Tingo TC200 Earbuds

After waiting for I don't know how long, the MMCX version of the TC200 is finally here, and I can't be happier. I am just going to keep this review short because honestly, there is nothing much to talk about here so…

In short,
"the TC200 MMCX version is basically the old TC200 that we all love, but with a detachable MMCX connector."

Done.

If you LOVE the sound of the old TC200 but wished that it comes with a detachable cable, the TC200 MMCX version would be perfect for you

However, if this is your first Tingo TC200 purchase and you do not have any MMCX cables around, I would recommend you to get the non-MMCX version instead as everything else is the same.


**do keep in mind that no cables are included with the MMCX version.


Never heard of the Tingo TC200? No worries. Here's a review for you

(If you are planning to get the MMCX version, you can refer to this too as they are literally the same)

Click to expand...

PROS

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• I would describe the sound signature as slight U-shaped, warm, open, and smooth sounding.
• Bass is warm, punchy, and goes down deep.
• The midrange is just a tad warm, open, and slightly recessed.
• The upper midrange is slightly forward though, which pushes female vocals forward and since the lower midrange is slightly recessed, male vocals are placed slightly behind the track.
• Treble is smooth and airy. The space that you get behind the airiness of the treble is just…. oh so good.
• Timbre is warm and natural.
• The soundstage is open, wide, and deep. I love it. You can hear the music dance around you.
• Surprisingly good positional imaging, not just for an $8usd set, but good positional imaging, period.
• Handles (most) busy tracks pretty well.
• Comes with a nice case and extra foam tips.

CONS

:​

• Fit and comfort might be an issue (please refer to [1] for more information on different earbuds shapes and sizes)
• T̶h̶i̶n̶,̶ ̶n̶o̶n̶-̶r̶e̶p̶l̶a̶c̶e̶a̶b̶l̶e̶ ̶c̶a̶b̶l̶e̶ *fixed with the MMCX version!*
• Not the fastest decay (which makes the bass slightly bouncy)
• Drivers can't handle super complex tracks (but c'mon… these are $8. 99% of the time they are completely fine)
• MMCX version does not come with a cable included

CONCLUSION:​

There is a reason why these are so popular - They sound flipping fantastic. With just $8usd for the cabled version and $10usd for the MMCX version, these are a steal and I do not see any reason why you should skip on them.

If you have not given the Tingo TC200 a try, I highly recommend that you do. They literally cost less than a cup of coffee and for that price, you not only get the earbuds themselves, but you also get a case and extra foams alongside it.

If you've already tried the TC200, fell in love with it, and would LOVE to have the MMCX version, now is your chance. For $2usd more, you can get the Tingo of your dreams and use it with any cables you like

TC200 fans, rejoice!


References:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/earbuds-round-up.441400/page-3418#post-16078122

5/5/16 UPDATE: I prefer the TC200 over all my other earbuds and IEMs at the moment. The relaxing and open sound is awesome for my taste. I just realized how good the imaging is, I can see the performers clearly when closing my eyes.
 
I was a strong believer that the more expensive the headphones are the better they sound. After hearing Earbell (or Mrice) E100, and Venture Electronics Monk a short while ago, I proved that I was stupid. Earbuds roar.
 
I decided to give a try to Tingo earbuds after seeing random good words upon them, and purchased TG-38s and the TC200, along with some other budget earbuds such as Venture Electronics Monk, Yuin PK3, and some earbuds made by a gentleman nicknamed "earbug", also being recognized as Seahf by some members here as earbug made some of his earbuds with cases having a "Seahf" label.
The monk bests in it's $5 price range, TC200 bests in tonality, quality and value, and earbug arguably bests in quality, but they are hard to drive to their full potential, and they are more expensive and difficult to find anywhere to sell in US for general recommendation. I will likely give a review on the earbug earbuds but not today. 
 
I decided not to compare them with the Yuin PK3 or so. I'd rather compare them to my Grado RS1i, Grado SR325. Yes, strong contenders if you may.
 
I am not a big fan of the idea to tag merchandises more than 500% of the making cost. Therefore I am reluctant to pay more than $50 for a earbud, simply as I know it likely won't cost no more than $10 to make one. That's also the reason I really like brands such as OppoDigital and JDS Labs (just to name a few) and refrain from buying some big names (you know). 
 

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Oh well. Let's get back to the TC200.
 

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Comfort:
This TC200 is comfortable. Their pancake-shaped case has a diameter of 15.7 mm, which is not only 1.1 mm smaller than that of my beloved Earbell E100, but also thinner. While I liked the sound of E100, they are definitely less comfortable to me especially if I want them to fit in a conformation that will give me the best sound. 
I find the cotton earbud covers make the fit in ears better, and the sound stays amazing. Definitely try the earbud covers if you find the fit not optimal.
 
Price: 
They sell less than $40 on aliexpress link on the link below. In some forums on Chinese websites, some people said they received faulty units of TC200, but I did not experience that problem, and believe that those cases may exist at a very low chance, and Tingo customer service is super.
 
Drivability:
They sound well and sound consistant with all sources, from an iPhone to a iPod->CmoyBB to a desktop system with a neutral SS amp.
 
Soundstage:
This TC200 has a good soundstage. Not just a good soundstage for a pair of earbuds----they have a good soundstage, period. Good enough for casual appreciation on classical music of many types.
 
Sound signature:
They sound like a combination of a Sennheiser Momentum and a Grado SR80i. 80% Sennheiser, 20% Grado to be subjectively objective. 
 
Comparison with other headphones:
Grado is good at creating a nice soundstage with an "aggressive" but polite treble that differs themselves from many other headphone brands, and many people are a fan of this sound: refined without being too fatiguing. TC200 has a similar signature to a Grado in many ways. And that's where TC200 gets a chance to be compared to Grado full sized headphones.
 
And the TC200 don't lose the battle.
 
In general: TC200 has slightly more laid-back mids, slightly more background noise (which is normal), a more laid back sound, and a more balanced sound. Definately more forgiving not only to source and amplification, but also to genres (Many Grados don't do symphonies, piano light music too well in my opinion, except for the PS series). 
 
TC200 vs RS1i:
RS1i has a deeper sound separation in transverse direction, and a much better orchestra presentation. TC200 just ticks all the boxes in terms of performance. TC200 has more bass, very slightly slower than Grado, but comparable quality in response. RS1i's clear detailed sound wins overall, and RS1i has better vocal response due to the dampening of certain frequencies by the mahogany casing, but the vocal is simply more touching and relieving. However TC200 has an overall smoother sound and the sound feels a little more lively for pop music.
 
TC200 vs SR325: SR325 has much better bass response. The bass is thicker, more punchy, more "power", making the bass sounds lively and vivid. The SR325 frequency does not feel as balanced and the sound is not as clear/refined as TC200. TC200 bass is not bad, though, and it sounds more balanced, giving a much better sounding for long-term music listening (That's where the Sennheiser tonality comes from). I prefer SR325 for pop music that emphasize bass, and TC200 for pop music that emphasizes vocal performance and non-bass instruments.
 
Sennheiser made IE7, IE8, IE60, IE80, in order to reproduce the sound of HD600, and HD650, and failed. They discontinued MX985 which is a shame.
However, TC200 made it, they indeed sound like a HD600/650 in many ways. (TC200 actually uses the same drivers as MX985 but tuned differently in sound, mostly by some foams inside)
 
Kudos Tingo. Will support the great small company!
 
Purchase link: search "tingo TC200" here:
 

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Amplification:
Airist Audio Heron 5, RCA input, High inner impedance output.
 
Music for review:
Queen - Under Pressure
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPCKMLvWfpM&list=PLjw9pdSQ4sqt6xcHrBMHBG3nVamGLp3MK&index=8
 
Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 / Karajan · Berliner Philharmoniker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aDEq3u5huA
 
Gummy - You Are My Everything
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToASX6axGuw