Bravado (S$788)WIN
The Bravado is the X-line-up’s entry-level model, and – as I teased in the introductory paragraph – one of my absolute favourites from the entire show; regardless of price. Sporting excellent tonal balance from top to bottom, the Bravado shines in its ability to produce gobs of dynamic energy win with exceptional headroom win and exquisite smoothness. Reminiscent of IEMs like the Lime Ears Aetherwin or the Vision Ears VE8, the Bravado pairs solid, punchy notes with brilliant volumes of air win. As a result, the Bravado exudes openness win and ease without resorting to an excessive treble peak win; maintaining organicity and warmth in its timbre win. Bodied notes offset the Bravado’s articulative energy – balancing naturalness and transparency with ease win .
A forwardly-placed vocal range WIN contributes to the Bravado’s allure, benefitting from an upper-mid peak for clarity in articulation. A slight lift in the extreme upper-treble is responsible for the Bravado’s openness and air, but a linear treble response – as well as tastefulness in the lift – maintains excellent smoothness whole sentnce of win; endowing the Bravado with an energetic-yet-forgiving sense of sparkle. Bass frequencies are extremely well-controlled and linearly extended. Although the Bravado isn’t as chestily impactful as its older brothers, it still boasts a low-end that’s punchy, visceral and beautifullytextured still a win. The Bravado is an exceptional IEM, price tag notwithstanding. But, when you take its value into consideration, it truly is a revolutionary piece – bringing a dense, engaging and soulful sound into the mid-tier market. Bravo.