Shozy T1
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THE SHOZY T1 OPEN-BACK UNIVERSAL IEM
What?
SHOZY did something special here. They created a unique sounding budget IEM. It’s easily one of my favorite 29.90 IEMs of the year, maybe ever? This story starts with the SHOZY TWS IEM the AVA.
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/shozy-ava-tws-universal-iem.26119/reviews#review-29573
When I reviewed the AVA I really liked it, but as far as reviews go something happened to me afterwards. It was my favorite TWS IEM. But to make a long story short I started using the AVA at the gym about 9 to 10 hours a week. Yep…….I got used to the AVA even more. Now I’m not saying you have to expose yourself to an IEM for months before you like it. I liked the AVAs right away, but just like the T1 here, they were a different beast. This 8mm single full-range PU/PEEK dynamic driver is incredibly different, more mid-bass and lower mids emphasis, also a boost to the region at 6kHz. Normally manufactures put a anti-sibilance dip at around 6 kHz, but here there is the opposite. Balancing with the low-end somehow this peak gets extra treble placement, and contrarily to what you might think it works out for modern music.
So you can get an idea of my situation, the AVA is the best sounding TWS IEM I have, and I’m slowly getting even more familiar with this different tune as I use it 4 or 5 days a week. So when it came time to do this T1 review, I was very familiar with the sound already.
The cables:
You have a choice of getting the standard kit which included the regular black cable…..that’s the $29.90 option, also the same $29.90 if you get the black cable with mic. Or you can just get the (silver mix) white cable “Pro version” for $25.00 extra. To tell you the truth I liked both cables, as each offered a slightly different ways to enjoy the T1.
The ISN S2:
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/isn-audio-h2.26206/reviews#review-29803
https://penonaudio.com/isn-audio-s2.html
Normally I wouldn’t suggest this style of addition being more than the IEM itself, yet here you could actually save money in a way by simply getting the standard edition of the T1 and getting the S2, for a grand total of……
$79.90 S2 cable
$29.90 T1 IEM
Grand total $109.80
This really gets the T1 into a special place, in a way surpassing the AVA due to it being wired. And at $109.80 it’s definitely a roughly $100 sounding rig, yet if you truly find yourself migrating to this style of sound, it’s far more valuable than the asking price, and remains unique among my collection. Plus you may find the ISN S2 cable as being incredibly versatile, bringing out the best of many IEMs you currently own. So even though some may guess the included “Pro” cable to be an improvement, and it is, especially if you’re dialed into getting the most from just a phone output, you may just be happy getting both regular included cables. But IMO the 4.4mm output, combined with the S2 and an audiophile DAP brings the total sound way up. If you don’t think a $29.90 IEM brings it……brings an audiophile sound, think again. In many ways this reminds me of the start of my journey here at Head-Fi, falling in love with a $29.90 IEM. As we all know when a certain sound pushes your buttons, there is nothing like it at any price, and that is what we have going on here.
Packaging:
In standard SHOZY flair they are going you 6 ear-tips and a nice case. Strangely this is the largest case I’ve seen from SHOZY, so maybe people complained about the smaller IEM cases of the past? As this case it really something, laughably the case is more than 2X the size the previous wired IEMs I have got from SHOZY. The case has an inside pocket as well as actual side walls for once? Maybe it’s designed to hold both cables, or three cables for that matter?
Build:
Coming in at only 2 grams a piece, you would be forgiven for judging them as a toy, in fact the T1 beat out my last super-lightweight (2 gram) review............the NF Audio RA10.
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/nf-audio-ra10.26196/reviews#review-29837
While weighing the same as the RA10, they have a way of gaining my respect with the all important note-weight. Yep, something as simple as one element can make all the difference in the world. Still many are going to gravitate towards the RA10 (anyway) due to it being a much more carful tune, and following the rules.
Anyways………here we are shown a style of clear hard plastic shell which is only two pieces with the nozzle being the main construction element, actually holding the driver. The back-end of the driver delivers the 8mm PU/PEEK dynamic driver reverberations and resonances out of multiple vents/ports. These are open-back IEMs, probably the third or fourth I have heard in my life. Crazy as it looks as if there are three ports off to the side, as well as three more on the faceplate top. This style of construction optimizes soundstage. The inner-lip of the nozzle holds black screen, and offers almost the exact same part number as the AVA. For a crazy moment I thought the T1 had an early serial number with C3877 on the right nozzle, and SN011 on the left nozzle. The nozzle is actually a different part, as C2978 are on the right AVA nozzle, and the (exact same) numbers SN011 on the left.
Cables fit well into a recessed 0.78 2 pin. Whatever this shell manufacturing process is, it’s new to me, and while appearing like regular plastic, like model cares kits are made with, the material holds cables on very well, and offers a robust feel for what it is. While looking inside you can see the silver backside of the driver as well as the positive and negative wire electrical supply. The form fits just inside of your ear, with the greatest feel. While often I’m using the S2 cable which works, there is an added benefit of switching to the included cables to turn the T1 into the ultimate sports IEM.
Yep, the SHOZY T1 was made for traveling when you’re not at home. At 2 grams a piece it stays right next to your ears when active out and about! You could still keep them attached to the ISN S2, though really the thinner cables have better athletic ergonomics. Also when out and about you (may) start to care slightly less about sound quality, at least I do?
Ear-tips:
I tried the included tips and found them 1st rate. Though out of familiarity I went with some Hidizs extra-long length medium nozzle tips, just because the extra length gave me some wiggle-room with fit. With that said, really they fit nice with a wide-range of ear-tips.
Sound in general:
If you were looking for something a little different here it is, and I don’t say that in a bad way at all. The low-end is thick and moving, and while not the end-all in detail, the SHOZY T1 is simply a continuation of the SHOZY house sound, yet I wouldn’t exactly call this entry level? In fact the tune has jettisoned the treble and allocated it to a style of unevenness which goes ahead to actually make the whole signature work-out. How? Why? Well it’s a carefully orchestrated maneuver pushing up the 6 kHz presence region to counter balance the deep-end. Strings are slightly muddled-up yet when the super-low-end comes around you could care less. Can you say bass drop! These have this amazing clear and separated open-back imaging and transient response. They’re just so darn fun.
Bass:
Tight and controlled, these are not necessarily the consumer tune your thinking right now. No, washes and presence of fun controlled tight authentic bass bounces. Really while the rest of the frequencies are catered to........this is the L shape experience. Yet that low-end traveling is totally audiophile, and gains levels of scaling to be some favorite-fun IEMs. The difference here is that older consumer tune didn’t have open-back technology making the bass fully audiophile and clear. While textured, the bumps get out-of-the-way just in time for the next ones.
DOOM Eternal OST
Mick Gorden and Chad Mossholder
"Phobos Space"
48 kHz - 24 bit
The bass washes in this opening goes full-tilt to bring it. Yep, this is styling! Released April 20th, 2020 this will go down in history as one of the greatest game OSTs ever. Big, pulsating and interactive.
You can’t help become apart of this action! While I’ve heard better renditions of the bass in this song, I’m not sure I’ve ever been so satisfied at this price point? While yes, it’s a little blurry in comparison to top-tier playback, still, there is a nice rhythm to it all, and most importantly nothing is out of place. At times with playback it’s what you include and not what’s left out!
Midrange:
I have 30 IEMs in my collection which play the other style of midrange, here it’s different and you know what, I welcome that difference. Due to the spacial properties it all works out. Now the TWS AVA has an electronic signal processing to get the ear distance going. Here we are more clear how we these process the mids, being less cloudy but narrower, because nothing (short of heavy signal processing) gets you what the AVA does. The mid-range is like that time you were cruising with friends and found that kicking house party. You had to do a double-take when you heard the stereo because at first it sounded messed-up. But the longer you stayed at the house, and the more you listened, the more it grew on you. To the point of after a few beers you were congratulating the owner on both his choice of music and his LOFI/HIFI! It’s all mood in the end. This totally doesn’t seem like it would work, but it does? I haven’t seen a graph on these, and I’m not sure how practical they would graphically present? Still there is something here, something special!
Treble:
It may be that the S2 cable brings up the detail, but at the same time the cable that comes with the $29.90 kit totally works. This style of treble works because it’s adding more girth in phone replay………in fact, having the phone playback have extra analogue sound, that is the charm in the end. Analogue treble is what I’m after, and this fits that bill. While not airy, still there is the correct amount of information..........to never call the SHOZY T1 boring. If it’s your end-sound or not that’s the riddle. Still get me this style of replay and I can listen all day long.
Using the Shanling UA3 Dongle was a surprise in that the black copper cable only went so far revealing the electronic hi-hats in EDM, where a quick switch over the the PRO cable showed how the added sliver was a noticeable difference, especially with the top-end of EDM. While finally switching to the ISN S2 cable there was a difference but less of a difference than the Pro cable in comparison to the hi-hats with the standard black 100% copper cable. So why am I including cable rolls in the treble section? Probably because it’s here that you will notice the most difference between cables, and if I didn’t know any better I would be happy with the included black cable, but the Shanling UA3 is on the warmer side of the street yet still shows a style of perfection when switching to the Pro cable or ISN S2 cable. There is somehow room here to go, to establish a next level of detail where it’s not exactly air, but it’s going in that direction. Spacial effects into the stage are gathered due to this slight increase in treble/midrange energy, providing just a tad of extra definition which is accepted as not too much.........especially with EDM. Often with EDM sound producers will add a small amount of treble which helps in nightclubs to get the top-end to travel through the mix and counteract the bass and midrange, here in essence in the SHOZY T1 being like that nightclub in response allowing room for that wanted top-end to gather energy with-out causing sibilance of stark highs. Perfect!
Conclusion:
The SHOZY sound. I hope they continue with this tone, as they have kinda cut their own fame with this sound. If anything it’s getting more unique and different as production of new IEMs moves along, at least that’s my take on SHOZY with using their third (to me) IEM? Big washes of bass, all held captive into a form of musicality that you would just have to hear to believe. Truly if you wanted something different that zigs when all the other IEM companies zag, this is it. An original that isn’t getting different sounding playback by playing music wrong, but simply showing us that there is more than one way from point A to point B. The perfect low-end to drown-out traffic while out and about. Playing great from just a phone, but at the same time scaling with your best gear into audiophile places you thought only reserved for high-ticket items. There is nothing wrong with this style of replay as it’s both easy on the ears and easy on the wallet. While they have added choices in replay asking if you want a silver plated cable or a copper one, you can still have both. Or in fact, get the ISN S2 to take your experience to the next level. Is the SHOZY T1 worthy of such jewelry, I would defiantly say so! That’s the thing……this particular IEM scales and shows what signal is upstream, it goes ahead and offers a clarity beyond what you would think by only looking at it. I will be the very first to joke at how it looks, it doesn’t look like a lot, but when you start to look closer it has a function and a finite form which means business. Speaking of business, I was in slight disbelief as to the choice of cables here. I mean I believe in the tonal qualities of cables, it is just I couldn’t get my head around why SHOZY would go to all this trouble to offer the T1/T1 Pro, two ways? It just seemed like a lot of trouble to offer the extra cable as an option. That was until I started to notice the differences in the T1’s abilities to change with each cable. Of course I ended using music that would offer the biggest contrast to make that change even more noticeable.
If anything it is showing SHOZY has the ability to offer an IEM value with the T1, and that they decided to offer it two distinctly different ways. Which ever way you choose to encounter the SHOZY T1, you will not be disappointed. It’s fun and involving, it rocks and it rolls. The T1 has just enough information to get it’s point across, I was never bored or searching for more in playback, and if anything I was totally thrilled such a small IEM was open-back and offered such a stage. The T1’s rhythm is contagious, it’s groove unstoppable and if you’re down for a unique a different experience, here it is.
Get it here:
https://penonaudio.com/shozy-t1.html
$29.90
Disclaimer:
I want to thank Penon Audio for the love and for the SHOZY T1 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 3.5m
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 Smartphone 3.5mm
What?
SHOZY did something special here. They created a unique sounding budget IEM. It’s easily one of my favorite 29.90 IEMs of the year, maybe ever? This story starts with the SHOZY TWS IEM the AVA.
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/shozy-ava-tws-universal-iem.26119/reviews#review-29573
When I reviewed the AVA I really liked it, but as far as reviews go something happened to me afterwards. It was my favorite TWS IEM. But to make a long story short I started using the AVA at the gym about 9 to 10 hours a week. Yep…….I got used to the AVA even more. Now I’m not saying you have to expose yourself to an IEM for months before you like it. I liked the AVAs right away, but just like the T1 here, they were a different beast. This 8mm single full-range PU/PEEK dynamic driver is incredibly different, more mid-bass and lower mids emphasis, also a boost to the region at 6kHz. Normally manufactures put a anti-sibilance dip at around 6 kHz, but here there is the opposite. Balancing with the low-end somehow this peak gets extra treble placement, and contrarily to what you might think it works out for modern music.
So you can get an idea of my situation, the AVA is the best sounding TWS IEM I have, and I’m slowly getting even more familiar with this different tune as I use it 4 or 5 days a week. So when it came time to do this T1 review, I was very familiar with the sound already.
The cables:
You have a choice of getting the standard kit which included the regular black cable…..that’s the $29.90 option, also the same $29.90 if you get the black cable with mic. Or you can just get the (silver mix) white cable “Pro version” for $25.00 extra. To tell you the truth I liked both cables, as each offered a slightly different ways to enjoy the T1.
The ISN S2:
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/isn-audio-h2.26206/reviews#review-29803
https://penonaudio.com/isn-audio-s2.html
Normally I wouldn’t suggest this style of addition being more than the IEM itself, yet here you could actually save money in a way by simply getting the standard edition of the T1 and getting the S2, for a grand total of……
$79.90 S2 cable
$29.90 T1 IEM
Grand total $109.80
This really gets the T1 into a special place, in a way surpassing the AVA due to it being wired. And at $109.80 it’s definitely a roughly $100 sounding rig, yet if you truly find yourself migrating to this style of sound, it’s far more valuable than the asking price, and remains unique among my collection. Plus you may find the ISN S2 cable as being incredibly versatile, bringing out the best of many IEMs you currently own. So even though some may guess the included “Pro” cable to be an improvement, and it is, especially if you’re dialed into getting the most from just a phone output, you may just be happy getting both regular included cables. But IMO the 4.4mm output, combined with the S2 and an audiophile DAP brings the total sound way up. If you don’t think a $29.90 IEM brings it……brings an audiophile sound, think again. In many ways this reminds me of the start of my journey here at Head-Fi, falling in love with a $29.90 IEM. As we all know when a certain sound pushes your buttons, there is nothing like it at any price, and that is what we have going on here.
Packaging:
In standard SHOZY flair they are going you 6 ear-tips and a nice case. Strangely this is the largest case I’ve seen from SHOZY, so maybe people complained about the smaller IEM cases of the past? As this case it really something, laughably the case is more than 2X the size the previous wired IEMs I have got from SHOZY. The case has an inside pocket as well as actual side walls for once? Maybe it’s designed to hold both cables, or three cables for that matter?
Build:
Coming in at only 2 grams a piece, you would be forgiven for judging them as a toy, in fact the T1 beat out my last super-lightweight (2 gram) review............the NF Audio RA10.
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/nf-audio-ra10.26196/reviews#review-29837
While weighing the same as the RA10, they have a way of gaining my respect with the all important note-weight. Yep, something as simple as one element can make all the difference in the world. Still many are going to gravitate towards the RA10 (anyway) due to it being a much more carful tune, and following the rules.
Anyways………here we are shown a style of clear hard plastic shell which is only two pieces with the nozzle being the main construction element, actually holding the driver. The back-end of the driver delivers the 8mm PU/PEEK dynamic driver reverberations and resonances out of multiple vents/ports. These are open-back IEMs, probably the third or fourth I have heard in my life. Crazy as it looks as if there are three ports off to the side, as well as three more on the faceplate top. This style of construction optimizes soundstage. The inner-lip of the nozzle holds black screen, and offers almost the exact same part number as the AVA. For a crazy moment I thought the T1 had an early serial number with C3877 on the right nozzle, and SN011 on the left nozzle. The nozzle is actually a different part, as C2978 are on the right AVA nozzle, and the (exact same) numbers SN011 on the left.
Cables fit well into a recessed 0.78 2 pin. Whatever this shell manufacturing process is, it’s new to me, and while appearing like regular plastic, like model cares kits are made with, the material holds cables on very well, and offers a robust feel for what it is. While looking inside you can see the silver backside of the driver as well as the positive and negative wire electrical supply. The form fits just inside of your ear, with the greatest feel. While often I’m using the S2 cable which works, there is an added benefit of switching to the included cables to turn the T1 into the ultimate sports IEM.
Yep, the SHOZY T1 was made for traveling when you’re not at home. At 2 grams a piece it stays right next to your ears when active out and about! You could still keep them attached to the ISN S2, though really the thinner cables have better athletic ergonomics. Also when out and about you (may) start to care slightly less about sound quality, at least I do?
Ear-tips:
I tried the included tips and found them 1st rate. Though out of familiarity I went with some Hidizs extra-long length medium nozzle tips, just because the extra length gave me some wiggle-room with fit. With that said, really they fit nice with a wide-range of ear-tips.
Sound in general:
If you were looking for something a little different here it is, and I don’t say that in a bad way at all. The low-end is thick and moving, and while not the end-all in detail, the SHOZY T1 is simply a continuation of the SHOZY house sound, yet I wouldn’t exactly call this entry level? In fact the tune has jettisoned the treble and allocated it to a style of unevenness which goes ahead to actually make the whole signature work-out. How? Why? Well it’s a carefully orchestrated maneuver pushing up the 6 kHz presence region to counter balance the deep-end. Strings are slightly muddled-up yet when the super-low-end comes around you could care less. Can you say bass drop! These have this amazing clear and separated open-back imaging and transient response. They’re just so darn fun.
Bass:
Tight and controlled, these are not necessarily the consumer tune your thinking right now. No, washes and presence of fun controlled tight authentic bass bounces. Really while the rest of the frequencies are catered to........this is the L shape experience. Yet that low-end traveling is totally audiophile, and gains levels of scaling to be some favorite-fun IEMs. The difference here is that older consumer tune didn’t have open-back technology making the bass fully audiophile and clear. While textured, the bumps get out-of-the-way just in time for the next ones.
DOOM Eternal OST
Mick Gorden and Chad Mossholder
"Phobos Space"
48 kHz - 24 bit
The bass washes in this opening goes full-tilt to bring it. Yep, this is styling! Released April 20th, 2020 this will go down in history as one of the greatest game OSTs ever. Big, pulsating and interactive.
You can’t help become apart of this action! While I’ve heard better renditions of the bass in this song, I’m not sure I’ve ever been so satisfied at this price point? While yes, it’s a little blurry in comparison to top-tier playback, still, there is a nice rhythm to it all, and most importantly nothing is out of place. At times with playback it’s what you include and not what’s left out!
Midrange:
I have 30 IEMs in my collection which play the other style of midrange, here it’s different and you know what, I welcome that difference. Due to the spacial properties it all works out. Now the TWS AVA has an electronic signal processing to get the ear distance going. Here we are more clear how we these process the mids, being less cloudy but narrower, because nothing (short of heavy signal processing) gets you what the AVA does. The mid-range is like that time you were cruising with friends and found that kicking house party. You had to do a double-take when you heard the stereo because at first it sounded messed-up. But the longer you stayed at the house, and the more you listened, the more it grew on you. To the point of after a few beers you were congratulating the owner on both his choice of music and his LOFI/HIFI! It’s all mood in the end. This totally doesn’t seem like it would work, but it does? I haven’t seen a graph on these, and I’m not sure how practical they would graphically present? Still there is something here, something special!
Treble:
It may be that the S2 cable brings up the detail, but at the same time the cable that comes with the $29.90 kit totally works. This style of treble works because it’s adding more girth in phone replay………in fact, having the phone playback have extra analogue sound, that is the charm in the end. Analogue treble is what I’m after, and this fits that bill. While not airy, still there is the correct amount of information..........to never call the SHOZY T1 boring. If it’s your end-sound or not that’s the riddle. Still get me this style of replay and I can listen all day long.
Using the Shanling UA3 Dongle was a surprise in that the black copper cable only went so far revealing the electronic hi-hats in EDM, where a quick switch over the the PRO cable showed how the added sliver was a noticeable difference, especially with the top-end of EDM. While finally switching to the ISN S2 cable there was a difference but less of a difference than the Pro cable in comparison to the hi-hats with the standard black 100% copper cable. So why am I including cable rolls in the treble section? Probably because it’s here that you will notice the most difference between cables, and if I didn’t know any better I would be happy with the included black cable, but the Shanling UA3 is on the warmer side of the street yet still shows a style of perfection when switching to the Pro cable or ISN S2 cable. There is somehow room here to go, to establish a next level of detail where it’s not exactly air, but it’s going in that direction. Spacial effects into the stage are gathered due to this slight increase in treble/midrange energy, providing just a tad of extra definition which is accepted as not too much.........especially with EDM. Often with EDM sound producers will add a small amount of treble which helps in nightclubs to get the top-end to travel through the mix and counteract the bass and midrange, here in essence in the SHOZY T1 being like that nightclub in response allowing room for that wanted top-end to gather energy with-out causing sibilance of stark highs. Perfect!
Conclusion:
The SHOZY sound. I hope they continue with this tone, as they have kinda cut their own fame with this sound. If anything it’s getting more unique and different as production of new IEMs moves along, at least that’s my take on SHOZY with using their third (to me) IEM? Big washes of bass, all held captive into a form of musicality that you would just have to hear to believe. Truly if you wanted something different that zigs when all the other IEM companies zag, this is it. An original that isn’t getting different sounding playback by playing music wrong, but simply showing us that there is more than one way from point A to point B. The perfect low-end to drown-out traffic while out and about. Playing great from just a phone, but at the same time scaling with your best gear into audiophile places you thought only reserved for high-ticket items. There is nothing wrong with this style of replay as it’s both easy on the ears and easy on the wallet. While they have added choices in replay asking if you want a silver plated cable or a copper one, you can still have both. Or in fact, get the ISN S2 to take your experience to the next level. Is the SHOZY T1 worthy of such jewelry, I would defiantly say so! That’s the thing……this particular IEM scales and shows what signal is upstream, it goes ahead and offers a clarity beyond what you would think by only looking at it. I will be the very first to joke at how it looks, it doesn’t look like a lot, but when you start to look closer it has a function and a finite form which means business. Speaking of business, I was in slight disbelief as to the choice of cables here. I mean I believe in the tonal qualities of cables, it is just I couldn’t get my head around why SHOZY would go to all this trouble to offer the T1/T1 Pro, two ways? It just seemed like a lot of trouble to offer the extra cable as an option. That was until I started to notice the differences in the T1’s abilities to change with each cable. Of course I ended using music that would offer the biggest contrast to make that change even more noticeable.
If anything it is showing SHOZY has the ability to offer an IEM value with the T1, and that they decided to offer it two distinctly different ways. Which ever way you choose to encounter the SHOZY T1, you will not be disappointed. It’s fun and involving, it rocks and it rolls. The T1 has just enough information to get it’s point across, I was never bored or searching for more in playback, and if anything I was totally thrilled such a small IEM was open-back and offered such a stage. The T1’s rhythm is contagious, it’s groove unstoppable and if you’re down for a unique a different experience, here it is.
Get it here:
https://penonaudio.com/shozy-t1.html
$29.90
Disclaimer:
I want to thank Penon Audio for the love and for the SHOZY T1 review sample.
Disclaimer:
These are one persons ideas and concepts, your results may vary.
Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5m
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
UA3 Dongle DAC/Amplifier 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Samsung Smartphone 3.5mm
TONALITY: 8/10
TECHNICALITIES: 7/10
CONSTRUCTION: 7/10
SOUND VALUE (30$ version): 7.5/10
Shozy is a well established chinese audio company that start making DAP, then go earbuds and then mostly IEMs. It seem their most popular earphones are the Shozy Form 1.1 which i've never tested.
Today I will review their entry level IEM offering call Shozy T1. The T1 is a single 8mm dynamic driver with semi open back design, normal version is priced 30$ while the PRO version is priced 55$.
This is a mini review, so for extra details about construction-packaging as well as a comparisons against Tangzu Waner and Tinhifi C2, give a look (and subscribe) to my new video channel here:
CONSTRUCTION is very basic and feel a bit frail, its all plastic and the venting open back don't have screen so its prompt to collect dust inside the shell. Packaging is non existent, its a mini box with rather large carrying case which is a plus. It come with basic but OK braided copper cable.
I receive the PRO version as review sample and I don't think it worth spending extra 25$ and pay twice the price to get a basic silver plated cable. Better buy higher quality 2pin cable on AliX, since for less than 20$ you can even buy SPC modular cable of higher quality nowadays.
All in all, non-PRO version accessories are basic but of nice quality enough, the carrying case is great.
SOUND IMPRESSIONS
Why did i put this picture in sound impressions? Because I want to underline that superior technical performance doesnt mean better tonality or higher musical enjoyment. To my ears the 5x more expensive Meaoes Eagle hybrid is less enjoyable than the Shozy T1 and this is all due to more mid range presence and fullness as well as more natural and warm timbre-tone.
The Tonality of Shozy T1 can be summarize as warm mid centric with slight bass boost, it's a dark laid back sounding earphones, with wide open soundstage but a thick macro resolution.
If you are a vocal lover like me, your in for a treat, but don't expect anything exceptional in term of technical performance since resolution is a bit hazy and definition lack proper edge.
Bass have a warm thumpy attack, its chunky and thicken lower mid range which seem boosted too, kick drum and bass line lack separation space and can feel a bit muddy. As well, sub bass doesnt have extended rumble and is rolled off. It a pillowy thumpy bass, nothing impressive here.
Mids is the center of the show, yet, it's not about clarity or well resolve presence but note weight, natural dense timbre and full bodied vocal. Both male and female vocal are upfront and lush in rendering, very appealing and musical yet free of sibilance, so it's smoothed in upper mids.
Treble is dark and fastly roll off pass 8khz it seem, their no brilliance or sparkle nor any air on top. You will not heard secret micro details with the T1, but this can be very inviting for treble sensitive people.
As said, technical performance are lower than average, so imaging is non existent and unidimensional, layering is all glued togheter too, in a warm organic way. Resolution is low, you will not be able to hear all percussions of complex jazz drummer for ex. Attack speed too is average, since slow sustain-decay is part of this ''euphonic analog like musicality'' gluing the sounds layers togheter.
CONCLUSION
The Shozy T1 is nothing exceptional and only worth consideration for those seeking vocal centric IEM with lush fatigue free laid back tonality. At 30$, their plenty of better IEMs out there in term of technical performance, yet, this doesn't guarantee the musicality will be there since mid range is often too recessed or too bright with budget IEM, especially hybrid one. Again, single dynamic driver proove to deliver a more natural and pleasant tone and at least Shozy didn't go hard bright or warm V shape with the T1, which will be refreshing for tone and timbre lover.
All in all, i've been able to enjoy the T1 more than I think, so if you listen to pop, Soul, R&B or vocal centric music, this might worth a check!
---------
PS: I want to thanks Penon for sending me this review sample. I'm not compensated to write a positive review nor officially affiliated to this audio distributor. As always these are my 100% subjective honest impressions and opinions.
You can buy the Shozy T1 for 30$ here:https://penonaudio.com/shozy-t1.html
NymPHONOmaniac
@Carpet 
lmao, yeah, they are 2 polar opposite. one have a dry cynical and severe persona, other overly romantic one. at they end, the 2 will not get any GF in the social event
lmao, yeah, they are 2 polar opposite. one have a dry cynical and severe persona, other overly romantic one. at they end, the 2 will not get any GF in the social event
Shozy T1 pro
Our hobby dictates a certain level of sound quality for a given price point. That being said, today's budget offerings are simply different from yesteryear's budget offerings. No longer is the murky lame duck sound quality a part of the budget experience. Far from it we are getting some substantial advancements for sound nowadays at all price points. Case in point the new Shozy T1 is an 8mm PU/PEEK dynamic IEM that is designed with openings in the shells for an open back sound tuning. Something I can say is actually a bit unique. Not too many IEMs use an open or semi open design but the budget T1 here does with large vents on the back of the shells. Ultimately what matters here is how Shozy tuned these IEMs and what they sound like.
The new Shozy T1 and the pro version come at a very affordable $29.90 for the non-Pro version and the Pro version which includes a higher grade of silver-plated crystal copper cable for $54.90. I will go over the sound differences on both sets over my review of the new Shozy T1.
The Shozy T1 was provided for the purpose of a review by Penon audio and Shozy. The T1 was burned in for a period of a week's time and is now ready for evaluation using my sources. The IBasso DX300Max. Fiio M15, K9 pro ESS, BTR7, Shanling M6 pro , IFI Grypon, IFI Signature for amping. You can look up the sales page for the Shozy T1 here on Penon audio website.
What you get/ build
The Shozy T1 comes with a no-frills package as you would expect for a sub $30 IEM. Standard skinny copper cables in a PVC black finish for the base model and or comes with an equally skinny silver-plated crystal copper variant for the pro version. One set of silicones with a decent all black rectangular zip up case to hold it all.
The T1 uses the same exact hard light plastic housing as its predecessor the Djembe I did a review for here.
A smaller bean shaped plastic housing. I am going to assume the driver here is either the same as the Djembe or brand new one in the new T1. Descriptors on the Penon sales page states the T1 is using a PU/PEEK diaphragm. Which actually utilizes two types of material which makes it a composite diaphragm for its sound properties. PU stands for Polyurethane and PEEK stands for Polyether ether ketone, a colorless organic thermoplastic polymer. Apparently using both materials for the 8mm composite driver.
In lay terms it is using a higher end plastic film. What is interesting to me is that I have a sneaking suspicion that these are using the same exact drivers as the Djembe which was sold at $99. The shells, specs and even the driver size is the same. The difference however is in its tuning. So why would Shozy possibly retune the Djembe and sell it for much less?
Well, for one I doubt it was making waves as far as what you got for the $100 price point. The Djembe tuning was enjoyable but lacked bass and treble extension which for most folks is a no go on such products especially at the magic $100 price point and it is this price point that sees the stiffest competition especially for well performing dynamic IEMs. This is just a guess on my end but these suspiciously look exactly like their Djembe.
Sound
T1 is a slightly warm mild L shaped tuning. Shozy’s preferred sound tuning is never bright and never harsh, never analytical, always with mid bass emphasis and focus more on lower mids than upper mids. Shozy uses a bit of a treble spike to balance out the bass end. Its technicalities and resolve is decent at the price range but it is not going to wow anyone with its sound. Fans of musical full bodied warmer sound signatures will love Shozy sound. The T1 being a budget offering and the way it is tuned, is typical of Shozy sound. Due to the house sound of Shozy leaning a bit more on warmth. They actually scale much better with a more transparent resolving cable and that was why there was a Pro version that is available that is a higher end cable that ends up making the T1 sound better balanced with a slight uptick in technical performance.
Differences between cables?
Standard T1 ends up sounding a touch warmer, it is the copper of the black stock cable that works with the Shozy house tuning. More body for bass to mids with a slight smoothening of the trebles. The stock cable is not terrible on the T1 but you can hear some potential to its sound using it and will give the base sound of the T1 a more musical warmer tilt to its sound. Folks that actually love some warmth to their sound might actually enjoy the T1 in its base form over the $25 pro cable option.
T1 Pro with the addition of this particular cable. The T1 sounds a touch better balanced with a slight emphasis toward its treble and upper mids emphasis vs the prior base copper cable with its emphasis at the bass to lower mids emphasis. Stated to be a silver plated OCC copper cable this $25 option certainly gives an uptick for the base T1 sound profile in the way of slight sound expansion, cleaner sound profile and better perceived details. This cable seems to balance out the warm tonal qualities of the T1 to a better extent. There must be a reason why Shozy has a pro option right? The T1 still has an underlying warmth and fullness to its sound that is distinctly Shozy but ends up sounding just a notch better with this Pro cable.
Technicals
As small as these T1s are, the entire shell will fit into the concha of your ears. Its ergonomic bean shape allows for a secure fit and does not stick outside the ears. Its vented design allows the sound of the T1 to have a decent space for sound. It's not a wide stage by any means but they certainly don't sound confined either. While I find its technicalities to be perfectly acceptable at the price range. These are not going to set the world on fire for their technical ability. Its instrument separation, imaging and detail ability is again decent, but I feel recent $50 level IEMs do these aspects better and use better more advanced dynamic drivers. Its timbral performance is again fairly average at the price point, if not a touch restrictive especially for guitars and stringed instruments. Probably due to its lower mid bias vs upper mids. These are the opposite of a harmon tuned IEM. Some folks will like it that way.
Trebles.
The T1 is slightly blunted and rolled off treble for easier listening but also likes to incorporate a treble peak at around 6Khz. I havent seen a graph yet just guessing on my part but I have recently reviewed Shozys TWS AVA IEMs and believe it or not those wireless IEMs are tuned very similarly to the T1. The AVA also exhibits very similar treble uneveness as the T1.
Shozy incorporates a treble peak to their sound tunings to counter the mid bass for balance. It is for the most part a bit old school style of tuning where warm, fullness, body and bass is the mainstay of the Shozy tuning. Trebles are tuned a bit like tweeters in that they highlight brightness only at that peak and then the brilliance area is much lower in its treble presence. Lacking real air separation and trebles can sound a touch compressed. Not my favorite type of treble tuning to be honest. The uneven treble here works however to not introduce obvious glare and enhances the body of note to the rest of the sound frequencies. Treble articulation is lacking on the T1 and while the Pro cable helps to accentuate the treble notes a touch. Its overall tuning is based on a warm one so dont expect high end refined treble on the T1. Its good enough is the best way I can put it.
Mids.
Mids is all about the body of note. It clearly is focused on its lower mids fullness and this introduces a bit of warmth to the overall tonal character. Male vocals especially sounds good on the T1 but on the opposite end, female vocals lack a bit of reach and range. Any instrument that is more low end bias or music that has its foundation based on bass guitars, funk, soul, RnB and for the most bass driven music sounds good on the T1 but anything that requires articulation and speed with delicate and or complex details for its sound, classic music and the like. Forgetaboutit. Its not great at rock music either as guitars sound a touch restricted and the bass guitar seems to be emphasized a bit more than electric guitars.
I do have to give credit to Shozy for sticking to their guns on this one. Instead of conforming to what is popular nowadays. This is how Shozy tunes a budget level T1 to hopefully catch on with enthusiasts. In that aspect these are actually a bit unique sounding. Not too many warm sounding mid bass and lower mids driven tunings. Especially at the price range. These have an unconventional tuning actually. It will be the old timers and folks that love a warmer tuning that would love these. As I mentioned on the Shozy AVA review, Shozy tunings are a bit like an old school jukebox in how they approach a sound. The T1 is no different. Even their much higher end B2 is tuned similarly. If you go into this one with an open mind you might be surprised. Its mids performance is all about that fullness and warmth and if you like your music with that in mind these will be an easy recommend for you. If your looking for more of a neutrally tuned or harmon based IEM at this price range. This is not it.
Bass
The bread and butter for Shozy tuning. Whomever at the helm of Shozy tunings love them some mid bass as that is the area where Shozy loves to focus its sound tunings. The bass end of the T1 is bigger than the rest of the sound signature especially for its mid bass. It naturally has a thicker lower mid range as a result. Its mid bass if I was a guessing man is at about 8 dbs of it. Which gives a nice full body of note. Shozy tunings have ample lower sub bass presence but is rolled off in the sub notes with a focus more on its mid bass. Bass is authoritative over any other parts of its sound hence the L shape sound tuning. This works well for non audiophiles and the younger set that love them some thump. Mid bass is important for bass genres so I suppose if you wanted a cheaper set to listen to your bass genres these would work great for you.
Bass overall is fairly big on the bass punch and while I dont find the bass to be muddy it can sound that way if you are using a warm source or that base copper cable which enhances the bass emphasis of the T1. Bass definition is what you would expect for the price but to be fair at least the T1 is not shy about letting you know it has some bass as a foundation for its sound.
Overall
Due to the bass and lower mid bias for its sound tuning these are not versatile for all types of music. If your a classic music listener you're probably going to stay away from budget level sets anyway. These are for first timers and for enthusiasts that like an old school type of warm sound. Not too many IEMs sound like how Shozy tunes. These literally sound like music coming from an old pair of speakers and you might get a good idea of how they might sound. Its open back design works well to make them sound spacious but at the same time there is nothing these do that clearly steps ahead of IEMs sold at this price. They have a unique warm signature that is not too common among IEMs especially at this price point so they are more unique than yet another Me too IEM. For folks looking for IEMs with body and fullness for male vocals these might surprise you but a true versatile sound they are not. Thanks for taking the time to read. Happy listening always.
Our hobby dictates a certain level of sound quality for a given price point. That being said, today's budget offerings are simply different from yesteryear's budget offerings. No longer is the murky lame duck sound quality a part of the budget experience. Far from it we are getting some substantial advancements for sound nowadays at all price points. Case in point the new Shozy T1 is an 8mm PU/PEEK dynamic IEM that is designed with openings in the shells for an open back sound tuning. Something I can say is actually a bit unique. Not too many IEMs use an open or semi open design but the budget T1 here does with large vents on the back of the shells. Ultimately what matters here is how Shozy tuned these IEMs and what they sound like.
The new Shozy T1 and the pro version come at a very affordable $29.90 for the non-Pro version and the Pro version which includes a higher grade of silver-plated crystal copper cable for $54.90. I will go over the sound differences on both sets over my review of the new Shozy T1.
The Shozy T1 was provided for the purpose of a review by Penon audio and Shozy. The T1 was burned in for a period of a week's time and is now ready for evaluation using my sources. The IBasso DX300Max. Fiio M15, K9 pro ESS, BTR7, Shanling M6 pro , IFI Grypon, IFI Signature for amping. You can look up the sales page for the Shozy T1 here on Penon audio website.
What you get/ build
The Shozy T1 comes with a no-frills package as you would expect for a sub $30 IEM. Standard skinny copper cables in a PVC black finish for the base model and or comes with an equally skinny silver-plated crystal copper variant for the pro version. One set of silicones with a decent all black rectangular zip up case to hold it all.
The T1 uses the same exact hard light plastic housing as its predecessor the Djembe I did a review for here.
A smaller bean shaped plastic housing. I am going to assume the driver here is either the same as the Djembe or brand new one in the new T1. Descriptors on the Penon sales page states the T1 is using a PU/PEEK diaphragm. Which actually utilizes two types of material which makes it a composite diaphragm for its sound properties. PU stands for Polyurethane and PEEK stands for Polyether ether ketone, a colorless organic thermoplastic polymer. Apparently using both materials for the 8mm composite driver.
In lay terms it is using a higher end plastic film. What is interesting to me is that I have a sneaking suspicion that these are using the same exact drivers as the Djembe which was sold at $99. The shells, specs and even the driver size is the same. The difference however is in its tuning. So why would Shozy possibly retune the Djembe and sell it for much less?
Well, for one I doubt it was making waves as far as what you got for the $100 price point. The Djembe tuning was enjoyable but lacked bass and treble extension which for most folks is a no go on such products especially at the magic $100 price point and it is this price point that sees the stiffest competition especially for well performing dynamic IEMs. This is just a guess on my end but these suspiciously look exactly like their Djembe.
Sound
T1 is a slightly warm mild L shaped tuning. Shozy’s preferred sound tuning is never bright and never harsh, never analytical, always with mid bass emphasis and focus more on lower mids than upper mids. Shozy uses a bit of a treble spike to balance out the bass end. Its technicalities and resolve is decent at the price range but it is not going to wow anyone with its sound. Fans of musical full bodied warmer sound signatures will love Shozy sound. The T1 being a budget offering and the way it is tuned, is typical of Shozy sound. Due to the house sound of Shozy leaning a bit more on warmth. They actually scale much better with a more transparent resolving cable and that was why there was a Pro version that is available that is a higher end cable that ends up making the T1 sound better balanced with a slight uptick in technical performance.
Differences between cables?
Standard T1 ends up sounding a touch warmer, it is the copper of the black stock cable that works with the Shozy house tuning. More body for bass to mids with a slight smoothening of the trebles. The stock cable is not terrible on the T1 but you can hear some potential to its sound using it and will give the base sound of the T1 a more musical warmer tilt to its sound. Folks that actually love some warmth to their sound might actually enjoy the T1 in its base form over the $25 pro cable option.
T1 Pro with the addition of this particular cable. The T1 sounds a touch better balanced with a slight emphasis toward its treble and upper mids emphasis vs the prior base copper cable with its emphasis at the bass to lower mids emphasis. Stated to be a silver plated OCC copper cable this $25 option certainly gives an uptick for the base T1 sound profile in the way of slight sound expansion, cleaner sound profile and better perceived details. This cable seems to balance out the warm tonal qualities of the T1 to a better extent. There must be a reason why Shozy has a pro option right? The T1 still has an underlying warmth and fullness to its sound that is distinctly Shozy but ends up sounding just a notch better with this Pro cable.
Technicals
As small as these T1s are, the entire shell will fit into the concha of your ears. Its ergonomic bean shape allows for a secure fit and does not stick outside the ears. Its vented design allows the sound of the T1 to have a decent space for sound. It's not a wide stage by any means but they certainly don't sound confined either. While I find its technicalities to be perfectly acceptable at the price range. These are not going to set the world on fire for their technical ability. Its instrument separation, imaging and detail ability is again decent, but I feel recent $50 level IEMs do these aspects better and use better more advanced dynamic drivers. Its timbral performance is again fairly average at the price point, if not a touch restrictive especially for guitars and stringed instruments. Probably due to its lower mid bias vs upper mids. These are the opposite of a harmon tuned IEM. Some folks will like it that way.
Trebles.
The T1 is slightly blunted and rolled off treble for easier listening but also likes to incorporate a treble peak at around 6Khz. I havent seen a graph yet just guessing on my part but I have recently reviewed Shozys TWS AVA IEMs and believe it or not those wireless IEMs are tuned very similarly to the T1. The AVA also exhibits very similar treble uneveness as the T1.
Shozy incorporates a treble peak to their sound tunings to counter the mid bass for balance. It is for the most part a bit old school style of tuning where warm, fullness, body and bass is the mainstay of the Shozy tuning. Trebles are tuned a bit like tweeters in that they highlight brightness only at that peak and then the brilliance area is much lower in its treble presence. Lacking real air separation and trebles can sound a touch compressed. Not my favorite type of treble tuning to be honest. The uneven treble here works however to not introduce obvious glare and enhances the body of note to the rest of the sound frequencies. Treble articulation is lacking on the T1 and while the Pro cable helps to accentuate the treble notes a touch. Its overall tuning is based on a warm one so dont expect high end refined treble on the T1. Its good enough is the best way I can put it.
Mids.
Mids is all about the body of note. It clearly is focused on its lower mids fullness and this introduces a bit of warmth to the overall tonal character. Male vocals especially sounds good on the T1 but on the opposite end, female vocals lack a bit of reach and range. Any instrument that is more low end bias or music that has its foundation based on bass guitars, funk, soul, RnB and for the most bass driven music sounds good on the T1 but anything that requires articulation and speed with delicate and or complex details for its sound, classic music and the like. Forgetaboutit. Its not great at rock music either as guitars sound a touch restricted and the bass guitar seems to be emphasized a bit more than electric guitars.
I do have to give credit to Shozy for sticking to their guns on this one. Instead of conforming to what is popular nowadays. This is how Shozy tunes a budget level T1 to hopefully catch on with enthusiasts. In that aspect these are actually a bit unique sounding. Not too many warm sounding mid bass and lower mids driven tunings. Especially at the price range. These have an unconventional tuning actually. It will be the old timers and folks that love a warmer tuning that would love these. As I mentioned on the Shozy AVA review, Shozy tunings are a bit like an old school jukebox in how they approach a sound. The T1 is no different. Even their much higher end B2 is tuned similarly. If you go into this one with an open mind you might be surprised. Its mids performance is all about that fullness and warmth and if you like your music with that in mind these will be an easy recommend for you. If your looking for more of a neutrally tuned or harmon based IEM at this price range. This is not it.
Bass
The bread and butter for Shozy tuning. Whomever at the helm of Shozy tunings love them some mid bass as that is the area where Shozy loves to focus its sound tunings. The bass end of the T1 is bigger than the rest of the sound signature especially for its mid bass. It naturally has a thicker lower mid range as a result. Its mid bass if I was a guessing man is at about 8 dbs of it. Which gives a nice full body of note. Shozy tunings have ample lower sub bass presence but is rolled off in the sub notes with a focus more on its mid bass. Bass is authoritative over any other parts of its sound hence the L shape sound tuning. This works well for non audiophiles and the younger set that love them some thump. Mid bass is important for bass genres so I suppose if you wanted a cheaper set to listen to your bass genres these would work great for you.
Bass overall is fairly big on the bass punch and while I dont find the bass to be muddy it can sound that way if you are using a warm source or that base copper cable which enhances the bass emphasis of the T1. Bass definition is what you would expect for the price but to be fair at least the T1 is not shy about letting you know it has some bass as a foundation for its sound.
Overall
Due to the bass and lower mid bias for its sound tuning these are not versatile for all types of music. If your a classic music listener you're probably going to stay away from budget level sets anyway. These are for first timers and for enthusiasts that like an old school type of warm sound. Not too many IEMs sound like how Shozy tunes. These literally sound like music coming from an old pair of speakers and you might get a good idea of how they might sound. Its open back design works well to make them sound spacious but at the same time there is nothing these do that clearly steps ahead of IEMs sold at this price. They have a unique warm signature that is not too common among IEMs especially at this price point so they are more unique than yet another Me too IEM. For folks looking for IEMs with body and fullness for male vocals these might surprise you but a true versatile sound they are not. Thanks for taking the time to read. Happy listening always.
"This is NOT one of my friends, I do not want to be seen at the same social event with them!"