Thanks to a
very very very kind fellow head-fi’er, I have a pair of RE2000 here to try out/test for a little while. According to my local dealer, the Canadian distributor for Hifiman has decided not to import any RE2000 to Canada, so there was nowhere I could try these out locally. Having had to sell basically all of my headphone collection, the plan was to downsize to one or two good IEMs. The Campfire Audio Atlas was first up, and they are superb, I really love them. I could live with them quite happily as my only IEMs, but having had such a good sonic experience with the Susvara, I couldn’t help but be curious about the RE2000, the Susvaras top of the line IEM counterpart. Next thing I know I get a PM offering me a chance to try the RE2000 out for a week or two, wow!
These are first impressions, like I usually try to share. I find the first little bit of listening to a new pair of headphones/IEMs a good indicator of whether I will enjoy them or not. I notice the “big” things, and then over time I notice the more subtle things that either annoy me, or make the headphones/IEMs special to me.
So. Similar to the Susvara, the RE2000 are too expensive, in my humble opinion, regardless of how they sound. Add the worries about Hifimans build quality and quality of materials, and you definitely want to give the IEMs a listen and look over before purchasing a pair. Thankfully I have been given that chance. In the case of the Susvara, the sound was good enough to help me overlook the last 5-10% of attention to detail and quality of materials, and you know what? I think the RE2000 might have managed to do the same.
The build quality is actually pretty solid compared to some of the other stuff I have seen from Hifiman. Its like they are trying (at least with their recent TOTL items,) but just falling short of the mark. These
do not have the quality feel and sturdiness of the Campfire Atlas I have here. However, they are pretty decent. Not $2000USD decent, but good enough.
These can be had
new for around $1300USD if you look hard enough, pretty much the same as the Campfire Atlas. Would I pay $2000USD for them? No. Would I pay $1300USD for them? From the sonic impressions so far, I actually think I might.
These sound….
really good.
I’ll compare these to the Atlas as thats what I have on hand and have been listening to lately. All of these impressions are using the stock medium double flange tips. I thought that would be a good place to start. I’m going to try my single flange wide bore and Campfire marshmallow foams as well, but right now, stock seemed to be the way to go for initial impressions.
Bass: There is less quantity of bass than the Atlas, that is for sure. The bass seems tighter, and less “round” for lack of a better description. It extends nicely to my ears. I listen to a lot of weird electronica with complex bass patterns going on, and these aren’t struggling with that at all. Great definition. I like a little bit more bass than these present in stock form, and I think that might be emphasised due to listening to the Atlas for the last week or two. I tried boosting up the bass a few db from 80hz on down, and the RE2000 took it well. No signs of distortion. It really filled out the sound, making it more to my preference. I think I have to give the edge to the Atlas in the bass department, but with a tiny EQ bump, the RE2000 is no slouch.
Mids: Incoming audiophile terms. Smooth? Creamy? Liquid? Whatever they are, they are very nice. I think these are more pleasing to my ears than the Atlas. They aren’t overly warm, but they are more present than the mids on the Atlas. Vocals are presented really well, a tiny bit better than the Atlas. More forward, especially male vocals.
Treble: Less sibilant than the Atlas, but slightly more raspy. I think this is a trade off and everyone will be different in what they prefer. I prefer the RE2000’s treble so far. The Atlas is a little bit peaky, but I tried bringing between 6-7khz down a few db with the Atlas, and so far, that has chilled them out a bit, and makes them an easier listen, to my ears anyway. I’d say the Atlas and RE2000 are about equal in terms of treble quality, they both have little bits wrong, and little bits right. Its just a trade off. As always, if looking to purchase either, try to give them both a try.
Soundstage: RE2000 wins, or at least its more to my preference. It is wider, taller, more spacious sounding. They have an airiness to the treble especially that the Atlas doesn’t have. However, the Atlas sound fuller, bigger (which is weird as the soundstage isn’t as wide as the RE2000,) more enveloping.
Detail: I’d say they are pretty much equal in terms of detail and definition, with the Atlas having the edge in the bass region, but the RE2000 having the edge in the mids and treble. There isn’t much in it, and I think it will depend on your preferences as to which you would like more.
Build Quality: Atlas wins, no question about it. RE2000 is better than I thought it would be, but the Atlas certainly has the upper hand here. Both in build quality and the materials used.
Comfort: Atlas wins again, they are so comfortable, especially worn down vs. Over the ear. The RE2000 is comfortable, but there are a few edges that could be better, or rounder, or something? They just aren’t as comfortable as the Atlas. I think this will depend on your ears, as if you have bigger ears, I doubt you will have a problem. I have read of some people with small ears that really struggled with the RE2000, and I can totally understand that. Again, give them both a try if you can. Everyones ears are different, so what works with for me might not for you.
I should note, the Atlas is easier to drive, I’m a few volume notches up with the RE2000 over where I usually listen with the Atlas. Its not to the point where I think these
need a fat amp, but its something to consider. Most DAPs should drive the RE2000 just fine, and they are ok off an iPhone. I am using them with an iFi iDSD BL currently. I will try them with the Chord Mojo later on today.
The RE2000 are a superb sounding IEM so far. Wide, and spacious. Similar to the Atlas, they aren’t a neutral earphone. Bit of a bass boost, sparkly treble, tiny bit of recession in the mids. They are a
tiny bit more balanced sounding than the Atlas. However, I think they are both quite similar in terms of sound signature. Really, I think it will depend on the listener as to which they would prefer. The Atlas is certainly more comfortable, and has better build quality. With all that being said, I’m
really looking forward to continuing to listen to these IEMs. Will I buy a pair? Having sold pretty much all my headphones, and having my amp and stuff still up for sale, I might. Having the choice between the Atlas and the RE2000 would be really neat and enjoyable, as I don’t have anything else left
All in all, I’m really lucky to have the opportunity to listen to these for a week or two. It really gives me faith in the community, that although we sometimes fight over stuff, there is a kinship present that not all communities have. Be it Can-Jams, loaner tours, friends lending friends gear etc…its really neat. I’ve met some great people through headphones and this hobby, and the fact someone is trusting me to take care of their $2000USD IEMs for a couple weeks is really cool.
