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KBEAR Aurora Review (1) – Aurora Borealis

Baskingshark (Singapore) — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Pros

Nice build and good comfort. Beautiful shells.
Organic timbre.
Pleasant tonality.
Big bass yet with good quality and speed.
2 pin connector, better lifespan than MMCX in general.
Adequate accessories at this price bracket.
Easy to drive.

Cons

Below average isolation.
Shells may be a fingerprint or scratch magnet.
Not the best microdetails.
Not the most extended treble.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The KBEAR Aurora is a lush harmanish single DD set. It features a beautiful shell, organic timbre and great tonality. This set generally scores good marks across most departments, only perhaps lacking in treble extension and microdetails.

SPECIFICATIONS

Driver configuration: 10mm Nano Titanium Plated Diaphragm
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20kHz
Impedance: 18 Ω
Sensitivity: 105 dB/mW
Cable: 2 Pin (0.78mm), OFC Silver plated cable
Tested at $169 USD

ACCESSORIES

The Aurora comes in a nice packaging featuring an Aurora Borealis motif.

Included are:
1) SPC blue cable (ties in nicely with the Aurora snowfield motif) – The cable is well braided, no microphonics, very thicc and substantial. The blue colour may be a bit too showy for some though.
2) Silicone tips of various sizes. Do tip roll to see what suits you sonically and for fit/isolation.
3) Carry case – faux leather, similar to the case seen in other KBEAR products
4) Cleaning cloth
5) Cleaning brush

The accessories provided are par for the course for a $100 USD range set.

I liked that KBEAR is using a cable with a 2 pin connector, I had my fair share of mishaps with MMCX type connectors after switching cables once too often, they ended up like spinning windvanes.

For the purposes of this review, the stock tips and stock cables were used, so as not to change the sound signature with aftermarket gear.

BUILD/COMFORT

Build wise, the Aurora has a shiny mirror like finish, akin to the HZSound Heart Mirror or Moondrop KXXS. The Aurora is quite light and smooth, it is well built with no funny edges to poke the ear. Comfort is very good. But due to the mirror like finish, this set may be finger print or scratch magnet, so do be careful with em.

The shells are quite a looker, while using them on the subway for isolation tests, a few curious commuters kept looking at the Aurora earpieces.

I didn’t have driver flex on my set, but this is partially related to ear anatomy an types of tips used, so YMMV.

ISOLATION

Unfortunately, the Aurora’s isolation is below average. I lost quite a lot of the bass frequencies when using them on a subway (bass is generally the first frequency lost in a noisy place). This skewed the sound to be a bit shouty in the upper mids/treble. So personally, I think the Aurora’s ideal sound is to be gotten when using them at home or in a quiet area.

DRIVABILITY

I tested the KBEAR Aurora with a Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp, Khadas Tone Board -> Topping L30 amp, Sony NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Plus v2 Mr Walkman Mod), smartphone, Shanling Q1 DAP, Tempotec Sonata HD Pro, E1DA 9038D, and a Khadas Tone Board -> Fiio A3 Amp.

The Aurora are relatively easy to drive, but scale well when amped, in the areas of bass tightness, soundstage, dynamics etc. They are definitely easier to drive than their older sibling the KBEAR BElieve.

SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

The KBEAR Aurora is a harmanish warm set. The Aurora Borealis icy motif may give an impression that this is an ice cold set in terms of tuning, but far from it be. The Aurora is actually warm and lush and leans towards analoguish, rather than a sterile frosty wintery wonderland.

Graphs courtesy of KopiOKaya from Audioreviews (IEC711 compliant coupler). 8 kHZ area is probably a resonance peak.

The bass of the KBEAR Aurora is midbass focused, it is north of neutral but not at true basshead levels. Subbass extends well, you will get your rumble for the subbass frequencies.

Despite the copious bass, the bass speed is quite agile, note weight is on the thicker side, yet with very minimal midbass bleed. Listening to some of the faster bass movements on songs such as Sting’s “Englishman In New York” (interlude portion), some slower DD drivers can make the bass notes sound like a nebulous haze, but the Aurora passes this test.

Bass is not as fast as BA bass though, but not many sets manage to get a good mix of bass quantity/note weight and bass quality (speed, without bleed). Timbre and texture in the bass is quite good, in keeping with its DD roots.

The KBEAR Aurora’s lower mids are slightly depressed (not overly so). There is a boost in the upper mids, but they have an upper mids that is a few dB lesser than a traditional harman IEM. So generally, they manage to thread a fine line of having a forward upper mids without going too much into shouty territory. Perhaps there is some upper mids glare if one uses them outdoors (poor isolation kills the bass and overly emphasizes the upper mids/treble), or on some poorly recorded tracks or at louder volumes (Fletcher Munson curve).

But by and large, this set doesn’t have the usual banshee upper mids seen in CHIFI tuning, the pinna gain here is around 10 – 11 db. Vocals are forward compared to instruments, and timbral accuracy for vocals is rather organic. I would describe the mids in the Aurora to be on the lusher and thicker side, but it may not have the best transparency or clarity. Think of an analoguish signature like the BLON BL-03 but with better technical performance.

The KBEAR Aurora has moderate treble extension, though it may not be as airy as some multi BA types. So sparkle is a bit tamed, cymbal and high hat hits are a bit muted with the tuning, but consequently, I don’t find the Aurora fatiguing. Some slight microdetails are lost as such. Sibilance is very mild.

In technicalities, the KBEAR Aurora have above average soundstage (in height, depth and width). Imaging and instrument separation are also above average at this price bracket (for a single DD set), though clarity and microdetails are not the best. Those multi driver/hybrid types at the $100ish bracket might be better at technicalities, but some of them have timbre or coherency issues. So different strokes for different folks, pick your poison.

Timbre on the KBEAR Aurora is very good. In fact, I’d say the Aurora have better timbral accuracy than the KBEAR BElieve and some other similarly priced single DD sets. Acoustic instruments like brass, woodwind and stringed instruments all sounded organic. Considering the KBEAR Aurora use a titanium driver, I was pleasantly surprised by the timbre (my past experiences with titanium drivers IEMs wasn’t the best when it came to timbre, eg DUNU DM480, Audiosense AQ7).

COMPARISONS

I have compared the KBEAR Aurora with a few single DD at the upper budget-midfi segment. Hybrids and pure BA types were left out of the comparisons as they have different pros and cons among the different transducer types.

KBEAR BElieve ($159 USD)

Graphs courtesy of KopiOKaya from Audioreviews (IEC711 compliant coupler). 8 – 9 kHZ area is probably a resonance peak.

Compared to the older KBEAR BElieve, the Aurora is much easier to drive, and it has more subbass extension than the BElieve. The BElieve has more upper mids and treble, and also has better technicalities and resolution. The Aurora has better bass speed, especially at the midbass, whereas the BElieve’s midbass could be quite nebulous, especially when underpowered.

Timbral accuracy is better on the KBEAR Aurora, and it isn’t as hot in the upper mids either.

The KBEAR Aurora and the BElieve are kind of sidegrades, each have their pros and cons as such.

The KBEAR BElieve is no longer in production, but word on the street is that the Vento Conductor T-500 Pro is very similar to the BElieve, or might be an OEM of sorts. So if you are still looking for the BElieve, perhaps consider getting the T-500 Pro.

Tanchjim Oxygen ($269 USD)

Graphs courtesy of KopiOKaya from Audioreviews (IEC711 compliant coupler). 8 kHZ area is probably a resonance peak.

The Tanchjim Oxygen is one of the benchmark single DD sets in midfi CHIFIdom. The Oxygen has a more extended treble and air and it also has all round better timbre, better technicalities and a better bass quality (better timbre, texture and speed). The Oxygen has a slightly thinner note weight though, when compared to the more analoguish sounding Aurora.

Definitely the Oxygen is the superior set, but it is $100 USD more expensive.

TForce Yuan Li ($119 USD)

The TForce Yuan Li is a bit less V shaped than the Aurora. The Aurora has bigger bass quantities and more subbass extension. Timbre is better on the Aurora, with the Aurora also having a not so hot upper mids region. Technicalities are also better on the Aurora.

Both sets have a very nice shell and accessories, but if you can top up the $50 USD or so, the Aurora is a marginal upgrade.

KBEAR Aurora (Review 2) – Elegant Color Remix

Also check Durwood’s review of the KBEAR Aurora.

KBEAR Aurora Review (3) – More Comments From The Peanut Gallery

Don’t forget to read Loomis’ comments on the KBEAR Aurora.

CONCLUSIONS

The “Aurora borealis” naming convention here is quite a good choice, as this set melds good looks and sound in a nice little package, like the northern lights.

Definitely the Aurora is a set that single DD lovers and timbre lovers should consider!

You find an INDEX of all our earphone reviews HERE.

All Our 319 Earphone and Earbud Reviews (with Links)

DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank KBEAR for providing this review unit. It can be gotten at https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003109134536.html

You find an INDEX of our most relevant technical articles HERE.

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Tanchjim Tanya Review (1) – The BLON BL-03 For This Year?

Baskingshark (Singapore) — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Pros

Excellent fit and good build.
Natural and organic timbre with great tonality.
Smooth and non fatiguing.
Above average technicalities (other than microdetails). Layering is a highlight.
Excellent price to performance ratio.

Cons

Non detachable cable.
Hard to drive, needs amping to scale better.
Not the most detailed set, not for analytical listening.
Below average isolation.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Tanchjim Tanya is a warm and lush harmanish set with great timbre and tonality. It is smoothness personified, admittedly it does needs some power to shine, but I can see this set as being one of the standout budget sets for 2021, with excellent price to performance ratio. I’d even stick out my neck and say that this may be the new BLON BL-03 for this year!

SPECIFICATIONS

Driver configuration: Dynamic Driver
Frequency response: 20Hz – 42000Hz
Impedance: 16Ω
Sensitivity: 112dB/Vrms
Cable: non detachable , but made of 4N oxygen free copper + Kevlar shaft core and litz structure
Tested at $21.99 USD

ACCESSORIES

Other than the IEM, the Tanchjim Tanya packaging comes with:

Spare filters
Silicone ear tips of 2 types – the narrower bore ones boost the bass whereas the wider bore ones boost the higher frequencies.
Velvet carry bag

Accessories wise, nothing to be sniffed at for $20ish USD. I’ve seen worse in pricier IEMs, cough cough TRN BA8. Everything is rather usable OOTB here, so no need to mess with getting aftermarket tips, which can add to costs (looking at you BLON BL-03).

Do note that the stock narrower bore eartips boost the bass, whereas the wider bore ones boost the higher frequencies. The Tanchjim Tanya is already quite warm and thick in sound, with a kind of veiled sound signature. So for those that want a bit more clarity and openness, I would recommend the wider bore stock tips, or you can try some wider bore aftermarket tips.

For the purposes of this review, the stock tips were used, so as not to change the sound signature with aftermarket gear.

BUILD/COMFORT

The Tanchjim Tanya is a bullet shaped IEM and is meant to be worn cable down. It is very light and well fitting, comfort is excellent. In fact, I’ve used it for many hours continuously with no discomfort whatsoever.

I didn’t find any driver flex for myself on the Tanchjim Tanya (but YMMV, as this is somewhat dependent on ear anatomy and types of ear tips used).

Sadly, the cables are non detachable, this area may be a dealbreaker for some, as this may be a point of failure down the line, or perhaps some might wanna use aftermarket balanced cables or even bluetooth adapters with it. But the cables in the Tanchjim Tanya are quite supple and not tangly, and there’s a strain relief.

This is not the noodle thin, non strain relief reinforced type of cable that makes your heart drop (looking at you Final E3000!), I think it looks and feels quite durable.

Personally, I would have preferred if it was MMCX as least, but I won’t beat this area with a stick, since it is a $20ish USD set, and some of the pricier Tanchjim products do not have detachable cables too -> also looking at you, Tanchjim Cora!!

As per most cable down, non detachable design IEMs, there’s some microphonics unfortunately, but it is not that bad, compared to the Sony MH755 or Final Audio E3000 in this area. The cable is also quite long, unlike the Sony MH755 where the too short fixed cable mandates that you can’t move too far from the source.

Strangely, the Tanya didn’t come with any L/R markings to let us know which side is which, but there’s a small dot on the strain relief insertion area (into the IEM) to denote that this is the left earpiece. This dot thing seems to be some relic design that I’ve encountered in some old school Japanese IEMs!

ISOLATION

As for isolation, the Tanchjim Tanya is below average in this area, as per the open backed design, but this design does aid in soundstage, which we will discuss below, so it is a double edged sword.

DRIVABILITY

I tested the Tanchjim Tanya with a Khadas Tone Board -> Topping L30 amp, Sony NW A-55 DAP (DMP-A50 FEv2 Classic Mr Walkman Mod), smartphone, Shanling Q1 DAP, Tempotec Sonata HD Pro, ESS ES9280C PRO DAC/AMP, and a Khadas Tone Board -> Fiio A3 Amp.

The Tanya is rather difficult to drive. In fact, it sounds meh from a lower powered smartphone, and scales nicely when amped. I mean, you can get sound from lower powered source, but it can’t sing. Ie soundstage, dynamics, microdetails are lost when it isn’t amped.

When underpowered, the midbass bleeds quite a fair bit and music sounds congested. I tried the Tanchjim Tanya originally with the Shanling Q1 DAP and the Tempotec Sonata HD Pro at 2V power (with a 3.5 mm adapter), it sounded a bit mushy and overly thick.

On amping this set with the Topping L30 amp, then the veil kind of lifted and I’m glad to report that this set can scale with power, and the bass can be cleaner when amped. Of course that brings us to the question of whether one should pair a $20 USD IEM with a more expensive amp, is that putting the cart before the horse?

As discussed, since the Tanchjim Tanya features a warmish veiled tuning, it does synergize better with brighter or at least neutral sources, rather than a warmer source which makes the mix too mushy and overly syrupy thick.

SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

Graph courtesy of KopiOKaya from Audioreviews (IEC711 compliant coupler).

The Tanchjim Tanya features a warm harmanish tuning. Tuning is towards laid back and analoguish. The keyword to describe this set is “lush” and “smooth”. In a nutshell, the Tanchjim Tanya is a non analytical set, and is a set suited to chill back and enjoy music.

Tonality is very good, there’s a slight upper mids peak around the 3 kHz region, but it is far from shouty or hot and is very smooth and non fatiguing. In contrast, I couldn’t use the Moondrop SSR (which also has a 3 kHz peak) for more than 5 minutes due to the icepeak 3 kHz spike on it.

On to tonality. The Tanya is midbass focused. There’s a subbass rolloff, but there’s a tickle of rumble called for when the deepest bass registers are played. As discussed, when underpowered, the midbass smears and bleeds, but on amping the bass tightens quite a fair bit. The Tanya doesn’t have the most textured bass unfortunately, but that’s something I can close one eye for, considering the price.

Mids are thick and lush and this gives quite a lot of body to music. This may overly too thick for some, so it can be a pro or con, but those that like the analoguish sound will like it. The lower mids are slightly depressed until it rises and peaks at the 3ish kHz region. There’s no sibilance on this set, so it is a rather treble safe set, treble rolls off around 8 kHz or so.

Vocals are a tinge forward in this set due to the peak at the upper mids, but even on some shouty tracks, I did not find that the Tanya is fatiguing or shouty for me, it is a very safe and non fatiguing tuning. Due to the borderline darkish treble, some cymbal and percussion hits may be a bit too subdued and this isn’t the most detailed treble, but it for sure can be used for hours upon hours due to the non fatiguing tuning.

For those that find the tuning overly thick and veiled, as discussed, using a brighter source or wider bore ear tips may help.

On to technicalities, soundstage is above average in all 3 directions, as per the open backed design. Probably some multi BA/hybrid sets at this price bracket will trump it in technicalities, but the Tanchjim Tanya’s layering is very good for this price bracket, haven’t heard this in most $20ish IEM.

Imaging and instrument separation are above average, I felt it can cope with busy passages of music when amped. However, details are not the best, notes lack bite and edge definition as per the analoguish signature, so as discussed, it isn’t a set for analytical listening, but just to chill and appreciate music.

Timbral accuracy on the Tanchjim Tanya is truly excellent, I would term it as organic and natural. Indeed, this is a very good IEM for vocals and acoustic instrument lovers. In fact, I think it has one of the best timbral accuracy I’ve heard in a $20ish USD set, it even edges the fabled BLON BL-03 in the timbre department.

COMPARISONS

Here are some comparisons with some well regarded budget single DD types. As hybrids/multi BA have their own strengths and weaknesses compared to single DD types, they were left out of the comparisons.

BLON BL-03 ($25 USD)

The legendary BLON BL-03 is a harmanish set with a midbass bump, boasting superb tonality and timbre at the sub $30 USD region. Both sets sound a tinge analoguish and scale with amping, though the Tanchjim Tanya is harder to drive. Both sets also have subpar isolation and share a similar tonality and timbre. Perhaps the BLON BL-03’s midbass is a tinge more bloated.

I think the Tanchjim Tanya edges it in the timbral accuracy and technicalities department. The BLON BL-03, even though it has detachable cables, has a notoriously bad fit due to the too short nozzles. Hence, most people need to do spacer mods or use aftermarket eartips/cables to secure a better fit.

Thus, the BLON BL-03 may be closer to $40 – 50 USD if aftermarket tips/cables are factored in, whereas the Tanchjim Tanya is ready to go OOTB, no need to mess around or spend more on aftermarket gear for it. As such, I see the Tanchjim Tanya as a marginal upgrade and a better set in terms of investment. I daresay the Tanchjim Tanya may even be the BLON BL-03 of 2021!

BLON MINI ($29.99 USD)

The BLON MINI is much easier to drive, though the Tanchjim Tanya has better timbral accuracy, better technicalities and layering and imaging.

The Tanya has better accessories, though it has weaker isolation. The Tanchjim Tanya is more noticeably laid back in tuning, whereas the BLON MINI is more dynamic and in your face.

HZSound Heart Mirror ($49 USD)

The HZSound Heart Mirror is a neutralish bright set, with a more linear and neutral bass than the Tanchjim Tanya.

The HZSound Heart Mirror comes in a nicer shell (mirror like as per its namesake), with non detachable cables and a very nice packaging. Both sets scale superbly with amping, timbre are excellent on both sets.

In terms of technicalities, the HZSound Heart Mirror whips the Tanchjim Tanya, the former has much better transients, clarity, microdetails, imaging and instrument separation. Note weight is thinner on the HZSound Heart Mirror and it has less subbass and midbass quantities too, though the bass is faster and cleaner. The HZSound Heart Mirror is a much more technical and analytical set, compared to the chiller and more laid back Tanchjim Tanya.

Sony MH755 ($7 USD)

The fabled Sony MH755 is also another harmanish set with a bullet shaped design. The Sony MH755 really has quite good timbre and tonality, but I think the Tanchjim Tanya beats it in these departments. The Sony MH755 can be shouty at higher volumes (Fletcher Munson curve) at the upper mids. Isolation and technicalities are also better on the Tanchjim Tanya.

Both sets have non detachable cables, but the Sony MH755’s cable is very short and J shaped, with markedly bad microphonics. One can’t go too far away from the source due to the short length (without using a cable extender), unlike the longer cable on the Tanchjim Tanya.

The Sony MH755 is also very hard to find in the wild nowadays, with a lot of shops selling counterfeit sets, so getting your paws on a legit Sony MH755 is an arduous task now.

So, I see the Tanchjim Tanya as an upgrade over the Sony MH755, although it is more expensive.

Moondrop SSR ($39.99 USD)

The Moondrop SSR comes with a waifu anime otaku packaging. That in itself makes it the clear winner, enough said. Please move on to the next section.

Ok ok jokes aside, the Moondrop SSR is tuned somewhat diffuse-field neutral with an upper mids boost. Both sets are quite tough to drive and have subpar isolation, but the Moondrop SSR is technically superior and has better transients than the Tanchjim Tanya.

The Moondrop SSR falls apart tonally though, it is akin to shouting at the moon at the 3 kHz area, especially at louder volumes (Fletcher Munson curve), and this is a dealbreaker for me. Both sets have a boosted 3 kHz area, but the Moondrop SSR more so, it can even be quite icepick like on some recordings at this area. The caveat is that we have different hearing health, different sources, different eartips, different ear anatomy (affecting pinna gain) and we play our music at different volumes, so YMMV and Moondrop fanboys, don’t crucify me!

Anyways, timbre is also less natural and the note weight is rather thin on the Moondrop SSR, so it is a much more analytical and technical set than the laid back and chill Tanchjim Tanya.

Final Audio E3000 ($50 USD)

The Final Audio E3000 is rather L shaped, featuring a big nebulous midbass and a rolled off treble. The Final Audio E3000 is harder to drive than the Tanchjim Tanya.

The Final Audio E3000 has better technicalities when amped, in the area of soundstage, imaging and instrument separation/layering, though it has a poorer timbral accuracy than the Tanchjim Tanya.

Both sets are bullet shaped and have non detachable cables, but the Final Audio E3000’s cable is worryingly noodle thin, with more microphonics and no strain relief! Isolation is also poorer on the Final Audio E3000.

Tanchjim Tanya Review (2) – With Help From…

Also check Alberto’s review of the Tanya.

CONCLUSIONS

The Tanchjim Tanya is a warm, smooth and lush harmanish set with great timbre and tonality. It needs some power to shine, but with adequate juice, the sound is really good for the $20 USD asked, with this set presenting excellent price to performance ratio. I’ve no regrets skipping a Macdonald’s meal or two for the Tanchjim Tanya TBH.

One area to nitpick, is that the cables are non detachable, as this may be a point of failure down the line, or perhaps some might wanna use aftermarket balanced cables or even BT adapters with it. This non detachable aspect may be a dealbreaker for some even, but otherwise, I’ve really no complaints about the build.

The non fatiguing and smooth and lush tuning can really make the Tanchjim Tanya a set to just sit back and enjoy the music for what it is, and not to listen to the gear. I can see this set as being one of the standout budget sets for 2021, maybe one can even label it as the BLON BL-03 for this year?

You find an INDEX of all our earphone reviews HERE.

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DISCLAIMER

I bought this set at my own expense, with a slight discount from the Yaotiger Aliexpress shop: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002568046521.html

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Whizzer HE01 Review (2) – Whizz Kid

Baskingshark (Singapore) — Sat, 15 May 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Pros

Well fitting, light, comfortable. Beautiful looks.
Above average isolation.
Great organic timbre and tonality.
Good soundstage and technicalities. Fast transients.
Easy to drive.
Nice accessories.

Cons

Not the most textured bass.
Rare instances of hot upper mids.
Not all aftermarket 2 pin cables can fit this set, due to the round protruding housing design.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Whizzer HE01 features a warm mild V shaped tuning, and is an all rounder single DD set that scores good marks in tonality, timbre and technicalities. Transients are a particular standout on this set. Accessories and haptics are nice and I would say it is one of the standout sub $100 CHIFI single DDs of 2021.

SPECIFICATIONS

Driver configuration: metal composite moving coil unit with high magnetic circuit
Frequency response: 15 hz – 40 kHz
Impedance: 18 Ohms
Sensitivity: 112 dB SPL / MW
Cable: 2 pin
Tested at $79.99 USD
Purchase link: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001731358565.html

ACCESSORIES

Other than the IEM, the Whizzer HE01 packaging comes with:

5N OFC oxygen free copper cable – well braided, very usable OOTB sonic wise. No microphonics. Only thing to note though is that the 2 pin connector here is round and protruding for the housing. So it may not fit all aftermarket cables.
Silicone ear tips – I find the narrow bore eartips tend to boost bass, the wider bore ones tend to boost the upper mids/treble, YMMV as we have different ear anatomies.
Round metal hard case
Cleaning tool

Accessories wise, this is rather generous for a budget single DD, I’ve definitely seen worse in some more expensive CHIFI “flagships” (cough cough TRN). Everything is rather usable OOTB, so no need to mess with getting aftermarket tips and cables (which can add to costs).

For the purposes of this review, the stock cable and tips were used, so as not to change the sound signature with aftermarket gear. In particular, the narrow bore eartips were used for this review.

BUILD/COMFORT

The Whizzer H01 shell is made of plastic and is very light and well fitting. Comfort is top notch, I’ve used this set for marathon listening sessions without an ounce of discomfort.

I didn’t find any driver flex for myself (but YMMV once more as this is somewhat dependent on ear anatomy and types of ear tips used).

I liked that the Whizzer HE01 uses 2 pin connectors, as I’m not a fan of MMCX connectors in general, as they tend to have shorter longevity especially if cables are swapped too much. Only thing to note though is that the 2 pin connector here is round and protruding for the housing. So it may not fit all aftermarket cables, so just a point to note.

The Whizzer HE01’s shell is also quite beautiful looking, my wife would usually glare at me or nag when a new IEM comes in the mail. But this time, she took a look and was quiet for a few seconds. Then she grudgingly said she “wouldn’t mind trying it” LOL. But of course for us in this hobby, most of us value the sound over the looks, so let’s dive into that below.

ISOLATION

The Whizzer HE01 has above average isolation. Not too bad considering it is vented, though some pure BA type IEMs without vents will beat it in the isolation department.

DRIVABILITY

I tested the Whizzer He01 with a Khadas Tone Board -> Topping L30 amp, Sony NW A-55 DAP (DMP-A50 FEv2 Classic Mr Walkman Mod), smartphone, Shanling Q1 DAP, Tempotec Sonata HD Pro, ESS ES9280C PRO DAC/AMP, and a Khadas Tone Board -> Fiio A3 Amp.

At a sensitivity of 112dB/mW, the Whizzer HE01 is easy to drive, but like most other single DD types, it scales with amping. Amping can increase dynamics, soundstage and perhaps microdetails, but no biggie if you do not have an amp on hand with the Whizzer HE01.

SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

In a nutshell, the Whizzer HE01 features a warm mild V shaped tuning, and is an all rounder single DD set that scores good marks in tonality, timbre and technicalities.

For the bass department, the Whizzer HE01 is not a basshead set in terms of quantity, but bass is definitely north of neutral with a great punch in the midbass. Midbass is more pronounced than the subbass, but this set can still extend quite well in subbass extension. Bass quality wise, while there isn’t marked midbass bleed, the bass isn’t the most textured and can be one noted at time, but that’s something I can close one eye considering the rest of the tonality is quite good.

Lower mids are midly recessed, not overly so. Upper mids are at the borderline of spiciness for me for some songs, but otherwise, it doesn’t really get into very banshee shouty territory (cough cough Moondrop SSR) unless one jacks up the volume a lot (Fletcher Munson curve), or on some poorly recorded materials. Mids are very clean and transparent.

Treble is well extended, though there’s mild instances of sibilance. Microdetails are well captured and cymbals ain’t splashy or unnatural.

Technicalities are very good for a budget single DD, soundstage is definitely above average to good in height, depth and width. Clarity, imaging, instrument separation and details are really quite good considering it is a single DD set. One thing that stands out immediately are the very fast transients. Music never sounded congested on the Whizzer HE01 even with complex pieces.

Timbral accuracy is good as per its single DD roots, no complains for this department, it would do well with acoustic instruments and vocals in terms of timbre.

COMPARISONS

Here are some comparisons with some well regarded single DD types below. As hybrids/multi BA have their own strengths and weaknesses compared to single DD types, they were left out of the comparisons.

BLON BL-03 ($25 USD)

The legendary BLON BL-03 is a harmanish set with a midbass bump, boasting superb tonality and timbre at the sub $30 USD region. Compared to the Whizzer HE01, the BLON BL-03 is more analoguish with a thicker note weight and a more nebulous and boomy midbass.

In terms of timbre, the BLON BL-03 shades it a bit, but the Whizzer HE01 beats the BLON BL-03 in accessories, fit, isolation, soundstage, transients, imaging, instrument separation, clarity and details. Basically the Whizzer HE01 is a few levels above the BLON BL-03.

I know they are at different price brackets, but the BLON BL-03 is sort of a milestone CHIFI single DD which many folks have, and I’m sure some would ask for A/B comparisons. But actually, the BLON BL-03 may be closer to $40 – 50 USD if aftermarket tips/cables are factored in to secure a better fit for the BLON BL-03’s atrocious fit with the stock accessories, whereas the Whizzer HE01 is ready to go OOTB, no need to mess around with aftermarket gear for it.

BLON BL-05S ($39 USD)

The BLON BL-05S is a U shaped set. Unfortunately, it comes in a gaudy green colour, which may be a dealbreaker for some (in fact, I got stared at when I tried using it on the subway, so it stays at home nowadays). I’ve had some audiophile friends who refused to buy it, cause of the colour, and also cause they were burnt by the not so stellar BLON BL-05 (non S), which was quite shouty in the upper mids.

Comparing the 2 sets, the BLON BL-05s has worse accessories. The BLON BL-05S is slightly shoutier in the upper mids than the Whizzer HE01. In terms of technical performance the Whizzer HE01 is slightly better, in terms of soundstage, clarity, details, imaging and instrument separation. Once again, they are at different price brackets, and the law of diminishing return kicks in, so the Whizzer HE01 is not 2 times better as the price would suggest, but it is still a slight upgrade over the BLON BL-05S.

iBasso IT00 ($60 USD)

Like the Whizzer HE01, the iBasso IT00 comes with nice accessories, and features a mild V shaped tuning. The iBasso IT00 has very bad driver flex though, so that’s one thing to note as it can be a dealbreaker for some. In terms of tonality, the iBasso IT00 has more subbass rumble/quantity but lesser higher treble extension.

In terms of technical performance, the Whizzer HE01 is better, featuring better clarity, detials, imaging and instrument separation. Transients are also faster on the Whizzer HE01.

HZSound Heart Mirror ($49 USD)

The HZSound Heart Mirror is a neutralish bright set, and has a more compressed soundstage than the Whizzer HE01. The HZSound Heart Mirror is also more difficult to drive and has a more neutral bass compared to the iBasso IT00. The HZSound Heart Mirror has a thinner note weight too. Accessories wise, they are both very good.

In terms of timbral accuracy, the HZSound Heart Mirror is a tinge better. In terms of technicalities, they are very close.

Though if one does not have an amp, I would suggest to look elsewhere from the HZSound Heart Mirror, as it sounds meh with a low powered source, with a compressed soundstage, thin note weight and lack of dynamics. The Whizzer HE01 on the other hand, sounds good even from lower powered gear.

I would see these 2 sets as sidegrades, both sets have good transients and technicalities. The HZSound Heart Mirror is more suited for those wanting a neutralish technical and analytical tuning, while the Whizzer HE01 is for those that want a more fun V shaped sound. The Whizzer HE01 by virtue of having more bass quantity, may be more suited for bass forward music genres too, but both are good sets to get, depending on your sonic preferences and usual music genres you listen to.

Whizzer Kylin HE01 Review – The Whizzard

CONCLUSIONS

Definitely recommended for those who are wanting to dive deeper into the rabbithole from the sub $30 USD single DD segment!

You find an INDEX of all our earphone reviews HERE.

All Our Earphone and Earbud Reviews (with Links)

DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank Whizzer for providing this review unit. It can be gotten here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001731358565.html

You find an INDEX of our most relevant technical articles HERE.

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SMABAT X1 Review I – Right Off The Bat

Baskingshark (Singapore) — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 13:00:00 +0000

Pros

Beautiful shells, light in weight yet well built.
2 tuning configurations via tuning switch – L shaped basshead tuning and a midcentric tuning.
Midcentric tuning is great for vocals/acoustic type genres.
Natural instrumental timbre.
Good technicalities for a budget pure DD setup (in the midcentric config).
2 pin connector – generally better lifespan than MMCX.

Cons:

Average isolation and soundstage.
No tool to flip switches provided.
In basshead tuning, midbass bleeds and sound is quite muddy/veiled.
Can be difficult to drive in the midcentric tuning config.
May possibly have sharp edges for some users in terms of fit.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Right off the bat (no pun intended), the unique part about the SMABAT X1 are the tuning switches that allow it to change from an L shaped basshead set to a midcentric set, thus giving it versatility to suit different music genres and sonic preferences. There are not many budget sets that have tuning switches, and furthermore, there are also not many budget sets that are tuned midcentric, (most are either harmanish/V shaped or neutralish to suit consumer preferences), so the SMABAT X1 does stand out in this area. In addition, the SMABAT X1 also comes with natural timbre and has good technicalities for a budget pure DD set.

SPECIFICATIONS

Driver configuration: Dual Dynamic Driver (6 mm titanium plated diaphragm + 10 mm composite diaphragm)
Frequency response: 10 Hz – 24000Hz
Impedance: 32 Ohms
Sensitivity: 110dB/mW
Cable: 0.78 mm 2 pin
Purchase links: https://www.smabat.com/products/smabat-x1; https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001945966511.html
Tested at $49 USD

ACCESSORIES

Other than the IEM, the SMABAT X1 packaging comes with:

SPC Cable – very well braided and usable.
Array of silicone ear tips.
Complimentary USB type C adapter – I got my unit from the official SMABAT shop, so they included a USB type C adapter with each SMABAT X1. Not sure if 3rd party sellers will provide this same adapter, as the adapter came in a separate package from the SMABAT X1 packaging. Please check with your seller regarding the provision of this USB type C adapter. In terms of usability and quality of this USB type C adapter, nothing to write home about, it is pretty generic and I think something like the Tempotec Sonata HD Pro sounds better.

For the purposes of this review, the stock cable and tips were used.

BUILD/COMFORT

The SMABAT X1 is made of a very nice aluminium alloy, the build quality is good and it is very light. It is kind of similar in shape to the Moondrop SSR (maybe it is a tinge larger than the SSR).

Though, I have some friends that tried the SMABAT X1 and complained of sharp edges on the back of the shell of SMABAT X1, and coupled with the stock tips that are shorter, they report that the sharp edges may press on the ear and cause some discomfort. My friends managed to fix this issue by using longer nozzle eartips, so as to “lift” the back of the shell off the ear. FWIW, for myself, using the stock tips and stock cables, I had a comfortable fit and didn’t find any discomfort despite using it for hours (but YMMV as this is somewhat dependent on ear anatomy and types of ear tips used).

I didn’t find any driver flex on this set. I liked that the SMABAT X1 came with a 2 pin connector as they generally have better life span than MMCX types, for those who do frequent cable rolling.

ISOLATION

The SMABAT X1’s isolation is bang average.

DRIVABILITY

I tested the SMABAT X1 with a Khadas Tone Board -> Topping L30 amp, Sony NW A-55 DAP (DMP-A50 FEv2 Classic Mr Walkman Mod), smartphone, Shanling Q1 DAP, Tempotec Sonata HD Pro, ESS ES9280C PRO DAC/AMP, and a Khadas Tone Board -> Fiio A3 Amp.

Interestingly, the SMABAT X1 has different amping requirements depending on whether it is in the switch down or switch up mode. In the default basshead L shaped mode (switch up), it is rather easy to drive from a lower powered smartphone. But when the switch is down (midcentric mode), then the sensitivity of the IEM decreases, and it is markedly more difficult to drive. Smartphones can probably still drive the SMABAT X1 at a higher volume in the midcentric mode, but amping will increase dynamics, soundstage and perhaps microdetails.

SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

SMABAT is generally better known for their earbuds than IEMs, and I’m a big fan of their earbuds, having purchased 3 of their midtier earbuds in the past. I think they previously were under the SVARA brand, and SMABAT has quite good reviews for their recent foray into the IEM world, with releases like the SMABAT NCO and SMABAT Black Bat. The SMABAT X1 described here is their next release in their IEM stable.

Right off the bat, the selling point of the SMABAT X1 is of course the 2 tuning options, which is uncommon for a budget CHIFI set. Strangely, the packaging didn’t come with a card pin to flip the switches on the SMABAT X1. But I guess u can use a toothpick or any sim card pin. If one has dextrous fingers or long nails I think you can flip it too without a tool, but I had to dig up a toothpick for this purpose.

These graphs were taken from the SMABAT store page.

When the tuning switch is flipped up (default signature), this gives the SMABAT X1 an L shaped basshead signature. With the switch flipped down, this gives a midcentric tuning, which is very rare for a budget set. (I define midcentric as a tuning that boosts the lower mids/upper mids more than the treble/bass.) Most budget CHIFI seem to be tuned V shaped/harmanish or neutralish to suit consumer preferences, and midcentric tunings are not too common at this price bracket. In fact, the SMABAT X1 is probably one of the cheapest midcentric sets I’ve encountered, my next cheapest midcentric set is the $78 USD 5 knowles BA Hisenior B5+.

In the L shaped switch up config, there’s copious midbass in spades that will please most bassheads in terms of quantity and subbass extension. Subbass isn’t as boosted as midbass. Unfortunately for bass lovers, the midbass bleeds and isn’t the most textured/controlled, it does impinge into the mids and causes a veiled sound. Lower mids are very thick and warm from the midbass bleed, upper mids are very well behaved and actually tame. Due to the not overly boosted upper mids, maybe there is a lack of bite and edge definition for guitars and vocals in this config. Treble is actually dark and nebulous, there’s no sibilance or shoutiness or fatigue, but trebleheads will be displeased with the treble extension and sparkle. Note weight is on the thicker side than in the midcentric switch down config. I’m a basshead and I actually didn’t like this basshead tuning config. I preferred the other midcentric switch down config as I find this basshead config has the quantity of the bass right for bassheads, but the bass is too boomy and bloated (so bass quality isn’t that great). Thus, perhaps only diehard bassheads that want quantity over quality will like this. Those that want a clean and fast bass without bass bloat best look at the alternative tuning switch option. The good news however, is that one can EQ the midbass frequencies down a bit and this does let the rest of the frequency spectrum breathe a bit, though I know purists who will never touch the EQ button, so YMMV. Alternatively, maybe trying an aftermarket wide bore silicone tip may help decrease the bass too.

Moving on to the switch down (midcentric config), it brings a very rare midcentric tuning to the budget CHIFI table. So as per the “midcentric” definition, in this config, the subbass is not very present here, midbass is neutral, mids are comparatively boosted, and treble is only moderately extended. The mids appear much more transparent and detailed in this midcentric config than the basshead config. This is probably cause the midbass doesn’t bleed in this config and this allows the mids to shine here. Vocals, acoustic instruments and guitars are the stars in this config, with vocal being quite resolving and in the centrestage. Despite the boost in the mids, the upper mids are quite safe still, with not too prominent pinna gain noted. With amping, I didn’t find it shouty or fatiguing and I’m quite sensitive to this area (this is with stock tips/cable). Noteweight is moderate in this tuning switch. Treble in this config is moderately extended, there’s mild sibilance, but it is not a very airy or sparkly treble.

As discussed above, midcentric tunings are rare for a budget set and since CHIFI has become very affordable in the past few years, we can probably have a pokemon collection of different budget IEMs with different tunings (eg V shaped, neutralish, basshead, bright, and this midcentric type tuning) to suit different moods, music genres and sonic preferences. Though, I’ve to warn you that midcentric tunings are very very niche, some folks that listen to bass forward music eg EDM may not like it, it isn’t the most versatile tuning, but those that are vocal and acoustic and mid lovers will love this tuning. Though once again, if you find this midcentric tuning too bass lite, EQ can also be used to boost the bass frequencies a tinge, and this does give a bit more warmth and meat to the lower frequencies if you want your bass kick (no pun intended).

Technically, in the midcentric config, the SMABAT X1 has good details and imaging for a pure DD setup, though most multi driver types (multi BA/hybrids) at this price bracket will probably still beat it in technicalities. Clarity and instrument separation/layering are also good (in the switch down midcentric tuning). In the L shaped switch up (basshead) config, the bass does smear into the other frequencies, and it does affect the resolution. Due to the lesser pinna gain in the tuning, especially in the basshead config, notes do have a lack of edge definition/bite, so this might be a pro or con depending on personal preference. It results in a smoother and less fatiguing presentation in the treble frequencies, but those that want some crunch/bite in vocals and guitars might need to look elsewhere. Soundstage is about average in all 3 dimensions and not classleading in this respect, though amping helps increase it a tinge.

In terms of timbral accuracy, the SMABAT X1 is natural for vocals and acoustic instruments, as per its single DD roots. So coupled with the midcentric config, this set will be a great pairing for classical, acoustic, jazz and vocal genres.

COMPARISONS

There are not many budget sets that have tuning switches, and furthermore, there are also not many budget sets that are tuned midcentric, (as discussed, most are either harmanish/V shaped or neutralish to suit consumer preferences), so the SMABAT X1 does stand out in this area compared to similarly priced competitors. As per comparing oranges to oranges, I compared the SMABAT X1 against other DD type IEMs. I’ve left out hybrids/multi BA IEMs as they have different pros and cons among the transducer types:

DUNU DM-480 (2 DD; $69 USD)

The DUNU DM-480 is another set with a dual DD. The DUNU DM-480 is a V shaped set, the resin shells here provide a more ergonomic fit and much stronger passive isolation than the SMABAT X1 and accessories are just as good. When compared to the midcentric (switch down) tuning in the SMABAT X1, the DUNU DM-480 has much better subbass extension and quantity, but it can get shoutier and more fatiguing in the lower treble/upper mids, with more sibilance in the DUNU DM-480.

Soundstage is slightly bigger on the DUNU DM-480, and technicalities are quite close. The SMABAT X1 beats the DUNU DM-480 in the timbre department by quite a bit, and of course, there is no tuning switch option in the DUNU DM-480. The lower mids are more depressed in the DUNU DM-480 and mid lovers and timbre lovers will probably opt for the SMABAT X1 (in midcentric config) over the DUNU DM-480.

HZSound Heart Mirror (1 DD; $49 USD)

The HZSound Heart Mirror is a neutralish bright set which also has very nice accessories and build. On the HZSound Heart mirror, bass is linear and extends deeper. Treble extends more on the HZSound Heart Mirror too. In terms of instrumental timbre and vocal timbre, the HZSound Heart Mirror is better. Technicalities like clarity, imaging, instrument separation and details are better on the HZSound Heart Mirror (when amped). The HZSound Heart Mirror has a smaller soundstage, but has a faster driver in terms of transients.

It has to be mentioned that the HZSound Heart Mirror sounds meh when powered from a lower powered source, but scales tremendously with amping. The switch down (midcentric) tuning on the SMABAT X1, as discussed, increases the amping requirements, and it may actually be more power hungry than the HZSound Heart Mirror in this midcentric config.

Moondrop SSR (1 DD, $39.99 USD)

The Moondrop SSR is tuned somewhat diffuse-field neutral with an upper mids boost. It is infamous for having a 3 kHz area spike, that is more obvious at louder volumes (Fletcher Munson curve). Thankfully, this spike is not present in the SMABAT X1. I couldn’t really tolerate the Moondrop SSR due to the 3 kHz icepick, so I do prefer the SMABAT X1 in terms of tuning. As per the midcentric moniker, the SMABAT X1 has lesser bass quantities, lesser subbass extension and lesser treble extension, but the SMABAT X1 has more detailed and transparent mids than the Moondrop SSR.

In terms of note weight, the Moondrop SSR is thinner. Timbre, imaging, instrument separation and details are about on par (when amped). The Moondrop SSR has greater clarity in view of the more boosted upper mids/lower treble.

SMABAT X1 Review II – Bat Out Of Hell

CONCLUSIONS

Right off the bat (no pun intended), the unique part about the SMABAT X1 are the tuning switches that allow it to change from an L shaped basshead set to a midcentric set, thus giving it versatility to suit different music genres and sonic preferences. There are not many budget sets that have tuning switches, and furthermore, there are also not many budget sets that are tuned midcentric, (most are either harmanish/V shaped or neutralish to suit consumer preferences), so the SMABAT X1 does stand out in this area. The SMABAT X1 also has natural timbre and good technicalities for a pure DD set.

As for the tuning options, I’m a basshead but I didn’t really like the basshead L shaped config switch. The quantity of bass would suit diehard bassheads, but the bass quality wasn’t that great, I found it too boomy and bloated, and it caused a veil in the music. EQing the bass down and possibly a tip change can salvage this tuning however.

Happily, the other midcentric tuning switch saves the day, and is my preferred tuning in the SMABAT X1. I really liked this config, and would recommend this set for vocal and mid lovers. Vocals and the mids are the star here, the mids are very nuanced and well rendered in this config, with good timbral accuracy. Though as discussed, midcentric tunings are very niche, it may not suit every music genre, but for us in this CHIFI rabbithole, I feel a midcentric set would be a unique addition to the budget pokemon CHIFI collection, especially for those who like vocal and acoustic pieces.

All Our Earphone and Earbud Reviews (with Links)

DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank the Aliexpress SMABAT store for providing this review set. The SMABAT X1 can be gotten here: https://www.smabat.com/products/smabat-x1; https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001945966511.html

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BLON BL-01 Review (1) – Another BLON!? Aerosmith Says No More No More!!!

Baskingshark (Singapore) — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 07:01:00 +0000

Pros

Well built metal shells.
Smooth and non fatiguing tuning.
Good timbre.
Above average isolation.
Good price to performance ratio.

Cons:

Iffy fit (slightly better than the fit of the infamous BLON BL-03).
Same crappy accessories (stock eartips/cable).
Not the best in technicalities.
Midbass bloat, might be too bassy and warm for some.
May not be getting full potential with low powered smartphones, amping is needed to scale the IEM.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Aerosmith might say “No More, No More!” to another BLON release, but the BLON BL-01 is definitely worth the cost of a small restaurant meal, and after hearing this set, BLON Cultists will surely say “More, More!! Take the Oppoty ~~opportunity~~ to Break the Levee to release mooooooar BLONs!”

SPECIFICATIONS

Driver Type: 10mm Biology Fiber Diaphragm Driver
Impedance: 32 ohms
Frequency range: 20 – 20000Hz
Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW
Cable type: 2 pin 0.78 mm
Tested at $17 USD

ACCESSORIES

In addition to the IEM, it comes with:

1) Silicone tips of various sizes (one comes in a wider diameter, the other is narrower).

2) Stock cable.

3) Sackcloth pouch.

Essentially, the famous (or rather infamous) stock accessories of previous BLON iterations is here to greet us. This includes the barely serviceable cable and the usual BLON tips and lame sackcloth pouch. The meme generating BLON box advising BLON cultists to “LET MUSIC BURN”, together with BELIEF and NEVER GIVING UP and OPPOTY is however, not present!!!

Budget CHIFI companies need to cut costs somewhere, so as to pass down a cheaper price to the consumers, and accessories are understandably the first area they target. Some CHIFI (cough cough TRN BA8 and TRN VX) retailing at much more expensive prices may also have a similar dearth of accessories, so I won’t beat BLON with a stick for this and can close one eye, since this is a sub $20 USD set. Anyway, what’s more important is the IEM’s internals and how it sounds, and I think those of us in this CHIFI hobby might have some aftermarket tips and cables lying about, so no biggie swapping the BLON BL-01’s stock tips and cables out.

For the purposes of this review, I stuck with the stock tips and stock cable, so as to give a fair impression of what the average layman will encounter when opening the packaging (who may not know about tiprolling). Aftermarket tips (or cables if you are a cable believer) may skew the sound signature, and aftermarket eartips may not fit every individual ear anatomy, so it might be quite different in sound if reviewed with aftermarket accessories. Hence, I felt it would be a more fair apples to apples comparison to do the review with stock accessories, even though they ain’t optimal, at least we have a common baseline accessory set to discuss. But for sure I’d swap to aftermarket tips and cables for music appreciation for the BLON BL-01 once this review is over.

BUILD/COMFORT

The BLON BL-01 really looks like a mango or banana, in fact it is nicknamed the “BLONANA” on some audio forums. Looks aside, the BLON BL-01 is just slightly better in fit for me than the infamous fit of the older brother, the BLON BL-03 (ie that’s not saying much, they are both iffy in fit due to a too short nozzle). But as usual, when it comes to fit, it’s YMMV, as we have different ear anatomies. I managed to get a proper seal with the BLON BL-01 using the stock tips, but I would have preferred a longer nozzle eartip or spacer to use with the BLON BL-01 as it felt a tinge insecure for me with stock eartips.

The BLON BL-01 is made of a nice metal build, and comfort is very good. I have used it for hours with no issues. The shells are on the heavier side due to the metal, so some who are sensitive to weight may have issues with it.

I didn’t find any driver flex. I liked that the BLON BL-01 came with a 2 pin connector, as I had tons of issues with MMCX connectors and their general longevity in my CHIFI journey.

ISOLATION

With stock tips, the iolation on the BLON BL-01 is above average, better than the BLON BL-03 older brother. But like most dynamic driver types, it is vented and hence it doesn’t have as good isolation as some unvented multi BA types.

DRIVABILITY/SOURCE

I tried the BLON BL-01 with a Khadas Tone Board -> Fiio A3 amp, Khadas Tone Board -> Topping L30 amp, Shanling Q1 DAP, lower powered smartphones, Ziku HK-X9 DAP -> Fiio A3 amp, Sabre HIFI DAC (ESS ES9280C PRO) and Tempotec Sonata HD Pro. The BLON BL-01 is rather hard to drive from low powered sources. One only gets the full potential when amping it (due to the lowish sensitivity of 102dB/mW). It is not an issue of volume only, but the BLON BL-01 scales better in soundstage, details, dynamics and bass tightness with amping. I preferred brighter or at least neutralish sources with it in general, as the midbass was a bit bloated in the BLON BL-01, so it doesn’t pair the best with overly warm or bassy sources.

One might then ask a quite relevant question, does it make sense to pair a more expensive amp with the $20ish BLON BL-01 to unleash the full potential? Fair enough, I think most folks entering into this budget price bracket, or newcomers to the hobby may not be interested in getting an amp, compared to those that are entering the midfi market. As such, I probably won’t be recommending the BLON BL-01 to new users if you don’t have a more powerful source than the average non LGV smartphone. You can perhaps consider an alternative IEM if so, there are many other gems at this price bracket that don’t need amping. But for those that have been around the CHIFI block and are long term recalcitrant addicts to CHIFI, do whip out your amp or balanced gear if you have one lying about, so as to unlock the full potential of the BLON BL-01.

SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

Graphs courtesy of KopiOKaya from Audioreviews (IEC711 compliant coupler). 8 – 9 kHZ area is probably a resonance peak.

In a nutshell, the BLON BL-01 is a warm mild V shaped, bassy set, which is smooth and non fatiguing, it prioritizes timbre and tonality over technicalities. The BLON BL-01 is not an analytical or technical set for critical listening, but is a set very suited to just kicking back and chilling to enjoy the music. Those wanting microdetails and technicalities best look elsewhere, but I would argue that it is much easier to find a technically proficient set at the sub $50 market, rather than something with good timbre/tonality such as the BLON BL-01.

With a good fit and eartip seal, the BLON BL-01’s bass is north of neutral, and is a level shy of true basshead quantities. It is slightly more midbass focused than subbass focused, but the subbass extends very well and can give a good rumble when amped. The bass is definitely faster and tighter than the BLON BL-03 older brother, but the midbass is still quite bloated and bleeds into the lower mids. Some might like or dislike the additional warmth this gives to the music, it’s gonna be a love it or hate it thing, so those that want a very fast and clean bass best look elsewhere. The bass is rather thick and is unfortunately not the most textured (though as said still an improvement over the BLON BL-03).

The BLON BL-01’s lower mids are recessed compared to upper mids. There’s a slight upper mids boost but this is quite tamed compared to most of the budget CHIFI out there. Female vocals are still more forward than male vocals, but not shouty. Some might find the mids a tinge too recessed for vocals and guitars, so mid and vocal lovers best consider an alternatively tuned IEM.

Treble is not that extended on the BLON BL-01, it is polite and safe, without sibilance/harshness. Though the other side of the coin of such a safe treble is that some microdetails and resolution in the treble is lost. I’m treble sensitive and this treble actually is my cup of tea, but maybe trebleheads and those wanting a bit more pizzaz in their music might find the treble too tame actually.

Timbre is good for acoustic instruments as per its single DD roots. Note weight is on the thicker side.

In the area of technicalities, the BLON BL-01 loses quite a lot of points for me. For example, instrument separation and details are not the best in the BLON BL-01, compared to other budget single DD types. There’s a fair amount of microdetails lost in the music, for pieces I’m familiar with. In terms of soundstage, height is above average, but width and depth is bang average. Imaging is good for the price, but music can sound congested and be smeared in very complex movements. Honestly, against other multi BA/hybrids at the same price bracket, the BLON BL-01 gets eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper in the technicalities department. Amping does help improve the technicalities, but overall, the music sounds a bit low res even when amped. But then again, this is nitpicking for a sub $20 USD IEM, and as we discussed, this set focuses on timbre and tonality over pure technical performance.

COMPARISONS

I chose some common budget single DD sets to compare below. I left out multi BA/hybrids from the comparison as the different transducers have their own pros and cons, so it would be an apples to oranges comparison as such.

VS the BLON BL-03:

Graph courtesy of KopiOKaya from Audioreviews (IEC711 compliant coupler). 8 – 9 kHZ area is probably a resonance peak.

For myself at least, the BLON BL-01 fits a tinge better with stock accessories than the BLON BL-03. I actually didn’t need to swap any stock cables or tips out to secure a fit, so that’s a plus point already. Isolation is also better on the BLON BL-01.

I am not sure about QC and unit variance, but my BLON BL-03 has more recessed mids than the BLON BL-01. The BLON BL-01 is a tinge cleaner and brighter than the BLON BL-03 in terms of tonality. BLON BL-03 is warmer and more organic sounding. In terms of technicalities, the BLON BL-01 is slightly better, in the areas of instrument separation, imaging, details, bass tightness, maybe soundstage, but both BLON siblings are better in timbre and tonality than technicalities.

If you ask different audiophiles on the forums, there will be multiple impressions for the BLON BL-03 when it comes to the bass department, since most folks are using different aftermarket tips with the BLON BL-03 due to the atrocious fit (too short nozzle). The different aftermarket eartips all influence seal and isolation and hence subbass amounts, to varying extents. Different eartips also change the sound signature of the entire frequency spectrum (which changes the perceived midbass amounts), so it is gonna be tough to compare the bass amounts on the BLON BL-03 among different individuals against the BLON BL-01 (not to mention QC may cause unit variation in bass amounts). Nevertheless, I did A/B testing with the same source/eartips/cables and when volume matched, the BLON BL-01 may actually be a tinge bassier (in quantity) than the BLON BL-03. But in terms of quality of bass, the BLON BL-01 is better. The BLON BL-01 has better subbass extension than the BLON BL-03. I find the BLON BL-01 is less bloaty in the bass and faster and tighter than the BLON BL-03 in the bass frequencies, with a faster bass decay in the BLON BL-01. Some may find that the midbass of both BLON siblings does bleed and encroach a bit into the lower mids, the BLON BL-03 being a much worse offender in this area. I’m a basshead so I don’t mind, but perhaps amping and aftermarket eartips may tighten the bass for these sets.

Overall, I would say when adequately powered and fitted optimally, the BLON BL-01 is a marginal upgrade over the BLON BL-03. The BLON BL-01 is also slightly cheaper, but of course that is in stock form (assuming aftermarket cables and tips are not added to the equation to achieve a fit among the BLON siblings).

VS the BLON BL-05S

Graph courtesy of KopiOKaya from Audioreviews (IEC711 compliant coupler). 8 – 9 kHZ area is probably a resonance peak.

Not to be confused with the shouty BLON BL-05 (non S), this set we are describing here is the radioactive green shelled one, the BLON BL-05S. For myself, the BLON BL-05S fits much better and is lighter than the BLON BL-01. The BLON BL-05S is less V shaped, and has a thinner note weight, with less bass quantities than the BLON BL-01. In terms of bass quality, the BLON BL-05S is tighter and not as bloaty as the BLON BL-01.

Both sets have good timbre as per their single DD roots, but the BLON BL-05S trumps the BL-01 in technicalities (imaging, instrument separation, clarity, details, soundstage, transient speed), and is easier to drive.

When both are amped, I would consider the BLON BL-05S to be a true upgrade over the BLON BL-01, though the BL-05S comes in quite a hideous shell colour, and of course the BL-05S is more expensive. But if you can top up the additional outlay, the BLON BL-05S would be my recommendation, if you don’t mind the gaudy shell colours.

VS the Moondrop SSR

The Moondrop SSR is tuned somewhat diffuse-field neutral with an upper mids boost, with a colder tonality and thinner note weight and poorer isolation than the V shaped BLON BL-01. It has less bass and is much more sibilant than the BLON BL-01. Moondrop SSR is shoutier at the upper mids/lower treble than the BLON BL-01, especially when used at louder volumes (Fletcher Munson Curve). For technicalities, the Moondrop SSR is much ahead of the BLON BL-01 in the areas of better clarity, imaging, details and instrument separation.

I’ve said this before, but the Moondrop SSR actually sounds nice at low volumes, but by pumping up the volume a few dB, the 3 kHz area is shouty and is too much for me (Fletcher Munson Curve). The Moondrop SSR has very polarizing reviews, and I think this may be due to the different volumes all of us are using it at, and volume levels are typically not mentioned by reviewers or consumers. Not to mention the different sources, tips, hearing health we all have may affect our perception of upper mids/treble in the Moondrop SSR. After doing A/B testing using the same source, tips (and even cable), I’ll take the BLON BL-01 any day over the Moondrop SSR, as the 3 kHz peak and the sibilance on the SSR is a deal breaker for me.

Different strokes for different folks though, I know a lot of our friends like the Moondrop SSR, especially those that use it at lower volumes. The Moondrop SSR actually has better technical performance than the BLON BL-01, but unfortunately it isn’t my cup of tea in terms of tonality, and I’ll take tonality over technical performance as my first priority. I haven’t had a chance to try the newer Moondrop SSP, which is supposed to be bassier but I’ll update this review if I get the Oppoty ~~opportunity~~ to try it.

Oh ya, how could I forgot the most important point of comparison here?! The Moondrop SSR comes with a waifu anime box! This box packaging may actually be the most important criteria for some purchasers and may make some shout at the moon (no pun intended)!

VS the HZSound Heart Mirror

The HZSound Heart Mirror is tuned neutralish bright with less midbass quantity and is less “fun sounding” than the BLON BL-01, especially when bass foward music is involved. The HZSound Heart Mirror sounds more analytical and colder, with a thinner note weight. Timbre, vocals and technicalities are much better on the HZSound Heart Mirror. The HZSound Heart Mirror wins in transient response speed. Both sets do need amping to scale to their best.

I see the mildly V shaped BLON BL-01 and the neutralish bright HZSound Heart Mirror as complimentary sets with different tunings to suit different music genres/preferences. But tonality aside, even though the HZSound Heart Mirror is more expensive, I think it is a true upgrade over the BLON BL-01 in most areas (accessories, timbre, technicalities, build, fit).

BLON BL01 Review 2 – Give Me A Good Source And I’ll Shine

CONCLUSIONS

The BLON BL-01 is a warm and mild V shaped, bassy set, it is smooth and non fatiguing, and it prioritizes timbre and tonality over technicalities. It is not an analytical or technical set for critical listening, but is a set very suited to just kicking back and chilling to enjoy the music. The BLON BL-01 does boast a good price to performance ratio for the price, but it needs amping to scale better, and sounds meh from a lower powered source. I can see a lot of folks liking this set, considering it is rather affordable and has nice timbre and is not shouty or fatiguing. It is much easier to find a technically proficient set at the sub $50 range than something that has good timbre and tonality like the BLON BL-01.

So, this latest BLON hypetrain is being hyped to the moon and back and is being heralded as the next best thing since sliced bread and a giant killer. Does it deserve the hype? Well, I do think it is a very good budget set, but my honest assessment is that in terms of overall performance, it is probably a marginal upgrade over the BLON BL-03. IMHO, what holds the BLON BL-01 back from truly legendary status is that it hasn’t the best technicalities and the bass has bloat, this is more apparent when faster or complex passages of music kick in and things get congested and muddied. The BLON BL-01 also needs amping to truly shine (which a lot of folks entering into this budget segment may not have) and one may also need to swap the usual poor stock tips/cables for aftermarket accessories to secure a better fit, which can add to costs. Overall, these are nitpicks, considering it is a sub $20 USD set, and I still think it is a very good set, for sure it punches above its weight and has excellent value proposition, and is indeed a great addition to the BLON family.

Thanks for reading and Let Music Burn!!!

MY VERDICT

DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank the Wooeasy Earphones Store for providing this review unit. You can Belief in it, and take the Oppoty ~~opportunity~~ to get the BLON BL-01 at https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001705164790.html

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Gear Of The Year – Our Personal 2020 Favourites

Jürgen Kraus (Calgary, Canada) — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 06:59:00 +0000

Gear of the Year: Just in time for Christmas we list our our personal favourites of 2020 – the portable audio we personally enjoyed most. Note, these are not necessarily the best, but the ones we…you got it. Therefore, these are highly personal, subjective listings. Please be aware we don’t offer reviews for everything we like/we list here (yet).

That Christmas tree on the right is a carryover from last year. It stood in the lobby of the Windsor hotel at the Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro…and it should be a symbolism for looking forward to travelling again. Viva Brazil!

Most of our reviews would have not been possible without our 2020 cooperating partners. We thank:

Acoustic Effect, ADV, Akoustyx, Apos Audio, Azla, Bill Barraugh/Audiotiers, Blon, Cozoy, CVJ, ddHifi, Dekoni, Dunu, EarMen, Earstudio, Hifigo, iBasso, ifi Audio, KBEAR, Keephifi, Moondrop, NiceHCK, Opa Audio Store, Sennheiser, Shenzhenaudio, Shozy, Smabat, Tempotec, Tronsmart, TRN, Vision Ears, V-Moda, Wooeasy Earphones Store, Yaxi, Don’tkillusifweforgotyoujustsendusanotandwefixit.

For the companies: you can check for your products/yourself in the search field on the right-hand side.

Note: we do not make any money (or getting compensated by products) through the gear we review. No affiliate links, trackers etc. We keep the conflict-of-interest potential as low as possible by attempting to stay at arm’s length.

As to the popularity of our reviews with you, the reader: our top-viewed BLOG POSTS for 2020 were (click to go to the respective article):

Total Number of Blog Posts in 2020: 186

Facebook Group (est. 2020-01-01)| https://www.facebook.com/groups/audioreviews: >5200 members

YouTube subscriptions | https://www.youtube.com/c/audioreviews: 660

Our most-watched YouTube Video of 2020:

And yes, this blog grew and grew and grew in 2020. We are now 8 reviewers on 3 continents. Below are our personal favourites of 2020…

Our Author Team: Jürgen Kraus, Loomis Johnson, Biodegraded, KopiOkaya, Durwood, Baskingshark, Kazi Mahbub, Alberto Pittaluga

Baskingshark…Singapore

My 2020 favourites in the following categories are:

Earphones

$300 – 500 USD:
LZ A7. Provides a mind boggling 10 tuning configs (or more with aftermarket tuning nozzles). It has excellent technicalities, good fit, good isolation, and the best part that surprised me is that the LZ A7 has very natural timbre for a BA/piezo containing tribid (other than the higher treble frequencies handled by the piezo). Most folks would find an ideal sound signature with it, maybe except diehard bassheads.

LZ A7 earphones.

$200 – 300 USD:
Audiosense T800. It has good technicalities, is “fun sounding” and excellent isolation nearing 30 dB. Even though it contains a BA bass, it sounds like a DD bass due to a vented subwoofer. The T800 may be a bit on the bright side, so it isn’t the best option for treble sensitive folks, but you can use knowles filters, warm sources or eartips to tame the treble.

@ $100 – 200 USD:
TRI I3. Smooth, balanced, grand and coherent despite the weird 1 planar + 1 BA + 1 DD config. It needs amping though, the planars handling the mids are quite power hungry. It has one of the best soundstages at the $100ish region when amped, with sweet planar mids. Treble is safe, bordering on darkish, so maybe not for trebleheads.

KBEAR BElieve. “Bearly believable” for a full beryllium set at this price? The KBEAR BElieve sports a smooth and refined U shaped tuning, great technical chops in the mids and treble areas for a single DD. It has good timbre for acoustic instruments but is very hard to drive, as per the 98 dB sensitivity. It sounds muddy, congested and slow in the bass with a low powered source, but scales beautifully when optimally amped, so those that don’t intend to get an amp best look elsewhere. With power, the KBEAR BElieve does hit about 70% of the technical performance of the famed DUNU LUNA, at 10% of the price!

@ Sub $100 USD:
HZSound Heart Mirror. Nice mirror like shells, as per its namesake, it is a neutralish bright set, excellent timbre for acoustic instruments. I like how it manages to get a forward upper mids without going into harsh or shouty territory, a very fine line to balance. The Heart Mirror has good transients and speed on the driver. Note weight is thin and soundstage is not the best though, and it needs amping to shine, sounds meh from a smartphone. Good set for vocal lovers and timbre lovers, but maybe not so all rounded due to the lack of bass, but it takes to EQ in the bass like a champ.

Favourite earbud for the year:
SMABAT ST105 Black Gold. Neutralish set with subbass and upper mids boost. If you have always looked down on earbuds for not having subbass, think again. The SMABAT ST10S Black Gold has the best subass quantity and extension I’ve ever heard in a bud. It has excellent technicalities, is MMCX
detachable and can be worn over ears or cable down. It needs amping though, as per the 150 ohm impedance. Not to be mixed up with the SMABAT ST10S Black Silver, which is tuned differently (and has lower impedance).

Best lucky bag/Fukubukuro/Mystery bag:
Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 – it is extremely exciting to see whether u get a beryllium vs “noble metal” driver. Or a working versus wonky mmcx. Even newer batches of the Urbanfun have been reported to have QC problems in the audio forums.The Urbanfun can be summed up in this statement by Forrest Gump: “My Mom Always Said Life Was Like A Box Of Urbanfuns. You Never Know What You’re Gonna Get.”

Best price to peformance joke IEM of the year:
TRN golden ears $14,750.00 USD IEM paired with $3400 USD xiaofan ortiz “king of the gods” cable. Mere mortals cannot hope to use these gear if not you’ll be struck down by lightning! I hope the Bellsing BAs inside are also made of gold!

Baskingshark’s bargain bin.

Biodegraded…Vancouver, Canada

Sorry, from me you get stuff that mostly hasn’t been reviewed. In no particular order; and most aren’t new this year.

Digital transports:
Pi2Design Pi2AES (+ Raspberry Pi)
For streaming (via wifi or Ethernet cable) digital music from your computer, you could go cheap and crap like a Chromecast or Airport, brutally expensive like an all-in-one streamer from Naim or PS Audio, or this $US 149 HAT for a Raspberry Pi which will produce excellent quality AES or S/PDIF digital audio to feed into your audiophile DAC. DIY aesthetic & philosophy, audiophile quality, fantastic convenience once you figure out how to set it up (variety of OS solutions, some better than others).

Amps/Preamps:
Ifi Audio Zen Phono RIAA phono preamp
$US 149 for excellent resolution and transients and the ability to work with a wide range of cartridges. Might benefit from an improved power supply such as Ifi’s own iPower, but my jury remains out on that. Audioreviews summary here.

Amp accessories:
GE JAN 5670W vacuum tube
Cheap and widely available true new-old-stock military-surplus tube that works really well as a 6DJ8/6922 preamp tube substitute (great in the Schiit Vali 2). Nice tight lows, smooth but detailed mids, sparkly highs. 6922 to 5670 adapter required to translate the I/O pin pattern so nothing blows up.

Headphone accessories:
Yaxi pads for Porta Pro / KSC75 / PX-100
Tastefully boost bass and treble while (on the Kosses) lowering the prominent 5kHz peak. And they’re comfortable! Audioreviews summary here.

IEMs:
Drop/JVC HA-FDX1
Champion single-dynamic earphone with great DD timbre and almost BA-fast transients. Slightly boosted in the uppermost mids, heavy in the ears, intermittent availability, but huge bang-for-buck. Audioreviews summaries here and here (note that Loomis isn’t their greatest fan).

Headphones:
Fostex T50RP Mk3 with cheap angled pads and other mods
Closed or semi-open (depending on how much you stuff the cups) planar magnetic phones that with a little effort (see eg here for ideas) can be made both neutral and extended while retaining deep bass and technicalities. Need amp power to perform.

Players:
USB Audio Player Pro
Gets better with every update. Neutron is more configurable, but unnecessarily so. Put this on your Android phone, plug in a USB DAC/amp, and enjoy great lossless sound quality on the go. Equalizer plugins available. Android only though.

ifi Audio Zen RIAA phono preamp.

Durwood…Chicago, USA

CCA this year might as well been a lump of coal, it’s only two letters shy of selling your soul. If you want to talk to your boring Uncle Bob, (no offense Bob’s of the world) get yourself an iBasso IT00 or Tin Hifi T2 Plus you knob. Your uncle Bob is the guy who has lots of interesting things to say, but leaves you wondering what did you just listen to today. My only favorites this year were TRN STM who is the punk that your family doesn’t like to talk about and the Shozy Rouge as your killer looking date that likes to party but not shout. Waiting to see if Shozy Form 1.4 is in good form, only thing I decided to buy during the holiday sales storm. BQEYZ Spring 2 was a nice lively upgrade to the BQEYZ Spring 1, but fix that bass man, maybe take some lessons from the Nicehck NX7 Daniel son. Some of my friends from last year are still good folks to have around, Sony MH755, BLON BL03 for sleeping, and TinHifi T4 (I just wish you would hang in my ear longer than a few minutes of sound). Simgot EN700 is a carry over as well. I like a mild V if you can see.

BQEYZ Spring 2 on Durwood’s IKEA desk.

Jürgen Kraus…Calgary, Canada

Blon BL-05s: These are very articulate playing single DDs also appeal to me through their hideous colour. Probably my most used items of the year (together with the JVCs and Shozy Form 1.4 below). Following the footsteps of the popular Blon Bl-03 – the Blon Bl-05s disappeared fast in the big black hole of anti-hype. And for a good reason: they look like the Bl-05, smell like the Bl-05, measure like the Bl-05, but the Bl-05 had been thrown on the market prematurely, and they sucked. The more distinguished audience may have realized that Bl-05 and Bl-05s have different drivers and sound completely different.

Drop JVC HA-FDX01: Hailed as arguably the best single DD on the market until Dunu Luna and Final Audio A8000 took over, this labour of love was originally only available 665 times….which has extended to above 2000 by now while the price dropped to $200. Carryover from 2019. Still my best earphones because of their organic timbre and great resolution.

TRI I3: Planar magnetic. Something totally different. Big and bold sounding yet soothing. Nothing offensive, nothing dull.

Sennheiser IE 400 PRO ($349): The best of their PRO series. Classic Sennheiser quality midrange. Super ergonomics. Nobody will dislike this one.

Shozy Form 1.4 ($199): The Shozy team somehow got their tuning 100% right. The Form 1.4 simply sound appealing to my ears…warm and fuzzy.

Guilty Pleasure: I pull the $70 FiiO FD1 out for the road: nice’n’punchy.

Vision Ears Elysium in the Endgame category. At 2500 EUR hand made by elfs and some Rhine mermaids in Cologne, out of reach for longer than a week (borrowed). Produce vocals better than real life but also melts credit cards. Cymbals as crisp as Swedish bread…

Perversions and Subversions: the Moondrop Spaceship at $20 beats the Moondrop SSR and SSP…less accurate but the better “junk food” for my ears. Moondrop have a history of undercutting their own mid-tier earphones with their budget offerings…we remember the $30 Crescent and the $180 KPE.

Inasmile Cable Protector: Discovery of the year. 20 cents that protect my fraying Apple cables from total breakage.

I still use the Koss PortaPro headphones with Yaxi earpads for video conferencing and listening when I need comfort around my ears. Also great are the Koss KSC75. Grab all of them when you can, they are affordable standard staples. And my standard full-sized cans are still the Sennheiser HD 600.

Tempotec Sonata HD Pro dac/amp dongle ($40): comes at the price of an adapter – but with all possible adapters to connect this little rascal to anything, including iPhones. Good enough to drive any iem. The very best dongles are the $199 EarMen Sparrow run on their balanced output, and the $120 Earstudio HUD100. In terms of larger portable dacs/amps (with integrated battery), I like the $199 ifi Audio Nano BL, the $149 ifi Audio hip-dac, and the $249 EarMen TR-amp. And I don’t think I need a bigger desktop amp.

Question mark of the year: The KBEAR Believe with their Japan sourced Beryllium drivers were too cheap to be true…which was underlined by some competing cheater Be-less Beryllium earphones and doubt seeded by the Dunu competitor. Hey, but the Luna have that Chi-Fi peak…

Personal Disappointment of the year: the continuing Chi-Fi peak between 2 and 4 kHz that kills western eardrums…TRN are leading the charge…the TRN BA8 cuts steel like butter.

Everybody loves Yaxi pads (including Sybil) – and not only on the Koss PortaPro.

Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir…Munich, Germany

I’ve tried and reviewed more stuff this year than ever, and part of it (actually, most of it) is due to the awful home-arrest that we’ve all succumbed too. Hope things get normal soon, sigh.

IEMs:

Final E500 ($20): This otherwise “cheap/beater” IEM does one thing better than *anything* under $100 – binaural tracks and gaming. At least it did so until its brethren VR3000 came out, but I’m yet to hear that and that’s got a 4x price tag attached to it. People call the Sony MH755 the best value IEMs, for me it’s the Final E500.

Dunu Studio SA6 ($550): This is a great all-rounder IEM. Great bass for an all-BA IEM, the lower-mids are full and organic whereas upper-mids tread the fine line between forwardness and shoutiness. The treble has good amount of sparkle and air. Great design and accessory pack. Really, hard to pick a fault.

Honorable mentions: Final E5000, Samsung Galaxy Buds, Moondrop Blessing 2, Sony IER-M9, Final FI-BA-SS, Dunu Luna

Headphones:

Koss PortaPro X + Yaxi Pads ($40): Just buy one. Don’t be stingy. Thank me later.

Sennheiser HD650 ($300): The once and forever king. The HD6XX esp is a no-brainer. Scales better than any headphone I’ve tried.

Honorable Mentions: Hifiman Sundara, Focal Clear, Final D8000

DAPs:

Sony NW-A55 ($200): If your primary need is to run efficient IEMs, look no further. Great ergonomics, actually usable UI, good display, fantastic battery life, and then there’s the MrWalkman mod to turn it even more awesome. The only “budget” DAP I recommend.

Questyle QP1R ($600): Questyle made the QP1R 6 years ago. It’s still one of the best DAPs out there when it comes to overall dynamics.

Honorable mentions: Cowon Plenue V, iBasso DX160, Sony ZX300

Desktop sources:

YULONG Canary II ($230): One of the best budget all-in-ones I’ve come across. Criminally underrated too which is a royal shame.

Questyle CMA-400i ($800): The all-in-one system I ended up with after countless trials and tribulations. Perfectly aligned to my tastes.

Honorable Mentions: iFi Zen Can, Headamp GSX-Mini

And that’s a wrap. Hopefully 2021 brings us better times.

Yulong Canary II amp with Blon Bl-05s earphones.

KopiOkaya…Singapore

This year there are 8 of us, thus there are more choices for our readers to choose from.

This year also marked the year of COVID-19…. Meaning, people are staying home longer and more often, thus they can listen to their gears on desktop systems other than portable music players and phones. Fortunately, desktop gears are much better and more affordable now.

Desktop DACs:

Denafrips Ares II (US$700): I don’t own one but my friend do. If you like natural, organic sound with a huge, deep, tall soundstage and don’t mind its higher price tag, look no further… This is it!

Topping E30 (US$130): A nice warm-neutral DAC. It doesn’t sound as natural, as organic or has a huge soundstage like the Ares II but it offers great audio at an affordable price.

Note: Extremely sensitive to the quality of power supply used. Make sure you power it with something decent like the iFi iPower X.

Desktop Amps:

Yulong Canary II (US$250): This is actually a DAC/Amp with a Class A amplification stage. It posseses a warm-neutral sound signature with lots of low-end drive thanks to the Class A topography. Very good value and performance consider this is both a DAC and an amp!

Topping L30 (US$140): My current reference amp… If you have noticed, so far I don’t have any balanced amp in my list. When I tune earphones, I never tune them in balanced, simply because if it sounds good in single-ended, it should sound even better in balanced… Well, this is usually the case! The L30 is great (for me) because it has a gain REDUCTION switch for IEMs with high sensitivity… Not many headphone amps have such feature. This is a very neutral, clean and transparent amp that doesn’t colour the sound of the source. That’s all I ask for when tuning earphones.

Portable DAC-Amps:

FiiO BTR5 / Shanling UP4 / EarStudio ES100 MK2 / Qudelix 5K (US$120 or less): I don’t want to decide which is better. To me, each has its pros and cons but my point is… acceptable Bluetooth quality listening is finally here! Almost everybody owns a smartphone these days, so why not use it as a music player? Some of you despise this idea but c’mon… A TOTL DAP still runs slower than my $150 Android phone operating on Android 10.

Earphones:

Etymotic ER4XR (US$350): My reference for tuning hybrid earphones. If you are familiar with Etys you should know their earphones have a near-neutral Diffuse Field Target tuning. The “XR” version has slightly more bass.

Etymotic ER2XR (US$100): Similar to the ER4XR except this uses a single dynamic instead of balanced armature, thus my reference when I tune dynamic earphones. The ER2XR has more natural timbre and punchier bass than ER4XR. You can forget about Moondrop SSR/SSP if you plan to buy one. This is better.

Note: Etymotic earphones are to be worn deep inside the ear canals touching the bone… #Etyheads call “deep insertion”. This can cause discomfort to first time Etymotic users but you will get used to it eventually… I used to hate it but I am OK with it now.

Headphones:

Singapore is too damn warm for headphones, unless using air-conditioning while listening to music… Sorry, I am too cheap for that. Electricity is expensive here.

Tweaking Tips – A Simplified Guide To IEM Silicone Eartips UPDATED 2021-03-2

Blog post of the year 2020.

Loomis Johnson…Chicago, USA

TRN STM–$20 wunderkind is not, as Durwood aptly states, a purist’s earphone, and it veers towards sounding over-pixilated and artificial. However, it has that certain toe-tapping rightness that keeps me reaching for it over much pricier “audiophile-tuned” pieces. Did I mention it’s $20?

KBEAR Diamond—you can spend a lot more and get a bigger stage or a richer timbre, but this smooth, highly-resolving single DD is awfully refined for the price, with class-leading coherence and premium aesthetics and build.

Cambridge Melomania TWS—they don’t have ANC, EQ customizability or the bells and whistles of their Apple/Samsung peers, and microphone is sub-standard. However, they sound damn good for wireless buds—and are surprisingly good value at <$99. 9 hour battery life a plus.

Honorable Mentions: Shozy Rouge, Shuoer Tape.

TRN-STM Review I – The Devil Wears Lucite

Slater…Cincinnati, USA

Slater is short for “See Ya Later”…and you will see him later…

KZ ZSN Pro – Should You Go Pro, Bro?

KZ ZSN Pro review from May 2019…made our top 5 in 2020.

And This Was The Previous Year:

Our Earphones Of The Year!

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Moondrop SSR Review (2) – Shouting At The Moon

Baskingshark (Singapore) — Sat, 14 Nov 2020 07:01:31 +0000

Pros

Good fit and comfortable. Light.
Excellent technicalities for a budget single DD such as good clarity, details and imaging.
Authentic timbre for acoustic instruments.

Cons:

Shouty at 3 kHz region, especially at louder volumes (Fletcher Munson curve).
Sibilance fest.
Fatiguing with longer listening sessions.
Thin note weight. Brittle female vocals.
Not all rounder due to the lack of bass. Basslite with a lack of subbass rumble.
Below average isolation.
Not that easy to drive.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Moondrop SSR is a budget single DD set that is tuned somewhat diffuse-field neutral with an upper mids boost. It has excellent technicalities and timbre (for acoustic instruments), but unfortunately the upper mids do get shouty especially at louder volumes (Fletcher Munson curve). Sibilance is also present in spades. It sounds good at low volumes, but those who like to blast their music may need to look elsewhere. In addition, it may not be an all rounder due to the lack of bass, and the tuning is quite niche to say the least. Having said that, the Moondrop SSR has one of the best technical performances for a sub $40 USD single DD set.

SPECIFICATIONS

Driver Unit: Beryllium Coated Dome + PU Suspension Ring
Sensitivity: 115 dB
Frequency response: 20Hz – 20000Hz
Impedance: 16 ohms
Cable: 2 pin detachable 0.78 mm
Tested at $39.99 USD

ACCESSORIES

In addition to the IEM, it comes with:

Silicone eartips (S/M/L).
Silver-Plated 4N-Litz Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) cable – For non cable believers, nothing to see here, please move on. If you are a cable believer, I prefer pure copper cables on the Moondrop SSR as they seem to me to tone down the treble/upper mids a tinge compared to the stock SPC cable.
Carrying pouch
Anime waifu box – Never ever underestimate the power of the anime designed box ~~marketing~~. For some, it may actually be the most important item in this purchase, more important than the IEM itself!

For the purposes of this review, I stuck with the provided stock cable and tips, but I personally preferred Final E tips with the Moondrop SSR, as they helped to tame the sibilance and upper mids spike a tinge. I also preferred copper cables with the Moondrop SSR to add a bit of bass warmth, but YMMV as we have different ear anatomies and beliefs in cables.

BUILD/COMFORT

The Moondrop SSR is actually much smaller than it looks, and it is heart shaped and made of sturdy metal. It is very comfortable and light, I can wear it for hours with no issues. I didn’t detect any driver flex.

I liked that it came with a 2 pin connector, as I’m not a fan of MMCX connectors due to potential longevity issues.

ISOLATION

Isolation on the Moondrop SSR is below average. Personally, I wouldn’t bring it for commuting due to the poor isolation letting it outside noise, for which one may try to boost the volume to overcome the external noise, and this is not good for hearing health in the long term.

Secondly, bass frequencies are the first to be lost in a noisy environment, and the Moondrop SSR is already bass lite to begin with. So from my subway trip with the Moondrop SSR, I lost a lot of bass frequencies in my music and as the ears take the frequency spectrum as a whole, the upper mids 3 kHz peak could get very hot, especially if one tries to pump up the volume to compensate for the bass loss.

DRIVABILITY/SOURCE

I tried running the Moondrop SSR with a Khadas Tone Board -> Toppping L30, Khadas Tone Board -> Fiio A3 amp, Shanling Q1 DAP, Ziku HD X9 DAP -> Fiio A3 amp, a low powered smartphone and the Tempotec Sonata HD Pro.

The Moondrop SSR is actually not the easiest to drive, and scales better with amping.

Also, as the Moondrop SSR is on the brighter side, I find that pairing it with warmer sources manages to give the bass a bit more heft and evens out the 3 kHz area peak. Analytical sources may overemphasize the glare of the 3 kHz region and sibilance, so for my preferences, I wouldn’t recommend it.

SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

Graphs courtesy of KopiOKaya from Audioreviews (IEC711 compliant coupler).

The Moondrop SSR is tuned somewhat diffuse-field neutral with an upper mids boost. This said upper mids area is pretty controversial and has very polarizing opinions. The Moondrop SSR actually sounds very good at low volumes, but those who like to blast their music may need to look elsewhere. The upper mids 3 kHz area gets shouty especially when the volume is increased (Fletcher Munson curve), with sibilance in spades. Most users/reviewers do not mention the volume they play their music at, but the Fletcher Munson curve really affects this set a lot, so this may explain the polarizing reviews we see about it.

Having said that, other than volume, upper mids/treble sensitivity is a very personal thing, since we all have different hearing health (due to age/occupation exposure/leisure exposure), different ear anatomy that may affect the pinna gain, and we also use different sources, different tips and have different levels of treble sensitivity/trebleheadedness. I know some friends who really like the Moondrop SSR (but they are low volume listeners or those that like a brighter signature), so YMMV.

The Moondrop SSR thankfully has very good technicalities for the price, considering it is a sub $40 USD single DD set. Lately there have been a lot of beryllium (coated/plated) single DD releases, of which the Moondrop SSR is one of them, I’m still on the fence whether this is a marketing gimmick or not. But for sure, I can say the imaging in the Moondrop SSR is very good, with good clarity, instrument separation and details too. Transient speed in the Moondrop SSR is fast, possibly due to the said beryllium drivers. I dare say the Moondrop SSR probably beats most other single DDs in the sub $40 USD region in technical performance.

Soundstage width and height on the Moondrop SSR is above average, depth is about slightly more than average. Music didn’t sound too congested on the Moondrop SSR during complex movements.

Note weight on the Moondrop SSR is rather thin and the tonality is cold for me, with the tuning veering towards the analytical side. Timbre is accurate for acoustic instruments, but vocals sounded a bit brittle, especially for female vocals.

Bass:

The Moondrop SSR has a rather neutral midbass, with subbass roll off. The bass is quite well textured with minimal midbass bleed and good speed. The subbass lacks rumble, but then again, I’m a basshead, and though the Moondrop SSR’s bass is not my cup of tea in the area of quantity, the bass is of good quality.

This lack of bass quantity may render the Moondrop SSR not that versatile for certain genres where bass forward music is present, eg EDM. In addition, this lack of subbass actually compounds the boosted upper mids (which we will talk about in the next section), as the ears take the entire frequency spectrum as a whole, and this gives a somewhat shouty and harsh upper mids skewed tuning.

Mids:

The lower mids are pretty neutral on the Moondrop SSR, but then it spikes up around +10 dB in the upper mids, which as discussed above, is a big bone of contention. This is especially so when the volume is boosted (Fletcher Munson curve), as the ears perceive the sound to be more V shaped at higher volumes, whereas it is perceived to be more U shaped at softer volumes.

Female vocals are hence more forward than male vocals, and there are excellent microdetails and clarity especially along the upper mids. Trumpets and horns and higher vocals can get quite harsh at the 3 kHz regions, especially in poorly recorded material. Due to the huge dynamic differences from lower to upper mids, sometimes female vocals and violins “jump” out and adds a glare and an unnatural tonality. Personally, I’m rather sensitive to the 2 – 4 kHz areas, and the 3 kHz area is a dealbreaker for me for the Moondrop SSR, but as always, YMMV.

Treble:

Lower treble is about the same level as the aforementioned upper mids, but the higher treble has some roll off. Higher treble is actually quite safe for treble sensitive folks, and cymbals are emphasized but not splashy. Compared to the overcooked upper mids, thankfully the treble manages to gear down nicely. Microdetails and clarity are good in the treble. Unfortunately, the dreaded S word, sibilance is present, and in spades, especially when the volume is jacked up.

COMPARISONS

As per comparing apples to apples, I left out multi BA/hybrids/exotic drivers from the comparisons, as the different transducers have their inherent strengths and weaknesses. Also, since the Moondrop SSR is an upper mids boosted set, I decided to pick some budget single DD types that have a boosted upper mids for comparison:

HZSound Heart Mirror

The HZSound Heart Mirror is a neutralish bright single DD set. Both sets have good technical performance for a single DD set, maybe the Moondrop SSR edges it slightly in clarity, details and imaging. The Moondrop SSR has a better soundstage than the HZSound Heart Mirror. Timbre for acoustic instruments is very good in both sets. The Moondrop SSR has quite bad sibilance and a thinner note weight compared to the HZSound Heart Mirror. Isolation is better on the HZSound Heart Mirror.

After doing A/B testing using the same source, tips (and even cable), I’ll take the HZSound Heart Mirror any day over the Moondrop SSR, as the 3 kHz peak and the sibilance on the SSR is a deal breaker for me, whereas the HZSound Heart Mirror balances a very fine line of pushing forward vocals without going into shouty territory. The HZSound Heart Mirror is smoother and very rarely gets harsh or sibilant. The HZSound Heart Mirror also has a slightly deeper subbass extension, even though both are not basshead sets for sure.

To summarize, the Moondrop SSR actually has better technical performance than the HZSound Heart Mirror, but a worse tonality along the upper mids, so different strokes for different folks, it depends whether technicalities or tonality is a higher priority.

BLON BL-05S

The BLON BL-05S is a mild V shaped set, with a slightly boosted upper mids region and slightly boosted midbass. The BLON BL-05S has a warmer tonality and thicker note weight, with better isolation. The BLON BL-05S is the more bassy set and is less sibilant. Moondrop SSR is shoutier at the upper mids/lower treble than the BLON BL-05S, especially when used at louder volumes (Fletcher Munson Curve).

Moondrop SSR is the technical superior of the BLON BL-05S in the areas of better clarity, imaging, details and instrument separation. Moondrop SSR also has a slightly better acoustic instrumental timbre, and has better treble extension. They are rather different in tuning and would suit different sonic signatures/music preferences.

Tin T2 Plus

The Tin T2 Plus is U shaped, with more bass and less upper mids than the Moondrop SSR. Tin T2 Plus is more analoguish and warmer, though the Moondrop SSR has better technicalities and is more analytical. I find the Tin T2 Plus more balanced and very inoffensive in tuning, and it is pretty non fatiguing in contrast to the Moondrop SSR (especially at higher volumes). Note weight is thicker on the Tin T2 plus too, though I occasionally find it a bit lacking in dynamics. Due to the boosted bass, the Tin T2 Plus is more versatile in tuning, being more all rounded for more music genres than the Moondrop SSR.

The Tin T2 Plus is plague by MMCX QC issues though, there’s been quite a few reports in the forums (my set has a wonky MMCX too). I would strongly advise you to only buy the Tin T2 Plus from places with a robust returns policy (eg Amazon), in case a lemon comes in the mail.

Moondrop SSR “Super Spaceship Reference” Earphone Review – Walking On The Moon

CONCLUSIONS

The Moondrop SSR is a budget single DD set that is tuned somewhat diffuse-field neutral with an upper mids boost. It has excellent technicalities and timbre, but unfortunately the upper mids get shouty especially at louder volumes (Fletcher Munson curve), with sibilance. It sounds good at low volumes, but those who like to blast their music may need to look elsewhere. Most users/reviewers do not mention the volume they play their music at, but the Fletcher Munson curve really affects this set a lot, so this may explain the polarizing reviews we see about it. Having said that, other than volume, upper mids/treble sensitivity is a very personal thing, since we all have different hearing health (due to age/occupation exposure/leisure exposure), different ear anatomy that may affect the pinna gain, and we also use different sources, different tips and have different levels of treble sensitivity/trebleheadedness. So YMMV.

In addition to only using the Moondrop SSR at low to moderate volumes, I will also not take this set outdoors due to the suboptimal isolation. The Moondrop SSR is not an all rounder due to the lack of bass, and bass forward music does sound pretty flat on it.

As such, I would say the Moondrop SSR’s tuning is quite niche, and is probably not a universally safe recommendation for everyone, especially those that listen to bass forward music, or are treble/upper mids sensitive, or those who like to blast their music. I know some friends who like it though (they are low volume and indoor users and/or trebleheads), so different strokes for different folks. Even though personally this tuning is not my cup of tea, I still applaud what sets the Moondrop SSR apart, and that is the excellent technicalities at the sub $40 USD asking price for a single DD set. It really beats most of the other sub $40 USD single DD sets in this department. Timbre for acoustic instruments is also quite authentic on the Moondrop SSR.

I very much look forward to the upcoming Moondrop SSP (Pulse), which is supposed to be a bassier variant of the Moondrop SSR. Hopefully the SSP’s bassier frequencies counteract the upper mids peak (since our ears take the entire frequency spectrum as a whole), or at least Moondrop softens the 3 kHz area peak a bit, but still preserves the excellent technical performance of the Moondrop SSR. They might have a true gamechanger then, if the Moondrop SSP’s price is similar, especially since a bassier sound may also be more compatible with more music genres.

MY VERDICT

You find an INDEX of all our earphone reviews HERE.

DISCLAIMER

The Moondrop SSR was borrowed from coblogger KopiOKaya for the purposes of this review, and was returned after the review was done.

You find an INDEX of our most relevant technical articles HERE.

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TRN BA8 Review (1) – PTSD Inducing Graph, Screaming Banshee?

Baskingshark (Singapore) — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 07:01:22 +0000

Pros:

Good build.
Very good technicalities at this price range.
2 pin connector – better lifespan than MMCX general.
Good isolation.
Tight bass.

Cons:

Overpriced, many better sets for the same price or lower.
Harsh and fatiguing due to the overly boosted upper mids/lower treble, not the best option for treble sensitive folks.
Hollow lower mids, off tonality in the mids.
BA timbre.
Thin note weight.
Dearth of accessories.
Not the most comfortable fit for longer sessions.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A picture paints a thousand words. The TRN BA8’s graph looks like a volcano that is gonna explode! (See graphs below!)

Okay, honestly the graph is scarier than it sounds. Though the TRN BA8 still sports a mild V shape tuning that is bright, with an overly boosted upper mids and lower treble. It has very good technical performance, but the upper mids/lower treble are harsh and fatiguing and the lower mids are a bit off in tonality. Fear inducing PTSD graph and dearth of accessories aside, at the $140ish price bracket this supposed flagship is releasing into, there’s honestly much better sound to be obtained for the coin.

SPECIFICATIONS

Driver Type: 8 BA (Customised 30095 high frequency x 3 + 29689 midrange x 2 + 50060 midrange x 2 + 22955 low frequency x 1)
Frequency Response: 20 – 20000Hz
Impedance: 20 ohms
Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW
Cable type: 2 pin
Tested at $141 USD

ACCESSORIES

In addition to the IEM, it comes with:

1) Hard round case (metal) – FYI, it costs $3 USD on aliexpress.

2) Silicone tips (S/M/L)

3) 4 Core OCC Cable – tangly and thin.

The packaging the TRN BA8 came in was huge, it is easily one of the bigger packages for the last 50 – 60 CHIFI IEMs I have opened. I opened the box like a kid opening a Christmas present, only to find to my astonishment, that the dearth of accessories was shocking. I mean, I wasn’t expecting a treasure trove of accessories as TRN is not known to be the most generous with accessories, but at least I expected it to be something befitting a $140 USD flagship set. (I know TRN released a way more expensive ~~joke~~ $15000 USD golden ears IEM Halloween prank recently, but I’ll just pretend that it never existed cause it is unlikely to be sold. Even if someone with fool’s gold buys the golden ears TRN IEM, there’s a big possibility of infamous TRN QC issues, so let’s just take the TRN BA8 as the current flagship of TRN).

Anyway, back to the accessories (or lack thereof) in the TRN BA8, I don’t really give much weightage to accessories usually, as after a few months in this hobby, most of us would have some aftermarket tips and cables lying about, but this is really astonishing for a purported flagship IEM of TRN. I’ve seriously seen $30 – 40ish USD IEMs with better accessories, eg HZSound Heart Mirror, KBEAR Lark etc! The TRN BA8’s cable and eartips are exactly the same as those seen in budget TRN gear, and perhaps they added the hard case to make it look more premium, but that hard case can be easily bought for $3 or cheaper on Aliexpress.

Yes, this TRN round hard case looks rather impressive, but spoiler alert: it can be found on Aliexpress at $3 USD or less.

I know some CHIFI companies cut costs at the accessories area to save money, but this is really a case of penny wise, pound foolish. I hope the $15000 USD golden ears TRN IEM that TRN is selling doesn’t come with the same pitiful assortment of accessories, or at least if they do, I hope TRN makes them all from gold (golden eartips, golden cables, and gold 24 carat Bellsing drivers inside too, pretty please).

BUILD/COMFORT

Personally, I found the TRN BA8 has so so comfort, it can get can be a bit painful for longer listening sessions. We all have different ear anatomies though, so some may find it comfortable, so YMMV.

I’ve no complains about the build, it is very sturdy and well constructed.

I liked that it came in a 2 pin config, generally better lifespan than MMCX in general.

ISOLATION

Isolation is good as per most all BA sets that are generally not vented.

DRIVABILITY

I tested the TRN BA8 with a Khadas Tone Board DAC -> Topping L30, Shanling Q1 DAP, Ziku HD X9 DAP -> Fiio A3, android smart phone, Sabre HIFI DAC (ESS ES9280C PRO) and a Tempotec Sonata HD Pro. The TRN BA8 is easily drivable from lower powered sources, no marked scaling of the sound was noted with higher powered sources.

Since the tuning of the TRN BA8 is on the bright side, I preferred pairing it with warmer sources to tame the lower treble/upper mids. Do note that the TRN BA8 sounds the best when played at a low to average volume. With boosting the volume, the upper mids/lower treble can get extremely hot due to the Fletcher Munson curve.

SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

Graph courtesy of KopiOKaya (IEC711 compliant coupler). 8 – 9 kHZ area is probably a resonance peak.

A picture paints a thousand words as they say. The TRN BA8’s graph really reminded me of some exploding Hawaiian Bad Volcano, no pun intended, or at least Ayer’s Rock (between the 2 – 6 kHz regions). I was bracing myself for a screaming banshee on seeing it, and was getting ready to lose a few years of hearing (and ears of hearing also). This graph looked like it could really give PTSD and flashback nightmares for the next few months, but for the sake of audiophiledom and to do this review, I took a listen. I closed my eyes and said a prayer before turning on the amp. Slowly. Gingerly. Carefully. One volume pot marker at a time. Ah, I am still alive, my eardrums haven’t perforated yet! Honestly, the graph isn’t as painful as it looks, though it is still somewhat shouty, fatiguing and hot in the upper mids/lower treble, but the TRN BA8 actually ain’t as bad sounding as the graph looks. Could be worse. A eardrum could have burst there.

So scary PTSD inducing graph aside, the TRN BA8 does sports a mild V shaped tuning that is bright. Some good aspects about the TRN BA8 are that it is a technically proficient set. It has very good details, imaging, clarity and instrument separation at the $100ish price range. Soundstage is also above average in all 3 dimensions and music sounded rather spacious.

Timbre for acoustic instruments is so so, as per a set with pure BAs, definitely most pure DD sets have it beat in the timbre department, but it isn’t the worst BA timbre I’ve heard. Note weight is on the thinner side.

Bass:

Bass on the TRN BA8 is slightly north of neutral, midbass is more predominant than subbass. This is not a basshead set. The bass is tight, above average in texturing and on the faster side, as per most BA bass sets. The subbass extension is actually not bad for a pure BA bass, thought it won’t beat some DD bass in decay, movement of air and extension. There is only a slight midbass bleed, but this is somewhat source dependent. I have to say the bass is my favourite part of the tuning on this set.

Mids:

In a nutshell, the mids are the most controversial area of the TRN BA8. The upper mids of the TRN BA8 are much more forward than the rest of the mids, an almost 15ish dB difference, and this weird tonality in the mids does overemphasize vocals and guitars, making the mids sound unnatural. Female vocals are more forward than male vocals, but the lower mids are very hollow. This leads into a shrill and thin upper midrange that can get very hot, especially at higher volumes (Fletcher Munson Curve).

On the plus side, this boosted upper mids can give great clarity and details to the music, but the flipside is that the 2 kHz area is very fatiguing and harsh, though it isn’t as bad as the PTSD inducing graph looks. I found this 2 kHz area shouty especially with high vocals and horns/trumpets, and sometimes on badly recorded music.

Pure multi BA sets are commonly used for stage monitoring cause of their better technicalities and isolation (they are generally unvented) than equivalent single DD types. They also tend to have faster bass than DD bass. Fatiguing upper mids aside, I would still be hesitant to use the TRN BA8 for stage monitoring cause the tonality in the mids is rather off. Unless you have EQ on hand to somehow even out the vast chasm between the upper and lower mids.

Treble:

Lower treble carries on from the boosted upper mids, giving good details and clarity, but at the expense of harshness and fatigue.

Thankfully, the rest of the treble gradually dips thereafter, and it does extend quite well, but the upper treble isn’t that hot. The TRN BA8 sports an open and airier treble, with only mild instances of sibilance. Technicalities are good as expected in the treble, and trebleheads will like this set.

COMPARISONS

As per comparing oranges to apples, I’ve left out single DD sets from the comparisons.

TRN VX (6BA + 1 DD) ($69 USD)

The TRN VX is another banshee with a hot upper mids/lower treble and sibilance. I honestly couldn’t use the TRN VX for more than 5 minutes without EQ or a micropore mod. The TRN VX has thinner note weight, poorer timbre and technicalities and more sibilance. In stock form, the TRN VX has much harsher upper mids than the BA8. Accessories (or lack thereof) are similar between the 2, but there’s the added $3 USD metal hard case in the TRN BA8 to give some semblance of royalty to the purported TRN BA8 flagship.

The TRN BA8 is an upgrade over the TRN VX, but it is not doubly better as the price would suggest. Trebleheads and detail freaks may like these two sets, but I wouldn’t recommend both for treble sensitive folks, unless you want to play with EQ or some micropore mods.

TRI Starsea (2BA + 1DD) ($109 USD)

The TRI Starsea has better fit, better accessories, and tuning switches to give 4 different sound signatures. Hence it is more versatile than the TRN BA8. The TRI Starsea has a slightly more compressed soundstage and slightly poorer technicalities (instrument separation, clarity, details). Imaging is about on par between the two, but the TRI Starsea isn’t as harsh in the lower treble/upper mids than the TRN BA8, even on the brighter tunings.

The TRI Starsea is harder to drive and scales much more with amping, with regards to the bass heft. The TRI Starsea is also quite source picky, and benefits from a source with the lowest output impedance possible (ideally close to zero), in view of the very low 9ish impedance. On using it with higher output impedance gear, the FR may be skewed. The TRI Starsea is less dynamic and more “monitor” like. The TRN BA8 on the other hand is quite source agnostic.

TRI I3 (1DD + 1 Planar + 1BA) ($145 USD)

The TRI I3 sports a U shaped tuning, and is very coherent and balanced despite the weird mishmash of driver configuration. The TRI I3 is more power hungry and harder to drive due to the planars inside. The tonality in the mids and timbre are much more natural in the TRI I3 than the TRN BA8.

Imaging is about on par between the two sets when the TRI I3 is adequately powered, though the TRN BA8 edges it slightly in the areas of details and instrument separation. Clarity is more pronounced on the BA8 cause of boosted upper mids/lower treble, whereas the TRI I3’s treble is very safe and almost borders on dark, with less treble extension. The TRI I3 is much smoother and less fatiguing, especially in the higher frequencies as such, though on rare occasions, there is a 3 kHz spike that rears its ugly head on the TRI I3 with poorly recorded material or say in trumpets/saxaphones. When amped, the TRI I3 has a better soundstage than the TRN BA8.

Accessories are better in the TRI I3. Isolation is poorer on the TRI I3. Shell size is larger on the TRI I3, and the shell is heavier.

Audiosense DT200 (2BA) ($149 USD)

The Audiosense DT200 is a 2 BA set that is tuned warm neutralish. The Audiosense DT200 has better timbre and tonality than the TRN BA8, with less fatiguing highs. In fact, the Audiosense DT200’s treble is a bit dark. Technicalities like soundstage, imaging, instrument separation, clarity are better in the TRN BA8.

Accessories in the DT200 are one of the best at its price point, it comes with a myriad of foam tips and silicone tips, a very nice cable and brush, and a pelican like hard case (that is purportedly waterproof too). The TRN BA8 comes with a $3 hard case and some miserable tips and tangly budget cable.

Overall, even though the TRN BA8 beats the Audiosense DT200 in technicalities, I would argue it is easier to find a highly technical CHIFI than one with good timbre/tonality at this price point. The TRN BA8 is too fatiguing and harsh for me to use for longer sessions, compared to the smoother and more laid backed Audiosense DT200.

Hisenior B5+ (5 BA) ($78 USD)

The Hisenior B5+ is about half the price of the TRN BA8, and it is a midcentric (N shaped) set with more marked subbass roll off and higher treble roll off than the TRN BA8. Both are pure BA sets, but the Hisenior B5+ has knowles drivers.

Technicalities (clarity, imaging, instrument separation, details) and soundstage are better on the TRN BA8. The TRN BA8 is more harsh and fatiguing. Hisenior B5+ is more natural in the timbre and vocals department and the tuning is smoother. In view of the midcentric tuning, the Hisenior B5+ is great for vocals, but may not be that all rounded for certain genres eg bass forward genres like EDM.

You find reviews of most of the iems mentioned above here.

TRN BA8 Review II – Cuts Like A Knife

CONCLUSIONS

Thanks for reading so far. The TRN BA8 isn’t that great, but it isn’t the worst tuned set. However, the big elephant in the room is why did it launch at the $130 – $150 USD price range? If TRN released their usual $30 – 50 USD fare, the expectations will be lower, but now that they try to muscle into the $100 USD pie, there’s tough competition against esteemed bigboys such as the TRI I3, ISN H40, Fiio FH3, TRI Starsea, ThieAudio gear, Shozy Form 1.4 etc. I honestly can’t recommend the TRN BA8 at its current price of $130 – 140 USD. Maybe at 50% and below of the TRN BA8’s current price, then possibly it can be a very very very soft recommendation.

The TRN BA8’s PTSD inducing graph is admittedly scarier than it looks, but the tuning is still rather fatiguing and hot in 2 – 6 kHz regions, as per the graph. The tonality is also a bit off in the mids, with a very hollow lower mids. Having said that, the TRN BA8’s technicalities are very good. If technicalities are of more importance to you over tonality, and if you are a treblehead, then perhaps this set may be up your alley, but most others may not enjoy the tonality or harshness for longer listening sessions. Different strokes for different folks as they say.

However, to add insult to injury, the accessories provided in the TRN BA8 are laughable for a $140ish flagship, and are almost no different from their budget IEMs (save for an additional $3 USD metal hard case to remind us that it is indeed a flagship).

I’m not really a BA bass fan, but have always appreciated that some of the pure multi BA sets I own (such as the Audiosense T800, some midfi Westones and the Hisenior B5+) can bring different benefits to the table, eg fast bass, good technicalities and good isolation (cause generally these pure BA types ain’t vented). In fact I use these pure multi BA sets mostly for stage monitoring due to the above reasons. But despite the good technicalities, the TRN BA8 wouldn’t be getting any air time as a stage monitor nor a general purpose IEM for me due to the harsh, fatiguing tuning and off tonality in the mids.

I thought that the cheaper TRN VX was pretty bad in stock form without EQ/mods, but TRN continues this similar tuning (or lack thereof) in the TRN BA8, with a higher price to boot. The TRN BA8 is also their most expensively priced IEM to date (let’s ignore the ~~joke~~ $15000 USD golden ears TRN Halloween prank iem), but unfortunately in this case, the sound does not justify the price. I borrowed the TRN BA8 from coblogger KopiOKaya for the purposes of this review. I couldn’t wait to return it to him pronto once the review was done.

MY VERDICT

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DISCLAIMER

This set was borrowed from coblogger KopiOKaya for this review.

It can be gotten at $141 USD from the TRN Official Store: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001302669695.html

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HZSound Heart-Mirror Review (2) – Reflection Of My Heartfelt Truth

KopiOkaya (Singapore) — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 02:12:41 +0000

[Estimated reading time: 3 minutes]

First Impressions of the HZSound Heart-Mirror… Woah! The HZSound Heart-Mirror is really built-well… I have to say it is as good as any mid-tier Moondrop or Tanchjim! BLON move aside please! It is well-accessorised. Look… It has a proper nylon hard case and a welcoming set of eartips that fit well. Again, BLON please move aside. It even comes with 2 pairs of nozzle dust filters – just like Moondrop KXXS. Damn! ALL THESE FOR $50?! ! BLON, you REALLY have to step aside.

Next, timbre of the HZSound Heart-Mirror… I can tell you my ears are very, very happy with.the Heart-Mirror. It is near perfect. Well, almost! I was listening to Mario Suzuki’s Masterpiece Touching Folklore Music (Master Music, XRCD24-NT001, XRCD). This album has been my staple choice for evaluating timbre quality. I said almost perfect because certain parts of the guitar still sound a tad lean (to me!). Is the timbre better than both BLON BL-03 and BL-05s? Oh yes… definitely! BUT it is on a lean side, unlike the BLONs.

Overall tonality of the Heart-Mirror is neutral-cool… Nothing offensive or harsh on the top-end. If you enjoy a clean and clear presentation, you are in for a treat.

Soundstage is average. Just slightly narrower than BLON BL-03. Imaging and instrument separation are distinct with good amounts of space around and in-between. Vocal is upfront but “not in-your-face”.

Bass is not the fastest I have heard in a dynamic earphone but it isn’t the slowest either (KBEAR Diamond is faster). I did notice bass tightens and speeds up a bit when amp’ed. However, amping doesn’t help with the sub-bass, and I feel it is lacking some low-end rumble.

A LOT OF FOLKS want to know if they really need an amp with Heart-Mirror… My answer is “YES!”… If you want the best sound from this earphone. Is it hard to drive? No! It sounds pretty decent with Apple dongle BUT the overall sound is even leaner than playing with an amp. ONE THING FOR SURE… You HAVE TO match it with a warm source (a tube amp or tube buffer for example) to sound really soothing to the ears. If not, certain tracks with saxophone or trumpet can sound quite uncomfortable.

After spending close to 10 hours with the HZSound Heart-Mirror, I could, more or less, nail down its sound characteristics. If you already own the BLON BL-05s, Heart-Mirror isn’t an upgrade (but an upgrade in fit and accessories). It is definitely an upgrade in tonality and technicality over the BLON BL-03. HOWEVER, you lose the musicality, listenability and fun-factor that the BL-03 is known for. To me, HZSound Heart-Mirror lacks richness, note weight and dynamics. These are the elements that I consider essential for an enjoyable listening.

If you already own the HZSound Heart-Mirror and would like to add some mass to its bulimic sound, here are some “weight gaining” diet you could try:

– Replace stock silver-plated cable to OFC pure copper
– Replace stock eartips to Acoustune AET08 or Final Audio Type E (black)
– Use a tube amp or add a tube buffer
– Use a warm sound source

I find myself enjoying HZSound Heart-Mirror when matched with iFi Audio Hip-Dac (XBass enabled).

Fellow Singaporean, colleague and co-blogger, Baskingshark wrote a very thorough review on the HZSound Heart-Mirror. He compared it against the Moondrop SSR, Tin Hifi T2 Plus, BLON BL-05 and BL-05s. Those who are interested in the Heart-Mirror may want to checkout his full evaluation:

HZSound Heart Mirror Review – Mirror Mirror On The Wall, Who Is The Fairest Of Them All?

Equipment used:

Topping E30 + L30 stack
Redmi Note 9 Pro + Apple USB Type-C dongle
Redmi Note 9 Pro + iFi Audio iDSD Nano BL / iFi Audio Hip-DAC
Stock cable + Stock “Sony lookalike” siliconeeartips Kios

MY VERDICT

Our rating scheme explained

DISCLAIMER

Get the HZSound Heart-Mirror at $49 USD at KeepHifi

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TRI Starsea Review (2) – When You Wish Upon a Star

Baskingshark (Singapore) — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 06:25:09 +0000

Pros

4 tuning switches that ain’t gimmicks, so one can change the sound signature to suit different moods and music genres (ranging from mild U shaped to V shaped).
Very good technicalities.
Good isolation.
The TRI Starsea is quite “monitor” like, and in view of the above good technicalities, it can be a good set for audio work or stage monitoring.
Very light and well fitting. No driver flex. Beautiful resin shells.
Quality bass which is on the faster and tighter side.
Generous accessories.
2 pin connector – better longevity than MMCX connectors in general.

Cons:

Very source picky: sounds good on sources with as lowest output impedance as possible, but fares badly without amping or on gear that has high output impedance (FR is skewed).
Overall, when not amped, note weight and bass is on the thin side with some lack in dynamics. Not as “fun sounding” or “musical” as some peers, and can be sterile and subdued, especially when not amped.
BA timbre in higher frequencies for acoustic instruments.
Can get hot in upper mids with vocal and pure tone configs.
Switches are very small, need a pin (provided) to flip the switches. Those with vision or coordination issues may have some difficulties.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The TRI Starsea ~~Stasi~~ is not part of the East German Secret Police Apparatus.

The TRI Starsea is actually a hybrid with 4 tuning switches to give a potential mild V shaped to U shaped sound. It is rather versatile as such, and has very good technicalities. It focuses on a quality bass and the TRI Starsea may even make a good stage or studio monitor. Its shells are beautiful and well made. The TRI Starsea is rather source picky though, and is a bit thin in note weight when not amped. It does lack a bit in dynamics and “fun factor” and has BA timbre, but otherwise one can see it as getting 4 IEMs with 1 purchase due to the tuning switches.

SPECIFICATIONS

Driver type: High-frequency balanced armature: Customized TRI-HI-A, Three-frequencies balanced armature: Knowles ED-29689, Low frequency dynamic driver: 8 mm composite silicon crystal biological diaphragm
Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20kHz
Impedance: 9.5 Ω
Sensitivity: 106 ± 2dB
Cable Connector: 2Pin 0.78mm, 8 strands silver-plated Cable
Tested at $129 USD

ACCESSORIES

In addition to the IEM, it comes with a very generous assortment of accessories:

1) 2 types of foam tips.

2) 3 types of silicone tips (each comes in S/M/L sizes). One type comes in black with a wider bore and is filmsier. The other 2 types (red and green) are firmer with a narrower bore and between them, they have slightly varying ear tip diameters. Do tip roll to see what suits you best in comfort and sound signature, but I generally found the wider bore black ones to boost treble, whereas the narrower bore ones boosted the bass. I preferred the firm green narrower bore ones overall, as I found they gave the thickest note weight. YMMV as we have different ear anatomies.

3) Nice PVC carrying case.

5) Pin to flips tuning switches -> don’t lose this! Good thing is the carrying case has a pouch to potentially store this pin.

6) Thick and well braided 8 core SPC -> it is of good quality but a wee bit microphonic. For cable skeptics, please move on to the next section. For cable believers, I find a pure copper cable generally synergizes better with the TRI Starsea as this IEM is a bit lacking in note weight (especially when not amped or with inappropriate source pairing), so copper cables seem to increase the warmth in the lower mids a tinge rather than the stock silver plated one.

7) Microfibre cloth

For the purposes of this review, I used the default green stem silicone stock tips and stock cable.

The carrying case has a little pouch that can fit quite a lot of stuff. Good for squirreling away stuff such as eartips or even the provided card pin for fipping the switches.

Foam tips aside, the different silicone tips have varying firmness and nozzle/eartip diameter. The different tips do affect the sound signature to some extent, so do tip roll to see what suits your preferences.

BUILD/COMFORT

The TRI Starsea is comfortable and well fitting for me, despite its larger size. It is honestly much lighter than it looks. The shell is made of resin and has a concha protrusion, a bit like the BLON Cardinal and BGVP DM6 shell in terms of good ergonomics and looking like semi customs. I know some friends who love the concha protrusion, whereas others hate it as it may cause discomfort with longer sessions, so YMMV, as we have different ear anatomies.

The shell is very beautiful and comes in a purple hue with speckles of other colours. Well, some IEMs (cough cough Kinera) do look beautiful but sometimes the sound doesn’t measure up to the looks, so I’ll take a good sounding set over a good looking shell any day. It is a bonus if the sound and looks are both good, but I’ll still go for good sound over a crap looking shell.

I didn’t detect any driver flex on the TRI Starsea.

I liked that it came in a 2 pin config for cable housing, I had many bad experiences with MMCX connectors in general, for longevity.

Do note that the tuning switches are very small, one will need the provided pin or at least a toothpick to flip the switches (it can’t be flipped with a finger). People with poorer vision or poor motor control may have issues with flipping them. In addition, it might be difficult to flip the switches when outside on the go (eg say in a bus when it is moving).

Personally though, I prefer tuning nozzles than tuning switches, a friend of mine after doing repeated toggling of the dip switches of another IEM, he had the switch snap. Another said that after not using the dip switches for a few months, it sort of rusted in place and can’t be toggled anymore. I guess YMMV though. But I have a feeling most folks when using IEMs that have tuning nozzles/switches, they will probably just leave it in their most favoured config most days of the week. And there’s also the suspicion that tuners may have their attention divided when tuning gear with multiple tuning configs; some tuning configs may have been given more care and attention compared to other configs which may have been shoehorned in or just put as an afterthought?

I liked that the TRI Starsea came in a 2 pin housing, generally it has better lifespan than a MMCX type.

To show how small the switches are, this is a foam tip next to them in comparison. The switches do need some good hand eye coordination to be flipped, be it with the card pin provided or a toothpick. In a shaking bus during transit, flipping the switches is not easy!

ISOLATION

Isolation on the TRI Starsea is good but not classleading, this is expected since it is vented, so it won’t beat unvented pure BA setups in this respect. The vent does let in wind noise too in windy environments.

It does a rather good job for isolation during commuting, but when not amped or with inappropriate source pairing, the TRI Starsea is not a basshead IEM (even on the bassiest tuning config), and as bass frequencies are the first to be lost in a noisy environment, I would still prefer to use the TRI Starsea at home. One might be tempted to push up the volumes while commuting to make up for the bass losses and this may cause the upper mids area to be hot in certain configs (eg Pure Tone and Vocals config).

DRIVABILITY/SOURCE

I tried the TRI Starsea on a Khadas Tone Board -> Topping L30, Sabre HIFI DAC (ESS ES9280C PRO), Shanling Q1 DAP, Tempotec Sonata HD Pro, Ziku HK-X9 DAP -> Fiio A3 and a humble android smartphone.

The TRI Starsea is very picky when it comes to sources. It fairs the best with sources with very low output impedance, ideally close to zero if possible. The Starsea’s advertised impedance is 9.5 ohms (not sure which tuning switch this is measured on), and that is low for an IEM. Higher output impedance gear may affect the frequency curve of the Starsea, I find it skews towards the upper frequencies and makes the sound brittle and thin and basslite. I had a similar issue with the Audiosense T800, that had an impedance of 9.2 ohms, it was also a fussy IEM that sounded good on low impedance output gear, but may sound bad on other stuff like smartphones.

So the TRI Starsea has a thin note weight and has a bit of a lack in dynamics, and sounds subdued and “meh”, when just powered from a lower powered source or in a source that doesn’t synergize well. It sounds fuller when amped, especially for the bass heft and extension. The TRI Starsea is not as power hungry as the planar containing TRI I3, but dynamics, details and soundstage do scale slightly better with powerful sources, in addition to the aforementioned bass.

Even among sources with a low output impedance, the TRI Starsea benefits from synergizing with a warmer rather than colder source, in view of the above thinner note weight. Using a warmer source adds some lower mid heft and thickness, and adds more meat to the bones, so to speak.

SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

The TRI Starsea has 4 tuning switches, they do change the sound and ain’t gimmicks (cough cough looking at you NiceHCK M6). I’ll try to explain the various sound signatures below:

Graphs courtesy of KopiOKaya (IEC711 compliant coupler). 7 – 8 kHZ area is probably a resonance peak.

You can use the card pin to flip the switch on both earpieces for the above configurations.

With both switches down – “exquisite pure tone” – this is the default tuning the TRI Starsea comes in. The tonality sounds like a mild V shape with an upper mids and treble boost, with a slight bass boost. The bass is slightly north of neutral, subbass > midbass in quantity. It is quite comfortable in the higher frequencies and balances a fine line between shoutiness and a forward upper mids/lower treble. With louder volumes (Fletcher Munson curve), or in poorly recorded materials, then some shoutiness may show. Lower mids are depressed but not overly so like some other deep V shaped CHIFI sets. The treble is moderately extended here.

With switch 1 down, switch 2 up – “beautiful vocals” – overall, upper mids are boosted, but the bass is decreased. Hence the ears perceive it to be somewhat bright U shaped. There’s sibilance, and the upper mids and treble can get hot (due to the corresponding bass drop). Vocals are clearer, especially female vocals, though this tuning can get fatiguing with longer sessions due to the wealth of details and clarity. It has slightly less bass than the first “exquisite pure tone” config and approaches neutral in the midbass. Subbass quantity is still more than midbass, but subbass extension isn’t very deep and sounds like a BA bass in terms of speed and extension/decay.

Both switches up – “balanced tuning” – sounds like a mild U shaped. Indeed it is the most balanced of the configs as claimed. I think it is the most inoffensive of the tunings. It is probably the tuning that is quite similar to the big brother TRI I3, though the TRI I3 has a 3 kHz peak, but the peak in this configuration in the TRI Starsea has been shifted a bit earlier to the 2ish kHz region. This tuning has the thickest lower mids of the 4 tuning configs. Bass is north of neutral but not at true basshead quantities, especially when not amped/inappropriate source pairing. Treble is not the most extended here, trebleheads may find it overly safe.

With switch 1 up and switch 2 down – “amazing bass” – sounds mild V shaped approaching L shaped, lower mids are recessed with a subbass boost. Upper mids and lower treble are boosted, but less than the bass, so the ear takes the frequency response as a whole and it is the most bassy of the 4 configurations. Subbass extension is the deepest of the 4 tunings here. But subbass is not the deepest in extension compared to other DD containing basshead IEMs. Bass is north of neutral, subbass is more than midbass in quantity but this is not at basshead levels even though it is claimed to be “amazing bass”. When not amped, or with wrong source pairing, I find it lacking a bit in midbass punch and thickness (in note weight), but then again, I’m a basshead so YMMV. The midbass thickness and quantity does improve with amping, using low output impedance sources (as detailed above), using narrower bore tips or perhaps copper cables (if you ain’t a cable skeptic). Instead of pursuing a basshead quantity, TRI has gone for a good quality bass. There’s no midbass bleed and quite good texturing present. The bass is on the speedier and tighter side. On this tuning, the higher frequencies are rather tamed, smooth and non fatiguing.

Among the tuning configs, I found the pure tone and vocal configs weren’t my cup of tea, as they were hot in the upper mids/treble (especially at louder volumes), with some sibilance present, but perhaps trebleheads will like those configs. FWIW, I did most of my listening with the balanced and amazing bass tunings. I think other than bassheads, most others will find a suitable sound signature with the 4 tuning configs on the Starsea.

Technicalities are a highlight in the TRI Starsea, the imaging is very good for the price, with a dark background allowing one to pinpoint instruments easily. When amped, soundstage is above average in height and width, but average in depth and there are sets with better soundstages at the same price bracket (eg TRI I3). Soundstage is not as expansive when unamped, but I didn’t find music to be congested during complex pieces. Clarity is dependent on which tuning switch is activated, as boosted treble/upper mids usually give more clarity on the pure tone and vocal configs. Details are above average, and instrument separation is generally very good. In fact, due to the good technicalities and good isolation, the TRI Starsea will make a good stage monitor or tool for audio work. There ain’t that many $100ish and below CHIFI sets that are suited for monitoring work, so this area can be a niche market for IEMs like the TRI Starsea, what more so with the different tuning switches on offer.

Unfortunately BA timbre resides in the treble and mid frequencies, and has a bit of a “metallic” sheen sometimes for acoustic instruments. The frequencies settled by the DD bass has very good timbre for drums and percussion instruments. I’ve definitely heard worse timbre in other multi BA/hybrids (cough cough KZs and TRNs), but generally single DD type IEMs will achieve better accuracy of timbre compared to the TRI Starsea, though the TRI Starsea will probably beat them in technicalities, so different strokes for different folks.

Note weight on the TRI Starsea is on the leaner and thinner side, and the sound can be quite undynamic at times, especially when used on weaker sources or with inappropriate source pairing. So it isn’t a “fun” sounding or “in your face” set, but the TRI Starsea just portrays the music with accuracy, control and restrain, sometimes veering to the sterile side on the less bassy configs.

COMPARISONS

TRI I3 (1 BA + 1 planar + 1 DD) ($147 USD)

The TRI I3 is a very coherent and balanced sounding U shaped tribid, despite the weird mismash of driver configs. It is smooth and generally not harsh, except for an occasional 3 kHz spike that can rear its head during poorly recorded material (with say trumpets) or at boosted volumes. One negative area on the TRI I3 is that is has a bit of lack of sparkle in the treble for trebleheads, and was deemed overly safe in the treble.

The TRI Starsea is very different in tonality from the TRI I3, with the latter being more warm and analoguish and thicker in note weight, even on the balanced tuning where the FR is similar. The TRI Starsea as detailed above, is more “monitor” like and drier and leaner, especially when not amped or with inappropriate source pairing.

Isolation is poorer on the TRI I3, and the planars on the TRI I3 need amping to scale. The TRI Starsea as discussed also benefits from amping, but is less power hungry. Timbre is better on the TRI I3 for the treble frequencies, though the TRI Starsea seems to have better timbre in the lower end frequencies handled by the DD, such as in drums and percussions.

The TRI I3 has one of the best soundstages at the $100ish price bracket (in width/height/depth) when amped, and it beats the TRI Starsea in this area. The TRI I3 is more “grand” sounding when amped and more musical and more dynamic, with more spaciousness. Technicalities are close for instrument separation, details, imaging for the 2 TRI brothers, but with adequate power, I think the TRI Starsea is slightly better in this area, other than in soundstage.

I view the TRI I3 as the rotund extroverted big brother who is warm and outgoing, whereas the TRI Starsea is the skinny, introverted and shy younger brother, who quietly aces all the exams and is very intelligent and knowledgeable. The TRI Starsea is the more technical IEM, with more versatility due to the 4 tuning switches, whereas the TRI I3 is the one with the bigger and grander sound, especially in the area of soundstage (when amped). Different strokes for different folks, there’ll be fans who will be drawn to both tunings, so the TRI Starsea is a welcome addition to the TRI family, and it brings different things to the table.

Westone W30 (3 BA) ($400 USD)

The Westone W30 is a warm neutralish set, and also sounds very “monitor” like. Timbre is worse on the Westone W30 and notes lack an edge definition/bite on the Westone W30. The TRI Starsea beats the Westone W30 in technicalities at 1/4 the price, in the areas of imaging, instrument separation and details. Isolation is slightly better in the TRI Starsea, but the Westone W30 is slightly more comfortable due to the smaller bean shaped profile.

The TRI Starsea is a complete upgrade in almost all areas for a fraction of the price, and it is more versatile too due to the 4 tuning configs.

Audiosense DT200 (2BA) ($149 USD)

The Audiosense DT200 is another warm neutralish set, sporting 2 BA. It is non fatiguing and has a treble bordering on darkish. The DT200 is very smooth with no sibilance, and hence it is suited for long listening sessions. But on the converse side, vocals in the Audiosense DT200, especially female ones, have a bit of a lack of bite/edge definition, and ain’t as clear as the TRI Starsea.

The Audiosense DT200 is weaker than the TRI Starsea in soundstage and technical performance, probably a limitation of the 2 drivers. Subbass extension is also less than the TRI Starsea with a lack of rumble and decay. TRI Starsea is also more versatile due to the 4 tuning switches.

Toneking Ninetails (1 DD) ($125 USD)

I know it is strange to compare the Toneking Ninetails (a single DD set) to a hybrid in the TRI Starsea, as the single DDs and hybrids have their different strengths and weaknesses. But I decided to go ahead and compare them since the Toneking Ninetails is selling around the same price, and is another set that has tuning nozzles to change the sound signature.

Just a bit of a background, the Ninetails is a Far Eastern “fox spirit” in Japanese, Korean and Chinese cultures, which can shapeshift to take the form of a human. So it is quite a good naming convention, as the Toneking Ninetails IEM had a rear and front tuning filter to give 9 different sound signatures, from neutralish to V shaped to basshead. The tuning filters are not gimmicks and they actually worked, and it tied in nicely with the Ninetails namesake and folklore.

The Toneking Ninetails IEM was a cult classic with good reviews among owners, but a lot of people were hesitant to purchase it due to the unconventional looking design. Spoiler: the Ninetails is actually quite well fitting and comfortable once you know how to wear it, but the TRI Starsea is more comfortable with its resin shells feeling like semi customs.

The TRI Starsea has better isolation and accessories. The Toneking Ninetails has actually more tuning configs (nine) than the 4 in the TRI Starsea, and the Toneking Ninetails can become basshead on certain configs with a jawrattling nausea inducing headache, something the TRI Starsea cannot do, even on the most bassy config.

The single DD Toneking Ninetails, has weaker technicalities than the multi driver TRI Starsea, though the Toneking Ninetails has a better timbre for acoustic instruments, as per its single DD roots. The TRI Starsea trumps the Toneking Ninetails in details, instrument separation, clarity and imaging, though in view of the semi open backed design, the Toneking Ninetails has better soundstage (though at the expense of isolation).

One can see these 2 sets as sidegrades, and they bring different things to the table. The TRI Starsea has better technical performance, fit and isolation, whereas the Toneking Ninetails has better timbre and has a few more tuning options, though at the expense of isolation and technicalities.

LZ A7 (1 DD + 4 BA + 2 Piezoelectric Ceramic Drivers (7-layer piezoelectric parallel)) ($338 USD)

The LZ A7 has been having rave reviews, and the hype is deservedly so. It has great tonality, tuning, technical performance and a multitude of tuning options (via a switch and various tuning nozzles).

Other than the LZ A7 having more possible tuning sound signatures than the TRI Starsea, the LZ A7 has better timbre, a thicker note weight and a more refined tonality. The LZ A7 also has a bigger soundstage and better instrument separation, details and imaging.

It may be an unfair comparison due to the almost 3 times price difference between the 2 sets, but I view the TRI Starsea as sort of a poor man’s LZ A7, with the TRI Starsea having lesser refinement overall. Though, I brought up this comparison as the LZ A7 is probably the next tier upgrade from the TRI Starsea for a CHIFI that has tuning configurations (I haven’t heard the ThieAudio Legacy 3 yet, but I did read some concerning QC reports about the non CIEM version). Anyways, as per this hobby, diminishing returns are very real, and even though the LZ A7 is the better set in the 3 Ts of tonality, timbre and technicalities, it is not three times better than the TRI Starsea (as the price would suggest).

Maiden Voyage To The Stars And Seas – Sailing Through Rough Waters With The KBEAR TRI Starsea

CONCLUSIONS

The TRI Starsea is a unique hybrid with 4 tuning switches to give a potential mild V shape to a bright U shape. It is rather versatile as such, for different sonic preferences or music genres, and one can view the TRI Starsea as sort of getting 4 IEMs with 1 purchase. It is beautiful looking and has good accessories and has very good technicalities at that price point. I think it can even be used as a stage monitor or for audio work due to the good technicalities and good isolation. The TRI Starsea, however, is one fussy IEM when it comes to source pairing, it fairs better with amping and with sources with the lowest output impedance possible (ideally close to zero). Even though the bass is not the most extended and is a bit leaner (especially when unamped or with inappropriate source pairing), it focuses on a quality bass over quantity.

However, the TRI Starsea does lack a bit in dynamics and may verge towards a sterile tuning especially on the pure tone and vocals tuning switches. It also unfortunately suffers from a BA timbre for the higher frequencies. Most consumers will potentially find some preferred options with the tuning, though the most bassy config is still possibly not for bassheads, especially when the TRI Starsea is run from a weaker source/inappropriate source pairing. Those wanting more dynamics and something “fun sounding” or “musical” will also need to look elsewhere, but I see the TRI Starsea as a mini LZ A7, for 1/3 the price of the famed LZ A7.

Nevertheless, the TRI Starsea is a good addition to the TRI family, providing a contrasting sound signature to the crowd favourite TRI I3, by bringing a different 4 course course meal to the table.

MY VERDICT

You find an INDEX of all our earphone reviews HERE.

DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank Wendy Li from KBEAR for providing the TRI Starsea review unit.

It can be gotten here at $129 US here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001524289463.html

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BLON BL-05S Review (3) – Third Oppoty’s The Charm, You Better Belief It!

Baskingshark (Singapore) — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 06:01:00 +0000

Pros

Light and comfortable. Good fit.
Smooth and organic tonality.
Good technical performance for a budget single DD (though still won’t beat multi BA/hybrids in general).
Good timbre.
Fixes fit issues and midbass bloat of the BLON BL-03, fixes shouty upper mids of the BLON BL-05 (non S).
Quite all rounder for most music genres.
Above average isolation.
Good price to performance ratio.

Cons:

Gaudy coloured shells, takes guts to wear it outdoors!
Distorts with higher volume/overly robust EQ.
Same crappy accessories (stock eartips/cable).
May be overly safe in tuning, some may find it lacks pizzaz.
Bass is not the most textured.
Fares better with amping. May not be getting full potential with low powered smartphones.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

It does take a brave BLON cultist to wear the BLON BL-05S down the street, due to the unconventional radioactive green shells. But don’t judge an Oppoty by its cover, this is one set with an excellent price to performance ratio, boasting an organic and coherent tonality, good technical performance and accurate timbre for a budget single DD set.

This third Oppoty’s the charm. You Better Belief It! After the false dawn of the BLON BL-05 (non S), which didn’t have the best reviews for overly shouty upper mids, the BLON BL-05S has tamed the upper mids of the BLON BL-05 (non S), and simultaneously fixed the midbass bloat and fit issues of the venerable BLON BL-03. I’m glad BLON “Never gave up” after the BLON BL-05 (non S) fiasco.

SPECIFICATIONS

Driver Type: 3rd generation 10 mm carbon diaphragm (single dynamic driver)
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 108 dB/mW
Cable type: 2 pin 0.78 mm
Tested at $39 USD

ACCESSORIES

In addition to the IEM, it comes with:

1) Silicone tips.

2) Stock cable.

3) Sackcloth pouch.

Essentially the famous (or rather infamous) stock accessories of previous BLON iterations is here to greet us. This includes a barely serviceable cable and the usual BLON tips and lame sackcloth pouch. The familiar BLON box advising BLON cultists to “LET MUSIC BURN”, together with BELIEF and NEVER GIVING UP and OPPOTY greets us in a rainbow coloured hue.

Budget CHIFI companies need to cut costs somewhere, so as to pass down a cheaper price to the consumers, and accessories are usually the first area they target. Some CHIFI (cough cough TRN BA8 and TRN VX) retailing at more expensive prices may also have a similar dearth of accessories, so I won’t beat BLON with a stick for this and can close one eye. Anyway, what’s more important is the IEM’s internals and how it sounds, and I think those of us in this CHIFI hobby might have some aftermarket tips and cables lying about, so no biggie swapping the BLON BL-05S’s stock tips and cables out.

With regards to whether aftermarkets cables affect the sound on the BLON BL-05S, well that’s a big can of worms that is beyond the scope of this review. Suffice to say, I respect both camps. You save a lot of money in this hobby if you don’t believe in cables, while cable believers will have a new area in the audio chain to play with to achieve audio nirvana. Anyway, I think we’ll agree that most aftermarket cables will still be better asthetically and haptically than the stock one provided by BLON.

BUILD/COMFORT

The BLON BL-05S is very well fitting, similar to its BLON BL-05 (non S) older brother, it is very ergonomic and comfortable. It is much better fitting than the infamous BLON BL-03’s poor fit with stock tips/cables, due to the latter having a too short nozzle.

I didn’t find any driver flex. I liked that the BLON BL-05S came with a 2 pin connector, as I had tons of issues with MMCX connectors and their general longevity in the past.

The BLON BL-05S has a very garish radioactive green lick of paint. I tried wearing it outdoors and got a myriad of looks from passerbys, ranging from the disapproving to curious to disbelief (these heathen have no Belief in the BLON cult!). It was as though they were observing an alien device from another planet.

And this is the most dangerous thing about the green shells that I have to warn you folks about: your significant other will definitely notice that a new IEM has come in the mail, due to the obvious colour. And no, they will not be green with envy (no pun intended) seeing another IEM added to the collection. In fact, you might even be chased out of the house or have to sleep on the floor at night. There’s no excuse to disguise it as one of the other conventional black or silver coloured IEMs in your pokemon ~~(gotta catch them all)~~ collection of IEMs. Even my wife, who isn’t into audio, knew it was a new IEM from the colour. I took the Oppoty ~~opportunity~~ to try to disguise it as a preexisting Moondrop SSR (both had the radioactive green colour), but no dice, the Moondrop anime waifu box wasn’t present and it was just a lame mispelling of Oppoty and Belief on the box that let the cat out of the bag.

The radioactive green colour unfortunately doesn’t glow in the dark, so I don’t know what is the purpose of said colour, maybe to be radical and stand out from the cut throat competition at this price bracket? Perhaps for the local mainland Chinese who like jade, it might be an auspicious sign, but I got a feeling a lot of Westerners may not be willing to wear this colour outside. I hope BLON can consider producing the BLON BL-05S in conventional colours in the future, it shouldn’t be so difficult to do a new paint job isn’t it?

In view of the wife not being happy with another IEM coming in the mail, I took the Oppoty ~~opportunity~~ to try to disguise the BLON BL-05S (top picture) as the preexisting Moondrop SSR (bottom picture), (since both came in a garish radioactive green colour). Unfortunately, no dice. The Moondrop anime waifu box wasn’t present and it was just a lame mispelling of Oppoty and Belief on the box that let the cat out of the bag.

ISOLATION

At the risk of getting arrested by the police for wearing the garishly coloured shells out in the subway (for the sake of audio!), I found that the isolation of the BLON BL-05S is above average. As per most vented single DD sets, it won’t beat non vented multi BA types in this area.

DRIVABILITY/SOURCE

For the purposes of this review, I tried the BLON BL-05S with a Khadas Tone Board -> Fiio A3 amp, Khadas Tone Board -> Topping L30 amp, Shanling Q1 DAP and Tempotec Sonata HD Pro. The BLON BL-05S is drivable from low powered smartphones, but scales better in soundstage, details and dynamics with amping. I preferred warmer sources with it in general, to give a bit more heft in the bass.

Unfortunately the BLON BL-05S distorts with higher volumes or overly robust EQ, that’s one area of weakness in the driver. So for those that like to blast their music or fiddle with a lot of EQ, this might be one area that may be a potential dealbreaker.

Blon BL-05s Review I – New Gold Dream

SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

The BLON BL-03 was lauded for excellent tonality and timbre, but had an achilles heel of a bloated midbass that couldn’t keep up with fast/complex bass movements. Not to mention the BLON BL-03 had fit issues due to the too short nozzles (which necessitated most folks to buy aftermarket tips +/- cables) and it had below average technicalities to boot. The next BLON, the BLON BL-05 (non S), tried to fix these problems by lowering the midbass quantity and fixed the fit issues of the BLON BL-03, but was decried for having shouty upper mids/lower treble and a somewhat off tonality in the mids (probably a seesaw effect due to the bass reduction).

I’m glad to report that this third OPPOTY is the legit charm. The BLON BL-05S combines the best characteristics of both the older BLONs and irons out their major deficits. The BLON BL-05S fixes the midbass bloat and lowers the midbass quantity of the BLON BL-03, and fixes the poor fit of the BLON BL-03. It also manages to tame the shouty upper mids/lower treble of the BL-05 (non S) with a better balanced tonality in the mids. The icing on the cake, is that the BLON BL-05S is technically superior to both the BLON BL-03 and BLON BL-05 (non S) too.

Graphs courtesy of KopiOKaya from Audioreviews (IEC711 compliant coupler). 8 kHZ area is probably a resonance peak.

The BLON BL-05S sports a mild V shaped tuning, rather consumer friendly and coherently tuned, it is quite all rounder for most music genres as such.

BLON BL-05S’s bass is just slightly north of neutral, more subbass than midbass focused. It isn’t a basshead set for sure. For a DD set, the subbass doesn’t have the best extension, I would have preferred more subbass quantity and extension actually, but the BLON BL-05S’s bass is faster than the BLON BL-03’s bass, though it’s not that well textured or accurate compared to some DD peers at the same price range. There’s no midbass bleed and those that found the BLON BL-03 too bass heavy might like this set in the bass department.

The BLON BL-05S’s lower mids are a tinge recessed compared to upper mids, though the lower mids don’t seem as recessed as on the BLON BL-05 (non S). There’s a slight upper mids boost at the 2 kHz area, but it isn’t shouty at all (despite what the graphs would suggest). The BLON BL-05S can still on rare occasions get hot in the upper mids with boosted volumes (fletcher munson curve), but at moderate volumes, it is very tamed compared to most of the budget CHIFI out there. Female vocals are still more forward than male vocals, but not shouty. The upper mids/lower treble on the BLON BL-05S is much better than the BLON BL-05 (non S) in being not as harsh. The BLON BL-05S is more well balanced in tonality for the mids as such, and I liked that the mids were rather transparent. I would have preferred a bit thicker note weight in the mids, but this is just nitpicking.

Treble is quite well extended on the BLON BL-05S, with a good amount of details, but without sibilance/harshness. I’m treble sensitive and this treble actually falls on the safer side tuning wise, maybe trebleheads and those wanting a bit more pizzaz in their music might find the treble too tame actually. Perhaps for the cable believers, you can try using a silver plated cable with the BLON BL-05S and see if it does bring some clarity and details to the forefront.

Technicalities (in imaging, instrument separation and details) are better in the BLON BL-05 than the older BLON siblings. Against other multi BA/hybrids at the same price bracket, perhaps the BLON BL-05S can’t beat them in the technicalities department, as is expected of the limitation of a single driver. But for a sub $50 USD single DD set, I would consider it as having good technicalities for sure, with the driver being one of the faster single DDs I have heard at this price range. The BLON BL-05S’s soundstage depth is about average, but the width and height is above average. While the soundstage is not exactly classleading (my pick goes to the Final Audio E3000 at this price range), music never sounded congested on the BLON BL-05S for me.

Timbre is accurate for acoustic instruments as per its single DD roots. Note weight is moderate – it isn’t as thick as the BLON BL-03’s note weight, but isn’t as thin as that in the BLON BL-05.

COMPARISONS

BLON siblings here. From left to right, BLON Cardinal, BLON BL-03, BLON BL-05 (non S), BLON BL-05S. Not many folks have the BLON Cardinal (red coloured shell on the extreme left), and it is out of production anyways, so I’ll leave comparisons out. Essentially, the BLON Cardinal is just a BLON BL-03 with better fit, isolation, better subbass extension. Timbre on the BLON Cardinal is similar to the BLON BL-03, with similar midbass bump and similar mids. Treble is a tinge brighter with better soundstage and slightly better technicalities on the BLON Cardinal.

Graphs courtesy of KopiOKaya from Audioreviews (IEC711 compliant coupler). 8 kHZ area is probably a resonance peak.

As per the above graphs, though the graphs of these 3 BLONs appear similar from afar, these sets actually sound very different (they do use different drivers too among the three and slight changes in bass/upper mids can cause a see saw effect in how the ears perceive the rest of the frequency spectrum). Suffice to say, the BLON BL-05S manages to fix the shouty upper mids of the BLON BL-05 (non S) and fix the midbass bloat of the BLON BL-03 very successfully.

VS the BLON BL-03:

The BLON BL-05S is different in tonality and tuning to the original BLON BL-03, so it is not a direct upgrade in a sense. Those wanting an upgraded version of the analoguish bassy warm tuning of the BLON BL-03 best look elsewhere. The BLON BL-05S has a tinge of warmth but is not as warm tuning wise compared to BLON BL-03. BLON BL-05S has a clearer treble but less subbass quantity, though subbass quantity on the BLON BL-03 is a bit tough to discuss among different individuals as most are using different aftermarket tips due to the poor fitting stock tips of the BLON BL-03. And different aftermarket tips give different isolation and bass amounts.

The BLON BL-05S has a more tamed midbass with minimal midbass bleed, with better technicalities (in imaging, clarity, instrument separation and soundstage and details). It fixes the slow and bleeding midbass of the BLON BL-03 with faster bass speed. I find it more balanced than the bassy BLON BL-03 actually.

The BLON BL-05S has better fit for sure, and better isolation, no need to mess with aftermarket tips.

Both have very legit timbre as per their DD roots, but BLON BL-03 has slightly better instrumental timbre in terms of timbral accuracy.

I feel they are complimentary sets, the BLON BL-03 having slightly better timbre and having a warm bassy analoguish tuning. The BLON BL-05S has better balancing in the mids and midbass, and it brings better fit and technicalities to the table. I think the BLON BL-05S has fixed the 2 main issues of the BLON BL-03 (ie crap fit and the midbass bloat), though it loses a bit of the warm analoguish bassy sound. One can consider the BLON BL-05S to be the BLON BL-03 MK2 that all BLON cultists are clamouring for, but the tuning is a bit different to really describe it as a direct spiritual successor, as bass forward music still has more midbass punch on the BLON BL-03.

VS the BLON BL-05 (non S):

I think most will agree the BLON BL-05 (non S) wasn’t that well received in view of the overly shouty upper mids, and its mids were off tonally wise, so the BLON BL-05S is a big improvement in this area. BLON BL-05S’s mids are more balanced, with the upper mids not being as hot (and the lower mids not being as recessed) as the BLON BL-05 (non S).

The BLON BL-05S doesn’t have as cold a tonality as the BLON BL-05 (non S), and timbre sounds more natural than the BLON BL-05 (non S).

Fit and isolation is similar between the two siblings. Technicalities are better than the BLON BL-05 (non S).

Overall I think the BLON BL-05S has made the BLON BL-05 (non S) superfluous. The BLON BL-05S is better in the 3 Ts: tonality, timbre and technicalities, no contest. So for those who are wondering between the 2, just skip the BLON BL-05 (non S). The BLON BL-05 (non S) will probably be a footnote now that the BLON BL-05S is in town.

VS the Tin HIFI T2 Plus

The Tin HIFI T2 Plus is a crowd favourite, sporting a U shaped tuning that is coherent and balanced, having good timbre and tonality. The Tin T2 Plus has a very inoffensive signature, but I find the Tin T2 Plus lacking a bit in dynamics and attack/bite compared to the BLON BL-05S.

The upper mids on the Tin T2 Plus are less boosted, with also less midbass punch/bass quantity than the BLON BL-05S. The Tin T2 Plus has slightly more extension/quantity in the treble and the bass is a bit more accurate than the BLON BL-05S.

The Tin T2 Plus also has poorer isolation, and has slightly poorer details and imaging than the BLON BL-05S when both are amped decently. Tin T2 Plus has better clarity and instrument separation. The Tin T2 Plus that I have unfortunately has a wonky MMCX connector on one side, and from forum reports it seems a few other users have been having MMCX issues from this model too and some of the older Tin HIFI MMCX ones (eg Tin T4, Tin T2 Pro). I think the penny has finally dropped for Tin HIFI and they are shifting towards 2 pin connectors in their newer releases (I prefer 2 pin connectors to MMCX ones for longevity any day). But if you are considering the Tin T2 Plus, it might behoof you to get it from somewhere with a good returns policy eg Amazon, in case an MMCX lemon comes in the mail.

Overall, just focusing on sound (and setting QC aside), I would consider the BLON BL-05S to be a sidegrade or at best marginal upgrade (if we were to split hairs here). Both are very good budget single DD sets, it may boil down to your sonic and music genre preferences. The BLON BL-05S has slightly better imaging and dynamics and edges it for me over the Tin T2 Plus most of the time. Maybe for classical genres, I’ll take the Tin T2 Plus for its more neutralish signature, though I personally find the Tin T2 Plus a bit boring and less dynamic for other genres, so it gets less air time for me, but YMMV.

VS the Moondrop SSR

The Moondrop SSR is tuned somewhat diffuse-field neutral with an upper mids boost, with a colder tonality and thinner note weight and poorer isolation. It has less bass and is much more sibilant than the BLON BL-05S. Moondrop SSR is shoutier at the upper mids/lower treble than the BLON BL-05S, especially when used at louder volumes (Fletcher Munson Curve). Moondrop SSR is the technical superior of the BLON BL-05S in the areas of better clarity, imaging, details and instrument separation.

I’ve said this before, but the Moondrop SSR actually sounds nice at low volumes, but by pumping up the volume a few dB, the 3 kHz area is shouty and is too much for me (Fletcher Munson Curve). The Moondrop SSR has very polarizing reviews, and I think this may be due to the different volumes all of us are using it at, and volume levels are typically not mentioned by reviewers or consumers. Not to mention the different sources, tips, hearing health we all have may affect our perception of upper mids/treble in the Moondrop SSR. After doing A/B testing using the same source, tips (and even cable), I’ll take the BLON BL-05S any day over the Moondrop SSR, as the 3 kHz peak and the sibilance on the SSR is a deal breaker for me.

VS the iBasso IT00

The iBasso IT00 is a U shaped set that comes with better accessories but unfortunately has driver flex. The iBasso IT00 has better extension at both ends (subbass/treble). The iBasso IT00 is more basshead, and is warmer sounding with a thicker lower mids. Upper mids are less boosted on the iBasso IT00. Technical performance is about thereabouts between the two sets.

The BLON BL-05S distorts with higher volume/overly robust EQ, and may lack a bit of dynamics compared to the iBasso IT00, but overall I would consider them sidegrades, with the iBasso IT00 perhaps better for bassheads/bass forward music and those that love a coloured and thick lower mids frequency.

VS the HZSound Heart Mirror

The HZSound Heart Mirror is tuned neutralish bright with less midbass quantity and is less “fun sounding” than the BLON BL-05S, especially when bass foward music is involved. The HZSound Heart Mirror sounds a bit more analytical and colder. Timbre and technicalities are better on the HZSound Heart Mirror. Both sets have fast drivers for a single DD but the HZSound Heart Mirror wins in transient response speed. The BLON BL-05S has lesser upper mids boost than the HZSound Heart Mirror and is generally less fatiguing for longer sessions than the HZSound Heart Mirror.

Isolation is better on the BLON BL-05S. The HZSound Heart Mirror is $10 – 15 USD more expensive, and this may be explained by the better accessories on the HZSound Heart Mirror. Both sets do better with amping, but the HZSound Heart Mirror scales much more with amping. Unfortunately, the BLON BL-05S driver distorts with higher volumes/EQ, so that’s an area of weakness when pumping up the volume compared to the HZSound Heart Mirror.

I see the V shaped BLON BL-05S and neutralish bright HZSound Heart Mirror as complimentary sets with different tunings to suit different music genres/preferences. The HZSound Heart Mirror is superior in vocals and instrumental timbre and technical performance (though this is with amping), but is a bit thinner in note weight and colder in tonality. For bass forward music or for something warmer and less analytical, I’ll still pick the BLON BL-05S. If one has no powerful source available (eg just a low powered smartphone), then go for the BLON BL-05S instead, as the HZSound Heart Mirror needs amping to sound good.

BLON BL-05S Review II – Pleasant Surprises

CONCLUSIONS

The BLON BL-05S succeeds in fixing the main issues of the BLON BL-03 (ie poor fit, poor technicalities and bloated midbass) and the BLON BL-05 (non S) (in the shouty upper mids), and also adds better technicalities to the mix. It has one of the better technicalities in a budget single DD set, with fast transients, though multi BA/hybrids at the same price bracket will generally trump the BLON BL-05S in this department.

Timbre on the BLON BL-05S is good, the tuning is rather coherent and smooth with no major peaks/troughs in the tuning. It has good price to performance ratio and should be a good all rounder for most music genres. Crap accessories aside, the BLON BL-05S does distort with higher volumes/overly robust EQ, so that’s one area to take note for those that like to blast their music or fiddle with EQ. The colour of the shells may be a potential deal breaker too, though I would take a weird/ugly looking yet good sounding earphone over a beautiful but lousy sounding set any day.

The BLON BL-05S isn’t a direct successor to the BLON BL-03 in my opinion, as it loses the analoguish midbass heavy sound signature of the BLON BL-03 to pursue better balance, speed and technical performance. Otherwise, the BLON BL-05S is a set that lives up to the name “price to performance ratio”. So this third Oppoty‘s the charm. You can Belief that and I’m glad BLON Never gave up after the BLON BL-05 (non S) fiasco. Let music burn!!!!

MY VERDICT

DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank Wooeasy for providing this review unit. The BLON BL-05S can be gotten from the Wooeasy Earphones Store! at $39 USD.

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HZSound Heart Mirror Review (1) – Mirror Mirror On The Wall, Who Is The Fairest Of Them All?

Baskingshark (Singapore) — Sat, 03 Oct 2020 06:01:00 +0000

Pros

Beautiful shell. Light and comfortable. Good build.
Fast transients.
Good details, clarity, imaging, instrument separation for a budget single DD.
Neutral bright tuning with very few instances of hot upper mids/lower treble.
Very good timbre for vocals and acoustic instruments. Good for vocal lovers.
Good price to performance ratio.
Generous accessories.

Cons:

Shells are fingerprint magnets, can be scratched too.
Bass lite, lacks midbass punch (good news is that it takes to bass EQ well).
Average soundstage height/depth when not amped.
Will need amping to perform optimally.
Thin note weight.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The HZSound Heart Mirror is a well tuned neutralish bright set, with to die for vocals, excellent timbre and tonality. It boasts fasts transients and good technicalities for a budget single DD set. Despite the brighter tuning, there’s very rare instances of shoutiness that plague the usual upper mids boosted contenders at this price range. It’s as beautiful sounding as it looks, though soundstage, lack of midbass punch and thin note weight are my nitpicks in the tuning. The best compliment I can give a neutralish bright set like the HZSound Heart Mirror, is that a basshead like me thinks it is a keeper.

SPECIFICATIONS

Driver type: 10mm Carbon Nanometer DD
Frequency range: 15Hz-40kHz
Impedance: 32Ω (±15%)
Sensitivity: 106 ± 3dB
Cable Connector: 2Pin 0.78mm
Tested at $49 USD

ACCESSORIES

In addition to the IEM, it comes with a very generous assortment of accessories:

1) Silicone tips (S/M/L) x 2 variants (total of 6 pairs). The white tips are stiffer with a longer nozzle, whereas the black ones are flimsier with a shorter bore. Actually the black coloured ones look and feel suspiciously similar to Final Audio E black tips, except without the grooves on the stem, and indeed they function in a similar way in tightening the bass and taming the treble a tinge.

2) One pair of foam tips.

3) Shirt clip.

4) Cloth case.

5) Carabiner.

6) 4 core OFC Silver Plated Cable – The cable is very well braided and of good quality, no microphonics. As for sound, if you are a cable skeptic, please skip to the next section. Otherwise, personally I felt the HZSound Heart Mirror synergizes better with pure copper cables as this set is already neutralish bright and bass lite, and the copper cables perhaps thickens the sound and bass a tinge, YMMV.

BUILD/COMFORT

The HZSound Heart Mirror comes in a beautifully polished metal shell, sporting a similar look to the Moondrop KXXS and TRI I3. It isn’t as heavy or large as the TRI I3, and is very ergonomic and comfortable. I can wear it for hours without issues.

The shell lives up to the namesake of Heart Mirror, it is beautiful but unfortunately is a fingerprint magnet. HZSound does wrap protective stickers around the shell, but after unboxing them, one should be careful when bringing this set outside the house as the metal finish can be easily scratched.

I didn’t detect any driver flex on the HZSound Heart Mirror.

I liked that it came in a 2 pin config for cable housing, I had many bad experiences with MMCX connectors in general.

ISOLATION

Isolation on the HZSound Heart Mirror is slightly above average, as per most vented DD sets. It won’t beat pure BA unvented sets in this area, but should be sufficient for outdoor usage.

DRIVABILITY/SOURCE

I tried the HZSound Heart Mirror on a Samsung Note 5 phone, a Ziku HD X9 DAP, a Shanling Q1 DAP, a Khadas Tone Board -> Fiio A3 amp, a Sabre HIFI DAC (ESS ES9280C PRO) and Tempotec Sonata HD Pro. The HZSound Heart Mirror is drivable from lower powered sources, but scales a lot with amping in the areas of dynamics, details and soundstage. As such, I would recommend that one considers a more powerful source when using the HZSound Heart Mirror, so as to get it sounding its best.

The HZSound Heart Mirror is a neutralish bright set, so I generally preferred pairing it with a warmer source.

SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

As discussed, the HZSound Heart Mirror is a neutralish bright set, veering towards the analytical and colder side in tonality, with a neutralish bass and a boosted upper mids. This tuning is quite atypical in the sub $50 region in CHIFI, but this is a well done upper mids boost with minimal shoutiness. The HZSound Heart Mirror manages to balance a razor thin edge of getting vocals to be forward in the upper mids without sounding harsh, and I’m very sensitive to the 2 – 4 kHz regions in general. On rare occasions, such as in poorly recorded material, then the upper mids sounded shouty, but IMHO, the HZSound Heart Mirror’s upper mids are much smoother than the upper mids of the BLON BL-05 (non S) and Moondrop SSR.

Technicalities are good, with the driver really excelling at transients. Multi BA/hybrids at the same price point will still be better (in general) for technicalities, but the HZSound Heart Mirror has one of the better technicalities for a budget single DD set. Clarity, instrument separation and imaging and details are very good. I liked that it could keep up with complex music passages despite not possessing multiple drivers in the config.

Unfortunately, the HZSound Heart Mirror’s soundstage isn’t the best at this price bracket, with the soundstage being deep but about average in width/height when not amped. Thankfully, soundstage increases in width with amping, so do consider using an amp with this set to do the sound justice. Different aftermarket eartips may also help to some extent in the soundstage, so do try tiprolling to see what changes for you.

Timbre for vocals and acoustic instruments is excellent on the HZSound Heart Mirror, I daresay it has more authentic timbre than the famous BLON BL-03. In view of the foward upper mids, this set is very good for vocal lovers, with instruments being a bit in the background compared to vocals. Note weight is on the thinner side, would have preferred more meat on the bones.

Bass:

Bass on the HZSound Heart Mirror is neutralish in the midbass and subbass with quite good subbass extension. Subbass is perhaps a tinge emphasized in quantity over the midbass, but this is tip dependent to some extent too. Midbass lacks a punch in bass forward music, and borders on the anemic side quantity wise when there’s bass predominant movements in the music.

Bassheads will hence not like the bass quantity, but the bass quality is thankfully good. Bass is quite textured, fast, with no midbass bleed. Decay is below average. I liked that the driver on the HZSound Heart Mirror takes to bass EQ very well, so no biggie for bass boosting for our basshead brethen (unlike some other sets that distort with EQ).

Mids:

Lower mids are pretty neutral, with the upper mids having a boost to give vocals good clarity. Vocals are a treat on this set in terms of vocal nuances, details and timbre. Female vocals are slightly more forward than male vocals, with instruments being a bit in the backseat compared to vocals. There’s a slight 4 kHz dip to balance the upper mids and prevent it from going into shouty territory. As discussed, the upper mids are actually smooth, compared to some similarly boosted upper mids CHIFI sets at this price bracket.

On rare occasions, such as with poorly recorded material or with pumping up the volume a lot (Fletcher Munson Curve), then the upper mids were a bit shouty, but by and large, the upper mids balances a very fine line of being forward without being shouty/harsh, at moderate volumes.

Treble:

The HZSound Heart Mirror extends moderately well in treble. Sibiliance is mild. It has plenty of detail and clarity to suit trebleheads, but isn’t the most airy set. Personally, I felt the treble is managable compared to the garden variety TRNs/KZs. Cymbals and high hats are not splashy and quite well done.

COMPARISONS

As per comparing apples to apples, I left out multi BA/hybrids/exotic drivers from the comparisons, as the different transducers have their inherent strengths and weaknesses. Also, since the HZSound Heart Mirror is a neutralish bright set, I decided to pick some single DD types that were not too bass heavy but yet have a boosted upper mids for A/B comparison here.

BLON BL-03, which is midbass heavy, is not mentioned below as the tuning of the HZSound Heart Mirror is very different to the analoguish warm tuning of the BL-03 (and I feel both sets have a complimentary tuning). But I’m fairly certain someone will ask about comparing the Oppoty sooner or later. So suffice to say, the HZSound Heart Mirror beats the BLON BL-03 in aspects of timbre, fit, accessories, bass quality/speed and technicalities (maybe except soundstage and note weight). The BLON BL-03 is better for those wanting an analoguish warm bassy sound with thicker note weight. As for cost, the BL-03 may end up costing the same or thereabouts as the HZSound Heart Mirror due to most folks needing to get aftermarket tips/cables due to the poor fit on the BL-03.

Unfortunately, I don’t have the original Tin T2 with me now to do A/B, but the Tin T2 Plus will be discussed in the comparisons below.

So mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?

Moondrop SSR

The Moondrop SSR is tuned somewhat diffuse-field neutral with an upper mids boost. Both sets have good technical performance for a single DD set, maybe the Moondrop SSR edges it slightly in clarity, details and imaging. Timbre for acoustic instruments is very good in both sets. The Moondrop SSR has quite bad sibilance and a thinner note weight compared to the HZSound Heart Mirror. Isolation is better on the HZSound Heart Mirror.

The Moondrop SSR actually sounds nice at low volumes, but by pumping up the volume a few dB, the 3 kHz area is shouty and is too much for me (Fletcher Munson Curve). The Moondrop SSR has very polarizing reviews, and I think this may be due to the different volumes all of us are using it at, and volume levels are typically not mentioned by reviewers or consumers. Not to mention the different sources, tips, hearing health we all have may affect our perception of upper mids/treble in the Moondrop SSR. After doing A/B testing using the same source, tips (and even cable), I’ll take the HZSound Heart Mirror any day over the Moondrop SSR, as the 3 kHz peak and the sibilance on the SSR is a deal breaker for me.

BLON BL-05 (non S)

The BLON BL-05 (non S) is also shouty in the upper mids/lower treble compared to the HZSound Heart Mirror, with the latter being smoother and overall more refined. Timbre, tonality and technicalities are better on the HZSound Heart Mirror, maybe except for clarity.

Accessories are better on the HZSound Heart Mirror, though the BLON BL-05 (non S) has better isolation.

BLON BL-05S

The BLON BL-05S is an upgrade over the aforementioned BLON BL-05 (non S), with less shouty upper mids, and better timbre, tonality and technicalities than the BLON BL-05 (non S). Accessories are similar (unfortunately as bad) as the BLON BL-05 (non S).

Compared to the HZSound Heart Mirror, the BLON BL-05S has a bit more boosted midbass quantity and is more “fun sounding” and hence probably more versatile in the tuning, especially when bass foward music is involved. The HZSound Heart Mirror sounds a bit more analytical and colder. Timbre and technicalities are a tinge better on the HZSound Heart Mirror. Both sets have fast drivers for a single DD but the HZSound Heart Mirror wins in transient response speed. The BLON BL-05S has lesser upper mids boost than the HZSound Heart Mirror and is generally less fatiguing for longer sessions than the HZSound Heart Mirror. Isolation is better on the BLON BL-05S.

Both sets do better with amping, but the HZSound Heart Mirror scales much more with amping. Unfortunately, the BLON BL-05S driver distorts with higher volumes/EQ, so that’s an area of weakness when pumping up the volume compared to the HZSound Heart Mirror.

I would consider both sets sidegrades with complimentary tunings to suit different music genres/preferences.

Tin T2 Plus

The Tin T2 Plus is very well balanced and non fatiguing U shaped (or mild V shaped) set, and I can see why it is a big crowd favourite. It has a more boosted bass than the HZSound Heart Mirror, though it has slightly poorer timbre and technicalities than the HZSound Heart Mirror. HZSound Heart Mirror’s driver is faster too for transients, with the Tin T2 Plus having some lingering cymbal decay during splashes/hits. Upper mids aren’t as boosted as on the HZSound Heart Mirror, and coupled with the Tin T2 Plus being bassier, overall it gives a warmer and less cold tonality than the HZSound Heart Mirror. The Tin T2 Plus is hence more versatile in view of the tuning especially for bass forward music.

Likewise, I would consider both sets sidegrades with complimentary tunings to suit different music genres/preferences.

HZSound Heart-Mirror Review II – Reflection Of My Heartfelt Truth

CONCLUSIONS

So, mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?

Well I’m glad to say the HZSound Heart Mirror is as beautiful sounding as it looks, though it is not perfect, with soundstage and a thin note weight and a lack of midbass punch being my nitpicks in the tuning. The HZSound Heart Mirror is otherwise a very well tuned neutralish bright set, with to die for vocals, excellent timbre and tonality. It boasts fasts transients and good technicalities for a budget single DD set. Despite the brighter tuning, there’s only rare instances of shoutiness that plague the usual upper mids boosted contenders at this price range, when used at moderate volumes.

The BLON BL-03 was my previous gold standard for instrumental timbre in the sub $50 USD region, but it has now been dethroned by the HZSound Heart Mirror in the area of timbre. My favourite aspect of the HZSound Heart Mirror is that it boasts a vocal forward tuning without veering on the shouty side, which is a very fine line to balance. Vocal lovers should give this set a try if the ~~OPPOTY~~ opportunity allows.

The best compliment I can give the HZSound Heart Mirror is that a basshead like me uses it in my weekly rotation (without bass EQ to boot).

MY VERDICT

You find an INDEX of all our earphone reviews HERE.

DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank Ann from KeepHIFI for providing this review unit.

It can be gotten here at $49 USD: KeepHifi

You find an INDEX of our most relevant technical articles HERE.

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The post HZSound Heart Mirror Review (1) – Mirror Mirror On The Wall, Who Is The Fairest Of Them All? appeared first on Audio Reviews.

Final Audio E3000 Review – Old Is Gold

Baskingshark (Singapore) — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 06:10:44 +0000

Pros

Light and comfortable.
Superb imaging and instrument separation at sub $50 price point.
Excellent soundstage.
Natural timbre.
Non fatiguing.
Balanced and sublime mids.
Comes with Final type E (black) tips! (ironically these black Final E tips are not a good pairing with this set, as they may muddy the Final Audio E3000’s treble actually).

Cons:

Noodle thin, non detachable, microphonic cable.
Requires a powerful source to shine.
Poor isolation.
Midbass on the slow/nebulous side, with lack in subbass extension.
Rolled off treble, not the most detailed treble (may be a pro or con depending on your treble sensitivity levels).

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Final Audio E3000 is a good example of old is gold: sometimes older gear may be better sounding than some newer (almost weekly) CHIFI budget releases, with the Final Audio E3000 sporting a warm mild V shaped non fatiguing tuning, with excellent soundstage, imaging and instrument separation at the sub $50 region. Mids are quite sublime and well balanced. It requires amping to shine though, and the noodle thin non detachable cable may be a deal breaker for some. But if one can look past the cable issue, subdued treble and a slow bass, I can see this being an end game budget DD set for those that like a warm and thick sound signature.

SPECIFICATIONS

Driver Unit: 6.4mm dynamic driver
Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW
Impedance: 16ohms
Cable: non detachable

ACCESSORIES

In addition to the IEM, it comes with:

1) Final Audio E black tips – these are one of my favourite tips that I use on many other IEMs, especially brighter IEMs as they tighten the bass and tame the treble, and are very comfortable too. In fact, I know some audiophile friends that bought the cheaper Final Audio E500 and E1000 just for the Final E tips, as a pack of Final Audio E tips retail around $15 USD or so by themselves. Myself, I bought a cheap Kinera Tyr at second hand recently primarily for the Final Audio E tips that came along with the Tyr, so I look at it as buying the Final E tips and getting a free IEM along with it. (I think the Kinera Tyr is in a drawer somewhere, sound is pretty meh, but their tips are being utilized daily on a myriad of my other IEMs).

The Final Audio E3000 is already quite treble shy especially at the higher treble, so these black Final Audio E tips ironically aren’t the best pairing with the Final Audio E3000. These stock tips lower the treble further, so trebleheads or those wanting an extended/airy treble may not like it. Personally, I found that something with a wider bore boosted the treble and lowered the midbass hump a bit, giving a somewhat more extended treble, but as usual YMMV as we have different ear anatomies and sonic preferences (I’m not a treblehead to begin with, and I already thought the Final Audio E3000 was a bit subdued in the treble).

For the purposes of this review, I persisted with the stock tips on the Final Audio E3000, as probably most lay consumers will not be doing tip rolling and just listen to it OOTB with these tips. However, I find that tips are a very underrated aspect of an IEM, they can literally make or break an IEM (see example of the BLON BL-03 with crap stock tips giving poor fit). Hence, if you have some spare tips lying about, no harm tip rolling to see what suits your sonic preferences for the Final Audio E3000.

2) Silicone Ear hooks

3) Pouch

BUILD/COMFORT

The Final Audio E3000 has a metal bullet shape shell, and is very comfortable and light, I can wear it for hours with no issues. I didn’t detect any driver flex.

The biggest bugbear of mine is that the cable is noodle thin and is non detachable with no strain relief at the housing insertion. This may be a potential issue for longevity for this set, it is one awkward yank away from being a white elephant. Some of us may also want a detachable IEM so as to use balanced aftermarket cables or wireless/BT adapters. In fact I’m in the anti nondetachable cable camp, I’ve had a few non detachable sets fail on me at the cable in the past, and it is a dealbreaker for me to buy any IEM or earbud more than $40 USD with nondetachable cables. Despite good reviews, I hesitated on buying the Final Audio E3000 for a year cause of this, and only FINALly (cough cough) bought the Final Audio E3000 at $29 USD from a local secondhand shop as it was cheap. At full price of $50 USD, I honestly wouldn’t have bought it due to the cable, but YMMV.

The cable is unfortunately also a bit microphonic, but I found that wearing it over the ears (or with a shirt clip) may lower the microphonics, though I’ve had a few curious stares from passerbys when I was using the Final E3000 over the ear. And in view of the lack of strain relief in the non detachable cable, I’m not sure if wearing it over ear for a long period may stress the cable at the point it bends into the ear.

ISOLATION

I brought the Final Audio E3000 for a spin on the subway, it failed my subway test unfortunately (sorry I’m a bit anal about transit isolation for protection of hearing health). The Final Audio E3000 has poor isolation due to the semi open back design, but I guess that very design gives it an excellent soundstage (which we will speak about later), so it is a double edged sword.

As usual, YMMV, I know some friends of mine purposely want less isolation for safety reasons when going outdoors, but there’s a danger in jacking up the volume due to the suboptimal isolation to overcome traffic noise (which can hit 85 – 90 dB sometimes), so that’s not safe for hearing health in the long term.

DRIVABILITY/SOURCE

The Final Audio E3000 is one power hungry little beast, despite its specs on paper. It sounds quite meh with just a low powered smartphone, but scales superbly (especially in soundstage, imaging, dynamics) once amped.

Also, as the Final Audio E3000 is a warm IEM, I find that pairing it with overly warm sources made things too hazy and nebulous, so I preferred it with a neutral or brighter/analytical sources.

SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

I know I’ve been hard on the non detachable cable, the isolation and the drivability of the Final Audio E3000. But now comes the good part, in the area of tuning, soundstage and imaging, the Final Audio E3000 not only redeems itself, but surpasses my expectations by a country mile.

The Final Audio E3000 sports a warm mild V shaped tuning with a non fatiguing treble. The tuning is overall very smooth and midbass centric, with excellent coherency especially in the mids. The tuning is not neutral, and is pretty coloured, but it is quite enjoyable for laid back chill and smooth music listening, and actually is my cup of tea tuning wise. The very first word I thought of when I first tried the Final Audio E3000 was “effortless”. Some budget CHIFI artificially boost the upper mids and treble to get a fake sense of perceived details, but the Final Audio E3000 manages to get the details in without these artificial steroids. Those that want a more energetic tuning than the smooth laid back feel of the Final Audio E3000 might need to look elsewhere, but this is a very non fatiguing set that allows one to chill and listen to music for hours for sure.

Technicalities wise, the Final Audio E3000 has one of the best soundstages and imaging at this price point of sub $50 USD. Soundstage is very wide and tall, but not the deepest, and music never felt congested with the Final Audio E3000. With amping, it can sound rather speaker-like even. Instrument separation in the mids are especially well done too. As it has a laid back treble with not the best treble extension, it doesn’t have the best clarity and details compared to some other contenders at the same price bracket, so this isn’t a set for those wanting something analytical to do critical listening, and trebleheads also best look elsewhere.

Timbre is very organic and natural. Note weight is on the thicker side. Vocals are well balanced in the mids for both male and female vocals, and acoustic instruments sound quite legit.

Bass:

The Final Audio E3000 is midbass centric, with subass extension not being the best. The midbass is on the slower side for decay, and occasionally I felt the midbass was a bit too hazy and nebulous. Bass quantity is north of neutral, but not at true basshead levels. Nevertheless, despite the slow bass, there isn’t significant midbass bleed, and the Final Audio E3000’s bass didn’t encroach into the mids/treble frequencies, which is quite a common problem for bass heavy budget sets.

Mids:

The mids are very well balanced on the Final Audio E3000, with male and female vocals not being dominant over the other. Instrument separation is excellent in the mids, coupled with the great imaging and superb soundstage, music and vocals float around effortlessly in the mids. The excellent timbre caps off one of the best mids I’ve heard in a sub $50 set. There isn’t the usual boosted sawtooth upper mids CHIFI tuning that we frequently see at this price range. This set is definitely one for mid lovers, though some folks may find female vocals a bit too laid back/lacking bite due to the tuning.

Treble:

The treble of the Final Audio E3000 is extremely safe and smooth, and perhaps may border on being dark, especially without amping. Treble doesn’t extend as high as the typical CHIFI sets at the same price segment, and has some roll off. Details are not overly emphasized like treblehead sets. As such, the Final E3000’s treble has no sibilance or harshness, and is very suitable for long listening sessions, though I think trebleheads will not like the treble tuning here. It’s a love or hate thing for the treble, I’m treble sensitive and actually appreciate this for chill sessions. As discussed above, perhaps tip rolling may improve the treble extension and quantity a bit, YMMV.

COMPARISONS

BLON BL-03 ($25 USD; more with aftermarket tips/cables due to the poor stock fit)

Sorry to those from the BLON cult, but I find that the Final Audio E3000 is an upgrade over the BLON in a lot of areas. The Final Audio E3000 eats the BLON BL-03 for breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper (and all the snack times) in fit, accessories, soundstage, details, instrument separation and imaging (when amped).

Both sets have excellent timbre, maybe the BLON BL-03 is better in this department, but even in the area of tonality, which is supposedly BLON BL-03’s forte, it loses to the Final Audio E3000. The BLON BL-03 has a too bloated midbass with midbass bleed, and the upper mids get hot with louder volumes on the BLON BL-03 (Fletcher Munson Curve). Both sets have a slower mid bass and won’t win awards in bass speed or accuracy.

The BLON BL-03 has a detachable cable, but the stock cable and stock tips are crap, which necessitates most folks to source for aftermarket tips/cables, which may very well bring the cost of the BLON BL-03 to equal or even exceed that of the Final Audio E3000 ($40 – 50 USD).

BLON BL-03 scales better with amping, but the Final Audio E3000 much more so. Isolation on both sets is poor, but the BLON BL-03 is slightly better, though I personally won’t bring both sets on the subway (to protect hearing health).

TFZ No. 3 ($109 USD)

The TFZ No. 3 is much more V shaped than the Final Audio E3000, and the TFZ No. 3 is a bona fide basshead set with better bass quantity and extension. Quantity is not quality however, and the TFZ No. 3’s bass is bloated, boomy and not precise, with a midbass bleed. The TFZ No. 3 has better clarity due to the boosted upper mids, but by the same token, can get very harsh in the upper mids with louder volumes (Fletcher Munson Curve). Final Audio E3000 is better than the TFZ No. 3 in soundstage, imaging, instrument separation, timbre and tonality. TFZ No. 3 though, has better isolation and has detachable cables, but costs more than double that of the Final Audio E3000.

I wouldn’t recommend the TFZ No. 3 over the Final Audio E3000 unless you are a diehard basshead and listen to mostly bass forward music.

Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 ($69 USD)

CAVEAT: The following comparison is only assuming one gets a true beryllium driver Urbanfun with a working MMCX connector (and this is a BIG if). The Urbanfun has slightly better timbre and isolation. Imaging and soundstage are better in the Final Audio E3000. Details and clarity are slightly better on the Urbanfun. Subbass extends deeper and is of greater quantity on the Urbanfun with the beryllium driver providing fast transients and a more textured bass than the Final Audio E3000.

Mid and vocal lovers best take the Final Audio E3000 over the Urbanfun though, as the lower mids are a bit too recessed in the Urbafun. Those that want a more bassy and “fun” sounding set can opt for the Urbanfun.

There are many reports of bad QC in the MMCX connectors and driver doubt in the Urbanfun, even in newer stock, so between a wonky detachable MMCX connector (in the Urbanfun) and a noodle thin non detachable cable (in the Final Audio E3000), I’ll take the latter any day.

iBasso IT00 ($69 USD)

The iBasso IT00 has a mild U shaped tuning, and it isn’t as laid back sounding, with a better extension at both ends (treble/bass) than the Final Audio E3000. iBasso IT00’s bass is faster, of larger quantity at the subbass, and there is more accurate and textured bass on the iBasso IT00. Both sets are non fatiguing, but the IT00 has better clarity and details. Soundstage and imaging is better on the Final Audio E3000. The iBasso IT00 has detachable cables, but suffers from quite bad driver flex, which is not present in the Final Audio E3000. Accessories are more generous on the IT00, and the IT00 has better isolation too.

HZSound Heart Mirror ($44 USD)

The Heart Mirror is tuned neutralish bright, with thinner note weight, but the Heart Mirror has better timbre for acoustic instruments and vocals. The bass is much more anemic on the Heart Mirror, though the bass is faster. The Heart Mirror has its upper mids boosted, so female vocals are more forward compared to the Final Audio E3000, and it can occasionally get hot in this area with louder volumes. The Heart Mirror has better isolation and treble extension and has detachable cables. Soundstage is more compressed on the Heart Mirror.

Both sets scale better with amping, the Final E3000 more so. The Heart Mirror has much faster transients than the Final Audio E3000 and has better details and clarity also.

They are tuned very differently, but can be seen as complimentary sets for the different sound signatures they bring to the table.

Final Audio E-series Earphones Roundup

Check out the other models of Final Audio’s E-Series.

CONCLUSIONS

The Final Audio E3000 is a good example of old is gold. Newer is not always better, and I’m honestly getting fatigued by some budget CHIFI releasing almost weekly sidegrades/marginal upgrades. Or worse still, they treat us consumers as guinea pigs (e.g. when a “Pro” version comes out a few weeks after the first model was released, or even a Pro version of the Pro version LOL? Cough Cough NiceHCK NX7). It kinda feels sometimes like some of these CHIFI companies are throwing stuff on a wall and hoping something finally sticks, and/or using us as beta testers.

Sorry, rant over, back to the review. Anyways, a very good gauge of whether an IEM is stellar, is when after the initial hype has died, there are still folks recommending it on audio forums and using it 2 – 3 years after it was released. The Final Audio E3000, though not a CHIFI, seems to have stood the test of time as such.

The Final Audio E3000 sports a warm mild V shaped non fatiguing tuning, and while the tonality is coloured, it brings to the sub $50 table an excellent soundstage, imaging and instrument separation. Mids are sublime. It requires amping to shine though, and the bass may be too slow and nebulous for some. Of note, the noodle thin non detachable cable may be a deal breaker for some, but if one can look past the cable issue and the slow bass, I can see this being an end game budget DD set for many, other than trebleheads or those wanting a little more energy in their music. Maybe said trebleheads can try exploring with different tips, as the stock Final Audio E black tips may tame the treble too much.

If the audio world’s Santa is watching, my Christmas wish is if Final Audio can release a E3000 version with detachable cables with a slightly tighter bass for about $20 more, it would be a day one purchase for me, and I promise it will be the FINAL (cough cough) single DD set I ever get. ~~(I typed the last part under duress from my wife).~~

MY VERDICT

You find an INDEX of all our earphone reviews HERE.

DISCLAIMER

I bought the Final Audio E3000 at a secondhand shop at my own expense, for $29 USD. It can be gotten around $40 – 50 USD usually from physical or online shops.

You find an INDEX of our most relevant technical articles HERE.

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Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 Review – Urban Legends: Life Is Like A Box Of Urbanfuns

Baskingshark (Singapore) — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 18:05:49 +0000

Pros

Comfortable and well fitting.
Good details and instrument separation for a single DD set.
Great soundstage at price point.
Accurate instrumental timbre.
Quality bass with good transients and nice texturing in bass.
Easily drivable.

Cons:

MMCX QC issues and doubt in driver type (and hence tuning) exists even today.
Depressed lower mids, distant male vocals sometimes.
Slightly below average isolation.
Sellers greedily went to price gouge and jack up the price from $39 USD to $60+ USD after it was hyped to the moon.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

“My Mom Always Said Life Was Like A Box Of Urbanfuns. You Never Know What You’re Gonna Get.” Statement courtesy of Headfier lgcubana and Forrest Gump.

This above statement is a microcosm of the MMCX QC issues and driver doubts that plague the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 even till today. The Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 sports a V shaped tuning with good transients, nice soundstage and great technicalities for a single DD set, coupled with authentic timbre and good bass texturing and extension. It is a big pity that QC problems overshadow, distract and detract from the otherwise good sound of the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014. The Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 is indeed urbane and fun, and the hype is justfied IF (and this is a big IF) a working legit beryllium driver set is obtained.

SPECIFICATIONS

Driver Type: Purportedly 10 mm beryllium plated single dynamic driver. Some have unfortunately gotten a “noble metal” driver which has different tuning.
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 40 kHz
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 107 dB/mW
Cable type: MMCX
Available at $60ish USD

DECODING THE URBAN LEGEND: MMCX QC AND IGNOBLE “NOBLE METAL” DRIVER CONTROVERSY?

Forgive me for meandering, but before we go on to the review proper, I would like to tell an urban legend (no pun intended) about the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014’s MMCX QC issues and ignoble “noble metal” driver controversy. Feel free to skip this, but I feel it is only fair to describe this in more detail, so that potential buyers go in with their eyes open. As we know, budget CHIFI is not a paragon for robust QC, but the MMCX QC issues and driver controversy of the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 takes this to a new and almost laughable level, such that I have to dedicate one whole section for this.

The Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 was originally retailing at $39 USD when it first launched, but after it was hyped to the moon, the sellers are now selling it at $60 – 69 USD. Well willing buyer, willing seller. Supposedly this price gouge was to “guarantee” that the MMCX and driver issues are fixed, but as of the time of this writing, I still see numerous reports on audio forums of faulty MMCX connectors even with recent purchases (which come in a white box).

MMCX problems aside, there is also a possibility of receiving a “noble metal” driver instead of a beryllium driver when purchasing the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014. Some platforms like Taobao do let you select which driver version to buy, but other places like Aliexpress/Amazon do not. Well you can ask the Aliexpress sellers whether they are selling a beryllium version with good MMCX connectors, but all salesmen will tell you what you want to hear and you can be none the wiser. To be fair, maybe the sellers themselves also are none the wiser on what driver type is supplied by their suppliers. So it is really playing Russian roulette to see which driver type comes in the mail from said platforms.

There have been some fellow audio enthusiasts in the audio forums who own both a “noble metal” and beryllium driver Urbanfun YBF-ISS014, and they say the tuning is different (credit to Slater and chickenmoon from Headfi). According to guru Slater (credit to him), who has both driver types, the beryllium version has deeper subbass and more treble extension, so basically he finds it more dynamic. Slater finds the “noble metal” version more balanced, like a shallow V shape with less extended subbass and treble. The “noble metal” driver is apparently an aluminum-magnesium alloy, which isn’t that noble after all if it changes the tuning. I’ve also read quite differing review opinions about this set too. Could that be explained to some extent by the different driver types received by reviewers?

So comes the million dollar question: how does one tell if their Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 is a “noble metal” or beryllium driver? Well credit once again to Slater, who writes this on headfi:

“The only way to tell is to remove the nozzle mesh and shine a light onto the driver inside the shell. There is a very small hole in the center of the metal cover over the driver, and you can see the center dome of the diaphragm.

Using a powerful magnifying glass, you should be able to tell what type the driver is.

If it is highly reflective, like a chrome mirror finish, then it is the beryllium driver. If it is dull greyish/silver metal, and does NOT have a mirror finish, then it is the noble metal version.”

My Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 was bought second hand, features a black box with a monkey logo and has a pink cable, so it is one of the older batches (unlike newer batches that come with a white box +/- grey cable). I’m not as hands on as Slater, so I didn’t dare to force open the nozzle mesh and hence can’t confirm 100% if it is a “noble metal” or beryllium driver. But I think based on the sound description (see below), it seems to tie up with some others that my set is V shaped with good subbass extension and texturing, so it probably is the beryllium version.

In fact, due to the doubt of driver type, and these MMCX problems, I decided to buy my Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 second hand from a local shop, so that I could test the MMCX and the sound before purchase. So regarding the urban legend of the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 QC issues, I experienced it firsthand: my set had some MMCX issues on the left earpiece, but the seller was flogging it second hand at a relatively cheap $29 USD. There’s an old adage: “you pay peanuts, you get monkeys”. I almost laughed in the shop seeing the black box with a monkey logo laughing back at me. Well after listening to the set, I thought the sound was actually very good, the basshead in me liked the subbass texturing, so at that price, I felt that’s an acceptable risk to stomach, I’ll just leave a cable on the MMCX connector permanently. However, if I bought it at the current full price of $69 USD price and found a wonky MMCX, I would have been pissed for sure.

Other than testing it prior to purchase, you can consider buying the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 from a platform/local shop with a robust returns policy, eg Amazon, as there’s a chance of getting a lemon. If you are gonna buy it from Aliexpress or somewhere else without a good customer support/returns policy, don’t blame us if you get a lemon or ignoble “noble metal” driver, Caveat emptor!

I know some budget CHIFI companies skimp on QC to save costs, but this is a real case of penny wise, pound foolish. Other than myself, there are multiple reports of MMCX QC problems in the audio forums, that are reported even in newer batches of the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 which came with a white box. Some had no sound from one side of the IEM on arrival, some had their MMCX breaking after a few cable changes, some had their sets die after a few weeks of use. So much so the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 is now famous (or rather infamous) for their poor QC. In fact I held off on buying the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 for months cause of this, and perhaps others will be facing the same dilemma. I do hope Urbanfun can get their act together and do a thorough review of their QC/driver issues and ensure that every set comes with a working MMCX and beryllium driver. The small amount of effort, time and costs put into good QC will in the long run provide better sales and reputation for the company. There’ readily available solutions like finding a different factory/supplier for your MMCX connectors, spending a bit more on higher quality MMCX connectors, or even using a 2 pin connector etc. There is a already a good product lying underneath here, just that it is tarnished with the QC/driver doubt brush.

Anyways, thanks for reading the background urban legend behind the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014, let’s get to the meat of the review now.

ACCESSORIES

In addition to the IEM, it comes with:

1) Silicone tips and foam tips of various sizes.

2) Stock cable -> pretty well braided, minimal microphonics. Mine is pink, and of the older batch; I see newer batches arrive in a grey cable.

3) Semi rigid zipper case.

4) Small metal case for foam tips.

The Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 is quite well accessorized, everything is useable out of the box, no need to mess around with aftermarket tips/cables.

BUILD/COMFORT

The Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 is made of metal, the shape of which is rather reminiscent of the BLON BL-03, but the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014’s fit is much much better due to the longer nozzle compared to the BLON BL-03. It is very comfortable and ergonomic, I can use it for hours with no issues.

No driver flex was detected on my set.

For my set, the left side MMCX housing was a wee bit wonky as stated above, as it had difficulty connecting an MMCX cable until after multiple attempts. I think the housing side was a bit loose, but after some difficulty, I managed to pair a cable on it and I intend to leave it there till kingdom come. Hence, I strongly suggest you stick one MMCX cable on the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 and DO NOT change the cable unnecessarily (if at all). That’s my general rule for MMCX type IEMs, but it will be respected 100% for sure on the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014. In fact, I have even seen other users using micropore and other tapes to attach the cable onto the MMCX connector permanently.

ISOLATION

Having brought the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 for a spin on the subway, I find its isolation is slightly below average. Like other vented single DD type sets, it generally loses to multi BA unvented gear in the isolation department. The good thing is the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 has boosted bass, so this tends to counteract the bass losses in a noisy environment, like during transit, but it still wouldn’t be my first choice for a commuting IEM due to the lack of isolation.

DRIVABILITY

I tested the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 with a Shanling Q1 DAP, Ziku HD X9 DAP, Samsung Note 5, Tempotec Sonata HD Pro, Sabre HIFI DAC (ESS ES9280C PRO) and a Khadas Tone Board -> Fiio A3 Amp. The Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 is pretty drivable from lower powered sources, with only slight scaling of soundstage and technical performance with amping, so amping is not truly needed.

The Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 lies on the warmer side tuning wise, so I find that pairing it with a warmer source may make things overly muddy. As such, I preferred neutral or more analytical sources with it.

SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

The Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 sports a warm V shaped tuning, with hefty bass and boosted upper mids.

Beryllium drivers are purportedly marketed for giving fast transients and taking well to EQ and indeed, the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 has good transients and control in the bass especially, and doesn’t distort even with robust EQ.

The Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 has one of the better technical performances for a sub $100 single DD set, with good details and instrument separation, though some multi BA/hybrid type gear may have better technicalities at this price point. Imaging on the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 is above average but nothing to write home about. Soundstage is wide and tall for the price, though depth of soundstage is about average. Music sounds spacious yet natural with the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014.

Timbre is authentic and excellent for acoustic instruments, with notes being precise, yet with good note weight.

Bass:

The Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 has great subbass extension, with bass just a level shy of basshead jawrattling levels, depending on the track. Subbass seems more elevated than midbass for me, with midbass being punchy with only mild midbass bleed. Forgive me for the pun, but a legit beryllium driver Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 with great subbass can really live up to the name “suburban”, the basshead in me totally approves this. The subbass amounts of course depend on getting a good eartip seal, as bass is usually the first to be lost in a bad seal. But I think those that are bass averse or prefer a neutralish bass may need to look elsewhere. One also can potentially decrease the bass amounts by using a wider bore silicone tip instead of the stock ones.

Despite the copious bass quantities, the beryllium driver has some sort of sorcery that gives the bass good control with excellent texturing, remaining clean with tight transients. The bass doesn’t encroach much into vocals or the mids, and there’s good bass timbre also.

Mids:

Lower mids are more recessed than upper mids on the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014, though the balance between the 2 is quite well done. I did find rarely, that there was a slight glare in the upper mids, for example with brass instruments when the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 was played at higher volumes (Fletcher Munson curve). But by and large at moderate and low volumes, I thought the upper mids were tame and inoffensive compared to some budget CHIFI offenders. The lower mids reccession loses a bit of points for me though and midlovers might need to look elsewhere, as male vocals sounded a bit distant.

Timbre for acoustic instruments is excellent along the mid frequencies, with instruments sounding quite natural to my ears, other than the aforementioned lower mids recession.

Treble:

Upper treble extension for the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 is not the best, this is not a treblehead set, but it is not fatiguing and not sibilant and is a safe treble for our treble sensitive brethen. Nevertheless, details and clarity are above average, but won’t beat some brighter multi BA/hybrid sets in the treble clarity, details and treble extension.

COMPARISONS

You find some of the earphones mentioned below reviewed HERE.

I decided to compare the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 with some other hyped single DD sets. Multi BA/hybrid sets have their own pros and cons compared to single DD sets, so it would be comparing apples and oranges as such and they were left out of this comparison.

1) iBasso IT00 ($69 USD)

The iBasso IT00 is more U shaped in tuning, compared to the V shaped Urbanfun YBF-ISS014. Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 has more boosted upper mids, but more depressed lower mids. Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 has better bass texturing and bass rumble and the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 is more basshead in quantity. iBasso IT00 has better extension at the treble, with more airiness.

Technicalities wise they are close, with both being good for a single DD set, but they both won’t beat some multi BA/hybrid sets in the similar price bracket in technicalities. The Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 edges out the IT00 in timbre and soundstage, whereas the IT00 has slightly better clarity and instrument separation. Imaging is about on par. Tonally, I prefer the IT00 for the less depressed lower mids and airier treble.

Isolation is also better on the IT00, and coupled with the more balanced tuning, I do pick the IT00 for daily use and transit use more often than the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014. But when I need my basshead kick or listen to bass forward music genres, eg EDM, then the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 is selected, so they are complimentary sets in a way.

2) BLON BL-03 ($25 USD) (but it probably costs closer to $40 – 50 with aftermarket tips/cables in view of the atrocious stock fit)

The BLON BL-03 at higher volumes has shoutier upper mids. Bass quantities are similar, but the bass of the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 is of better quality and speed and texturing, with the BLON BL-03 having a slower, boomier bass that can’t keep up with fast or complex bass tracks. The Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 also extends better for me in the subbass and has better technicalities in all other departments compared to the BLON BL-03. Timbre between the 2 sets is excellent and about on par.

Fit and accessories are way better on the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014, with the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 having a longer nozzle that doesn’t necessitate messing around with spacer mods, longer nozzle eartips or aftermarket cables. The BLON BL-03 has slightly worse isolation, though both are poor in the isolation department as a whole.

3) TFZ NO. 3 ($109 USD)

The TFZ No. 3 is more V shaped and is shoutier in the upper mids with louder volumes. The No. 3 is a bona fide basshead IEM and has more bass quantity and extension than the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014, but the No. 3’s bass is pretty bloated and uncontrolled when compared to the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014’s faster and tighter bass. TFZ No.3’s bass isn’t particularly textured or accurate either.

TFZ No. 3 has a much poorer instrument timbre with a more claustrophobic soundstage, with notes sounding quite compressed in the TFZ No. 3. Other areas of technical performance are also better on the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014. TFZ No. 3 perhaps has better isolation, and may also be an option for those wanting jawrattling bass in view of the massive bass amounts, though the bass isn’t the best in quality as discussed above. Other than QC issues, I don’t see (or rather hear) any other areas where the TFZ No. 3 is better than the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014, despite the former’s higher price tag.

4) Final Audio E3000 ($50 USD)

The Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 is more V shaped than the Final Audio E3000, with better extension on both ends. Bass is better textured, speedier and more tight on the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014. Final E3000 is more midbass focused, and I found the subbass a bit lacking personally. Lower mids are less recessed on the Final Audio E3000, with better timbre and a more natural tonality on the Final Audio E3000. Upper mids are smooth and non fatiguing on the Final Audio E3000, in contrast to the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 which can get a tad hot in the upper mids with louder volumes on rare occasions. Vocals were definitely better balanced on the Final Audio E3000 due to the less recessed lower mids.

The Final Audio E3000 has better soundstage, though at the expense of poorer isolation. Technicalities wise, I thought that instrument separation and imaging were better on the Final Audio E3000 too.

Build wise, other than the possibility of a wonky MMCX on the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014, I still preferred the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 to the noodle thin non detachable microphonic cable of the Final Audio E3000, which may be a point of failure down the line. I think some wear the Final Audio E3000 over the ears to eliminate the cable noise, though I had a few stares when I tried that in public previously, and the isolation doesn’t cut it for transit use for me, YMMV.

The Final Audio E3000 is quite a power hungry little beast, despite the specs on paper, and amping definitely allows it to scale a lot, in contrast to the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014, which is quite drivable even from humble smartphones.

Overall the 2 sets are pretty different, but i preferred the Final Audio E3000 cause of its tonality, timbre, mids and soundstage compared to the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014. The Final Audio E3000 still manages to stand the test of time and is quite an underrated gem in the sea of new hypetrains, only thing is the crappy non detachable microphonic cable and lack of isolation preclude me from using it more for outdoors and transit.

CONCLUSIONS

So, is this an urbane and fun set? Well, only if you get a legit working beryllium driver Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 with working MMCX connectors. The Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 sports a V shaped tuning with good transients, nice soundstage and great technicalities for a single DD set, coupled with authentic timbre and great bass texturing and extension. It should actually be one of the top sub $100 single DD sets, but……..

“My Mom Always Said Life Was Like A Box Of Urbanfuns. You Never Know What You’re Gonna Get.”

We come back to this statement about the QC issues and driver doubts surrounding the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014, which sadly distract and detract from an otherwise good sound of a legit beryllium driver Urbanfun YBF-ISS014. As such, I cannot universally recommend this set, or can only recommend it with major reservations. I strongly suggest to only buy the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 from a place with a good returns policy/customer support, eg Amazon, or buy it from a second hand shop in my case, where you can test the MMCX and sound prior to purchase (or no purchase). If you feel lucky and wanna play Russian roulette and get it from Aliexpress and other places without a solid returns policy/warranty, then by all means, but don’t blame us if a wonky MMCX or ignoble “noble metal” driver set comes in the mail! Caveat emptor!

Based on sound alone, I would have rated the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 very high, even in my top 5 sub $100 single DD sets, it is truly a basshead set that warms my basshead heart (no pun intended). It is with great pity that I have to deduct points from it and knock it down from a highly recommended set to a meh recommendation, due to the QC problems and driver doubts, not to mention the price gouge stunt the mercenary sellers pulled after it received massive hype. I’d be happy to change my review and rating if Urbanfun can show that it can consistently churn out future Urbanfun YBF-ISS014s with a good track record of working MMCX connectors and being 100% legit beryllium drivers. As it is, the QC issues and driver doubt will be an albatross around the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014’s neck for the foreseeable future, and it will be held back from the pantheon of great budget CHIFI over very correctable and preventable issues.

TEST TRACKS

1) Forrest Gump OST – Life Is Like A Box Of ~~Chocolates~~ Urbanfuns

2) Doris Day – Que Sera Sera —> I really liked the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 at 01:14, it really showcases the timbre of the voices when Doris Day sings the following heavenly lyrics:

“When I was just a little girl,
I asked my mother what will it be?
Will it be “noble”?
Will MMCX by wonky?
Here’s what she said to me:
Que Sera Sera,
Whatever will be will be,
The future’s not ours to see,
Best buy it with a good warranty!
Que Sera Sera”

3) Van Halen – Loss of ~~Quality~~ Control

4) The Beach Boys – Noble Metal Surfer

5) Lenny Kravitz – Mr. ~~Cab~~ Noble Driver

MY VERDICT

Please only buy the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 from a place where there is a robust returns/warranty policy, or where you can test it prior to purchase, in view of the possibility of MMCX QC issues or doubt in driver type!!!

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DISCLAIMER

I bought the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 at $29 USD at my own expense from a local second hand shop.