At the time this review was written, the T-Peos Amadeus dual hybrid earphone was on sale for $79.00 USD on CTC Audio’s website. Here is a link to a listing of their product at the time of the review:
http://www.ctcaudio.com/products/t-peos-amadeus-earphones
Introduction
When I was contacted to review the T-Peos Atone 150, I was happy to do it. Also, I figured that as long as I was in contact with the T-Peos distributer, I could ask him about a couple earphones that they had and I was curious about, and see if we could get a review up on Head-Fi. The two products were the Amadeus, and Opera. They are two dual hybrid IEMs that seemed to fly under the radar. They were brought up on Head-Fi threads a couple times but never really discussed or reviewed very much. Today I will be covering the Amadeus, and I’m glad I did.
Disclaimer
I am in no way affiliated with T-Peos. I was given an opportunity to sample their earphones in exchange for an honest opinion and review on them.
My Background
I AM NOT a numbers and graphs audiophile or sound engineer. Personal audio enthusiast? Absolutely! Headphone junkie? Possibly…
There’s something about quality DAPs, DACs, Amplifiers and Earphones that intrigues me, especially if they can be had for low prices. I will buy the $5 to $500 earphone that looks promising, in hopes that I will can discover that one new gem that can compete with the big names in this industry. If you look at my Head-Fi profile you will see that I have purchased MANY different headphones and earphones, ranging from from dirt cheap to higher end products. For me, this hobby is more about getting great price to performance ratio from a product, and have a variety of different gears with varying builds and sound to tinker with. With personal audio gear, we tend to pay a lot of money for minor upgrades. One thing I’ve learned over the last few years is that just because a headphone has a higher price tag, it doesn’t mean that it has superior build and sound quality.
I’m always looking for great audio at a great price. I’m after headphones and IEMs that give me the “WOW” factor. I can appreciate different builds and sound signatures as long as they are ergonomic, and the sound is pleasing to the ear. It is my pleasure to share my experiences with audio products and make recommendations based gear I have owned and used.
~REVIEW~
The Package
The Amadeus came in a very simple white box with a clear cutout that displayed the housings. The Amadeus isn’t a stunner in terms of looks.
Specifications:
Type: In-Ear Monitor (IEM)
Driver: Balanced Armature (Knowles), One 8mm Dynamic
SPL: 102dB
Impedance: 30Ω
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz
Max Power Input: 20mW
Plug: 3.5mm Gold-Plated, L-Type
Cable: 1.2m, flat w/ mic
Weight: 20g
Warranty: 1-year Manufacturer
Accessories:
3 - Pairs of silicone wide-channel ear tips
1 - Pair of foam ear tips
1 - Soft carrying pouch
1 - Shirt clip
Note: There are enough tips for just about everyone to get a secure fit and seal.
Housings
Amadeus is constructed from a chrome thin metal backing where the housing meets cable and connects to a black plastic housing and hozzle. The hozzle diameter is right between medium and wide, and is a bit short. Tip rolling is possible, as many tips fit this IEM. They are marked with a T-Peos logo etched on the metal backing.
Cable, Y-Split & Strain Reliefs, Cable Jack
Amadeus features a semi-flat two/toned black and white cable. It reminds me of the high end Sony wire used with their H-3. Strain reliefs at the housing aren’t the best, but adequate for daily use. There are no strain reliefs at the Metal Y-split, and a very nice ninety degree angled gold plated plug with a very nice strain relief. All in all I am very happy with the cable design and if handled responsibly, customers should have no issues with durability.
Ergonomics, Fit & Microphonics
Amadeus fits like most straight barrel IEMs. I had no problem going over or under the ear. The ninety degree cable and small strain relief allows the earphone to fit well wearing them either way. Wear them down and you will get considerable microphonics. Loop them over the ear and microphonics are for the most part eliminated.
Functionality
Amadeus comes with a single button mic/remote that works for Android and Iphone, and works in standard with most single button remotes. When asking friends and family my voice clarity on the phone, most reported either three or four on a scale from one to five.
Sound Review Materials
I primarily did my demo with my usual gear. I used an LG-G3 with the latest firmware, and Sony Walkman F806/Cayin C5 amplifier for portable use. For desktop I used my Toshiba Satellite Laptop in combination with a HIFIMEDIY Sabre ES9023 USB DAC/Bravo Audio Ocean Tube amplifier with a Mullard 12AU7 tube for higher impedance, and a Fiio E18 USB DAC & Amplifier for lower impedance products. Both were run at 24 bit, 96000 Hz. I also tested them with other DAPs/DACs and amplifiers as well. I used Google Music downloaded in its highest download quality (320 KBPS) and I also streamed FLAC via Tidal streaming service. I make sure that any gear I tested has has enough time play time for me to be able to confidently describe their sound.
I used my usual same songs for testing gear:
“Limit to your love” by James Blake
“Madness” by Muse
“Get lucky” by Daft Punk
“Some nights” by Fun
“The soundmaker” by Rodrigo y Gabriela
“Bassically” by Tei Shi
“Skinny Love” performed by Birdie
“One” by Ed Sheeran
“Outlands” from the Tron Legacy Soundtrack
“Sultans of swing” by Dire Straits
“Ten thousand fists” by Disturbed
Note: Other tracks were used, but the listed songs were primarily used to asses and break down the gear’s response.
Sound Signature
My favorite IEM for a long time was the Sidy DGS100. While many weren’t as impressed with them as I was, I don’t think anyone could deny that the DGS100 had an incredible amount of detail behind the boosted mid-bass which sometimes turned people away from them. I really liked the DGS100 signature because I often times feel that the mid bass bleed of many single dynamic driver IEMs would distort the midrange details, but with the DGS100 I could hear the textures and details better with the dual hybrid design. To that point I hadn’t heard that much warmth and detail at the same time. The T-Peos is a strikingly similar earphone in terms of sound quality, design, and comfort. I really enjoy this tuning. The best way I could describe it is to say that it has a very full sound and a midrange that sounds large and forward in the mix. Vocals, guitars, bass guitar riffs, pianos, and most lower midrange instruments have a lot of weight and presence, and you will get a lot of detail at the same time from the armature driver.
Note: I must include that while tip rolling for the best seal and sound, I found that a wide bore tip to work best for me. I used an aftermarket wide bore tip that works well for my ear shape. The wider bore seemed to balance out the sound and make the music sound more spacious as compared to a narrower one.
Bass
Amadeus has a bass response some will love, and some will not. I’m usually not a fan of forward mid-bass, However, in a dual hybrid configuration I think this tuning works well. Bass tones can be heard as low as 20Hz and slowly climbs and peaks upwards of 200Hz. The sub bass on the Amadeus is rolled off and mid and upper bass forward. You will hear and sense the mid bass impact out in front of the every other frequency played through these. While often times that will overwhelm the rest of the sound, the fact that frequencies are split between the two configurations of drivers help improve bass to midrange resolution significantly my ears.
Midrange
Midrange take a slight step back from the mix, but is really nicely textured and very detailed. I really enjoyed the mids on these. The bassy dynamic provides weight, and the armature driver adds element of detail and tone that makes listening very enjoyable. I feel like the combination of a dynamic driver and a single armature make for a airy sounding earphone. Female vocals sounded natural, while male vocals could sometimes carry too much weight. Overall it is very well done, never gets shouty, and is fun to listen to.
Treble
Treble is smooth, very crisp, and doesn’t extend to the point of being sibilant. The armature driver doesn’t make cymbals sound as natural as many dynamic drivers, but still plays is well and matches the signature.
Soundstage and Imaging
Despite the forward midbass signature, the Amadeus retains a sound that is large for an IEM, with an open sound and great resolution. Imaging is better than the average earphone to my ears, and gives a good sense of space.
Comparisons
Sidy DGS100 ($85 USD on Penon Audio) *discontinued*
The DGS100 actually packs a little more midbass weight, and less sub-bass. The armature driver of the DG100 has a drop off in the upper midrange that can create an illusion of things being more airy and open sounding. Sidy offers a nice metal box, clamshell case, ear guides, and several tips. The DGS100 has a production run, giving each one a specific serial number.
The Amadeus is a more neutral phone with less mid bass presence, and more upper mids. I think the people who didn’t care for the DGS100 because of the tuning should give this one a try, as I’m confident they will probably prefer the Amadeus sound. Amadeus comes with a velvet pouch, and less eartips than the DGS100.
Astrotec AX35 ($65 to $85 USD on many sites)
The AX35 is V-signature hybrid that has a sound that is more flat and less textured. I was never overly impressed with the way the dynamic and armature drivers gelled on the Astrotec offering. I alway felt like there was something just not right about their tuning/timing. The Amadeus is a great blend of dynamic and armature drivers that gives a more textured, detailed, and cohesive sound. Astrotec gets a slight edge in terms of accessories with the tin storage case.
Conclusion
A lot of times things on Head-Fi aren’t discussed simply because they aren’t that good. This isn’t the case with the Amadeus. It has flown under the radar and has been pleasing the ears of customers who bought it. If this type of hybrid tuning is something you would like to experience, the Amadeus is a great earphone for you. I’m glad I gave this one a shot, and rank it as a solid buy in the $75 to $100 range, and a great first hybrid earphone.
Thanks for reading and happy listening!
http://www.ctcaudio.com/products/t-peos-amadeus-earphones
Introduction
When I was contacted to review the T-Peos Atone 150, I was happy to do it. Also, I figured that as long as I was in contact with the T-Peos distributer, I could ask him about a couple earphones that they had and I was curious about, and see if we could get a review up on Head-Fi. The two products were the Amadeus, and Opera. They are two dual hybrid IEMs that seemed to fly under the radar. They were brought up on Head-Fi threads a couple times but never really discussed or reviewed very much. Today I will be covering the Amadeus, and I’m glad I did.
Disclaimer
I am in no way affiliated with T-Peos. I was given an opportunity to sample their earphones in exchange for an honest opinion and review on them.
My Background
I AM NOT a numbers and graphs audiophile or sound engineer. Personal audio enthusiast? Absolutely! Headphone junkie? Possibly…
There’s something about quality DAPs, DACs, Amplifiers and Earphones that intrigues me, especially if they can be had for low prices. I will buy the $5 to $500 earphone that looks promising, in hopes that I will can discover that one new gem that can compete with the big names in this industry. If you look at my Head-Fi profile you will see that I have purchased MANY different headphones and earphones, ranging from from dirt cheap to higher end products. For me, this hobby is more about getting great price to performance ratio from a product, and have a variety of different gears with varying builds and sound to tinker with. With personal audio gear, we tend to pay a lot of money for minor upgrades. One thing I’ve learned over the last few years is that just because a headphone has a higher price tag, it doesn’t mean that it has superior build and sound quality.
I’m always looking for great audio at a great price. I’m after headphones and IEMs that give me the “WOW” factor. I can appreciate different builds and sound signatures as long as they are ergonomic, and the sound is pleasing to the ear. It is my pleasure to share my experiences with audio products and make recommendations based gear I have owned and used.
~REVIEW~
The Package
The Amadeus came in a very simple white box with a clear cutout that displayed the housings. The Amadeus isn’t a stunner in terms of looks.
Specifications:
Type: In-Ear Monitor (IEM)
Driver: Balanced Armature (Knowles), One 8mm Dynamic
SPL: 102dB
Impedance: 30Ω
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz
Max Power Input: 20mW
Plug: 3.5mm Gold-Plated, L-Type
Cable: 1.2m, flat w/ mic
Weight: 20g
Warranty: 1-year Manufacturer
Accessories:
3 - Pairs of silicone wide-channel ear tips
1 - Pair of foam ear tips
1 - Soft carrying pouch
1 - Shirt clip
Note: There are enough tips for just about everyone to get a secure fit and seal.
Housings
Amadeus is constructed from a chrome thin metal backing where the housing meets cable and connects to a black plastic housing and hozzle. The hozzle diameter is right between medium and wide, and is a bit short. Tip rolling is possible, as many tips fit this IEM. They are marked with a T-Peos logo etched on the metal backing.
Cable, Y-Split & Strain Reliefs, Cable Jack
Amadeus features a semi-flat two/toned black and white cable. It reminds me of the high end Sony wire used with their H-3. Strain reliefs at the housing aren’t the best, but adequate for daily use. There are no strain reliefs at the Metal Y-split, and a very nice ninety degree angled gold plated plug with a very nice strain relief. All in all I am very happy with the cable design and if handled responsibly, customers should have no issues with durability.
Ergonomics, Fit & Microphonics
Amadeus fits like most straight barrel IEMs. I had no problem going over or under the ear. The ninety degree cable and small strain relief allows the earphone to fit well wearing them either way. Wear them down and you will get considerable microphonics. Loop them over the ear and microphonics are for the most part eliminated.
Functionality
Amadeus comes with a single button mic/remote that works for Android and Iphone, and works in standard with most single button remotes. When asking friends and family my voice clarity on the phone, most reported either three or four on a scale from one to five.
Sound Review Materials
I primarily did my demo with my usual gear. I used an LG-G3 with the latest firmware, and Sony Walkman F806/Cayin C5 amplifier for portable use. For desktop I used my Toshiba Satellite Laptop in combination with a HIFIMEDIY Sabre ES9023 USB DAC/Bravo Audio Ocean Tube amplifier with a Mullard 12AU7 tube for higher impedance, and a Fiio E18 USB DAC & Amplifier for lower impedance products. Both were run at 24 bit, 96000 Hz. I also tested them with other DAPs/DACs and amplifiers as well. I used Google Music downloaded in its highest download quality (320 KBPS) and I also streamed FLAC via Tidal streaming service. I make sure that any gear I tested has has enough time play time for me to be able to confidently describe their sound.
I used my usual same songs for testing gear:
“Limit to your love” by James Blake
“Madness” by Muse
“Get lucky” by Daft Punk
“Some nights” by Fun
“The soundmaker” by Rodrigo y Gabriela
“Bassically” by Tei Shi
“Skinny Love” performed by Birdie
“One” by Ed Sheeran
“Outlands” from the Tron Legacy Soundtrack
“Sultans of swing” by Dire Straits
“Ten thousand fists” by Disturbed
Note: Other tracks were used, but the listed songs were primarily used to asses and break down the gear’s response.
Sound Signature
My favorite IEM for a long time was the Sidy DGS100. While many weren’t as impressed with them as I was, I don’t think anyone could deny that the DGS100 had an incredible amount of detail behind the boosted mid-bass which sometimes turned people away from them. I really liked the DGS100 signature because I often times feel that the mid bass bleed of many single dynamic driver IEMs would distort the midrange details, but with the DGS100 I could hear the textures and details better with the dual hybrid design. To that point I hadn’t heard that much warmth and detail at the same time. The T-Peos is a strikingly similar earphone in terms of sound quality, design, and comfort. I really enjoy this tuning. The best way I could describe it is to say that it has a very full sound and a midrange that sounds large and forward in the mix. Vocals, guitars, bass guitar riffs, pianos, and most lower midrange instruments have a lot of weight and presence, and you will get a lot of detail at the same time from the armature driver.
Note: I must include that while tip rolling for the best seal and sound, I found that a wide bore tip to work best for me. I used an aftermarket wide bore tip that works well for my ear shape. The wider bore seemed to balance out the sound and make the music sound more spacious as compared to a narrower one.
Bass
Amadeus has a bass response some will love, and some will not. I’m usually not a fan of forward mid-bass, However, in a dual hybrid configuration I think this tuning works well. Bass tones can be heard as low as 20Hz and slowly climbs and peaks upwards of 200Hz. The sub bass on the Amadeus is rolled off and mid and upper bass forward. You will hear and sense the mid bass impact out in front of the every other frequency played through these. While often times that will overwhelm the rest of the sound, the fact that frequencies are split between the two configurations of drivers help improve bass to midrange resolution significantly my ears.
Midrange
Midrange take a slight step back from the mix, but is really nicely textured and very detailed. I really enjoyed the mids on these. The bassy dynamic provides weight, and the armature driver adds element of detail and tone that makes listening very enjoyable. I feel like the combination of a dynamic driver and a single armature make for a airy sounding earphone. Female vocals sounded natural, while male vocals could sometimes carry too much weight. Overall it is very well done, never gets shouty, and is fun to listen to.
Treble
Treble is smooth, very crisp, and doesn’t extend to the point of being sibilant. The armature driver doesn’t make cymbals sound as natural as many dynamic drivers, but still plays is well and matches the signature.
Soundstage and Imaging
Despite the forward midbass signature, the Amadeus retains a sound that is large for an IEM, with an open sound and great resolution. Imaging is better than the average earphone to my ears, and gives a good sense of space.
Comparisons
Sidy DGS100 ($85 USD on Penon Audio) *discontinued*
The DGS100 actually packs a little more midbass weight, and less sub-bass. The armature driver of the DG100 has a drop off in the upper midrange that can create an illusion of things being more airy and open sounding. Sidy offers a nice metal box, clamshell case, ear guides, and several tips. The DGS100 has a production run, giving each one a specific serial number.
The Amadeus is a more neutral phone with less mid bass presence, and more upper mids. I think the people who didn’t care for the DGS100 because of the tuning should give this one a try, as I’m confident they will probably prefer the Amadeus sound. Amadeus comes with a velvet pouch, and less eartips than the DGS100.
Astrotec AX35 ($65 to $85 USD on many sites)
The AX35 is V-signature hybrid that has a sound that is more flat and less textured. I was never overly impressed with the way the dynamic and armature drivers gelled on the Astrotec offering. I alway felt like there was something just not right about their tuning/timing. The Amadeus is a great blend of dynamic and armature drivers that gives a more textured, detailed, and cohesive sound. Astrotec gets a slight edge in terms of accessories with the tin storage case.
Conclusion
A lot of times things on Head-Fi aren’t discussed simply because they aren’t that good. This isn’t the case with the Amadeus. It has flown under the radar and has been pleasing the ears of customers who bought it. If this type of hybrid tuning is something you would like to experience, the Amadeus is a great earphone for you. I’m glad I gave this one a shot, and rank it as a solid buy in the $75 to $100 range, and a great first hybrid earphone.
Thanks for reading and happy listening!
