SHOZY V33

Unlike other reviews, I won't be posting any photos or videos on this IEM. This is a very plain IEM, comes in a very plain packaging and looks plain until you put them in your ears.

I don't think any graphs will do this IEM justice, because if your looking for an IEM with excellent top to bottom extension or extra clarity, you're at the wrong place. If you like listening to EDMs or stuff you want to bang you head along to, again you're at the wrong place. This is an IEM for memories long since sealed away. Put on an old song and prepare to cry. Yes, this is what it does best. The folks at Shozy designed this driver from scratch, and it sounds like nostalgia. Any old song you play will sound like an old song. Without a hint of modern touch, but with all its tubey glory well-preserved, just like how the artists sealed the vinyl in the 70s.

This thing sounds like nostalgia. And there's not one single IEM I've heard that sounds like this. For this very reason I have to give it 5 stars. The folks at Shozy clearly knows what they're doing, because these absolutely nails it in the emotion department. One last word about eartips rolling: Don't do it. JVC Spiral Dot, Spinfit and Sony hybrid tips all have better end-to-end extension than stock tips, but they all sound modern. Nostalgia is the name of the game, and stock tips is part of the magic.

The V33 is a new earphone by Shozy, which is a company that has been making in-ears and higher end ear buds for a little while now. For me, I have yet to hear any of their ear bud offerings, which have been generally praised. As far as in-ears go, I have not liked any of the ones I've had a chance to listen to, so is the V33 any different?

The short answer is, no. It's not very good.

First off, this review sample was provided to me by Linsoul. If you still want to purchase this unit after reading this review, the direct link to the product can be found at the following links:

https://www.linsoul.com/product-page/shozy-v33-v33pro-iem

https://www.amazon.com/Linsoul-Single-Dynamic-Driver-Earphone/dp/B07TCLN2BQ

BUILD

There are two models available. The V33 is an aluminum housing, while the V33 Pro unit features a stainless steel housing. I imagine they both share identical sound signatures, but I can not confirm this. Both feature a nice and attractive silver-colored copper wire cable with metal 3.5mm stereo connector and splitter. The cable is not detachable however. The set also comes with a small quantity of silicone tips.

The V33 is a bullet-shaped IEM which means it can be worn cable-down for convenience. I found the fit to be a little tricky at times, but tip rolling does help find the right fit. The fit is rather shallow which is part of the issue.

The outer-shell features a vinyl record appearance which may be fun for nostalgia or hipsters and generally isn't too distasteful. This theme rolls into how they went about tuning it, I guess.


SOUND


The tuning is just not very good. It presents everything I heard in a low-fi haze and there's really nothing that I enjoyed when I used these earphones. I honestly don't know what Shozy was really thinking besides they wanted to get vintage look and "vintage" sound of old audio recordings and slapped this tuning onto this IEM. I guess there may be people out there who enjoy that, but I don't know if I can totally recommend this for the masses.



The upper mids are very far recessed in this IEM which I found similar to the Campfire IO I reviewed earlier this year. In fact, that was the first thing that came to mind when I put these on. They sounded like a very technically poor, cheap, and worse sounding IO -- which I did not particularly like either.

I never found myself wanting to pull these out of the drawer in the past month and half that I've had these in my possession. I would only because I knew I needed to put some feedback on these out there but they never struck me as anything I would ever want to recommend to anyone.

The tuning starts to sound wrong when you put on any female vocal track. The lack of upper mids, all sloping downward, with a rise in the treble make this IEM unique in it's tuning. With the IO, the tuning at least had some semblance of mid-range, albeit very odd in its own right. The V33 instead has very little of the area I value the most, and while there are some IEMs that do sound decent with a lack of midrange boost, like the Andromeda from Campfire, I tend to find all of these special tunings not my thing.

Introduction

Shozy is a well established brand in the market, with well-known models such as the earbuds Cygnus, the IEMs Zero, the DAPs Alien, etc. It is noticeable that, in all his creations, the design is a very important factor, since each model has something special. In this case, the Shozy Vinyl V33 1/3 is a true tribute to vinyl records. Already, from the name, the exact speed of the LP is quoted and the outer face of the capsule, is clearly a miniature vinyl.

The V33 are the first designs made under the LP series. The capsule is made of jewellery quality stainless steel, highly polished and smooth. A large diameter driver has been specially developed to take advantage of the sonic qualities of the capsule. The acoustic filters and dampers of high consistency and quality have been imported from Korea.

There is a Pro version of this model, whose cable is better, silver plated and with a larger connector.



Specifications

• Type of Drivers: Single dynamic driver
• Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz
• Sensitivity: 107 dB SPL/mw
• Impedance: 16Ω
• Jack connector: 3.5mm gold plated
• High purity copper cable.

Packaging

The Shozy V33 1/3 have come in a leather box with zipper, model sold separately, called Shozy LP. Its interior is blue velvet and has side bands, also in leather and same lining, which gives it the shape of a sack. The box is very elegant, in glossy black leather, with the name of the brand inscribed in small golden letters. In the pull of the zipper, also gilded, has the mark in relief, on a black background. The inside of the box, made of very striking blue velvet, is surely ideal for storing IEMs, but one stops thinking about other things after seeing it...

The Shozy V33 only comes with 3 pairs of translucent grey silicone tips in S/M/L sizes. As you can see, the content is the minimum. Although given the price and level of construction and quality of the IEMs, it seems that all the money has been allocated to them and little importance has been given to packaging.

It should be noted that the LP box came as part of an initial sales promotion. The regular version seems to bring another box of similar dimensions, but classic invoice.



Construction and Design

The V33 are made of stainless steel and aluminium. The shape of the capsules is practically semi-spherical. The outer part is a flat cut, adhered to it there is a simulation of a vinyl disc. In the center of the disc is the name and model of the IEMs. There is a hole in the center. On the other hand, the semi-sphere ends in a conical shape. The nozzles form the same set with the body of the capsule and no separate parts are noticed. They have grilles of the same colour, which are also metallic. There is another hole between the nozzle and the connection of the cable with the capsule, closer to the nozzles. I have tried taping this hole and the result is an increase of more than 10dB in much of the lower frequency response. So, this operation involves a bass mod.

The connection of the cable to the capsules is protected by a small plastic cylinder which also serves as a channel identifier: red for the right side, black for the left.

The cable is fixed and is covered with black plastic, very flexible. It has the virtue of rolling little and hardly takes shape. The Jack connector cover is metallic, it looks like smooth aluminium. It’s a cylinder whose central diameter is smaller, improving ergonomics. The central divider is very similar. There is a cone of the same material for the adjustment of the cable under the chin.

The cable has quite a good feel, it is not too thin, but it is still a fixed cable. On the other hand, the construction of the capsules is stellar, a tribute to vinyl records, but finished in stainless steel very polished and smooth, as if it were a jewel.



Adjustment and Ergonomics

The spherical and conical shape of the capsules is very ergonomic. The smooth material makes it easy to fit and comfortable. The insertion is rather superficial, because the nozzles are not very long and the cone has a good diameter. The capsules sit very well in the auditory pavilion. In my case, they barely move and the adjustment to give the best sound, is achieved quickly. In my case I have used silicone bi-flange tips to make a somewhat deeper insertion and get a fuller and closer sound. They can be used in a traditional way or over the ear. Personally I use them on the ear, because if I use them in a traditional way, the cable makes a bigger insertion difficult.



Sound

Profile

The Shozy V33 1/3 are IEMs with a balanced but warm profile, they do not have very clear enhancement in any of their areas. Their frequency response is relatively flat from 30Hz to 6kHz, where their variation is only 6dB. Thus, the feeling is that the midrange is the most advanced zone of all its response. The use of Bi-Flange tips enhances the proximity of the mids, but also the depth of the bass, without penalizing the treble.



Bass


The sub-bass reproduces at the edge, below 40Hz decays suddenly, subtracting a greater depth. However, at that point, the hit is quite acceptable and defends really well, keeping the type under control. The V33 are able to offer a sub-bass tip with moderate energy, with remarkable control in extension and speed, giving the area a harmonious, sweet and velvety look, far from any hint of viscerality. The articulation of the rest of the area is agile and the basses are picked up quickly, enough to demonstrate definition and that soft texture. The medium and high bass have more punch and a greater emphasis on the lower zone. The texture is very pleasant, harmonious and despite its smoothness, the low frequencies are easily identified, well separated, with a round depth, just like its body.

Performing a simple mod on the V33, which consists of covering the hole near the nozzles with tape, you can gain almost 10dB in the lower zone, making these IEMs to something closer to the desires of a bass-head, keeping almost intact the mid and high, which will be further away, due to the over gain of the lower zone.



Mids

The mid zone of the V33 remains smooth, without presenting humps in the high mid. Thus, the range is very balanced, well polished, with enough air and separation, but with the color and timbre as stars. The mid-range is also very round, with no trace of mud, nasality or metallic sensation, despite its proximity and prominence in its lower zone. The voices are close and recreated with sweetness, detail and a large dose of naturalness and hyperrealism, which surpasses the analogical sensation beyond their intentions. In spite of this, the V33 are grateful for the music made with instruments, rather than with electronics, it is there where their rich timbre shines and they stand out from their rivals. I also think they are very enjoyable with quiet music and few instruments, because that's where colour and body expand most emphatically, offering a close, organic, direct, rich, almost live, quite pleasurable sound experience.

Despite the balance, these Shozy have a good level of detail, but limited by their analogical and velvety character.



Treble

The lower part of the highs are shown slightly emphasized over the upper mids, just enough to provide the necessary brightness and a vivid musical sensation, but continuing with the restrained, round and thick realism of their presentation. Then, from 6kHz its fall is evident. This greatly influences the warmth of the sound, the highs will never be sharpened, but rather polished, wide and soft, perhaps more than the count. A little more presence would have given the whole greater resolution, definition and detail needed to cover more musical genres.



Soundstage, Separation

The scene is close at both extremes and deeper in the centre, generating a sensation of intimacy, of club stage. The recreation maintains that oval image, well aired, without confusion, with good positioning, but close at the same time. The V33 offer, in my opinion, a scene more enveloping than wide.

The separation is moderately good in the lower part, noticeable in the central part and somewhat more congested in the upper part, perhaps due to the lack of extension at that end.



Comparisons

Fiio EX1

The Fiio EX1 are classic IEMs with a semi-open shape, this design offers both advantages and disadvantages. Their frequency response is also quite flat, offering a virtually linear low zone and a more emphasised transition between mid and treble. In my case, its adjustment has always been compromised, making it difficult to get the best placement for the best sound, because its mouthpieces are somewhat short for my anatomy. Thus, the appreciation of its lower zone has never been represented by its graph.

The profile of the EX1 is cooler and brighter, contrasting sharply with the warm look of the V33. In my opinion, the lower part of the Fiio has less presence and stickiness than the Shozy. Even so, the sub bass emphasis below 40Hz is more audible in Fiio. There is more depth in the sound of the V33, while the EX1 offers more extension at the top, with crisper, sharper highs.

The lower zone, apart from the differences in the sub-bass, is shown with greater presence in the V33, perhaps due to the semi-open shape of the Fiio EX1. The texture is smoother and cooler on the EX1, somewhat less energetic, with less punch, as well as decaying faster. The lows in the Shozy are more exciting, with more body, but with some relative darkness, due to their greater depth. As for the overall presence of the bass in both is certainly similar.

In the middle zone the differences are greater. The warmth of the Shozy is overwhelming in this area, filling the void that the EX1 seem to leave behind. On the other hand, this warmth detracts from some clarity, something that the EX1s do bring. The voices are definitely different, although the level of presence is similar, the positioning is almost opposite. In the V33 the voices feel closer in a more frontal way, while in the EX1 they sound somewhat displaced, elevated, due to their cooler look. The analog character is quite noticeable here, the V33 are a vacuum valve and the EX1 are a transistor. The Fiio are shown to be more dynamic in fast music, running in greater detail and resolution. The V33 reveal their softness and sweetness in calmer styles.

In the upper zone the difference is almost greater, the EX1 offer more present, sharp, penetrating and crunchy trebles and go further than the Shozy. The V33 offers more sharpened, even trimmed trebles in comparison. This superior treble level of the EX1 provides more detail and micro detail, higher resolution, but also a more frontal, overwhelming and foreground music feel.

The scene in the EX1 is wider, but less deep, although the definition is higher, the sound seems more airy and spaced in the V33, causing that more immersive sensation.



BQEYZ KB100

The BQEYZ KB100 are IEMs that I like more and more. The reason is that I'm finding more and more liking for detailed media like yours, even though their emphasis can sometimes saturate me.

KB100s are more sensitive and move more easily. That's the first thing you notice. Second, it's your brightest profile because its high mids have a clear higher gain.

The lower zone of the KB100, however, is very contained, tight and dry, with somewhat more presence in the sub bass than the V33. Its timbre is colder and that is noticeable in the greater amount of harmonics that the pure tone of 40Hz generates in them. The V33 offers a low range of similar technical characteristics, but without so many harmonics, more pure, hence it gives a feeling of greater depth, even having less presence in the sub bass.

In the mid-zone there are clear differences, this is where the profile and technology used in each IEM is noticeable. The warmth of the V33 generates a more cohesive middle zone with the lows and there is not as much separation between the two regions as the KB100 do. Similarly, the voices are also flooded with that more homogeneous, softened and sweet character, sounding thicker, rounder and velvety. In the KB100, the voices are perceived more isolated, thin and cold, but also closer and more present. They may sound even more penetrating in sensitive ears or with critical recordings. Despite this, the level of detail, definition, resolution and clarity is perceived to be greater in the BQEYZ.

In the high zone, the KB100 have a descent step just beginning, while the V33 pick up to 6 KHz and then decay more abruptly. This generates a spark in the high frequencies in the V33, while in the KB100 they have more extension. However, the sound of the KB100 has more brightness and the highs are perceived more clearly than in the Shozy.

The V33 scene is wider and deeper than the KB100, producing a more ethereal sound. The KB100 have more precision and a different separation, product of its higher resolution, but its sound is perceived flatter.



In this comparison I would like to carry out a simple experiment. It is about reproducing three pure tones in each IEM, recording them and then performing a spectrum analysis to observe the differences between them. The silicone tips used have been the same in both cases, trying to recreate the same position and distance to the micro, so that the rest of possible side effects are the same for both.

The first tone played is a pure 40Hz tone. The tones have been played at the same volume. Note that the KB100 are more sensitive than the V33, producing a wider amplitude wave.



The spectrum analysis of the original 40Hz waveform is:



The spectrum analysis of the response produced by the Shozy V33 at 40Hz is:



The spectrum analysis of the response produced by the BQEYZ KB100 at 40Hz is:



It is observed that the Shozy V33 produces less harmonics at 40Hz, offering a purer sound, but much more attenuated in gain.

Second tone 1kHz. Here the amplitude of the waves is more similar and gives an idea of the warmth of the V33:



The spectrum analysis of the original 1000Hz waveform is:



The spectrum analysis of the response produced by the Shozy V33 at 1000Hz is:



The spectrum analysis of the response produced by the BQEYZ KB100 at 1000Hz is:



There are 5 harmonics in the V33, while in the KB100 there are 7.

Third tone 7kHz. Here the amplitude of the waves is much smaller, realizing that both IEMs are trimmed at this frequency.



The spectrum analysis of the original 7kHz waveform is:



The spectrum analysis of the response produced by the Shozy V33 at 7kHz is:



The spectrum analysis of the response produced by BQEYZ KB100 at 7kHz is:



Both have 3 harmonics, harmonics above 20kHz are discarded. It is perceived that the harmonics of the KB100 have higher gain..

Conclusion

Shozy has created a model with quite specific sound characteristics, with an approach that is glimpsed from its own design and name, which are a clear tribute to vinyl. Undoubtedly, its sound enjoys all the characteristics, virtues and details of those, offering a warm profile, with rounded bass, exuberant in midrange and content in treble. Analogical par excellence, pleasant, whose enjoyment must be savored with calm and pause, in order to enter better into your intimate and enveloping scene.

The V33 1/3 are not classics, they are almost museum.

Sources Used During the Analysis

• F.Audio S1
• xDuoo X3II
• Zishan Z3
• Burson Audio Playmate

Ratings

• Construction and Design: 90
• Adjustment/Ergonomics: 85
• Accessories: 50
• Bass: 75
• Mids: 85
• Treble: 75
• Separation: 75
• Soundstage: 80
• Quality/Price: 90

Purchase link

https://penonaudio.com/shozy-v33.html

You can read my full review in spanish here:

https://hiendportable.com/2019/05/12/shozy-v33-review/