Twistura D-Minor

Review of the TWISTURA D-Minor​

Introduction​

TWISTURA, a relatively new electro-acoustic manufacturing company, has reintroduced its latest offering, the D-minor, a more affordable in-ear monitor (IEM) within the IEM market. The D-minor is the company’s follow-up to its debut product, the D-major, a mid-centric IEM with commendable technical capabilities. I was fortunate enough to acquire a pair of TWISTURA D-minors for evaluation purposes. Prior to delving into the review, I would like to address some clarifications.

Disclaimer​

*Since this unit tour was organised by the kindly people at Linsoul, I am grateful to them. 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 “D-Minor.”
*I am using different ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the D-Minor based on its performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.
*My evaluation is based on the standard nozzles that were pre-applied to the IEM. I will discuss the other types of nozzles in a separate section of this review.

Specification​

D-minor is a single dynamic driver that houses a 10mm LCP dual-magnetic dynamic. The shells’ shape and appearance are similar to the D-major IEM, except for the fact that the faceplate has less metal and a different shade. Everything else is the same as the D-major, unfortunately, including the same issues with fit and comfort. However, with tip-rolling, I achieved perfect isolation. Honestly, almost everything from cables to accessories is the same as what was offered with the D-major. The cable is a high-quality cable for an IEM in this price range, ending in two-pin connectors on one end and a 3.5mm plug on the other. The other accessories include a Type-C to 3.5mm dac, six pairs of eartips in two different types and three different sizes, a carrying pouch, and two other types of tuning nozzles. Moving on to the technical specifications, the impedance is 30 Ohms, and the sensitivity is 108dB. The frequency response ranges from 5Hz to 37kHz.

Sound​

So, from what I understand about the company Twistura, they deviate from the industry standard tuning that most audiophiles prefer. Instead, they target a specific group of audiophiles who prefer tuning their IEMs close to how Twistura tunes theirs. Alternatively, they may aim to entice audiophiles into their tuning approach and impress them. Regardless of the reason, their IEMs undoubtedly stand out among the market, both in terms of sound quality and physical design. This time, the D-Minor IEM seems to favor a mid-centric tuning with a fun and engaging bass response and a laid-back treble. While this tuning isn’t entirely new, the way Twistura has tweaked it to bring out specific nuances in the mix significantly enhances the overall listening experience. Let’s delve deeper into the sound to uncover more details about this unique tuning.

Treble​

Coming to the treble region, I believe it has a more relaxed presentation that effectively conveys a sense of air and stage presence. The response is soft yet rounded, lacking much attention to details or clarity, especially in the upper treble. However, I do believe that the response is well-energized in the lower treble region, which adds a vivid quality and forwardness to the mix. The upper treble has a reasonable extension, but it only provides a sense of stage and space after 13-14kHz. Recently, many companies have adopted this standard, which I first noticed on Simgot IEMs the past two years. Now, returning to D-minor, unlike its elder brother D-major, D-minor lacks the sparkle or airiness that D-major features. However, this response produces a well-tuned sound that doesn’t come across as lean or shimmery, as D-major sometimes did. Therefore, like the bass, treble also allows the presence of vocals and instruments in the upper midrange to come across more favorably. The lower treble, on the other hand, has good energy and forwardness in the mix, producing vivid vocals and instruments with clear clarity. The notes have a pleasant tone and weight, although they sometimes sound a bit incomplete. However, I find them to be tonally safe. Listening to tracks like “A Few Sentimental” by Kohana Lam brings out an upfront and clean response that sounds lovely. However, her vocals, which usually extend well forward and sound fuller, don’t sound the same with D-minor. Her scaling and nuances are muffled significantly. On the other hand, when listening to tracks with lead male vocals, such as “Free Fallin,” they surprisingly sound girthy and weighty, which feels more authentic to me. Overall, the presentation of the treble region is laidback, vivid, and rich-sounding.

Mid Range​

Now, I’m not surprised, but I knew the midrange would sound different based on the frequency response graph. However, I believe the way D-minor is produced creates a better sound, mostly in contrast to its frequency response graph. First and foremost, I must admit that I never expected these to sound pleasant and clean with that significant bass hump that extends into the lower midrange. Secondly, the response, with its warm and fuzzy sound presentation, might be the reason why the upper mid range and lower treble, which are overall elevated, sound so vivid and forward without introducing any sharp, harsh, or hot characteristics. The upper midrange resonates with the lower treble, but producing a more dense and warm sound with a fuller and fun presentation. The vocals and instruments sound rounded and clean without overpowering each other, although there were certain times listening to complex tracks that made it sound muddy and congested. However, for the most part, I was pleased with the tuning. The lower midrange has a very dense and warm exposure in the mix, sounding vague and heavy. The vocals and instruments have overly thick and dense notes that produce bloated notes, which are often unintelligible. Thanks to the elevated upper frequencies, these retention issues are masked in the mix. For example, listening to “Kamihitoe” by Uru sounds well-pronounced and well-bodied. The vocals have great characteristics and freedom, but the instruments with lower pitch and scale tend to mask her vocals and dilute the quality of her vocals. On the other hand, listening to “Somewhere I Belong” by Linkin Park doesn’t sound dry or metallic, especially the guitars. Instead, the D-minor produces a more blendful and musical sound, where Chester’s vocals sound absolutely blissful. Overall, the presentation of the midrange region is warm, dense, and musical.

Bass​

I’m not sure if I like the way the bass sounds, but I believe it plays a crucial role in the mix. The bass tuning provides ample bass to balance out the elevated upper frequencies, but this abundance of bass also brings some undesirable effects. The bass has a significant presence in the mix, extending even into the lower midrange and influencing it to sound slightly distorted and drowned out. I think the emphasis doesn’t become relevant as the bass overpowers the lower mid range, but rather in a cleaner way. The sound is warm and dense, but not overpowering. The sub bass has enough extension to sound deep and produce subtle rumbles, while the more overpowering region is the mid bass. The thumps and slams from bass guitars and drums sound meaty and impactful, enhancing the slaps and tonally rich hits. However, they can also be excessive. Otherwise, the bass has decent detail and texture. What surprised me is that, despite the flow of energy and presence, the bass doesn’t add boominess or bloat to the mix. Listening to “Rumble” by Skrillex is enjoyable, but the lows don’t impact that deeply or authentically. However, when listening to rock/meta tracks like “Skin & Bones” by Silverstein or “Thy Art Is Murder” by Keres, the response sounds cleaner and more balanced, less enigmatic or forced. The overall balance is achieved, with the vocals having the right amount of girth and weight, while all the instruments sound rounded and rich due to the bass’s influence on the mix. Therefore, the overall presentation of the bass region is warm, dense, and clean.

Technical Performance​

Coming to the technical aspects, I find the D-minor lacking in several areas that allow it to compete with its peers. However, I perceive it as a more enjoyable and well-rounded sounding IEM. It doesn’t feel strange or unpleasant in any way. Let’s delve into more specific details.

Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation​

The stage is wide enough to sound spacious, with a decent width and depth. However, I believe the sharpness and precision are lacking. Despite this, it sounds clean enough to provide good enough distinction between notes. As I mentioned earlier, it’s not the best IEM, but it does its job well enough to deliver an articulate response without being messy.

Speed & Resolution​

Now, the resolution isn’t its best feature, but the Macro details surface quite nicely. However, the micro details lack presence in the mix. The attack and decay of the notes aren’t well-paced, which impacts the resolvability of the IEM. It comes across as more blendful and sometimes overwhelming, but also fluid.

Sound Impressions ​

Tuning Nozzles​

Blue Nozzles - Using the black nozzles, the response was less forwarded in the midrange and more emphasized in the treble region, allowing more nuances to emerge while maintaining the same clarity. The bass sounded the same, but I believe the midrange sounded warmer and richer, which somewhat muted the female vocals.

Red Nozzles - While using the red nozzle, the response was more enjoyable and bassy. In fact, it sounded like a bass head IEM with an overwhelming bass response, tamed upper midrange, and lower treble. This resulted in a heavy mix that suppressed the clarity of details.

Sources​

Sony WM1A - While listening to D-Minor with WM1A, the response sounded significantly more resolved, well-flourished and spacious. The bass didn’t significantly influence the sound, which allowed the treble to be more presentable, providing greater clarity and exposing more micro details. The midrange also sounded less thick or dense, offering a more natural and light response. The lower midrange was less drowned out, with better note-weight and thickness. The bass definitely did sound like the sub bass had emphasis, and I believe it had a deeper and larger sound.

FiiO M15S - While listening to D-Minor with M15S, I noticed a more forwarded and expressive response. This enhancement also contributed to clarity and the distinct characteristics of the vocals and instruments. However, I still felt that the treble lacked a bit of presence, and the bass sounded a bit controlled, resulting in a cleaner bass sound.

TWISTURA Dongle Dac - While listening to D-Minor through the dongle DAC that comes with its accessories, the sound was more vibrant and energetic, with more prominent bass and elevated midrange. This made the music more exciting to listen to while also sounding more intimate and close.

Tracks​

Millet - Anytime Anywhere
Anri - I can’t stop the loneliness
Kohana Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Uru - Kimino Shiawasewo
Uru - Kamihitoe
Kujira Yumemi - Kenka
Majiko - Kokoronashi
Anly - Sukinishinayo
Kohama Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Miliyah - Kono Yumega Samerumade
Rokudenashi - The Flame Of Love
Yu-Peng Chen - A New Day with Hope
Yu-Peng Chen - Another Hopeful Tomorrow
Yu-Peng Chen - For Riddles, for Wonders
Valentino Khan - Satellite
Skrillex - Rumble
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Jawns - Erotica
ISOxo - how2fly
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
The Weeknd - Popular
YUNGBLUD - When We Die(Can We Still Get High)
Bring Me the Horizon - Kool-Aid
Middle Kids - Bend
FLETCHER - Leads Me On
Loathe - Aggressive Evolution
The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
Sigrid - Burning Bridges
AURORA - Black Water Lilies
AURORA - Runaway
X Ambassadors - Renegades
Lupe Fiasco - Words I Never Said
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Can’t Hold Us
Gotye - Somebody That I Used to Know
Jay-Z - Run This Town
Lady Gaga - Poker Face
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Ladytron - Ghost
Travis - Love Will Come Through
LINKIN PARK - Somewhere I Belong
DJ Shadow - Six Days (Remix)
Hoobastank - The Reason
Ricky Martin - I Don’t Care
Keres - Thy Art Is Murder
Silverstein - Skin & Bones
Tool - 7empest
Tool - Vicarious
A Flock of Seagulls - Space Age Love Song
Zack Hemsey - Vengeance
Elton John - I’m Still Standing
The Moody Blues - Nights in White Satin
Tom Petty - Free Fallin’
Michael Sembello - Maniac
Guns N’ Roses - Sweet Child O’ Mine
A.R. Rahman - Kun Faya Kun

Conclusion​

In the end, I believe TWISTURA did a decent job. I think it could’ve been much better, but I think this is what they wanted as a final result. I can see many people liking its fun and mid centric tuning, but for me personally, I don’t prefer such a response. So, these are for people who prefer a response that leans towards a fun and mid centric sound with rich and thick notes throughout the response. Hence, my recommendation is for those people in mind.

Intro:

At that time I got a DM from the Linsoul Audio team on headfi offering a review of this IEM. At first I was hesitant to accept it because information about this IEM was still minimal everywhere.

But in the end I took it, because this IEM could have the potential to be like Sivga Que. Well after 2 weeks of waiting, this item finally arrived. The packaging of this IEM is quite complete. The tips are not just any old thing, they are all good. 3 pairs of tips similar to aet07, and 3 pairs of tips similar to TRN T.

The soft case is also good and the material is quite thick, there are 3 filter nozzles, and there is also a type C dongle. The housing of this IEM on the back is made of metal and on the front is made of transparent plastic with quite good material. Unfortunately the cable is ordinary, and tends to lack synergy with the IEM.

For the filter nozzle, this is not a gimmick, but apart from the black nozzle, in my opinion the other nozzles have a treble character that is too smooth. So I suggest using the default nozzle item installed on the IEM.

The fitting of this IEM is a bit tricky and uncomfortable because of the strange shape of the housing. But once you get the fitting, this IEM is comfortable to wear for hours.

This IEM is relatively light to drive, especially since there is a type C dongle that makes it easy for us to use this IEM on non-jack 3.5 phones.


In this review post, I use the default tips that are similar to TRN T and the xinhs scc cable. Because the default cable is not that good and not that synergy with the iem, I highly recommend replacing the cable.


Here are the impressions....

Bass:

The sound direction of this IEM is mild vshape warm in the same direction as the Sivga Que. The bass feels quite large in quantity.

The mid bass presentation is slightly more dominant than the sub bass. The texture and impact of the bass are also good. Although it doesn't give a magnificent impression like Que's bass.

The rumble of the sub bass feels deep with quite good control. It feels more extended than Que's bass. The speed tends to be medium.

Mid:
The position is further back than the bass with a balanced vocal presentation for both men and women. The weight feels quite thick, similar to Que's mid.

There is something unique that distinguishes the presentation of this mid iem compared to Que. The vocals from D minor are indeed not as open, clean, and airy as Que's vocals. But what is unique is that these vocals can enter the vocals of women who are screaming. It feels more free than Que's vocals in Jpop songs which are predominantly screaming.

For the sweet and swinging sensation, it is also good. Better than Inawaken and slightly below Que.

Well, this D minor also has its cons. Indeed, for Jpop songs, it gets energy. Unfortunately, for electric guitar distortion, it doesn't get enough energy, the opposite of Que which actually gets more energy.

So the electric guitar distortion feels less fierce here, and I think this is because of the steep 10k dip. This also affects the treble presentation that I will discuss below.

For sibilance and peak diseases, it is safe here. The timbre presentation is also natural.

Treble:
Continuing to the previous one because the dip in the 10k area for the treble feels laid back and smooth. The treble body feels thin and not very detailed.

Fortunately, it is helped by the good treble extension. Here the presentation is the opposite of Que. Que feels more fierce and firm treble, but lacks extension.

The advantage of this smooth treble makes the treble presentation feel safe and minimal peak.

Technical:
For the technical, initially when using the default cable, it was crap. It felt according to its price of 30$. Even the technical feels a little below conch.

Well, after I changed the cable and compared it vs inawaken and Que with the same cable (xinhs scc). I immediately felt the technical improvements quite a lot.

The stage feels quite wide, dominant in the width of the stage. The depth and height of the stage are quite good. The fairly good stage presentation makes the imaging quite accurate and spread.

The resolution and micro details are good, similar to Que. For details, it might be a bit lacking because the treble is smooth. The separation is quite good, the sound doesn't really pile up.

The clarity is just right, not very clear. The transient speed is standard, clearly not suitable for fast double pedal songs. The dynamics are also good and feel alive in this IEM.

Outro:
Twistura D Minor is a new brand that surprised me. It has complete packaging, safe sound with minimal complaints, and good scalability is its main weapon.


This IEM has several differences compared to Que, and could be an alternative to Que if you are looking for an IEM that has better bass and treble extension. The vocals are quite energetic, more suitable for jpop, but the presentation is still safe.

The shortcomings that I think are worth noting are the uncomfortable fitting, the bad cable, and the treble that lacks body. That's all I feel and it's still normal for an IEM under 100$. If you add the Xinhs SCC, the price is still only around 50$.

This IEM fits my taste, and is probably not suitable for people who want to dig in without having to look for anything. Well, this type of person is more suited to the Inawaken Dawn MS or Sonus me

TWISTURA D-Minor: https://www.linsoul.com/products/twistura-d-minor​

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?me=A267P2DT104U3C&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER

DISCLAIMER
The review I'm about to share reflects my personal experience and provides an honest evaluation regarding this set. I am completely unaffiliated from the brands I review. I did not receive (or will receive) any financial or monetary incentives in exchange for writing this review, I wrote this review of my own free will and all of the opinions you'll read are my own.

This unit was provided by Linsoul Audio for free in exchange for an honest and detailed review. Rest assured, this does not affect my opinions about this set. Thank you, Linsoul, for the continuous support!

SPECIFICATIONS
Driver configuration: 10mm Dual-Magnetic Dynamic Driver
Impedance: 30Ω±3@1kHz
Sensitivity: 108dB/Vrms@1kHz



INTRODUCTION
Twistura consistently exceeds both my expectations and the current market standards—they’ve done it again. Their first release, the D-Major, set the bar high for me, so when Linsoul reached out to review another set, I was thrilled to try another Twistura IEM. And once again, Twistura didn’t disappoint. After a week of usage, I’m excited to share my thoughts on this set, so here are the gears I used to review the new Twistura D-Minor:

DAC Dongle: Jcally JM7l & Twistura Type C Dongle
Phone/Device: Either my iPhone XR or my laptop
Music player: Spotify and Tidal

PACKAGING
I can’t believe Twistura managed to pack all these inclusions into a $30 set. Inside the box, you'll find two sets of eartips in various sizes: one set consists of standard silicone tips, while the other is made from a grippier material, somewhat resembling the texture of Moondrop’s Spring Tips, for a more secure fit. They also included a Type-C DAC dongle with impressive build quality, along with a quality leather carrying pouch to store your IEM. Additionally, there are two sets of tuning nozzles—quite a surprising feature at this price point. The unboxing experience and inclusions are reminiscent of the D-Major, with a premium feel. Hats off to Twistura for delivering a product that feels like more than what we’re paying for.


(This photo is from Linsoul Audio's website, as I haven’t had the chance to capture all the inclusions myself due to device issues. You’ll find the product link at the end of this review)

BUILD QUALITY, DESIGN, AND COMFORT
The shape of the shell is identical to the D-Major but features a different design and materials. However, the D-Minor is noticeably more comfortable, mainly due to its lighter weight. One issue I had with the D-Major was its shell's weight distribution, especially in the outer shell, which caused a slight weight imbalance and made the IEMs feel loose in my ears. The D-Minor, on the other hand, has no such fit issues. It’s lighter and sits securely. The outer shell is crafted from high-quality, transparent plastic, which, despite the lighter weight, still feels premium and well-built.



SOUND IMPRESSIONS
The Twistura D-Minor offers a balanced V-shaped sound profile. It has a pleasant thickness and warmth, along with an overall smooth presentation. Among the recent releases from various brands, this is one of the best-balanced V-shaped tunings I’ve heard in a while. My only nitpick is that I notice a slight treble imbalance in general, but considering the price of this IEM, it is definitely not worth complaining for, besides, the overall sound quality of this set definitely compensate. Safe to say that I love the D-Minor the same way I loved the D-Major despite having a totally different tuning. The D-Minor comes with three different tuning nozzles, so I’ll present my sound impressions in the same format I used for the D-Major. I mainly used the blue nozzle, so I’ll use it as the reference point when explaining how the other two nozzles (black and red) differ from it.

Blue Tuning Nozzles
This is my favorite tuning nozzle out of the three. The bass is warm, with a slightly forward mid-bass that adds a decent amount of low-end energy. The bass is well-balanced and never overpowering, adding warmth that complements the lower mids. The midrange maintains clarity, despite a slight thickness in the lower mids. The upper mids are also forward, so female vocals don’t feel overshadowed by the warmth, while the lower mids add a natural feel to vocals especially male vocals. The treble has a satisfying sparkle with enough air—slightly forward but never shouty. While the other two nozzles are great, this one stands out as my favorite. I’d confidently say that the D-Minor with the blue nozzles is the best balanced V-shaped IEM under $40.

Red Tuning Nozzles
This nozzle is a bit too warm for my taste, though it’s still impressive. Out of the three, the red nozzle offers the most distinct presentation, with an added sub-bass boost that provides a deep, fun rumble. The midrange is warmer than with the blue and block nozzles, and the upper mids are more laid-back. Treble is safely tuned here; while it's fine, it lacks the air and energy I’d prefer. This nozzle leans more toward the bass, giving a slight bass-heavy experience.

Black Tuning Nozzles
The black nozzle’s tuning falls between the red and blue, but it’s closer to the blue nozzles in sound. Honestly, the difference is subtle, with the black nozzle tuned slightly more safely. Its upper mids and treble are a bit more laid-back than the blue nozzles, lending a slightly warmer, more mature sound. Other than that, the two are nearly identical in presentation.

Details and Soundstage
I think this is where the D-Minor slightly falls short compared to the D-Major. The detail retrieval of the D-Minor is pretty average for this price bracket, but its soundstage—both in depth and width—is superior to that of other sets. You can still catch some micro-nuances, but technical performance isn’t the D-Minor's strongest suit. Nevertheless, overall, the Twistura D-Minor still outperforms most other IEMs in terms of technicalities in the $30 price range.



CONCLUSION
With Twistura's two releases, I’m becoming a huge fan. This will be an easy recommendation for anyone—whether you’re new to the hobby, looking for an upgrade, or simply seeking for an IEM with an excellent price-to-performance ratio. Considering the great sound performance, build quality, inclusions, and especially the price, the Twistura D-Minor is definitely impressive. Personally, I believe it’s the best "starter" IEM I’ve encountered so far.

LINKS
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?me=A267P2DT104U3C&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Twistura D-Minor: https://www.linsoul.com/products/twistura-d-minor