Introduction
Today I’m looking at a value priced 1+1 Hybrid purchased from ToBetter on Amazon. The “Bette” hybrid is a 1 BA + 1 Dynamic hybrid IEM that costs under $40 but still produces excellent sound quality and manages to punch way, way above it’s price point.
Price Paid: $36.99
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01000UNYM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00
Specifications
- Brand: Bette
- Driver Unit: 8mm Dynamic Driver + Balanced Armature Unit
- Impedance: 16 OHM
- Frequency Response: 8 Hz-26000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 115 dB/1mw
- Plug: 3.5mm Stereo Gold-plated plug
- Cable length: 1.22m
(Specifications from the Amazon webpage)
Packaging
Err, well, there wasn’t any included. The IEMs showed up in a small black EVA foam case with tips and then wrapped in bubble wrap. Given the price I’ve no problems with this - it’s pretty clear that the money went towards the IEMs and not the packaging.
Accessories
1x Hybrid Dual Driver Headphone
1x Carry Case
3x Ear Buds Set
(Specifications from the Amazon webpage)
There were actually four sets of ear buds included in the package, not three. All the sets are short flange, medium bore tips and are of decent quality. Sizes included are 1 x Small, 2 x Medium and 1 x Large. The case is good, if a rather standard semi-rigid EVA foam case, suitable for both transport and storage. The accessory pack is very basic but at the price point I’m quite happy - the case is the most important to me. A pair of ear guides and perhaps a shirt clip would’ve been appreciated but aren’t necessary.
Build Quality
Overall build quality is very good. The ear pieces, splitter and plug are made of machined aluminum. Strain reliefs are present all round, though the reliefs on the (somewhat small) splitter are internal rather than external but rubber plugs can be seen on close inspection.
The earpieces are a standard straight barrel form-factor and on the smallish side. There are some sharp edges present on the earpieces but I noticed no comfort issues. The strain reliefs are long and flexible and don’t in any way interfere with cable up wear. Anodization is clean and well-executed. The L and R markings are embossed on the strain reliefs and can be difficult to see at times. Driver flex is non-existent.
The splitter and plug are both made of machined aluminum and rather small. Strain reliefs are present on both but somewhat short. The plug is very low profile and has knurling on the body for ease of grip, but is straight (rather than a 90 or 45 degree plug, which I prefer).
The cable merits some attention - though somewhat stiff and a little bit “sticky” it is highly resistant to tangling while still easy to use and move. It is of an internally twisted design with a translucent PU sheath and looks quite good. There was a slight memory effect that lingered for the first day or so but it is all but gone now. The one thing missing that I would’ve liked to see is a cable cinch, and I’m unsure of why companies continue to do this especially since the Bette doesn’t have a microphone.
Comfort, Isolation, Microphonics
Comfort is overall excellent, helped in no small part by the small, light earpieces and somewhat shallow fit. There are some sharp edges present on the earpieces but they do not contact my ears at all. Those with small ears and steeply angled ear canals may experience some issues but I would imagine that the vast majority of users will have no fitment problems. The cables are a touch stiff but manageable. Over ear wear is possible even with the long-ish strain reliefs though the lack of a cable cinch can be a problem.
Isolation is moderate given the short insertion depth and small rear vent. This can be improved with longer tips or foam tips but I didn’t find it to be necessary in most instances. The Bettes are relatively forgiving with different sized tips.
Microphonics are low cable down and non-existent cable up.
Sound Quality
Between burn-in and listening the Bette’s have some 20 hours on them right now. No noticeable changes were observed.
Sources used: Sansa Clip (Rockboxed), Nexus 5, Nexus 5 + Fiio E06k, Gigabyte Z97X-UD3H (Realtek 1150 codec) through rear headphone amplifier, Z97X-UD3H + Fiio E10k.
The Bette is rather easy to drive and I didn’t notice any difference using an amplifier. Most critical listening was done through my Nexus 5.
General Signature
The general signature of the Bette hybrids can be described as mildly V-shaped with a slight treble tilt. Overall the sound signature is extremely enjoyable and the tonality can be described as coherent and natural. Clarity is excellent throughout the entire range with the exception of the extreme low extension where the Bettes lose a touch of texture.
Experience with other hybrid headphones has shown that tuning a BA + Dynamic headphone, especially at the low end of the market, can be very difficult. Given the extraordinarily low price of these headphones I’m absolutely astonished at just how well it is tuned.
Bass
Bass is punchy, well defined and well controlled though lacking overall impact. Bottom end extension is very good though it lacks some texture at the extremes. There is a slight emphasis to the bass but it’s more in the sub-bass rather than mid-bass region, which contributes to the somewhat linear nature. The Bette takes EQ very well and even with a substantial boost in the low regions (>250hz) bass is very well controlled.
Midrange
The midrange is beautiful, smooth, detailed and intimate. Both male and female voices are rendered extremely well, and the lack of a mid-bass boost ensure that no veiling occurs. The midrange is a little bit thicker and smoother compared to non-hybrid BA sets but the clarity is still very good. There is a little bit of emphasis in the upper edges of the midrange that gives electric guitars a characteristic “bite” but is not harsh at all. Detail retrieval is excellent through the midrange without sounding too thin.
Treble
Treble is smooth, detailed and well extended. Even though the headphones have a slightly bright tonality the treble is extremely well-behaved - little to no harshness is present and sibilance is non-existant. Some sparkle is present but not a huge amount. Treble extension is very good and retains detail and texture to the limits.
Sound Stage
The Bette’s have a medium sized sound stage. There is good width but only moderate depth and height. Instrumental separation and placement are good, and overall imaging as well as centering are excellent. Vocals are on the intimate side.