Recently I came across this item while browsing the web:
I thought they loomed interesting and did some research and found out that Onkyo is getting help from Philips with their new line of headphones and IEM's.
I really thought these looked familiar and went to the big IEM box and found these:
Looks pretty similar or what???
I remember posting about these when I received them springtime
last year comparing them to the Fidelio S2's ( that's also a really good IEM) saying that the TX2 sounded more like a side grade ro the S2's than the $29 IEM it is. For some reason I never explored them further (probaly some other stuff came along and stole my attention).
I found the thread for them here on Head-Fi and learned from the very limited information there (the thread has 14 post noe
) that these are actually on the Innerfidelity "wall of fame".
There where also a guy in that thread asking for comparison between the TX2 and Titan 1 so I brought both out for a listening session and these were my findings:
These two are quite similar in design despite the better materials used on the T1 (metal over plastic in the housing, better cable etc). The similarities doesn't stop at the looks though as they're actually much more similar in sound than the price would suggest.
The TX2 has an overall fuller tone and although midbass is quite similar the TX2 has both more and deeper subbass.
The soundstage in all directions is actually quite similar with a slight upper hand to the T1 in width.
The T1, being brighter, feels a bit more airy in its presentation and its brighter tone also gives a perception of better clarity. Micro details are also pretty similar on both.
I must say that the fuller presentation of the TX2 gives them more natural sounding vocals (especially male) compared with the T1. The TX2's midrange is also a bit more forward compared to the slight v-shape on the T1's.
Both have great treble extension and both can also get a bit "hot" in the treble (siblance), the T1 more so though.
I really don't feel as if these perform on different technical levels but rather slightly different signatures making personal preference the deciding factor on which to choose.
If you like a more forward midrange, more subbass and a slightly fuller sound go with the TX2. If you fancy a brighter sound with a more airy presentation, better clarity and don't mind a bit hotter teeble go with the Titans.
If you can find these for a good price I'd strongly recommend them, they're a seriously overlooked IEM with a ridiculous value for money.
Sorry for the long post but I just felt that I owned it to this poor overlooked IEM