Context:
Piccolo is my second set from Tripowin, and the first one was Mele. I felt compelled to have it in my collection in my first audition.
I utilized an improved cable (KZ-silver, copper, and gold mixed cable), which is excellent. After experimenting with the Spinfit W1, Penon Orange, and Divinus Velvet, I decided on the Spinfit W1 for its seal, comfort, and sound.
I primarily listen to music with my Questyle M15, ddHifi Tc44c, and Fosi Audio DS1. In addition, I have an LG V60 phone. Piccolo performs very well with the ddHifi Tc44c and LG V60. And with the Questyle M15? Oh man, they've been married since the beginning.
Note: I use this set of iems with this cable, eartips, and sources. That is the basis for my overall review.
Disclaimer:
I purchased the condo with my own money and interest. There is no monitoring transaction with Tripowin. So, my evaluation is completely neutral and based on my listening experiences over the last 7-8 months.
Technical Specification:
Driver Config: 11 mm Dual-Cavity LCP Dynamic Driver Earphones
Sensitivity: 110dB±3dB
Impedance: 32 Q±IO%
Cable: 078mm 2-pin, 3.5mm
What’s in the box:
Piccolo iem
Cable
Eartips 3pairs
Build Quality:
The shells are constructed of CNC aluminum, with a mirror polish finish for the silver one and a sandy texture for the black one. This has a wonderful weight, which gives it a quality feel. This has the classic IEM form and a shallow nozzle. The shell size is medium, so it fits comfortably. The reduced nozzle length allows for a more breathable fit, while it reduces passive noise isolation slightly. Fit and stability are acceptable.
Sound impressions:
The Tripowin Piccolo provides a smooth and comfortable listening experience for its price. It produces a warm, neutral sound with an appealing emphasis on bass and clear mids. The treble is somewhat mild, thus you may notice a lack of treble intensity. You may find it more relaxing-sounding. Depending on your preferences, the dark treble may be a drawback, but in terms of sonic quality, it outperforms itself.
Sub-Bass:
The Tripowin Piccolo does not disappoint in terms of bass, but it hits a balance that may not appeal to everyone. It produces a gratifying amount of sub-bass, that deep rumble you feel rather than hear, which is particularly prominent in electronic music. Imagine the deep thrum of a bass drop in a song; the Piccolo provides that impression without being overpowering. However, bass enthusiasts may find it a little less boomy than some IEMs that go all out on the bottom end. However, for most listeners, Piccolo's sub-bass gives a good foundation to your music without muddying the mids and vocals.
Mid-Bass:
The midbass region has a little boost to prevent the muddy, muted sound seen in certain inexpensive IEMs. Instead, it provides a crisp and forceful kick that adds vitality to your song without overpowering the other instruments. Consider the pounding percussion in your favorite song; the Piccolo reproduces it with a pleasing punch without overpowering the singers or guitars. The Piccolo's tight and controlled mid-bass makes it ideal for genres such as rock, pop, and even certain techno songs that require a clear and defined low-end.
Male vocal:
For male vocals, the Tripowin Piccolo is a bit of a mixed bag. It excels with deeper voices, offering a warm and smooth presentation. However, those who crave extra detail and clarity in higher ranges might find them a touch muted. Considering the price, the Piccolo still delivers a good overall vocal experience, but it might not be the ultimate choice for every male vocalist out there.
Female vocal:
If you're a fan of female vocals, the Tripowin Piccolo is a strong contender, especially at its price point. It offers a clear, detailed, and engaging listening experience across a wide range of vocal styles. Just keep in mind that the treble might be a bit dark for some, so it may lack treble energy, but for others, it can even enhance the listening experience.
Instruments:
The Piccolo's instruments come alive with a lovely blend of warmth and richness. Guitars, for example, offer gratifying richness and body, with riffs that ring out clearly. Bass lines create a sturdy foundation without overwhelming the mix, delivering a satisfying punch to your song. This warmth spreads to instruments such as cellos, giving them a rich and genuine presence. Meanwhile, the well-tuned treble gives violins and cymbals a hint of glitter, giving a layer of airiness and excitement, but not too much.
Treble:
The Piccolo's treble strikes a delicate balance between being smooth and detailed, so your music shines without being too harsh. The Piccolo adopts a more restrained strategy than some IEMs, which overemphasize treble in order to provide a brilliant sound. Though they don't get piercing or wear you out, high notes on instruments like violins and cymbals come through with a sharpness that gives your song a little glitter and enthusiasm. Vocals, particularly those of female vocalists, benefit greatly from this seamless treble presentation as it keeps their voices bright and airy without being sibilant. Piccolo's treble enhances the brightness without detracting from the comfort of the sound, whether you're listening to the dazzling cymbals in a rock tune or the delicate highs of a classical composition.
Soundstage & Instruments separation:
The Tripowin Piccolo offers a focused soundstage with surprisingly good instrument separation for the price. While it won't create a massive, airy soundscape, instruments are distinct and clear, making it a good choice for most genres, especially those that don't have overly complex arrangements. If you prioritize a wide soundstage for classical music or intricate movie soundtracks, you might want to look elsewhere. However, for casual listening and enjoying the details within your music, the Piccolo holds its own.
Gaming Performance:
On a tight budget, the Tripowin Piccolo is a good choice for casual players. The bottom gives explosions more weight, and the warm sound signature provides an engrossing environment. But don't anticipate crystal-clear communication or spot-on positioning precision. If you are a competitive gamer who finds that aural cues are really helpful, you may want to look into alternative possibilities. However, the Piccolo is a good option for anyone who simply want to have some fun and let off some steam without going over budget.
Conclusion:
If cost is a concern and you value well-balanced, crisp sound, the Tripowin Piccolo is a great choice. It delivers surprisingly outstanding instrument separation, a crisp midrange, and a warm, neutral character with a hint of bass accent. The soundstage is average and the treble may be too loud for certain people, but generally the sound quality is excellent for the price. In case you're searching for an affordable, high-quality all-around IEM, it's advisable to give the Tripowin Piccolo some thought. Just be aware that there might be three times as few details as usual in addition to the standard cable and eartips. However, by switching out the eartips and cables, you can discover your new best friend when it comes to inexpensive music.
You Have a Big Budget There are more expensive IEMs with even more technical features if you don't care about cost and are searching for the ultimate in audiophile quality.
If you are in Bangladesh you can buy the iem from GeekMart.
I own this set, man, it's a gem in this price point!