HeadphonesCom
Member of the Trade: Headphones.com
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- Jan 27, 2011
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Hey guys,
DavidMahler here
.... I have had the chance to audition/review another under $100 earphone: the Thinksound TS02. These are also available in a microphone version. In my opinion, the strength of these IEMs is how well and comfortably they fit in my ears. But it worth mentioning that the TS02 line was my first experience (and hopefully not last) with wooden IEMs and I think that's a pretty cool thing! In terms of sound, for me there were more impressive IEMs at the same price point, but I tend to prefer a flatter bass response. In terms of comfort these were some of the very best IEMs I have used.
On to the Review...
EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY
It’s easy to appreciate the thought that Thinksound puts into their eco-friendly design and packaging, especially since it results in the earphones having a beautiful wooden housing. The headphones come with a canvas pouch for easy transport. Even the cable design which they specify is free of polyvinyl chloride, is demonstrative of Thinksound’s full attention to making their product as eco-friendly as possible. For this reason, when I use the TS02 and introduce them to friends, I feel a certain distinguished pride which I only experience with Thinksound’s products.
I FEEL GOOD!
Are these comfortable? You bet they are! I often forget they’re in my ears when I’m walking. The silicon eartips come in four sizes (s, m, l, xl). Once I found the right size for me (medium was a good fit for me) I found the earphones extremely comfortable and well-fitted to my ear for proper sealing. It became more obvious to me just how supreme the comfort was as I used them for long periods and forgot that they were in my ears!
Like many earphones, the cable here shows itself to be microphonic. This means that if the cable is touched you can hear a thud or thump. Of course if the music is playing you probably won’t hear the thump. This is rather common with the IEMs, but it’s worth mentioning since some IEMs are less microphonic than others.
S0UND
The sound presents a generous amount of bass and punch similar to the feel of subwoofer – great for pop and hip-hop. The TS02 is a recommended choice those looking to experience that thump you feel from a subwoofer these are a great choice! While the bass is emphasized for that extra punch,I find that the overall presentation may be a bit too warm and mellow for those who prefer a more aggressive and/or neutral sound. One of the very nice aspects of the TS02’s sound is that is not fatiguing to the ear. I was able to listen to them for 2 hours straight without any resonances piercing my ear in the midrange or the highs. I did however take note that vocals were ever-so-slightly recessed. The overall tonality and presentation, while excellent at its price point, is certainly not as transparent as earphones in a higher price category. There is a slight metallic flavoring to the overall tone of these earphones which while not fatiguing, can feel abrasive at times.
LAST WORD
The greatest strength of these earphones is in the ergonomic design. I was able to jog without the ear pieces moving whatsoever and ears remained comfortable throughout. With percussion heavy music, I felt TS02 were on their game. For commutes, workouts, and long listening sessions, this is definitely an earphone worth considering!
RATING SCALE FOR IEMs UNDER $100
DavidMahler here
.... I have had the chance to audition/review another under $100 earphone: the Thinksound TS02. These are also available in a microphone version. In my opinion, the strength of these IEMs is how well and comfortably they fit in my ears. But it worth mentioning that the TS02 line was my first experience (and hopefully not last) with wooden IEMs and I think that's a pretty cool thing! In terms of sound, for me there were more impressive IEMs at the same price point, but I tend to prefer a flatter bass response. In terms of comfort these were some of the very best IEMs I have used.On to the Review...
EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY
It’s easy to appreciate the thought that Thinksound puts into their eco-friendly design and packaging, especially since it results in the earphones having a beautiful wooden housing. The headphones come with a canvas pouch for easy transport. Even the cable design which they specify is free of polyvinyl chloride, is demonstrative of Thinksound’s full attention to making their product as eco-friendly as possible. For this reason, when I use the TS02 and introduce them to friends, I feel a certain distinguished pride which I only experience with Thinksound’s products.
I FEEL GOOD!
Are these comfortable? You bet they are! I often forget they’re in my ears when I’m walking. The silicon eartips come in four sizes (s, m, l, xl). Once I found the right size for me (medium was a good fit for me) I found the earphones extremely comfortable and well-fitted to my ear for proper sealing. It became more obvious to me just how supreme the comfort was as I used them for long periods and forgot that they were in my ears!
Like many earphones, the cable here shows itself to be microphonic. This means that if the cable is touched you can hear a thud or thump. Of course if the music is playing you probably won’t hear the thump. This is rather common with the IEMs, but it’s worth mentioning since some IEMs are less microphonic than others.
S0UND
The sound presents a generous amount of bass and punch similar to the feel of subwoofer – great for pop and hip-hop. The TS02 is a recommended choice those looking to experience that thump you feel from a subwoofer these are a great choice! While the bass is emphasized for that extra punch,I find that the overall presentation may be a bit too warm and mellow for those who prefer a more aggressive and/or neutral sound. One of the very nice aspects of the TS02’s sound is that is not fatiguing to the ear. I was able to listen to them for 2 hours straight without any resonances piercing my ear in the midrange or the highs. I did however take note that vocals were ever-so-slightly recessed. The overall tonality and presentation, while excellent at its price point, is certainly not as transparent as earphones in a higher price category. There is a slight metallic flavoring to the overall tone of these earphones which while not fatiguing, can feel abrasive at times.
LAST WORD
The greatest strength of these earphones is in the ergonomic design. I was able to jog without the ear pieces moving whatsoever and ears remained comfortable throughout. With percussion heavy music, I felt TS02 were on their game. For commutes, workouts, and long listening sessions, this is definitely an earphone worth considering!
RATING SCALE FOR IEMs UNDER $100
| Sound Quality | 7.5 (for bass lovers) 5 (for those who prefer a more neutral sound) |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Design & Accessories | 8 |
| Isolation | 8 |
| Value | 7.5 |
