Street Savvy
The Tripowin Rhombus is no joke. Its got street savvy and a no nonsense way about it. Coming in at a $79.00, it’s all about what entry level sound is about. When I say entry level I’m really only referring to the price.............as the sound, build and fit are amazing! Won’t you join me on another journey.......a journey into the world of low-cost bumps and thrills........a discovery of how the Tripowin Rhombus dances to the beat!
TRIPOWIN:
In December of 2020 I received an IEM……….it came via airmail in a small unassuming box. I didn’t know how it was made or how it sounded…………..I knew absolutely nothing. No one knew the name TRIPOWIN then, I was one of the vary first to receive such samples, no prior reviews, zero hype. This was the first TRIPOWIN model to come to life……….it was simple, as simple as any IEM could be, yet it had a sound, a glorious sound. The TRIPOWIN TC-10 put some new listeners off with the name and how it was spelled. Such attitudes of jaded speculation come easy when a product has zero history, combined with the fact that the name was in giant letters, showboating a style of livid confidence for all to (not help) but see. But that was then, and this is now. TRIPOWIN has gone on to make a number of successful IEMs and cables.
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
What Tripowin has currently in-production:
Tripowin Danube Cable $59.99
Tripowin Perles Cable $59.99
Tripowin X HBB Olina SE IEM $99.00
Tripowin Cencibel IEM $49.00
Tripowin Zoe Cable $19.99
Tripowin Grace Cable $15.00
Tripowin Petrichor Cable $49.00
Tripowin X HBB Olina IEM $99.00
Tripowin Leá IEM $25.99
Tripowin Noire Cable $39.00
Tripowin H1 Full-size $189.00
Tripowin GrandVia Cable $49.00
Tripowin Altea Cable $39.00
Tripowin X HBB Mele IEM $85.98
Tripowin Jelly Cable $35.99
Tripowin TC-01 IEM $49.00
Tripowin Nucool Cable $49.00
Tripowin Zonie Cable $17.99
Tripowin TP10 IEM $59.99
………..and finally the Tripowin C8 Cable $39.99
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/tripowin-tc-01.24878/reviews#review-25056
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/tripowin-leá.25709/reviews#review-28220
Whew, they have been busy in the last few years! They actually sell other support stuff too like headphone pads, tips and cases…..but you get the picture. I myself while smitten with the TC-01, didn’t really get along with the Leá. I thought it was just “OK” compared to my true affinity for the TC-01. The exact reason the TRIPOWIN TC-01 brought accolades was due to being easy to drive from a phone, generating this big authoritative sound and playing all styles of music well. The TC-01 was also one of my first tastes of what I like to call the "new era" in import headphones. It seemed that from December 2020 on……we were inundated with this “new-wave” of innovation, and subsequently rock-bottom prices, revealing this new sound-to-dollar ratio. As far as I see it, truly the end of 2020 was the dawn of a new-age in value IEMs. Right up to today (it seems) manufactures continue to outdo themselves (almost) with every new release. Such is life, new driver technology, new build and material advances. if you look at IEMs in general...........they are a fairly new invention.........starting with advanced progress around 2013.
Tripowin Rhombus
1BA + 1DD Hybrid Performance IEM
The Sound:
Probably the first thing you notice is how complete and big the sound is. I can’t help but think this sound was (exactly) part of a super expensive TOTL value (sound) way back in 2014, before the Chinese learned to really cut costs and offer this up on the cheap?
Hybrid:
The Hybrid sound, is a classic sound, the way they tailor in the the disjointedness of the woofer, to the sparkle of the tweeter..........there is a ton of contrast to be found in the Rhombus. Yet that contrast IS correct and one of the reasons above other IEMs................I choose to do this write-up. I choose the Rhombus to investigate due to the value it represents...........but also because it’s simply cool. Can I pick an IEM on cool-factor alone? The total 5 axis CNC work done to the solid two piece aluminum shell. The way they made the little indentation-plates for the names to sit, while on their backs……….I mean common, they didn’t have to do that but they did. They didn’t have to use this wild computer graphic geometry on us, but they did. Somehow they got away this unique, yet functional shape? When held upside-down the air vents are a series of three small holes under the name. North of that finds a second chamber vent right below the nozzle. Oh, and the nozzle…..completely incorporated into the lower section of the shell as one-piece, yet it has a lip and an overall form that simply works. Due to the sound personality I grabbed my old worn-out Sony Dual-Density Tips…..from 2017. (One) because they enhance the bass, and (two) because the short nozzle-tip opening diminishes treble and soundstage. Such soundstage diminishing is OK, as there is ample of it to go around! The kicker is normally the tips are slightly too worn-out due to use, the elasticity is gone and they have lost their grip. Yet here due to just how the Rhombus sits we are fine. The cables are slightly facing inwards due to an angle of the 2-pin, which can be seen in the photos here. Such a great way to keep the cables from flopping-off your ear!
As you can see by the graph the Rhombus is bright, while yes, there is a big 10mm LCP/PU driver, yet there can be found a dominance where the Knowles 33518 balanced armature driver is just pushed forward and takes precedence. The two peaks at 2.5K and 4K are really there, but more than that, it’s the balance of the intensity of the bass……….the overall balance in relation to everything that causes the tone effect.
Does this make the Tripowin a no go? Well that depends on three things.
A) What sound do you like?
B) What extra equipment do you have, or what exactly do you listen with?
C) The Rhombus is surprisingly fun and balanced from a phone.
You see there is a way off this bright mountaintop. It actually took me a while to find nirvana, but I found it none-the-less!
A) FAAEAL Hibiscus Cable 5N OFC Litz 2pin 0.78mm
B) Sony Dual-Density “Old-School” Ear-tips
C) Shanling UA3 Dongle
This combo worked, and more than worked, it was great. Still after a while it was still the thin side of the street. Do I still recommend the Tripowin Rhombus? Yes, but maybe if you had a collection and wanted a different IEM? It would only be your single IEM if you were really, really into what this signature does, which of course is a possibility.
Treble:
What I’m saying is there is a great style of treble and midrange ability that showcases the detail, due to the detail being up and front. It’s not just up and front but out and about. LOL Meaning this style of tune with the Knowles 33518 kicking in, brings about incredible detail and resolution. And while if offers the slight metallic sheen that comes with the Knowles BA, the is still a correctness to be heard. It is KNOWLES we are talking about! While still the poster child for the BA timbre cause exists here, there are values to be had. It’s just that one way manufactures submerge (down-play)the timbre is by simply bringing it down in the mix, in relation to other tones. But no not here, they brought the treble and midrange out into the open, so you could study it, on all sides. While snare hits are not as pronounced and the vocals they are truly your gift with this style of response. Can you listen to these for hours on end? Yes, you absolutely can, yet at one of notch down of the volume knob. After a while you start to kind-of decompress and start to truly “get” what’s going on. Here the upper midrange takes precedence over treble. Yet that slightly back placement of the treble is still forward when in relation many IEMs. It’s just taking second place to the upper midrange. Due to the lack of note weight the phenomena this (tone) is further carried along into reality……..with a total sound signature that’s more analytical than warm and boozy.
Bass:
The 10mm LCP/PU driver is a liquid crystal polymer diaphragm in the center and a polyurethane layer around the edge. This new driver technology is amazingluy contrasty, especially when you match it with the Knowles 33518! There are only two drivers at work here, yet they way they tuned this Senario, it works. Such possible events of replay are sure to bring a style to you face! For me? It’s the style of bass surprises. Such surprises are probably due to the tautness archived, as combined with the top end, this low-end is tight, and fast…….no need to mess around with any style of slowness here…….slowness is simply not found in the bass or anywhere for that matter.
Note-weight:
Here in fact is our issue, but only an issue if you chose to not go along with what the Rhombus is saying. He has a cohesive over-all character, yet due to the double-edge sword of the bass, the note weight is compromised. In relation to what? See that’s the thing, there are other IEMs that add note weight in as one of their main attributes. That is just what comes in addition with a darker and slower signature, that’s all.
Still the bump of the bass goes all out (while diminished) in that it clearly finds the groove, it just that it’s on the recessed and polite side of the street. Such bass response can’t be anything other that quick, and that’s what it inevitably IS. If you’re game for this style of tune, it surly is a personal choice……as it’s not for every listener. Really the Rhombus is the quintessential Eastern Tune…….with accents of upper-mids and sub-bass over mid-bass emphasis and lower midrange, that profiles the Western tune. So………the Chinese didn’t make this for the Western market, they made it for themselves. Still that in and of itself makes the Rhombus different, and not different in a bad way, but in exotic way. I’m listening to it as I write, and still, this is a fun ride, with a new (Chinese) way to imagine an IEM tune to be. Still take this theory with a grain of salt, as it’s just a guess as to how Chinese IEMs can sound………as in reality they are tuned with almost endless profiles!
Midrange:
I saved the midrange for last as really the mids are the star of the show. What else would they be? Here we are met with a both giant upper mids and a form of dryness going to promote detail and clarity. Such glossy aspects go to generate an over-all understanding of the Rhombus. In memory the mids are what you remember when reaching over across a table full of IEMs. Yet, it is also the one determining factor and path to how success in ownership is found. Yep, if this “juice” is what you’re after is ultimately your call not mine. In daily use I find the Rhombus more (slightly) accessible than the TRN ST5,
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/trn-st5-hybrid-universal-iem.26032/reviews#review-29189
Yet both IEMs are saying the same thing when they talk. Both are old-school hybrids and both metal shells. Only the TRN has a miles better cable and is $59.80 making it slightly less cash. Still they are driving down the same street, going the same direction to the exact same part of town. Probably the extra BAs in the TRN are adding to this midrange, and come off to me as overkill. The difference is the TRN ST5 has 1DD and 4BAs where the Rhombus has only one DD and one BA, and that single BA is a Knowles. Why am I taking about BAs in the midrange section? Lol well get a pair and you’ll see the BA’s are what give this particular IEM it’s total character…….yep……this sound is BA sound through and through. Either you’re on board with this style of tone or you’re not. I don’t know how to explain it any better? Guitars are fully detailed and go about to change even they way you go about to understand them as instruments, as they have an upper crunchiness left out with other driver methodologies. But remember it’s not just the drivers (BA) it’s also the utilization inside of the tune…….the way the FR is dealt with……the soul of the sound.
Construction:
The 5-axis CNC machining process creating those cuts in the aluminum is no joke. A first for me here at Redcarmoose Labs. Also……any variation of shell is kept to a minimum…….wait……there are no variations in construction here, as everyone, every example of the Rhombus shell is exactly the same…….the same copy of the same copy of the same copy and so on. Such a two piece affair looks to be anodized with a smooth semi-glass gray, yet upon microscopic inspection you can notice a faint tinge of the tooling process. Such examples of imperfections are maybe welcome and charming in contrast to this robot like appearance. I already talked about the nozzle lips and vent system, as such build extras/necessities are truly well done and add to the over-all joy in daily use. The joining of the faceplate is truly seamless going one-step-further to highlight the angles in use. The size, did I mention these are the perfect size and weight? Coming in weighting only 5.5 grams each is absolutely perfect. As maybe the comfort is created by the shape and size? Yet I will have to take note of the weight………..possibly contributing to what’s going on? The truly only question I have (which remains to be seen) is how the shaper angles will hold-up over time…….I mean it has you guess that the anodization could prove to be compromised at such edges? Yet in use there is a strange glossiness (both in sound and construction) which goes miles to protect the surfaces, as after prolonged use (a week) absolutely no wear is to be found? It’s almost this lack of reverberations brings about clarity (like a well-pressed dress shirt) that in fact is actualized due to this shell? Meaning everything is clean and tidy in both construction and sound? There can be an incredible choice of screens which manufactures choose to install……and while some have you guessing as to their choice, here again we are met with robustness. The Rhombus once again shows full-on detail in that the metal screens are inset into the nozzle lips. Such is the contrast……..the shell bodies are dark and the screens are bright chrome, further delineating the exact inner ring placement showing as the screens are recessed (perfectly flush) into the nozzle. These dudes at Tripowin aren’t messing around with build quality found, it seems!
Every once in a while an IEM design crosses over into becoming an art object.......this may be one of those times, as I can't take my eyes off the Rhombus? Then there is the texture and feel......the feel while it's in your ears.......at only 5.5 grams it's there, but only lightly there. Such a unique invention of form and function.........
Cable:
Strangely I have almost seen this exact cable before by another manufacture, enhancing the paranoia that somehow these Chinese manufactures are sourcing ancillary additions to their products from a secondary maker. Does that make it bad? No……….actually I wrote about this cable before. Such accolades only could be generated by a Head-Fi weirdo…….that chance of embellishing the beautiful scored plug grip……the actual cable-coating material being supple yet strong, and holding form of construction, despite being messed with. If they chose one cable to mass produce and sell-off to a number of manufactures, this is the one. Now while the provided cable isn't EXACTLY like others, as it seems they are made-up of different parts..........especially the part that says "Tripowin" on the cable splitter.
While in regular use, I’m finding the FAAEAL Hibiscus Cable 5N OFC to offer a 4.4mm plug and be a tad warmer. Yet the included cable goes great with a phone, more on that in the source section.
The box opening experience:
Burn-in:
While burn-in as a concept remains to be scientific proven, I often notice the phenomena. Truly nothing to get in a argument about......I mean this learning of IEMs is fun and should not be taken too seriously. They're just IEMs of god's-sake! With that said there can be basically two styles of burn-in, 1) the improvement of tone 2) the betterment of technicalities. Obviously both character traits can happen and often do. And while the Tripowin Rhombus got a full 120 hours of continuous burn, it did nothing to diminish the forward upper-midrange. What did happen was the bass became more fluid and natural. The overall cohesiveness seemed to come together, and a general feeling of smoothness seemed to purify the output. Lol
Heck, I don't know what is happening, but I always do it and more-often-than-not find benefits........if fact I mostly do perceive some kind of improvement. So I continue to burn-in. Part of it could be mental adaptation, when in reality it actually could be both at work. Also, it seems one of the very best parts of burn-in is soundstage.
Soundstage:
You may guess that bigness and expansion comes as the carryon baggage of pronounced mid-range......and here is no exception. If fact the soundstage may be one of the single greatest draws the Rhombus has? It's the very first thing I noticed and became enamored with. It's just that that Knowles is doing its job, with the after-effects seeming like way-way more? Obviously pin-point itemization and (very fast) transient response is why were even buying this thing. And remember, it's not just the fall-off of quick imaging, but the bass is lickety-split too, making the Rhombus have precise bass imaging. Plus the de-emphasized upper treble makes the "Zone".......the upper-midrange zone seem even bigger than it truly is.
Response to source:
While everyone wants to know how the IEMs do off a phone. Such is the world of phones we live-in. In fact the general sound from a phone was maybe the most optimized form of the Rhombas's sound signature? How/why? Well you know that most of the world has a phone with only a small section owning audiophile DAPs. It would make perfect sense for manufactures to (somewhat) optimize an IEM for phone use. You can only imagine the real world consequences of a stack of IEMs existing for sale at a retail location with only people arriving to try out the products on their phones.......with the results only being successful if the IEM in question performed optimal on a phone! So yes, we have finally reached the apex of many tested IEMs having an endearing quality from a simple phone. The effect is two fold, while offering a balanced tone, you are gifted with less than a critical black background. While on the basis of pure listening (especially outside around town) such tone features go a long way to provide the goods. It could even be said that the Triptowin Rhombus was less upper-midrange forward to a point. Imagine non-audiophile playback being superior? In truth their was more of a laid-back stance from a phone making any forwardness present slightly less noticeable. So in-a-way the sound profile was the same, only due to the whole signature more subdued from a phone, the vibrancy of the upper-midrange was ultimately subdued too. Though remember from a phone overall the tonal response was perfect. Mostly gone are those IEMs which used to project distorted-sloppy bass from a phone. In-fact it...........the smooth bass seemed to kick-in with a phone, making me realize just how good the Rhombus is powered by such equipment.
It was the pushed upper stratosphere or trebles and mid-range that had me question the use of the Sony Walkman WM1Z that while in crisper definition and spread-out wider into a stage, each individual item was in focus and shining with extra gloss, even that much more? If you have ever heard of people jettisoning their 4.4mm output from their high-end audiophile DAP and grabbing the subdued single-ended off the 3.5mm port from the same DAP? Here is a great example of (maybe) why. There is something advantageous that arrives from using 3.5mm instead of 4.4mm, maybe? It's just that we have all the contrast and vividness we need, we have more than enough to go around with the Triptowin Rhombus.
Conclusion:
Every once in a while when the sub-bass kicked it was a thrill……..due to the sub-bass being almost overqualified to be stuffed inside a $79.00 IEM. Yes, it’s that good, just fast, clean and profound. Still the lack of warmth and pin-point (upper-midrange) qualities are going to need be something ordered by choice. I’m not so sure the Rhombus is going to be for everyone? Still, remember, I’m only a single reviewer and this style of playback is not first on my list. Yet, you can’t help but respect the technicalities presented here. There is something about the sound that has you take notice, like it’s showing you musicality you need to get acquainted with and take notice of. It’s like that first day of school when you realize that you don’t know everything and class is in-progress! The build is insane……..really the build is mouthwatering!
Super contrasty, super vivid and slightly in-your-face. Wait, not slightly in your face……the Rhombus response IS in your face. If you want it there is up to you, because it’s hard to ignore. Offering a supreme level of technicalities and overall sophistication, thus taking you on a special joy-ride! Remember it’s all about those mids!
Do I recommend the Tripowin Rhombus? I do, but it’s like a strong drink, where you know there is an extra shot of medicine added. If the effects are loved, it’s up to you. Don’t come back to me and act like I didn’t warn you first!
$79.00 USD
https://www.linsoul.com/products/tripowin-rhombus
Free shipping and one year warranty when you order from Linsoul
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 Tripowin Rhombus universal IEM review sample.
Disclaimer:
These are one persons ideas and concepts, your results may vary.
Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
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
UA3 Dongle DAC/Amplifier 4.4mm and 3.5mm
The Tripowin Rhombus is no joke. Its got street savvy and a no nonsense way about it. Coming in at a $79.00, it’s all about what entry level sound is about. When I say entry level I’m really only referring to the price.............as the sound, build and fit are amazing! Won’t you join me on another journey.......a journey into the world of low-cost bumps and thrills........a discovery of how the Tripowin Rhombus dances to the beat!
TRIPOWIN:
In December of 2020 I received an IEM……….it came via airmail in a small unassuming box. I didn’t know how it was made or how it sounded…………..I knew absolutely nothing. No one knew the name TRIPOWIN then, I was one of the vary first to receive such samples, no prior reviews, zero hype. This was the first TRIPOWIN model to come to life……….it was simple, as simple as any IEM could be, yet it had a sound, a glorious sound. The TRIPOWIN TC-10 put some new listeners off with the name and how it was spelled. Such attitudes of jaded speculation come easy when a product has zero history, combined with the fact that the name was in giant letters, showboating a style of livid confidence for all to (not help) but see. But that was then, and this is now. TRIPOWIN has gone on to make a number of successful IEMs and cables.
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
What Tripowin has currently in-production:
Tripowin Danube Cable $59.99
Tripowin Perles Cable $59.99
Tripowin X HBB Olina SE IEM $99.00
Tripowin Cencibel IEM $49.00
Tripowin Zoe Cable $19.99
Tripowin Grace Cable $15.00
Tripowin Petrichor Cable $49.00
Tripowin X HBB Olina IEM $99.00
Tripowin Leá IEM $25.99
Tripowin Noire Cable $39.00
Tripowin H1 Full-size $189.00
Tripowin GrandVia Cable $49.00
Tripowin Altea Cable $39.00
Tripowin X HBB Mele IEM $85.98
Tripowin Jelly Cable $35.99
Tripowin TC-01 IEM $49.00
Tripowin Nucool Cable $49.00
Tripowin Zonie Cable $17.99
Tripowin TP10 IEM $59.99
………..and finally the Tripowin C8 Cable $39.99
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/tripowin-tc-01.24878/reviews#review-25056
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/tripowin-leá.25709/reviews#review-28220
Whew, they have been busy in the last few years! They actually sell other support stuff too like headphone pads, tips and cases…..but you get the picture. I myself while smitten with the TC-01, didn’t really get along with the Leá. I thought it was just “OK” compared to my true affinity for the TC-01. The exact reason the TRIPOWIN TC-01 brought accolades was due to being easy to drive from a phone, generating this big authoritative sound and playing all styles of music well. The TC-01 was also one of my first tastes of what I like to call the "new era" in import headphones. It seemed that from December 2020 on……we were inundated with this “new-wave” of innovation, and subsequently rock-bottom prices, revealing this new sound-to-dollar ratio. As far as I see it, truly the end of 2020 was the dawn of a new-age in value IEMs. Right up to today (it seems) manufactures continue to outdo themselves (almost) with every new release. Such is life, new driver technology, new build and material advances. if you look at IEMs in general...........they are a fairly new invention.........starting with advanced progress around 2013.
Tripowin Rhombus
1BA + 1DD Hybrid Performance IEM
- Knowles 33518 balanced armature driver + 10mm LCP/PU driver
- Software Engineered CNC Shell Design
- Detachable High quality Cable
- Acoustically Correct
The Sound:
Probably the first thing you notice is how complete and big the sound is. I can’t help but think this sound was (exactly) part of a super expensive TOTL value (sound) way back in 2014, before the Chinese learned to really cut costs and offer this up on the cheap?
Hybrid:
The Hybrid sound, is a classic sound, the way they tailor in the the disjointedness of the woofer, to the sparkle of the tweeter..........there is a ton of contrast to be found in the Rhombus. Yet that contrast IS correct and one of the reasons above other IEMs................I choose to do this write-up. I choose the Rhombus to investigate due to the value it represents...........but also because it’s simply cool. Can I pick an IEM on cool-factor alone? The total 5 axis CNC work done to the solid two piece aluminum shell. The way they made the little indentation-plates for the names to sit, while on their backs……….I mean common, they didn’t have to do that but they did. They didn’t have to use this wild computer graphic geometry on us, but they did. Somehow they got away this unique, yet functional shape? When held upside-down the air vents are a series of three small holes under the name. North of that finds a second chamber vent right below the nozzle. Oh, and the nozzle…..completely incorporated into the lower section of the shell as one-piece, yet it has a lip and an overall form that simply works. Due to the sound personality I grabbed my old worn-out Sony Dual-Density Tips…..from 2017. (One) because they enhance the bass, and (two) because the short nozzle-tip opening diminishes treble and soundstage. Such soundstage diminishing is OK, as there is ample of it to go around! The kicker is normally the tips are slightly too worn-out due to use, the elasticity is gone and they have lost their grip. Yet here due to just how the Rhombus sits we are fine. The cables are slightly facing inwards due to an angle of the 2-pin, which can be seen in the photos here. Such a great way to keep the cables from flopping-off your ear!
As you can see by the graph the Rhombus is bright, while yes, there is a big 10mm LCP/PU driver, yet there can be found a dominance where the Knowles 33518 balanced armature driver is just pushed forward and takes precedence. The two peaks at 2.5K and 4K are really there, but more than that, it’s the balance of the intensity of the bass……….the overall balance in relation to everything that causes the tone effect.
Does this make the Tripowin a no go? Well that depends on three things.
A) What sound do you like?
B) What extra equipment do you have, or what exactly do you listen with?
C) The Rhombus is surprisingly fun and balanced from a phone.
You see there is a way off this bright mountaintop. It actually took me a while to find nirvana, but I found it none-the-less!
A) FAAEAL Hibiscus Cable 5N OFC Litz 2pin 0.78mm
B) Sony Dual-Density “Old-School” Ear-tips
C) Shanling UA3 Dongle
This combo worked, and more than worked, it was great. Still after a while it was still the thin side of the street. Do I still recommend the Tripowin Rhombus? Yes, but maybe if you had a collection and wanted a different IEM? It would only be your single IEM if you were really, really into what this signature does, which of course is a possibility.
Treble:
What I’m saying is there is a great style of treble and midrange ability that showcases the detail, due to the detail being up and front. It’s not just up and front but out and about. LOL Meaning this style of tune with the Knowles 33518 kicking in, brings about incredible detail and resolution. And while if offers the slight metallic sheen that comes with the Knowles BA, the is still a correctness to be heard. It is KNOWLES we are talking about! While still the poster child for the BA timbre cause exists here, there are values to be had. It’s just that one way manufactures submerge (down-play)the timbre is by simply bringing it down in the mix, in relation to other tones. But no not here, they brought the treble and midrange out into the open, so you could study it, on all sides. While snare hits are not as pronounced and the vocals they are truly your gift with this style of response. Can you listen to these for hours on end? Yes, you absolutely can, yet at one of notch down of the volume knob. After a while you start to kind-of decompress and start to truly “get” what’s going on. Here the upper midrange takes precedence over treble. Yet that slightly back placement of the treble is still forward when in relation many IEMs. It’s just taking second place to the upper midrange. Due to the lack of note weight the phenomena this (tone) is further carried along into reality……..with a total sound signature that’s more analytical than warm and boozy.
Bass:
The 10mm LCP/PU driver is a liquid crystal polymer diaphragm in the center and a polyurethane layer around the edge. This new driver technology is amazingluy contrasty, especially when you match it with the Knowles 33518! There are only two drivers at work here, yet they way they tuned this Senario, it works. Such possible events of replay are sure to bring a style to you face! For me? It’s the style of bass surprises. Such surprises are probably due to the tautness archived, as combined with the top end, this low-end is tight, and fast…….no need to mess around with any style of slowness here…….slowness is simply not found in the bass or anywhere for that matter.
Note-weight:
Here in fact is our issue, but only an issue if you chose to not go along with what the Rhombus is saying. He has a cohesive over-all character, yet due to the double-edge sword of the bass, the note weight is compromised. In relation to what? See that’s the thing, there are other IEMs that add note weight in as one of their main attributes. That is just what comes in addition with a darker and slower signature, that’s all.
Still the bump of the bass goes all out (while diminished) in that it clearly finds the groove, it just that it’s on the recessed and polite side of the street. Such bass response can’t be anything other that quick, and that’s what it inevitably IS. If you’re game for this style of tune, it surly is a personal choice……as it’s not for every listener. Really the Rhombus is the quintessential Eastern Tune…….with accents of upper-mids and sub-bass over mid-bass emphasis and lower midrange, that profiles the Western tune. So………the Chinese didn’t make this for the Western market, they made it for themselves. Still that in and of itself makes the Rhombus different, and not different in a bad way, but in exotic way. I’m listening to it as I write, and still, this is a fun ride, with a new (Chinese) way to imagine an IEM tune to be. Still take this theory with a grain of salt, as it’s just a guess as to how Chinese IEMs can sound………as in reality they are tuned with almost endless profiles!
Midrange:
I saved the midrange for last as really the mids are the star of the show. What else would they be? Here we are met with a both giant upper mids and a form of dryness going to promote detail and clarity. Such glossy aspects go to generate an over-all understanding of the Rhombus. In memory the mids are what you remember when reaching over across a table full of IEMs. Yet, it is also the one determining factor and path to how success in ownership is found. Yep, if this “juice” is what you’re after is ultimately your call not mine. In daily use I find the Rhombus more (slightly) accessible than the TRN ST5,
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/trn-st5-hybrid-universal-iem.26032/reviews#review-29189
Yet both IEMs are saying the same thing when they talk. Both are old-school hybrids and both metal shells. Only the TRN has a miles better cable and is $59.80 making it slightly less cash. Still they are driving down the same street, going the same direction to the exact same part of town. Probably the extra BAs in the TRN are adding to this midrange, and come off to me as overkill. The difference is the TRN ST5 has 1DD and 4BAs where the Rhombus has only one DD and one BA, and that single BA is a Knowles. Why am I taking about BAs in the midrange section? Lol well get a pair and you’ll see the BA’s are what give this particular IEM it’s total character…….yep……this sound is BA sound through and through. Either you’re on board with this style of tone or you’re not. I don’t know how to explain it any better? Guitars are fully detailed and go about to change even they way you go about to understand them as instruments, as they have an upper crunchiness left out with other driver methodologies. But remember it’s not just the drivers (BA) it’s also the utilization inside of the tune…….the way the FR is dealt with……the soul of the sound.
Construction:
The 5-axis CNC machining process creating those cuts in the aluminum is no joke. A first for me here at Redcarmoose Labs. Also……any variation of shell is kept to a minimum…….wait……there are no variations in construction here, as everyone, every example of the Rhombus shell is exactly the same…….the same copy of the same copy of the same copy and so on. Such a two piece affair looks to be anodized with a smooth semi-glass gray, yet upon microscopic inspection you can notice a faint tinge of the tooling process. Such examples of imperfections are maybe welcome and charming in contrast to this robot like appearance. I already talked about the nozzle lips and vent system, as such build extras/necessities are truly well done and add to the over-all joy in daily use. The joining of the faceplate is truly seamless going one-step-further to highlight the angles in use. The size, did I mention these are the perfect size and weight? Coming in weighting only 5.5 grams each is absolutely perfect. As maybe the comfort is created by the shape and size? Yet I will have to take note of the weight………..possibly contributing to what’s going on? The truly only question I have (which remains to be seen) is how the shaper angles will hold-up over time…….I mean it has you guess that the anodization could prove to be compromised at such edges? Yet in use there is a strange glossiness (both in sound and construction) which goes miles to protect the surfaces, as after prolonged use (a week) absolutely no wear is to be found? It’s almost this lack of reverberations brings about clarity (like a well-pressed dress shirt) that in fact is actualized due to this shell? Meaning everything is clean and tidy in both construction and sound? There can be an incredible choice of screens which manufactures choose to install……and while some have you guessing as to their choice, here again we are met with robustness. The Rhombus once again shows full-on detail in that the metal screens are inset into the nozzle lips. Such is the contrast……..the shell bodies are dark and the screens are bright chrome, further delineating the exact inner ring placement showing as the screens are recessed (perfectly flush) into the nozzle. These dudes at Tripowin aren’t messing around with build quality found, it seems!
Every once in a while an IEM design crosses over into becoming an art object.......this may be one of those times, as I can't take my eyes off the Rhombus? Then there is the texture and feel......the feel while it's in your ears.......at only 5.5 grams it's there, but only lightly there. Such a unique invention of form and function.........
Cable:
Strangely I have almost seen this exact cable before by another manufacture, enhancing the paranoia that somehow these Chinese manufactures are sourcing ancillary additions to their products from a secondary maker. Does that make it bad? No……….actually I wrote about this cable before. Such accolades only could be generated by a Head-Fi weirdo…….that chance of embellishing the beautiful scored plug grip……the actual cable-coating material being supple yet strong, and holding form of construction, despite being messed with. If they chose one cable to mass produce and sell-off to a number of manufactures, this is the one. Now while the provided cable isn't EXACTLY like others, as it seems they are made-up of different parts..........especially the part that says "Tripowin" on the cable splitter.
While in regular use, I’m finding the FAAEAL Hibiscus Cable 5N OFC to offer a 4.4mm plug and be a tad warmer. Yet the included cable goes great with a phone, more on that in the source section.
The box opening experience:
Burn-in:
While burn-in as a concept remains to be scientific proven, I often notice the phenomena. Truly nothing to get in a argument about......I mean this learning of IEMs is fun and should not be taken too seriously. They're just IEMs of god's-sake! With that said there can be basically two styles of burn-in, 1) the improvement of tone 2) the betterment of technicalities. Obviously both character traits can happen and often do. And while the Tripowin Rhombus got a full 120 hours of continuous burn, it did nothing to diminish the forward upper-midrange. What did happen was the bass became more fluid and natural. The overall cohesiveness seemed to come together, and a general feeling of smoothness seemed to purify the output. Lol
Heck, I don't know what is happening, but I always do it and more-often-than-not find benefits........if fact I mostly do perceive some kind of improvement. So I continue to burn-in. Part of it could be mental adaptation, when in reality it actually could be both at work. Also, it seems one of the very best parts of burn-in is soundstage.
Soundstage:
You may guess that bigness and expansion comes as the carryon baggage of pronounced mid-range......and here is no exception. If fact the soundstage may be one of the single greatest draws the Rhombus has? It's the very first thing I noticed and became enamored with. It's just that that Knowles is doing its job, with the after-effects seeming like way-way more? Obviously pin-point itemization and (very fast) transient response is why were even buying this thing. And remember, it's not just the fall-off of quick imaging, but the bass is lickety-split too, making the Rhombus have precise bass imaging. Plus the de-emphasized upper treble makes the "Zone".......the upper-midrange zone seem even bigger than it truly is.
Response to source:
While everyone wants to know how the IEMs do off a phone. Such is the world of phones we live-in. In fact the general sound from a phone was maybe the most optimized form of the Rhombas's sound signature? How/why? Well you know that most of the world has a phone with only a small section owning audiophile DAPs. It would make perfect sense for manufactures to (somewhat) optimize an IEM for phone use. You can only imagine the real world consequences of a stack of IEMs existing for sale at a retail location with only people arriving to try out the products on their phones.......with the results only being successful if the IEM in question performed optimal on a phone! So yes, we have finally reached the apex of many tested IEMs having an endearing quality from a simple phone. The effect is two fold, while offering a balanced tone, you are gifted with less than a critical black background. While on the basis of pure listening (especially outside around town) such tone features go a long way to provide the goods. It could even be said that the Triptowin Rhombus was less upper-midrange forward to a point. Imagine non-audiophile playback being superior? In truth their was more of a laid-back stance from a phone making any forwardness present slightly less noticeable. So in-a-way the sound profile was the same, only due to the whole signature more subdued from a phone, the vibrancy of the upper-midrange was ultimately subdued too. Though remember from a phone overall the tonal response was perfect. Mostly gone are those IEMs which used to project distorted-sloppy bass from a phone. In-fact it...........the smooth bass seemed to kick-in with a phone, making me realize just how good the Rhombus is powered by such equipment.
It was the pushed upper stratosphere or trebles and mid-range that had me question the use of the Sony Walkman WM1Z that while in crisper definition and spread-out wider into a stage, each individual item was in focus and shining with extra gloss, even that much more? If you have ever heard of people jettisoning their 4.4mm output from their high-end audiophile DAP and grabbing the subdued single-ended off the 3.5mm port from the same DAP? Here is a great example of (maybe) why. There is something advantageous that arrives from using 3.5mm instead of 4.4mm, maybe? It's just that we have all the contrast and vividness we need, we have more than enough to go around with the Triptowin Rhombus.
Conclusion:
Every once in a while when the sub-bass kicked it was a thrill……..due to the sub-bass being almost overqualified to be stuffed inside a $79.00 IEM. Yes, it’s that good, just fast, clean and profound. Still the lack of warmth and pin-point (upper-midrange) qualities are going to need be something ordered by choice. I’m not so sure the Rhombus is going to be for everyone? Still, remember, I’m only a single reviewer and this style of playback is not first on my list. Yet, you can’t help but respect the technicalities presented here. There is something about the sound that has you take notice, like it’s showing you musicality you need to get acquainted with and take notice of. It’s like that first day of school when you realize that you don’t know everything and class is in-progress! The build is insane……..really the build is mouthwatering!
Super contrasty, super vivid and slightly in-your-face. Wait, not slightly in your face……the Rhombus response IS in your face. If you want it there is up to you, because it’s hard to ignore. Offering a supreme level of technicalities and overall sophistication, thus taking you on a special joy-ride! Remember it’s all about those mids!
Do I recommend the Tripowin Rhombus? I do, but it’s like a strong drink, where you know there is an extra shot of medicine added. If the effects are loved, it’s up to you. Don’t come back to me and act like I didn’t warn you first!
$79.00 USD
https://www.linsoul.com/products/tripowin-rhombus
Free shipping and one year warranty when you order from Linsoul
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 Tripowin Rhombus universal IEM review sample.
Disclaimer:
These are one persons ideas and concepts, your results may vary.
Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
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
UA3 Dongle DAC/Amplifier 4.4mm and 3.5mm
