Oriveti OV800 and O800 IEMs - The official thread

[F700]

@mjm6 I hope I will be able to help you a bit, eventhough I have never listened to the ONP myself. First, let's start with the FR-graph from the 4 IEMs mentioned in your post.

ONP (from one the most trusted source for graph on the www)

O400 (the grey line applies from 120Hz, because of DF target compensated graph)

O800 & OV800 (posted earlier in the thread by @ryanjsoo)

Considering the years you've been spending very satisfied with the ONP, going for the O800/OV800 most likely will be a departure in terms of sound signature. The ONP graph looks a bit odd to me with (especially in the region between 400Hz - 4kHz) an elevated midbass/mids section and then a dip in the lower treble (2kHz - 5kHz). Not the most detailed IEM as it seems, warmish yet not fatiguing. I understand what you say about being able to enjoy your music for hours.

If you find most of the IEMs unlistenable, I don't think it's a good idea to directly jump on the O800/OV800. These definitely have more presence in the upper-mids. You might experience discomfort at first. Maybe your brain will adapt over time (or not), but it would be risky business to buy one or the other blind. Try to get a loan unit first.

Even if the graph suggests it, the OV800 are not bright or harsh to me. They are very musical all across the frequency range, a slight U-shaped curve that allows a large variety of musical genres to be played back to my liking. Always regarding the OV800, I love the switch system, because even if I usually let both of them off, the extra bass provides the right amount of rumble if the track calls for it. The mids on the OV800 are the star of the show. I rarely have listened to silky mids like that, with great texture and a welcome neutrality (meaning neither too forward nor recessed). Are you into vocals? If yes, the OV800 are a set to consider, while keeping in mind that the upper-mids might be the killer criteria for you. Finally, back to switches, having both activated makes the OV800 sounding more "V" than "U" and I don't like that setting. It's a bit too energetic in the highs, so I basically use two settings out of four available, the treble-boost never being activated. Please note that my source (Calyx M) is considered warm by many, but I find it just right and "analogue" sounding. All my IEMs sound good on this DAP, but the OV800 and O400 represent a special pairing with the Calyx M.

At a portion of the O800/OV800's price, you have the O400. These have the best sub-bass section out of any BA-IEMs I have tried so far. Impactful, tight, beautifully rendered and layered. Perfect transition into the mids, which also are great on the O400, enjoying the same attributes as the ones from the OV800. Still, the aforementioned big brother goes further here. The O400 are a tad warmer than the OV800 in general and have less presence in the upper-mids. Also, the treble is less extended and more relax on the O400, while very enjoyable and completely sufficient, if you are treble sensitive.

In a nutshell, the OV800 are more competent than the O400 technically, with better mids and treble extension. Level of details is approximately on par, soundstage goes to the OV800 (realistic presentation) while the O400 are not congested. The O400 have a better bass section and is maybe more coherent sounding.

My advice would be to try getting your hands (and ears) on the O400 and the O800/OV800 before any blind purchase (check with Marco from Oriveti, he is a very nice and helpful individual). If it's not possible, I would go for the O400 first. Based on the graph only, they should represent a step up from the ONP, pretty confident about that.

I hope I could give you some useful information.

 

[mjm6]

@mjm6 I hope I will be able to help you a bit, eventhough I have never listened to the ONP myself. First, let's start with the FR-graph from the 4 IEMs mentioned in your post.

ONP (from one the most trusted source for graph on the www)


O400 (the grey line applies from 120Hz, because of DF target compensated graph)


O800 & OV800 (posted earlier in the thread by @ryanjsoo)


Considering the years you've been spending very satisfied with the ONP, going for the O800/OV800 most likely will be a departure in terms of sound signature. The ONP graph looks a bit odd to me with (especially in the region between 400Hz - 4kHz) an elevated midbass/mids section and then a dip in the lower treble (2kHz - 5kHz). Not the most detailed IEM as it seems, warmish yet not fatiguing. I understand what you say about being able to enjoy your music for hours.

If you find most of the IEMs unlistenable, I don't think it's a good idea to directly jump on the O800/OV800. These definitely have more presence in the upper-mids. You might experience discomfort at first. Maybe your brain will adapt over time (or not), but it would be risky business to buy one or the other blind. Try to get a loan unit first.

Even if the graph suggests it, the OV800 are not bright or harsh to me. They are very musical all across the frequency range, a slight U-shaped curve that allows a large variety of musical genres to be played back to my liking. Always regarding the OV800, I love the switch system, because even if I usually let both of them off, the extra bass provides the right amount of rumble if the track calls for it. The mids on the OV800 are the star of the show. I rarely have listened to silky mids like that, with great texture and a welcome neutrality (meaning neither too forward nor recessed). Are you into vocals? If yes, the OV800 are a set to consider, while keeping in mind that the upper-mids might be the killer criteria for you. Finally, back to switches, having both activated makes the OV800 sounding more "V" than "U" and I don't like that setting. It's a bit too energetic in the highs, so I basically use two settings out of four available, the treble-boost never being activated. Please note that my source (Calyx M) is considered warm by many, but I find it just right and "analogue" sounding. All my IEMs sound good on this DAP, but the OV800 and O400 represent a special pairing with the Calyx M.

At a portion of the O800/OV800's price, you have the O400. These have the best sub-bass section out of any BA-IEMs I have tried so far. Impactful, tight, beautifully rendered and layered. Perfect transition into the mids, which also are great on the O400, enjoying the same attributes as the ones from the OV800. Still, the aforementioned big brother goes further here. The O400 are a tad warmer than the OV800 in general and have less presence in the upper-mids. Also, the treble is less extended and more relax on the O400, while very enjoyable and completely sufficient, if you are treble sensitive.

In a nutshell, the OV800 are more competent than the O400 technically, with better mids and treble extension. Level of details is approximately on par, soundstage goes to the OV800 (realistic presentation) while the O400 are not congested. The O400 have a better bass section and is maybe more coherent sounding.

My advice would be to try getting your hands (and ears) on the O400 and the O800/OV800 before any blind purchase (check with Marco from Oriveti, he is a very nice and helpful individual). If it's not possible, I would go for the O400 first. Based on the graph only, they should represent a step up from the ONP, pretty confident about that.

I hope I could give you some useful information.

Great and very helpful comments. Thanks so much for your time and energy.

I have been talking to Marco, and maybe I'll see if he can get a demo set to me before I commit. I'm really interested in the mids that you describe. To me that is one of the possible improvements that I would really appreciate. Soundstage and imaging as well.

I listen to a mix of classic rock, some classical and OST, some international music, some electronic... I do listen to a lot of vocals and unamplified instruments, plus a host of amplified as well.

As I see it from the graphs, the OV800 appears to be somewhat between the O400 and the ONP in terms of overall tonal balance. While I may be be very happy with the O400, I am interested in the gains in the midrange that the OV800 may introduce. My thinking is that the quality of the treble in lot of lower quality IEMs is such that I find them a bit harsh, especially if they have a V profile (placing somewat gritty treble in prominence). The bass switch on the OV800 may bring the tonal balance more to what I'm used to in the ONP, which may not be a bad thing (but I may actually prefer a more reference approach if the quality of the sound is a step up, which I fully expect it to be considering the price difference of the ONP to OV800).

I'll see what shakes out in my conversation with Oriveti.

 

[F700]

Great and very helpful comments. Thanks so much for your time and energy.

I have been talking to Marco, and maybe I'll see if he can get a demo set to me before I commit. I'm really interested in the mids that you describe. To me that is one of the possible improvements that I would really appreciate. Soundstage and imaging as well.

I listen to a mix of classic rock, some classical and OST, some international music, some electronic... I do listen to a lot of vocals and unamplified instruments, plus a host of amplified as well.

As I see it from the graphs, the OV800 appears to be somewhat between the O400 and the ONP in terms of overall tonal balance. While I may be be very happy with the O400, I am interested in the gains in the midrange that the OV800 may introduce. My thinking is that the quality of the treble in lot of lower quality IEMs is such that I find them a bit harsh, especially if they have a V profile (placing somewat gritty treble in prominence). The bass switch on the OV800 may bring the tonal balance more to what I'm used to in the ONP, which may not be a bad thing (but I may actually prefer a more reference approach if the quality of the sound is a step up, which I fully expect it to be considering the price difference of the ONP to OV800).

I'll see what shakes out in my conversation with Oriveti.

Please keep us informed about how things turn out and if you end up buying one of the IEMs. Very interested in someone else’s opinion.

 

[mjm6]

The new OV800 is now listed on the Oriveti website for sale.

 

[F700]

The new OV800 is now listed on the Oriveti website for sale.

It was about time. The cable upgrade (Affinity 2) is USD 299.-, but I recommend it over the stock cable. It pairs greatly with the OV800. Pretty expensive for a cable, though.

 

[mjm6]

It was about time. The cable upgrade (Affinity 2) is USD 299.-, but I recommend it over the stock cable. It pairs greatly with the OV800. Pretty expensive for a cable, though.

How would you characterize the cable sound impact? I have it coming but not sure whether it will be to my liking.

 

[F700]

How would you characterize the cable sound impact? I have it coming but not sure whether it will be to my liking.

I recommend the upgrade cable, because I have the impression that it « tames » the inherent energy of the OV800 a bit. Subtle difference, might be placebo effect, but it works for me.

Did you get the OV800 too?

 

[mjm6]

Yes, the OV800 is coming. I decided to try that one out for the better refinement that it offers. I figure if I'm moving up, I want it to be a substantial improvement, and the switches should make it better to tune to my preferences. We'll see. I'm looking forward to hearing them next week.

 

[ryanjsoo]

Just posted up my full review of the OV800, continuing on from my first impressions posted before. Altogether, not a huge change from the O800, but a more versatile package and the stained wood faceplates are easy on the eyes too.

I've also added impressions of the Affinity 2 vs stock cable but was unable to compare it with the original Affinity cable as that model uses MMCX connectors. For O800 owners, I have compared the Affinity 2 to that cable as well.

At $999 the OV800 is difficult to recommend over the O800, especially if you aren't the type to tinker. Ultimately, my verdict is the same as on that model. This remains a beautifully constructed earphone with a unique sound tuning.

If you like a smooth sound with excellent background cleanliness and a slight vocal focus you will be hard-pressed to find a competitor that executes it this well. I have to thank Marco as well for featuring my images on his website, I am a big fan of his designs

 

[F700]

@ryanjsoo complete and informative review. Well done.

Did you already have the opportunity to listen to the 0400?

 

[ryanjsoo]

@ryanjsoo complete and informative review. Well done.

Did you already have the opportunity to listen to the 0400?

Thanks! It was short but I felt I covered what was needed since I've already reviewed the O800 more in-depth.

O400 is still on the agenda, unfortunately. I don't open any products until the photoshoot, really streamlines the post-processing as there aren't any scratches/dust, etc. My lighting has been acting up recently so waiting for new toys. I know you're a fan so definitely looking forward to it

 

[F700]

Thanks! It was short but I felt I covered what was needed since I've already reviewed the O800 more in-depth.

O400 is still on the agenda, unfortunately. I don't open any products until the photoshoot, really streamlines the post-processing as there aren't any scratches/dust, etc. My lighting has been acting up recently so waiting for new toys. I know you're a fan so definitely looking forward to it

Yes, I think that the O400 are insanely good for the price (USD 399.-). Keep us posted.

 

[audiogeekery]

@mjm6 I hope I will be able to help you a bit, eventhough I have never listened to the ONP myself. First, let's start with the FR-graph from the 4 IEMs mentioned in your post.

ONP (from one the most trusted source for graph on the www)


O400 (the grey line applies from 120Hz, because of DF target compensated graph)


O800 & OV800 (posted earlier in the thread by @ryanjsoo)


Considering the years you've been spending very satisfied with the ONP, going for the O800/OV800 most likely will be a departure in terms of sound signature. The ONP graph looks a bit odd to me with (especially in the region between 400Hz - 4kHz) an elevated midbass/mids section and then a dip in the lower treble (2kHz - 5kHz). Not the most detailed IEM as it seems, warmish yet not fatiguing. I understand what you say about being able to enjoy your music for hours.

If you find most of the IEMs unlistenable, I don't think it's a good idea to directly jump on the O800/OV800. These definitely have more presence in the upper-mids. You might experience discomfort at first. Maybe your brain will adapt over time (or not), but it would be risky business to buy one or the other blind. Try to get a loan unit first.

Even if the graph suggests it, the OV800 are not bright or harsh to me. They are very musical all across the frequency range, a slight U-shaped curve that allows a large variety of musical genres to be played back to my liking. Always regarding the OV800, I love the switch system, because even if I usually let both of them off, the extra bass provides the right amount of rumble if the track calls for it. The mids on the OV800 are the star of the show. I rarely have listened to silky mids like that, with great texture and a welcome neutrality (meaning neither too forward nor recessed). Are you into vocals? If yes, the OV800 are a set to consider, while keeping in mind that the upper-mids might be the killer criteria for you. Finally, back to switches, having both activated makes the OV800 sounding more "V" than "U" and I don't like that setting. It's a bit too energetic in the highs, so I basically use two settings out of four available, the treble-boost never being activated. Please note that my source (Calyx M) is considered warm by many, but I find it just right and "analogue" sounding. All my IEMs sound good on this DAP, but the OV800 and O400 represent a special pairing with the Calyx M.

At a portion of the O800/OV800's price, you have the O400. These have the best sub-bass section out of any BA-IEMs I have tried so far. Impactful, tight, beautifully rendered and layered. Perfect transition into the mids, which also are great on the O400, enjoying the same attributes as the ones from the OV800. Still, the aforementioned big brother goes further here. The O400 are a tad warmer than the OV800 in general and have less presence in the upper-mids. Also, the treble is less extended and more relax on the O400, while very enjoyable and completely sufficient, if you are treble sensitive.

In a nutshell, the OV800 are more competent than the O400 technically, with better mids and treble extension. Level of details is approximately on par, soundstage goes to the OV800 (realistic presentation) while the O400 are not congested. The O400 have a better bass section and is maybe more coherent sounding.

My advice would be to try getting your hands (and ears) on the O400 and the O800/OV800 before any blind purchase (check with Marco from Oriveti, he is a very nice and helpful individual). If it's not possible, I would go for the O400 first. Based on the graph only, they should represent a step up from the ONP, pretty confident about that.

I hope I could give you some useful information.

Amazing post! Thank you for this.
It’s funny to see the graph for the NP laid out like that, overlaid against the O800, etc.

While I can’t speak as an expert on IEM’s, I can say that after multiple demos in 2018-2019 of a lot of other IEM’s: the ONP really seemed to capture the feeling of a dynamic and great 2 channel audiophile speaker system, to me. Would be very curious if the dramatic change in course of the new products.

 

[audiogeekery]

Yes, the OV800 is coming. I decided to try that one out for the better refinement that it offers. I figure if I'm moving up, I want it to be a substantial improvement, and the switches should make it better to tune to my preferences. We'll see. I'm looking forward to hearing them next week.

Keep us posted! I’ll be eagerly anticipating your impressions, as I’ll also be contemplating the jump from the ONP.

 

[F700]

Eventhough the 7Hz Timeless planar IEMs steal all of my head time recently, I managed to put them aside tonight, taking out the O400 and OV800 for a ride.

Recalibrating ears and brain takes some time. I needed a hour and a few tracks to do so. Maybe the 7Hz Timeless spoiled me, but I now am experiencing a real difference between the O400 and the OV800.

The O400 is a bit darker, but the bass remains very solid and tactile, while the mids maybe are a tad too heavy, short on details and clarity. The treble still is top-notch and non-fatiguing. The tuning and built quality of the O400 are just astonishing at this price point.

The OV800 definitely are going further in every segment. The bass presentation can be debated, though. The O400 hit harder while being very clean. Here, the O400 win, in my opinion. That’s about all, because the OV800 is the most refined set overall. The mids are more detailed and better textured. The OV800 are incredible in this regard. Then, the treble also is more extended and airier than the O400’s one, which lacks a bit of extension and crisp. The OV800 clearly is the better set in my opinion in the end.

At USD 1K, it’s impossible not to recommend Oriveti’s flagship to those looking for an allrounder set of IEMs. It’s an essential purchase for mids-lovers.