Tripowin Piccolo
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TLDR version on YouTube: TDLR - Tripowin Piccolo
The Tripowin Piccolo were sent to me by Linsoul in exchange for the publication of this review. Linsoul have not requested anything specific and I will do my usual best to be as sincere and unbiased in my review as humanly possible.
You can find a non-affilate link to the Piccolo, via Linsoul, in the version of this review published on my blog (link at the end of this post).
To avoid being repetetive in my reviews, you can find all the info about how I create the reviews, equipment used, how I receive the products and how to interpret my reviews by visiting: About my reviews
Intro…
I have been putting off the Piccolo review for quite some time, mainly due to the fact that my last two reviews of Tripowin IEMs were not exactly positive, nor was my experience with them. However, it is only fair that I give them a try and, I have to say, they are quite a break from the last two models of theirs I tried.
The Piccolo are a budget set of IEMs, costing just over 30€ (in fact, at the time of putting together this review, they are on sale for less than 25€), that use a single 11mm dual cavity dynamic driver in each side. They are available in both silver and black, with the latter being the ones I received (in case you couldn’t see that in the photos
).
Presentation…
A white cardboard sleeve, with an image of the IEMs on the the front, along with the usual text etc., slides away to reveal a black box with the model in large white letters and some basic white circles.
The size of the box would suggest that we are going to receive much more inside that we actually do. Opening the box reveals the IEMs with their cable attached and a small plastic bag containing 3 sets of silicone tips.
While we could say that the Piccolo are rather short on accessories, we have to remember that these are an ultra-budget set of IEMs that cost 30€, so I really can’t find it in myself to complain. It’s true that other brands have spoiled us with content at similar prices but, even so, I still believe that the accessories should be way behind on the priorities list at this price.
Build and aesthetics…
The shells are a generic triangular type shape with rounded corners, in a matte black finish that has quite a texture to it. This makes them grippy and, while I personally haven’t found any discomfort, if the shells are large enough to touch your outer ear, then they may present an irritating sensation with use. The positive side is that they will not show fingerprints, no matter how many crisps (or potato chips for the US market) you eat before touching them.
The cable is another “nothing great but works” which is similar to the cables received with other Tripowin models. The included tips are also nothing special but the medium size worked ok for me and are what I have used for this review.
Sound…
All tracks mentioned are clickable links that allow you to open the reference track in the streaming service of your choice (YouTube, Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, etc.)
As I said a moment ago, the sound signature of the Piccolo are a break from the last two models Rhombus and Cencibel I tried, taking away the extreme harshness I found with said IEMs. While the sound signature of the Piccolo is still a bit of an acquired taste, I much prefer it to those mentioned and I can’t say that I didn’t enjoy the time I have spent with them, depending on the music.
Let’s start off with the usual look at the graph in comparison to my personal preference target for reference:
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And just so you can see what I am referring to, here are the Piccolo in comparison to the Rhombus and the Cencibel:
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So, starting off with the lowest of notes, there isn’t a huge presence of subbass but there is enough for my tastes. I did find that it was very easy for the seal to break with the stock tips and the subbass (and midbass) dropped off dramatically, which is to be expected. The thing I found unusual was how easily the good seal was lost. The positive side is that the change is so noticeable that there is no doubt about having them sealed correctly or not!
In the midbass range, there is a little bump in comparison to my usual preferences but I did find this worked well for the low end of electric guitars and bass guitars. The Piccolo are not overpowering in my usual “Crazy” test for midbass, with the lower notes staying nice and clean, avoiding the fatigue that I find many times with midbass.
I find that the low end of the Piccolo works well for a lot of the older Blues recordings that I like to listen to, giving the electric guitars a nice bit of warmth without pushing them into the muddy category. The same could be said for older rock tracks, such as “Whole Lotta Love”, where it gives the bass guitar a nice body and warmth, however, I did find that I was wanting more in the upper ranges with these kinds of tracks (which I will get to in a moment).
The mid range is nice and clean, with a nice separation between instruments and vocal layers. Nothing seems to get lost, due to the midbass being rather clean and the upper mids having enough to bring vocals and instruments forwards to be center stage when needed. Going back to “Crazy”, the vocals of Daniela Andrade are still clean and clear, without having to fight the reverb of the low end of the guitar. Acapellas such as “These Bones” show warmth and power in the bassier vocals, while still being clear enough in the higher ranged vocals.
As we move into the upper frequencies, this is where the Piccolo lacks some life in my opinion. Not for all music, as I said previously, things like older Blues recordings, where the upper ranges were a little harsh (and frequently hissed) are cleaned up nicely on the Piccolo, smoothing them out and giving them more warmth and body in their presentation.
However, tracks that have more percussion in the higher ranges, such as rock, or just more modern music in general that has more presence in the upper ranges can come across, to me at least, rather dull. Saying that, there are tracks, such as “Code Cool”, that still manage to have sibilance break through. This is a shame as it is just the peak that is exactly where Patricia Barber’s sibilance resides, making it even more apparent due to the rather smoothed treble that surrounds it.
Conclusion…
The Piccolo are not a bad set of budget IEMs, I just don’t find that they work for all kinds of music. I really enjoyed them with my older Blues sessions, yet didn’t enjoy them as much with more modern recordings.
Saying that, I would take the Piccolo many times over the Cencibel or Rhombus, as I find that the tuning is more enjoyable (with certain music) than that of the previous models, as it is tamed at both ends of the spectrum. It is just a shame that certain frequencies can still break through on occasions and produce a little bit of harshness.
To wrap up, I have to give credit to Linsoul here. They never request or make any comments on my reviews (they never have) and after the previous two reviews I published of Tripowin IEMs, I was sure that they would not send me any more from the brand. Companies (brands or stores) being open to criticism and not taking offense is something that I value highly and it is nice to see that Linsoul prove once again, at least to me, that they are one of those companies.
___
As always, this review is also available in Spanish, both on my blog (www.achoreviews.com) and on YouTube (www.youtube.com/achoreviews)
All FR measurements of IEMs can be viewed and compared on achoreviews.squig.link
All isolation measurements of IEMs can be found on achoreviews.squig.link/isolation
Introduction
Tripowin seems to be another relatively recent Chinese brand. They have their own website, but I can't find any history about the brand. They have several models to their credit, starting with the TC-01 model, followed by the HBB Mele (a collaboration with the ubiquitous Hawaian Bad Boy), all the way up to the current HBB Olina SE (yes, HBB again). They are not known for having very expensive models and the highest priced model is an open headphone model worth less than $200. This time, I got my hands on the new Tripowin Piccolo model, priced at $35. It comes in two colours: Silver and Black. The Silver version is shiny, polished and silver, of course. While the Black version is also metallic, but with a matte, rough, almost harsh finish. It has a dynamic driver with a third-generation LCP diaphragm, "subjected to intensive polymer sheet processing for crystallisation and cross-linking of the polymers, using a material similar to that used in Kevlar, resulting in excellent diaphragm responsiveness, lower overall harmonic distortion and elimination of treble harshness". They use a cable with high-purity OCC copper wires, with a 2Pin 0.78mm connection. Let's take a look at what these economy-range IEMS can do.
Specifications
Packaging
The Tripowin Piccolo comes in a small-medium sized, white box. Its dimensions are 139x96x40mm. It is covered with cellophane. On the main side there is a series of concentric circles whose black lines get thicker as they get closer to the centre. Above them is an actual photo of both capsules, in the same colour as inside. Above is the brand name, below left is the name of the model and a short description about it. At the bottom left is a logo indicating "High Quality In-Ear Monitor". On the back side, the concentric circles are repeated, although, this time, their centre is in the upper left corner. At the bottom is the name of the model, indicating that it has been designed by Tripowin and manufactured in China. Coincidentally, it is also marked "Apex CE Specialists Limited", located in Ireland and Manchester. This company and these details are the same as those on the model I reviewed last week: Kiwi Ears Quartet.
Removed from the outer carton, a black box with the grey concentric circles pattern on the top and the model name on the bottom in white is displayed. Underneath is a warranty card and a card certifying that it has passed quality control. The IEMS are fitted into a dark, custom-made mould. Above are the capsules, below is the cable with the silicone tips. In short, all they come with is the following:
There is no cloth bag, no zipped case, nothing more than the above. The bare minimum.
Construction and Design
The Tripowin Piccolo comes in two colours, Silver and Black. The model to be reviewed is Black. This model has a rather rough, dark matte coating, with a sandy finish, which is quite distinctive and visible. The size of the capsules is small to medium, but slightly thick. Their shape is a very rounded triangle. The outer face has wavy grooves, while in the centre there are three larger oval holes. The 2Pin 0.78mm connection is mounted on an oval piece that protrudes from the surface. Next to it you can read the brand name in white capital letters. On the small side there is a circular gold metal piece with a hole in the centre. On the inner side, near this piece, are the letters indicating the channel, in a circle and in white. The inner face has a crescent shape towards the nozzles and there is no protrusion on it. There is a small hole in the inner base of the nozzles. Finally, the nozzles are made of a different material, just like the golden part. They have 3 levels of diameter, the base of 6.5mm, the inside of 5.45mm and the rim of 6.1mm. Their length is 4.5mm and their interior is protected by a silver metallic grid.
It is heavy and has a rough, matte finish. It is not stated what material it is made of, but the weight suggests it is metallic.
The cable is of a slightly higher quality than the most basic cables. It consists of four coiled strands coated with black PVC. The connector sleeve is a small black cylinder, with the brand name in white letters. The connector is gold-plated and is 3.5mm SE. The splitter piece is another, smaller, black metal cylinder. The pin is a plastic ring with two holes in it through which the cable slides. The cables have over-ear guides made of semi-rigid transparent plastic. The sleeves of the 2Pin 0.78mm connectors are angled at 90°. The pins are inside an oval black plastic sleeve, they barely protrude. As I say, the quality of the cable isn't bad, it's not stiff and it doesn't coil up. Overall, though, it looks like a simple model.
Overall, the design of the capsules is not bad. I like the rough finish, while the outer face has a somewhat minimalistic, not to say puerile, design. I also like the shape, which is not too big. But I find the weight a little uncontrolled. The cable is simple and effective, nothing more. Although it has a 2Pin 0.78mm connection, the type of connection covered is not the one I prefer, because it limits the universality of this connection and you have to buy a suitable connector.
Adjustment and Ergonomics
The very rounded triangular shape, small-medium size, fits very well. The interior is clean, with no parts that rub against the ear. The nozzles have a good inclination and a size that could promise a medium insertion. The shape of the capsules fits well, firmly to the pinna and does not allow rotation. Despite their thickness, they do not protrude too far out of the ears and with the cable they are fairly well integrated into the anatomy. The problem is the weight, although it is not something that bothers if you get a good fit with tips that achieve a good occlusive and persistent seal. If this can be achieved, they would be suitable for everyday wear, use on public transport, even walking. With a little more movement, the weight could play a trick.
If an occlusive seal is achieved, the isolation becomes noticeable.
Sound
Profile
Again, the Tripowin Piccolo has a profile that is already familiar to me. I don't doubt that I like it and I have proved it with the reviews of the TKZK Ouranos (which are very similar) and the TinHiFi T2 DLC 2022. Again I repeat that this is not a neutral profile, but a balanced and homogeneous one. This time, the sub-bass end is softer and the bass is focused in its mid-range. The treble is also light and there is a relatively pronounced roll-off in its first part. I could repeat that this is a lowercase w-profile, with rounded bass, slightly excited mid-highs and more controlled treble. The emphasis on the upper-mid end gives it clarity, sparkle and liveliness, which is countered by the roll-off of the first treble.
Bass
Somehow, I don't sense darkness in the Tripowin Piccolo. The lower range is not dull either, and although it doesn't come with great power to the LFOs, it defends itself with good linearity up to 100Hz. It is true that the bass is excited in the mid-range and that the power is not very high (they are not bass heads), but they are capable of gaining a lot of power depending on the tips used, as well as the level of occlusion reached. In this way, the bass becomes more sensory with a good seal.
The behaviour is surprising in the pure tone test. It arrives very low with a sensitive, barely audible reproduction mix, being a quite accurate response for 20Hz. It improves as the frequencies go up, sounding natural and very little coloured. I must admit that the behaviour of the low frequency pure tones is superior to that of more expensive models. Excellent.
As a result, bass reproduction is realistic and natural. It is also technically competent, demonstrating very good speed for its price range. I could say that the technical bass capability, in relation to its price and rivals I've tested, is above B+. I hate to have to resort to the chicanery of a listless reviewer, but the Piccolo's bass is clearly superior, qualitatively speaking, to its price range. They have been tuned to have a good level of all-round power, without losing accuracy, concise punch or speed. They cope quite well with complex or saturated bass lines, being able to layer relatively well, albeit from a basic or simplistic resolution point of view. Nor can one expect superior resolving power in these critical passages, but they are defended with taste, depth, even naturalness, without falling into a representative and poorly generated vulgarity. On the contrary, the Tripowin Piccolo manage to surprise in adverse situations. And this is no easy task, where the more expensive IEMS have a hard time.
Mids
It is clear that my ears focus on female voices when I listen to the Piccolo. There is also a vivid sparkle resulting from the emphasis on the mid-highs. There is a mix of prominence between the cymbal flash and the female voices. It's something that can become fatiguing at some points, this level of interpretative duality. This fringe feels close, in the foreground, but also somewhat forced, losing naturalness by giving more importance to the details than to the base. True, the nuances come alive, but they sound more unrealistic in timbre, compressed in this closeness. Those details tend to be in focus, even without the full width to expose them all, they sound close and playable, even if their reproduction is not the most original or faithful. Female voices can feel a little sharp, abrupt, even intimidating, due to their proximity and higher-pitched tendency. I miss a little more delicacy and smoothness in their reproduction, as well as a little more control in their recreation.
The male voices also have a presence, but are somewhat more relaxed. A slight touch of warmth gives them a point of sweetness and musicality superior to their female counterparts and makes them more accurate and natural. Without a doubt, the tuning is more appropriate in the first half of the mids, being more adventurous in the second half. It is clear that this upper part brings benefits in terms of transparency, clarity, appreciation of definition and resolution. But it is true that, on this occasion, it is a forced zone to reach this end, although assuming a compromise, given the price level. The result is a more compressed upper-mid range, pushed towards the listener, while the lower-mid range is more realistic in both behaviour and timbre. The combination of the two parts can be eloquent, even polarised in result. But it is clear that if one is looking for an explicit representation, but without overstepping the boundaries, the listening experience these Piccolos expose is quite juicy, even enjoyable.
Treble
The sense of compression is most evident in the treble. The Piccolo's attempt to condense the high end is an initial flash. This implies a tendency to agglutinate the timbre in this first part. In this way, the treble sounds in a similar way, focused on one point. At first, they feel crisp and sparkling, also in the foreground, with evident energy and even penetrating, lacking in delicacy. But, they are also a little dry. The consequent droop hinders a more extended and realistic sonority. The energy they lose is not replaced by quality and they become more abrupt, abrupt, becoming sloppy, unpleasant in those critical compositions in the upper zone. On this occasion, that control zone has not been well recreated and has become a condensed, clipped and somewhat denatured sparkle.
Soundstage, Separation
In a sound that has close and frontal planes, the scene is not very deep, as it is difficult to layer the sound. The bass does a good job of trying to widen the scene and gain distance. But the mid-highs and highs bring the listener closer to instruments, female voices and details. The music becomes splashy and the nuances sprout somewhat forced, although, there they are, when in other IEMS they don't appear. Laterality is average and there is not much height to be glimpsed. The sound is not diffuse, there is a good level of definition and resolution, although there is not much air or separation. Nor is there a three-dimensional or immersive feel. But you can't ask much from IEMS in this price range. Without a doubt, the best assets are the level of detail and definition, even if it is a bit forced and sought after.
Comparisons
TKZK Ouranos
It is true that the TKZK Ouranos cost $55, $20 more than the Tripowin Piccolo. But I think they are a refined version of the ones I am now reviewing. The Ouranos come with a few more accessories and a slightly superior cable, although I don't like the handling much. In terms of construction, the Ouranos are made of resin, while the Piccolo are made of metal. The Ouranos are very comfortable and weigh very little. Their integration in my ears is quite complete. The Piccolo are comfortable but their heavier weight is noticeable, as well as their more floating and not so anchored insertion.
In terms of sound, the Piccolo move more easily. A quick switch between them demonstrates the Ouranos' musical smoothness, their greater refinement, even if it is somewhat darker. Certainly, this is a clear sign that frequency responses can be deceiving: the Ouranos may seem to have a more excited, sharper mid-high end. But this is not the case, they are clearly smoother and more controlled in the mids and highs. True, they need some power to shine, relative to the Piccolo, but therein lies the control and musicality of their ensemble.
In a direct battle, the bass quality of the Piccolo's is surprising, as well as their precise, concise and marked punch. They are also tighter than the Ouranos. The TKZKs are slightly rubberier, also deeper and darker. Their texture is more noticeable, rougher and more pleasing to the ears, providing that characteristic tingle that is so appealing. The Piccolo's bass is faster, with less bite and energy. There is a little brighter colouring in their punch, which gives them a slightly more synthetic timbre. But, I insist on the quality of the Tripowin's bass.
In the middle zone things change. The quality of the Piccolo is decreasing. Their mids are explicit, exposed, feel in the foreground, with less delicacy and control. There is a forced definition through the clarity of their high-mids and highs, something that is not present in the Ouranos. Whereas the TKZKs are smoother and more musical, with a better blend of voices, instruments and details, more harmonious and balanced. There is more body, volume and scene in the Ouranos. Their more relaxed exposition broadens the scene, making it more fluid, three-dimensional and ethereal. There is more flatness, layering and laterality in the TKZK, their more expansive sound contrasting with the foreground music of the Piccolo. It's clear that the detail is apparent in the Tripowin, but the compression of their sound has an impact on the treble. The Ouranos are an example of similar tuning in the high range, but better resolved, with better control, timbre and smoothness.
No one should be surprised, in my opinion, the TKZK Ouranos are very good for their price. I like their tuning, although I know that many others like a different tuning. The Tripowin Piccolo have a similar curve and that justifies their comparison, especially because control, smoothness and other intangibles are not reflected in these graphs. But, it's commendable the quality you can get for $35, although it's a pity that their midrange and treble profile is not more controlled.
Conclusion
The Tripowin Piccolo are a set of IEMS that belong to an affordable price range. They are not the cheapest and that is why their quality is not basic, but remarkable. It is true that in all price ranges there is a lot of competition. But technology is advancing in favour of all segments, to improve the price/performance ratio, as far as sound is concerned. The Piccolo is a paradigm of good, solid construction, good design, remarkable ergonomics and better sound. Its tapered W-profile is homogeneous in its curve. It has a very good bass, with exposed midrange and treble. Its sound is presented in the foreground, with shimmering and close details. It concentrates a good level of explicitness, but it is a little overbearing, offering a more compressed presentation in depth, which can be overdone. On the other hand, achieving this amount of detail and explicitness is not easy at this price point. All of this, coupled with the excellent bass quality, puts its direct competition to shame. Those looking for an energetic, unabashed, powerful and close sound will find the Tripowin Piccolo to be a perfect everyday companion.
Sources Used During the Analysis
Purchase Link
You can read the full review in Spanish here
Tripowin seems to be another relatively recent Chinese brand. They have their own website, but I can't find any history about the brand. They have several models to their credit, starting with the TC-01 model, followed by the HBB Mele (a collaboration with the ubiquitous Hawaian Bad Boy), all the way up to the current HBB Olina SE (yes, HBB again). They are not known for having very expensive models and the highest priced model is an open headphone model worth less than $200. This time, I got my hands on the new Tripowin Piccolo model, priced at $35. It comes in two colours: Silver and Black. The Silver version is shiny, polished and silver, of course. While the Black version is also metallic, but with a matte, rough, almost harsh finish. It has a dynamic driver with a third-generation LCP diaphragm, "subjected to intensive polymer sheet processing for crystallisation and cross-linking of the polymers, using a material similar to that used in Kevlar, resulting in excellent diaphragm responsiveness, lower overall harmonic distortion and elimination of treble harshness". They use a cable with high-purity OCC copper wires, with a 2Pin 0.78mm connection. Let's take a look at what these economy-range IEMS can do.
Specifications
- Driver Type: 11mm dual-cavity dynamic with third-generation LCP diaphragm.
- Sensitivity: 110dB±3dB
- Impedance: 32Ω±10%.
- Jack Connector: SE 3.5mm
- Capsule Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm
- Cable: OCC high purity copper wire cable.
- Cable length: 1.2±5%.
Packaging
The Tripowin Piccolo comes in a small-medium sized, white box. Its dimensions are 139x96x40mm. It is covered with cellophane. On the main side there is a series of concentric circles whose black lines get thicker as they get closer to the centre. Above them is an actual photo of both capsules, in the same colour as inside. Above is the brand name, below left is the name of the model and a short description about it. At the bottom left is a logo indicating "High Quality In-Ear Monitor". On the back side, the concentric circles are repeated, although, this time, their centre is in the upper left corner. At the bottom is the name of the model, indicating that it has been designed by Tripowin and manufactured in China. Coincidentally, it is also marked "Apex CE Specialists Limited", located in Ireland and Manchester. This company and these details are the same as those on the model I reviewed last week: Kiwi Ears Quartet.
Removed from the outer carton, a black box with the grey concentric circles pattern on the top and the model name on the bottom in white is displayed. Underneath is a warranty card and a card certifying that it has passed quality control. The IEMS are fitted into a dark, custom-made mould. Above are the capsules, below is the cable with the silicone tips. In short, all they come with is the following:
- The two capsules.
- One OCC high purity copper wire cable.
- Warranty card.
- Quality control card.
- 3 pairs of black silicone tips, sizes SxMsL.
There is no cloth bag, no zipped case, nothing more than the above. The bare minimum.
Construction and Design
The Tripowin Piccolo comes in two colours, Silver and Black. The model to be reviewed is Black. This model has a rather rough, dark matte coating, with a sandy finish, which is quite distinctive and visible. The size of the capsules is small to medium, but slightly thick. Their shape is a very rounded triangle. The outer face has wavy grooves, while in the centre there are three larger oval holes. The 2Pin 0.78mm connection is mounted on an oval piece that protrudes from the surface. Next to it you can read the brand name in white capital letters. On the small side there is a circular gold metal piece with a hole in the centre. On the inner side, near this piece, are the letters indicating the channel, in a circle and in white. The inner face has a crescent shape towards the nozzles and there is no protrusion on it. There is a small hole in the inner base of the nozzles. Finally, the nozzles are made of a different material, just like the golden part. They have 3 levels of diameter, the base of 6.5mm, the inside of 5.45mm and the rim of 6.1mm. Their length is 4.5mm and their interior is protected by a silver metallic grid.
It is heavy and has a rough, matte finish. It is not stated what material it is made of, but the weight suggests it is metallic.
The cable is of a slightly higher quality than the most basic cables. It consists of four coiled strands coated with black PVC. The connector sleeve is a small black cylinder, with the brand name in white letters. The connector is gold-plated and is 3.5mm SE. The splitter piece is another, smaller, black metal cylinder. The pin is a plastic ring with two holes in it through which the cable slides. The cables have over-ear guides made of semi-rigid transparent plastic. The sleeves of the 2Pin 0.78mm connectors are angled at 90°. The pins are inside an oval black plastic sleeve, they barely protrude. As I say, the quality of the cable isn't bad, it's not stiff and it doesn't coil up. Overall, though, it looks like a simple model.
Overall, the design of the capsules is not bad. I like the rough finish, while the outer face has a somewhat minimalistic, not to say puerile, design. I also like the shape, which is not too big. But I find the weight a little uncontrolled. The cable is simple and effective, nothing more. Although it has a 2Pin 0.78mm connection, the type of connection covered is not the one I prefer, because it limits the universality of this connection and you have to buy a suitable connector.
Adjustment and Ergonomics
The very rounded triangular shape, small-medium size, fits very well. The interior is clean, with no parts that rub against the ear. The nozzles have a good inclination and a size that could promise a medium insertion. The shape of the capsules fits well, firmly to the pinna and does not allow rotation. Despite their thickness, they do not protrude too far out of the ears and with the cable they are fairly well integrated into the anatomy. The problem is the weight, although it is not something that bothers if you get a good fit with tips that achieve a good occlusive and persistent seal. If this can be achieved, they would be suitable for everyday wear, use on public transport, even walking. With a little more movement, the weight could play a trick.
If an occlusive seal is achieved, the isolation becomes noticeable.
Sound
Profile
Again, the Tripowin Piccolo has a profile that is already familiar to me. I don't doubt that I like it and I have proved it with the reviews of the TKZK Ouranos (which are very similar) and the TinHiFi T2 DLC 2022. Again I repeat that this is not a neutral profile, but a balanced and homogeneous one. This time, the sub-bass end is softer and the bass is focused in its mid-range. The treble is also light and there is a relatively pronounced roll-off in its first part. I could repeat that this is a lowercase w-profile, with rounded bass, slightly excited mid-highs and more controlled treble. The emphasis on the upper-mid end gives it clarity, sparkle and liveliness, which is countered by the roll-off of the first treble.
Bass
Somehow, I don't sense darkness in the Tripowin Piccolo. The lower range is not dull either, and although it doesn't come with great power to the LFOs, it defends itself with good linearity up to 100Hz. It is true that the bass is excited in the mid-range and that the power is not very high (they are not bass heads), but they are capable of gaining a lot of power depending on the tips used, as well as the level of occlusion reached. In this way, the bass becomes more sensory with a good seal.
The behaviour is surprising in the pure tone test. It arrives very low with a sensitive, barely audible reproduction mix, being a quite accurate response for 20Hz. It improves as the frequencies go up, sounding natural and very little coloured. I must admit that the behaviour of the low frequency pure tones is superior to that of more expensive models. Excellent.
As a result, bass reproduction is realistic and natural. It is also technically competent, demonstrating very good speed for its price range. I could say that the technical bass capability, in relation to its price and rivals I've tested, is above B+. I hate to have to resort to the chicanery of a listless reviewer, but the Piccolo's bass is clearly superior, qualitatively speaking, to its price range. They have been tuned to have a good level of all-round power, without losing accuracy, concise punch or speed. They cope quite well with complex or saturated bass lines, being able to layer relatively well, albeit from a basic or simplistic resolution point of view. Nor can one expect superior resolving power in these critical passages, but they are defended with taste, depth, even naturalness, without falling into a representative and poorly generated vulgarity. On the contrary, the Tripowin Piccolo manage to surprise in adverse situations. And this is no easy task, where the more expensive IEMS have a hard time.
Mids
It is clear that my ears focus on female voices when I listen to the Piccolo. There is also a vivid sparkle resulting from the emphasis on the mid-highs. There is a mix of prominence between the cymbal flash and the female voices. It's something that can become fatiguing at some points, this level of interpretative duality. This fringe feels close, in the foreground, but also somewhat forced, losing naturalness by giving more importance to the details than to the base. True, the nuances come alive, but they sound more unrealistic in timbre, compressed in this closeness. Those details tend to be in focus, even without the full width to expose them all, they sound close and playable, even if their reproduction is not the most original or faithful. Female voices can feel a little sharp, abrupt, even intimidating, due to their proximity and higher-pitched tendency. I miss a little more delicacy and smoothness in their reproduction, as well as a little more control in their recreation.
The male voices also have a presence, but are somewhat more relaxed. A slight touch of warmth gives them a point of sweetness and musicality superior to their female counterparts and makes them more accurate and natural. Without a doubt, the tuning is more appropriate in the first half of the mids, being more adventurous in the second half. It is clear that this upper part brings benefits in terms of transparency, clarity, appreciation of definition and resolution. But it is true that, on this occasion, it is a forced zone to reach this end, although assuming a compromise, given the price level. The result is a more compressed upper-mid range, pushed towards the listener, while the lower-mid range is more realistic in both behaviour and timbre. The combination of the two parts can be eloquent, even polarised in result. But it is clear that if one is looking for an explicit representation, but without overstepping the boundaries, the listening experience these Piccolos expose is quite juicy, even enjoyable.
Treble
The sense of compression is most evident in the treble. The Piccolo's attempt to condense the high end is an initial flash. This implies a tendency to agglutinate the timbre in this first part. In this way, the treble sounds in a similar way, focused on one point. At first, they feel crisp and sparkling, also in the foreground, with evident energy and even penetrating, lacking in delicacy. But, they are also a little dry. The consequent droop hinders a more extended and realistic sonority. The energy they lose is not replaced by quality and they become more abrupt, abrupt, becoming sloppy, unpleasant in those critical compositions in the upper zone. On this occasion, that control zone has not been well recreated and has become a condensed, clipped and somewhat denatured sparkle.
Soundstage, Separation
In a sound that has close and frontal planes, the scene is not very deep, as it is difficult to layer the sound. The bass does a good job of trying to widen the scene and gain distance. But the mid-highs and highs bring the listener closer to instruments, female voices and details. The music becomes splashy and the nuances sprout somewhat forced, although, there they are, when in other IEMS they don't appear. Laterality is average and there is not much height to be glimpsed. The sound is not diffuse, there is a good level of definition and resolution, although there is not much air or separation. Nor is there a three-dimensional or immersive feel. But you can't ask much from IEMS in this price range. Without a doubt, the best assets are the level of detail and definition, even if it is a bit forced and sought after.
Comparisons
TKZK Ouranos
It is true that the TKZK Ouranos cost $55, $20 more than the Tripowin Piccolo. But I think they are a refined version of the ones I am now reviewing. The Ouranos come with a few more accessories and a slightly superior cable, although I don't like the handling much. In terms of construction, the Ouranos are made of resin, while the Piccolo are made of metal. The Ouranos are very comfortable and weigh very little. Their integration in my ears is quite complete. The Piccolo are comfortable but their heavier weight is noticeable, as well as their more floating and not so anchored insertion.
In terms of sound, the Piccolo move more easily. A quick switch between them demonstrates the Ouranos' musical smoothness, their greater refinement, even if it is somewhat darker. Certainly, this is a clear sign that frequency responses can be deceiving: the Ouranos may seem to have a more excited, sharper mid-high end. But this is not the case, they are clearly smoother and more controlled in the mids and highs. True, they need some power to shine, relative to the Piccolo, but therein lies the control and musicality of their ensemble.
In a direct battle, the bass quality of the Piccolo's is surprising, as well as their precise, concise and marked punch. They are also tighter than the Ouranos. The TKZKs are slightly rubberier, also deeper and darker. Their texture is more noticeable, rougher and more pleasing to the ears, providing that characteristic tingle that is so appealing. The Piccolo's bass is faster, with less bite and energy. There is a little brighter colouring in their punch, which gives them a slightly more synthetic timbre. But, I insist on the quality of the Tripowin's bass.
In the middle zone things change. The quality of the Piccolo is decreasing. Their mids are explicit, exposed, feel in the foreground, with less delicacy and control. There is a forced definition through the clarity of their high-mids and highs, something that is not present in the Ouranos. Whereas the TKZKs are smoother and more musical, with a better blend of voices, instruments and details, more harmonious and balanced. There is more body, volume and scene in the Ouranos. Their more relaxed exposition broadens the scene, making it more fluid, three-dimensional and ethereal. There is more flatness, layering and laterality in the TKZK, their more expansive sound contrasting with the foreground music of the Piccolo. It's clear that the detail is apparent in the Tripowin, but the compression of their sound has an impact on the treble. The Ouranos are an example of similar tuning in the high range, but better resolved, with better control, timbre and smoothness.
No one should be surprised, in my opinion, the TKZK Ouranos are very good for their price. I like their tuning, although I know that many others like a different tuning. The Tripowin Piccolo have a similar curve and that justifies their comparison, especially because control, smoothness and other intangibles are not reflected in these graphs. But, it's commendable the quality you can get for $35, although it's a pity that their midrange and treble profile is not more controlled.
Conclusion
The Tripowin Piccolo are a set of IEMS that belong to an affordable price range. They are not the cheapest and that is why their quality is not basic, but remarkable. It is true that in all price ranges there is a lot of competition. But technology is advancing in favour of all segments, to improve the price/performance ratio, as far as sound is concerned. The Piccolo is a paradigm of good, solid construction, good design, remarkable ergonomics and better sound. Its tapered W-profile is homogeneous in its curve. It has a very good bass, with exposed midrange and treble. Its sound is presented in the foreground, with shimmering and close details. It concentrates a good level of explicitness, but it is a little overbearing, offering a more compressed presentation in depth, which can be overdone. On the other hand, achieving this amount of detail and explicitness is not easy at this price point. All of this, coupled with the excellent bass quality, puts its direct competition to shame. Those looking for an energetic, unabashed, powerful and close sound will find the Tripowin Piccolo to be a perfect everyday companion.
Sources Used During the Analysis
- Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + EarMen ST-Amp.
- Aune M1P.
- Tempotec March III.
- Burson Audio Playmate II.
Linsoul Audio Store, offered me this model, in exchange for writing an honest review. I want to make it clear that all my opinions written in this review have not been conditioned by this fact, nor will I ever write anything that I do not really think or feel here. I will only write about my personal opinion in relation to the revised product.
Purchase Link
You can read the full review in Spanish here
Tripowin Piccolo
$35.00
https://www.linsoul.com/collections/all/products/tripowin-piccolo?variant=43855443329241
I kinda can see where this is going. New Chinese audio manufacturers in the future!
Loop-O-Plane
Disk'O
Rock-O-Plane
Roll-O-Plane
Tilt-A-Whirl
Tripowin,Tripowin,Tripowin, the name is still strange and regardless of it’s time in existence, I still don’t know what the meaning is? To me it sounds like an amusement park ride, like it could even be spelled as Trip-o-win…….simply fun. Today we are investigating the latest out-put from them. As a whole there have been many, starting with the TC-01 I reviewed back in 2021. Literally when the box came it was the very first Tripowin in my existence......and I did the first Tripowin review at Head-Fi. The TC-01 is also single dynamic driver for which I totally loved, to me it was better than everything in its price category, from the few that I had heard. And even now, we are going up against BLON as the heavy weight contender in the budget realm. As much as times change, they also stay the same. What does budget mean exactly? To me it means two things, one it means sound quality for a value, and two, really centers around the price being on the low side. Budget means great sound for cheap. Romantically it means you can find an IEM that has better than average sound for a less than average price. This in itself means you may actually use it more, taking it to places that you would normally not take an expensive IEM. Places like work, or trips……maybe Trip-o-win actually does have a meaning? I took this IEM out on a trip and it was win-win.
Today we are investigating the Piccolo, coming in at $35.00 its dead center in the budget realm. But I have to say I’ve never seen a design like it. The faceplate looks like waves, or a rock formation somehow in perfect symmetry? I mean I understand the function, where you are to find grip and texture to get correct placement in your ears. Also it comes in a bright chrome which looks as you would expect, totally opposite of our flat-black. As far as build we are offered two vents in the back-side, with one mounted into a gold bracket which sits very spectacularly letting only so much air-pressure escape or in. Such a fascinating device means we are dealing with carefully orchestrated measurements. And looking at the picture, it sits in the exact middle ground framing the faceplate “groove” activity forming an abstract scientific apparatus? Such aesthetics become a strange mixture of manmade and almost natural formations……becoming the strangest (looking) IEM I have ever reviewed….and I see a lot of them things. This look is maybe unique as far as marketing goes, everyone makes a smooth black or silver shell. They are attempting to get recognition, as what’s the point of garnering attention if you look like everyone else? So even though wild looking, like a sea creature or an alien egg, I’m OK with the look and feel, as I understand they are attempting to create something which is cutting edge and challenges our understanding of what an IEM is shaped like. Does the Piccolo still look a little creepy to me, even after all this validation of intent? You bet, but it sounds the best of the three we are comparing, so that makes up for it. You already know how this stuff goes, strange look, strange sound=trash, strange look, great sound……a keeper. Yep, funny how that goes, where you start guessing the shape and look somehow contribute in ways we don’t understand into getting the sound to sound just right! One thing for sure is if you saw these in use out in public, you wouldn’t forget them, as they look like no other.
Build:
Coming-in at 9 grams a piece, such weight is neither heavy or low-weight, but comes in as medium heavy. Such weight is a fact of life counter-acting against any unwanted resonances. You see every IEM emits to its build, often with aluminum sounding brighter and of a higher vibrational rate, and medical grade resin showing a more forgiving demeanor, then wood being a whole different thing. Obviously the resonate chamber has more traits than just the material used, but you can get the idea. In fact here we are gifted with a specific clean sound that is endearing to say the least. An aluminum nozzle goes to become a secondary add-on along with the pressure port. Such metal creating a two piece design, three pieces if you add the nozzle and four complete pieces if you add the pressure port. Finally a 5th piece is encountered with the use if a qdc exterior 2Pin cable mount.
Inside sports a 11mm full-range LCP dynamic driver. Such an invention holds and amazing complete and full-frequency response, with gaining just enough air and resonance into such a chamber, more on that in the sound analysis section. The second air-vent is found directly under the nozzle, as shown in pictures here. While thicker than the BLON X HBB Z300 and way, way bigger than the SIMGOT EW100P, the Piccolo fit me the very best. Seemingly a better air-tight fit (than the other two) and siting more isolating inside the ear. To be truthful really the two, BLON X HBB Z300 and Piccolo seem to fit close to the same, with the SIMGOT EW100P seemingly just barely getting fit due to short nozzle syndrome, but then fit perfect with longer ear-tips..........perfect. The difference in weight between the HBB at 12 grams a piece and the Piccolo coming in at an almost normal 9 grams, is a fully noticeable difference, adding to fit. The SIMGOT EW100P coming in at a stealthy 3 grams a piece,1/4th the weight of the BLON X HBB!
Shown from left to right the Triptowin Piccolo, the SIMGOT EW100P and BLON X HBB Z300.
1) Triptowin Piccolo Cable black
2) SIMGOT EW100P silver/gray
3) BLON X HBB Z300 copper
Cable:
Ha, at first I was going to try and somehow get the Piccolo cable to look more normal? Then after 18 days out of the box, I thought I should at least try and take a picture of the Piccolo IEMs joined-up to the cable? Thinking we may have some progress here, I coiled the cable and tried to set it into a formation, with still a section of the cable going squirrelly on me. That’s when it dawned on me to simply show the cable next to the others and let it be what it is. While when not coiled-up it actually performs normal, it just doesn’t like coils. Somehow the twisted formation fights a coil, yet it really isn’t as bad as it looks to be in regular use. qdc style 2Pin mounts hold a bend into comfortable cable guides. A downplayed metal spitter and 3.5mm plug add to the ergonomics. There is even a real working chin slider that works. The cable comes with very little cable noise and goes where you ask it to, despite how it looks in the photographs. As far as cable actions, I would rather show this cable how it looks, and have it become better in use for buyers, than show it looking (formed) into place, in a way it never is.
The box opening experience:
Really quite simple with one pair of tips being on the IEMs and 2 more pairs in a plastic bag. You get a warranty stamp included and an instruction manual. That is it!
The sound:
A more forward and vibrant sound than the Z300, a bigger more developed stage and while owning a slight brashness to the texture, it is a full-on entertaining experience. Not as smooth as the prior Triptowin TC-01 I reviewed back in January 2021, the Piccolo is showing a cleaner and faster response. One revelation in sound was attempting to put the silky Z300 cable on the Piccolo. Lol And while the 2Pins don’t really work as they don’t stick out quite far enough except for a short test, the end results were truly getting somewhere. Especially that in-fact this sound actually was held back by the black included cable. Finally accessing 4.4mm with a simple $49.00 aftermarket cable brought the sound up to a whole new level. Showcasing the true potential found inside the Piccolo! To get an idea as to sound, it’s much like the $79.00 SIMGOT EA500! Only more subdued in the treble region, but not by much, meaning the joy here is that imaging into the soundstage and walking that line with a slightly less detailed but similar EA500 sound. In fact anyone who is a fan of the SIMGOT EA500 and wanted another slightly smoother rendition at a better price could do themselves a favor trying this Piccolo out!
The EA500 purchase location:
https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-ea500
My EA500 review:
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/simgot-ea500.26361/reviews#review-30453
Treble:
While being smooth there is a lift in the at the 13kHz mark. Really don’t spend too much time looking at the graph as the response is way more together and uniform than you would ever guess by this graph. But the bass shown graphically is a good approximation into the personality, yet even that doesn’t quite get to the showing of overall balance to be found. The best part is the harmonically rich outer expansions found in the upper midrange/lower treble, directly at 4.5kHz, showing a style of clarity and imaging that goes to ask the listener for center stage! And while not as separated as found in BA Hybrids there is a correct timbre that makes it a value. The other treat is the connectedness that can be found with single DDs springing forth and showing their charms. All is one so to speak! I hate to say this but gone is that slight recession which creates the slight off-tone found at times with the BLON X HBB Z300. Yep, this becomes a more straight-forward style of mid-forward listen which in-the-end become more complete? IMO?
Midrange:
Not everything of course but quite enjoyable for the money. Its difference here is the Piccolo comes off more well rounded sonically than many IEMs out there. Doing so much right by adhering to the finite balance that can be arrived at with a good frequency range. With-in such displays we are gifted with natural tone and special realism that just makes this playback work. It works for me anyway? Because the bass is cleaner than the Z300, we are offered up a more forward midrange section, going full-tilt to simply showcase the goings-on. An even, correct and complete midrange, which of course makes this my winner out of the three test units today! Yep, better vocals than any tested, both male and female!
Bass:
Cleaner than the Z300, offering-up a straight-forward texture not clouded by excess. Thus you draw the covers back and see the body of the bass for what it is. Clarity in reverberation, clearer in pace than the Z300 ever hoped to be. Get out your EDM and prepare to be satisfied. Marvelous warm textured sequences of talent, the goods so to speak. Yep, technically better bass than you may guess at this price point. Like I said earlier this is the mini SIMGOT EA500, so imagine that bass only slightly trimmed-up and not quite as contrasty. And while this goes well with most genres of music, you can totally notice how the Piccolo doesn’t enhance poorly recorded music, leaving what is to be found, just like it is. In my listening I have an album with an extra track added on at the end, and while interesting, when it would come on I would realize the sound quality wasn’t up to par with the rest of the album. And of course the Piccolo will go ahead and make that difference known.
Conclusion:
The winner of the battle here. That is right, who would have known when looking at the outside, or even studying other reviewer opinions? Yet the proof is in the try-out as that is the only way to really know.
Target curves:
Did you know I have never given an exact target curve like many reviewers. Offering a personal target curve is a great form of marketing. Yep, people lost in the ocean of frequency ranges need a mentor, a vision as to what is good and finding a reviewer who likes the same response as you gets the reader one step closer to figuring out the riddle. All that is true, and while often collaborations offer the house sound of a reviewer, often they are both good and bad, one IEM a success and one maybe a lackluster success? How's that? Because IEM replay is more than simple frequency response, that's why. But more than that have you ever guessed you would fall in love in more than one frequency range response? Why is that? Part of it we just don't know, and in a way it doesn't matter. It does matter if you are trying to save time and effort (and money) by not going ahead and buying the wrong target response. For any of us that have done this for years, we know a demo is needed. Now that doesn't mean that you can't find success in knowing someone who has the same affinity to the same headphones as you, because obviously you can. It also doesn't mean you should avoid graphs or your favorite reviewers graphs, as graphs are tools to success. It's just graphs aren't everything and have never been purported as such. And the most fascinating phenomena occurs when you do it all in reverse. Yep, find an IEM your in-love with and try and learn why. Maybe it will be shown in a graph, maybe not. The reasons for this may have to do partially with frequency balance, as graphs often do go about delineating balance in the three bands. But more than that there can be a replay of realism in the timbre which is somehow localized and showcased bringing the listener closer to the musical message, possibly left out of the members target curve or the graphical response obtained. That or maybe you don't have a target curve, but think you do because you have been told you need one. I say all this because I am consistently amazed how little I know.
Piccolo
That a budget IEM can come along and show me how it's done, that an IEM like the Piccolo does so many things right, but looks like many others graphically. That this is actually a business of super small values and details. That not all the details can be recorded on paper or even talked about clearly. That a demo is needed to discover truly what is up in the end. Of course when success is reached by a few, that leads way for the same success to be reached by others. This is because this game, this IEM game is both a science and an art. When values are adhered to and formulas are introduced as fact, progress takes place. Such progress can be witness by many, that's what reviews are for, a simple sharing of success. But more than that maybe deep down there is a few target curves that work, I mean we often we can guess when an IEM is not going to work out before hand......just by looking at a graph. Except what happens with the opposite, I mean what happens when the IEM is a multitude of times better than we could have ever guessed, what's with that? Probably the 11mm driver was worked-out so that an even, complete and correct response was obtained. Then it was placed inside a resonance chamber that coalesced that response and absorbed unwanted reverberations to gain clarity. And while the included cable is nice, my most fun with this review was discovering the scalability the Piccolo held. Add a 4.4mm balanced connection, add an upgraded cable and the Piccolo actually goes somewhere. Even a $49.00 cable at times will make the Piccolo jump to a new and more transparent place! Now normally all this would be of little consequence, as come-on it's a $35.00 IEM? Except that's the deal..........when a budget IEM performs like this it's the inspiration for a review. It makes-up for all those just-ok IEM ideas as to sound replay.......and has me ask myself a serious question. Does Redcarmoose truly have a target curve anyway? If so would this be it? I don't know, though I do know one thing. Hearing this IEM made me a believer in Triptowin. It's not that the tune is so very unique or anything, except there is just enough spice in the mids, just enough fire in the treble and a careful sculpturing in the bass that moves this whole shebang forward, more forward into a formalistic idea of just how to offer an IEM. I know I sound maybe ridiculous with such a statement about a $35.00 IEM, I mean how can something so value priced sound so good?
$35.00
https://www.linsoul.com/collections/all/products/tripowin-piccolo?variant=43855443329241
Technical Details
Tripowin Piccolo
DRIVERS
11mm Dual-Cavity LCP Dynamic Driver
SENSITIVITY 110dB±3dB
IMPEDANCE 32 Ω±10%
CONNECTOR 0.78mm 2pin
CABLE PLUG 3.5mm
CABLE High Purity Detachable 2-Pin Cable
CABLE LENGTH 1.2m±5%
Linsoul website: https://www.linsoul.com/
Linsoul Aliexpress Store: https://ddaudio.aliexpress.com/store/2894006
Linsoul USA Amazon Store link: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=merchant-items&me=A267P2DT104U3C
Disclaimer:
I want to thank Kareena of Linsoul for the love and the Triptowin Piccolo Universal IEM review sample.
Disclaimer:
These are one persons ideas and concepts, your results may vary.
Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 3.5mm and 4.4mm
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 3.5mm and 4.4mm
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
Shanling UA3 Dongle DAC/Amplifier 3.5mm and 4.4m
Samsung Android Smartphone 3.5mm output
One final comparison wrap-up!
Since I'm on the subject of sound comparisons between the four, I've saved the very best for last. You see many perspectives may suggest an over-all win for the $35.00 Triptowin Piccolo over the ($19.99 original priced) 7Hz Salnotes Zero, if you never heard of the Zero before? Except the 7Hz Zero is in-fact famous. Yep, the true performer at a budget, slaying others in its path. Why? Balance is one reason, except the Zero is really maybe almost all midrange? Whatever the reason, the Zero puts out an even and complete idea of quite possibly the ultimate midrange. Just a beautiful spacious warm and inviting midrange. And in so many ways it ends up the complement to the Triptowin Piccolo. Why? Where the Triptowin Piccolo has better more sculpted bass, the Zero almost lacks in that department. While both the Zero and Triptowin Piccolo benefit from 4.4mm balanced power even over a simple phone.......both IEMs also wake-up to improved cable uses, even showing excellent benefits from a $149.00 cable additive, just like a true audiophile IEM should do. But the Zero doesn't offer quite the treble of the Piccolo either, the Zero performs this rolled-off smoother idea of treble notes. Yet in so many ways they are equal in success, both fit fine and both have my vote for greatness! Yet probably the 7Hz Zero edges its way ahead of everything. Yep, sound signatures can be that way, even being perceived as better while not being as complete. Oh and the other two.......the BLON X HBB Z300 and SIMGOT EW100P? The BLON comes out almost equal to the Piccolo as both offer a great tone, with the midrange of the Piccolo a little more forward and expanded upon. The Bass of the Piccolo is fully more detailed and textured as a faster more agile bass performer could do. Where the BLON X HBB Z300 offers a slower more excessive style of L shape response that you kinda have to really be after to appreciate. There is nothing wrong with it, accept it's funny how Rock tracks seem to have pace issues, where with the Piccolo we have none? Maybe I'm simply in love with the Piccolo, who knows? Oh.....and the SIMGOT EW100P? The SIMGOT EW100P ends-up holding-up the rear. Yep, while offering a version of the 2016 Harman curve the EW100P still doesn't offer as much bass needed to counteract the upper midrange intensity. Yep, such an off balance is also enhanced by a lacking 6kHz to 7kHz anti-sibilance dip, which means its always an issue no matter what source or ear-tips, with any choice of music too. Where the Piccolo comes as a breath of fresh-air seemingly doing very little wrong and a grocery-bag of stuff right! Take a chance on finding one of the true 2023 winners in IEM payback today, at $35.00 you have very little to lose, and a lot of potential win-win.
Redcarmoose
Well, I can’t figure out a reason why you wouldn’t like them? Let me know how they work-out. Cheers.
DemolitionMan
Aaaarrrrrgg or Yea!? Already have the Truthear Hola, another 11mm DD LCP that's said sounds almost identical and graphs similar to Piccolo. At 12:00 COMPARISONS WITH OTHER IEM
Review OF The Tripowin Piccolo
Introduction
One company, Chinese brand that comes to mind when it comes to high-quality audio products—whether they are IEMs or cables—at reasonable prices is Tripowin. They have pushed themselves into a variety of audiophile market segments, whether it be IEMs, Cables, or Headphones, and they continue to maintain their position in the industry. Particularly when it comes to their quest for sound euphoria through IEMs or their budget-friendly cables. Additionally, Mele and Olina SE have worked with YouTuber/reviewer Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews on a number of projects. They recently released the Piccolo IEM, a single dynamic driver IEM, which I will be reviewing today. But before going any further, let me clarify a few things.
Disclaimer
*Since this unit was organised by the kindly people at Linsoul, I am grateful to them. And as I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as "Piccolo."
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Piccolo based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.
Specification
The third generation LCP diaphragm is used in Piccolo, a single dynamic driver IEM. 11mm dual cavity LCP dynamic driver serves as the driver. Heavy metal, which appears to be stainless steel, is used to make the shells. The shells are of high quality and are quite heavy. A pattern is embossed on the faceplate. I didn't experience any fatigue while wearing the IEMs, and they easily fit inside my ears, though I did need to use different eartips to make it more comfortable. A high purity OCC copper cable with detachable 2-pin 0.78mm QDC type connectors and a straight 3.5mm plug serves as the IEM's cable's termination end.The cable is thin and frequently tangles easily. The cable is also 1.2 metres long. Along with the IEM and cable, the package also includes eartips in various sizes. Technically speaking, the sensitivity is 110dB, and the impedance is 32 Ohms. 20Hz to 20kHz is the range of the frequency response.
Sound
A well-tuned IEM, Piccolo boasts a lot of each region and produces a more refined tuning than a V-shape. While Piccolo is not particularly unique compared to the competition, what it does is actually quite good given the wide range of IEMs available at this price point that may differ in their tuning and specifications. I believe the Piccolo sounds more energising than the Cadenza while being more active in the treble region. IEM like the Kiwi Ears Cadenza share a similar resemblance to how they sound. Its treble and midrange are less energising than those of the Tin Hifi C2, while its bass is more pronounced. In my opinion, compared to other IEMs in this price range, the Piccolo's sound is more immersive and softly presented. The vocals are more forward in the mix, the midrange is more pronounced, and the bass has a strong hold that works well with the mix. The treble on the Piccolo is solid in presentation and has enough energy to bring out the details of the instruments and vocals. Let's investigate the sound more in depth for more information.
Treble
The Piccolo has a soft presentation and a slightly dark treble range, but the energy in this range is strong enough to bring out the subtle details that make the instruments and vocals shine. To maintain a more natural presentation, each note has a good note weight and density. The vocals do not stretch out as much to sound complete or more open sounding as a result of the upper treble being less extensive than any other IEMs in this price range. Although the narrow stage makes it difficult for the instruments to sound detailed, they still stand out in the mix.According to appearances, when compared to other IEMs, the Piccolo sounds less drab and dark, but the Cadenza has less compression in the mix, and the C2 sounds wide and expansive. In the mix, where the vocals and instruments typically sound clean but a little relaxed, the lower treble adds more energy. When compared to the details, the vocals come off as dense and blunt. One thing is certain, though: the instruments back the vocals effortlessly. The instruments are more present and sound more active when the vocals are present. Due to the nature of the tuning, I didn't experience any offensive characteristics. Overall, the treble region is dim, delicate, and close.
Mid Range
The vocals and instruments have more musicality in the mix, and the midrange is as active and forward in the mix as I had anticipated. The musicality doesn't make it sound smooth or warm; rather, the instruments support the vocals and maintain a constant level of energy. The vocals and instruments sound more forward and energising in the mix when compared to the Cadenza, while the C2 sounds more vibrant and light in the mix. Not that the notes sound unclean, but rather that they sound closed and restrained rather than performing fully. Even though the presentation is not very detailed and tries to become more expressive, the upper mid range sounds clean and energetic while bringing the best out of the vocals and the instruments. The vocals may become a little exhausting to hear because of how close and forward they are presented in the mix, but I didn't find anything offensive in this area. Vocals and instruments sound flat with a drowned effect in the lower mid range, which is dense with good note weight and desirability. Instruments like the bass guitar don't stand out as much because the presentation makes all the instruments sound jumbled and mashed together. The mid range is presented in a strong, energising, and forward manner overall.
Bass
The Piccolo's bass stands out loud and clear in the mix, having an impact on other responses, particularly the lower midrange. If I had to make a comparison, I'd say the bass sounds more like Shimin Li Encounter Edition's response. Although the quality is lacking in details and texture compared to the Shimin Li Encounter Edition, the bass has a possessive feeling in terms of quantity. The punches are hard enough to keep the engagement going even though the emphasis is on the sub bass and it is extended well, even though it is not as deep as I had anticipated because the rumble sensation doesn't come out sufficiently. Even though the sub bass is given more attention than the mid bass, the mid bass still has a strong presence in the mix and is given more room to breathe. Boomy bass and slams are well-presented, but they lack a more impactful or clear approach. The lower mid range is influenced by the mid bass because it seeps into it and gives it a slightly bloated sound. Although it lacks quality, I believe the bass response is adequate. Although the bass response is punchy, boomy, and slamming overall, it is not of high quality.
Technical Performance
The Piccolo's technical performance is comparable to that of other products in this price range; to put it simply, in my opinion, some IEMs perform well when compared to similar products, and the opposite is also true. However, when it comes to Piccolo, I'd say that these are an average performer in terms of technical prowess, with a soundstage that is compact but immersive, blunt imanging, and insufficient separation to clearly distinguish every component in the mix. Although the resolution is not unexpected and the ability to retrieve details is nice, the speed of resolvability is still unevenly paced.
Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation
The imaging could have been sharper because the soundstage is small and immersive, placing each component close to your ears. However, the separation is poor because it is difficult to tell apart between notes and crowded sounds.
Speed & Resolution
The resolution is comparable to what a typical IEM in this price range can deliver; the macro details are clear, but the micro details aren't well explained. The notes attack quickly, but the notes decay with poor closure.
Sound Impressions
Sources
Tempotec V6 - When listening with the V6, the treble is improved, with better details and a sharper edge. As before, the midrange has a forward sound. Although the bass has more texture, the details lack much expression. The only technical change is that the stage feels wider than it did before. I much prefer Piccolo and the V6 together.
iFi Hipdac - When using the Hipdac, it sounds more condensed and less detailed. While the mid range responds with the same energy as before, the treble is tentative. With the mid bass bringing some impact in slams and punches, the bass became more noticeable. The technical performance is unchanged, but the stage is now smaller and the separation is worse. The Hipdac pairing is not worthwhile.
Tracks Used
Luna Haruna - Glory days
Luna Haruna - Overfly
Rokudenashi - The Flame of Love
LMYK - 0 (zero)
ORESKABAND - Jitensya
Marina Horiuchi - Mizukagami no Sekai
RADWIMPS - Suzume
Indila - Love Story
Indila - Tourner dans le vide
Earth, Wind & Fire - September
Tom Petty - Free Fallin'
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Blue Oyester Cult - (Don't Fear) The Reaper
Guns 'N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine
The Police - Every Breath You Take
Gojira - Amazonia
TV on the radio - Wolf Like Me
Bring Me To The Horizon - Can You Feel My Heart
Bring Me To The Horizon - sTraNgeRs
Avril Lavigne - Dare To Love Me
Travis - Love Will Come Through
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
DJ Shadows - Six Days (Remix) [feat. Mos Def]
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Lil Wayne - Lollipop
Flo Rida - Low
Sebastian Lopez & Flug - Electronic Measures
Federico Mecozzi - Blue (Da Ba Dee)
Wayve - Not Enough
Kai Wachi & TeZATalks - Ghost
NGHTMRE, Zeds Dead & Tori Levett - Shady Intentions
Zeds Dead, DNMO & GG Magree - Save My Grave
Skrillex, Noisia, josh pan & Dylan Brady - Supersonic
Skrillex & Nai Barghouti - Xena
Skrillex, Missy Elliott & Mr. Oizo - RATATA
Kaifi Khalil, Eva B & Wahab Bugti - Kana Yaari
A.R. Rahman, Javed Ali & Mohit Chauhan - Kun Faya Kun
Conclusion
This review will conclude by recommending this product to those who value a well-balanced midrange, a strong bass response, and a lack of treble. The Piccolo is a well-balanced IEM that emphasises the midrange and bass to produce the strongest and most powerful performance possible. It is novel to see an IEM tuned to follow this price range. Therefore, I would suggest it to anyone who enjoys organic tones that have a strong bass and forward midrange and don't sound vulgar. IEM users who prefer loud, detailed sounds should exercise caution, but at least give them a shot.
DISCLAIMER
I would like to thank Linsoul for providing this review unit.
The Tripowin Piccolo can be gotten here: https://www.linsoul.com/products/tripowin-piccolo (no affliate links).
SPECIFICATIONS
ACCESSORIES
Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of silicone eartips (S, M, L)
- Cable
Retailing at $30ish USD, the spartan accessories are kind of expected, though it would have been nice to perhaps had more selection of eartips, or even a case.
The stock cable is a 2-pin, high-purity OCC copper cable. It's nothing to write home about, it is serviceable with a chin cinch, though it is thin and tangly with microphonics in abundance. No biggie swapping it for aftermarket cables for some of our recalcitrant CHIFI aficionados here who have a drawer full of cables haha.
Well, there are some similarly priced rivals without detachable cables in this current day, so I guess we can't complain much for the $30 entrance fee. Cables terminating in a 2-pin connector are always a plus in my book, as the budget MMCX types tend to get loose with repeated cable changes.
The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.
BUILD/COMFORT
At ordering, one can select between a black or silver shelled variant. Fashioned from metal, the shells are tear drop shaped with an almond like etching on the faceplate.
Comfort is superb. There are no weird edges to poke the ears, and the shells are relatively light. I did not experience any discomfort despite using the Piccolo for longer listening sessions.
Isolation is average as this set is heavily vented. I did not encounter any driver flex but this is partially dependent on ear anatomy and type of eartips used, so YMMV.
INTERNALS
The Tripowin Piccolo uses an 11 mm dual-cavity LCP dynamic driver.
DRIVABILITY
I tested the Piccolo with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Colorfly CDA M1 DAC/AMP dongle
- Creative Sound Blaster X5
- E1DA DAC/AMP dongle
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber 2022 DAP
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Khadas Tone Board -> Topping L30 amp
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone
The Piccolo can be driven off the weakest of sources, and amplification is not truly required. Amplification may however, provide a tighter bass, increased dynamics and better soundstage, so juice might allow the Piccolo to scale.
SOUND & TECHNICALITIES
Graph of the Tripowin Piccolo via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz area is a coupler artefact peak.
Tonally, the Piccolo can be described as U-shaped. It is very balanced and should suit most music genres.
Timbral accuracy is extremely organic, and I daresay the Piccolo has one of the best timbre for a $30 pair. Timbre freaks will have a field day pairing the Piccolo with vocals or music featuring predominantly orchestral or acoustic instruments.
Technicalities are quite good for a budget pair, with the Piccolo showcasing micro-details and clarity well, with resolution that belies its low price tag. Soundstage is decently wide but it is not the tallest or deepest. Thankfully, the Piccolo makes it up with a rather accurate imaging and acceptable instrument separation. The driver is speedy, with transients aced on the Piccolo, even on complex tracks.
The Piccolo is sub-bass focused, and the bass is just slightly north of neutral. Sub-bass extends very well, with a visceral rumble heard when sub-bass heavy tracks are played. The Piccolo has superb bass quality, with good texturing and an agile bass, even with fast bass lines. There's some element of mid-bass bleed, but this is a love-it or hate-it kind of thing, as this adds warmth to the tuning, though some purists dislike it.
As discussed above, the lower midrange is warmed by the hint of mid-bass bleed, which thickens this frequency band slightly. With just a 6 dB ear gain, the Piccolo has forward vocals but it is not shouty, which is a really tough line to balance. Vocals are not nasal, nor too far back in the mix. The midrange is very transparent, with great layering and vocals shining through, and the Piccolo is a great pair for mid-lovers and vocal genres.
The treble is boosted, and the upper treble has moderate air and extension. There's a sprinkle of sibilance, though the Piccolo's treble is quite well-dosed, in pursuing sparkle without veering to too much harshness or fatigue. Cymbals and high-hats have a bit of bite, but this is not overcooked to the point of splashiness.
Playing the Piccolo at higher volumes (Fletcher Munson curve) may overly boost the treble and lead to some exhaustion with longer listening sessions, but using it at moderate or low volumes is a match made in heaven, in providing an extended treble with fine clarity and resolution. Indeed, the actual "Piccolo" is a woodwind instrument that plays in the higher registers, and the Tripowin Piccolo does live up to its namesake in nailing this area.
COMPARISONS
Comparisons were made with other budget single DD IEMs. Planars, hybrids and pure BA types were left out of the equation as the different transducers have their pros and cons.
BLON X HBB Z300
The Z300 is more "fun" sounding, with a bigger bass, though the bass isn't as tight with more mid-bass bleed and a slower driver. The Z300 has less air and sparkle, though the lower treble is more emphasized. The midrange is more veiled on the Z300.
The Z300 has a thicker note weight, but isn't as natural in timbre. In technicalities, the Z300 has a slightly more expansive soundstage depth/height, though the Piccolo is wider in this department. Imaging, micro-detailing and instrument separation is inferior on the Z300.
Kiwi Ears Cadenza
The Kiwi Ears Cadenza is a warm Harmanish set. The Cadenza has more bass, though the bass is of poorer quality, with mid-bass bleed and a less textured bass line heard. The Cadenza has more upper mids and lower treble, and is shoutier, though the Piccolo has a more extended upper treble.
The Cadenza is less natural in timbral accuracy. The Cadenza loses in technicalities, with a weaker soundstage, micro-detailing, instrument separation and imaging noted.
Truthear HOLA
The HOLA is L-shaped, with bigger sub-bass and a darker treble.
The HOLA is a league behind in technicalities (imaging, instrument separation, micro-details, transients and soundstage). Timbre is also slightly less organic on the HOLA.
CONCLUSIONS
I was pleasantly surprised with the legitimate sonic fidelity of the Tripowin Piccolo, and wasn't expecting it to beat some $30ish USD benchmarks like the Kiwi Ears Cadenza. The Piccolo's technical prowess is nothing to be sniffed at for the price, other than a pinch of mid-bass bleed, and perhaps an intimate soundstage depth and height (width is quite well done).
The balanced U-shaped tonality with excellent treble extension should hold the Piccolo in good stead when it comes to music genre synergy, and the transparent and clean midrange and treble are the stars of the show, promising a eargasmic session for vocal heads and mid-lovers. Moreover, timbral accuracy is majestic for acoustic genres, and the Piccolo - as per its orchestral namesake - is the chef's kiss for classical and orchestral pieces, in addition to acoustic and jazz music.
The solid build, great comfort and easy drivability are the icing on the cake for this nifty pair of IEMs. Admittedly, the accessories are quite disappointing, but I'm sure most consumers would rather have a good sounding set with sub-par accessories, than a pair packed to the gills but with bad sound.
Don't judge a book by its cover, the Piccolo looks unassuming, but it is a very formidable budget single DD that melds the 3Ts of timbre, tonality and technicalities well. I'm quite happy to recommend the Tripowin Piccolo to new ones who are just joining the hobby, it is a hidden gem and an affordable introductory pair that is quite bang for buck.
I would like to thank Linsoul for providing this review unit.
The Tripowin Piccolo can be gotten here: https://www.linsoul.com/products/tripowin-piccolo (no affliate links).
SPECIFICATIONS
- Driver configuration: 11 mm dual-cavity LCP dynamic driver
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 110 dB
- Cable: 2-pin, 0.78 mm, high-purity OCC copper cable
- Tested at $35 USD
ACCESSORIES
Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of silicone eartips (S, M, L)
- Cable
Retailing at $30ish USD, the spartan accessories are kind of expected, though it would have been nice to perhaps had more selection of eartips, or even a case.
The stock cable is a 2-pin, high-purity OCC copper cable. It's nothing to write home about, it is serviceable with a chin cinch, though it is thin and tangly with microphonics in abundance. No biggie swapping it for aftermarket cables for some of our recalcitrant CHIFI aficionados here who have a drawer full of cables haha.
Well, there are some similarly priced rivals without detachable cables in this current day, so I guess we can't complain much for the $30 entrance fee. Cables terminating in a 2-pin connector are always a plus in my book, as the budget MMCX types tend to get loose with repeated cable changes.
The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.
BUILD/COMFORT
At ordering, one can select between a black or silver shelled variant. Fashioned from metal, the shells are tear drop shaped with an almond like etching on the faceplate.
Comfort is superb. There are no weird edges to poke the ears, and the shells are relatively light. I did not experience any discomfort despite using the Piccolo for longer listening sessions.
Isolation is average as this set is heavily vented. I did not encounter any driver flex but this is partially dependent on ear anatomy and type of eartips used, so YMMV.
INTERNALS
The Tripowin Piccolo uses an 11 mm dual-cavity LCP dynamic driver.
DRIVABILITY
I tested the Piccolo with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Colorfly CDA M1 DAC/AMP dongle
- Creative Sound Blaster X5
- E1DA DAC/AMP dongle
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber 2022 DAP
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Khadas Tone Board -> Topping L30 amp
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone
The Piccolo can be driven off the weakest of sources, and amplification is not truly required. Amplification may however, provide a tighter bass, increased dynamics and better soundstage, so juice might allow the Piccolo to scale.
SOUND & TECHNICALITIES
Graph of the Tripowin Piccolo via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz area is a coupler artefact peak.
Tonally, the Piccolo can be described as U-shaped. It is very balanced and should suit most music genres.
Timbral accuracy is extremely organic, and I daresay the Piccolo has one of the best timbre for a $30 pair. Timbre freaks will have a field day pairing the Piccolo with vocals or music featuring predominantly orchestral or acoustic instruments.
Technicalities are quite good for a budget pair, with the Piccolo showcasing micro-details and clarity well, with resolution that belies its low price tag. Soundstage is decently wide but it is not the tallest or deepest. Thankfully, the Piccolo makes it up with a rather accurate imaging and acceptable instrument separation. The driver is speedy, with transients aced on the Piccolo, even on complex tracks.
The Piccolo is sub-bass focused, and the bass is just slightly north of neutral. Sub-bass extends very well, with a visceral rumble heard when sub-bass heavy tracks are played. The Piccolo has superb bass quality, with good texturing and an agile bass, even with fast bass lines. There's some element of mid-bass bleed, but this is a love-it or hate-it kind of thing, as this adds warmth to the tuning, though some purists dislike it.
As discussed above, the lower midrange is warmed by the hint of mid-bass bleed, which thickens this frequency band slightly. With just a 6 dB ear gain, the Piccolo has forward vocals but it is not shouty, which is a really tough line to balance. Vocals are not nasal, nor too far back in the mix. The midrange is very transparent, with great layering and vocals shining through, and the Piccolo is a great pair for mid-lovers and vocal genres.
The treble is boosted, and the upper treble has moderate air and extension. There's a sprinkle of sibilance, though the Piccolo's treble is quite well-dosed, in pursuing sparkle without veering to too much harshness or fatigue. Cymbals and high-hats have a bit of bite, but this is not overcooked to the point of splashiness.
Playing the Piccolo at higher volumes (Fletcher Munson curve) may overly boost the treble and lead to some exhaustion with longer listening sessions, but using it at moderate or low volumes is a match made in heaven, in providing an extended treble with fine clarity and resolution. Indeed, the actual "Piccolo" is a woodwind instrument that plays in the higher registers, and the Tripowin Piccolo does live up to its namesake in nailing this area.
COMPARISONS
Comparisons were made with other budget single DD IEMs. Planars, hybrids and pure BA types were left out of the equation as the different transducers have their pros and cons.
BLON X HBB Z300
The Z300 is more "fun" sounding, with a bigger bass, though the bass isn't as tight with more mid-bass bleed and a slower driver. The Z300 has less air and sparkle, though the lower treble is more emphasized. The midrange is more veiled on the Z300.
The Z300 has a thicker note weight, but isn't as natural in timbre. In technicalities, the Z300 has a slightly more expansive soundstage depth/height, though the Piccolo is wider in this department. Imaging, micro-detailing and instrument separation is inferior on the Z300.
Kiwi Ears Cadenza
The Kiwi Ears Cadenza is a warm Harmanish set. The Cadenza has more bass, though the bass is of poorer quality, with mid-bass bleed and a less textured bass line heard. The Cadenza has more upper mids and lower treble, and is shoutier, though the Piccolo has a more extended upper treble.
The Cadenza is less natural in timbral accuracy. The Cadenza loses in technicalities, with a weaker soundstage, micro-detailing, instrument separation and imaging noted.
Truthear HOLA
The HOLA is L-shaped, with bigger sub-bass and a darker treble.
The HOLA is a league behind in technicalities (imaging, instrument separation, micro-details, transients and soundstage). Timbre is also slightly less organic on the HOLA.
CONCLUSIONS
I was pleasantly surprised with the legitimate sonic fidelity of the Tripowin Piccolo, and wasn't expecting it to beat some $30ish USD benchmarks like the Kiwi Ears Cadenza. The Piccolo's technical prowess is nothing to be sniffed at for the price, other than a pinch of mid-bass bleed, and perhaps an intimate soundstage depth and height (width is quite well done).
The balanced U-shaped tonality with excellent treble extension should hold the Piccolo in good stead when it comes to music genre synergy, and the transparent and clean midrange and treble are the stars of the show, promising a eargasmic session for vocal heads and mid-lovers. Moreover, timbral accuracy is majestic for acoustic genres, and the Piccolo - as per its orchestral namesake - is the chef's kiss for classical and orchestral pieces, in addition to acoustic and jazz music.
The solid build, great comfort and easy drivability are the icing on the cake for this nifty pair of IEMs. Admittedly, the accessories are quite disappointing, but I'm sure most consumers would rather have a good sounding set with sub-par accessories, than a pair packed to the gills but with bad sound.
Don't judge a book by its cover, the Piccolo looks unassuming, but it is a very formidable budget single DD that melds the 3Ts of timbre, tonality and technicalities well. I'm quite happy to recommend the Tripowin Piccolo to new ones who are just joining the hobby, it is a hidden gem and an affordable introductory pair that is quite bang for buck.
