TGXEAR SERRATUS (Reviewed by Kenzo Stevens)
Pros: 
• Highly refined balanced reference sound tuning.
• Neutral and transparent midrange tuning.
• Top-shelf resolution and soundstage imaging.
• Large, spacious, airy, and well-layered soundstage.
• Lifelike timbre, excellent imaging, and great for classical music.
• Good treble and bass extensions for earbud performance.
Cons: 
• Requires power to achieve its full potential.
• Can sound sibilant due to mid-treble peak.
• Somewhat soft-sounding sub-bass notes.
• Open design means zero passive isolation.
• Not basshead-friendly.
• Can sound cold and thin if you are used to a warmer tonality.
TGXEAR Serratus:
Introducing the TGXEAR Serratus earbuds, the first released flagship model from the new and exciting brand TGXEAR. Jim Park, the man behind the brand, is a music-loving engineer who has been tinkering with headphones and earphones for years. The Serratus earbuds boast a 300ohm driver, a sensitivity of 102dB SPL at 1mW, and require a bit of power to really shine. Priced at $200, they offer a big soundstage and presentation that competes with headphones and IEMs that are four to five times more expensive. As an earbud enthusiast, I was excited to try out the Serratus and see if they could deliver the full potential of the earbud form factor. Jim's passion for music quality is evident in his designs, which are ideal for classical music. With several models already released, including custom options, and rumors of more models in the works, TGX Ear is the place to go for those interested in high-quality earbuds.
My Source and Reference:
- Topping L30
- Topping E30
- Etymotic ER4SR
Disclaimer:
This is my first proper review on Head-Fi and I'm not an audiophile. Although I don't own Headphones or IEMs above $1000, I've had the privilege of experiencing TOTL models like Hifiman Susvara, Abyss AB1266, Focal Utopia, Audeze LCD-X, Empire Ears Odin, and U12t during my visits to audio shops in the Philippines like Egghead Audiohub. As for the audio gears I own, I have the Etymotic ER4SR, DT990 Pro, Topping E30 and L30 stack, and a few budget Chi-Fi IEMs and earbuds that I won't bother mentioning. Lastly, I began my journey into the world of high-quality audio with the iBasso IT00 as my first IEMs.
Just to clarify, this is an unpaid review and I purchased the Serratus earbuds with my own money. Jim didn't ask for a review nor provide any discount or incentive for me to do so. My goal is to share my thoughts and experiences with the Head-Fi community and try something new as this is my first review.
My Pre-ordering Experience:
I would like to express my gratitude to Jim Park for providing me with an exceptional purchasing experience. Although I may have been a really demanding customer, Jim was patient and accommodating throughout the process. Despite my indecision regarding the earbud shells and cables, Jim fulfilled all my requests with enthusiasm and professionalism. At one point, I even requested the Chrome MX500 shells, which he doesn't usually offer, and despite being ready to fulfill my request, I eventually changed my mind. I probably gave him a little bit of a hard time. Living in Bahrain, I was concerned about the shipping cost, but Jim went above and beyond by offering to cover the costs, even if they exceeded $80. I felt like a VIP while ordering from Jim, and his kindness and talent are truly unmatched. Additionally, his paintings are GOT TIER AF!
Packaging:
The earbuds come with a cheap hard case you can typically on AliExpress, but with TGXEAR branding printed in chrome. While the case is adequate, what I really like is the personalized touch of the handwritten product name and serial number by Jim. As far as I know, the VE Foam Pack is not included by default, but Jim kindly gave me two packs when I mentioned that I prefer the blue and red shells with matching VE Foams. Along with the earbuds, I received a TGXEAR business card with instructions on how to properly wear it, as well as a TGXEAR Badge. Jim informed me that since he provided two packs of VE Foams, he reduced the number of default black foams included. This doesn't matter to me, as I am satisfied with the VE Foams. The package also includes a 4.4mm female to 3.5mm male headphone adapter, available for an additional $25. Simply let Jim know if you'd like to add it to your order.
Build Quality:
The build quality is decent enough, though I wasn't expecting it to feel particularly premium. When I first heard about the Serratus from Head-Fi and saw that it uses MX500 shells, I knew it wouldn't feel like a top-of-the-line product. Even though I got the transparent plastic or resin bell shells, I already expected the quality to match that of the plastic or resin MX500 shells. However, that doesn't mean it sounds like it looks. I just like to think this is where they cut the corners, considering that these earbuds compete with IEMs and headphones above $1000, but the Serratus provides a similar experience for a fraction of the cost. Despite this, I think Jim could have made it feel a bit more premium if he had used chrome stainless steel MX500 shells like the VE Master or Tingo TC200. That being said, the cables are pretty good and feel nice to the touch. I haven't tried the stainless-steel bells yet, but I'm sure they would feel even more premium than the transparent variants. I decided not to go for it because I'm not a fan of its texture or brushed finishing. If it had a shiny chrome or smooth satin finish, I wouldn't have hesitated to choose those shells. But that's just my preference, and it may not matter to others. Despite this, I'm still happy with what I have. They feel light on my ears, and the soft cables are of great quality. Overall, I'm satisfied with my purchase.
The Fit and Comfort:
The first time I tried these earbuds, they were so uncomfortable that they hurt my ears when wearing them for more than half an hour, especially since I have really small ears. However, this may not be the case for everyone since we all have different ear shapes and sizes. Some people say that they fit them perfectly, and others say they're good enough. Initially, this was not the case for me. But after wearing them for two days straight, my ears started to adjust. Maybe I just got numb to it, I don't know. After that two-day period, they now fit alright for me. They don't hurt as much as before, and the more I consistently wear them every day, the more comfortable they become. However, when I stopped using them for four days, the discomfort started to return slightly, but it went away again after a short while.
Foams and their Impact on Sound Quality:
I use the VE Foams, specifically the blue and red ones, as they feel and sound better to me. I also use the rubber rings that come with them as the fit is more comfortable with the rubber rings and foams on compared to just foams and the plastic surface that covers the drivers. I didn't like the default black foams that came with the Serratus. The vocals and treble sound less satisfying with those foams compared to when I'm using the VE Foams. Sometimes, I find the treble too bright without any foam, but I also don't like how the default black foams tame the treble a little bit. They are okay, but I prefer the VE Foams more. The blue and red VE Foams are just the right one for me, and I used them the entire time I had these earbuds. I only briefly tried the default black foams as I wasn't very interested in them.
The Tuning:
Bass - As someone who prefers neutral sound tuning, the bass on the Serratus is just right for me. It's not excessive or overpowering, but still present enough to give music a satisfying depth. The bass is well-controlled and natural, with enough impact for popular music genres. Despite not being bass-heavy, the Serratus still manages to provide a good amount of sub-bass, making the listening experience enjoyable for those who enjoy feeling the thumpy bass notes. As someone who previously used ER4SR as my main IEMs, I appreciate the clean, tight and defined bass on the Serratus. Overall, the bass on the Serratus strikes a great balance with the mids and treble, staying in the realm of neutral and complementing the overall sound signature.
Mids - When it comes to the mids of the Serratus earbuds, I have to say that they're really good and transparent. The way it presents vocals is clear and natural, and I like that a lot. However, as someone who came from using ER4SR as my main IEMs, I still favor the intimacy and transparency of ER4SR's Mids. The Serratus, on the other hand, has a spacious quality that I also appreciate.
That being said, the mids of the Serratus are gorgeous, with a lifelike timbre that works well for classical and acoustic music. The balance is well done, with the midrange being neutral and almost "flat", which creates a great sense of transparency. Instruments and vocals are presented as-is, without any artificial boosts in lower or upper midrange elements. This lack of warmth and loud high notes allows instruments and vocals to sound clear and open, without any overlapping or masking. Of course, this neutral midrange presentation might not be everyone's cup of tea. Some might prefer a bit of warmth in the lower midrange, which the Serratus doesn't provide. But for those who value accuracy, neutrality, and detailed separation of instruments and vocals, the mids of the Serratus are a real treat. The technical element is really something to behold at this price point, and the stereo imaging is among the best I've heard for earbuds.
All in all, the mids of the Serratus are a strong suit, with a great balance and accuracy that makes them stand out in the market. While they may not provide the warmth and intimacy that some listeners prefer, those who appreciate a neutral and transparent midrange will find a lot to love with the Serratus earbuds.
Treble - The Serratus earbuds have an impressive treble response, characterized by their detail, transparency, and clarity. As someone who prefers a brighter sound signature like the ER4SR, I appreciate the revealing nature of these earbuds. They reveal subtle nuances in the music, extend well, and provide an airy overall presentation without causing fatigue or unnatural detail. Although the brightness can be tiring at times, this is not due to the earbuds' tuning. I think it's a general thing I experience on rare occasions, but otherwise, it never fatigues me. When compared to my ER4SR, I experience the same fatigue on those rare occasions. Therefore, I apply a general EQ to both for a slight adjustment in the treble section to reduce the brightness a little.
My Ibasso IT00 has a warmer sound signature, which is pleasant for long listening sessions. However, I find myself missing some of the finer details and nuances in the music. As someone who wants to hear everything and not miss any part of the music, this can be disappointing. With the Serratus earbuds, I am able to fully appreciate the intricacies of the music, from the delicate shimmer of a cymbal to the subtle vibrato in a singer's voice. Their impressive treble response provides exceptional detail, transparency, and clarity, revealing subtle nuances in the music and providing an overall airy presentation without causing fatigue or unnatural detail. It's astonishing to experience such a level of treble performance in a single 15.4mm dynamic driver earbud at a $200 price point.
The Technicalities:
Soundstage - The Serratus earbuds are noted for their exceptional soundstage, which creates a sense of space and dimensionality in the music being played. Despite being earbuds, they are able to produce a soundstage that rivals some close-back or semi-open-back headphones. The size and openness of the soundstage would likely impress those who are used to in-ear monitors (IEMs), which typically lack the depth and complexity needed to mimic the experience of listening to speakers.
However, the quality of the soundstage experience will depend on the music being played. Earbuds do not have a passive soundstage like loudspeakers, so the soundstage experience relies heavily on the recording itself. Nonetheless, Serratus is able to project a soundstage that is both wide and deep, with a clear sense of layering and depth. This is due in part to the 8kHz frequency response, which is adept at creating the illusion of height. Having said that, these earbuds still cannot match the soundstage of headphones such as the HD800s or the Hifiman Arya. This might be a bit disappointing given the hype surrounding their soundstage, but it's the reality. The 15.4mm driver of the earbuds is not a fair comparison to high-end headphones like the HD800s and Hifiman Arya, or even to studio monitors placed in a well-treated room.
Stereo Imaging - In terms of stereo imaging, the Serratus earbuds are able to create a clear sense of separation between different elements of the music, making it easy to distinguish individual instruments and voices. The soundstage is also able to produce a range of spatial cues that make certain elements of the music appear above or around the listener's head, adding to the overall sense of immersion and realism.
Overall, the stereo imaging and soundstage of the Serratus earbuds is outstanding, offering a level of depth and complexity that is rarely found in earbuds. The ability to create a sense of separation and depth, along with the wide and open soundstage, makes the Serratus a top-tier choice for those seeking an immersive and realistic listening experience.
The Hype and My Expectations:
Before I got these earbuds, I was so excited based on all of the reviews that I had read and all the hype I got from it. I was thinking that these could be considered as my endgame, but I was mistaken. These are really good earbuds, and they perform just as well as the headphones and IEMs you can buy in the $1000 price range. But when I heard people saying that these blow away the Focal Utopia, and they are just as close as the Hifiman HE1000SE, having heard them first hand, I would disagree. If you want to compare these to TOTL headphones, I personally think that they still have a long way to go. Maybe I am wrong, considering that the source I am using is just a Topping stack and they might scale even better with more expensive sources and would perform a billion times better than mine. But we should also consider that the form factor of almost flagship headphones is significantly larger compared to these 15.4mm drivers of the Serratus. I don’t think they can present the same sound and overall experience like most flagship headphones. Maybe it's also my fault that I was expecting them to sound like headphones worth $3000 to $6000, but it is just not realistic. Let’s remember that these earbuds are priced at $200, yet they still blow away the competition versus twice to four times their price.
With that being said, these will not be my endgame, and considering the gear I have right now, I think my next purchase will be a good planar headphone that is in the $1500 to $2000 price range. Maybe with that purchase, I can say that I will be truly satisfied. I am currently eyeing the LCD-X or the MM500 since they are easier to drive, and I don’t want to spend a lot on sources that will stay on a desk. I want them to be at least transportable, where I can bring them from home to work and vice versa with ease. I've heard that Jim made a new earbuds called the Totem, and someone compared them to the Subtonic Storm, which is a bold comparison. I am kind of interested in buying those and pairing them with the Topping G5, but I also don’t want to blind buy them based on the hype they are getting.
What I want to get from my next purchase is the huge planar headphone experience I got from the headphones I tried in audio stores in the price range of $1500 to $6000, and I kind of doubt that I can get that from TGXEAR. Again, I still want to remind you that these are still amazing and a worthwhile purchase. They punch above their price point, but have more realistic expectations. Maybe after I had my next planar headphone purchase, then I might actually consider blind-buying the TGXEAR Totem and get the Topping G5 to pair it with. By then, I will predict that I will be happy with that purchase with the right expectations.
Conclusion:
Overall, the TGXEAR Serratus earbuds are an excellent choice for those who appreciate the earbud form factor and are looking for a high-quality listening experience. Jim Park, the man behind the brand, has done an exceptional job of designing an earbud that competes with much more expensive IEMs and headphones.
The Serratus earbuds boast a refined, balanced sound signature with neutral and transparent midrange tuning, lifelike timbre, and excellent imaging, making them perfect for classical music. The large, spacious, airy, and well-layered soundstage, along with top-shelf resolution, make for an exceptional listening experience.
Overall, the Serratus earbuds are a fantastic option for those who appreciate earbuds and are looking for a high-quality listening experience. Jim Park's passion for music quality is evident in his designs, which are ideal for classical music. With several models already released, including custom options, and rumors of more models in the works, TGXEAR is the place to go for those interested in high-quality earbuds.
Reviewed by: KENZO STEVENS
it is for me at least.
) / classical (great separation for large ensembles), trance, progressive metal, ambiance. The higher pinna gain gives vocals and string instruments clarity and air. It has the treble extension for satisfying electronic synth lines. Timbrally if I had to pick this would be my favourite.
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