Sound Rhyme SP01

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This product was provided to me by Sound Rhyme in exchange for my impartial and honest review. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Product link for those interested:
https://penonaudio.com/Sound-Rhyme-SP01.html

Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
●Kiwi Ears Allegro
●Dunu DTC480
●Letshuoer DT03
●BLON V1

Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.


Introduction:
Sound Rhyme is a Chinese IEM manufacturer that is often associated with Penon, although it is its own brand. They have had some success with various models and offer many options ranging from the more cost-efficient SR5 at $149 all the way to their $1799 flagship, the Prado. One of their latest releases is the SP01, which features a single 10mm dynamic driver and three interchangeable tuning nozzles. It is available in blue or red options, with a choice of a 3.5 or 4.4 mm cable. It currently retails for $89.90 through Penon Audio's site as well as other worldwide retailers. The budget tier is absolutely saturated with great choices, and it seems like the options are growing every day. Let's see how the new SP01 stacks up against the competition.


Build, fit, ergonomics:
The SP01 is one of the better-accessorized IEMs in its price range. The unboxing isn't anything fancy, and the black box is quite understated, but the total inclusions are great for the price. The package includes the IEMs themselves, three sets of tuning nozzles with a metal holder, a case, the stock cable, two tip holders containing a total of six pairs of tips, a branded microfiber cloth, and a cleaning tool. The shells are made of CNC-machined aluminum, featuring a raised faceplate design in either blue or red colorways and a flat 2-pin connection. They are fairly lightweight and feel sturdy enough, but to me, they do not feel very premium, and the build quality could be better. Keen eyes might recognize the shell shape and design, as it is eerily similar to the iBasso IT05. The nozzle measures 5.9mm at its widest point, and the length and insertion depth are about average. I would personally prefer a bit of a deeper fit with a wider nozzle as I had a bit of trouble maintaining a good seal. The interchangeable nozzles themselves are very interesting as each set has a different diameter. The “Warm” nozzles are the narrowest, and the "Clear" and “Balanced” nozzles are wider and appear to be the same width, but the latter seems to have an additional filter inside. The 7N crystal copper silver-plated cable is well-braided, pliable, and has a decent weight to it. It's a good-quality cable in this price bracket and much better than other stock cables I've received. The included tips are pretty good too. There are two different styles: the clear tips are softer and have a slightly narrower bore, while the gray ones are firmer with a wider bore. As far as the case goes, I'm not a huge fan of the puck style, but this one is similar to others I've received lately. It has a rubbery coating that helps better protect the contents, which I do appreciate.


Sound impressions:
When an IEM has multiple tunings, I usually find the one I prefer and stick to writing the entire review based on that option. However, in this case, the three nozzles of the SP01 each offer a distinct tuning flavor, and I strongly feel that each has its own merits. I'm going to do a short breakdown of all three, as I think all three have their merits. But first, I'll go over some of the things that remain the same regardless of the nozzle used. The SP01 is easy to drive with just a simple dongle. It can get loud without needing amplification. The detail retrieval is good, but I wouldn't consider it a strong suit. It's not overly analytical, but it's still decent for the budget tier. Subtleties in tracks like guitar picks can be heard well, though overall it leans more musical than analytical. The soundstage is about average. It's not huge, but neither is it claustrophobic. Although it does sound a bit flat and lacks some depth. The timbre does sound mostly natural with the exception being a slight metallic tinge to things like cymbal crashes on some tracks. The imaging is fairly accurate, and the separation is good, with nothing sounding overly congested. However, it is not the best to be found in this price range and cannot hold a candle to something like the technical powerhouse that is the Simgot EA500LM. Overall, the technical aspects of the SP01 are adequate but nothing is standout or exceptional. Now on to the tuning nozzles.


●Warm - This nozzle is aptly named as it's definitely the warmest of the three options. It has more of an L-shaped tuning with a thicker, more syrupy note weight and a rolled off treble response. In an effort to control the amount of warmth, I paired this nozzle with the wider Tri Clarion tips. It has good sub-bass extension and rumble, but it's a bit more mid-bass focused with a decent amount of impact and slam. There is a little bleed into the lower midrange, but it's not too bad. The bass isn't the cleanest, and the texture can sound a bit wet or muddy at times, but the separation is good, with double kick drums clearly heard. The bass's speed and decay are average, and the overall presentation is mostly enjoyable while avoiding sounding bloated. The midrange has good presence, and vocals are clear while maybe just a hair recessed, with both male and female artists being on the same level. Vocals never come across as shouty or overly emphasized. Instruments actually come through a bit more than vocals on some tracks, with guitars, piano, strings, and horns taking the spotlight a bit. So essentially, this nozzle does not have a vocal forward tuning. The treble here is the tamest of the three tunings, and it will definitely be lacking for those seeking high-end energy. The extension rolls off, and it does lack air, which can make many genres sound somewhat blunted and incomplete. It never sounds bright or sibilant, but there's still enough treble presence for my personal taste. Cymbals, claps, hi-hats, and snares all sound a bit muted, which could be a good thing for treble-sensitive listeners. Overall, I really like this nozzle. This is the kind of tuning I could listen to all day. It's great for laid-back sessions but not necessarily a good all-rounder. It is probably too warm for some as it lacks treble presence and air. I really enjoyed this tuning with chill-hop, classical, instrumental, and acoustic music. The "Warm" nozzle is a great option to better enjoy some of the more sibilant-prone tracks in my library.


●Clear - This is definitely the brightest nozzle of the trio, and the overall tuning is more V-shaped, with elevated bass and upper mids/treble. The note weight leans a bit thin, and some tracks can get a little harsh and sibilant if the synergy isn't right. I paired this nozzle with narrow-bore tips and the Hiby FC4 to add a bit of warmth and help control the treble peaks. The bass still has good overall rumble and reverberation but a bit less midbass compared to the "Warm" nozzle. The low end has slightly better resolution and texture, but it lacks impact and authority compared to other nozzles. The bass speed is fairly quick with an average decay, and the good news is there's little to no bass bleed this time around, with better separation between the bass and midrange. The upper midrange is more forward on this nozzle, with the lower midrange slightly recessed. Vocals are not shouty but are more at the forefront and less laid-back compared to the "Warm" nozzle. The timbre is good, and vocals and instruments sound mostly natural with maybe just a hint of a metallic tinge every now and then. The Clear nozzle is a lot more energetic and fun with a more "in-your-face" treble response. The upper-end extension is much better than the "Warm" nozzle and even a noticeable improvement over the "Balanced." But with the extra treble energy comes a little harshness and sibilance, especially with "s" sounds. Cymbals can sound a bit splashy on certain tracks, and snares can have a bit too much pop. This nozzle also becomes fatiguing at higher volumes over a short period. While this may be the weakest-tuning nozzle for me personally, I think it will hold the widest appeal for most consumers. That's not to say I still don't enjoy the Clear nozzle, and I really like having the option of dialing up the treble and energy for a bit more fun when I'm in the mood. I just have to avoid more sibilant prone tracks to get the most enjoyment out of the tuning.


●Balanced - This nozzle is more U-shaped in nature. I chose to pair this nozzle with my favorite Penon Liqueur tips for the best fit, seal, and comfort. It sounds less peaky and more controlled in the treble than the "Clear" but also retains some of the warmth and mid-bass boost of the "Warm" nozzle. The note weight is neither too thick nor too thin, falling somewhere between the other two nozzles. The bass is still elevated here, including a decent sub-bass extension and rumble, but now the upper mids/treble are better balanced to my ears. There's more overall bass quantity than the "Clear" nozzle but less than the "Warm." The impact and slam are adequate, but the texture can be just a little muddy on some tracks. The speed and decay, to my ear, didn't change between the other nozzles, and it's the same result here as well. The lower midrange is free from bass bleed, but this range is not as prominent as with the "Warm" nozzle, and lower midrange instruments are not as well represented. The timbre of instruments and vocals is the most natural and organic of the three to my ears. The upper mids are boosted slightly, which leads to vocals being well separated and holding their own in the mix; they are neither laid-back nor shouty. The treble has no sibilance or harshness and is perfectly aligned between the other two nozzles, having good presence and sparkle, but it does lack some of the air found in the "Clear" nozzle. Cymbals, hi-hats, snares, and claps retain their crispness while still being inoffensive. The first tuning may be too warm, and the second tuning is a little too bright, but the third tuning is just right. Goldilocks, eat your heart out! The "Balanced" nozzle gets most things right for me and is the closest to my preference. The U-shaped frequency response is the best all-rounder of the three for my music library, which mostly consists of singer-songwriter, rock, pop, R&B, soft rock/pop, and alternative.


Comparison to Elysian Pilgrim:
I recently reviewed the Elysian Acoustic Labs Pilgrim and included a comparison to the SP01 (balanced nozzle) in that review. I will add that comparison here as well.

The Pilgrim is a hybrid consisting of one DD and three BAs, while the SP01 utilizes a single dynamic driver. I used the "Balanced" nozzle on the SP01 and, to my ears, the tuning is quite similar to that of the Pilgrim. Both are well-balanced between the three frequency bands and have a sort of neutrality that makes comparison easier. The build quality is similar as both have all-metal shells, but the SP01 is lighter in weight and smaller in size. The soundstage is wider on the Pilgrim, but the lack of depth and dynamics makes the SP01 sound more interesting. The Pilgrim has better separation and detail retrieval, but not by a huge margin. The tonality is slightly more colored on the SP01, but it's still mostly neutral and has a bit more life and vigor, which helps it sound less boring. The sub-bass extends deeper on the Pilgrim, and it has a slightly better rumble, but honestly, both are missing some mid-bass impact, and neither are very bassy IEMs in general. The midrange is more forward and clear on the Pilgrim, but the timbre is more natural on the SP01. The treble extension and air are better on the Pilgrim but also slightly brighter overall with a bit more energy. Now, I doubt many people would A/B these and not think that the Pilgrim is the "better" IEM, but for the price, I believe the SP01 has much more to offer. It currently retails for $89, while the Pilgrim comes in at $400. Does that mean the Pilgrim is four times better? Definitely not. Diminishing returns in audio are very real, and in today's market, they kick in at increasingly lower prices. I think the SP01 can come fairly close to the Pilgrim, but it also sounds a bit more lively and fun even with the balanced nozzle. That's not taking into account the fact that there are two more tuning options packed in that add more variety than the Pilgrim can offer.


In conclusion:
The Sound Rhyme SP01 sure has a lot to offer! I find it hard to believe that someone would not find one of the three distinct tuning nozzles to their liking. The "Warm" nozzle is quite warm indeed, even for me, who usually prefers that type of tuning. The "Clear" nozzle is airy, sparkly, and detailed but might be a bit bright for some, including myself. The "Balanced" nozzle takes the best of the other two options, presenting a nice U-shaped sound signature. Often, when an IEM offers multiple tuning options, be it through switches, nozzles, or other means, I find the one tuning that suits me best and rarely use the others. With the SP01, I can see the merits of each nozzle and actually use all three. Unfortunately, this set's biggest weakness lies in its technicalities. It won't impress those who are accustomed to the refinement, resolution, and capabilities that more capable drivers bring to the table. However, it does well to compete within its price bracket, even if it does not punch above its weight. One note to consider is that while each nozzle offers a different frequency response, they all retain a boosted bass that may not appeal to everyone, especially those seeking a more neutral tuning. The quality of the bass could also be better, but it's not a dealbreaker for me, especially at this price point. For a first-time buyer, the SP01 is certainly high on my list of recommendations and worth considering. Even seasoned users are likely to be impressed by what has been accomplished here for under $100. Sound Rhyme has added another very solid product to its resume, and this ride is well worth the price of admission.

Sound Rhyme are a new company to me I have read about their more expensive hybrids the SR7 and DTE900 so I was very interested to see what they could bring to the budget sector. When opening the box you are greeted with a pair of tiny machined aluminium iems with shortish nozzles I worried about fit but turns out they fit like a dream. The cable is of a very high quality at this price range it has great handling and aesthetically suites the iems. You also get a metal plate with tuning nozzles and a couple of set of eartips that look very similar to the ones Penon supply with their iems. The case is a screw top puck that holds the iems, cable and nozzles with ease.


The Sound Rhyme SP01 is categorically the new king of the castle when it comes to budget single dynamic driver iems and what’s most pleasing its neither Harmon or V shaped in its sound signature but rather a wonderfully balanced W. The SP01 follows the trend of tunning nozzles with three on offer. I found the balanced nozzles(the ones in place on delivery)to be best with the other either thickening the sound signature or making the treble too forward. This is a case of hitting the perfect balance in tunning then offering options to spoil the cake with alternative options. I would have preferred not to have the choice, your opinion may differ so try them out for yourself.

In the current market there seems to be a new best iem released every week. Simgot EA500 and then the EA500LM the Kefine Delci to name a few notable recent holders of the title. The SP01 enters the fray and surpasses them with ease. Fantastic build quality, very nice cable available in 3.5mm or 4.4mm, quality case and most important brilliantly tuned quality driver.

The Title of this review is “Multi Genre king” why you may ask well when I heard how this iem presented my entire music catalogue I was able to just kick back and enjoy the music without any glaring defects the SP01 just took everything in its stride confidently. The sound presented is warm, robust in body but not veiled the treble is extended but not peaky. If I was to choose an iem to be a gift to anyone outside the hobby this would be it.

I'd just like to say upfront I believe we are all biased when giving our subjective thoughts about IEMs be it a particular type of signature that works with our music library or how an IEM looks and feels in our ears. On the subject of ears everyone's ear anatomy is different and this effects fit and seal which in turn effects the perception of bass response so I recommend finding the right ear tips that suit your ears to get the best of any IEM.

My review star ratings are linked to the price range of the iem eg a 5 star review of a $100 iem is not equal to one of a $500 iem.

I’m and audio enthusiast with a collection of over 200 iems, 30 different sources with a music collection that numbers over 100,000 tracks and 15 flathead buds I share my impressions as a way to share my enthusiasm for the hobby I approach from the premise of music first technology 2nd, what does this mean? For me the technicalities are not of prime importance but does the music move with this particular iem.



I’m a connoisseur of many different sound signatures. The only prerequisite is musicality I’m not a fan of analytical cold playback. My scale of success when it comes to evaluating iems is; do I get goosebumps when they playback my favourite tunes. There are many good iems but do they give me goosebumps? Unfortunately I have a draw full of just good iems.

I want the iem that I reach for without thinking because I instinctively know it will bring the thrill I’m seeking from my music. The Sound Rhyme SP01 bass, mids and sprinkling of treble coming from the Dynamic Driver gave me goosebumps with my most loved genre of classic rock which I believe to be the last bastion of instrumental authenticity just bands playing together in the studio with a sound engineer capturing the magic on tape! The SP01’s analogue signature matches just as perfectly with these types of recordings as with any others in my varied collection. I must mention I don’t listen to classical music so cant say how this is suited.



I have always favoured Dynamic Drivers for the tactility and organic natural playback they produce. The SP01’s Dynamic Driver give good sub bass and great mid bass combining to give a really exciting bottom end that drives the music along. The mid bass doesn’t bleed much into the mids, just a hint of thickness to male vocals, they are silky smooth and are relatively neutral, with a nice sense of air and layering. There is detail and the timbre is just wonderfully natural with both male and female voices having a touch of added note weight presenting slightly forward. The treble is not prominent but it is there. The leading edge of cymbals are crisp and sound very natural. The upper range of the mids and lower treble do sound very effective especially when cutting through the warmth of the lower mids with singers in the higher registers. The whole sound being rendered with a balanced warmth that I was able to enjoy for 5 or 6 hours straight without any fatigue, these are supremely comfortable iems.

Now I know there are those who don’t believe in burn in of iems, all I’m going to say is, |I burn in all my iems to be honest I noticed little to no change in the SP01 so they are ready to go straight out of the box.

Disclaimer
Penon was kind enough me a sample of the Sound Rhyme SP01. I am not affiliated with Penon and of course was not asked for any copy checking before publishing, they are seeing this the same time as you. All pictures taken be me or sourced from the Penon website . ALL opinions shared in this review are my subjective thoughts.


Make sure to research any iem before you buy!

The Sound Rhyme SP01 available in red or blue retails at $89 which is extremely competitive and are available for purchase from the Penon website see the non affiliated link below

Sound Rhyme SP01 (penonaudio.com)

Details from the Penon website

Sound Rhyme SP01

Description

Specification

Sound Rhyme SP01 10mm Dual Magnetic Dynamic Driver 2Pin 0.78mm HiFi In-ear Earphones IEMs

Description

10mm dual magnetic dynamic drier,which is Carbon nanotube + DLC composite.

Designed based on human ear data 3D big data, the perspective of science in the ear.

Combining the advantages of mainstream earphones, taking advantage of their strengths, create a high-quality voice.

Low frequency with dynamic elasticity, continuous diving.

The sweet mid-frequency voice hits the heart directly.

High frequency clear and bright, silky and smooth.

8 strands 7N crystal copper silver-plated with 2pin 0.78mm connectors.

Configure 3 pairs of interchangeable nozzles: Clear/Warm/Balanced

Specification

Model: SP01

Driver: 1 dynamic (Carbon nanotube + DLC composite)

Shell:Metal

Sensitivity: 110Db

Frequency response: 10Hz-70kHz

Impedance: 16Ω

Plug: 3.5mm/4.4mm

Cable length: 1.25m



The frequency graph for those who like to see such things




What do they sound like?

The SP01 are more sub-bass than mid-bass in focus not to say there isn’t any mid-bass snap and attack its there just not dominant. The mids are at the forefront with a touch of warmth but still have some brightness without sounding thin the upper mids have enough bite to give guitars a pleasing aggressive presence. The treble is crisp but not sibilant or fatiguing, cymbals sound natural with a nice decay placed right where they should be not artificially forward. They manage to have a decently wide staging while being bassy enough to make drums and bass guitar meaty. The impressive thing is these little wonders have great depth allowing for a far more realistic layering experience than expected at this level.


I want to really enjoy my music. Something that releases the full scope of what the artist created in the studio. The SP01 does that with cohesion ensuring to there’s no jarring transitions between the frequency range. The SP01 is a slightly warm, lush signature, bass is textured, dynamic and layered. The mids are slightly warm and don’t colour the vocals there is a little extra body to males vocals, female are realistic and sweet with a natural timbre. The vocals are front and centre with instruments placed exactly where they should be showing depth to the stage with natural unforced width. The SP01 dynamic driver sounds very coherent no trace of uneven timbre just everything working together as one.

What do I mean by unforced width? Some IEMs give an impression of super wide stage which sounds unnatural throwing instrument placement off. With the SP01 the staging is reliant on the production of the music, if a song is intimate that’s how it is rendered if the song has wide deep and tall production values the SP01 presents it that way which at this price point is rare.

The mids are natural and organic, with just enough edge to add excitement to vocals and guitars causing me to be drawn into the music, Pianos and Guitars are given a really even treatment with extra note weight sounding exactly as you would expect if you were in a concert hall.

The Transition from upper mids to lower treble is boosted slightly but still sibilance free, even with songs that have sibilance bult into the recording. The little bump in this region just edges them into excitement in this area. To be totally honest the SP01 is very tip reliant I found with wide bore tips there was a much more pleasing treble and a more open sound in general with narrow bore tips the whole signature became a bit warm and thickened up. I settled on large Tangzu TangSanCai wide bore tips these gave me the perfect balance of warmth and treble extension I tried the tri Clarion tips but they took away too much of the bass that makes the SP01 sound so special, On the subject of tips while Sound Rhyme give a generous selection of tips I couldn’t get a good seal with any of them, I have very big ear canals.


The timbre and tactility of drums, strings, guitars and brass instruments is very natural all instruments find their own place. Vocals both male and female are reproduced authentically with emotion, every inflection, intonation is apparent as a singer climbs the scale to the crescendo it is presented well cutting through, if a voice has gravel you feel it. The SP01 is quite forgiving of poorly produced music.

The sound signature as a whole is of natural slightly boosted bass with clear clean mids with a little edge in the treble, giving an overall satisfying feeling of immersion in the music

When I'm evaluating IEMs I have a play list of roughly 100 songs of mixed genres. With the SP01 again, I found myself listening to songs rather than

analysing the different frequency ranges listening to albums in their entirety just loosing myself in the music. I found they worked across all the genres in my library always smooth and velvety . I don’t listen to much EDM but the SP01 played the Lordes’s “Royals” well its real strength was with the subbass digging down deep and Lordes vocals cutting through with an expansive sense of space and layering.

Music
a-ha - Take on me sounded wonderfully full and clean with the crisp drums and lush keyboards . Morten Harket’s soaring tenor vocals sounding full and sweet with no thinness the layering in this 80s classic synth-pop song was produced with expert precision a really enjoyable listen

Adele – Hello, this torch song classic with moody piano intro and breathy vocals reproduce with just enough warmth and weight to draw you in slowly building to the big glide up the vocal register to the masterful high notes Adele is famous for the SP01 mages to keep up without any distortion infact they present the nuances in the notes being sung so effectively I let out a little squeal in appreciation. The staging is also brilliantly reproduced increasing the atmospherics greatly.

Steely Dan's – Black Cow, one of the best produced albums in my opinion was played with a breathtaking expertise at this price range, drums, keyboards, vocals , hi-hats and cymbals were natural with excellent decay space and staging with good height, depth and width enabling me to pick out instruments in the mix, there was a little warmth in this song but it still felt open and airy with the layering of the instruments in a class above its price bracket very enjoyable.

Steven Tyler- My own worst enemy this is one starts with a sparce acoustic guitar and tambourine with Tylers gritty vocals and slowly builds with new instruments being introduced as this slow ballad builds Tylers elastic vocals stays front and centre as the song becomes a multilayered wall of sound the SP01 manages to keep the huge production in control avoiding any congestion, impressive.

Led Zepplin – Since I’ve been loving you
The lead guitar intro is perfectly presented sweet and keening the drums with that slow heavy rhythm, then as the song builds, keyboards the cherry on the cake comes with Plants unmistakeable vocals reaching for the sky as the song builds in intensity to a cohesive whole with the wailing Plant cutting through like a hot knife in butter. The SP01 excels presenting Zepplin vocals they are the star of the show never overpowered by the drums and guitar.

Steve Earle and the Dukes- The Hard Way
Crisp drumming introduces the song with piano and acoustic guitars as Steve Earles unmistakable vocals the production is big and airy with a solid bass flooring in the style of many Bruce Springsteen albums this can sound a bit dry on other lesser iems, here it sounds rich and smooth and layered. The layering is just astounding at this price point with each instrument being given enough space to be able to pick them out and follow them.

The Hu – This is Mongol Warrior Souls (with William DuVall) –
The dynamics of this track are huge with drums guitars and Mongolian instruments, the Horsehead fiddle, Tovashuur, Tumar Khuur, Tsuurare and Mongol throat singing with a special guest William DuVall of Alice in Chains. The power of this dense, complex and rhythmic masterpiece is reproduced with accuracy and weight the driving rhythms are dynamic and punchy, I didn’t hear any congestion in the instrumentation despite the density of this track. The vocals of William DuVall stood out against the wall of instruments and were on point and unveiled just good headbanging fun. The SP01 didn’t feel exposed with faster tracks with instruments in the same frequency range still being given space to be heard with little to no congestion.

(size comparison with Kefine Delci and Simgot EA500LM)

The SP01 is an easy to drive iem I had no issues using them with my phone, Daps, Dongles in getting loud enough, the dynamics and open sound was present with all sources the texture and layering they are capable of was available for all to some degree.

They sounded good with neutral or warm sources. This is an iem that doesn’t need a powerful source but it does scale impressively.
I'm not a fan of analytical sounding IEMs that force details into your ears like a photograph with HDR and sharpening set at max a decidedly digital representation. I'm more Vinyl on a turntable, Leica manual focus, sumptuous colours on kodak colour gold film, kinda guy, where if you look really close all the details are there but it's the whole image you appreciate rather than just how sharp it is.

Sources used:


IBasso dx170
Shanling H5
HiBy R6 111
HiBy R8

Sony ZX707

Sony nw-a55

Sony Xperia V

Penon tail dac /amp

Cayin N3 Ultra

Venture Electronics VE RunAbout RA 2B-FE 2BFE
FIIO M15


When using my different sources I didn’t favour the more powerful ones the extra dynamics and layering and technical presentation was apparent but the overall musical presentation was the same.


Comparison

Simgot EA500LM

For comparison it was obvious that the best choice would be the Simgot EA500LM both these iems are tuned with a similar target in mind while the EA500LM is warmer with more bass bleed into the lower mids giving a slightly warmer thicker mids the SP01 has more texture in the bass and cleaner mids that present further forward the upper mids while elevated are less intense than the Simgot meaning a smoother less fatiguing listen overall. Don’t think this smoothness means a lack of detail though the SP01 is more detailed and has better technicalities. Put simply in my opinion, for my tastes the SP01 is an upgrade to the Simgot across the whole range.



Kefine Delci

The Kefine Delci was my favourite under $100 single DD iem till the SP01. In comparison to the SP01 the Delci seem less dynamic, with softer more boomy bass, thinner mids, with a sharper more fatiguing upper mids and treble. Even with this seemingly elevated treble there’s less detail to be heard. Q,uite frankly the SP01 is a level above while the differences with the Simgot EA500LM could be a matter of taste, the Delci is just inferior.

Conclusion

The up to $100 range is full of great sounding iems with more released it seems on a weekly basis the SP01 more than competes it’s an exceptional iem that redefines what’s possible at this price and sets a new standard. It’s fun and exciting sound signature that lets your music flow effortlessly. The SP01 is a technically adept iem that I have not experienced in this price bracket before. A single Dynamic Driver that even plays on a level with the $200 price bracket. One of the most enjoyably musical budget buys you can get for $89 I would say you have to spend a lot more money to get better a DD with this kind of signature. This iem has become my everyday carry. I fully recommend you check out the Sound Rhyme SP01 its my choice for best under $100 budget single DD of 2024!

The Sound Rhyme SP01
Redcarmoose Labs July 29th, 2024



Sound Rhyme
Interestingly enough this particular IEM comes in as something wildly different. Where out of the 7 other Sound Rhyme IEMs Penon retails, they only make one other single DD full-range driver IEM. This single Sound Rhyme SR1 Bass IEM comes with a 9.2mm DD, yet the SP01 garners a 10mm driver. But really to me what separates this IEM from all (every one) of the entire Sound Rhyme production line is the shell. Sound Rhyme has routinely made nice semi-custom shapes and in the last year I have reviewed both the Sound Rhyme SR5 and the wonderful Sound Rhyme SR7. Yet here now is a kind of unicorn. Yep, it’s only $89.00 dollars, but more than that it has an enormous stage. The SP01 also gives out reliable cohesive instrument positioning, as well as showcasing intimate and clear vocals that pop. Really the SP01 does it all. Yet of course the SP01 is not perfect, yet the tuning balance the SP01 contains goes way, way farther to promote a style of technicalities which have you question the price to sound ratio. Really in a nut-shell the response is slightly withdrawn in the upper bass region. This clean response ends up holding a wicked pace, and ends dynamic and special with many found music genres.

Construction:
Yep, it is solid aluminum............a first as far as I know from Sound Rhyme. And not only is it a first for the company, the exact shape is a first in my personal history. This shape Sound Rhyme calls “big data” whatever that means. For years we have found comfortable universal custom designs which go one step further to place the IEM a little closer to your ear. Here the SP01 comes in a stealthy 6 grams each in weight. But more than that, as you can see later in the comparison pictures, the SP01 is actually a little on the tiny side? Even the blue top-plate they capped this sucker with is solid CNC aluminum. I guess the SP01 looks like a spaceship?



Tuning nozzles:
The trend now is tuning nozzles. And while I typically like the balanced tune most companies give you as a middle of the road choice, there have been a few outlier IEM examples which require their bass nozzle or treble nozzle to reach a form of correctness for this particular listener. But to come clean, I’m more of a cable roller. Meaning I will typically stick with the medium response balanced replay and rotate in a few cables, instantly (at times) finding the success I was looking for. Old habits die hard, and if you look at it, typically I have more experience with the cable I’m tying out and kind-of know what to expect.

Surprise-surprise:
Oh, wait……..I just said I know what to expect? You see during the cable roll section of this review I found cables that I didn’t expect to workout, workout. And not just workout but sound wonderful? OK, before we will get to the cable roll section of this review I want to at least talk about the included cable.




Included cable and included case set-up:
Sound Rhyme is the perfect example of Chinese value…..they really give you a lot. And here while Sound Rhyme doesn’t include the regular solid aluminum screw down case, they have replicated the famous case out of plastic. Yet still it is nice being 3/4th lined with rubber. In fact how many under $100.00 IEM creations give you this level of case with your purchase? None. The cable is also a stand-out feature almost never found included with IEMs at this price-point.




What?
The included cable gift:
8 strands 7N crystal copper silver-plated with 2pin 0.78mm connectors. You see if you go and look through your collection of cables, this particular cable seems more like an aftermarket purchase type cable, or one that comes with a $300.00 to $400.00 IEM purchase, not coming with an $89.00 IEM? Every once in a while I’m reminded that this business is changing. The IEM business is getting more competitive, and there are more players it seems almost everyday. So to stand out from the crowd IEM manufacturers must give you more to be recognized. This cable not only feels great, the hardware seems to match the color of the IEMs. Not only that, all the hardware is metal. The cable is simply nice. Now what makes it special is the sound.

Yep, I tried a few cables on the SP01 then returned to the provided cable to be seen owning a slight grin. Yep, the included cable made me smile because the 8 strand silver-plated 7N crystal copper cable delivers, making the SP01 not only have a grand stage, but also the response is very clear. I mean I know why they chose to include this particular cable. I’m not a total cable expert but I have heard my share, and this particular cable I can guarantee you will be rolling into use with your other IEM purchases.



Cable tests:
Here I spend the afternoon trying out a few favorites and some cable challenges to ultimately learn what we have here. Yep, you see I’m putting this cable nonsense right at the start because these cables I have a relationship with and they help me learn the intrinsic qualities of the IEM tested. You see some IEMs are tuned with a very small window of success to be found, while others are more easygoing and offer a wide range of freedoms into cable rolls. I will spill the beans first……..early on I discovered the Sound Rhyme SP01 had a flexible demeanor that allowed for a cornucopia of rolls………….

Here is the list of cables, but also I’m going to do this a little differently than I ever have. Yep, I’m going to list the cables in the picture from the top down. Yet I’m going to test them and reveal the secrets here in a different order. Why?

Curiosity my friends, curiosity.

The picture of the cables here has 7 cables and they are listed from the top-down……….



1) The ISN CS02
2) The Penon GS849
3) The included cable
4) The newly aftermarket sold Penon Quattro cable
5) The OS849
6) The GD849
7) The new OCC849

So I’m going to begin testing with number 6) GD849:
Let’s face it, all we are doing is playing with toys. And different from a lot of reviews I do, I took the photographs beforehand, then serendipity got in the way. All the tests today were done with the Sony WM1A with MrWalkman’s aftermarket firmware. I used my very most favorite ear-tips too, the silicone wide-bore to increase the stage and tighten-up the bass the very most.

6) GD849:
Here we are trying to thicken the SP01 up a tad, now we can see if there is room for density with-out murkiness. Haha. Yep, I chose this cable to start off the tests as I got to simply wondering what it would sound like. Using 18K gold plating to coat the OCC, we are rewarded with more bass. Now I also have to be careful how I word this review, in that I’m not even getting to the tuning nozzles yet, but we are using the balanced nozzle to just see how far we can go with this cable. Typically the GD doesn’t go and offer quite the stage as the other sisters of this 849 crowd. But here due to the immense stage (anyway) we are home-free, and better than just home free this is grand. More note density, longer reverberations and a dialed-n tone that just works. The simple fact is that with the balanced nozzles the SP01 goes forward normally with slightly less upper-bass, and what is counteracted here is more upper-bass.

Thicker low-end density which ends the cat’s meow……….I could go on and on, but I have a review to write, and I don’t want the guys in white coats to come and take me away in the white van.

Just note this under $100.00 cable is darn good, and I didn’t really think too much about it, till instinct started to take control of my hands. In every way this cable is a recommendation, and while this single cable is the odd-man-out from the 849 crew, it works here in flying colors. And……..If you're like me and care less about nozzle changes but want a thicker sound with an insane stage………..just get the GD849 and don’t look back! And while the vocals don’t totally pop like with some cables tested today, they are still in the perfect vocal zone…..really they are there.

I could listen to music all day with just how this set-up sounds!

1) ISN CS02:
Ha, this also owns some bass density, but becomes a hair brighter when the mids hit, and the treble hits. Still there is nothing wrong with this style of playback. Better maybe in some ways, maybe not better in comparison to the GD849. The upper midrange holds a more pushed pinna range holding less thickness and density, to where the GD849 was simply striking. Still depending on your source and ear-tips this could be a form of paradise found as there is nothing wrong here or really too bright. The stage is probably bigger I will say that, yes it is bigger in the end. I probably need to use the included cable now just for reference? But before I switch, this really is all good, more vocal placement into the stage, while still careering that warm full-ness that you would want from an aftermarket cable. The bass is beautiful as this really also has it all, especially for the price of $69.90! I love the ergonomics and hardware on this one!

3) The included cable:
I think back about the many IEMs I have tested the past two years and I’m not sure any at this price point could compete with the included cable? Yep, it is just that nice, plus being that we are exploring aftermarket cables, I don’t in any way want to undermine the importance and value held in this included cable. Maybe you’re reading this to try and understand the SP01? Maybe you have intentions of getting an aftermarket cable months after your SP01 purchase…….and that is fine. Really you will learn 90% of what the Sound Rhyme SP01 is about, maybe 95%? Yes, it is all there with the included cable, it is just there are rooms in the mansion of audio playback to still explore, maybe places you don’t even know you like till you get there. Also take note I tried a few cables beforehand too, cables I’m not listing for reasons of just getting to know what the SP01 is about and even to learn further what the included cable is truly about.

The included cable:
The ear-hooks are a nice feature, not that I really needed them ever with the other cables, but also the ear-hooks here don’t bug me, as they are relaxed. Also playback after the shenanigans of the past run of two cables lead me to believe this is actually less colored in tone. Yep, bigger and more up-front due to the straight forward 7N Silver Plated Crystal Copper. Clear as day. Where the first two cables were totally great, and I may choose the GD849 for more relaxed late night listening? This here is what the SP01 was about while being developed. This is what they at Sound Rhyme want you to hear. The stage is great, and full of pure even steven playback. Instruments are big, vocals are big and this in fact is miles better than before 7 days of burn-in. Out-of-the-box was nothing now like we are witnessing today, nothing! And I will argue to the grave that burn-in does something that there is no way this is simple mental acclamation or something. Part of this today could in-fact be the contrasts to the other cables used beforehand. The CS02 and GD849 set the stage for this kind-of opening up and flamboyance to occur! Don’t worry one bit, the included cable is the cat’s meow, I know I already used that descriptive term but it is!

5) OS849:
This is perfect to follow in the list of cables in order, as we want to see if the extra $99.90 is bringing anything worthwhile to the party. Also I want to include my prior testing of this cable in the early days of just taking the SP01 out of the box had me realizing the OS849 was very close to the sound that the included cable makes now. Meaning early on there were test experiences where the OS849 was boosting stage and resolution, much like the way the post-burn-in SP01 is doing with its included cable right now. This is primarily revolving around any inclusion of cable color, which I perceive to be none………zero. In many ways I kind-of view the OS849 as this way, letting the most of the IEM personality through, unless the IEM playback naturally is unbalanced and needs something else to rectify it.

OS849:
Back at the end of 2017 I can kind-of visualize how much ruckus this cable put into the aftermarket cable market. Why? BIG, BIG, BIG. Bigger sound coming-up and saying hello! Hello. I’m your IEM and this is what you bought and I’m the total character that you have previously been listening to only now I’m bigger and bolder but almost the same. That boldness means extra density overall. More density than the included cable, and you can only imagine now where I am that I have performed full run-in and am now experiencing this cable. To where sure the GD849 was cool, only no way did we have this stage…….no way. I mean little fairy bells are chiming out at the outskirts of life here in this world……….magic? Did I just say magic? It’s magic. Need I go on, no I don’t need to. Except to reiterate maybe why I feel this way……………just big, smooth and gigantic playback, holding all the natural acoustics of the instruments, only now they are in your face and shining with sparkle and beauty. Everything is simply more real, the most real! Boom! I don’t need a lot of words here. So far this is what I would suggest in an aftermarket cable.

2) The GS849:
This is going to be fun as in prior testing (with other IEMs) the GS849 beat the OC849. Sure the OS849 cable came first, and all the 849 series has the same exact formation, placement amounts of material, only the metallurgy changed on us.

8 Cores, single core is 49 strands, a total of 8 × 49.

Copper 18K OCC gold-plated & OCC silver-plated mixed braided

So to get real here, yes these cables are all very close to the same structure. But truly each example of the 849 sounds wildly different, so much that it would even be special to get all four, as you can totally hear how each one is not the same.

GS849:
I hope you realize that while this is an IEM review we are exploring the very center of what the IEM is by doing cable rolls. This could in fact be you at home trying different cables to start with a darker, denser cable like the GD849 and slowly keep going to open things-up. If anything this is proving just how easygoing the SP01 signature here is, and don’t take that easygoingness to mean boring or even dark, it is just like what has been described above, very musical in the end. Musical and balanced, so balanced it may be the first IEM I have ever tried that seemed to work with both the GD849 and the OS849? With prior testing the Gold and Silver of the GS849 seemed to add a slight density over the original OS849. This density was not as heavy as the GD849 and we were offered an increase in stage positioning, pretty much identical to the OS849. So you can see in prior uses how it became my favorite of the 849 team. Yep, depending on the character of the IEM of course, but in general (and especially with the Penon Volt past flagship) the GS849 became my favorite. This added note weight is always an avenue we want to explore as seen sonically parallel to what Penon did to the ASOS cable, making the new ASOS+ have more density and weight factors while keeping the stage of the lighter note-weight previous model. And having on arrival the new ASOS+X is again a new chapter in development, which was at the start only a suggestion by a Head-Fi member to add 4 more cores onto the prior ASOS+, and more material means often bigger stage size and girth found. I haven’t heard the ASOS+X but that’s what they say anyways. I am excited only as this was the full winner of my last cable test like this. Also it’s hard to imagine better playback today than the pure size of the OS849? Really, really is this stuff even possible? And to tell you the truth, post burn-in this is the very first time I have tried the SP01 and GS849 combo!

GS849:
Yep more density. Yep big stage offering an extra smoothness of sanded down instrument details which by chance gives each instrument an extra level of excitement and realism. So sure this cable does vocals, thicker vocals with the SP01, and where they are in out front and center, gleaming and alive. Better refined and better sculpted into lifeforms, or at least the afterglow of the lifeforms singing. Lovely woman vocals now have that deep seated thickness that in ways mimics male vocals, but could never be done by a man. Just bigger and better, really my favorite again. Sadly biases are hard to escape from, where sure this was the best cable from my last testing…….and somehow I hear the same great features once more inside a different IEM. But the size of the giant cymbals don’t lie, as there is truth there. The darn separation of the cymbals, holding perfect timbre and starting to grab my emotion as only when you are fully indoctrinated into a style of playback can you sense. Again just big, but now big and detailed, and realized. Need I say more? The bass has this added density that seems to be just what the doctor ordered here?

4) The newly aftermarket sold Penon Quattro cable:
Here we have a newly released cable on its own previously only available with the Penon Quattro IEM. So here we are playing with Graphene material as an additive, where before such a cable (works) adding depth and letting us listeners to view into subtly clearer waters into the heart of the Penon Quattro. At just $59.00 the Quattro cable is the lowest priced option besides the included cable, which is freeeeeeee. Well it is not free, but you get my drift. I’m especially curious about the bass sculpturing ability of this cable, and the fact that in a few IEM rolls the Penon Quattro cable has slugged with far more power than its weight-class would have you guess. Why did I choose it? Probably for two reasons, because it was new, and I wanted to see how it would perform against the included cables in (side-by-side) testing?

Penon Quattro cable:
Here we are sedated to realize that the SP01 can gain satisfaction with a myriad of cable choices. While yes, this is a different presentation from the illustrious GS849, it's not the comedown I thought it would be prior. Here vocals are still wonderfully pushed forward, though they may hold slightly more grain, I’m not sure. Stage is just slightly not as thrilling as the GS849, but big and non-colored, especially not as colored as I would have guessed prior. In comparison to the included cable we are gaining a slight density while at the same time giving-up some of the air the included cable does so well. I mean what the OS849 and GS849 did was add realness as well as a profound thickness over the included cable, where here we still have more thickness and really this is slightly more grounded than the included cable, more contrasty and slightly more macho. This does move forward with a realness not found with the included cable, a separation and delineation that makes this cable special, though also the included cable has a flair that the Penon Quattro can’t quite get to, I mean yes on paper this Penon Quattro is better, and even more grounded, but that’s not everything.

Really the Penon Quattro IEM cable is darker than the OC849 and GS049 for whatever that’s worth. When I say darker it is ever so slight, but it is there, strange too as this cable comes with what some would consider a darker IEM? And sure this is a go, it is just hard to follow the OS849 and GS049 because those both are so amazing. Yet if someone thought that there was a touch too much brightness with the included cable, then the smoother and less uppity Penon Quattro cable would be the way to go maybe? Totally together and while still spread out into the stage, it has an extra Graphene smoothness that is something you may have to key into to understand. Such a character is hard to put into words, but after you hear other Graphene cables you can learn to recognize it. This would be a recommendation if the included cable was a touch too bright in your set-up, and you wanted to spend the least amount necessary.



7) The new OCC849:
I will disclose that this one cable has been used a lot with this particular IEM, before, during and after burn-in. It is simply a great cable. Contrary to what you may imagine from the looks this is a hybrid cable. To where I understand it there is silver plating though the Penon site doesn’t list it. I hear silver plating and this particular cable is brighter than pure copper examples I have in use. Look, I will try and get to the meat of this cable. It is incredibly clear, offering maybe not the separation or not quite the brightness of the OS849 or GS849………but it is bright in its own way. More careful in that brightness is a smoother kind of careful. And probably what people are going wild over is that contrasts, where yes, the stage is almost on par with the GS849 and OS849, but there is an added lower thickness and a coating of harmonics found in the lower midrange. Smoother, yes, but somehow just as detailed, but also adding a charm, a slightly musical charm, out-doing the Penon Quattro cable in smoothness, yet owning a nice boost in the upper midrange that takes the music home. Not as separated or as itemized as the GS849 or OC849, and sitting slightly back in comparison to the in-your-face presentation of those two, I guess I will just end with smoother and leave it at that? If you own the ISN H60, plus you are planning to get the SP01, the OCC849 would have you covered as a cable to use with both, and give you a window into the true nature of both IEMs. This OCC849 carries with it an alloy sound that is both refined yet different from any and every cable in this test except the ISN CS02..........that holds another taste of this alloy sound. There is a depth to male vocals heard with both these cables that makes them both unique and standout, but I would call the CS02 more colored than the OCC849 cable in the end. And yes, there may be a slight color to the OCC849, but it is so small and unassuming (and goes with the music) that it might as well not exist at all. Yet it is this personality that seems to permeate all the new alloy cables from Penon/ISN. This personality is a smoothness yet mixed with detail and a slight warmth/darkness than I can perceive in the Penon Renata, the Penon Pyramid, the ISN CS02, the Penon OCC849, the ISN T-OCC and even the Penon Bass cable.




Side-by-sides:
The first question I have was which cable do I use? Each IEM made by SIMGOT AUDIO is using the balanced nozzle they were equipped with out of the box with, the Sound Rhyme SP01 was also using the balanced nozzle as it came out of the box having. Finally out of respect to the SIMGOT’s I chose the SIMGOT LC7 cable. After trying the LC7 on the SP01 it reconfirmed that the IEM was holding pretty much the fairly even and complete tone we have come to expect from this new IEM. To generalize nowadays on this cable, it is just on the best side of sleepy, which means really not sleepy at all, it just doesn’t have any over-the-top brightness, but arrives at imaging in a deeper holistic way, probably better for the SIMGOT crew I have lined-up to test. None the less…………besides that slightly down-toned character, the response is relatively uncolored and true to life sounding. As such the stage is nice and expanded from many included cables, but holding slightly lower energy, a slightly smoother lower midrange which works well with the SP01.

I chose a fully separate day to do these side-by-sides giving my ears a rest for about 40 hours……..so nothing would get in the way of an accurate, yet still subjective test afternoon.



The test subjects:
From left to right, top row.
Left to right bottom row.
Sound Rhyme SP01, SIMGOT AUDIO EA500
SIMGOT AUDIO EA500 LM, SIMGOT AUDIO EA1000

Let us start with the EA1000. This is a landmark IEM, it just is. Plus it has 49 individual reviews posted at Head-Fi. Sure many of those reviews are with provided EA1000 samples, but there is no denying that SIMGOT has success on their hands here. In many ways it is not comparable to the Sound Rhyme SP01 due to the huge price discrepancy. The EA1000 comes in at a whopping $219.99 and our little SP01 comes in at just $89.00. Still both are single full-range DDs and therefore share much of the same sound. Here though with the EA1000 there is also a passive driver SIMGOT calls the passive radiator, if it affects sound, you can seemingly hear it, at least I can. But starting with this unfair test is a good way to understand where Sound Rhyme was setting their goals. Surely the recent success of SIMGOT has sent repercussions throughout the entire industry. With Sound Rhyme really offering a different product in the past, a more Hybrid success in their output history. Sure they are looking to expand, yet it is safe to say these SIMGOT products photographed here represent a large portion of SIMGOT’s emphasis and energy. While SIMGOT makes Hybrids, I really feel they have made their name on these DDs we have on test today. So let’s get going…………….

Let’s also get this weight thing out of the way:
SP01: 6 grams
EA1000: 11 grams
EA500: 10 grams
EA500 LM: 11 grams

EA1000:
So first off.........we find out there is more to the EA1000 as far as weight goes. With the Sony WM1A with the same favorite ear-tips we were able to do side-by-sides at the same volume. Though I realized soon that I really got myself into work, many of the same ideas are embraced by both manufacturers here.

It took 6 side-by-sides of a 01:17 song file which contained drums, string instruments and finally female vocals to understand the differences here.

The SP01 offers slightly more bass, a (somewhat) comparable stage, but the EA1000 (red nozzles) inches into slightly more profound separation. The vocals were noted as taking place at a higher intensity with the EA1000. As such, yes, the EA1000 has a slightly more secure fitment and the nozzles are perfect. Here the SP01 nozzles are borderline short, but still work none-the-less. Where due to the extra weight of the EA1000 the extra length nozzles are a necessity, to where the almost 1/2 less weight SP01 gets by with feeling like almost nothing in your ears, still accepting my favorite wide-bore ear-tips. At times I was surprised at the SP01 with the stage it was able to provide, which even was on par with what the EA1000 was doing, stage wise. But to consolidate results here, the SP01 was a tad smoother, which depending on how you do your nozzles (on both) and cables (on both) and finally ear-tips (on both) could be found to where the SP01 was the better deal here. It’s just really a matter of opinion due to qualities wanted or important to the listener. Where there was less contrast with the SP01, yet (just barely) the contrasts held by the EA1000 could be looked at at offering an increase in detail perception. I mean this comparison (while different) was still wildly similar in response, so much so that I kind-of see where Sound Rhyme was going when they released the SP01. Though there was a noticeable extra smoothness and cohesiveness that the SP01 did that was recognizable and valuable. Still it is truly hard to fight the EA1000. Why? Well this extra peak of upper midrange goes to make a borderline intense, yet thoroughly satisfying listen in the end. But if you are wondering which is more forgiving, the SP01 is in the end.



EA500 LM:
Many are going to want the reserved, careful and refined bass response of the EA1000, opposed to this fun EA500 LM. But that is veering off course to what this review is about. How does the EA500 LM compare to the SP01? Using the stock gold nozzles with red rubber rings the sound of the EA500 LM is in many ways the most advanced for SIMGOT. I say this because SIMGOT listens to customers and reads the reviews. As such the LM was to be a departure into smoother waters for SIMGOT and it is. But I have to say using the same 01:17 song file the SP01 greets and plays with the LM on much of the same terms. Yet these terms also means the price is close to the same.

The SP01 is $89.00, and the EA500 LM is $89.99.

So you see where I’m going with this. This is hard to write, but the SP01 offers a more forward tune, images are both bigger and more out front. The SP01 midrange is more vibrant and full, and while the EA500 LM offers a warmer bottom, both IEMs seem to scale that imaginary line of upper midrange, coming-off smoother than the EA1000. I could go on, but I don’t want to pour salt into the wound.



EA500:
OK, this was the IEM that really put SIMGOT on the proverbial map. While it wasn’t their 1st IEM it was the gateway into this new SIMGOT era. Priced at $79.00 the EA500 is a stone cold Head-Fi classic. Once again I’m using the included red nozzles, the nozzles with the red rings. So probably by now you can kind-of see where this is going? The EA500 is great, but where it zigs the EA500 LM zags. Yep, more bass to the LM, plus what that does is balance the tone, meaning the EA500 takes this upper midrange frequencies and pushes them farther up-to-the-front. Now there is nothing wrong with this style of activity if you are down for this action, except I will write, sure the EA500 came out some time ago, but the SP01 wins again simply by offering a more forward and closer, bigger out to the side and smoother broadcast. Stuff is simply more real life, and more easily digestible, with fewer hot-spots.




Construction:
I already talked about the cable, so here we will simply reminisce about construction. I will disclose the SP01 is terribly small, smaller than you think. I have done everything humanly possible to show size here, yet when you get it, it will seem that much smaller in person, I promise you this. Yet due to this size there are only a few things to worry about, unless you prefer bigger IEMs. Why? Well the one thing is the SP01 gives very little placement feed-back. You really don’t think you have an IEM in your ears. While I did enjoy the ear-hooks on the included cable, the SP01 was way less troublesome (than you would guess) using a thicker cable, still I never tried my giant cables with it.

The “big data” technology form factor must work, but more than that............these IEMs are also balanced in weight to where the weight (goes) in-close to your ears. The silky finish goes one step further to enhance the ergonomics here. Also this flush 2Pin just seemed to work with the countless cable rolls I did. For me anyway these straddle that borderline to where I could probably get slightly better fit with a longer length tip, but enjoy the soundstage with my regular ear-tips I have favored? Also just out of completeness I did try the included ear-tips and yes they are special and really nice quality, and nothing like some of the (other brands) included ear-tips you are provided with. Let's talk about nozzles………..



Nozzles:
The aluminum screw-on card holder has the names of Clear, Warm and Balanced. Before I get started I am going to explain where I’m at as far as nozzles go. Sure they affect the tone, but the nozzles seem to change the soundstage and instrument feeling? Where sure the nozzles are provided so that the IEM will be marketed as having something extra, something that can be of value to an individual who desires a tone not maybe offered with the regular balanced nozzle?

Sure I get that, having options is always good.

Only changing the nozzles over to the warm nozzle choice altered the treble too. While sure, look at the opening on the back of the warm nozzle……lol……does that look like it may do something? Well to tell you the truth, it surprisingly does less than it looks like what it would do. Meaning stage is still decent, and yes, the SP01 is warmer, but images are not as spread-out or holding the bigger texture, we went from a layer cake here, down to a smaller single serving dessert. And I’m not into these sonic portions. Less, less image size with the warm nozzle. The way I warm things up is with different cable choices, the OCC849 is a perfect example of getting miles more in results, and a big stage……..see.

The Clear nozzle:
You would think (getting to know me) that Clear would have my name on it. In fact all these nozzles are already named, where the actual name of the nozzle is written in small letters around the midsection as seen in photos here. But using the included cable, and yes now the SP01 is clear as day. Sure these nozzles do something, except I really value the Balanced nozzle because I have spent the most time with it and it truly is what they say it is. To where this Clear is showing a slightly bigger stage, the elements are leaner and faster, and it truly is what you would expect to hear, maybe surprisingly more than the effects you were imagining. There is still bass but it's more see-through and clean, not thin, but faster. Well maybe slightly thin as expected with this nozzle.

The thing is about the way this bass tone works..............is sure the warm nozzle adds to the upper bass quality, though we don't need it. Meaning there is such fabulous sub-bass extension that even with the clear nozzle things remain explosive and fun in the end. It is just Balanced had more of the X-factor that charmed me with this IEM. The way in total the sound was warm and smooth, totally inviting and correct.

The main thing is we are not getting that warm nozzle instrument compression, where the warm was making the tone warm, except a side result was a more intense and focused display of imaging, coming off (to me) as less accessible?



Conclusion:
Listen, I will spill the beans here. The SP01 is something special. They have set their sights on the single full-range DD market. Sound Rhyme has given you a lot of extras in the package. Still all of those inclusions don’t matter, there is only one single thing that matters here. What is of importance is the Diamond Like Carbon Driver. The fact that the 10mm Carbon Nanotube driver does it all……….all the magic. There will be first a great stage expansion once you get them into your ears. But more than that after a week of burn-in the imaging will coalesce into a unified formation. As such you will become enamored by just how up-front, to the back……even off to the sides, and how well the information flows up and down into the stage. All this while instruments and vocals take-on a more realistic texture and (post-burn-in) smoothness. It is simply the value of these drivers that sets the SP01 apart from the pack, giving you correct timbre on the dot, and going and overcoming some of the drawbacks normally associated with single full-range composite DDs. I could ramble on at this point but I feel I have done my due diligence in order to fill-you-in on this release. I have truly explained what the Sound Rhyme SP01 is about. Sure the cable is a keeper, sure the carrying case is something unique, sure the ear-tips are cool. The SP01 even comes with a cleaning cloth and IEM tool. The SP01 comes with a set of extra nozzles that truly do something, whether you actually use them or not is another story. But the nozzles are well marked and screw-onto the card holder.........as well as screw-off easily.



The shape:
Truly I have never witnessed a shape like this. The ease of use is special and just the fact that they fit securely inside your ears with little to no adjustment ever is nothing short of a miracle. Sure the size at first had me skeptical, I’m a reviewer so skepticism is what I want. Yet I’m still coming to terms with just how small these are, sure fit is personal, but this is the style of IEM that you could take anywhere. Due to the perfect weight and placement, you really feel like you have nothing in your ears, and I like that, but am still getting used to the fact.

The SP01 is balanced:
Just like the newly released ISN H60, the SP01 grabs any and all sources to become even tempered. None of that heat that may have repelled you from the other brands, nope, they did this tuning right. As such great results are easily obtained from your choice of ear-tips, your choice of cable and your choice of nozzle even. Though some nozzles are better than others in my experience. Yet I can say the word balanced, and that only means so much, but once you get the SP01 into your ears you can yell……..these truly are balanced. What balanced means most is the fact that you can choose any music genre you want, this is exactly the style of playback that ends your single IEM to take on trips, due to finding a home with any and all music choices. Truly we are living in spectacular times, times where you can obtain sound playback like the Sound Rhyme SP01 for well under $100. It’s your paradise if you choose!

$89.00
https://penonaudio.com/Sound-Rhyme-SP01

Disclaimer:
I want to thank Penon Audio for the love and for the Sound Rhyme SP01 review sample.

Disclaimer:
These are one person's ideas and concepts, your results may vary.

Equipment Used:
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm balanced
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03 4.4mm balanced
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
HiBy R3 II DAP 4.4mm balanced

TONALITY: 8.8/10
TECHNICALITIES: 8.5/10
TIMBRE: 8.2/10
SOUNDSTAGE: 8.5/10
IMAGING: 8.5/10
MUSICALITY (subjective): 9/10
CONSTRUCTION (a bit odd ranking here): 9/10
ACCESSORIES: 10/10
SOUND VALUE: 9/10

INTRO

Sound Rhyme is an excellent yet overseen IEM company from China that began as an OEM company to finally make their own IEMs about 5 years ago.

They specialize in hybrid IEMs like SR7 as well as tribrid like the DTE500 and DTE900 I’ve reviewed lately.

For single dynamic driver IEM, they have launched the SR1 which I gave a small listen to and wasn’t really impressed so I bypassed the review…never expecting other single DD IEM from this company and even being a bit biased in expectation when they finally did with the SP01 I will review today.

The SP01 is their second attempt to single DD IEM, this time it has an all-in high quality dynamic driver with a 10mm dual magnetic dynamic driver,which is Carbon nanotube + DLC composite.

As well, Soundrhyme takes advantage of the IEM design of Ibasso IT05 which permits them to use its very shell, a magnificent statement of all metal craftsmanship with acoustic cavity that avoid invasive resonance.

All this is beautiful, especially at the 90$ asking price but let see how it sounds in this review.


CONSTRUCTION&ACCESSORIES



Everytime i post pics of SP01 on ChiFi Love, there are more than one people underlining the Ibasso IT05 similarity. In fact, it’s not similar, it’s 100% the same housing. It comes from the same OEM manufacturer, with the OK of Ibasso.

So this perhaps explains why it feels like a flagship IEM in terms of construction quality, it’s all metal, all polished and smooth in hands, it truly screams: Quality!

Those are lookers and elegant too in design, the blue backplate creates an infuriating light effect, the finish is smooth yet not easy to scratch and 2 pin connectors are super sturdy, well embedded in metal housing. It’s not too heavy, though we have minimal weight that again reassures us in sturdiness.

The nozzle is angled and no very long, add the bulbous design and it might be tricky to get right fit with some ears share including mine, this is due to shallow fit that can move a bit easily if you pull cable, so apart if you are into jogging or working out, i don’t think it would be an issue. Isolation is average too, unless you use memory foam tips (which i don’t)



Now, when it comes to cable we are more than spoil here since it’s a truly mid tier quality cable, it’s a 8 strands 7N crystal copper silver-plated with 2pin 0.78mm connectors. The construction is sturdy and flexible, ear hooks aren’t too tight, 2 pin connectors are very well done and feel durable too. It’s a cable that would be priced 300$ and up if branded Effect Audio….or 30$ and up in the bargain chifi market. This is very unexpected to get that good cable with a 90$ IEM and sure boost the price value of this very product.



Then when it comes to other accessories, it’s very good too. We have a round hard plastic case with screwable cover that I like alot. We have 6 pairs of good quality silicone eartips that are an appropriate choice for the IEM nozzle. We have an excellent cable and 2 extra tuning nozzle filters. As well as cleaning too and cleaning cloth.

All in all, this is superior construction and accessories for the asking price.

SOUND IMPRESSIONS



The tonality of SP01 can be summarized as crisp W shape with wide vibrant and deep rumble, energetic mid bass punch, forwards mids that are gently bright and free of harsh peak or sibilance and clean sparkly treble that doesn’t lack air nor lack bite. This set is both musical and technical, musicality being about an engaging lively dynamic that has both bass weighty impact and treble snap and brilliance as well as open holographic spatiality that isn’t that common to achieve with a single DD.

These aren’t bass light nor radical basshead sounding, it’s balanced, bassy and dynamic, the attack energy has 3 intensity point (mid bass, upper mid-lower treble, upper treble), the bass isn’t just about sub bass and the slam has authority, mids while open and crisp are free of muddy warmth but don’t scoop whole lower mids so note weight is there, the treble extend far but isn’t end game in micro details, it’s smoothen a bit to avoid harsh peak then we have this third extra point pass 10khz.

The SP01 have 3 tuning nozzle, it doesn’t inflict drastically on tonality so i will focus on Balanced nozzle that is my fav, Clear is very similar but crisper and brighter, with more U shape balance, leaner more open mids and more upfront upper treble, so its more airy and deeper in spatiality. Warm nozzle is as expected warmest and darkest and thickest sounding one, bass resonance mix and densify vocal which goes more opaquely bodied, bass separation don’t have air around it so we have more bleed, it make for a more intimate and mid centric lushness musicality, it’s my second fav after balanced, while the clean nozzle is coldest and more clinical choice, airier too.

So, those aren’t bass shy nor treble shy and can go warm mid centric with tuning nozzle, as a W shape signature I'll avoid the leaner U shape ‘’Clean nozzle’’ and focus on this ‘’Balanced nozzle’’. I use stock wide bore eartips as well as stock cable to not mislead people. (and well, cable is excellent and ear tips are appropriate).

The bass is speedy, thumpy and rumbly with this special point of impact that delivers both punch and clean bass line, it’s the type of bass that goes technical when needed by extracting bass line with good density and delivering grunt with enough texture too. The slam goes widen with extra resonance that don’t go too loose (unless compressed with Warm tuning filter, then it go thicker and darker in presence), this can still affect background clarity slightly but don’t veil the mids at all, transition into lower mids is made cleanly.
This isn’t ultra chunky and meaty bass, in that regard without being thin it’s average. Kick drum around round and textured but you feel more the punch than tactility of presence, the impact sound pressure isn’t very high too, I mean to the point of being fatiguing, this explains why i don’t consider those basshead. With the ‘’Clean nozzle’’ it goes less punchy and tends to make the bass line more dominant.
In other words, the bass is vast in headroom but stays behind mids and treble, the rumble sustain is shorter than its release which has resonant depth. This is versatile bass that do marvel with electronic music due to its transient speed and punchy nature, it do good with rock, jazz, R&B and rap too, for classical it’s not as good, cello sound good-clean ,textured and full-but i prefer lusher and thicker density to help proper timbre differentiation with other strings.

The mids are clean and open, crisp with above average transparency, the presence is push forwards without going shouty, female vocals are more forward and bright than leaner male vocals. If you are very sensitive to upper mids, even if they are smooth enough, these are energetic and vocal or main instruments tend to dominate piano dynamics, but not dominant guitar or saxophone. These mids tend to favor vocals before anything else yet due to good transparency you can track other instruments too and have an holographic immersivity. Macro resolution is in fact excellent as well as attack control.
Intelligibility of lyrics is great too, thanks to a definition edge that has proper bite.
The instrument presence opens up widely, even piano has proper attack sustain release so the note fully blossoms in natural resonance (recorded). This isn't thin dry mids nor dark warm one, it's energic and well bodied, timbre is lush but bright, we have good air around instrument too and rather black background free of resonance built up.
Gently bright and greatly versatile in performance, the mids are for those liking clarity without a lean or clinical rendering, unlike overly U shaped tuning, SP01 don't go recessed mids nor overly safe one that would affect holography of presentation which is plenty here.

With the bass, the treble is another highlight and underlines the good performance of the dynamic driver used. We have a lot of texture fine detailing that permit to appreciate different instrument timbre, the percussions are speedy and snappy with good control, crash cymbal are bright and transparent and detailed without going splashy, overall treble isn’t a spiky mess that will unbalance texture details or make suddenly sound higher piano note ultra loud, it’s well balanced with good air and space between sound layers.
We have a stereo presentation added to mono mids and bass that add extra dimension to musicality.
I’m very impressed by the treble performance here, it’s sharp without being trebly, and we have proper brilliance for acoustic guitar which is highly readable even with other instruments or vocals.
Violin is agile and clear, very well layered too, a notch dry for my taste but it can go warmer with Warm nozzle filter so this is the thing with the SP01: it’s versatility is tremendous.

The soundstage is another highlight, while not as gigantic as headroom benchmark Hidizs MP145, it’s not far from it too. Just less tall. It’s very wide and has good depth, you feel in the middle of spatiality and left right info can go near the back of your head when it comes to highs, micro details and percussions. So it’s a circular spatiality, not a unidimensional ‘’wall of sound’’.

The imaging too is above average but not monitor level, while very well textured, instrument presence has less bite than percussion, this affects lateral separation and favors sound layering transparency. I don’t struggle to track instruments but the bass release can affect the limpidity of air between instruments.

COMPARISONS



VS KEFINE DELCI

The Delci are more U shape and less punchy and W shape and dynamic in musicality than more energetic, notch brighter and more full bodied tonality of SP01.

The bass has looser and leaner slam, bass line are more upfront than kick drum punch, transient speed is lower so both sub and mid bass tend to get warmed and muddied more easily, layering of SP01 is better, mid bass punch way harder and is better rounded and more tactile, their less blurry timbre to so transparency is superior as well as control less loose, less prompt to blee and had fog in background. Bass lines are a bit thicker and lusher too with Delci, but it swallow kick drum presence which is harder to read than SP01.

Mids are leaner and darker with Delci but both these IEMs has upper mids boost that push forwards female vocal, Delci is less lush and full bodied than SP01, it’s harsher and sharper in upper mids with less rounded up timbre naturalness, as well since mids are flatter in macro dynamic it’s not has open and macro dynamic in rendering. Presence of the instrument seems wider but more static with Delci. Timbre of SP01 is more textured and the definition edge is less softed. Mids seem more recessed with Delci too.

Treble is snappier, airier, sparklier with the SP01, it's more speedy in control, cleaner, less hazy in percussions rendering, there is more air around instruments too.

Soundstage is a notch wider with Delci, while taller and deeper with SP01 and near as wide, so notably more holographic and 3D in perception too.

Imaging is sharper in definition of instrument with cleaner separation and more transparent layering with SP01.

All in all, SP01 is a notch superior in technical performance from imaging to macro dynamic to attack control, then for tonal balance i prefer it too due to crisper more upfront mids, better bass performance that got both punch and sub extension-rumble and snappier treble, W vs safer U shape tonality of Delci.

VS Oriveti Bleqk

The Bleqk are brighter and more mid centric, it has warmer muddier thicker bass, more forwards upper mids and vocal and darker dryer treble that isn’t as snappy and sparkly and airy.

The basis sloppier and less well rounded in punch which feel pillowy and lack proper definition so transition in lower mids is more sticky than bigger and cleaner slam of SP01, which has deeper sub bass, more resonant and transparent, rounder less euphonic mid bass punch and more tactile dynamic and layering.

Mids are more vocal specialist with Bleqk cause male vocal are lusher and thicker than crisper mids of SP01 which offer cleaner and as lush female vocal but sharper and less natural male vocal, everything for imaging to clarity to air around instrument is superior with SP01, timbre is a notch thinner yet notably more transparent.

Treble is from another league with SP01, faster, sharper, snappier and more extended and airy, it feels grainy and dry with Bleqk.

Soundstage is wider and deeper with SP01, and notch taller with Bleqk.

Imaging is from another league with SP01, macro dynamic is more articulated, sound layers have better separation and there is less bleed in mids so space between instruments is cleaner and positioning readability is way easier.

ALl in all, SP01 is again an easy winner here, but for a plain male vocal lover I think Bleqk is a better choice.


CONCLUSION

Everytime I think I've heard everything in terms of dynamic drivers greatness…a newcomer arrives to take me by surprise in a budget minded market. For some it was the Delci, for me it’s these SP01.

Their no doubt sub-100$ price range for single DD IEM is the one to explore, and when you go up sound benefit return becomes a bit ridiculously low for this very type of IEMs.

Sure we have a lot of good choice already like the Simgot EW200 and EA500, the HZsound Mirror, the QOA Gimlet, but apart the latter (which SP01 seem logical upgrade), they don’t nail the lush W shape bassy tonality i’m afound off and that SP01 deliver plenty. With good technical performance.

If like me you're a bit fed up of U shape and Harman target that lack macro dynamic energy and bass punch or offer too lean or recessed mids or not enough sparkly or snappy highs, the SP01 is a refreshing solution that isn’t scared to offer a different sound balance while boosting fun and musical factor.

Sure, the nozzle tuning is a bit gimmicky, and I would be OK with just Balanced tuning, but you can still get warmer and brighter choices, even if in a subtle way and you'll never think listening to a whole different IEM.

The Sound Rhyme SP01 surpassed my expectation and delivers excellent sound value with a crisp bassy musicality that is both head banger and versatile.

Did I rave enough about the included cable too? All this sure boosts the price value of this wonderful IEM.

Very highly recommended!



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PS: I want to thanks Penon for sending me those...out of the blue. I could have refuse to review those yet since they are so good i need to do this review, free of charge like always, out of my time, with zero reselling or $ making self profit for me. As always, it's my independant minded audio impressions and opinions.

You can order the SP01 for 90$ here:https://penonaudio.com/Sound-Rhyme-SP01.html

Sound Rhyme SP01 with the "clear filter"(A+ rating with S&S, B+ with stock tips)
>A warm, non-fatiguing experience with one of the best bass quality among all the IEMs/flatheads I have used or tried

Disclaimer: This unit was sent to me by Sound Rhyme in exchange for an honest review/comment.

Heya, it's your boy wanna-be reviewer once again. I have used this IEM extensively for roughly a week and am now ready to give out my thoughts about this piece.

The Sound Rhyme SP01 is a 1DD IEM with a Carbon Nanotube + DLC composite having an impedance rating of 16ohms at 110dB sensitivity. It has both 3.5mm/4.4mm on their site(but for the unit given to me, 3.5mm was the one sent).

It has a very good set of accessories(especially for the price, the accessories are just insane for $89). The accessories include 6 sets of tips(with 2 different types), a small brush for cleaning, a polishing cloth with the Sound Rhyme logo branded to it, and 3 sets of "tuning filters"(Warm, Balanced, Clear) that, in my opinion, work.

For its drivability, it is fairly easy to drive(with my phone being able to drive it enough to listening level) but it does benefit well with more power(such as better dynamics, more note weight, and a more pronounced bass).

The forte of the SP01 is both the bass quantity and bass quality. The subbass is vibrant and boosted, giving one that "head rattling" effect(and it can sustain it very well). For example, listening to Far Over the Misty Mountains Cold(by Geoff Castelluci) or Day One(by Hans Zimmer), I can definitely feel the rattle from within my brain(the quality gives it the "illussion" that my brain is really feeling the shake).

The mids are lush yet vibrant and a bit more forward than average. It is not thin, nor does it sound "artificial". It is authoritative, powerful and textured surprisingly well. In comparing the male and female vocals, the male vocals sound a tad bit better than the female ones(perhaps the solid quality bass makes them more pronounced, male vocals just have that sort of "tinged warmth" to them).

Treble isn't harsh, and has decent details as well. It is airy and sparkly. Personally though, I would've preferred more sparkle to it(it's plenty sparkly already, but as sort of a treblehead, I was looking for just something a bit more).

The soundstage is not that wide(it has width, but I would've preferred a bit more) although the depth is just something else(yes, I can feel the vocals like it's singing inside my head). This has the most "depth" in soundstage among the IEMs/flatheads I have.

As a closer, it would've been a close S- to me had there been just a bit more sparkle to it and a slightly wider soundstage. But other than these two, I don't really have any "complaints". It's not lacking in any regard, and I do personally believe it punches well above its price point.

Sources used:
M3 Pro 5G, S9 Pro Plus Martha, my Acer laptop, and my favorite Zishan Z4

Tracks Used:
https://pastebin.com/atr8xZeH

Non-affiliated link:
https://sound-rhyme.myshopify.com/products/sound-rhyme-sp01