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Master & Dynamic MW08 Sport Review – Less is More

Posted on by Ryan Soo

Pros –

Awesome build quality, Comfortable fit, Lighter case with Qi-support, Powerful and extended bass, Crisp highs, Effective ANC & aware mode

Cons –

No in-app eQ, Sound is more congested than regular MW08, Difficult to justify price jump over MW08

Verdict –

If you’re looking for a premium TWS earphone purely for exercise, then the MW08S’ powerful sound, stable fit and effective ANC make it a good contender. However, the drop in sonic balance and finesse does make this a far more situational purchase than the MW08

Introduction –

While the high-end TWS space has seen no shortage of competitors in recent years, the same cannot be said when it comes to sport-focused models. Sure, almost all of the latest models boast some form of IP rating, but it definitely does help to have a model designed specifically for these uses. Enter Master & Dynamic, New York-based audio company with huge prestige and a focus on premium, timeless designs. They applied the very same mantra to their MW08 TWS earphones which I found to almost match class leaders in terms of refinement whilst excelling with a more technically impressive sound and class leading build quality. The MW08 Sport is its active counterpart, building off the same foundation with a few thoughtful tweaks. The faceplates are now made from shatter-resistant Sapphire glass, memory foam tips offer a snugger fit and the case now uses Kevlar fibre making it super lightweight and permitting wireless charging support.

The MW08S just launched for €349. You can read more about it and treat yourself to a unit on Master & Dynamic.

Disclaimer –

I would like to thank Heather from Master & Dynamic very much for her quick communication and for providing me with the MW08S for the purpose of review. All words are my own and there is no monetary incentive for a positive review. Despite receiving the earphones free of cost, I will attempt to be as objective as possible in my evaluation.

Contents –

Behind the Design –

Upgraded Design

The MW08 Sport swaps the ceramic faceplates of the vanilla MW08 for shatter-resistant Sapphire glass. As before, it has a super smooth oleophobic coating but slightly more squared edges. It retains excellent scratch resistance and are enveloped within a stainless-steel rail as before, providing a much higher quality look and feel than the acetate of the MW07 line-up and essentially all competitors too. An external aluminium antenna works in tandem with the updated BT5.2 codec to deliver stronger range than before despite the denser BOM.

3-Mic System

ANC was a highly touted feature of this earphone given than each earpiece contains a whopping 3 mic system identical to that on the MW08. In turn, compared to the MW07 PLUS that only featured feedforward ANC, the MW08 Sport adopts the more sophisticated feedforward + feedback hybrid ANC of their over-ear MW65 with the addition of a third dedicated wind-rejection mic. The third mic also works to reduce ambient noise during phone calls and permits a more authentic transparency mode on top.

Same Specs, New Case

The MW08 Sport should provide a similar experience day to day as the MW08 before it. It implements the same Beryllium dynamic driver whose high-rigidity and lightweight contributes to a quick transient response and excellent end to end extension. While the case material has changed, operation and functionality remain similar with a one-hand operable vertical design and introduction of Qi wireless charging support. The earphones retain the same 12hr battery life (10 with ANC) augmented by 30hrs from the case.

Unboxing –

Master & Dynamic have always excelled here, and the Sport is no different. You receive a premium looking and feeling package and thoughtful set of accessories. Sliding the card box out from the outer sleeve reveals the charging case with earphones inside and a separate compartment for accessories above. Included are the 5 pairs of silicone tips seen on the MW08 in addition to 2 sizes of memory foam. I feel it is strange M&D didn’t include a medium sized pair, but as they do conform to the shape of the ear, the large tips are quite accommodating of various canal sizes and shapes. In addition, the buyer receives a type-C charging cable and nice aluminium Type-A to Type-C adaptor. The main differences as opposed to the MW08 are the foam tips and omission of a canvas pouch, though this doesn’t feel necessary here as the new charging case is no longer so susceptible to scratches.

Design –

Coming from the MW08, the experience is very familiar here which is a great thing. That means you get the same immensely premium feeling stainless steel side rails and comfortable overall profile in addition to an above average IPX5 water resistance rating. The attention to detail is commendable as on all M&D products; even the buttons are aluminium, and colour matched perfectly to the rails. Positioned on the tops of the rails, you are able to easily squeeze the buttons without upsetting the fit. As this is the portion the user interfaces with the most, you are always rewarded with a premium feel.

As before, the inner portion is a matte plastic and doesn’t look quite as premium, with visible seams but improved tolerances over the MW08. It resists oils well and no stabilising features have been introduced either, prioritising comfort over rock-solid fit – more on this later. The faceplate is the main differentiator. I was impressed by the rich colour and lustre of the MW08’s ceramic plates with the sapphire glass Sport looking a bit flatter by comparison. They do promise improved impact protection, I did accidentally drop the earphones from a height of around 1.5m onto granite flooring and the earphones survived without a scratch. I’m convinced these would fair better in an active setting than ceramic and is a good choice for active use with an infinitely more premium look and feel than plastic.

Fit & Isolation –

With an identical design to the MW08, the Sport model is more comfortable and compact than past MW earphones and medium sized for a TWS earphone. It isn’t quite as low-profile as some such as Apple’s Airpods Pro, with the faceplates protruding from the ear. However, they aren’t overtly large like the 1More ANC TWS either, and this does help the user to more easily access the physical controls. As on the MW08, the sculpted rear of the housing somewhat locks into the concha of the outer ear, redeeming some fit stability in the absence of fins or rings. The foam tips do greatly aid this experience. As the nozzles are short, I do appreciate that the elongated tips which help to lock the rear of the housing into the outer ear to some extent. The tips are similar to Shure olives, unlike Lypertek and Sony’s foam tips, you are still best to roll the tips prior to inserting the earphones for a more locked-in fit.

Otherwise, I did find that the earphones would wiggle loose and fall out during workouts. When rolled, this wasn’t the case, I was able to work out and run without issue, albeit they aren’t as convenient to pick up and play as silicone tips. Their porous nature means the thud of footsteps is reduced and they have a coating which prevents sweat form becoming absorbed as is an issue on Comply foams for instance. The foam tips indeed isolate more than the silicone tips on the MW08. Their conforming nature gives a great seal and without much wearing pressure which helps to optimise ANC performance. Again, they aren’t as convenient as silicone tips, but I do think these are well-considered tips for the Sport model. I still would have liked to see some sort of stabiliser here to provide an even more locked in fit.

Charging Case –

This is where we start to see more tangible changes. The new case is made of Kevlar fibre giving it a sporting aesthetic and drastically dropping the weight relative to the stainless steel MW08 case. In addition, as the construction is no longer metallic, M&D were able to add Qi wireless charging. Besides this, a similar experience is upheld, the dimensions and usability being otherwise identical. That means you get a reasonably sized case with slim proportions that fit well into a pocket, a wobble-free hinge with satisfying reverse magnet and secure magnetic dock that reliably interfaces with the earphones. 3 status LEDs denote power remaining in the earphones and case on the front face. The Type-C charging port is located on the side. The case retains a great sense of substance and solidity in the hand despite a substantial 30% weight loss. It has a soft touch exterior that feels tactile and shouldn’t be as prone to scratches over time. In addition, the lighter case will be more drop resistant simply due to its reduced weight and more elastic material choice.

Usability & ANC Performance –

I expanded on both of these metrics in great detail during my original MW08 review and given the identical design, the experience too is nigh identical on the MW08s. All my comments apply beat for beat, the foam tips do isolate a bit more from low frequency noises, but I already found the ANC to do a great job here. For further detail on how the MW08 earphones perform here, please see my MW08 review here.

Next Page: Sound Breakdown

The post Master & Dynamic MW08 Sport Review – Less is More first appeared on The Headphone List.

World News

Soft Ears RS10 Review – Finesse

Posted on by Ryan Soo

Pros –

Beautiful transparent shells with innovative pressure-relief, Spectacularly accurate timbre throughout, Hugely resolving midrange, Fast and extended BA bass with tasteful emphasis, Flat impedance design is easy to drive

Cons –

Dainty stock cable, Limited accessories, Treble doesn’t have much energy or sparkle

Verdict –

Combining hugely impressive timbral accuracy with top-level resolution, the RS10 provides a sound that has surely secured itself as a benchmark for years to come.

Introduction –

Moondrop is the name on everyone’s mind but their premium division, Soft Ears, are far less frequently discussed. This is not for lack of expertise nor success, as the company has only just recently expanded into the international market. I previously reviewed the RSV that I found to be one of the most impressive monitors on the market, a beautiful showcase of the company’s mastery of tonality. The RS10 builds upon the same reference sound platform and is currently the top model in their reference line alongside being their latest flagship. It houses a huge number of technical innovations and offers superb tonal refinement, taking the knowledge and technical expertise of the company to its pinnacle. Of course, its intended use case as a reference monitor should speak volumes for the type of sound tuning one should expect.

The RS10 is currently available for $2099 USD. You can read more about it and treat yourself to a set on Soft Ears.

Disclaimer –

I would like to thank the team at Soft Ears very much for their quick communication and for providing me with the RSV, RS10 and Cerberus for the purpose of review. All words are my own and there is no monetary incentive for a positive review. Despite receiving the earphones free of cost, I will attempt to be as objective as possible in my evaluation.

Contents –

Specifications –

  • Drivers: 10x BA drivers per side + 1x passive BA
  • Crossover: 15-component, 5-way
  • Impedance: 25 ohms
  • Sensitivity: 100dB
  • Frequency response: 20 Hz – 40 kHz

Behind the Design –

Custom Drivers With 5-Way Crossover

In addition to sporting a prolific 10xBA drivers per side, Soft Ears leveraged custom drivers as well that enable them to hit a more specific frequency response target and distortion characteristics. More drivers mean more complexity, so such a setup doesn’t guarantee a better sound, but theoretically has the ability to sound much better than a lower driver count if properly executed.

Of course, Soft Ears have implemented many techniques to optimise the sound output of the RS10, and this is a hugely well-considered design altogether. A 15-component, 5-way crossover has been used in order to achieve their desirable frequency response. Soft Ears take this one step further by tuning the time domain achieving almost linear phase across its 10 drivers. This was achieved using 2 band pass, 1 low pass and a 4th order LC filter.

Passive Driver + Pressure Relief

There are many challenges when designing in-ear monitors, one that is becoming increasingly spoken about is pressure relief. Increased wearing pressure is an especially large issue with in-ears as they form the tightest seal with the ear canal. This can alter the perception of sound over time via the tympanic reflex that results in decreased sound transmission to the inner ear – effectively reducing the perception of dynamics, bass and treble and resulting in a much less resolving sound.

 Competitors append this using valve or membrane which relieves pressure at the cost of isolation and bass slam. Soft Ears have used a unique approach, using a passive 11th BA driver with no motor structure. This allows the driver’s diaphragm to move freely and dynamically relieve pressure from the ear canal. In addition, it serves to enhance the driver surface area available, pertinent for bass response. This is a very clever approach as there is no drop in isolation or seal and you get an overall more efficient sound reproduction system. 

Ultra-Low Impedance Fluctuation

Another common weakness of in-ear BA design is their sensitivity to source output impedance. Soft Ears designed this earphone to have an almost flat-impedance curve, enabling a consistent sound across sources with differing output impedance. This is a great tool for professionals especially where interfaces may have a higher impedance. It means you reap the benefit of BA-driver efficiency without the touchy source pairings. 

Unboxing –

There isn’t much to say about the unboxing experience and it appears not to be of highest priority here. The buyer receives a small hard box containing a round leather case. Insides are the earphones within suede pouches that keep them pristine during shipping. A microfibre cleaning cloth is just below. The cable and ear tips are in a separate box, you get 3 pairs of silicone tips tuned to the fit-depth and nozzle size of the RS10. I did enjoy the tonality and seal of these tips and used them for this review. Otherwise, the buyer receives a nice metal Soft Ears business card but no other accessories. I am not personally bothered by this, but I can understand some wanting a more lavish experience from such an expensive product

Design –

While we’ve seen no shortage of 3D-printed clear shells pop up lately, the quality Soft Ears was able to achieve is mind bogglingly good. Even pixel peeping macro shots on the RS10 reveals zero bubbles or contamination. While one could argue for a premium metal shell at this price, the solid-body resin shell here is a thoughtful showcase of the earphone’s inner beauty; the 11 balanced armature drivers, four acoustic chambers and 15-component crossover mean the earphone is just as much of a pleasure out of the ear as within. With a transparent shell, Soft Ears’ design and workmanship is on full display, rarely do I see such a high level. The design cues also draw a parallel with the transparency of its sound as a reference monitor, altogether a smart design with perfect execution.

Above are 0.78mm 2-pin connectors lauded for their ubiquity, permitting wide aftermarket support. The stock cable is of pleasing quality and is similar to those you’ll find on the latest Moondrop IEMs. It’s a silver-plated copper unit with super-high strand count and clear jacket. It has an internal braid which means you get a little more microphonic noise but nothing excessive due to the over-ear fit. The cable is very soft, my main complaint would be that it’s a little thin above the Y-split. Otherwise, it impresses with its chrome connectors with laser etched Soft-Ears logos and thin, case friendly 3.5mm plug with strain relief.

Fit & Isolation –

The RS10 has a similar silhouette to the previously reviewed RSV making it slightly squatter than Moondrop’s resin earphones. The RS10 is identical in shape to the Cerberus meaning it has a slightly wider and more squared off shell relative to the RSV. It remains very smoothly formed, creating a snug fit but without excessively sculpting the anatomical features to maximise compatibility with a wide range of ears. In turn, I found them comfortable to wear for hours on end with no hotspot formation. The nozzles are of medium length so the fit depth isn’t too deep, remaining quite comfortable.

As the nozzles are well-angled, I achieved an excellent seal and rock-solid fit stability. Combined with the dense resin-filled shells and fully sealed design, the RS10 provides excellent noise isolation suitable for loud environments. The pressure-relief passive driver does also improve the experience here. It does indeed alleviate some wearing pressure well, and you will notice this in daily use through a more comfortable wearing experience, especially over longer listening, and less “thud” from footsteps when listening during commute. I was surprised how effective Soft Ears solution was as it comes with zero compromise to isolation or seal.

Next Page: Sound & Source Pairings

The post Soft Ears RS10 Review – Finesse first appeared on The Headphone List.

World News

Etymotic EVO – Time Capsule

Posted on by Ryan Soo

Pros –

Awesome build quality and compact shell design, Superb tonal cleanliness and separation, Excellent note definition throughout, Sharp imaging, Almost source agnostic

Cons –

Fit depth can be uncomfortable, Cable is highly tangle-prone and has rare T2 connectors, Intimate soundstage, Below average bass extension, Less sensitive than most IEMs

Verdict –

Like the ER-line before it, the EVO is intimate, hyper-responsive and oh so clean from bottom to top. Years later, the Etymotic sound remains hard come by and has plenty of life and appeal for the modern listener.

Introduction –

We all know Etymotic; the company is a legend in the audio community having developed the very first commercially available IEM in the form of the ER4. In fact, the ER platform remains highly regarded and popular to this day for their religious adhere to the diffuse-field neutral curve and coherent single driver designs. This makes their models excellent reference monitors lauded for their authentic and detailed representation of music. They revisited the line-up with the XR models that provided a bass bump in accordance with modern listener preferences. While the DF neutral curve is no longer the go-to, it remains a very sound standard and the popularity of Etymotic’s earphones sustains, especially the new ER2 which achieved this on a more natural DD platform. The new EVO (signifying the evolution of the brand) is perhaps the biggest launch in Etymotic history following their original ER4. It forgoes the tried and tested cylindrical shell for a more modern concha-fit design. Perhaps most importantly, the EVO is the first multi-driver Etymotic earphone sporting a 2-way, 3x BA driver setup. In so doing, they promise an enhanced soundstage and bass response atop the same legendary Etymotic house sound.

The EVO is available for $499 USD/£499 at the time of writing. You can read more about it and treat yourself to a unit on hifiheadphones.

Disclaimer –

I would like to thank the team at Etymotic and KS Distribution very much for reaching out and providing me with the EVO for the purpose of review. All words are my own and there is no monetary incentive for a positive review. Despite receiving the earphones free of cost, I will attempt to be as objective as possible in my evaluation.

Contents –

Specifications –

  • Transducers: 3x BA
  • Crossover: 2-way
  • Frequency response: 20 Hz – 16 kHz
  • Impedance: 47 Ohms
  • Sensitivity: 99 dB @ 1 kHz

Unboxing –

The EVO has a chic unboxing experience that showcases the product well. Removing the outer sleeve reveals a split-fold hard box. The two lids pivot open to reveal the earphones and cable coiled within a foam inlet that sits comfortably in the base of the aluminium carrying case. The inlet can be removed or reused to keep the cable organised during transit and prevent scratches on the metal shells. Below is the lid for the case in addition to a separate box containing the other accessories. It folds open to reveal the eartips and replacement filters housed comfortably in laser-cut inlets, I admire the organisation throughout here. You get the classic Ety tip set comprised to two pairs of triple-flange tips in addition to 3 pairs of less intense dual-flange tips. In addition, two pairs of memory foam tips are include though are comically large, likely for listeners with especially tricky ears. The nozzle filters are replaceable as before, and a smart metal screw-in tool is provided to aid safe replacement should the originals become damaged. Finally, a cable tidy is included in addition to a soft pouch.

Design –

Etymotic has always upheld strong and well-considered build quality, but this isn’t really showcased due to the diminutive size of their earphones. With the EVO, it is far easier to appreciate Etymotic’s hard work as the shells are larger and shapelier. One thing to note is Etymotic are using stainless steel injection rather than CNC which gives a more even finish in addition to exemplary density. Etymotic has also managed to uphold very tight tolerance making this is some of the nicest build quality I’ve felt on any IEM. This is topped with a light blue satin finish which looks incredible. Furthermore, Etymotic has cleverly hidden the seams of its 3-piece construction along the earphone’s contours. Long, slender nozzles return and are integrated into the inner housing, sharing its steel construction. Though thin, they appear very sturdy as a result.

The EVO has a removable cable but uses unconventional T2 connectors and comes with Linum’s BAX T2 cable. This limits aftermarket options, but some custom cable manufacturers do provide this connector type. As for the cable itself, I’ve never personally seen the appeal. While they are incredibly thin and light, it is to the extent that the cable becomes ergonomically frustrating. The light cable fails to support the heavy steel housings. It has minimal memory and microphonic noise isn’t an issue with the over-ear fit, but the cable is springy and falls off the top of my ears with no memory wire or pre-formed guides to keep it in check. It constantly tangles and, due to its thinness, easily knots making it a headache to live with. A traditional 4-wire braided cable would have been a substantially better choice. I don’t hate it, but it feels like a solution to a problem the EVO doesn’t suffer from, that introduces more problems in so doing.

Cable Swaps

The only other cable I had access to with the T2 connector was Linum’s own T2 SuperBaX which is a 4-wire version of the regular BaX cable with half the impedance. The 4-wire construction especially makes it far easier to live with than the BaX, as it handles more like a lightweight regular cable and isn’t as tangle-prone. While Linum do recommend this model for multi-driver earphones, I actually did prefer the sonic pairing with the regular cable. The SuperBaX was brighter and had a tighter bottom end, but I found this pushed the EVO too lean. The BaX cable provided a more balanced sound to my ears. Considering tonality is such a concern of this earphone, do consider cable pairings if you decide to swap the stock cable out, a copper cable will be a good match.

Fit & Isolation –

Despite the redesign, returning fans of Etymotic will have a familiar fit experience on the EVO – that being, a compact shell suitable for small ears and an especially deep fit. The new shell design is larger and now assumes an over-ear fit. However, they have very slender proportions and remain smaller in all dimensions than the majority of competitors. This means they are a good choice for smaller ears, however, if you do tend to struggle with most IEMs, I would still recommend trying a set before purchasing. While the build feels fantastic, their construction means they are astoundingly heavy at 25g per earpiece. With the signature brain-tickling Ety nozzles identical to those on the ER-earphones, the super deep fit and well-sculpted shell permit the EVO to be a very stable-fitting earphone.

I had no issues during daily wear, even running. In addition, the compact and well-shaped housings gave me perfect comfort over extended listening and a noticeably more locked-in fit than past Ety earphones. I also found that the multi-flange ear tips do provide less wearing pressure than single-flange tips at such fit depths due to the progressive increase in diameter at each depth. With the fully sealed design, deep fit depth and dense metal housings, the EVO isolates like few others, almost as much as a custom. This makes them a great choice for use in louder environments.

Tip Selection & Mods –

Usually, this lies in the sound section, but I felt it was more apt to discuss this as an extension of the ergonomic experience as tip selection is especially pertinent on the EVO due to the nozzle design. Firstly, it is long for a reason, you will experience a noticeable drop in imaging acuity and high-frequency extension if you do fit them shallow. I have measured above, the difference it makes to the FR when it comes to fit depth, other factors will exacerbate these changes. Etymotic have a clear focus on tonal accuracy on all of their earphones, and the deep fit does contribute, granting a more consistent sound amongst various listeners by bypassing variations in individual canal anatomy.

The sheer depth of the fit did take me a few days to acclimatize to and if you are sensitive to this, you’ll want to investigate other options. I found Klipsch dual flange tips to offer superior comfort and seal to the stock tips for my ears and minimal impact on the sound, these were the tips I used during testing. The length of the nozzle means it will protrude from most traditional tips. Only longer tips like dual-flange or Westone STAR tips will fit. you can cut the stem to make adaptors for tips with larger bore sizes such as Final E-tips.

Next Page: Sound Breakdown

The post Etymotic EVO – Time Capsule first appeared on The Headphone List.

World News

64Audio U6T Review – Vibrant, Vivacious

Posted on by Ryan Soo

Pros –

Premium metal shells, MX and M20 apex modules included, Powerful and dynamic bass, Superb organic midrange tonality, Ultra-clean tia driven highs, Easy to drive with linear impedance design

Cons –

Separation leaves to be desired at times, Could do with more top-octave sparkle

Verdict –

If you enjoy a gorgeous, organic tonality and don’t mind a slightly laid-back midrange, the U6t is an auditory delight and a fully formed high-end IEM experience.

Introduction –

We’ve all heard of 64Audio; their models are some of the most coveted on the market and their flagships especially, are considered some of the best in the world. However, fewer have had the privilege of owning these models that are priced to match their top-level performance. In this sense, I’ve always had a soft spot for their lower-end IEMs that I think are sorely slept on and more rarely discussed in the audiophile community. Perhaps you could even say 64 themselves played a part in this problem as their cheaper universal earphones have never seemed to be as high a priority as their high-end ones. The new tia touting universal line-up turns this mindset on its head. Not only has the technology of their flagships been brought down to their more accessible models, but all aspects of the experience have been enriched to match. The original U6 remains a personal favourite as a warm, coherent earphone with a rich voicing. The U6t is a total refinement, taking very clear inspiration from the U12t’s signature and filtering it down to a significantly more attainable price point – you can see why this has become 64 Audio’s best-selling model. After seeing my colleague’s review of the custom A6t, I was ecstatic to try the new universal variant for myself.

The U6t retails for $1299 USD. You can read all about their range of IEMs and technologies, and treat yourself to a unit of your own on 64 Audio.

Disclaimer –

I would like to thank Logan and Charlie from 64 Audio very much for their quick communication and for accommodating this review of the U6t. All words are my own and there is no monetary incentive for a positive review. The U6t was provided on a loan basis and is to be returned to 64 Audio following review.

Contents –

Specifications –

  • Drivers: 6x Precision Balanced Armatures
  • Configuration: 1x tia high, 1x high-mid, 2x mid, 2x low
  • Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 20 kHz
  • Sensitivity: 108 dB
  • Impedance: 10 Ohms
  • Crossover: Integrated 4-way passive

Behind the Design –

tia driver + single bore

Image provided by 64 Audio

You’ve seen tubeless balanced armature drivers and anyone who has heard a good implementation will tell you there are indeed benefits to this approach. 64 Audio take this one step further with tia, considered by many to be an industry-leading innovation in BA tech, by removing the entire roof of the driver. The company reason this provides a lower resonance delivery of sound whilst optimising transient response. The driver is then placed within the single-bore nozzle that 64 posits to act as a sound shaping path. Furthermore, the short sound path to the ear enables them to deliver a more linear and coherent frequency response. Combined with the unique driver, you get an extended, high resolution image. This definitely isn’t just a marketing ploy as anyone who has experienced tia IEMs in person will agree the proof is in the pudding.

apex

There are many challenges when designing in-ear monitors, one that is becoming increasingly spoken about is pressure relief. Increased wearing pressure is an especially large issue with in-ears as they form the tightest seal with the ear canal. This can alter the perception of sound over time via the tympanic reflex (causing tension on the eardrum) that results in decreased sound transmission to the inner ear – effectively reducing the perception of dynamics, bass and treble, and resulting in a much less resolving sound. Standing for air pressure exchange, apex is a similar style of technology as ADEL and ATOM. It alleviates pressure on the ear canal via pneumatic venting controlled by the size of the aperture and the composition of the viscoelastic foam inside. 64 Audio carry 4 modules, MX (-10dB), M15 (-15dB), M20 (-20dB) and the closed M26 module intended for the company’s custom earplugs. These permit varying levels of openness and sound tuning. Sonically, the company state that apex aids soundstage and bass perception.

LID

Image provided by 64 Audio

Another challenge of IEMs is that the popular and efficient BA transducer has a limited bandwidth, so multiple drivers are often utilised to deliver a full-range sound. This opens up impedance variation between the drivers meaning each will respond differently to elevated source output impedance – the rule of thumb being that output impedance should be no higher than 1/8th of the impedance of the earphone, any higher and the frequency response will be altered. Linear impedance design (LID) is as it sounds, a circuit that equalises the non-linear impedance of the multiple drivers in the IEM. This means the U6t has a flat impedance curve and will deliver the same sound signature regardless of source output impedance, an invaluable feature for professionals especially who require that consistent sound reproduction. This does not mean the U6t will sound identical from all sources of course, as each can be coloured and showcase different resolving power.

Exclusive Premium Cable

No longer are generic cables accepted as a worthy complement to high-end IEMs and 64 Audio has fully commit to providing a premium experience at every price tier, the U6t is no different. It comes bundled with a new premium cable with a low 0.23 ohm impedance, 7x7x4 multi-twist construction and silver-plated OCC copper wire conductors. It has 26AWG wires making it feel almost like a custom cable in terms of size and sturdiness. Compared to the generic cables of old, the look and feel is in another league.

Unboxing –

64 Audio has hugely improved the unboxing experience this generation. You get a large box with outer sleeve adorned with high quality print. The hard box inside opens with a magnetic latch, the inner face of the lid revealing the company’s design ethos with Vitaly’s signature below. Inside lies the earphones and carrying case within a foam inlet. The company have cleverly packaged a card cable winder that means the wires don’t get kinked during storage and unravel easily out of the box. The case is made from genuine leather and features a debossed 64 Audio logo. It’s well-sized and has a soft, non-scratch suede interior. Within lies a 3D printed ear tip holder with 3 pairs of 64 Audio TrueFidelity memory foam ear tips, 3 pairs of SpinFit 155 tips and 3 pairs of generic silicone ear tips. I found the long nozzles of the IEMs would protrude from the aperture of the provided silicone tips and prevent the SpinFit tips from articulating unless only partially placed onto the nozzle. In future, long-stemmed tips such as Azla’s Sednafit range would be a more appropriate complement, but the included options do get the listener started. A separate holder contains the apex modules, two MX and two M20 modules, with the M15 modules being pre-installed onto the U6t themselves. A 64 Audio sticker is another fun addition.

Design –

While Custom IEMs offer unmatched fit and comfort, this form factor can be intimidating for newcomers just getting serious about the hobby. However, there have always been significant trade-offs when picking a universal 64 Audio IEM as their shell designs didn’t exhibit the quality of many competitors. This changes with their new generation line-up with all universal models resembling their metal-clad flagships. The U6t specifically is a fantastic looking and feeling IEM, being all-metal with a highly tactile mechanical finish. The gunmetal coat, grey apex modules and gloss embossed faceplates easily contribute to one of the company’s most attractive designs, especially with the new premium cable. I enjoy the aggressive rounding of each edge that optimises ergonomics. Altogether, this forms a refined, premium and aesthetically appealing experience that is an evolution over their past designs.

This is compounded upon with the new cable. As before, 64 are using highly homogenised 0.78mm 2-pin connectors and they are non-recessed, maximising compatibility with aftermarket options. The stock cable is a huge improvement over the dainty, stiff cables of old. It feels more akin to a custom cable in terms of size whilst avoiding becoming cumbersome in terms of weight due to its use of lightweight aluminium connectors. The jacket has minimal microphonic noise transmission or memory but does have a slightly tacky texture and isn’t the most supple I’ve come across. Still, this isn’t something that would garner complaint with most users. I found the pre-moulded ear guides to be well-formed, aiding a stable and comfortable fit. This completes a convincing, high-end IEM experience, joining market leaders from both in BOM and the refinement of their finish.

Fit & Isolation –

If you’re familiar with 64 Audio’s IEMs, you’ll have a similar experience here. Compared to their acrylic shells of old, the new housings have undergone a slight adjustment. With a slightly more aggressive rear taper leading to a more vertically orientated fit, the new shells effectively mitigate my issues with hotspot formation at the back of my ears that I experienced on their original universal shells. The tear-drop shaped shells are reasonably compact and no longer contact much of the outer ear. Their simplistic styling doesn’t provide the locked-in sensation provided by more aggressively sculpted faux-custom shells, but in so doing, they achieve wider compatibility with different ear shapes. I also didn’t find fit stability to be an issue due to their well-angled, elongated nozzles that provide a deeper fit and position the shells in a stable, comfortable position.

The shells aren’t too heavy despite the metal construction and achieved both excellent stability and comfort long-term in my medium-sized ears. That said, I wouldn’t recommend them explicitly for smaller eared listeners due to their height, but they may do with a shallower fit. Seal was not an issue for me but, as above, isn’t especially apparent in terms of sensation. This is because the apex modules vent all wearing pressure, which will be an asset for those sensitive to such. I find this greatly enhances wearing comfort long-term and does indeed alleviate listening fatigue, especially aiding the perception of bass. In addition, added cable noise and the thump of footsteps during commute are significantly dampened by the pressure relief system which makes this a fantastic IEM to use day to day, even for cardio should you be so daring.

Passive noise isolation is good and varies with the apex module installed. The stock M15 modules were fine for daily commute, less attenuating than a sealed monitor but better than most vented hybrid or dynamic driver IEMs. I do think the M20 modules are well-considered for louder environments as you also get a bump in bass which can help to combat ambient noise. Fully sealed modules are available separately but weren’t intended for use with 64 Audio’s IEMs so I cannot comment on these here.

Next Page: Sound Breakdown

The post 64Audio U6T Review – Vibrant, Vivacious first appeared on The Headphone List.

World News

Kinera Skuld Review – New Leaf

Posted on by Ryan Soo

Pros –

Class-leading visual design, Excellent cable and accessory set, Compact and comfortable shells, Pressure relief vent, Well-balanced sound tuning, Class-leading coherence, Excellent layering, Nicely extended treble

Cons –

Male vocals can sound a bit boxy, Full-bodied presentation doesn’t flatter separation, Soundstage depth leaves to be desired

Verdict –

The Skuld is an intersection between IEM design and art, a combination of great tuning and good technical ability that delivers one of the most coherent and layered presentations I’ve heard.

Introduction –

Kinera are now a better-known name in the ChiFi audio world. Starting life as an OEM/ODM, the company has experience that belies the youth of their brand. Many were first captivated by their flagships, and the same hand-painted shell designs have since trickled down to their midrange offerings too. And, while others seek fame by targeting popular reference sound curves, Kinera are a company of strong principle, having stuck by the same ethos since their inception. Their IEMs are musical and coloured, with a smooth, mid-focused house that is constantly being refined. The Skuld is their latest midrange IEM, utilising a 5-BA driver setup, drawing most parallels to the former flagship and well-regarded Odin. With customised premium BA drivers co-developed with Knowles and hand-crafted, artisan design, the Skuld is primed to be a crowd pleaser for Kinera.

The Skuld retails for $550 USD at the time of writing. You can read all about it and treat yourself to a unit on HiFiGO.

Disclaimer –

I would like to thank Nappoler from HiFiGO and the team at Kinera very much for making this review happen. All words are my own and there is no monetary incentive for a positive review. Despite receiving the earphones free of cost, I will attempt to be as objective as possible.

Contents –

Specifications –

  • Drivers: 3 Knowles BA + 2x Kinera Customised BA
  • Impedance: 23 Ohms
  • Sensitivity: 120 dB
  • Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 50 kHz

Behind the Design –

Customised BA Drivers

Image provided by Kinera

Kinera cite 3x Knowles BA drivers and 2 in-house customised BA drivers on their website. The lows are handled by single Knowles CL-22955 BA woofer, mids courtesy of Knowles RAF-32873 dual BA system, and highs by the renowned SWFK-31736 dual tweeter system. The tweeters have been customised by Kinera to offer a flatter frequency response and filters, shell design and crossovers all play further into this as well. Kinera state a 2×2 setup on their website for the midrange drivers, however, the company did confirm to me, it is two single BA drivers in each shell, hence, 5x BA. Altogether, Kinera posit this is their second flattest tuning yet following the Odin.

Hand-Painted Shells

The Freya remains one of the most visually stunning IEMs in my collection and the Skuld takes this to the next level. It too features hand-painted shells, in turn, each is unique. I did note that the artists at Kinera have paid particular attention to symmetry with regards to the gold foil especially, and between the two sides. There is incredible complexity going on here with golf foil, silver glitter and blue/green iridescent scales. Even with that, the execution and surface finish is flawless with zero contamination, bubbles or unevenness. The hyper-gloss coat has superb transparency, showcasing excellent colour, lustre and depth.

Unboxing –

Surely a highlight of this earphone, the experience begins with their stunning unboxing. Like a few past Kinera earphones, the Skuld comes in a hexagonal box with similar design to the faceplates. Sliding off the top lid reveals promo papers and below, the earphones, case and accessories within laser cut foam. Inside the leather case with magnetic clasp is the cable, cleaning tool and 2 types of tuning tips detailed below. Within the foam inlet lies the 5 pairs of Final E-tips, 2 pairs of memory foam tips. The cable is terminated in 4.4mm balanced so Kinera has kindly included 3.5mm and 2.5mm adaptors as well. Do note they are quite large, so consider this for portable source pairings. In addition, Kinera are offering 3 pairs of custom RS-B45 silicone tips said to provide a purer vocal experience and 3 pairs of custom JH-FY009-B tips offering a more balanced sound.

Design –

I had seen the photos and renders, but like any hand-made product, none can truly speak for the experience in-person. The Skuld is a captivating, elegant and beautifully formed earphone. Of course, the faceplate design first strikes with dimension and depth aided by a thick hyper-gloss coating and a stunning design that folds around the sides of the earphone too. The iridescent scales especially fascinate in their play on light, a quality that is difficult to capture in photographs. Atop a piano black background, the shells provide awesome contrast and pop. Gold logos complement the foil inlays, creating visually stunning package that retains coherence and satisfying symmetry. The flawless finish is a perfect showcase for the company’s visual design. I saw zero bubbles or contamination in the resin and enjoyed perfect faceplate integration. The cable has not been overlooked despite this and plays into the premium overall experience.

Using 0.78mm 2-pin connectors, aftermarket options are abundant. Kinera are also using phosphor bronze connectors that they reason are harder wearing than conventional connectors. The cable uses SPC conductors with a high 192 strand count across an 8-wire construction. The PVC jacket is ultra-supple with zero memory, and its transparency showcases the intricacy inside. I found the cable highly ergonomic, being lightweight, tangle-resistant and with minimal microphonic noise transmission. The metal connectors are smoked to better complement the housings and the jack has great strain relief too. The pre-moulded ear guides were comfortable and well-shaped for my ears. Still, while 4.4mm is an increasingly common standard, I would have preferred a 2.5mm connector as it would have permit smaller adaptors.

Fit & Isolation –

Kinera’s faux-custom shells in the past have all been larger, more ear-filling designs so I wasn’t expecting the Skuld to be so compact and smoothly formed. It is a very ergonomically formed with a rounded, teardrop profile that has no sharp edges that may wear on the ear over time. Similalry, it is not an excessively sculpted monitor and will comfortably fit a wide range of listeners, even those with smaller ears. They’re fairly slim too, achieving a low-profile fit. With the right tips, they would be suitable for most to sleep on. A vent on the rear may not do much for the sound without a dynamic driver, but does aid wearing comfort, decreasing wearing pressure.

I still found them to offer great noise isolation and wind noise wasn’t an issue either. The nozzles are elongated, well-angled and slender, tapering down to a narrower aperture to promote a deeper fit depth and optimise ear tip compatibility. I received an impeccable seal and fit stability was rock solid despite the more compact shells as a result. While fully-sealed monitors will offer a bit more isolation, the Skuld is a find choice for commute and travel.

Next Page: Sound & Source Pairings

The post Kinera Skuld Review – New Leaf first appeared on The Headphone List.

World News

Topping 30-Pro Stack Review – Performance Credentials

Posted on by Ryan Soo

Introduction –

Topping have garnered quite the following lately for their focus on objective measurement-backed performance. Their designs target ultra-linear sounds, huge driving power and high efficiency, able to achieve a versatile performance in a compact, desk-friendly form factor. While this was exemplified by their flagship 90-stack, the same technology pioneered to top the measurement charts has gradually filtered down to far more affordable models. The 30-Pro stack perhaps exemplifies all of these mantras best. These are compact, handsome devices that draw clear inspiration from the flagship stack in all regards. The D30 Pro benefits from a modern digital screen with matching knob to the A30 for a congruent aesthetic while the A30 Pro feels like a shrunken down A90 with a similar rounded frame, large volume knob and similar switch-based interface. The reason the 30 Pro stack is on everyone’s mind is because it offers similar spec and connectivity to Topping’s TOTL models but at a much cheaper price, where lower-end models relinquish balanced connectivity to hit their price point.

The A30 Pro retails for $349 USD and the D30 Pro retails for $399 USD. You can read all about them including the full specifications on Apos Audio.

Disclaimer –

I would like to thank John from Apos Audio and the team at Topping very much for reaching out and for providing me with the A30 Pro and D30 Pro for the purpose of review. All words are my own and there is no monetary incentive for a positive review. Despite receiving the stack free of charge, I will attempt to be as objective as possible in my evaluation.

Contents –

Behind the Design –

D30 Pro

The D30 Pro utilises a quad Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chip setup alongside XMOS’ latest XU208 USB controller enabling wide codec and balanced support. An Altera FPGA with custom Topping code ensures stable clock and jitter reduction before the DAC stage for cleaner output. The power supply has also been well considered with 8 low dropout regulators ensuring a highly stable, tightly regulated voltage to each circuit within the DAC.

A30 Pro

Perhaps more notably, the A30 Pro is the first midrange amp to combined Topping’s legendary NFCA technology with balanced IO. This enables more flexible connectivity and enhanced performance alongside perfect pairing with the D30 Pro. Of course, not all NFCA implementations are created equal, the A30 Pro utilises 10x OPA1656 op-amps augmented by Topping’s ultra-high gain feedback topology. The company reasons this enables an ultra-low noise level in addition to a wide dynamic range up to a whopping 146dB.

Design –

The Topping 30-Pro stack offers a congruent aesthetic as one would expect for matching devices. There’s a certain charm to their design which feels like a miniaturised 90-stack with similar rounded faceplates and side walls. This gives them a more modern aesthetic than the more squared off L30 and 50s stack whilst retaining a low desk footprint, most notably with regards to depth. As before, the housings are entirely aluminium with a smooth satin finish. The edges are nicely rounded and there are no visible screws on the front or sides which contributes to their impression of quality and refinement, I was very impressed with the tolerances and finish here.

The larger knobs on both devices are also welcome, being far easier to handle than the A50s. They are well-weighted with a smooth action on the A30 Pro and an affirmative click for each setting on the D30 Pro’s rotary encoder. This impression is reinforced by the D30’s large, bright OLED screen. While it doesn’t offer colour, the screen has an orange backlight that grants the stack a high-performance aesthetic, an impression accentuated by the ventilated top-plate on the A30 Pro. Finally, four large rubber feet offer good grip and vibration reduction in addition to preventing scratches.

D30 Pro

In terms of IO, both devices have internal power supplies, only requiring IEC power plugs. This means third party power cables of different lengths and right-angle configurations can be used, great for convenience and optimising the ergonomics of your setup. The D30 Pro offers XLR balanced outputs on its rear and single-ended XLR outputs. It also supports digital input via USB Type-A, optical and COAX.

A30 Pro

Speaking of which, the A30 Pro is a clear step up from the lower-end models and almost on par with the A90. It supports balanced XLR and single-ended RCA input in addition to pass-through via another pair of RCA plugs and balanced output via two 6.3mm dual-mono plugs. On the front is are 4-pin XLR and 4.4mm plugs for balanced output in addition to a 6.3mm single-ended output. A smart addition is a ground/lift switch on the rear that changes the ground point of the amp from its chassis to other equipment in the audio chain. This can help with those experiencing added noise over RCA. 

Usability –

The stack was very easy to setup, simply connect your preferred input to the D30 Pro and connect it to the A30 Pro over either single-ended or balanced depending on your use case. While no audio cables are included (unless purchased from Apos’ Ensemble program), USB and power get the user started. I enjoy having physical power switches on the rear for hard resets too.

D30 Pro

While the D30 Pro does include a remote, all settings can be accessed using the rotary encoder. In standard use, however, it can only be used to adjust volume, denoted by a handy dB readout, and clicked to cycle between its 3 digital inputs. Accessing the menu without the remote requires powering off the DAC with the rear-facing switch, holding the knob down and powering on reveals the menu. Unfortunately, it does have a steeper learning curve than some devices due to the screen’s limited resolution, showing only one number and letter.

Memorising this system can take some time but is manageable if you reference the user manual. Operation via remote is easier since there are dedicated buttons for each function and no power cycle is required. The menu offers the ability to change filters, adjust the between pre-out and line-out mode and enable/disable particular outputs. In addition, you can set the DAC to auto turn on and off when it detects USB input, and can adjust the screen brightness. Of note, the final brightness setting sets the screen to auto shut-off after 30s (without shutting down the device) which is thoughtful for home-theatre/TV setups where its light may be distracting.

While a case can be made for more comprehensive physical controls, realistically, these will be more set it and forget it options for most users. Usually I am not a form over function guy but do personally enjoy the balance Topping have achieved here if at the cost of a steeper learning curve for those that like to tinker.

A30 Pro

The A30 Pro is a far more analogue device, with no remote operation and really, no need for one. Usability is simple and streamlined, making it a pleasure to use day to day. It offers simple switch-based operation. There are two 3-position switches on the front, one toggling power off, XLR and RCA inputs (and in so doing, power on the Amp), the other toggling between its three -14, 0 and 14 dB gain settings. It’s good to see an additional gain setting here as I did find the A50s to lack granularity with sensitive IEMs without a negative gain setting. That said, astute readers will note a lack of preamp functionality.  

Powerup takes only a second and is denoted by a white LED next to the switches. I enjoy how Topping have used a diffuser, so it isn’t too bright or distracting, a nice QOL consideration. The amplifier does get noticeably warm over time, understandable given its huge output power and small size. While I was never concerned by the heat, I would recommend putting it on top of the D30 Pro to allow its ventilated housing to breathe. It does function just fine if placed below the D30 Pro which is more ideal for ergonomics as it doesn’t place strain on the ports or cable connectors.

While it still didn’t become hot to the touch in this configuration, perhaps as the sides are also ventilated, this is not ideal for the componentry over long-term use. Besides this, there is not much to complain about when using the A30 Pro. The pot is smooth, of good size wand channel imbalance is minimal unless you’re at the lowest 10 deg of the volume range; unlikely due to the inclusion of a third -14dB gain setting. All of its output can be used simultaneously, handy for comparing gear. I would have liked a 3.5mm output too but it is understandable that Topping would preference the more capable balanced standards.

Next Page: D30 Pro Sound & Comparisons

The post Topping 30-Pro Stack Review – Performance Credentials first appeared on The Headphone List.

World News

Soft Ears RSV Review – Mastering Versatility

Posted on by Ryan Soo

Pros –

Flawless gloss finish, Comfortable and well-isolating design, Quality stock cable, Highly refined and versatile tuning, Excellent dynamics for a BA design, Jack of all trades master of many, Easy to drive

Cons –

Treble extension and sub-bass definition could be improved, Soundstage depth just above average in-class

Verdict –

The RSV is one of the most well-rounded and instantly likeable earphones I’ve tested, representing an excellent value proposition even at its elevated price tag.

Introduction –

Soft Ears are the luxury division of the now widely renowned Moondrop, seeking to offer a more refined experience at more premium price tiers. Their product portfolio is more focused and mostly high-end focused. This starts at their all-out co-flagships, the 10x BA driver RS10 reference monitor and their Tribrid Cerberus. Alternatively, the Turii offers a high-end single-DD configuration that has become more popularised in recent years. The RSV is their cheapest model if not a cheap earphone in isolation. The team spent 1 year honing it to perfection, aiming to offer a scaled back version of the RS10 experience with the same technologies and engineering on a simplified and easier to drive 5-BA platform. Compared to the flat out reference RS10, the RSV has been slightly reworked to provide a heavier emphasis on dynamics. Its engaging yet immaculately clean sound, ease of driving and more accessible price point makes it a great choice for audio enthusiasts.

The RSV comes in at $729.99 USD. You can read all about it and treat yourself to a unit here.

Disclaimer –

I would like to thank the team at Soft Ears very much for their quick communication and for providing me with the RSV, RS10 and Cerberus for the purpose of review. All words are my own and there is no monetary incentive for a positive review. I paid a slightly reduced cost for the earphones in return for honest evaluation and will attempt to be as objective as possible.

Contents –

Specifications –

  • Drivers: 5x BA
  • Crossover: 6-Component, 3-way
  • Sensitivity: 125dB @ 1kHz
  • Impedance: 8 Ohms
  • Frequency Response: 5Hz – 40kHz
  • Socket: 0.78mm, 2-pin

Behind the Design –

Tuned Acoustics & Crossovers

The combination of electronic crossover and passive filters has enabled Soft Ears to achieve their desired note presentation in addition to their ideal frequency response. Using a 3rd order LRC filter for bass, impedance + low-pass for the midrange and film capacitors for the high-end, the company was able to achieve both whilst maintaining almost linear phase. This is aided by the 3D-printed shell and internal acoustics, leading to maximised extension, resolution and sharper imaging.

VDSF Tuning

Moondrop pioneered the VDSF tuning curve which is a combination of the diffuse field neutral and Harman Curves which have become industry standards as of late. Every model lies on a spectrum between both. The Moondrop sound has become hugely popular with users and critics alike due to its combination of timbral accuracy, balance and improved listenability over time compared to the vanilla Harman and DF Neutral curves. The RSV represents one of the most refined takes on it yet.

Unboxing –

The RSV has the most exclusive unboxing of the Soft Ears line-up with a large magnetic box that folds open to reveal the leather carrying case and accessories within a separate box. The case contains the earphones and cable. Each earpiece comes protected within a fabric pouch that prevent scratches during shipping. The accessories include 3 pairs of silicone tips in addition to 3 pairs of memory foam tips that offer a warmer, softer sound. In addition, a cleaning tool is provided alongside a metal Soft Ears card. Of note, the tips have an especially large bore size which can limit aftermarket pairings. The stock tips also have a seat promoting a more homogenous fit depth, likely in order to provide a more consistent sound between listeners. As there was such a heavy emphasis on tonality on this earphone, I decided to stick with the stock ear tips, of course, experiment for your preference if this is not to your liking.

Design –

As a huge car fanatic, the RSV invoked some primal instinct in me. From the sleek, smooth yet symmetrical styling to the gold foil inlay atop carbon fibre faceplates, the RSV advertises its sporty, high-performance nature. I am a huge fan of the combination of texture and simple yet flawlessly finished 3D printed piano black that oozes quality even in the absence of metal and its associated density in the hand. With its solid 3D-printed design, the RSV feels far more substantial than your average acrylic monitor. If I had one complaint, perhaps the nozzle could have a small ridge to help tips stay attached as those with wet wax may find themselves having to clean them frequently.   

Up top are 2-pin 0.78mm recessed connectors compatible with a wide range of aftermarket options. The stock cable leaves little to be desired, with a smooth matte jacket and very sturdy yet minimally cumbersome construction. The wires are a little springy though it is supple enough to coil without issue and microphonic noise isn’t exacerbated either. The pre-moulded ear guides are comfortable and the connectors complete the aesthetic with their clean matte black finish. Altogether a well-considered package, perhaps a modular or balanced termination could have been employed. Arguably, their use of the widely adopted 3.5mm standard is in line with the company’s intentions that this monitor should be enjoyed from almost any source.

Fit & Isolation –

This is a medium-sized earphone and its fit will be reminiscent to anyone familiar with faux-custom style monitors. It sits comfortably in the outer ear and its rounded design is devoid of features that may cause hotspot formation over time. It protrudes slightly, meaning they won’t be suitable for sleeping on, but the RSV isn’t especially bulky either. For my ears, they were comfortable for hours on end and I achieved a strong, consistent seal. Due to its fully sealed design and well-shaped body, the RSV is very stable and forms a great seal with its slightly deeper fit. Those sensitive to wearing pressure will have a similar experience here to other sealed in-ears that said. In addition, wind noise isn’t an issue and isolation is strong, great for commute and even travel, especially with foam tips installed. This also means the earphones don’t require huge bass emphasis to sound great in louder listening environments.

Next Page: Sound Breakdown & Source Pairings

The post Soft Ears RSV Review – Mastering Versatility first appeared on The Headphone List.

World News

Nostalgia Audio Benbulbin Review – Origin Story

Posted on by Ryan Soo

Pros –

Fantastic stock cable, Excellent fit and isolation, Well-balanced, Super tight and defined bass with tasteful sub-bass boost, Refined treble, Highly transparent tone throughout, Very sharp imaging, Great separation

Cons –

Deep fit may be uncomfortable for some, Thinner midrange makes them a little track sensitive, Tip/fit depth sensitive

Verdict –

With its exceptionally solid fit, class-leading cable and balanced sound that doesn’t sacrifice bass extension and power, Nostalgia Audio have created one of the most versatile IEMs in its price class.

Introduction –

Nostalgia Audio are a new kid on the block but that doesn’t mean they lack experience or talent. The company is situated in Hong Kong and is the passion project of 3 passionate audio enthusiasts and professional – Adrian, Artanis and Bernie. The company serves as a response to the increasing inflation seen in the audiophile market. They do so by leveraging the scale of multiple larger companies for each component; coordinating to achieve a high-quality product at a reasonable price that may not otherwise be possible for a smaller company. While the company began with custom cables, the Benbulbin is their first IEM – and an ambitious one at that. This is a high-end 5-driver hybrid earphone featuring an 11mm Ti-coated DD for the bass, 2x mid BA and 2x BA tweeters. This is woven together with a 3-way crossover and 3-bore design alongside Polish 3D-printed shells with wooden faceplates.

The Benbulbin retails for $899 USD. You can read more about it and treat yourself to a unit here

Disclaimer –

I would like to thank Bernie and Adrian from Nostalgia Audio very much their quick communication and for reaching out and providing me with the Benbulbin for the purpose of review. All words are my own and there is no monetary incentive for a positive review. Despite receiving the earphones free of cost, I will attempt to be as objective as possible in my evaluation.

Contents –

Specifications –

  • Drivers: 1x Ti-Coated DD, 2x Mid BA, 2x High BA
  • Crossover: 3-way, 3 Bore
  • Frequency Response: 10Hz – 19kHz
  • Impedance: 11 Ohms
  • Isolation: -26dB

Behind the Design

Tuned Drivers

The Benbulbin targets a neutral/reference sound by implementing a 5-hybrid driver setup. Bass is covered by a titanium coated DD. Titanium has the highest strength to weight of any metal, meaning a very light yet strong diaphragm can be achieved. While not as stiff as Beryllium, Titanium coated drivers bring real benefits to transient response, lower distortion and higher overall detail retrieval. 

3D Printed Shell

Nostalgia Audio utilise Polish 3D printed shells to achieve not only a high level of aesthetic quality, but also to permit a better ergonomic experience. In addition, the granular changes permit by 3D printing have enabled the company to modify the acoustics surrounding each driver to optimise the frequency response.

Custom Cable

Also included is Nostalgia Audio’s own Prelude custom cable. These are hand crafted in Japan and implement a 4-wire square braid with 26AWG high-purity silver plated copper conductors. It assumes a Type 4 Litz design featuring a damping core to reduce vibrations, reduce resistance and reduce skin and proximity effect relative to non-Litz wires. The Prelude retails for approx. $150 USD, adding value to the overall package.

Unboxing –

Where usually I am accustomed to a relatively sparse unboxing from newer brands, the Benbulbin provided a surprisingly complete and comprehensive unboxing experience. I would say this is indicative that this is a serious venture for the company given there must have been a fair amount of outlay to realise this. Removing the satin outer sleeve reveals a large hard box. Inside are laser cut inlets for the earphones, case and tips. The earphones ship with a lovely green leather magnetic case that complements the faceplate design. As far as ear tips go, the Benbulbin comes with 3 pairs of generic silicone tips with an additional box of Azla Xelastec tips and Dekoni washable foam tips. A cleaning tool is also provided in order to maintain performance over time. Overall, a pleasing and comprehensive selection. Arguably, Final E tips would have better complemented the Benbulbin’s brighter sound signature though the Xelastec tips do offer a unique sound and reliable fit.

Design and Fit –

The Benbulbin is a curious earphone to look at, undoubtedly handsome with a colourful artistic flair imbued by its stained wooden faceplates that offer a unique pattern for each set. This is delightfully contrasted by a piano black acrylic complexion enabled by the Polish 3D-printing process. Relative to class-leaders in this regard, the Benbulbin does have a few rough joins around the faceplate and some undulations that signify this is a hand-finished product. Nonetheless, nothing harms the fit or comfort in any way, just don’t expect machine perfect precision with the finish.

Up top, the earphone employs 0.78mm 2-pin connectors. The cable is sensational, among the best I’ve seen included with any IEM. It is one of the most compliant cables I’ve felt with absolutely zero memory and minimal microphonic noise. The smooth, transparent jacket coils easily for storage and is highly tangle resistant. It has robust yet case-friendly metal connectors backed up by high-purity SPC conductors in a Type 4 Litz geometry. The pre-moulded ear guides are also well-shaped and very comfortable, forming a very strong first impression regarding fit and finish throughout. I would be glad had I paid retail for this cable, the quality is excellent.

Fit & Isolation –

While the shells are shapely, they are also large and elongated. As the height and length of the earphones is not too large, they don’t form hotspots with the outer ear albeit they do protrude quite a bit as a result of their depth. The elongated nozzles and narrow profile mean the earphones provide an especially deep fit and I found sizing down tips here to provide the best experience. Prioritising a deep fit, Nostalgia Audio are able to create a more consistent sound amongst various listeners if at the cost of some comfort relative to a shallower fitting design.

Accordingly, they never quite disappear in the ear, though I did find the nozzle to be well-shaped and nicely angled. In turn, the Benbulbin provided me with a consistent seal and a very stable, locked-in fit. Driver flex also isn’t apparent and wearing pressure is reduced to a large extent by the vented design. The strong seal and deep fit rewards with very strong passive noise isolation and an exceptionally locked-in fit. Despite the presence of faceplate port, there is minimal wind noise and isolation is easily sufficient for commute and even air travel.

Next Page: Sound & Source Pairings

The post Nostalgia Audio Benbulbin Review – Origin Story first appeared on The Headphone List.

World News

Fiio FH3 Review – Coup

Posted on by Ryan Soo

Pros –

Comfortable and well-isolating hybrid design, Good build quality, Clean and balanced midrange, Dynamic yet well-controlled bass, Linear lower-treble with excellent texture

Cons –

Notable sub-bass bias affects bass timbre, Soundstage on the smaller side

Verdict –

So long as you take into account the narrower soundstage and notable sub-bass bias, the FH3 is an excellent in-ear that represents very strong value.

Introduction –

Fiio is a hugely prominent name in the audio industry, initially due to their range of affordable yet well-rounded source devices, soon their DAPs and lately, their IEMs. The company has come far in this regard, their initial offerings being admirable first efforts, but clearly lacking refinement by comparison to companies specialising in this form factor. It’s been a few years now and the company has taken leaps and strides to the extent that their models are proving very competitive. The FH3 is their latest model, and not only is it a continuation of the hybrid FH-series, it is also a successor of the older, but also very popular F9 Pro. It implements a 3-driver hybrid design with the S.Turbo low-pass first seen on the FH5, alongside a new Be DD and latest Knowles drivers. In turn, it promises a very similar experience to Fiio’s more premium offerings at a drastically lower cost.

The Fiio FH3 is available for $149.99 USD. You can read all about it on Fiio’s website here and treat yourself to a set on HiFiGO.

Disclaimer –

I would like to thank Sunny from Fiio very much for her quick communication and for providing me with the FH3 for the purpose of review. All words are my own and there is no monetary incentive for a positive review. Despite receiving the earphones free of cost, I will attempt to be as objective as possible in my evaluation.

Specifications –

  • Frequency response: 10Hz – 40kHz
  • Drivers: 10mm Be-plated DD, Knowles ED30262 midrange driver, Knowles RAD33518 tweeter
  • Impedance: 24 ohms
  • SensitivityL 114dB
  • Weight: 7.3g per earpiece

The Pitch –

S.Turbo

This is a low-pass filter that prevents the DD from encroaching upon the other frequency ranges. The long 41.5mm tube length provides enough acoustic resistance to roll-off higher-frequencies by up to 32dB, ensuring that the DD is only responsible for delivering bass. From Fiio’s info-graphics, it also appears to act as a kind of pressuriser, which will enhance sub-bass extension and the sensation of moving air. This works in tandem with a dual vent system balancing pressure on either side of the driver.

Knowles BA Drivers

Two Knowles drivers have been implemented to cover the mids and highs. They are placed near the opening of the sound tube to minimise unwanted reflections and resonances. In listening and measurement, this is indeed the case as we observe minimal obtrusive peaks and troughs, insinuating smooth crossover points and generally sound acoustic design. Fiio implements a 3-way hybrid physical and electrical crossover to aid these qualities.

SPC Cable

The included cable appears similar to that on the FA7. It implements monocrystal silver-plated copper conductors with 4 wires, 96 strands total. The high strand count ensures that the cable is pliable while retaining a low resistance. It also enables the company to subtly alter the sound via the skin effect.

Unboxing –

The FH3 has a pleasing unboxing experience similar to their higher-end models. The buyer receives a terrific pelican-style case that feels tough with weather-resistant seals. Inside is a more compact soft zipper pouch for portable use. Fiio include a whopping 11-pairs of eartips, 3 sizes of bass, reference and vocal tuning silicone tips alongside 2 pairs of more isolating memory foam tips. A cleaning tool is also provided but there is a nice fine metal wax filter already in place on the earphones.

Design –

Those familiar with Fiio’s other FH earphones will find a very similar experience here. The shells are all-aluminium with signature ripple faceplate design that catches light in fascinating ways. The inner face feels well sculpted, more so than the FH5, so as to achieve a good fit depth and enhance stability. Furthermore, in line with its lesser driver count, the FH3 assumes generally smaller dimensions – albeit a similar design language and feel in-ear to the FH5 and FH7. The quality is impressive too, with a well-refined finish as one would expect from the large and experienced company. There aren’t any rough edges or surface defects alongside impressive faceplate matching that you won’t get from more boutique manufacturers. Finally, the all-black colour scheme looks clean and streamlined if not quite as regal as the two tone higher models.

The cable appears similar to that included with the FA7 but is noticeably more flexible if not quite as nice as the higher-end FA9, FH5 and FH7 units. It uses an MMCX interface and high-purity SPC conductors with a high strand count. Ergonomically, it features an internally braided structure with a tough, albeit slightly tacky smoke jacket on top. Below the y-split, the two channels are divided rather than being unified so handle with care to avoid separation of the wires. Otherwise, the connectors feel well constructed and relieved. This feels like a sturdy cable if not the most soft and supple one, but maintains low memory with minimal microphonic noise. The pre-moulded ear guides also offer a comfortable and stable experience, especially combined with the smaller and lighter housing design.

Fit & Isolation –

The FH3 was a very comfortable earphone during my weeks of testing. The more compact and ergonomically sculpted housing (as compared to the FH5), makes it feel appreciably more conforming to the bends and folds of the ear. In turn, it feels more stable and locked in than that earphone, in addition to being very comfortable during long listening sessions. I experienced no hotspot formation and it provided a low-profile fit suitable for sleeping, they are impressively svelte. Two vents are apparent, one on the inner face of the earphone, one on the front. Despite this, they are not too prone to wind noise that can pester on many vented earphones, making the FH3 a strong choice for portable use.

The stronger seal is another factor that supports this, aided by a slightly deeper fit than most hybrids. They don’t feel like a fully-sealed BA monitor, of course, but provide surprisingly strong passive noise isolation easily suitable for public transport and perhaps shorter flights; though I would still point frequent travellers towards a fully sealed or custom option. Some driver flex was apparent when intentionally pushing the earphones in once fit, however, I wouldn’t consider this to occur during normal use nor did it negatively affect sound performance.

Next Page: Sound, Comparisons & Verdict

The post Fiio FH3 Review – Coup first appeared on The Headphone List.

World News

Moondrop Aria Review – Reimagined

Posted on by Ryan Soo

Pros –

Strong balance and linearity, Outstanding midrange timbre, Impressive metal build, Wide soundstage, Well-detailed

Cons –

Bass could still be tighter, Average noise isolation

Verdict –

Moondrop’s latest earphone appends complaints with their former design whilst retaining benchmark level tonal refinement at a substantial price cut.

Introduction –

Like many, my first introduction to Moondrop was the Starfield, an earphone that combined their Harman-based VDSF target tuning with a CNT dynamic driver at an affordable price. While I found the earphone to impress in both its build quality and the refinement of its tonality, I did find myself wanting when it came to technical performance. The Aria is the latest offering in Moondrop’s single-DD arsenal, promising to build upon the same foundation of the Starfield. It implements a smart all-black colour scheme and revised driver and surrounding acoustics in order to realise this. Furthermore, the Aria comes at a substantial discount. Of note, some sources refer to this model as the Aria 2 as Moondrop have previously released a single-DD Aria. For the sake of consistency, I will refer to this model simply as the Aria during this review.

You can read more about the Aria and treat yourself to a set on HiFiGO and Apos Audio.

Disclaimer –

I would like to thank Nappoler from HiFiGO very much for his quick communication and for providing me with the Aria for the purpose of review. All words are my own and there is no monetary incentive for a positive review. Despite receiving the earphones free of cost, I will attempt to be as objective as possible in my evaluation.

Contents –

Specifications –

  • Driver: LCP 10mm Dynamic Driver
  • Socket: 0.78mm 2-pin
  • Sensitivity: 122dB
  • Frequency Response: 5Hz – 36kHz

Behind the Design –

Revised Driver and Acoustics

The Aria takes the brass inner cavity and CCAW voice coil of the Starfield and adds stronger N52 Neodymium magnets in addition to a revised LCP (liquid crystal polymer) diaphragm. A newly designed phase waveguide aids treble response and minimises distortion. Moondrop achieve their desired frequency response via implementation of a composite sound cavity, multiple acoustic dampers and numerous tuning ports.

HRTF Frequency Response

The Aria’s frequency response is compliant with Head-related transfer function and room response function. This enables the earphone to provide accurate imaging and localisation. Moondrop’s target curve is a derivative of the diffuse-field neutral and Harman curves – more specifically, compared to Harman-target earphones, Moondrop have toned down the upper-midrange and slightly bumped up the lower-treble. As with the Starfield, I find this to create a very pleasant tonality with a natural-timbre that is increasingly common but not nearly a given in this price range.

Unboxing –

Leveraging their huge success, the cheaper Aria provides a far more prestigious unboxing experience than the pricier starfield before it. An outer sleeve slides off to reveal a magnetic rubberised hard box with foil print. Inside are the earphones within a foam inlet with the zipper carrying case identical to that included with the Starfield just below. The case contains a 2-pin fabric-sheathed braided cable in addition to a whopping 6 pairs of silicone ear tips. What we do miss relative to the Starfield are the tweezers and replacement mesh nozzle covers. Overall, while the accessory set is almost identical to the Starfield, the experience has been elevated by a large degree.

Design –

The Aria is almost identical to the Starfield with a very similar two-piece metal chassis and identical inner half retaining the same in-ear feel between the two. As before, the housings have a nice heft and density alongside impressive tolerances and finish with a palpable seem but rounded edges and corners. The Aria actually appears to have stepped up tolerances slightly from the Starfield, and employs a new flat faceplate design in addition to introducing a more tactile matte finish. In addition, where the Starfield’s painted finish garnered complaints of chipping, the new matte complexion is promised to be harder wearing. Overall, the Aria looks smart with its subtle gold accents and the metal construction rewards with excellent in-hand feel.

The cable has also been revised relative to the Starfield though retains the same 0.78mm 2-pin interface with wide aftermarket support. As opposed to the Litz braided cable that came before, the Aria has a fabric sheathed cable that is only braided below the y-split. It feels a little light and flimsy above the y-split compared to the prior design but is soft and flexible with minimal microphonic noise transmission. The y-split is low-profile and the right-angle plug is both case-friendly and well-relieved. While the cable has some memory, and I do personally prefer the more supple Litz wire, it isn’t too prone to tangling, has a great aesthetic and is easy to live with day to day.

Fit & Isolation –

Given that the portion of the housing that contacts the ear is identical, the fit experience very much mirrors that of the Starfield and models that came before such as the KXXS. This is not a bad thing, for these earphones are all shapely and comfortable to wear. The nozzles are tapered with a nice angle that positions the housing neutrally in the ear to minimise hotspots. The housings are thin so the fit is reasonably low-profile. They’re not ideal to sleep on but are certainly sleek and unassuming in addition to being relatively resistant to wind noise when worn outdoors. There is no driver flex due to their more open-feel with minimal wearing pressure and a shallower fit depth. This is also likely due to the obvious venting which means isolation is below average and not ideal for listening in noisy areas. They do suffice for general commute but I would investigate fully-sealed options for frequent travellers.

Next Page: Sound Breakdown

The post Moondrop Aria Review – Reimagined first appeared on The Headphone List.