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Tag Archives: In-Ear Monitor

View from the Top: Cesar Milano, Founder/CEO, Clear Tune Monitors

Cesar Milano, founder/CEO, Clear Tune Monitors
Cesar Milano, founder/CEO, Clear Tune Monitors.

Orlando, FL (May 10, 2023)—At the flip of the millennium, in-ear screens had been nonetheless an rising idea within the pro-audio world, however inside a decade, that they had turn out to be a extensively accepted a part of dwell sound. One factor hadn’t modified, nonetheless—most high quality IEMs had been nonetheless prohibitively costly. Sensing a possibility, Cesar Milano, founder and CEO of Clear Tune Monitors, created his firm in 2010 with a plan to deliver ear screens not solely to a distinct a part of {the marketplace}, but in addition a distinct a part of the world.

“I used to be a sound engineer and drummer in Venezuela,” mentioned Milano, “and I moved to the States searching for in-ear screens that will carry out at a excessive stage, however nothing happy my want. Everything was both low worth and low high quality, or priced so excessive that it was unaffordable. CTM rose from that objective that I had of pursuing the most effective sound high quality and affordability.”

While Milano based the corporate in Orlando, Fla., he instantly turned his eye again house to determine CTM’s person base; it was a technique that paid off. “CTM is in a singular place within the trade; whereas many producers eye the Latin American market as an enormous potential space of enterprise, we view it as our roots,” he defined. Clear Tune Monitors shortly grew to become the model of alternative for numerous Latin music artists, and at present, the model counts Bad Bunny, Anuel, Prince Royce, Maná, Victor Manuel and Arcangel amongst its followers. “Rolling Stone journal just lately showcased 4 ladies Reaggaton artists, three of whom are utilizing Clear Tune Monitors,” Milano added. “The incontrovertible fact that these artists, in addition to others, are headlining large festivals and are being talked about within the media speaks to the dimensions and affect of this market—and we’ve been with them from the beginning.”

View from The Top: Audiomovers on the Move

Growing in recognition in Latin America led to the same surge of curiosity amongst U.S. Latin artists, and now CTM is increasing into different IEM markets, broadening its base of help. “Our enterprise inside the home of worship and ministry markets has grown, as has our work with dwell productions within the theme park trade,” he famous.

A giant a part of Milano’s strategy to enterprise has at all times been accessibility, whether or not meaning making the expertise extra accessible to artists again in Latin America or making certain that he and his crew can be found to finish customers to reply questions and requests. Underlining that openness, the corporate’s headquarters and lab in Orlando can also be a brick-and-mortar retailer the place clients can are available and check every product, play devices to see how they really feel and sound whereas shifting round, and extra. That hands-on, face-to-face strategy isn’t in place as a gross sales tactic; it’s merely a part of CTM’s tradition.

“Clear Tune Monitors is a close-knit firm,” he mentioned. “We are an organization of musicians which have a ardour for working with different artists within the trade. We are simple to achieve and personable, which we imagine makes us distinctive. We additionally take our area people and its wants very significantly.”

While Milano has constructed CTM right into a model with high-profile shoppers and a wide range of markets, there may be nonetheless much more that he needs to perform. The firm already has an intensive supplier and worldwide distributor community, and the model has undertaken a mid- to long-term development initiative that’s dually centered on growing Clear Tune Monitors’ retail presence and broadening its international distribution.

Clear Tune Monitors CE220 IEMs Unveiled

New merchandise at all times elevate curiosity in a model, and the IEM firm has numerous these on faucet, together with common match merchandise such because the CE220, aimed toward first-time consumers in addition to homeowners of customized IEMs searching for a cheap backup. Meanwhile, trying to develop its presence elsewhere within the shopper market, CTM has additionally debuted its new ORUN1 and a couple of wi-fi bone conduction headsets, aimed toward out of doors sports activities fanatics.

While rising a enterprise and creating new merchandise is at all times a severe endeavor, Milano maintains not solely that open-door coverage, however an open thoughts as properly—which may generally result in unexpectedly enjoyable outcomes. He defined: “In phrases of recent product growth, we’re at all times in that mode and work with many artist manufacturing groups to additional new concepts and assist them with their wants. Last 12 months, I used to be requested to suit our in-ear drivers into conch shells for an artist’s publicity division. What started as ‘Cesar, are you able to do just a few of those?’ was ‘We love them—are you able to make 100 of them?’ Of course, I agreed!”

Clear Tune Monitors CE220 IEMs Unveiled

Clear Tune Monitors CE220 IEMs
Clear Tune Monitors CE220 IEMs

Orlando, FL (April 10, 2023)—In-ear monitor producer Clear Tune Monitors has launched the brand new CE220 to its product line.

The newest mannequin within the firm’s ongoing CE Series, the CE220 makes use of twin balanced armatures that present audio at a value level aimed toward each first-time consumers in addition to house owners of {custom} IEMs who’re on the lookout for an economical backup.

The CE220’s element design is supported by CTM’s Wave Integrating Sonic Element (W.I.S.E.) know-how which goals to supply an immersive and constant reference audio expertise for customers. The ergonomic, custom-like shell form design of the CE220’s monitor— primarily based on information gathered from greater than 20,000 ear impressions that CTM engineers have labored with within the final 10 years—is meant to supply wearers with stability, consolation, and -26 dB of isolation.

Clear Tune Monitors CE110 Entry-Level IEMs Ship

The CE220 is obtainable with both a transparent or smoke shell housing and comes with a typical .78 mm 2-pin strengthened cable. The black silver-plated copper cable options an angled connector designed to remove irritation on the ear.

The CE220 retails at $249.00 US. Meanwhile, seeking to increase its presence elsewhere within the client market, CTM has additionally not too long ago debuted its new ORUN1 and a pair of wi-fi bone conduction headsets, aimed toward out of doors sports activities fans.

Meze Audio RAI Solo in-ear monitors

It’s very nearly a decade since Antonio Meze founded Meze Audio in Baia Mare, Romania – and it’s safe to say that his company has prioritised quality over quantity ever since.

Just have a look at the model line-up on the company’s website and you’ll see what I mean. Meze Audio’s entire product range runs to two variations on its Model 99 over-ear headphones (the ‘Classics’ and the ‘Neo’), a properly expensive (€3k) planar magnetic ‘Empyrean’ over-ear design, and the RAI Penta five-driver in-ear monitors that Mr Editor Sircom enthused about so fulsomely in issue #181.

And now there’s a fifth Meze Audio model: the RAI Solo. At roughly a quarter of the price of the RAI Penta, the RAI Solo is the in-ear monitor with which Meze Audio intends to engage with the mainstream.

Of course, one man’s ‘mainstream’ is another’s ‘disturbingly esoteric’ – and it’s safe to say the RAI Solo may not be the in-ear monitor the mainstream (which, let’s face it, is a fairly disparate group of people at the best of times) thinks it’s waiting for. It’s not wireless, it doesn’t have any active noise-cancellation, and there’s no sign of a control app. It rather looks like the mainstream is going to have to come to Meze Audio, rather than the other way around, after all.

RAI Solo may have been designed to sell at a price that can reasonably confidently be described as ‘mainstream’, but that doesn’t mean Meze Audio has sacrificed any of its increasingly obvious principles. RAI Solo is a combination of some pleasantly original thinking and the sort of rigorous engineering with which Meze Audio is becoming synonymous.

The housing of RAI Solo is a two-piece injection moulded stainless steel arrangement. It’s durable, extremely low-resonance, lends itself happily to mass production and – let’s not be coy – looks pretty good in its raw, brushed state. Meze Audio has achieved an agreeably anatomic fit with the RAI Solo – so while they’re far from the most lightweight earbuds around, they prove easy to wear for hours on end. In combination with the generous selection of eartip options Meze Audio provides, the RAI Solo are among the most comfortable in-ear monitors around.

Each earbud is joined to a 1.3m silver-plated cable using micro-miniature coaxial connectors. The RAI Solo are supplied with a cable terminating in a rhodium-plated 3.5mm jack, but the cable’s detachable nature means a switch to cable terminating in either a rhodium-plated 2.5mm jack or a gold-plated 4.4mm jack is possible. It’ll cost you, mind. The cable itself is ‘tangle-resistant’ – and if ever there was a piece of overtly disingenuous marketing-speak, ‘tangle-resistant’ might well be it.

The post Meze Audio RAI Solo in-ear monitors appeared first on Hi-Fi+.

64 Audio Duo: Innovation, Elevation – An In-Ear Monitor Review

DISCLAIMER: 64 Audio loaned me the Duo in return for my honest opinion. I will send the unit back following the review. I am not personally affiliated with the company in any way, nor do I receive any monetary rewards for a positive evaluation. I’d like to 64 Audio for their kindness and support. The review is as follows.

There are few in the industry with as big a name and as big a repertoire as 64 Audio. Whether it’s customs or universals, for casual listeners or pro musicians, there isn’t a gap their current line can’t fill. We’ve covered the flagships in the A18s and Fourté Noir, as well as their more accessible A6t. Today, we’re taking a look at the company’s latest and, potentially, best bang-for-buck offering to date. Armed with their signature tia tech, along with newcomers like apex Core and Wave Sync, the 64 Audio Duo is the kilobuck segment’s newest name with a balanced, versatile and faultlessly smooth tonality.

64 Audio Duo

  • Driver count: One balanced-armature driver and one dynamic driver
  • Impedance: 9Ω
  • Sensitivity: 98dB/mW (98dB @ 1kHz @ 1mW (95mV)
  • Key feature(s) (if any): tia high driver, apex Core pressure-relief system, Wave Sync  
  • Available form factor(s): Universal aluminium IEMs
  • Price: $1`199
  • Website: www.64audio.com

Packaging and Accessories

The Duo arrives packaged just like all of 64 Audio’s other universal in-ears. Its outermost sleeve is adorned front-to-back with images of the in-ear and 64 Audio branding; all in superb resolution, and with a clever touch of gloss on the former as well. Then, they’ve also eschewed the blocks of text you’d typically find on the back of that sleeve, in favour of a clean, exploded view of the Duo and all the tech they’ve packed inside it. It’s a much cleaner, sleeker look, so kudos to 64 there.

Inside this sleeve is a similarly matte-black box with more, small hits of gloss, which then folds open via a magnetic latch to reveal its contents. On its left side is a customary message from founder and chief sound designer Vitaliy Belonozhko. And, on the right are the IEMs themselves (embedded in foam), along with 64’s recently-released, premium leather case. Also on show is their new, silver-plated premium cable, which many have been asking for online. While it isn’t as flexible as some of the pricier upgrade cables out there, it’s a massive step-up regardless. And, it’s a great show of consideration towards this community too. It’s even engraved with 64’s logo; one of those ‘extra steps’ that I personally just appreciate.

The Duo’s leather case is a puck-style one, reminiscent of ones offered by Effect or FiR Audio. Though, I personally much prefer the tighter, slimmer shape of this one, as it’s much more portable; even for pro use. The leather they have used is soft and premium-feeling as well. It’s not as lavish as, say, Eletech’s offerings, but it’s superb for a more consumer-aimed product. Inside this case, you’ll find an array of tips held together by a web-like structure. I think it’s a really creative way of storing tips, and it works marvellously well. And, you’ll get a shirt clip, a wax cleaner and a 64 Audio sticker in here too.

Down below are the assortment of tips you’ll receive with the Duo:

3x TrueFidelity foam tips – small, medium, large
3x SpinFit silicone tips – small, medium, large
3x silicone tips – small, medium, large

All in all, accessories-wise, 64 have equipped the Duo well. As always, I personally would love to have seen a microfibre cloth – optionally, with some branding – to clean the monitors. A cable tie would’ve been a cool extra as well. But, those two omissions aside, it’s a very good showing from 64, with welcome additions like the leather case and the tip web too.

Ergonomics and Build

The Duo is shaped near-identically to 64 Audio’s other universals; a slim, upside-down teardrop that narrows down to a slightly-angled nozzle. The only immediate difference between it and, say, the Fourté Noir is a slightly thinner faceplate. Otherwise, it’s indistinguishable, which is great news to those already accustomed to 64’s universal silhouette. Like their previous UIEMs have, the Duo fits me really comfortably. It’s light in the ear and – thanks to the semi-open design – very breathable as well. As usual, though, I personally would’ve preferred a tad more content around the top and rear of the concha for a fuller fit. But, either way, the in-ear’s slim profile and its short nozzle should fit a wide variety of ears easily.

The Duo’s got the same aluminium build as 64’s other universals, and they’re flawlessly assembled as always; from 2-pin socket to nozzle. Perhaps, a touch more polish could’ve been spared for the vent hole at the bottom, but it’s clearly got it where it counts. Nearly the whole in-ear sports a matte, anodised finish, with the only exception being a gorgeous hit of chrome around the faceplate grille. It’s a clever touch of contrast that I think adds a ton of life to the look. All the colours from the black grille, the silver bezel and the midnight-blue shell all pair well too. Finally, I must commend 64’s precision engineering. From the tiny perforations on the grille, to all that engraved text on the back of the IEM, it truly is textbook.

My only criticism here would be, yet again, a lack of a lip on the nozzle to prevent ear tips from slipping off. It was a fairly common occurrence with the Noir. Though, to be fair, I’ve yet to have an ear tip stuck in my ear whilst using the Duo, so perhaps it isn’t as huge an issue here. Still, even as a precaution, I’d want to see this change on their next universal. That aside, I, again, adore the Duo’s look, and I’d love to see 64 play with more of these intricate, layered designs in the future.

tia

tia is one of 64 Audio’s signature innovations, which stands for Tubeless In-Ear Audio. Rather than using sound tubes and dampers as a medium of sound transfer, tia drivers instead radiate sound freely into the air. This is a more speaker-like philosophy, which they claim creates higher fidelity, a more expansive soundstage and a smoother frequency response. The Duo comes equipped with a tia tweeter, which sits at the very tip of the IEM’s nozzle, guarded by a mesh wax guard.

Image courtesy of 64 Audio

apex Core

apex is another crucial 64 innovation. What it aims to do is alleviate pressure built-up in the ear with a controlled leak on the in-ear’s faceplate. Typically, it’s done through small, swappable apex modules. But, the Duo implements a whole new type of apex called apex Core, which perforates the entire faceplate for its controlled leak. This is why it has a semi-open design with -12dB of isolation, compared to the -26dB of fully-sealed IEMs or the -15db and -20db of 64’s other monitors.

With that said, though, the Duo’s isolation shouldn’t be compared to that of an open headphone. It’ll still block out a fair amount of noise, and it won’t leak the music you’re listening to either. Again, it’s more of a semi-open design. So, you can still use the Duo under “normal” circumstances, and the tech adds tons to the in-ear’s sound, which we’ll talk about later.

Wave Sync

Wave Sync is something 64 are debuting for this Duo; a crossover and a phase corrector in one. To compensate for any time shifts a traditional crossover could bring, Wave Sync is a filter that distributes each driver their specified frequency load, and it gets them perfectly in line too, so phase cancellation doesn’t occur. This also means the in-ear’s two drivers don’t have to be physically distanced, which, I must assume, plays a major role in the Duo’s slim, ergonomic form factor.

The post 64 Audio Duo: Innovation, Elevation – An In-Ear Monitor Review first appeared on The Headphone List.

FiR Audio VxV – Like Water

DISCLAIMER: FiR Audio and Project Perfection provided me with the VxV in return for my honest opinion. I am not personally affiliated with these companies in any way, nor do I receive any monetary rewards for a positive evaluation. I’d like to thank FiR Audio and Project Perfection for their kindness and support. The review is as follows.

FiR Audio is a company based in the U.S., who – over just the past couple years – have rapidly gone from in-ear accessory vendor to producing some of the most high-end monitors in the industry today. We covered their M in-ears last year and found each to have its own niche. Though, what they all had in common were exceptional build quality, superb technical performance – the M4 and M5, especially – and FiR’s clear, nicely-balanced house sound. Unfortunately, they also shared asking prices exceeding $1000. But, that changes today. After a long, cheeky and creative marketing campaign, FiR Audio launched the VxV (or 5×5): A five-driver hybrid with all of FiR’s tech, a smooth, versatile, airy sound and an MSRP of $999.

FiR Audio VxV

  • Driver count: Four balanced-armature drivers and one dynamic driver
  • Impedance: 16Ω @ 1kHz
  • Sensitivity: N/A
  • Key feature(s) (if any): Direct Bore drivers, Tactile Bass technology, ATOM pressure release system
  • Available form factor(s): Universal aluminium IEMs
  • Price: $999
  • Website: www.firaudio.com

Packaging and Accessories

The VxV’s packaging is perhaps its least-inspiring aspect, to be honest. It’s an extremely minimalistic cardboard box with a VxV graphic printed on top. Lifting the lid open, its insides aren’t lined with foam either. So, it’s clear that the M line-up’s fantastic packaging wasn’t feasible or replicable at the VxV’s sub-$1000 price mark. Still, though, for an IEM that only just clears that line, it’d be nice to see a hair more finesse or pizzazz. Perhaps, the M series’ packaging, but on a smaller scale.

Inside the box, you’ll find the VxV and its accessories held in FiR Audio’s leather case; the same one that comes with their M3. And, beneath it, you’ll find a simple warranty card and three stickers featuring FiR’s lagomorphic mascot: Firry. While packaging stickers with earphones isn’t a novel idea, I do appreciate the effort Project Perfection went through to design the graphics, rather than just settling with the typical company logo or product name. There’s actual personality to these stickers, and it ties perfectly into the VxV’s marketing campaign as well; a cool, rewarding easter egg for fans of the brand.

The case is a well-made, black, leather case with an almost-skin-like texture to it. It’s finished with stitching all around the outside and FiR’s symbol engraved on top. I think it’s a nice accessory to offer at this price bracket. My one concern is the same one I expressed on my M series review, which is the lack of a locking mechanism. This case opens by simply pulling the lid off; holding purely by friction. It grips really securely at this moment, and I can’t get it to budge even after violently shaking it. Only time and use will tell whether that stays in the long-term. Otherwise, though, again, it’s very nicely-made.

Inside the case, you’ll find an identical layout to what was shown on my M line-up review. The bottom half is occupied by foam with cut-outs made to hold the VxV’s cleaning tool and its assortment of tips. This IEM’s tip selection are as follows:

3 x single-flange silicone tips – small, medium, large
1 x bi-flange silicone tips – large
1 x foam tips – large

As I said on the aforementioned review, I’m a huge fan of this system, as it allows you to carry all of these accessories at once. The foam prevents them from moving as well. And, unlike the M3, M4 and M5, the VxV doesn’t come pre-attached with another set of foam tips, so you won’t have the spacing or sizing problem I described on that review. Again, though, I must note the absence of a microfibre cloth and a cable tie (apart from a plain, factory twist tie) here. Even at an MSRP of $999, I’d want to find those extras present. But, ultimately, FiR have provided the basics, and in a clever layout as well.

Build and Wearing Comfort

Despite the price drop, I’m elated to see that FiR Audio and Project Perfection haven’t lessened this in-ear’s build quality one bit. Their VxV features the same aluminium chassis as the M3, M4 and M5; robust, dense, yet light at the same time. And, the same care has gone into the finishing as well. The entire shell sports a uniform, anodised finish, and it meets its faceplate with a flawless join. Again, like the M UIEMs, these shells are impeccably smooth from socket to nozzle, which, might I add, is ridged to keep tips in place too. It is this unibody look that makes FiR’s in-ears feel as premium as they do.

Aesthetically, the VxV has certainly taken on more of a prototypical look; not as refined or lavish-looking as the M3, M4 or M5. But, it’s more of an intentional design choice, because, again, the finishing on this in-ear is as top-class as ever. Both sides have been engraved with clever industrial details: The coordinates to FiR’s HQ on the left, and this VxV’s production specs on the right, including its driver config and which prototype iteration finally went to market. To my eyes, they were engraved with even better precision than the M IEMs. Then, you have the DuPont faceplates – again, prototypical in style – with gloss-black inlays and FiR and Firry logos in white. Of course, aesthetics are extremely subjective. Some may prefer a more refined, colourful look. But, again, it’s been done with cleanliness and precision, and this is all that matters to me.

Like the M in-ears before it, I find the VxV a very comfortable in-ear to wear. Again, FiR Audio and Project Perfection have come up with a very light, very compact design that sits almost-vanishingly in the ear. Its upside-down-teardrop shape’s a perfect match for my concha, and it’s remained secure whether I’m stationary, moving or head-banging wildly. If I could add anything, though, like the M in-ears, I wish there was a bit more of lip towards the top of the shell, so it can grip onto the concha more. But, that aside, FIR’s VxV have truly been sized and weighted to be a breeze to wear; very near flawless.

For its connection system, the VxV’s been equipped with MMCX connectors. As I explained on my M series coverage, this was a decision made based on consumer feedback. It’s a standard that’s easy to get cables for, which may not yet be the case for FiR’s very own RCX standard. Then, again, FiR and Project Perfection’s socket of choice ranks among the best I’ve used in balancing security and ease-of-swapping. Then, underneath the sockets, you’ll find two ports on the VxV: One for its ATOM module, and one for its dynamic driver. Lastly, we mustn’t forget the bore’s wax filter, which shields the in-ear’s internals. You don’t get spares with the VxV, though, so you’ll have to contact FiR to get them replaced if it’s ever needed.

The VxV also comes with an SPC cable called the Specimen 25. It sports a coaxial make-up, so you’ll have half the amount of wires you typically would with a stock cable. As a result, you’ll get a more compact, more lightweight product. And, the cable’s tiny Y-split complements that further. But, it’s not bereft of flair either; sporting a metallic finish and an engraved Firry logo. Its matching, ring-like chin slider comes with impressive grip as well. Then, lastly, that design is matched on its 2.5mm plug. I personally would’ve liked to see adapters included here, or even a swap system like DITA’s Awesome Plug. But, I guess it wasn’t feasible. Still, it’s a stellar cable that easily surpasses that of the M in-ears in quality and personality.

Direct Bore Drivers

As lots of you probably know, all of FiR’s in-ears have entirely tubeless driver arrays, which they claim results in the most natural reproduction of sound. It’s a concept most synonymous with Mr. Belonozhko’s previous company, 64 Audio, and one that he’s brought to his brand-new designs here. An interesting twist Bogdan’s introduced with FiR’s rendition of the tech is the use of a foam-like material packed inside the IEM shell to tune the tubeless drivers. It’s clearly not visible here on their metal-shelled universals, so you’ll have to look for one of their clear-shelled customs to see what that’ll look like.

Now, compared to the M series’ tubeless set-up, FiR have actually added another component to their VxV, and it’s called the Sound Reactor. It’s basically a 3D-printed enclosure that the low and mid drivers fire into, and it shapes their outputs acoustically. The fact that it’s 3D-printed also makes assembly easier and more consistent. Then, because of that Sound Reactor, FiR have also been able to place the VxV’s ATOM filter right beside the woofer. They claim a 30-40% increase in relieving extra pressure from the dynamic driver, which fans of pressure-relief technology will surely be pleased to hear.

Tactile Bass Technology

Tactile Bass is yet another spin on FiR’s tubeless-driver tech; this time applied to their VxV’s 6mm dynamic woofer. Unlike the M IEMs’ implementation of Tactile Bass, this diaphragm doesn’t radiate freely throughout the entire shell. Rather, it’ll fire into that Sound Reactor enclosure. But, it ultimately still outputs into a tubeless enclosure, so you should still hear a ton of the same benefits. Like the M in-ears, it’s tech that adds verve to the lows, which we’ll discuss in the Sound section.

ATOM Pressure-Release System

FiR’s ATOM pressure-relief system is something you may be familiar with if you’ve had any experience with ADEL or apex-equipped IEMs. Like those technologies, what ATOM does is absorb pressure built-up within the ear canal and vent it out to alleviate listening fatigue. FiR also claim their technology aids these in-ears sonically by delivering a wider soundstage. Now, the main difference between ATOM and ADEL or apex is the size of the module. FiR’s ATOM modules are a fraction of the size. And, they’re comprised of different relief methods too. Rather than ADEL’s membranes or apex‘s foam, ATOM utilises surgical-grade tubing to relieve pressure. That tubing’s sub-millimetre diameter is what lets ATOM be as compact as it is. This VxV comes with a module that delivers 20dB of isolation and – unlike those in FiR’s CIEMs – is not swappable.

The post FiR Audio VxV – Like Water first appeared on The Headphone List.

Vision Ears VE7: The Control Room – A Custom In-Ear Monitor Review

DISCLAIMER: Vision Ears provided me with the VE7 in return for my honest opinion. I am not personally affiliated with the company in any way, nor do I receive any monetary rewards for a positive evaluation. I’d like to thank Vision Ears for their kindness and support. The review is as follows.

Vision Ears is a name many in the industry associate with craftsmanship, precision and finesse, and that’s rightly so. The German brand have consistently produced monitors that look and feel as lavish as they sound, and it’s garnered them a great deal of praise throughout the community. We recently covered their 6-driver EVE20, which, among a sea of hybrid designs and alien driver tech, made the best of balanced armatures through sheer tuning. And, today, Vision Ears aim to repeat that feat with their new VE7: An all-BA, 7-driver IEM that shines solely through coherence, balance and technique.

Vision Ears VE7

  • Driver count: Seven balanced-armature drivers
  • Impedance: 12Ω @ 1kHz
  • Sensitivity: 116dB @ 1mW @ 1kHz
  • Key feature(s) (if any): N/A
  • Available form factor(s): Universal and custom acrylic IEMs
  • Price: €1850
  • Website: www.vision-ears.de

Packaging and Accessories

As far as unboxings go, the VE7’s is as classy and clean as always. Since I last reviewed one of their non-flagship customs, VE have actually updated the packaging to now include this black, cardboard enclosure. It does make the package look a lot more premium, especially with all its details throughout. The metallic VE print on top actually has a holographic effect to it, which glimmers green when hit with light. And, the glossy VE pattern on the side pops stunningly against the matte-black too, while remaining subtle and sleek all the while. As usual, packaging is one instant masterclass from Vision Ears.

The box opens via a magnetic latch, where you’ll continue to find tiny details like Handcrafted in Cologne and a drawing of the cityscape in gloss-black on the inside of the lid; again, gorgeous touches that’ll add to the unboxing. Moving onto the contents, you’ll see a signed, personalised greeting card from Vision Ears thanking you for your purchase. Then, beneath it is the VE7’s included case, as well as a bottle of VE’s cleaning solution. It’s all supported by plain cardboard. Foam likely would’ve looked and felt better for me here. But, in the end, it isn’t necessary, given the padding already inside that case.

This VE7’s metallic case is incredibly rigid, as it always is. And, it’s roomier than your usual puck cases are too, which will allow it to carry the accessories we’ll list later on. VE have actually omitted the metallic clasp and equipped this case with a magnetic sealing system instead. I think either will hold up perfectly well. The finishing on this case isn’t the cleanest in the world, though. The paint job isn’t flawless, and there are a couple glue marks here and there too. But, considering it’s a case that’s going to suffer lots of wear-and-tear anyway, they’re negligible flaws to me. Finally, while mine here is blank, you’re free to engrave whatever artwork you want on your case when you get your VE7. It’s what I did for my VE6XC, and you could even request complex graphics like comic book or manga spreads, which VE have previously done in the past.

The accessories inside the case include the following:

1x VE sticker
1x VE badge
1x 1/4” adapter
1x microfibre cloth
2x sets of desiccant
1x instruction manual
1x in-ear cleaning tool
1x leather carrying pouch

To me, this is about as complete as an accessory set can truly get. VE, as usual, go above-and-beyond for the extras, and they include tons here that a lot of brands should really learn from. I particularly appreciate how well-illustrated and in-depth the manual is, and I love the look and feel of this pouch too. The fact that it seals with a magnetic clasp is a bonus. All in all, VE aced packaging and accessories like they always have, and I’d love to see more efforts like this industry-wide.

Customisation, Build and Fit

Vision Ears make customisation a breeze with the their online configurator. It’s in the style of Custom Art or Empire Ears’ designers, which utilise 2D renders, rather than 3D models like JH Audio’s widget, or real-life photography like 64 Audio’s tool. But, it should nevertheless give you a very good representation if what your IEMs will eventually look like. And, they let you upload your own custom artwork onto their previews too. In terms of options, Vision Ears offer quite a selection:

16 transparent shells and faceplates
14 wood faceplates
15 sparkle faceplates
22 special faceplates (which include abalones, carbon fibres, pearls, etc.)
14 mirror faceplates
5 premium faceplates (which includes the VE7’s signature Fire Blaze design)

Beyond those options, you can then engrave your own artwork in an array of colours or add one of Vision Ears’ metallic logos, which come in 5 different shades as well. For my unit, Vision Ears applied this VE7’s signature design, which you’ll see on all the VE7’s universals. I personally love the look a ton. The contrasts between all the oranges, blues and greens are incredibly exciting, and the holography of the faceplate is striking too. To me, the one let-down here is the Fire Blaze faceplate comes at an extra €65-per-side for the custom VE7. It’s meant to be its signature faceplate, so I would’ve loved to see it offered as a free bonus. But, at the same time, it’s a material that likely isn’t cheap on VE’s part, so it is what it is.

The exact same moulds used to build my VE6XC and my ELYSIUM were used to build my VE7, so the fit on this CIEM is as superb as always. The canals on them are also trimmed slightly shorter, which feels more comfortable to me. Vision Ears tend to trim their customs a bit sleeker, so they aren’t as bulky as, say, 64 Audio or JH Audio’s CIEMs, which tend to press outward slightly. These more so just fill your ears, but they do so very smoothly, and very precisely too. In terms of build, Vision Ears, again, continue their flawless streak. The faceplates seal seamlessly, and everything from 2-pin connector to canal is machined just as precisely. Then, finally, lacquerwork on them is perfect too; not a rough edge or blotch in sight.

The post Vision Ears VE7: The Control Room – A Custom In-Ear Monitor Review first appeared on The Headphone List.

Satin Audio Athena: The Bold and The Brazen – An In-Ear Monitor Cable Review

DISCLAIMER: Satin Audio provided me with the 4-wire Athena and 8-wire Athena in return for my honest opinion. I am not personally affiliated with the company in any way, nor do I receive any monetary rewards for a positive evaluation. I’d like to thank Satin Audio for their kindness and support. The review is as follows.

Satin Audio is a Vietnamese cable brand, who I last saw with my reviews of the Griffin and Chimera; two of the strongest entry-level cables I’d heard yet. Since then, the company’s dived into rarer, more exotic materials for their pricier entries, and they’ve upped the quality on their hardware too. Ryan shows that off wonderfully on his review of the flagship Zeus. And, today I’ll be covering its partner in the Olympus line – the palladium-lined Athena in both 4-wire and 8-wire formats – to truly see just how far they’ve progressed in build quality, hardware, accessories and, most of all, sonic performance.

Satin Audio Athena

Wire composition: 26 AWG SP-OCC Type 4 Litz palladium-plated silver & silver
Default configuration: 4-wire
Key feature(s) (if any): Kevlar damping core, proprietary Satin Audio hardware and insulation
Price: $415 (4-wire), $799 (8-wire)
Website: www.satinaudio.com

Packaging and Accessories

Both their 4-wire and 8-wire Athena’s arrive in identical packaging, which, interestingly, adopts this hand-drawn, almost-tropical aesthetic. It’s not something I’d associate with Greek mythology, necessarily. But, at the end of the day, the print quality and materials used are all admirable, so I can’t genuinely complain. I particularly like how the specs sheet on the back has been framed and written-out. It’s an area lots of brands tend to neglect, so it’s good to see it shown some love here. And, I adore the corner cut-out with the gold Satin Audio logo peering through as well, as it adds excellent contrast.

Taking the outer sleeve off, you’ll get the full, black, cardboard box that your cables come in. And, lifting the lid off, you’ll find the Athena’s leather case and a box containing the included accessories, both embedded nicely in foam. Inside that accessories box, you’ll see three Satin Audio stickers, a warranty card with a year-long guarantee for all parts (aside from MMCX connectors), a leather cable tie with an engraved Satin Audio logo and a satin pouch, which also came with Satin’s Griffin and Chimera cables. I believe, along with that leather case, this is about as complete as a cable’s accessories pack should be. I’d love to see more brands follow this example, especially with the branded cable tie. So, kudos to Satin here.

The Athena’s included leather case is a puck-style one, which’s similar to the ones you’d find with Effect Audio’s cables or FiR Audio’s IEMs. It doesn’t quite have that feel or the torched edges of, say, the case that comes with Effect’s Leonidas II. But, this is an admirable effort from Satin Audio nonetheless and one that feels quality all around; from the slight rise on the lid, to the debossed Satin Audio logo, to the strong seal on the lid, to the uniform stitching all around the case as well.

Aesthetics, Ergonomics and Everyday Use

Both the 4-wire and 8-wire Athena’s feel like they were designed with comfort and usability prevalently in mind. You can see that in the conductors’ slightly thinner insulation and looser braid, and it shows in their hardware as well. There isn’t that cork-sized metal Y-split you’d find on an Effect Audio cable, nor is there the sizable pendant that Han Sound Audio’s cables tend to sport. Both the Y-splits and the 4.4mm plugs are short and slight, which, while not as visually-arresting as those other examples, make both Athena cables vanishingly light, especially with, again, its small, loosely-braided wires. And, lastly, both cables emit very little microphonics as well, so they earn near-full marks when it comes to practical use.

The thinner insulation helps the cables move and flow a bit freer too. I feel this helps get them out on the way, especially when you’re on the move. And, it helps prevent them from developing any long-term bends or winds too. They’re two of few cables in my arsenal that haven’t developed any micro-kinks at all. So, that should be a relief to those worried about long-term durability. They don’t have any pre-shaped heat shrink or memory wire either, which, again, boosts comfort to me. And, in terms of connector quality, they aren’t far off from the top-shelf stuff I’ve seen from Eidolic. Their pins firmly, yet easily slide in and out on the majority of IEMs I’ve tried them on, so this proprietary hardware is certainly up to snuff.

Aesthetically, the cables sport a slightly off-white hue. So, they aren’t the ultra-white silver conductors you’d find from an Effect Audio or PLUSSOUND. But, they glimmer brilliantly all the same, and the insulation beams that through effectively. My 4-wire Athena also sports Satin Audio’s new gunmetal hardware, which’ll come stock with every Athena from now on. I personally think it’s a big step-up from their original hardware, which you can see on my 8-wire Athena. Again, they are slighter and less imposing than those you’d find on their competitors. But, ultimately, it’s a great aid to comfort, and they look stylish and sleek all the same. They’re also subtly engraved with the Satin Audio logo in a darker shade, which I love.

The post Satin Audio Athena: The Bold and The Brazen – An In-Ear Monitor Cable Review first appeared on The Headphone List.

Custom Art FIBAE 7: The Fair Lady – A Custom In-Ear Monitor Review

DISCLAIMER: Custom Art provided me with the FIBAE 7 in return for my honest opinion. I am not personally affiliated with the company in any way, nor do I receive any monetary rewards for a positive evaluation. I’d like to thank Custom Art for their kindness and support. The review is as follows.

Custom Art is a Polish monitor maker unique for their upbringing in the online DIY community. Former monitor reviewer Piotr Granicki ventured into building in the early 2010s, eventually spawning a company renowned for their lush, musical sounds, their zany, off-the-wall designs and – last, but not least – their superb after sales service. Though home-brew was this company’s de facto brand earlier on, Piotr’s recent efforts in 3D-printing, custom-tuned drivers and FIBAE technology has undoubtedly elevated them a great deal. And, now, all that has culminated in their top-of-the-line in-ear: the FIBAE 7. Embodying the company ethos, the FIBAE 7 is the flagship for your buck; a shot at the top without the sky-high price tag.

Custom Art FIBAE 7

  • Driver count: Seven balanced-armature drivers
  • Impedance: 5.9Ω @1kHz (+-0.75Ω 10Hz-20kHz)
  • Sensitivity: 113dB @1kHz @0.1V
  • Key feature(s) (if any): FIBAE technology, top-firing drivers
  • Available form factor(s): Custom and universal acrylic in-ear monitors
  • Price: €1200
  • Website: www.thecustomart.com

Build and Accessories

The FIBAE 7 comes in Custom Art’s age-old packaging: A modest mini-shoebox with a familiar, yet practical accessory set. In it is Pelican’s heavy-duty 1010 case, a smaller zipper case, a cleaning tool and desiccant. Then, accompanying all that is the Hi leaflet, which is both a quick-start guide and a warranty card with your IEM’s serial number and manufacture date.

For all that mileage Piotr’s gained in technology, craftsmanship and sound, it’s frankly a tad disappointing to see Custom Art’s packaging continue to stagnate, especially for their newest flagship. I’d love nothing more than to see at least some branding on the cover; perhaps, a simple, debossed emblem or an engraving of some kind. And, extra accessories like a microfibre cloth would be greatly appreciated as well. Though sonics and build clearly rank above all else for Custom Art (and rightly so), the unboxing experience still has to have a place there as well. Hopefully, a revamp here is in their cards.

Another addition worth mentioning is the Arete aftermarket cable that this FIBAE 7 comes with. It’s an OCC copper cable made by Null Audio in Singapore, and it features far superior hardware to the Plastics One cables that Custom Art CIEMs usually ship with. It comes with a velcro cable tie for very easy tidying-up as well. And, you can also get it with a balanced termination at check-out or with a microphone, even, if that’s what you want. So, I personally feel it’s a very sensible add-on for Custom Art’s top-of-the-line. And, at €99 purchased separately, it adds even more value to its overall package too.

Thankfully, though, when it comes to the in-ear’s build quality, Custom Art have only continued to top themselves. Every piece I receive from them boasts a new level of polish, and the same is true for the FIBAE 7 I have here. Taking cues from a design I found in CanalWorks’ catalog, I opted for a fairly complex scheme, which the Custom Art team pulled off to a T.

It’s a multi-colour theme, and it features two instances of a gradient as well; a technique Custom Art have recently begun to popularise. First is a colour gradient down the faceplates, shifting from red and blue to the grey of the shells. Then, it’s a particle gradient that transitions from smaller, finer bits of mica to larger, denser pieces of gold flake. Sat at the in-ear’s topmost layer are engravings on either side; the minuscule FIBAE text on that left IEM coming out particularly impressive. And, to finish is buffing and lacquer for a flawlessly smooth, bubble-free surface throughout this entire earphone. Bravo.

3D-Printing and Fit

As mentioned, Custom Art have made the big leap of incorporating 3D-printing into their production line, which brings a fair number of changes. They now no longer need physical, silicone ear impressions to make your custom IEMs. You can send them a digital scan of your impressions instead, which, on its own, cuts the costs of shipping the moulds to Poland, as well as the week or two it takes to get there. If you don’t have scans yet, all you have to do is send Custom Art a set of silicone moulds, which they’ll convert to a digital file for you. You may then use these as a substitute for physical moulds for any future purchase; whether it’s from Custom Art or any other IEM brand that’ll accept them, of which there’re tons. 

With the 3D-printing process also comes changes in fit. Compared to, say, my Harmony 8.2, these fit smoother with even amounts of pressure throughout. There aren’t any hotspots, which helps them vanish in the ear a lot more. One thing I’d note is my units were trimmed pretty low-profile. The faceplates don’t stick out much from the ear, if at all. An advantage is the in-ear is more likely to stay secure. But, at the same time, they’re also cumbersome to remove. You have to dig into your ear, almost, to get a grip and pull them out. If you tend to take your IEMs in and out often, you may wanna ask for a taller shell when placing your order. Comfort-wise, though, that low profile doesn’t bother at all; not even when I’m using thicker upgrade cables. So, all in all, it’s a nicely comfy IEM to wear, and it’ll also stay secure no matter what you’re doing.

FIBAE Technology

FIBAE is short for Flat Impedance Balanced Armature Earphone, and it has become Custom Art’s spotlight innovation. First introduced with the FIBAE 1 and the FIBAE 2, what this technology ultimately aims to do is preserve this in-ear monitor’s tonal balance no matter the source it’s connected to. So, essentially, whether you’re listening to the FIBAE in-ear through your laptop or a dedicated DAP, the frequency response should remain the same. This is especially crucial if you plan to use these on mixing consoles, monitor mixers, etc., where the output impedances can vary wildly from one to the other.

However, that does not mean you won’t hear any differences between the laptop and player either. Although FIBAE tech leaves the frequency response intact, the earphone will scale based on whatever data’s fed into it. A more resolving DAC is capable of rendering clearer spatial cues, deeper backgrounds, etc. So, although it won’t bridge the gap between more capable and less capable sources per se, this tech will allow the user to judge those differences in a clearer manner. And, whatever source you choose to use at the end of the day, you will always be guaranteed the sound Custom Art intended.

The post Custom Art FIBAE 7: The Fair Lady – A Custom In-Ear Monitor Review first appeared on The Headphone List.

PLUSSOUND Exo Palladium-Plated Hybrid: The Palate Cleanse – An In-Ear Monitor Cable Review

DISCLAIMER: My colleague Ryan Soo loaned me his PPH review unit for the purposes of this review. I am not personally affiliated with PLUSSOUND in any way, nor do I receive any monetary rewards for a positive evaluation. I’d like to thank PLUSSOUND and Ryan for their kindness and support. The review is as follows.

PLUSSOUND is an aftermarket-cable manufacturer based in the United States. Among the myriad of cable brands in the industry now, they were one of the first to really feature customisation in their products; alterable all the way from wire counts, to cable lengths, braiding styles, hardware colours, shielding, etc. Those options became even further varied as they grew their material repertoire too. Some of their greatest hits include three- or four-metal hybrids. This cable we’re looking at today has such a make-up: The Palladium-Plated Hybrid; a richer take on the clean sound with a dose of glow.

PLUSSOUND Palladium-Plated Hybrid

  • Wire composition: 26 AWG Type-6 Litz Palladium-Plated Hybrid
  • Default configuration: 4-wire
  • Key feature(s) (if any): PS insulation
  • Price: $999
  • Website: www.plussoundaudio.com

Packaging and Accessories

Since my last review of a PLUSSOUND cable years ago, they’ve altered and classed-up their packaging considerably. This PPH comes in a black, semi-gloss box topped with a gold, metallic print of the PLUSSOUND logo. Sandwiched between its top and bottom is a matching gold, metallic strip, which is a cool aesthetic touch. Lifting its lid off, you’ll see an engraved acrylic insert, which I feel is a very clever inclusion that echoes the design language of premium fragrances, for example.

Below that is the cable itself tucked inside an included leather pouch. Of the plethora of leather cases I’ve received with audio products, this one is probably up there with Eletech as one of the top dogs. It has that drier feel to it, which really highlights and accentuates the texture of the leather. Its wrinkles look ashy or aged, and that PLUSSOUND logo engraved on top just finishes the look perfectly. If they ever decide to sell it as a separate accessory, I can see it selling out rapidly.

Finally, underneath that case is a cardboard divider, which houses this PPH’s remaining extras. First up is a leather cable tie. Unfortunately, the quality of the leather doesn’t match that of the pouch. There isn’t any branding on it either, which feels like a missed opportunity. Still, though, I’m incredibly happy that PLUSSOUND has at least included one; more than I can say for a lot of cable brands out there. You also get a microfibre cloth with the company logo; again, an extra more brands should include. And, last is a warranty card you can send in if you need to return the cable because of any issues.

All in all, I feel PLUSSOUND have done a great job with their packaging. Although I’m partial towards matte textures, I do not mind the semi-gloss exterior. Besides, everything they’ve included within – from the classy acrylic insert, to the top-quality leather pouch, to all those accessories – easily make up for it. It is a great effort, and a revamp made worthwhile.

Aesthetics, Ergonomics and Everyday Use

Aesthetically, the PPH is a stunning-looking cable. The hybrid design immediately shows with alternating veins of copper and silver peering through; both metals shiny, lustrous and crisp. PLUSSOUND’s proprietary PS insulation does a superb job showing them off too; very transparent without any reflective gloss. Speaking of its outer jacket, it is probably one of the smoothest and silkiest ones I’ve experienced yet. It’s a tad heavier, I believe, than Effect Audio’s UltraFlexi or Eletech’s FlexiMax. But, what that bit of heft does is prevent the wires from ever feeling bouncy or springy. The cable simply drops when you hold it on one end, which indicates fantastic suppleness. And, this shows on the 2-wire sections as well, which, while twisted, hold their shape as if they were braided. Finally, there are zero signs of them loosening or unravelling too.

Moving onto the hardware, you can actually customise them quite extensively when you’re ordering the cable from their website. That includes the colour of each component, as well as the left and right indicators. This PPH came with a black 3.5mm TRS connector, a chrome Y-split, a chrome slider and mismatched 2-pin connectors; chrome on the left side, and rose-gold on the right. All in all, I think they all have a very sleek, clean look. I personally enjoy a bit of texture or contrast, and there isn’t too much of it here; just the hits of chrome and the gold logos scattered throughout. But, those who want a more minimalist look should find these stylings quite appealing. My one real complaint here is the positioning of the PS logos on the 2-pin plugs. They’re on the inside of the plug, rather than the outside. I think it’s odd visually, and I’ve seen it lead to confusion online as to which side was which as well. So, hopefully, PLUSSOUND can alter or clarify it in the future.

Ergonomically, again, I have zero complaints. It’s a very flexible, supple-feeling cable, and its hardware weighs nothing at all. And, this PPH has no microphonics as well, so you won’t hear any noises should it rub against your clothing or bump into you as you move. It’s worth noting that this cable doesn’t come with any pre-shaped heat shrink or memory wire by default. So, those who do want it should mention it on the Notes section when you’re ordering on PLUSSOUND’s website.

The post PLUSSOUND Exo Palladium-Plated Hybrid: The Palate Cleanse – An In-Ear Monitor Cable Review first appeared on The Headphone List.

Vision Ears EVE20: Thunderbolt and Lightning – An In-Ear Monitor Review

DISCLAIMER: Vision Ears provided me with the EVE20 in return for my honest opinion. I am not personally affiliated with the company in any way, nor do I receive any monetary rewards for a positive evaluation. I’d like to thank Vision Ears for their kindness and support. The review is as follows.

Vision Ears produce some of the most coveted in-ear monitors in the industry, desired equally for their superlative build, their evocative aesthetics, their lavish packaging and their precise, yet musical tunings. Recently, they’ve taken the world by storm with the release of their flagship ELYSIUM and Erlkonig. And, they’ve shown no signs of stopping since. In 2020, Vision Ears started the EVE initiative: A series of limited-edition monitors that’ll be refreshed with a new entry every year. We previewed its debutant back in April. And, now, here’s the full review of Vision Ears’ EVE20: A firecracker with finesse.

Vision Ears EVE20

  • Driver count: Six balanced-armature drivers
  • Impedance: 25Ω @ 1kHz
  • Sensitivity: 120.5dB @ 1mW @ 1kHz
  • Key feature(s) (if any): N/A
  • Available form factor(s): Universal acrylic IEMs
  • Price: €1300
  • Website: www.vision-ears.de

About EVE

The idea behind Exclusive Vision Ears is annual concept pieces that Vision Ears will release in limited quantities. These are completely separate from their mainstay monitors, and will essentially be their avenue for experimentation; irrespective of any pre-determined price hierarchies, driver configs or house sounds. Following this 6-driver EVE20 could be a 2-driver EVE21, for example. And, despite the EVE20’s pretty modest look, Vision Ears also plan to “explore the boundaries of visual design” with the program as well, which – if you’re familiar with their repertoire – is very, very exciting news to hear. All in all, it looks to be a project filled with potential, that’ll hopefully bring some welcome unpredictability to the market today.

Packaging and Accessories

As per usual, Vision Ears have decked out the EVE20’s packaging with a ton of different nuances and textures. You’ve got the matte-grey outermost sleeve topped with a web of gloss-black lines cutting through it; a great show of contrast. And, topping it off is an EVE emblem in metallic-purple. The box inside is wrapped in a weaved, carbon-fibre-inspired material, which is then finished with more accents of purple on top and along its sides. This box folds opens with a magnetic latch, which only further boosts that clean, classy aesthetic. Presentation is A+ from VE yet again. Now, let us take a look inside.

Lifting the lid open, you’ll find the EVE20 in its puck case, embedded in foam. And, next to it is an envelope, which houses the IEM’s signed warranty card, a pretty substantial instruction manual and a letter congratulating you for your purchase. Also in this envelope is a microfibre cloth and three sets of replacement mesh filters. The latter’s packaging also acts as a guide – illustrations and all – for replacing the mesh filters, which I think is a keen touch. Returning to the box, below this envelope, you’ll get a cleaning tool, a 1/4” adapter and VE’s cleaning spray; all embedded in foam too. As far as accessory sets go, I have zero complaints. Again, presentation is VE’s game to play, and I’m glad to see they haven’t slipped an inch.

Again, you’ll find the EVE20’s tucked away in its round, metal case. And, you’ll find a pack of SpinFit tips in small, medium and large sizes there as well. As with their other monitors, VE have attached a velcro cable tie to this EVE20’s stock cable; an inclusion that I feel needs to be more common in the industry. Next, you get a small dry pack for moisture too. Lastly, this case is a similar metal puck to the ones brands like Empire, Jomo or JH Audio pack with their in-ears. It isn’t the most exclusive or lavish case in the world, but it’s still quality nonetheless. I’m not ruling out something fancier with the EVE21.

Build and Wearing Comfort

Vision Ears have gone with a pretty modest, yet brave look for the EVE20. Its design is made-up solely of two translucent colours; no fancy swirls, foils, glitters or woods. But, the two colours they’ve chosen are rather unconventional: A vibrant wine-red and a light olive-green. It’s a combination that screams the word “apple” to me, and I personally love the blend, especially with its metal emblems inlaid on top. Obviously, however, looks are very subjective, so your mileage may vary.

What isn’t subjective, though, is how cleanly VE’s team have executed this design. Both colours are perfectly transparent, allowing you a pristine view at this in-ear’s tidily-arranged internals. Symmetry between the left and right sides are about as close as they could possibly be. The whole piece – from faceplate to nozzle – is contoured gorgeously; marble-smooth all around with neither a jagged edge nor an odd bump. And, its faceplates are fused perfectly to the shells as well; not a single glue mark in sight. Finally, kudos to VE for machining a groove on the nozzle to keep tips in place. It’s a feature I’ve always found odd to omit, and I’m glad to see this extra measure. I won’t have to dig tips out of my ears after each listen.

Fit-wise, the EVE20’s have a fairly unique shape. Rather than the shorter, wider silhouette that multi-armature universals tend to have, these in-ears are quite thin and tall. As a result, they can sit pretty low-profile in the ear; almost like a CIEM would. But, I feel you’ll only be able to take full advantage of this shape if you have naturally-tall canals. I personally have a taller canal in my left ear, so it fits brilliantly there. Whereas, on my right ear, I feel light pressure pushing on the top of my canal, so I have to push them out a tad, such that the top of the monitor hangs out. It does not affect isolation or the security of the fit at all. So, even if you do have shorter canals, you’d probably be able to finagle them into a comfortable position. Still, though, those with smaller or shorter canals should keep that in mind if they’re concerned about comfort.

The advantage to this taller design is that the IEM locks into your ear very securely. So, that extra concha bump I usually ask for from universals isn’t needed here. And, this is an easier design to store away as well, due to the smaller footprint.

The post Vision Ears EVE20: Thunderbolt and Lightning – An In-Ear Monitor Review first appeared on The Headphone List.

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