probably provides the quintessential consumer tune, such treble details are anything but standard consumer flair. In fact the basic technicalities (especially) in the treble playback created intrigue and curiosity that simply kept on going. Keeping playback fun and exciting, making Yume II once and for-all boisterous and provocative!
SeeAudio Yume II
1DD + 2BA Hybrid In Ear Earphones
- Dynamic Driver Coated with Redesigned Optimized Liquid Silicon Diaphragm
- Knowles RAD Series Tweeter + Sonion 2300 BA
- 3D Printing Technology in Aviation Grade Aluminum Alloy Shell
- Applied with Low Frequency Filter Conversion Pro Technology
- Clean Accurate and Smooth Response For the Consistency on Hi-Fi Experience
- High-Purity 6N OFC Silver-Plated Cable
PRODUCT PRICE
$199.00 USD
https://www.linsoul.com/products/seeaudio-yume-ii
Linsoul website: https://www.linsoul.com/
Linsoul Aliexpress Store: https://ddaudio.aliexpress.com/store/2894006
Linsoul USA Amazon Store link: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=merchant-items&me=A267P2DT104U3C
Disclaimer:
I want to thank Kareena of Linsoul for the love and the SeeAudio Yume II IEM review sample.
Disclaimer:
These are one persons ideas and concepts, your results may vary.
Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
UA3 Dongle DAC/Amplifier 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Samsung Android Smartphone 3.5mm output
Bonus music section:
This extra fun is really what IEM reviews are about. Now while Yume II is well rounded, I did find myself attracted to some music even more than usual. Returning to stock ear-tips and stock cable showed how everything is included in the package.
KMFDM
Paradise
“Oh My Goth”
44.1kHz - 24bit
And while the matrix of bass and drums have that unmistakable interplay, we are presented with a lighter bass rendition. The lowest dBs are laying behind the scenes creating a faster and more nimble experience. Really nothing is left out as far as entertainment goes, it is just I have heard this replay deeper and really even thicker. Clean is probably my best word for this style of replay. Clean and complete. Complete because I find my self with-out wanting, somehow everything performed. In accounted for? The rhythm-guitar is presented in its very own stage complete and separate from the center. And while I have other IEMs that present the guitar-decay more complete, these are all about imaging and pace.
DCD
Anastasis
“Agape”
44.1kHz - 24bit
Big forward drums and out to the side a style of violin. The small rhythm taps are separated and delineated into the stage.
Lisa Gerrard’s famous Khim instrument is presented in all its glory and finds just the right area into the mix. And while again I have heard such reverberations inside the Khim note fall-off to be of greater amounts, thus mesmerizing, such placement into the soundstage and the over-all tone is correct.
Rammstein
"Angst" (RMX by two colors)
48kHz - 24bit
When the beat drops at the 00:52 mark we realize that the low-end is real and satisfying. Prior to that the whooshing effects managed to display intense treble which was spatialized way out to the left and right, holding an almost glistening tone.
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