I know many are curious about Oriolus and various other Japan exclusive models, I’ll be heading to Portafes tomorrow and will be sure to report back with interesting findings. However, at present I would like to take some time to introduce a new player within the upper echelons of audio. Those who attended the November Autumn audio show in Japan may already be familiar but they’ve kept pretty exclusive to Japan this year, in fact, their models are hard to find even there.
I recently had an opportunity to sit down with Mr. Yu who masterminded Oriolus. He introduced a new direction he’s taking with his designs under a new alias, Hyla (Hira in Japan) which will be joining Oriolus and PW Audio under his supervision. Using his experiences at Oriolus, Yu hopes to further refine his designs with Hyla, which comes off as more experimental and potentially geared more towards an international audience whatever that may entail. At present, Hyla offer two models, the CE-5 which is quite reminiscent of the Oriolus MKII but revised based on feedback for that model in addition to a higher-end model dubbed the Nerva X or LA-1 based upon the Mellianus.
CE-5:
The CE-5 is the more experimental of the two as its quad-driver setup comprises not only of a hybrid single dynamic + dual BA but an additional piezoelectric tweeter. I have seen some models from 1More and Radius using a similar type of driver but Hyla’s execution is a bit different, I will confirm in more detail when I get my hands on some English material. Other changes include a longer nozzle and retuned sound though it carries a similar RRP to the MKII, hovering around $1k USD. Of note, my tester unit lacked a PW cable instead implementing a more standard CIEM-style unit.
I was lucky to get a nice day of listening in while catching a quiet train up to Fuji, but I’ve still only spent a day with the CE-5 so take these impressions with a grain of salt. At the very least, I can confirm this is an interesting earphone that pursues an engaging v-shaped signature. Of course, beyond personal preference, it's the execution that counts, and the CE-5 is certainly a resolving earphone though I will need to AB more to provide more absolute statements. Onto the more subjective, the CE-5 has great bass extension and a quite a lot of emphasis relative to most earphones around this price. That said, bass is well controlled with defined, visceral rumble. Mid-bass seems a little bloomy on first impression but the earphone doesn’t sound remotely flabby or loose. Mids are slightly bright and sit slightly behind in the mix. They are naturally voiced and quite transparent, especially within the upper midrange where lower mids are a little warm. Clarity is also enhanced and background details are very well-resolved despite not bearing the brightest, airiest tuning. Highs are also well-extended but focus lies within the lower-treble making them aggressive and energetic over airy and delicate. They construct a large stage and their smoother middle/upper treble grants them with a clean presentation and darker background despite their more energetic midrange and lower-treble. So far I’m really enjoying the CE-5, it has a tastefully engaging signature that doesn’t compromise balance too much and it nails the technicalities. The longer nozzle also makes this an incredibly isolating earphone and they were perfectly comfortable during my first day of use.
Nerva-X:
Using the Mellianus as a foundation, the Verva employs a similar 10BA driver setup and the same design but Yu has implemented sterling silver housings as opposed to plastic and the internal chambers have been redesigned, I can't confirm any driver changes at present. The unit I tested was also attached to a new copper PW cable that exceeded $2300 IEM in price so unfortunately, I can’t comment on either the Mellianus or the stock Nerva X, but it does look like this model brings some very welcome improvements for the same asking price. As aforementioned, take these first impressions with a grain of salt.
The Nerva is immediately more balanced than the CE-5, it lacks the treble aggression and is rather a little darker and smoother with a U to gentle L-shaped sound. But despite its lesser treble energy, it is immensely detailed and very well extended if still not particularly airy, especially compared to earphones like the Andro and Katana. What surprised me most was the Nerva’s bass, they have awesome extension and not just for a BA earphone. In fact, a few listeners at the table mistook them for a hybrid; had I not been told by Mr. Yu, I would have completely believed that the thump, slam and impact of the Nerva's bass were created by a dynamic driver too. As for the qualities of that bass, like the CE-5, it is full yet tight, physical yet defined. However, the Nerva has greater articulation than the CE-5; though it is similarly impactful, it is a quicker more detailed earphone as it should be considering the price increase. The Nerva also had a really nice stage and a natural, impressively linear midrange from memory. For my tastes, the Nerva is the earphones I would listen to every day where the CE-5 is geared more towards instant gratification. That said, both are still balanced and technical enough to excel with analytical listening and neither falter under scrutiny as a lot of earphones with these styles of tuning tend to.
So that’s the basic rundown, apologies for rambling and noisy photos, I can’t imagine how long tomorrow’s report will be! I’ve always been curious about Oriolus and PW so having the opportunity to try Mr. Yu’s latest creations was not only a great experience but a great honour. Yu definitely isn't shooting for anything “reference” with Hyla, rather, these are immensely engaging earphones built atop solid ergonomics and technical performance. I think the CE-5 will please a great many during tomorrow's show but the Nerva will shine over more extended listening.
Great impressions man! Based on how much you can write off of relatively short listening sessions, the Empire booth’s gonna be a whole lot of fun.
A lot of good earphones are coming soon it seems. I need to hold on to my wallet more tightly, hehe. Good thing we have CanJam coming too next year, I hope we can meet again and try some gears together. With Porta Fest commencing, I'm sure there'll be many interesting new products.
