My MT100 Planar in-ear earphone review is up!
About the MT100:
The MT100 is a planar in-ear earphone with one planar orthodynamic diaphragm drive unit plus one BA armature each side for smooth transitioning between higher frequencies. The earphones are made up of metal alloy housing with detachable left and right cables. Planar earphones are one of the newest and more advanced drivers among high end full-size headphones and are basically open back sounding, which means you’ll get the best listening experience and best sound possible, but with the cost of sound leak coming from the back vents of the ear cups. Though, most in-ear monitors are mostly closed-back with close to no sound leak, the MT100 are slightly open-back replicating the same principles as a full-size planar headphone in this same manner. To give my most honest and fair review possible, I gave the MT100 at least 100 hours of play-time making sure that both the diaphragms and BA armatures were thoroughly broken-in to perform at their best.
*PIC is courtesy of Mr. Cao for the MT100
SOUND SIGNATURE:
The sound signature of the MT100, as mentioned above, has an eerily similar sound signature to that of a full-size planar headphone. It demonstrates the full potential of a perfectly neutral and natural sounding sound signature where all frequencies work in perfect harmony to bring you the best of your selected choice of music leaving you wanting more as you listen along.
PACKAGE:
In the package you get a nice, bigger than average, carry case; small-medium-large silicone ear tips, detachable silver/copper cables with a shirt-clip, and two left and right MT100 housing units with the left housing unit “dotted blue” to indicate “left”, and the right housing unit “dotted red” to indicate “right”.
PRICE:
Price may vary according to the store your purchasing from, but do expect to pay from a range estimated from the lowest price point I found of $120 US dollars or more according to Aliexpress online shopping. Unfortunately, on taobao online shopping it starts at a slightly higher price, which is 1,288 RMB or more ($187.28 US dollars or more).
*PIC is courtesy of Mr. Cao for the MT100
SOUND:
BASS
I must say, when I first listened to the bass, I wasn’t expecting such beautiful, rich and detailed bass. It carries excellent bass tones from sub-bass, bass, and MID bass with no MID-bass bleed, whatsoever! The bass brings good body, texture and fullness as a whole to most, if not all of my selected genre!
MIDs
The midrange carries a lively approach to vocals and even a variety of instruments, especially if you are listening to a prerecorded live performance track. They can really exploit the finest and fullness of male and female vocals with breath-taking natural accuracy.
HIGHS
With the MT100, it only gets better with natural sounding high-pitch details that come across as effortless and wholesome with a touch of transparency, air, and crispiness that falls nothing short of amazing!
*Planar plus BA armature PIC is courtesy of Mr. Cao for the MT100
SOUNDSTAGE AND RESOLUTION
The MT100 has some of the best soundstage I’ve heard when compared to traditional dynamic drivers and BA balanced armatures probably due to the planar’s involvement and improvement towards the wide soundstage combined with the neutral sound signature across the board, while depth and frontal stage is better than average. The resolution is quite revealing overall with richness, transparency, and details. So, it’s no wonder these are practically a steal for the price!
COMPARISONS:
TINAUDIO T2 vs
MT100
Tinaudio T2 is a perfect example of a good neutral sounding earphone for such a low price, when it was such a big hit a little over a year ago among Chi-Fi members. But, the MT100 demonstrates dominancy over the T2 when it comes to accuracy, richness, and details. It’s just better and more mature sounding in all areas, IMHO!
**** vs
MT100
Coming from the same company, the **** was making headlines just six months ago for its triple drive system, which contained a dynamic driver, a BA armature, and piezo tweeter each side greatly improving some areas of details in the MID and treble region with excellent results. But, the MT100 reveals even more throughout the whole frequency leaving nothing but pure musicality and brilliancy of your favorite choice of songs!
CCA C16 vs
MT100
The CCA C16 is another neutral champion with a nice upper clear range where all the BA’s work together to create nice continues harmony. But, the MT100 brings a touch of accuracy and precision to the table that’s hard to match when no EQ is needed or applied. The MT100 can be considered to be neutral GIANTS, IMHO!
PROS:
Excellent neutral and natural sound signature, well made metal alloy housing, nicely made silver/copper detachable cables with left and right color markers (L-blue, R-red) for easy wear, ...finally, these are planar earphones and very competitive at its price point!
CONS:
Rear vent sound leakage may discourage those looking for completely sealed or noise reduction in-ear earphones, though the leakage is quite minimal!
SPECIAL THANKS:
I want to express special thanks to Mr. Cao for sending the MT100 to me for a special discount in return for an honest review, and a special shout-out to head-fi member, ‘Tamerlan’ for considering the MT100 for review.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If you want more information on the MT100 other than what’s specified above, just send me a personal message. I am limited to answer other request on this thread. Thank you for understanding.
Hope this review can be of help towards your next purchase...
-Clear
Shells feel little cheap but they are (30€/$33) and cable is quite decent. Very comfy with Nicehck-foams.
