SHOZY Planar Magnetic 14.5mm IEM

DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank Linsoul for providing this review unit.

The Shozy P20 can be gotten here: https://www.linsoul.com/products/shozy-p20 (no affiliate links).




SPECIFICATIONS

• Driver configuration: 14.5 mm planar driver
• Frequency response: 5 Hz - 40 kHz
• Impedance: 30 Ω
• Sensitivity: 105 dB/mW
• Cable: 2-pin, 0.78 mm; modular cable with 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm terminals; no information about cable materials
• Tested at: $139 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)
- Cable
- Carrying case

The accessories are serviceable for a $100ish planar IEM. It isn't the best though, as we are missing foam tips and a modular cable, something that may be offered in a similarly priced competitor.




We have a selection of 2 variants of silicone tips. The wide-bore ones boost treble and enhance soundstage, whereas the narrow-bore ones increase bass, with some compromise in staging.




We have no information on the stock cable materials, though it is a disappointment, being thin and tangling easily. Thankfully, it has a chin cinch, though there is a smattering of microphonics. During ordering, one can opt for a 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm terminated version.




Last but not least, we have a semi-rigid zipper carrying case. This is tough enough to withstand compressive forces, with an inner soft lining and webbing.

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


BUILD/COMFORT



The P20's housings is made of black matte resin, with a cool carved maze-like faceplate. It certainly is quite unique aesthetically.

The shells have moderate weight and lie on the larger side, though thankfully I found the comfort to be okay for longer listening sessions.



The P20 is a vented IEM and hence isolation is bang average. Despite the vents, I encountered driver flex on my pair, though this is semi-dependent on eartip choice and ear anatomy.


INTERNALS

The P20 houses a 14.5 mm planar driver.


DRIVABILITY

I tested the P20 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 relatively difficult to drive. Amplification is recommended to scale soundstage, bass tightness and dynamics.


SOUND & TECHNICALITIES


Graph of the Shozy P20 via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.

Tonally, the P20 is a warm and bassy IEM, with note weight on the thicker side.

The P20 has a predilection for the sub-bass frequencies, with decent extension. Quantity-wise, it is north of neutral, and when well amplified, the bass is impactful and textured, with moderate speed. We do run into some mid-bass bleed though.

There is a slight lower midrange depression, with this region warmed tremendously by the copious bass. This adds lots of heft to this frequency band, though there is some veiling of sonics as a result. With a 7 dB ear gain in the upper mids, vocals are forwards but not shouty.

The P20 has a dark treble, with limited air and extension. Trebleheads will scoff about the tuning, but this is a safe IEM for our treble-sensitive brethren. Sibilant-free sonics greet the listener, with no harshness in this region.

Like most planar IEMs, the P20 has some element of planar timbre, though it isn't the worst miscreant in this arena.

When discussing technicalities, the P20 has a wide soundstage (depth and height are average). It isn't the most resolving or micro-detailed set - this is in part influenced by the dark treble - so analytical-heads best look elsewhere. Imaging, layering and instrument separation are middling and nothing to write home about. Note edges are also blunted, but this takes the harshness off somewhat.


COMPARISONS



The P20 will be compared against other planar IEMs. Single DDs, multi-BAs, and hybrids are left out as the different driver types have their pros and cons.


Letshuoer S12 Pro

The S12 Pro is a bright V-shaped IEM, with much greater treble emphasis than the P20. The S12 Pro is more extended in the treble, but we run into the dreaded S word of sibilance and harshness.

The S12 Pro has a more metallic timbre, but it has better technical chops in micro-detailing, imaging and instrument separation. Soundstage goes to the P20.


Hidizs MP145

The MP145 has 3 tuning nozzles, to vary the frequency response amongst variations of a U-shaped tonality, and thus it has superior versatility. The MP145 has a more extended treble, with greater clarity and sparkle.

The MP145 has a killer soundstage, easily dwarfing that of the P20's. Imaging and micro-detailing are also slightly improved on the MP145.

The MP145 is harder to drive, and it also has a larger shell, which may cause fitting issues for some consumers.


CONCLUSIONS



In the big scheme of things, amongst the slew of planar releases, where does the Shozy P20 lie? Honestly, it falls squarely in the middle, being an average contender in most departments. Verily, one can describe the P20 as a jack of all trades but master of none.

The tuning is fatigue and sibilant-free, with a warm and bassy soundscape that is pleasant enough. When juiced well, the big bass is impactful while still keeping texture, albeit there is some mid-bass bleed. The huge bass does eat into the midrange, which obscures layering and micro-detailing. The treble, while smooth and without harshness, may not be the cup-of-tea for trebleheads.

While soundstage is commendable in terms of width, the rest of the technical aspects are quite meh. Glaringly, there is also driver flex, which is a potential deal-breaker for some consumers. Fortunately, the accessories are okay, though this IEM isn't the easiest to drive off a weaker source.

In the cut-throat planar wars, the P20 is certainly not an outright flop. However, being average is still a death sentence of some sorts, as this equates to being forgettable. Indeed, once a new and shinier toy releases next week, the ears and wallets of audiophiles will be captured elsewhere, and sadly, this IEM might be relegated to a footnote on audio forums.

As a long time audio enthusiast, SHOZY is a familiar audio brand to me as I'm acquainted with their previous collaboration with Advanced AcousticWerkes which is a Singaporean audio brand on their HIBIKI models. I actually like the HIBIKI Mk.II as it aligns with one of my tonal references which is midcentric tuning. That's why I'm excited to do a review on this product as this is my first review on a SHOZY product.



SHOZY is a Chinese audio brand which is also registered in Hong Kong which specialises mainly on IEMs but it also releases some TWS and DAC/Amps. What I have here right now is their latest model for this year.



This is SHOZY P20 and it has a single driver configuration. The driver that was implemented here is a 14.5mm planar magnetic driver which is known to deliver a clear, clean and crisp sound reproduction and excellent clarity in its resolution with strong technical performance at the expense of better power output just to have an optimal performance. Again as I explained about the simple mechanism on planar magnetic, it has a diaphragm that has wafer-like structure with a series of wirings running through it and it was placed and suspended between the layers of magnets which reacts via electromagnetic signal output which makes them more sensitive.



Then the planar magnetic driver is encased in quite solid aluminium alloy shell structure in it which underwent a sandblasting process to give that brushed metallic surface with a laser-etched geometric design on its faceplate. The shell chassis is large as it accommodates its large driver and its outline contours remind of a certain moon phase, Waxing Gibbous phase. It uses a proven 0.78mm 2-pin connector as its interlocking mechanism.



As for its stock cable, it has 2-core OFC silver plated copper wiring that are insulated with a clear PVC coating and then it was twisted and its overall build is quite lean and susceptible to entanglement. It has 3.5mm SE on its termination plug but you can choose a 4.4mm balanced as an option if you are planning to purchase this set in online vendors in your preferred e-commerce platform.



On how this one fits to my lugholes, it seems that despite its large size, it looks nifty and quite comfortable to wear for a long listening session. It offers some good passive noise isolation as it was able to block some unwanted external noises from the outside.



The product packaging and presentation of this set is quite minimalist on how it was packed in a rather compact-size box and its contents inside are quite meagre for its intended price range in my opinion.



Here are the following contents inside of its packaging box:

• Pair of SHOZY P20 IEM transducers
• Stock cable
• Rounded edge rectangular storage case.
• 3 pairs of black coloured balanced bore silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
• 3 pairs of black coloured wide bore silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.

When it comes to power scaling and amplification, due to its planar magnetic configuration, we will usually assume that it is harder to drive compared to some sets with dynamic drivers or balanced armature drivers. But to my surprise, this set is one of the easiest to drive sets for a planar magnetic driver out there which reminds me of a set with similar less power output requirement. Although to have an optimal performance, you still need devices with good power output delivery as you will notice the sonic performance from a normal gain mode to a bit higher gain output.



As for tonality, it seems the SHOZY P20 has a mild U-shaped sound profile as it has quite a bit more emphasis on lows and in the ultra high frequency range while the midrange has some proper texture on it.



(Graph measurement was provided by @baskingshark , credits to his effort)


LOWS/BASS:

There are few exceptional planar magnetic sets in terms of the bass quantity and quality and this set is one of them. It has authority and slam on it with a good rumbling on its bass response. It appears that while it has good sub-bass presence that I felt rumble and reverberation that were generated from instruments like octabasses, low tone bass guitars, synthesisers and drum machines.

Evidently, the texturing of the mid-bass is the one who delivers a seemingly tactile bass response as it gives more note weight on bass-focus instruments and male vocals. Bass guitars have a weighty, dark and earthy sound om every pluck on its strings, bass kick drums have full, resonant and thunderous sound on every hit on its drumhead, and male vocals types like bass and bass-baritones have its fullness, depth and dark tone that give those gravelly, voluminous and wobbly sound on their voices. It is noticeable that there are some slight mid-bass bleeds that smudges a bit on the midrange.


MIDRANGE:

Due to some slight bass smearing, it gives a more warmth, lustre and a well-textured midrange presentation although it remains to sound more articulate that will be more beneficial on male vocals, brasses and some percussion instruments. To think that this one is a planar magnetic set, this one is one of the most natural sounding sets in terms of tonal colour but in some instances, it has that planar sheen with some tinniness and energetic timbre.

Male vocals appear to sound more life-like as it has a depth, texture and volume for all types. Baritones have lush, warm and smooth sound on them that light and lyric type of baritone has a delicate, sweet and mild sound on them while a deeper ones like kavalier baritones, verdi baritones and dramatic baritones have those cold, harsher and fuller sound respectively. Tenors have those brassy and ringing characteristics as I clearly notice it on lyric and spinto types as it gives a warm. heft and emotive sound. Countertenors have mild, tender and graceful vocals from them. When it comes to female vocals, contraltos are almost utterly depicted in the most realistic manner in terms of sheer tone and timbre as it has the rich, plush and smoky sound, contraltos seems to have tender, coppery and musky sound of their voices with their distinctive lush tone and strong emphasis on low to middle voices that makes them euphonic and insouciant to listen to. On sopranos, the way on how this set was tuned, it apparently favours more on sopranos with either lyric, spinto and dramatic voice types as it sounds a bit warm, rich and expressive vocals than soubrette and coloratura types which needs more energetic and bright tuning.

As for instruments, on strings ones, guitars have meaty, warmer and bloom sound on every pluck of its string notes while violins have a full, sweet and lustrous sound on every motion on its bow strings. Woodwinds like piccolos, concert flutes, clarinets and saxophones, they sound a bit dull, hollow, rich and warm correspondingly on each order of instruments that are mentioned. On percussives, a warm, full-bodied and resonant sound in both tom-toms and field drums, a hard and somewhat precise snare drum strokes and a velvety and booming sound on kettledrums. Then on brass instruments, trumpets have substantial, sonorous and rounded on them while trombones have overpowering and full sound and then, horns have resounding and full sound that gives more a contrasting sound and tone to some woodwinds and string instruments on the orchestra ensemble. Pianos have that warm and full sound that reminds me of some antique European grand pianos.


HIGHS/TREBLE:

The treble response is quite well-balanced, smooth that gives a less brighter sound that some might perceive as a bit dark in their liking. There is a small degree of elevation on the upper mids and presence part of the treble region just to give a sustaining presence on female vocals and attack of instruments that doesn't overly boost that it might cause some piercingly sharp or bellowing female vocals. With this type of treble response, there are some slight repercussions on this one like sacrificing clarity and detail definition for the sake of a long listening session without suffering a listening fatigue.

There's a good presence of air as it extends well in the brilliance part of the treble region. Cymbals strikes have an undulating and lustrous sound while hi-hats have its typical short buzzing sound on them. Celestas have velvety and mellow sound and then glockenspiels have lustrous and bell-like sound on them either on keyboard-type or mallet-type ones.


SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

Among the planar sets that I've tested so far, this set is considered to have an above-average in terms of technical performance, it has an above average width on its sound field, a decent height ceiling and somehow a good depth reach. Overall, it gives me that less spacious but not too narrow head stage within my aural sphere as it projects a rather intimate listening experience.

On its stereo imaging, it has a quite concave-like presentation in which I can locate the placement of instruments and vocals in decently layered soundscape with good separation on them but I noticed that in some complex tracks, it does struggle a bit. As for driver coherency, it seems that due to how it was tuned, the transient speed of its performance is rather a bit sluggish compared to some planar magnetic drivers that I've tested so far but atleast, I don't encounter any distortion at all.

On resolution capabilities,it has a strong suit on macro-dynamics on how it shows a solidity of note weight on some instruments depending on the compression of certain tracks. And it seems that it has a less defined micro-detail retrieval as it barely extracts some fine details and nuances from an audio track.


PEER COMPARISONS:

KEFINE KLANAR

• KEFINE's first product release and it is also a planar magnetic dynamic driver with similar size with the P20's although it also has a solid aluminium shell chassis but it has a more compact design. It also has a better and thicker stock cable which makes this set even more compelling.
• As for tonality, the KLANAR has a more V-shaped sound signature as noticed with its more recessed midrange presentation when it compares to P20. It also has a punchy bass response, a slightly warm and yet energetic midrange quality and a smooth treble response but less in brilliance air extension.
• Regarding its technical aspects, the KLANAR's overall performance are quite similar with P20 from sound/speaker stage, stereo imaging and coherency. On resolving aspects, it has more refined and sharper micro-detail retrieval.

NICEHCK F1 PRO

• Another contender in the current planar magnetic IEM market. It also has an aluminium alloy shell in a teardrop design. In terms of the quantity of accessories, It offers more choices of ear tips and better quality stock cable..well NICEHCK, a well-known cable maker.
• Regarding its sound profile, F1 PRO has a V-shaped which has quite coloured tonality, it has more subbass presence and bit hollowed midbass, a noticeable recessed midrange presentation and bright treble response. Compared to P20, this set is somewhat susceptible to mild sibilance and a tad shrilly on some female vocals that might be an issue to treble-sensitive folk.
• As for technical performance, it is quite similar to the P20 in most aspects like sound/speaker stage size, stereo imaging and coherency, but it is more refined on layering and separation and has a sharper micro-detail definition. In terms of power out requirement, this set demands more power output than the P20.

LETSHUOER S12 PRO

• LETSHUOER's one of the most popular sets and like the P20, it has similar size planar magnetic and also encased in a medium-size metal shell. Compared to P20, this one is more accessorised as it has a better stock cable with modular features and more ear tips to choose from.
• S12 PRO has a U-shaped sound signature as it has more prominent subbass, a decent midbass texture enough to give a sufficient punchiness, a bright, crisp and energetic midrange and treble response. Unlike the P20, due to its energetic and gleaming nature, it is prone to slight sibilance.
• As for technicalities, it seems that S12 PRO has a bit wider sound/speaker stage, a concave-like stereo presentation, a tad better separation and layering, and also more resolving if it will be compared to P20.

HIDIZS MP145

• Currently, this set is considered as the “overlord” of the planar sets in under $200 as it received some accolades and respect to some audio enthusiasts alike. It uses a similar size of planar magnetic driver and it was encapsulated in a rather huge, whale-inspired solid metal structure. It also has a detachable nozzle system that makes the set more versatile to change some specific tuning and also, this set has more inclusions of accessories and better stock cable too.
• When it comes to its tonal aspect, MP145 has three sound profiles to offer as I mentioned its detachable nozzle system that makes this set more of an all-rounder. It offers from L-shaped sound up to a bright U-shaped sound signature. It has similar bass response, a comparable midrange and treble characteristics in some other tuning nozzle filters of this set if compared to P20 in case to case basis.
• As for technical performance, MP145 has a wider soundstage size in some tuning nozzle filter settings, similar stereo imaging, a bit better on layering and separation of instruments and vocals, and has a sharper micro-detail retrieval capability over the P20.

To put a conclusion on this product review, it seems that SHOZY is trying to differentiate from its competitors in terms of tuning as it tries to implement their usual in-house tuning on planar magnetic driver configuration ser which is a distinctively a balanced-warmish sound. For sure that there are some noticeable changes due to the characteristics itself it gives some “planar sheen” timbre on its overall tonality.

This is one of the few planar sets that I could certainly recommend if someone's looking for a musicality type of tuning that gives a more relaxed, casual and engaging listening experience for both casual and experienced audio enthusiast alike.


SHOZY P20 is now available at LINSOUL, check out the unaffiliated link below if you have an intent to purchase this set.

★★SHOZY P20 - LINSOUL★★




SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: SHOZY P20
IMPEDANCE: 30Ω
SENSITIVITY: 105dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 5Hz – 40KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2m
PIN TYPE: 2-PIN TYPE CONNECTOR
PLUG TYPE: 4.4mm
DRIVER UNIT(S): (1) PLANAR 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*
Type O Negative - Black No.1 *
Felix Ayo - Vivaldi: Presto **
Three Tenors - Nessum Dorma *
Mercyful Fate - Witches' Dance *

P.S.

I am not affiliated to SHOZY  nor receive 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. KAREENA TANG of LINSOUL for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate her generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.

Shozy P20
Planar
$144


Before I begin this review let me first thank Linsoul for providing me the Shozy P20 for this review, rest assured, my review will always be100% my own personal opinion.
You can get the Shozy P20 here :
https://www.linsoul.com/products/shozy-p20


Unboxing

Build Quality

Shozy P20 shell is made from metal, probably aluminum because it is light weight.
The faceplate itself has a very cool looking pattern.

As for the cable there is two options for you to choose, 3.5mm or 4.4mm termination, the cable itself is fine, nothing fancy but it works.

Comfort
The Shozy P20 on my ears is very comfortable thanks to its “normal” IEM design and its lightweight body.


Sound

Tested using FIIO M23, KB3
Music from Apple Music (J-POP, J-Rock, EDM, Rap, Metal, Jazz, Anisong, K-POP)

Tonality in General : Mild V-Shape

Bass : The bass has satisfying quantity and quality, the sub-bass is boosted to around harman target quantity, but it has extra mid bass so overall bass is thick and punchy.
EDM song sounds really satisfying on this set, though the P20 bass speed is also speedy enough for metal genre, or any genre to be honest.

Midrange : slightly recessed upper midrange, it makes overall midrange sound a bit distant and free from shout, there is no sibilance either on the vocal which is good.

Overall midrange presentation is like really relaxed on this set, so if you're fan of a relaxed midrange presentation this might be the set for you.

Treble : Sparkly, it has some extra boost around mid treble region, it never sounds too intense, it just add more air and sparkle to the overall sound and make overall treble region sounds more detailed.

Technicality
Very Good for $144

Stage : Mid Sized
Not really wide but not small either, it has symmetrical shape on the width – depth and very good stage layering

Detail Retrieval : Very Good
Especially on the treble region, probably thanks to the treble quantity boost the P20 has.

Imaging : Very Good
If I have to describe the imaging of the P20, it sounds like you're inside a blob of void and sound is coming from nowhere, its really good, though for imaging is also depending on your source.

Separation and Positioning : Very Good
Tested for gaming (Valorant) the P20has really good sound separation and positioning, I can clearly hear gun shots separated from the foot steps, which is what you want for a competitive FPS shooter.

As for music use, its also very good ,no problem and complaint at all from me.

Conclusion

Is the Shozy P20 worth it?

Absolutely, it has a very good Mild V-Shape tuning without sounding too bassy or too sparkly, if I had to put it into word, its just like Mild V-Shape done right.

Not only that, the technicality on this set is very good for the asking price of $144

The only thing I wish Shozy could improve is the unboxing experience, such as the packaging, but other than that, yeah its worth your $144 for sure.

Thanks for reaching this far,


Just in case you're Indonesian or understand Bahasa Indonesia, you can watch the P20 review here


-littlenezt.

SHOZY P20 14.5MM PLANAR MAGNETIC DRIVER IEM
Redcarmoose Labs March 5th, 2024

SHOZY is one of the oldest manufacturers of IEMs in Asia. Though I previously reviewed three SHOZY IEMs, I like them very much. One is the SHOZY B2, a 10mm Dynamic Driver which is so thick and just a warm musical sound that separates it from everything? The B2 somehow does its magic by having good pace besides being thick sounding and ultimately fun. Also there is the ultra-budget IEM called the SHOZY T1, that once again shows us that warm replay can in-fact be our friend.


The famous SHOZY B2 above:
The wacky open-back SHOZY $39.90 USD T1 below:

SHOZY AVA:

Another (above) I use all the time is the SHOZY AVA TWS IEM. The AVA is not really conventional as far as tuning, it has a dark and full-bodied stance (missing that B2 pace) though with a surprising treble tilt. The treble is still not enough to balance the big lower midrange fiasco. Which in turn makes the AVA unique and it’s my favorite TWS IEM, even though it is not perfect, it’s fun when out and about. Though if a better TWS comes along it will go into service. And you know how this bass stuff works, when too much of the bass-stuff (is added) it begins to drown-out clarity even though our hips sway and we get excited to it. The ultimate guilty pleasure in the world of audiophile playback.



P20:
So when I found out that the P20 was coming out I thought maybe we would have a planar IEM which fully incorporated the SHOZY house sound? Yet this is not exactly what turned out to be true. Yes, there is a little of the SHOZY house sound inside the P20, but what was surprising was how even and correct the tune tuned out to be. Meaning they didn’t go as crazy as I thought in the bass department, arriving at a very midrange focussed IEM. One of the reasons this review took longer than most is because the P20 needs a lot of burn-in to be its best. Still the overall sound is also very accessible (and the P20 being itself) straight out of the box. I have had the P20 since the very middle of February and have taken my time with this review.

The review experience:
After some preliminary listening tests I found the P20 incredibly balanced with a more forward midrange and missing the lower midrange thruster power normally included with SHOZY tune. This slightly new tune is both refreshing and fully accomplished, even if a surprise turn-of-events. Such careful evenness and completeness go to make an IEM of such become polite in contrast to some of the other competitors. From memory we don’t have the drastic forward-midrange or bass of the Kiwi ears Melody, or the forward upper-midrange encounters of the NiceHCK F1 Pro.

As such I will once more visit the P20 and try my hands at comparing the tone against my other planar favorites. And besides the tone here it is also of value to see how fit takes place, besides the overall sound value. Here is a list of my all time favorites.


Top row left to right:
TANGZU Zetian Wu (Weight 4 grams a piece) 14.5mm Planar $149.00 USD
NICEHCK Audio F1 PRO (Weight 5 grams a piece) 14.5mm Planar $99.00 USD
Kiwi ears Melody (Weight 5 grams a piece) 12mm Planar $89.00 USD

Bottom row:
SHOZY P20 (Weight 8 grams a piece) 14.5mm Planar $139.00 USD

My testing machine:


I’m using the renowned Sony WM1A with MrWalkman’s aftermarket firmware. I’m using the 4.4mm Simgot Audio LC7 cable and my usual wide-bore ear-tips. This photo (below) is showing almost all of the planar IEMs I have heard…..I have left out two or three in the photograph due to not wanting to give them much notice, namely the TINHIFI P5 and KZ PR1 HiFi.

All are planar IEMs in the below photo.....but don't whine, 2 are Square Planar IEMs and two are Hybrid Planar IEMs.




Comparisons:
TANGZU Zetian Wu:
The Wu was really my very first favorite planar. Sadly it is out of production, but the HBB Wu still is for sale. After 200 hours of burn-in the P20 sound seems to me both smoother and better separated? This could be mental acclamation too? The P20 is both more forward, louder on the same volume and offers a slightly bigger stage. The thing is all these planar IEMs are the best of the best. I have no way to measure volume, but taking the P20 volume down for a guesstimation shows the Wu still offering (many of) the perceived characteristics in relation to the P20. While the Wu does have this thing, and I don’t even know how to explain it, but if you own the Wu you know……….the very finite upper midrange sophistication, where the P20 is all about being simply bigger and more vibrant. Where after about 5 back and forths of the darn two………the P20 is more airy and spread-out, maybe slightly less decays, but truly clearer and more forward in nature. Where the Wu is still pulling off slightly more analogue bass, yet I wish I could find more differences? Really these two are very close to being the same, though with the Wu being aluminum and resin it is much lighter being 1/2 the weight of the P20. There is still this romantic quality the Wu does that is its charm, I would say the Wu maybe inches the P20 out but only by a small amount. In fact at first you think the P20 is way better, only to have that vibrance and forwardness found with slightly less detail and finesse inside. It is the faster decays of the P20 that lend itself to pace, yet the Wu has that pace too, for days and days.

NICEHCK Audio F1 PRO:
This has been my new favorite offering a completely different shape, yet that shape works with less hitting your ear. There is an upper midrange positioning a boost where vocals are slightly more in-your-face and alive here. Sure I reviewed the F1 Pro, but hearing this phenomenon again drives it home. Where their response to power is just about the same, here due to balance of the P20 lows......and simply those lows get slightly more focus, as you don’t have the upper midrange grabbing the limelight. Where vocals are almost what I would call perfect positioning with the P20, and the F1 Pro maybe a wanted energy, and for some possibly too much, but only a little. Just like the Wu we have also an added positioning into the P20 stage that is showing a more even and correctly spread-out size and emphasis. Upon first listening to the P20 I felt it was almost all midrange, but I liked it. Now I am hearing a more fleshed out and wider, and smoother yet not dark in any way shape or form………which once again makes it the different SHOZY from what I heard. If you own the F1 Pro and want a subtle reduction in upper midrange, this is really the ticket here. When this tune takes place like the P20 does, there is no more bass really, but because of the focus on midrange being less than than the F1 Pro we are automatically provided with a clearer window into the low end. Where the P20 is offering-up a less contrasty results frequency wise, but actually performing great forward items here of crystal clear imaging and positioning. So it’s more even and of a balanced nature, where some though may want the upper midrange thrills (and eat them up) with the F1 Pro?

Kiwi ears Melody:
This should be interesting, if memory serves me correct…..to say the Melody will outperform in the thicker low-end, and also be somewhat like the F1 Pro as far as that upper midrange energy………let’s find out? Yes, there is a hint of that low-end, but it is really not that much different between the two? Sure where it is extra is the lower midrange, yet it still has balance due to the Melody having a more vibrant upper midrange positioning. The Melody even goes forward to make the P20 come-off as sleepy, and it is nothing of the sort here. It is just the Kiwi ears Melody made a mark for itself with the most bass in today's testing and an upper midrange a lot like the F1 Pro.



Side-by-side conclusion:
This was an intense battle, as I like these 4 IEMs the most out of all the planar IEMs I have heard. While the Melody was strangely small and low weight it had great separation, though more bass than anything tested. If anything this test proves that the SHOZY P20 can keep up with the best of the best. Yes the forwardness of the P20 imaging and evenness of tune were some of the redeeming factors. Still the F1 Pro is no slouch, heck none of these are bad, and are very close to being at the same level. Sure the shell of the P20 is different from any of the others…..look at the pictures, except they fit fine. And yes, they are 8 grams each, the heaviest in today's tests? Yet, they are all metal construction, where the only other all metal construction is the F1 Pro. Yep the Wu and the Melody are 1/2 resin……3D printed resin and aluminum. It would be really hard for me to recommend one of the others if you already had one. Unless of course the Melody had too much bass, or you found the F1 Pro to be a little too brash in the upper midrange, as was the Melody. So it pleases me to write that the P20 does none of those things but carries itself in the most polite of manners, without being boring or non-musical. Sure there may be a slight airiness in contrast to what the Wu does, and sure the Wu is harder to drive, the hardest of the group……..but in so many ways these planar IEMs are very close to the same. Though I am truly careful with the Wu, and in contrast this P20 is probably better built if I may say?



Build:
The P20 is a little of a beast. I mean when you pick-it-up it is noticeable in your hands. At the same time it is profoundly rewarding in structure, I mean it is not going anywhere……..built like a brick Schiit-house. I must have done at least 30 cable changes in the comparison section, and the cable is totally easy and confidently placed into the 2Pin receivers of the P20. That little shark-fin at the top slides into a section of your outer-ear. The rest even though it is not an involved semi-custom shape is very comfortable being it sits close to your ear. There is one vent under the nozzle and three vents in the center of the faceplate. And while the overall shape is unique in my experience, it goes one more step to prove that many ways can fit the ear and that is not to say that this idea of something going into your outer ear is not advancing forward. Surly the faceplate design is both functional in that ridges make something low weight, yet as strong as a thicker piece of metal. Also as a marketing tool, the faceplate is original with nothing even remotely like it. Being only two pieces of metal the design is both simple and effective. The nozzles are really the perfect length with robust bevels to hold tips on. A wire mesh screen stays in place and is of no hassles.




Package:
Minimal at best, this shows the effort was put into the IEM, and not the other way around. A nice case, and six sets of ear-tips of various sizes and shapes. Just look at the case you get!







Cable:
The cable is simply OK. Yet upon closer inspection it is an example of effort. Why? Well every single part of the cable is metal. It comes with 4.4mm if ordered and only $5.00 more, as I wish I would have gotten it in 4.4mm? The chin-cinch is metal, the plugs and 2Pins are metal and color coded. While yes it is on the thin side of the cable world, it is hard to judge as I mainly use 4.4mm balanced amplification, and with planar IEMs that is worth using. But guessing here, I totally see someone using the 4.4mm cable option, especially as some don’t like thick cables, and this one is not at all thick. The included ear-hooks are just cool. I mean how often do I talk about ear-hooks? Though these can help with fitment and feel great! The included cable winds up nice and has great ergonomics for a little guy.





From a standard phone or other devices:
What can I say the P20 was simply even and correct from a Samsung 3.5mm phone output. Hooked-up with the included cable the P20 definitely showed its potentials, yet was held back by the 3.5mm phone soundstage expansion, the blackness of background and separated imaging. While in a bind out of the house there truly was an added balance to where nothing was exactly thin sounding, only less vivid and clear due to such lesser characteristics. Still if phone playback was all someone had, I would still go ahead and recommend the P20 based on pure musicality. With the P20 in-place with a phone there were strangely no real planar IEM issues, with basically a person upgrading at some point possibly to a Dongle to further the stage width and vivid-up the contrasts held back by the regular phone use. As such we truly can hear the subtle differences between phone use and an upgraded source which is normal for planar drivers to need an ounce or two of better quality power in the end.

Fed by a normal Dongle or DAP there can be a view of better pace as well as a feeling of soaring which takes place with imaging jumping in and out, which is the magic of the planar driver at work. As such it is not hard really to find synergy, as the P20 is not fussy or in need of any one type of correction, quite possibly the conservative tune goes further to compound these outcomes? Meaning sure planar drivers need a little juice to wake-up, but as such you will have good luck really with a number of Dongles or DAPs in the end. With that said (to get my point across)..........switching the P20 (still attached to the included cable) over to the HiBy R3 II we are once again met with a wider stage and more finite imaging taking place. There is no denying the increased presence of DAP resulting resolution and details found. As such this entry level DAP provides a world of difference in how we can perceive music, all at once opening the curtains into viewpoints obscured by the phone fog, and gaining ample details and stage expansion. It is probably this correctness which goes one step further to a place of full recommendation all for the HiBy R3 II price of $179.00.............while using the included cable of the P20 at $139.00………………and surely better with the $5.00 4.4mm cable upgrade!

Music tests:
Here is the most fun, as there are no more comparisons to make, just listening and describing what takes place. I still have a job to do, to discover how the timbre is, to describe just how the P20 goes to recreate instrument and vocal ideas.



Kaveh Cohen, Michael Nielsen
Forza Motorsport OST
Brotherhood
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
I use this song all the time. I use it so much I must play it a couple times a week, therefore I know it and understand it. Part of reviews is simply understanding a sound signature to where it simply does what it should and for the money it should at least provide the wanted thrills. The side-by-sides showed up how performance was against the competition. Though when the bass drops at the 00.09 mark it is something not too much or too little and comes off reassuring that it is just right. Now later in the song the bass will progress to more thrills but here is a standard form of replay where everything is accounted for. At the 00:15 mark we witness the piano and the bass showing a contrast in tone, yet the piano is the real concern here. Why? Well this song has a specific tone to the piano and if that is messed with it shows up fast. Really this is like my first impressions in that the upper midrange is not really that forward but finds itself at what many would perceive as correct, nothing like this song with the added effervescence of a brighter upper midrange like the F1 Pr or the Melody. Now remember those are still winners here, only different where things are still noticeable, but nothing is over the top, unless you are extremely midrange/treble sensitive. Really the P20 walks that line. As such we are not experiencing a super detailed treble which is super out front and splashy or anything. But there is a reason why people buy planar IEMs. It is this nice relationship between the bass pace and midrange, this slight extra planar detail that holds interest in playback. Also especially with this song how the bass and lower midrange offer up warm surprises and correct tone. Where there is a slight issue is an ever so slight planar timbre, yet I had to search for it to be heard. This is the kind of thing that can be found especially with acoustic instruments, where it is just a tilt but it is there.



Hans Zimmer
Inception OST
Old Souls
44.1 kHz - 16 bit
Where this song takes us in on a journey. Not in a motorhome, but in an IEM journey. And once more I have become smitten with just how the P20 does bass. Where this drop at the 00:53 hits it is so in-the-pocket. Meaning it is separated and there, and satisfying but is no way overboard. I guess I’m simply enamored with the balance and what you get for $139.00? That’s all……..because there is a sophistication going on here that is well above the price point. It is found in the tuning of course but then made listenable by the technicalities. Meaning that 00:53 drop was clean and pure holding no distortion of fogginess. The other surprising thing here is there seems to be absolutely no off-timbre that I can hear. Timbre can be a song by song thing at times. And I am sure we may hear a few places of planar timbre during this music test, only not at this point in time.



Gdanian
Induction
Shield Emitter (feat. Tineidae)
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
Great bass, what can I say………this song combined with the P20 is doing it. Now I have reviewed other IEMs that have a more separated treble and a separated midrange…..where this song allows for those items to be heard at times, while here if I was to point out some of the highest treble placements are bunched together and offer a less than perfect window into the items. Still we are entertained as to the total experience this song relays. And to stay positive here, this song is built around layers, layers of many elements. At 00:54 there is a swift skyrocket that flies past your head and is lodged in the wall behind you. As such it makes a sound of impact. This takes place from center off the middle left. All this time though there are bass washes sounding almost like waves……they caress us and guide us further. This is ambient music but a style of bass ambient music.



Lorne Balfe and Andrew Kawczynski
Grand Turismo OST
Academy Race
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
What is the most fun here is just how the P20 sends home the bass! I listen to this song all the time except at 00:11………It’s like what? This IEM does this part well? Often a controlled bass will all of a sudden perform in a song due to ability, yet that ability is on the more careful side, and that’s what we have here. Only at this point in time I wish I would have known to play this song more than at this final stage in the review! Yes, it is that good! Why? It’s physical that’s why. The lows here in the recording are just well done……they are a statement to be found out about especially with planar IEMs. Maybe it’s the speed, maybe it is the balance, at times it is simply good and you don’t always have a reason. What I’m hearing is separate layers of events here, all at once. Yet there is a simple word for this replay and the word is satisfying.

At 00:31 I can hear this percussive attack placed onto the front of the bass note. Now sure it has always been there is this song, yet at this point it sounds totally natural and somehow focused due to nothing overbearing or too much. At 00:39 we are kind of inside this whole world of images, they are using images to showcase the spacial elements here. At 00:43 there is a slight blast of air which comes onto of regularly heard sounds……….and that is how treble detail works here, it is not steely in any form, but still wicked fast, and still separated. Where this blast of air takes place is right in the middle of the left side of the soundstage. Now normally a person would not concentrate on such elements, except if conscious or not to the events they exist and are performed here. As so much is going on with this song and so many layers, each time a new facet of sound can be noticed.



Conclusion:
Well there you have it, the P20 review in the books. And while SHOZY did make a winner of an IEM, it was the balance that was maybe the most surprising. Where this becomes double noticed because of the P20 being SHOZY you would think of a beefy bottom end authority? And while the bass is nothing other than cool, the bass is not really the focus here, and that’s refreshing.

Question:
“Does that mean there is enough bass, I mean I don’t want an anemic IEM.” Let me say one word here………SHOZY. Yep, it still has the SHOZY DNA inside and becomes just that much more valuable due to the exact approach they decided on.

I can almost see the engineers back at their SHOZY LAB going through this tune and saying “This will surprise a few, and bring the mainstream to our doorstep.”

And that is my take. It didn’t take long as the very moment the P20 came out-of-the-box and into my ears I found pretty much a whole understanding of their sound goals. Only days and days of burn-in allowed the P20 to smooth-out and open-up into a more mature sound, this maturity helped propel the P20 into my top four planar IEMs I have ever heard. The P20 is there in the limelight simply due to technicalities and tune. I also couldn’t help but notice the unusual shape and look, which helped get me there? But truthfully the P20 would have gained acceptance simply due to the tune. This style of playback offers the regular planar sound we know so well, only the brought forth midrange encases most of the sound, as it should. The layers of bass are secondary but in a song with a lot of bass those layers can be widely accepted and rejoiced upon. Normally though this style of tune ends valuable due to being well rounded and going with any source, and that is what is taking place here. Easier to drive than the TANGZU Zetian Wu and less upper midrange emphasis than the F1 Pro or Kiwi ears Melody. We are simply left with a near perfect idea of what a $139.00 planar should be. Built like a tank, the P20 proves that on the heavier side can still be comfortable due to sitting inside your ear. In the comparison photographs here the P20 looks big, because it is big, but don’t let the size fool you. Sure it is noticeably the heaviest in today's testing, still not as heavy as some 11 gram IEMs, and the fitment here is truly wonderful, yet you may know the P20 is in your ears, especially when running or doing other physical out-door activity.

Simply walking with the P20 is perfect, and I can’t help but think this size and shape, along with the build material makes the P20 block-out more noise than most IEMs I’ve tried. While the look is different and this time SHOZY went and tried to make an IEM which resembles no other, yet in hand and in-ear there is no denying the P20 means business both in tune/technicalities and shape of construction. Probably what the P20 represents the most here today is a solution, a careful, even, complete and correct tune solution comes along and gains points for just being easily accessible. Just the fact that while listening I was smitten with just how they have done this replay, and with any genre or device tone. Get yours today!

$139.00
https://www.linsoul.com/products/shozy-p20

Disclaimer:
I would like to thank Kareena from Linsoul for the love and SHOZY P20 review sample.

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

Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Samsung Phone 3.5mm
HiBy R3 II 3.5mm/4.4mm output

Bonus size comparisons to EPZ IEMs..........
This (placed out in-front) laughingly makes the P20 look even bigger, yet it is big!