Reviews by William Apollo
***The product was gifted to me by my friend is named here "theodyofil" to write an independent review of it.
Specs
--> THD < 0.5%(at 1KHz)
--> 10mm LCP Dynamic Driver
--> Rated power: 5mW Max:10mW
--> Freq response: 20HZ-20000HZ
--> Impedance: 32 ohms
--> Sensitivity: 107dB(at 1KHz/mW)
--> Plug: Detachable 0.78mm 2Pin
Foreword
Quite honestly, you get much more than your money. It's a special situation where you have nothing to say and a lot to say at the same time. Ziigaat Nuo easily beat the best budget product we had. We will talk about this in the end.
Build
I would say it is a successful minimalist approach. I like the design of this ultra-cheap iem, the cable is cute and the material is solid. The fit is really good, although the isolation is not perfect. The shells are not bad at all. Metal nozzles are a plus point.
Sound
This is the main part of what makes a review valuable or important. As usual, before I describe the sound, I'm going to do something I've never done before. If you're reading this review unsure whether to buy this iem or not, choose to buy it. Because given its capabilities, this device is being sold for free (24usd).
Nuo's sound profile is balanced, harmann and a bit U-shape. Just a few years ago, there was nothing but ear-splitting extra V-Shape iems for this kind of money. Nowadays, finding such good tones at these prices shows how much the market has improved.
When you listen to tracks that don't have too many instruments at the same time, you can hear great violins, very good guitars and decent vocals from Nuo. At this point, the only place where I find it appropriate to write something else is the treble. The treble is good but there is a little bit of mudding. Is that a problem? No.
It performed average in almost every genre of music I listened to, some above average and some below average. At this point, it can be said that it is a good device in technical terms. Resolution, imaging and detail reproduction are very good for the price. It has no disadvantages other than losing a little bit of microdetail and squeezing the dimanic range that has been worked on. Separation is good, layering is meh. For only 24 dollars, this is a great iem if you ask me. Because it's very cheap.
Comparison
Ziigaat Nuo (24usd) vs Kiwi Cadenza (35usd)
First of all, both iems are very good and close products.
Resolution: Nuo > Cadenza
Soundstage: Cadenza > Nuo
Imagine: Nuo > Cadenza
Bass: Nuo > Cadenza
Mid: Nuo > Cadenza
Treble: Cadenza > Nuo
Air Freqs: Nuo > Cadenza
Seperation: Cadenza > Nuo
Overall Technics: Nuo > Cadenza
Tonality: Cadenza > Nuo
As a result, Nuo performs better at a more economical price. This is not to say that Cadenza is bad, Cadenza is still good. It's just that nuo is better.
![20240518_180711[250].jpg](https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12384758.jpg "20240518_180711[250].jpg")
Specs
--> THD < 0.5%(at 1KHz)
--> 10mm LCP Dynamic Driver
--> Rated power: 5mW Max:10mW
--> Freq response: 20HZ-20000HZ
--> Impedance: 32 ohms
--> Sensitivity: 107dB(at 1KHz/mW)
--> Plug: Detachable 0.78mm 2Pin
Foreword
Quite honestly, you get much more than your money. It's a special situation where you have nothing to say and a lot to say at the same time. Ziigaat Nuo easily beat the best budget product we had. We will talk about this in the end.
Build
I would say it is a successful minimalist approach. I like the design of this ultra-cheap iem, the cable is cute and the material is solid. The fit is really good, although the isolation is not perfect. The shells are not bad at all. Metal nozzles are a plus point.
Sound
This is the main part of what makes a review valuable or important. As usual, before I describe the sound, I'm going to do something I've never done before. If you're reading this review unsure whether to buy this iem or not, choose to buy it. Because given its capabilities, this device is being sold for free (24usd).
Nuo's sound profile is balanced, harmann and a bit U-shape. Just a few years ago, there was nothing but ear-splitting extra V-Shape iems for this kind of money. Nowadays, finding such good tones at these prices shows how much the market has improved.
When you listen to tracks that don't have too many instruments at the same time, you can hear great violins, very good guitars and decent vocals from Nuo. At this point, the only place where I find it appropriate to write something else is the treble. The treble is good but there is a little bit of mudding. Is that a problem? No.
It performed average in almost every genre of music I listened to, some above average and some below average. At this point, it can be said that it is a good device in technical terms. Resolution, imaging and detail reproduction are very good for the price. It has no disadvantages other than losing a little bit of microdetail and squeezing the dimanic range that has been worked on. Separation is good, layering is meh. For only 24 dollars, this is a great iem if you ask me. Because it's very cheap.
Comparison
Ziigaat Nuo (24usd) vs Kiwi Cadenza (35usd)
First of all, both iems are very good and close products.
Resolution: Nuo > Cadenza
Soundstage: Cadenza > Nuo
Imagine: Nuo > Cadenza
Bass: Nuo > Cadenza
Mid: Nuo > Cadenza
Treble: Cadenza > Nuo
Air Freqs: Nuo > Cadenza
Seperation: Cadenza > Nuo
Overall Technics: Nuo > Cadenza
Tonality: Cadenza > Nuo
As a result, Nuo performs better at a more economical price. This is not to say that Cadenza is bad, Cadenza is still good. It's just that nuo is better.
***The Hifiman edition XS is an open back over-ear headphone with planar drivers currently available for $379 (normally $500). I purchased the product myself to write an independent review.
Specs
->Impedance - 18Ω
->Frequency response range - 8Hz-50kHz
->Sensitivity - 92dB
->Weight - 405grams
->Cable termination - 3.5mm
Foreword
Considering the price, it's a good value for money, but it's not perfect. It's a high-end headphone killer if you ignore some flaws. Among headphones with planar magnetic drivers, these headphones have a very competitive position compared to dynamic driver headphones.
Build
Plastic and aluminum.
The box contains the product itself, the cable and some papers. Hifiman's eye-catching box design is very nice, but I'm not going to let it fool me. It's a shame there's no case. The cable is pretty standard. The "family tree" in the user manual is very nice.
When we come to the product itself, we see the same standards of material. It's not bad, it's durable and usable, but there's nothing eye-catching or with a very good feel. The ear pads are very good, thick and soft. The headband is also thick and comfortable but not as soft.
Xs can make things difficult for small heads. Otherwise, it's very comfortable and suitable for long listening sessions. The fact that it doesn't make you sweat is another nice feature.
In fact, we can see from all of this, they spent most of the budget on the drivers. Some frills can be sacrificed for good sound.
Sound
Let's get to the part we're really gonna focus on. sound.
First of all the resolution is excellent considering the price. The XS has a detailed and analytical sound. Although it's a relatively easy headphone to drive, a good amp is required to bring out the microdetails. When you give the XS what you want, it gives you what you want, and it produces very good detail reproduction.
The soundstage is perfect. It is wide and consistent. Separation is good for the price and layering is excellent. The distance between the instruments could be wider, but that's not a big deal considering the price.
Hifiman Xs is a headphone that plays hard to be natural, natural to be hard. It's quite resolute in this character and punishes you with a little distortion when you want to hear more of that wonderful bass. The fundamentally natural tone hardens as the highs shine, resulting in a sometimes tight, sometimes relaxed analytical presentation. This headphone can give you more than one sensation in a row. I can understand the reason for this brightness because there is a treble that extended quite well.
Bass
One specific thing I observed in the low frequencies is that most of the bass goes out. I know this is normal, but a lot more goes out than comes in. You can try this by leaning your ear against the back of the headphones. I think this is a sacrifice for that wonderfully refined bass. The Xs' bass has good extension, resolution and not dissipate. I'm not a basshead but I wish there were more of them, I think if there were more they wouldn't be as good. When comparing to high end headphones, of course the bass is weak compared to dynamic drivers but very good around the planar driver.
Other than that, the bass response is deep and effective. The drums are the most beautiful part of all these low frequencies. Natural, full and realistic.
Mid
The details and texture are satisfying. Female vocals dominate over male vocals. The strings are a bit unfocused and the woodwinds feel very good. The mids have an overall clean and transparent presentation. Considering the staging capabilities and resolution of the Xs, you can see that it does well in this area. Just like that, the mids give you everything you want, almost without makeup, unlike the treble. Apart from a little bit of adjustments and a little bit of extension, the mids are quite natural. This is the "too natural to be hard" part, I'll get to the other part in a moment. I would like to point out that there is no extreme depth in this area, come on, it's only 500usd (380usd now).
Treble
There is no flawless soul
The trebles have a very good extension and great detail, as well as a full "planar brilliance". There is a sharp structuring in the very center of the treble. This gives a slight metallic flavor to the overall tone. While technically excellent, the physical comfort of the headphones does not match the listening comfort. No, this is not a headphone to enjoy music mindlessly. This is a headphone that wants you to focus and feel the details. At this point, the highs are "too hard to be natural". But don't let that put you off. There are clear, well-extended cymbals and well-tuned whistles that are pleasing to the ear. They're just a bit bright.
As a result
The sound is fantastic for the price. For $500, it's hard to get a headset like this. Xs is a headphone that puts its more expensive competitors in a difficult situation. It provides a very similar experience to high end headphones 2-3 times more expensive.
Final Words
The Hifman Edition Xs is a true price/performance beast with sound and potential. It has no faults other than a slightly bright tone and the lack of a bag. If you don't have an xs size head, you can buy it with peace of mind
Jokes aside, this headphone plays according to the nature of the planar driver, and the pros clearly outweigh the cons.
Specs
->Impedance - 18Ω
->Frequency response range - 8Hz-50kHz
->Sensitivity - 92dB
->Weight - 405grams
->Cable termination - 3.5mm
Foreword
Considering the price, it's a good value for money, but it's not perfect. It's a high-end headphone killer if you ignore some flaws. Among headphones with planar magnetic drivers, these headphones have a very competitive position compared to dynamic driver headphones.
Build
Plastic and aluminum.
The box contains the product itself, the cable and some papers. Hifiman's eye-catching box design is very nice, but I'm not going to let it fool me. It's a shame there's no case. The cable is pretty standard. The "family tree" in the user manual is very nice.
When we come to the product itself, we see the same standards of material. It's not bad, it's durable and usable, but there's nothing eye-catching or with a very good feel. The ear pads are very good, thick and soft. The headband is also thick and comfortable but not as soft.
Xs can make things difficult for small heads. Otherwise, it's very comfortable and suitable for long listening sessions. The fact that it doesn't make you sweat is another nice feature.
In fact, we can see from all of this, they spent most of the budget on the drivers. Some frills can be sacrificed for good sound.
Sound
Let's get to the part we're really gonna focus on. sound.
First of all the resolution is excellent considering the price. The XS has a detailed and analytical sound. Although it's a relatively easy headphone to drive, a good amp is required to bring out the microdetails. When you give the XS what you want, it gives you what you want, and it produces very good detail reproduction.
The soundstage is perfect. It is wide and consistent. Separation is good for the price and layering is excellent. The distance between the instruments could be wider, but that's not a big deal considering the price.
Hifiman Xs is a headphone that plays hard to be natural, natural to be hard. It's quite resolute in this character and punishes you with a little distortion when you want to hear more of that wonderful bass. The fundamentally natural tone hardens as the highs shine, resulting in a sometimes tight, sometimes relaxed analytical presentation. This headphone can give you more than one sensation in a row. I can understand the reason for this brightness because there is a treble that extended quite well.
Bass
One specific thing I observed in the low frequencies is that most of the bass goes out. I know this is normal, but a lot more goes out than comes in. You can try this by leaning your ear against the back of the headphones. I think this is a sacrifice for that wonderfully refined bass. The Xs' bass has good extension, resolution and not dissipate. I'm not a basshead but I wish there were more of them, I think if there were more they wouldn't be as good. When comparing to high end headphones, of course the bass is weak compared to dynamic drivers but very good around the planar driver.
Other than that, the bass response is deep and effective. The drums are the most beautiful part of all these low frequencies. Natural, full and realistic.
Mid
The details and texture are satisfying. Female vocals dominate over male vocals. The strings are a bit unfocused and the woodwinds feel very good. The mids have an overall clean and transparent presentation. Considering the staging capabilities and resolution of the Xs, you can see that it does well in this area. Just like that, the mids give you everything you want, almost without makeup, unlike the treble. Apart from a little bit of adjustments and a little bit of extension, the mids are quite natural. This is the "too natural to be hard" part, I'll get to the other part in a moment. I would like to point out that there is no extreme depth in this area, come on, it's only 500usd (380usd now).
Treble
There is no flawless soul
The trebles have a very good extension and great detail, as well as a full "planar brilliance". There is a sharp structuring in the very center of the treble. This gives a slight metallic flavor to the overall tone. While technically excellent, the physical comfort of the headphones does not match the listening comfort. No, this is not a headphone to enjoy music mindlessly. This is a headphone that wants you to focus and feel the details. At this point, the highs are "too hard to be natural". But don't let that put you off. There are clear, well-extended cymbals and well-tuned whistles that are pleasing to the ear. They're just a bit bright.
As a result
The sound is fantastic for the price. For $500, it's hard to get a headset like this. Xs is a headphone that puts its more expensive competitors in a difficult situation. It provides a very similar experience to high end headphones 2-3 times more expensive.
Final Words
The Hifman Edition Xs is a true price/performance beast with sound and potential. It has no faults other than a slightly bright tone and the lack of a bag. If you don't have an xs size head, you can buy it with peace of mind
Jokes aside, this headphone plays according to the nature of the planar driver, and the pros clearly outweigh the cons.
***Chopin is available on the market for 200 dollars. I bought the product myself to write an independent review. 70+ hours listened before writing the review.
Specs
-->Impedance: 12Ω@1kHz.
-->Sensitivity: 122dB/Vrms.
-->Effective Frequency Response Range: 5Hz-20kHz.
-->THD+N: <1%@1kHz.
-->Designed in Collaboration With Gizaudio.
-->Four-Driver Hybrid Setup.
-->8mm Ceramic Diaphragm Dynamic Driver.
-->Customized Mid-Range Balanced Armature Driver.
-->Customized Composite Dual Balanced Armature Driver for High-Frequency (2BA).
-->Stunning Design With Stainless Steel Facepanels.
-->3D Printed Resin Material Cavities.
-->High-Purity OFC SIlver-Plated Litz Cable.
-->Available in 3.5mm or 4.4mm Termination Options.
Foreword
A device with good techniques and almost well toned. I say almost because unfortunately some "personal" choices have made this iem good instead of great. For those who like flat sound this headphone is just a fun tool but for those who already like/listen to V-shape it is a very good choice. (its U-shape btw)
Build
It's a horizontal box design and I like that. I prefer that rather than always seeing the same box shape.
Honestly, I don't like the design at all. The fit is not bad, the durability is okay. but the shape is a complete fail. The cable is very average but there's nothing bad about it, in fact I'm glad they're not thick and bulky. The hard case that comes in the box is ordinary plastic but I think it's nice (it's not like you're going to run over it with a tank). The two little bags for the shells are very cute and the quality is excellent but I would have preferred them to be in one piece. The tips? Don't even ask, they're a disaster. Both not enough and wrong. The brush is fine. We'll use it
Sound
Chopin is not a difficult iem to drive. In addition, it does not distort at high power. It gives a clean soundstage with a clean background.
I've always liked V/U-shapes that are not extreme. Somehow iems with this type of sound appeal to everyone and find a place in every inventory. Chopin is a good example. But it has some mistakes, we will talk about them.
Female vocals and treble are a bit bright in general. But for a fish swimming in a sea of chi-fi, there's nothing to annoy. Although I had have to turn the volume down seriously at 04:31-04:42 in the track "Bülent Ersoy - Bir ben bir Allah biliyor". Based on the performance in the same song, we can say that there is good imaging.
Except for those who like flat sound, this iem is versatile. Mid gives a very good technical performance and brings enough instruments to your ears. These instruments give you all the detail behind the female vocal. Despite the tuning, the micro detail reproduction in the mids is admirable.
Bass
The lower frequencies are the best part of this headphone. I really enjoyed all the EDM, hip-hop and pop music I listened to during the test phase. The controlled, textured and deep bass response comes with a good technical skill considering the volume. With very good extension, the sub is a real showstopper. The only point open to critique is the lack of midbass when listening to an orchestra. It's forgivable given the overall low frequency performance.
Mid
Despite the warmth of the overall sound, the mids themselves have a cold timbre, which you can easily hear in songs you've listened to before in genres like rock/jazz/blues. This results in a transparent feel and instruments that sound more resolved than they actually are. There are two reasons for this general impression: Missing low mids and prominent vocals. The lack of low mids gives the sound a little bit of thickness but at the same time some depth. The loudness of the vocals, especially the female vocals, causes some loss of texture in all the instruments, but also a "cold" resolution increase. The other effect of the setting that amplifies the vocals on the instruments is, as expected, the upper violin/guitar tones that become sharper and closer. This resulted in a loss of separation around the vocals. Other than that, the instrument separation is quite enough and successful for the price.
Treble
Treble is average. It's a bit bright and has a standard resolution. Air frequencies are bullied by the lower treble. Cymbals are nice when there are no instruments and vocals, but they damage when the soundstage gets crowded. I would have preferred them to be more quiet but that's purely personal, objectively there's nothing bad about the treble, it's just value for money. The amount of extension is quite well tuned, the placement is a bit poor compared to the rest of the sound. The cymbals may be the most natural part of the whole sound (despite the tone). Female vocals have too much boost at the points where they become high-pitched, which is actually the whole problem. If we solve this (hypothesis) the overall rating of the sound will go up.
Final Words
With its technical skill, with its capabilities at some points and shortcomings at others, the chopin is a device that is worth its price, we can say that it is overall positive,
and the low frequencies are fantastic. If you don't mind a bit of brightness and U-shape sound, you can safely choose it.
Specs
-->Impedance: 12Ω@1kHz.
-->Sensitivity: 122dB/Vrms.
-->Effective Frequency Response Range: 5Hz-20kHz.
-->THD+N: <1%@1kHz.
-->Designed in Collaboration With Gizaudio.
-->Four-Driver Hybrid Setup.
-->8mm Ceramic Diaphragm Dynamic Driver.
-->Customized Mid-Range Balanced Armature Driver.
-->Customized Composite Dual Balanced Armature Driver for High-Frequency (2BA).
-->Stunning Design With Stainless Steel Facepanels.
-->3D Printed Resin Material Cavities.
-->High-Purity OFC SIlver-Plated Litz Cable.
-->Available in 3.5mm or 4.4mm Termination Options.
Foreword
A device with good techniques and almost well toned. I say almost because unfortunately some "personal" choices have made this iem good instead of great. For those who like flat sound this headphone is just a fun tool but for those who already like/listen to V-shape it is a very good choice. (its U-shape btw)
Build
It's a horizontal box design and I like that. I prefer that rather than always seeing the same box shape.
Honestly, I don't like the design at all. The fit is not bad, the durability is okay. but the shape is a complete fail. The cable is very average but there's nothing bad about it, in fact I'm glad they're not thick and bulky. The hard case that comes in the box is ordinary plastic but I think it's nice (it's not like you're going to run over it with a tank). The two little bags for the shells are very cute and the quality is excellent but I would have preferred them to be in one piece. The tips? Don't even ask, they're a disaster. Both not enough and wrong. The brush is fine. We'll use it
Sound
Chopin is not a difficult iem to drive. In addition, it does not distort at high power. It gives a clean soundstage with a clean background.
I've always liked V/U-shapes that are not extreme. Somehow iems with this type of sound appeal to everyone and find a place in every inventory. Chopin is a good example. But it has some mistakes, we will talk about them.
Female vocals and treble are a bit bright in general. But for a fish swimming in a sea of chi-fi, there's nothing to annoy. Although I had have to turn the volume down seriously at 04:31-04:42 in the track "Bülent Ersoy - Bir ben bir Allah biliyor". Based on the performance in the same song, we can say that there is good imaging.
Except for those who like flat sound, this iem is versatile. Mid gives a very good technical performance and brings enough instruments to your ears. These instruments give you all the detail behind the female vocal. Despite the tuning, the micro detail reproduction in the mids is admirable.
Bass
The lower frequencies are the best part of this headphone. I really enjoyed all the EDM, hip-hop and pop music I listened to during the test phase. The controlled, textured and deep bass response comes with a good technical skill considering the volume. With very good extension, the sub is a real showstopper. The only point open to critique is the lack of midbass when listening to an orchestra. It's forgivable given the overall low frequency performance.
Mid
Despite the warmth of the overall sound, the mids themselves have a cold timbre, which you can easily hear in songs you've listened to before in genres like rock/jazz/blues. This results in a transparent feel and instruments that sound more resolved than they actually are. There are two reasons for this general impression: Missing low mids and prominent vocals. The lack of low mids gives the sound a little bit of thickness but at the same time some depth. The loudness of the vocals, especially the female vocals, causes some loss of texture in all the instruments, but also a "cold" resolution increase. The other effect of the setting that amplifies the vocals on the instruments is, as expected, the upper violin/guitar tones that become sharper and closer. This resulted in a loss of separation around the vocals. Other than that, the instrument separation is quite enough and successful for the price.
Treble
Treble is average. It's a bit bright and has a standard resolution. Air frequencies are bullied by the lower treble. Cymbals are nice when there are no instruments and vocals, but they damage when the soundstage gets crowded. I would have preferred them to be more quiet but that's purely personal, objectively there's nothing bad about the treble, it's just value for money. The amount of extension is quite well tuned, the placement is a bit poor compared to the rest of the sound. The cymbals may be the most natural part of the whole sound (despite the tone). Female vocals have too much boost at the points where they become high-pitched, which is actually the whole problem. If we solve this (hypothesis) the overall rating of the sound will go up.
Final Words
With its technical skill, with its capabilities at some points and shortcomings at others, the chopin is a device that is worth its price, we can say that it is overall positive,
and the low frequencies are fantastic. If you don't mind a bit of brightness and U-shape sound, you can safely choose it.
amanieux
You dont seem to like chopin that much, would your recommend another iem under$200 ?
William Apollo
Aful magic one is amazing
***Hipdac 3 is the latest product in Ifi's Hipdac series. Available for $199. I purchased the device myself with the purpose of writing an independent review. I am writing this review after listening to it for about 100 hours.
Specs
--> Input: USB-C
--> Formats Supported: DSD 256 / 11.3MHz | PCM 384kHz | MQA Full Decoder
--> DAC: Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Burr Brown
--> Outputs: BAL 4.4mm | S-BAL 3.5mm
--> Power Output
BAL: 400mW @ 32Ω | 6.3V @ 600Ω
S-BAL: 280mW @ 32Ω | 3.2V @ 600Ω
--> Output Impedance: ≤ 1Ω (BAL/S-BAL) | w/ iEMatch on: ≤ 4.5Ω
--> SNR + DNR: BAL < 109dBA @ 0dBFS | S-BAL <103dBA @ 0dBFS
--> THD+N
BAL: < 0.006% (360mW/2V @ 600Ω)
S-BAL: < 0.01% (100mW/1.27V @ 32Ω)
--> Frequency Response: 20Hz - 45kHz (-3dB)
--> Battery: Lithium-polymer 2200mAh approx. 8 hours
--> Power System: charge via USB-C | BC V1.2 compliant up to 1000mA charging current
--> Power Consumption: < 2W idle, 4W max
--> Dimensions: 4.0" x 2.8" x 0.6"
--> Net weight: 0.3 lbs (137g)
Foreword
Hipdac 3's sound puts many digital players to shame. There is not an incredible difference compared to the previous version. Still, it's very competitive against other devices.
Build
Box contents:
Hipdac 3
Type c to type a cable
Type c to type c cable
Type c to lightning cable
Sticker and stabilizer pad (4 pcs)
Instructions for use and a warranty card come with it.
It looks like a small flask. The metal surface feels like it will be scratched, I make sure that my pocket is empty when I put it in my pocket. Other than that, it feels quite high quality in the hand. the ports and switchs seem like they will not break easily. Hipdac 3 has 4.4 and 3.5 outputs on it. It has two type c outputs. It has a potentiometer for volume adjustment, this is also the on off button.
The cables that come out of the box are also of sufficient quality. Only the fabric covered ones (the yellow ones) are a bit stiff and hard to bend.
Hipdac 3 vs Hipdac 2
The first thing that stands out is the iEMatch feature with Hipdac 3. Next is the type c instead of type a in Hipdac 2. As an upgrade, Hipdac 3 uses metal film capacitors and a low phase noise crystal oscillator. Both devices have the same dac chip.
The result? Both have similar output power and the same sound profile (the Hipdac series almost no play with the source audio), while the Hipdac 3 has a slightly more refined sound, slightly better separation and imaging. There is no night and day difference, just a slight difference. Add iEMatch (which works very well) and you can decide if the upgrade is fair or not.
Usability
The way it's used reminds me of the Fiio Q1mk2. Of course the Hipdac 3 sounds much better.
I would like to categorize the use of this device in two categories: desktop and portable. From a desktop point of view, there is no problem. It can already drive many over-ear headphones. Portable, it's not easy to carry in a pocket, but it plays better than any dongle. Easy to carry in a coat pocket in winter. In summer it can be challenging when you're just wearing shorts and a T-shirt.
There are 3 main advantages over dongles. Sound, power and iEMatch. iEMatch is a technology that optimizes sound for sensitive earphones and especially for iEMs. This technology allows you to get the maximum out of both a hard-driving over-ear headphone and a sensitive iem with the same amp. All this makes the size of this device tolerable for "portable" use.
As for battery life, it's not bad, but honestly not enough. Roughly 8-9 hours in daily use tests. We usually see 10 hours of performance in this type of amp/dac. I think this is insufficient because the device cannot transmit and charge from a single port at the same time. There are two different ports for these. This is good for signal quality and good for desktop use (you can charge and transmit from two ports. But it is a disadvantage for portable use. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a technology/mode that could perform both functions from a single port when the battery is about to run out?
When we look at the other functions, you can think of the Power match button as H/L mode. XBass increases the lower frequencies very clearly and distinctly. I can say that I found it successful for hiphop and edm.
Sound
You will like what you read in this part.
We said that it adds almost nothing tonally to the sound. "Almost" because it has a touch of warmth, even if it's very little. This is very good, especially if you are using a current or flagship phone or if your computer has a high-end motherboard. Otherwise there are no downsides. Apart from that, you get a good resolution and an incredible imaging for the price band. The Hipdac 3 reproduces a very natural and realistic sound and does so without destroying the low frequencies as some devices do.
This $199 device has technical specifications that will crush many entry/mid-level devices. Detail reproduction is not extreme but very good, if you are listening to a high quality format you can easily get microdetails (this also depends on the headphones you are using). I think the output power is enough for everything except for some limited headphones and extremely difficult to drive
planars. Maybe it won't scream at 600ohm, but it's sure to be loud enough.
Epilogue
It's a device that does the best it can for its price in terms of sound. For desktop use, you might want to consider something bigger, but this is good enough. If you're going portable, it's not as easy as a dongle. If you have a good phone, I think it's a much cheaper and more reasonable option than buying a DAP (put your money on headphones).
Specs
--> Input: USB-C
--> Formats Supported: DSD 256 / 11.3MHz | PCM 384kHz | MQA Full Decoder
--> DAC: Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Burr Brown
--> Outputs: BAL 4.4mm | S-BAL 3.5mm
--> Power Output
BAL: 400mW @ 32Ω | 6.3V @ 600Ω
S-BAL: 280mW @ 32Ω | 3.2V @ 600Ω
--> Output Impedance: ≤ 1Ω (BAL/S-BAL) | w/ iEMatch on: ≤ 4.5Ω
--> SNR + DNR: BAL < 109dBA @ 0dBFS | S-BAL <103dBA @ 0dBFS
--> THD+N
BAL: < 0.006% (360mW/2V @ 600Ω)
S-BAL: < 0.01% (100mW/1.27V @ 32Ω)
--> Frequency Response: 20Hz - 45kHz (-3dB)
--> Battery: Lithium-polymer 2200mAh approx. 8 hours
--> Power System: charge via USB-C | BC V1.2 compliant up to 1000mA charging current
--> Power Consumption: < 2W idle, 4W max
--> Dimensions: 4.0" x 2.8" x 0.6"
--> Net weight: 0.3 lbs (137g)
Foreword
Hipdac 3's sound puts many digital players to shame. There is not an incredible difference compared to the previous version. Still, it's very competitive against other devices.
Build
Box contents:
Hipdac 3
Type c to type a cable
Type c to type c cable
Type c to lightning cable
Sticker and stabilizer pad (4 pcs)
Instructions for use and a warranty card come with it.
It looks like a small flask. The metal surface feels like it will be scratched, I make sure that my pocket is empty when I put it in my pocket. Other than that, it feels quite high quality in the hand. the ports and switchs seem like they will not break easily. Hipdac 3 has 4.4 and 3.5 outputs on it. It has two type c outputs. It has a potentiometer for volume adjustment, this is also the on off button.
The cables that come out of the box are also of sufficient quality. Only the fabric covered ones (the yellow ones) are a bit stiff and hard to bend.
Hipdac 3 vs Hipdac 2
The first thing that stands out is the iEMatch feature with Hipdac 3. Next is the type c instead of type a in Hipdac 2. As an upgrade, Hipdac 3 uses metal film capacitors and a low phase noise crystal oscillator. Both devices have the same dac chip.
The result? Both have similar output power and the same sound profile (the Hipdac series almost no play with the source audio), while the Hipdac 3 has a slightly more refined sound, slightly better separation and imaging. There is no night and day difference, just a slight difference. Add iEMatch (which works very well) and you can decide if the upgrade is fair or not.
Usability
The way it's used reminds me of the Fiio Q1mk2. Of course the Hipdac 3 sounds much better.
I would like to categorize the use of this device in two categories: desktop and portable. From a desktop point of view, there is no problem. It can already drive many over-ear headphones. Portable, it's not easy to carry in a pocket, but it plays better than any dongle. Easy to carry in a coat pocket in winter. In summer it can be challenging when you're just wearing shorts and a T-shirt.
There are 3 main advantages over dongles. Sound, power and iEMatch. iEMatch is a technology that optimizes sound for sensitive earphones and especially for iEMs. This technology allows you to get the maximum out of both a hard-driving over-ear headphone and a sensitive iem with the same amp. All this makes the size of this device tolerable for "portable" use.
As for battery life, it's not bad, but honestly not enough. Roughly 8-9 hours in daily use tests. We usually see 10 hours of performance in this type of amp/dac. I think this is insufficient because the device cannot transmit and charge from a single port at the same time. There are two different ports for these. This is good for signal quality and good for desktop use (you can charge and transmit from two ports. But it is a disadvantage for portable use. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a technology/mode that could perform both functions from a single port when the battery is about to run out?
When we look at the other functions, you can think of the Power match button as H/L mode. XBass increases the lower frequencies very clearly and distinctly. I can say that I found it successful for hiphop and edm.
Sound
You will like what you read in this part.
We said that it adds almost nothing tonally to the sound. "Almost" because it has a touch of warmth, even if it's very little. This is very good, especially if you are using a current or flagship phone or if your computer has a high-end motherboard. Otherwise there are no downsides. Apart from that, you get a good resolution and an incredible imaging for the price band. The Hipdac 3 reproduces a very natural and realistic sound and does so without destroying the low frequencies as some devices do.
This $199 device has technical specifications that will crush many entry/mid-level devices. Detail reproduction is not extreme but very good, if you are listening to a high quality format you can easily get microdetails (this also depends on the headphones you are using). I think the output power is enough for everything except for some limited headphones and extremely difficult to drive
planars. Maybe it won't scream at 600ohm, but it's sure to be loud enough.
Epilogue
It's a device that does the best it can for its price in terms of sound. For desktop use, you might want to consider something bigger, but this is good enough. If you're going portable, it's not as easy as a dongle. If you have a good phone, I think it's a much cheaper and more reasonable option than buying a DAP (put your money on headphones).
***Dunu sa6mk2 has a price tag of $579. I bought this iem myself to write an independent review and have listened to it for over 200 hours.
Specs
Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance: 24 ohms @ 1 kHz
Sensitivity: 114 +- 1 dB @ 1 kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.5% @ 1 kHz
Cable : Hulk Pro Mini
Cable Length : 1.2m
Cable Connector : 2-Pin (0.78mm)
Plug Connector : Patented Q-Lock Plus Modular Plug System
Included Plug Terminations: 4.4 mm TRRS Balanced, 3.5 mm TRS Single-Ended
Foreword
Good resolution, good detail reproduction. The background is a bit lackluster for these great features. Let's get started.
Build
Dunu SA6mk2 comes with a really big box. Everything in the box is very high quality. Especially the case quality is awesome, the inside is covered with velvet. There are more tips, they have different shapes and characteristics. It also includes one brush and 6.3mm converter.
Shells
Dunu Sa6mk2 has the familiar "big shells" of the Sa series. Although they are big, the fit is not bad. The shape is good to fit the ear. The isolation is quite good. Appearance? The wood-like surface is different for each iem and is unique to that iem. It feels epic and looks good at the same time. They feel solid in hand.
Cable
Dunu Sa6mk2 comes stock with the Dunu Hulk Mini. The Dunu Hulk Mini sells for 200 dollars. That's a pretty good jest. The cable has a changeable jack. Comes with 4.4 and 3.5 (the 2.5 is going out of business) look and durability are very good. No microphonics. I must say that I found the sound transfer skill successful. Much better than the stock cable of many iem's I have. About the build quality, I can shortly say that you can pull a car.
Sound
First of all, let's see what this switch does. I can say that it slightly raises the lower frequencies and lower mids. Acoustically, there is a more fresh sound when the switch is off. When listening to hiphop or EDM, turning the switch on allows you to hear more sub. This hearable difference is not dramatic. But it's a nice touch.
6 balanced armatures do a great job in terms of resolution. In addition to this, the detail level is above its price. Soundstage is spatially successful. Depth is enough, wide could be better. In-stage localization fidelity is okay. The sound is realistic but the separation is a bit weak. To put it simply, this is a critical listening iem, not really suitable for everyday use.
Another nice thing about this iem is that it is ideal for listening to any kind of music. But I would say it's especially great for pop and rock. The bass guitar timbre is impressive. Dunu sa6mk2 shows its potential when paired with a better source. For this iem, an excessive increase in the source quality can give good results.
The sound signature is up for discussion. I can say that there is a mid-focused W shape. Vocals and violin are in the foreground, followed by guitar and wind instruments. In general, fretted instruments sound better than fretless ones. The preferred setting for the treble adds a chaotic atmosphere to the sound. It's not bad, but it undermines the great potential that exists. On the other hand, the condition of the low frequencies is quite positive and the lack of dynamic drive is not felt. There's not exactly a natural tone, but there's nothing disturbing either. There are some tonal touches, some right and some wrong.
Bass
Details, resolution, texture. It's really good. When the switch is turned on, the bass balance shifts from midbass to sub bass. That's very good. Overall the low frequencies are both instrumentally good and punchy. They are well tuned and do a good job with all kinds of music. The Dunu Sa6mk2 has a textured and complete sub bass response.
Mid
The first point I'll make is the wonderful lower mids, well separated from the bass. The lower guitar tones and the instruments in this zone sound lush and resolved. The separation is not bad, everything is separated but they are very close. Add to that the difference in volume and you get a great sense of depth, but the width is average. This is not a problem because you enjoy the overall instrument timbre and resolution. The female vocals could have been a bit behind. The upper guitar tones are also a bit too forward. Despite all this, all the detail and micro detail you hear is stunning. In addition to this, the depth perception I mentioned adds a mystical atmosphere and realism to the sound. There is a very good resolution throughout the mid frequencies. By the way, unlike other fretless instruments, the violin and cello have a wonderful timbre.
Treble
Good on the surface. High resolution, well placed and textured. But unbalanced in itself. 8Khz is high, and then what? The lower treble is uncontrolled and wobbly. Obviously the drop from 8Khz to 10Khz has negatively affected the sound, the cymbals are good but the air frequencies are not so good. But are the trebles bad in the whole presentation? No, it gives the expected resolution, detail reproduction. But they don't provide enough freshness, they don't give the necessary width in the soundstage. The extension is good for "8Khz" but not enough for the rest. I can't say "bad" because the cymbals I hear are really nice and well worth the price. But the potential is wasted with wrong tonality when it could have been much better, especially for the lower treble. I would have liked to hear more "ss" at 10Khz and beyond, and they must have thought of that because there is a hill at 14Khz. Is it enough to save the situation? That depends on the person, I'm not satisfied.
Last Words
Dunu Sa6 is a good iem. Despite a somewhat tiring presentation and poor separation, it has excellent detail reproduction and high resolution. It has some tonal flaws, but overall it's a reliable product that works well with any music. If you don't have very solid tonal expectations, you may prefer this headphone. It's not the first choice for everyday use, but it's perfect for critical listening. It's worth the price.
Specs
Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance: 24 ohms @ 1 kHz
Sensitivity: 114 +- 1 dB @ 1 kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.5% @ 1 kHz
Cable : Hulk Pro Mini
Cable Length : 1.2m
Cable Connector : 2-Pin (0.78mm)
Plug Connector : Patented Q-Lock Plus Modular Plug System
Included Plug Terminations: 4.4 mm TRRS Balanced, 3.5 mm TRS Single-Ended
Foreword
Good resolution, good detail reproduction. The background is a bit lackluster for these great features. Let's get started.
Build
Dunu SA6mk2 comes with a really big box. Everything in the box is very high quality. Especially the case quality is awesome, the inside is covered with velvet. There are more tips, they have different shapes and characteristics. It also includes one brush and 6.3mm converter.
Shells
Dunu Sa6mk2 has the familiar "big shells" of the Sa series. Although they are big, the fit is not bad. The shape is good to fit the ear. The isolation is quite good. Appearance? The wood-like surface is different for each iem and is unique to that iem. It feels epic and looks good at the same time. They feel solid in hand.
Cable
Dunu Sa6mk2 comes stock with the Dunu Hulk Mini. The Dunu Hulk Mini sells for 200 dollars. That's a pretty good jest. The cable has a changeable jack. Comes with 4.4 and 3.5 (the 2.5 is going out of business) look and durability are very good. No microphonics. I must say that I found the sound transfer skill successful. Much better than the stock cable of many iem's I have. About the build quality, I can shortly say that you can pull a car.
Sound
First of all, let's see what this switch does. I can say that it slightly raises the lower frequencies and lower mids. Acoustically, there is a more fresh sound when the switch is off. When listening to hiphop or EDM, turning the switch on allows you to hear more sub. This hearable difference is not dramatic. But it's a nice touch.
6 balanced armatures do a great job in terms of resolution. In addition to this, the detail level is above its price. Soundstage is spatially successful. Depth is enough, wide could be better. In-stage localization fidelity is okay. The sound is realistic but the separation is a bit weak. To put it simply, this is a critical listening iem, not really suitable for everyday use.
Another nice thing about this iem is that it is ideal for listening to any kind of music. But I would say it's especially great for pop and rock. The bass guitar timbre is impressive. Dunu sa6mk2 shows its potential when paired with a better source. For this iem, an excessive increase in the source quality can give good results.
The sound signature is up for discussion. I can say that there is a mid-focused W shape. Vocals and violin are in the foreground, followed by guitar and wind instruments. In general, fretted instruments sound better than fretless ones. The preferred setting for the treble adds a chaotic atmosphere to the sound. It's not bad, but it undermines the great potential that exists. On the other hand, the condition of the low frequencies is quite positive and the lack of dynamic drive is not felt. There's not exactly a natural tone, but there's nothing disturbing either. There are some tonal touches, some right and some wrong.
Bass
Details, resolution, texture. It's really good. When the switch is turned on, the bass balance shifts from midbass to sub bass. That's very good. Overall the low frequencies are both instrumentally good and punchy. They are well tuned and do a good job with all kinds of music. The Dunu Sa6mk2 has a textured and complete sub bass response.
Mid
The first point I'll make is the wonderful lower mids, well separated from the bass. The lower guitar tones and the instruments in this zone sound lush and resolved. The separation is not bad, everything is separated but they are very close. Add to that the difference in volume and you get a great sense of depth, but the width is average. This is not a problem because you enjoy the overall instrument timbre and resolution. The female vocals could have been a bit behind. The upper guitar tones are also a bit too forward. Despite all this, all the detail and micro detail you hear is stunning. In addition to this, the depth perception I mentioned adds a mystical atmosphere and realism to the sound. There is a very good resolution throughout the mid frequencies. By the way, unlike other fretless instruments, the violin and cello have a wonderful timbre.
Treble
Good on the surface. High resolution, well placed and textured. But unbalanced in itself. 8Khz is high, and then what? The lower treble is uncontrolled and wobbly. Obviously the drop from 8Khz to 10Khz has negatively affected the sound, the cymbals are good but the air frequencies are not so good. But are the trebles bad in the whole presentation? No, it gives the expected resolution, detail reproduction. But they don't provide enough freshness, they don't give the necessary width in the soundstage. The extension is good for "8Khz" but not enough for the rest. I can't say "bad" because the cymbals I hear are really nice and well worth the price. But the potential is wasted with wrong tonality when it could have been much better, especially for the lower treble. I would have liked to hear more "ss" at 10Khz and beyond, and they must have thought of that because there is a hill at 14Khz. Is it enough to save the situation? That depends on the person, I'm not satisfied.
Last Words
Dunu Sa6 is a good iem. Despite a somewhat tiring presentation and poor separation, it has excellent detail reproduction and high resolution. It has some tonal flaws, but overall it's a reliable product that works well with any music. If you don't have very solid tonal expectations, you may prefer this headphone. It's not the first choice for everyday use, but it's perfect for critical listening. It's worth the price.
William Apollo
sa6mk2 is a good iem but not 5 stars. I've listened to the ie900 before but not listened to the ie600. i heard they were quite close. i guess ie600 is a bit better than sa6mk2 in terms of imaging, soundstage and separation. sa6mk2 seems to be better in resolution and detail reproduction. in terms of sound signature i think i would prefer ie600 too. by the way ie900 was brighter than i expected and had an amazing low frequency response.
William Apollo
Now that I think about it, the separation is the same.
Syan25
Nothing slapping a piece of ham wouldn't resolve.
***Aful magic one is a single BA iem that sells for $140. I bought the product myself for an independent review.
Specs
-->Impedance: 38Ω.
-->Sensitivity: 103dB/mW.
-->Frequency Response: 5Hz-25kHz.
-->Passive Isolation: 26dB.
-->Connectors: 2-pin 0.78mm.
-->Termination: 3.5mm/4.4mm.
-->Cable Length: 1.2m.
Foreword
A good audiophile device makes us reviewers eager to write reviews. Before I start this review, I want you to know that this iem got me eager. Audiophiles often listen to the "equipment", not the "music". This is both a blessing and a curse, sometimes you forget to listen to music because you are chasing equipment. Magic One made me "listen to music" after a long time. Even though I listen to much more expensive devices on a daily use. Not because it's the best iem in the world or anything like that, it just felt good for me in this uproar.
Build
One thing I should mention at the beginning is that I think this is the best fit I've ever experienced in the thousands of iems I've listened to.
It's a simple box, a case, (that I will never use) tips, the cable, some paper and the product itself. The packed case is relatively small and looks sturdy. Cosmetically it's very good. The fact that the cable comes in 4.4 is great for me. (yes, this is very ordinary) The cable looks very nice, no microphonics and soft.
Sound
I'm going to enjoy this part a lot.
First of all, given the price, there is nothing to say, bring this man an award! This iem is a beast of detail. Although the vocals are in the front, no instrument is squashed and everything is clear. Instrument separation is above average for the price band. In very rare moments when too many instruments are involved, it can lose a bit of texture. The soundstage is wide and the positioning is consistent. Resolution is well above its price point and microdetail reproduction is good. As a result instrument separation and soundstage are very good, for a single ba it's amazing.
Bass
This part is both the most ordinary and the most unexpected. The lower frequencies are as expected for an iem in a similar price band, but incredible for an iem with a single ba. The surprising part is that a tiny balanced armature can produce such controlled and powerful low frequencies. There is nothing missing from a dynamic driver. Only the sub bass extension may not be enough for some. Also the resolution and detail is very good. The volume, of course, is not too much. Not for bassheads, but not lacking either.
Mid
The mids are very natural. The lower mids are a bit jagged, but that's not a problem because the resolution saves it. The vocals are in the foreground but none of the instruments damage it. You can hear every instrument clearly. Even though the vocal is in the front, it is smooth. Detail reproduction and microdetail reproduction in the mid frequencies are very successful. Resolution is excellent all over the mid frequencies. There is a great guitar timbre in this iem as in Tanchjim Kara. By the way, if you like listening to violin, you will love this iem.
Treble
The lower treble is quite lively and slightly bright. The upper treble is soft and centrally positioned. The treble is generally detailed, with good resolution in line with the rest of the sound. Microdetail reproduction is not as good as in the mids, but not bad. Air frequencies are okay. The only weak point here is the lack of extension in the upper treble. Obviously this is in line with my understanding of natural sound, but extended highs are generally liked and the amount of extension in the upper treble is low on this iem.
Comparison
Aful Magic One (140usd) vs Tanchjim Kara (180usd)
Tanchjim Kara comes with a more showy box. Both iems look fantastic.
First of all, Kara is a much, much more difficult iem to drive. Kara's background silence is awesome. Magic One is dominated in technical performance. Details and resolution are better on Magic One. Soundstage and separation are similar but Magic One has more wider soundstage. Kara's timbre is better. Both iem's upper highs are soft, the Kara has better air frequencies. The Magic One shows better resolution in this area, while the Kara's bass is more controlled. The Magic One plays more naturally and has better microdetail feedback. Kara does better on guitar and Magic One does better on violin.
The vocal is in the foreground in both iems. Kara has a better feel while Magic One is smoother. You hear more instruments with Magic One. With Kara you feel the music inside you. Magic One provides a more realistic sound experience overall.
Last Words
Honestly, I like this iem very much. It would be something like this if Kara played it in detail and it was more natural.
Specs
-->Impedance: 38Ω.
-->Sensitivity: 103dB/mW.
-->Frequency Response: 5Hz-25kHz.
-->Passive Isolation: 26dB.
-->Connectors: 2-pin 0.78mm.
-->Termination: 3.5mm/4.4mm.
-->Cable Length: 1.2m.
Foreword
A good audiophile device makes us reviewers eager to write reviews. Before I start this review, I want you to know that this iem got me eager. Audiophiles often listen to the "equipment", not the "music". This is both a blessing and a curse, sometimes you forget to listen to music because you are chasing equipment. Magic One made me "listen to music" after a long time. Even though I listen to much more expensive devices on a daily use. Not because it's the best iem in the world or anything like that, it just felt good for me in this uproar.
Build
One thing I should mention at the beginning is that I think this is the best fit I've ever experienced in the thousands of iems I've listened to.
It's a simple box, a case, (that I will never use) tips, the cable, some paper and the product itself. The packed case is relatively small and looks sturdy. Cosmetically it's very good. The fact that the cable comes in 4.4 is great for me. (yes, this is very ordinary
) The cable looks very nice, no microphonics and soft.
Sound
I'm going to enjoy this part a lot.
First of all, given the price, there is nothing to say, bring this man an award! This iem is a beast of detail. Although the vocals are in the front, no instrument is squashed and everything is clear. Instrument separation is above average for the price band. In very rare moments when too many instruments are involved, it can lose a bit of texture. The soundstage is wide and the positioning is consistent. Resolution is well above its price point and microdetail reproduction is good. As a result instrument separation and soundstage are very good, for a single ba it's amazing.
Bass
This part is both the most ordinary and the most unexpected. The lower frequencies are as expected for an iem in a similar price band, but incredible for an iem with a single ba. The surprising part is that a tiny balanced armature can produce such controlled and powerful low frequencies. There is nothing missing from a dynamic driver. Only the sub bass extension may not be enough for some. Also the resolution and detail is very good. The volume, of course, is not too much. Not for bassheads, but not lacking either.
Mid
The mids are very natural. The lower mids are a bit jagged, but that's not a problem because the resolution saves it. The vocals are in the foreground but none of the instruments damage it. You can hear every instrument clearly. Even though the vocal is in the front, it is smooth. Detail reproduction and microdetail reproduction in the mid frequencies are very successful. Resolution is excellent all over the mid frequencies. There is a great guitar timbre in this iem as in Tanchjim Kara. By the way, if you like listening to violin, you will love this iem.
Treble
The lower treble is quite lively and slightly bright. The upper treble is soft and centrally positioned. The treble is generally detailed, with good resolution in line with the rest of the sound. Microdetail reproduction is not as good as in the mids, but not bad. Air frequencies are okay. The only weak point here is the lack of extension in the upper treble. Obviously this is in line with my understanding of natural sound, but extended highs are generally liked and the amount of extension in the upper treble is low on this iem.
Comparison
Aful Magic One (140usd) vs Tanchjim Kara (180usd)
Tanchjim Kara comes with a more showy box. Both iems look fantastic.
First of all, Kara is a much, much more difficult iem to drive. Kara's background silence is awesome. Magic One is dominated in technical performance. Details and resolution are better on Magic One. Soundstage and separation are similar but Magic One has more wider soundstage. Kara's timbre is better. Both iem's upper highs are soft, the Kara has better air frequencies. The Magic One shows better resolution in this area, while the Kara's bass is more controlled. The Magic One plays more naturally and has better microdetail feedback. Kara does better on guitar and Magic One does better on violin.
The vocal is in the foreground in both iems. Kara has a better feel while Magic One is smoother. You hear more instruments with Magic One. With Kara you feel the music inside you. Magic One provides a more realistic sound experience overall.
Last Words
Honestly, I like this iem very much. It would be something like this if Kara played it in detail and it was more natural.
**Fiio FH11 is available anywhere for $50. I purchased the product myself to write an independent review.
Specs
-1 DD + 1 BA Driver Arrangement.
-Impedance: 24Ω@1kHz.
-Sensitivity: 111dB/Vrms.
-Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz.
-Connector Type: 0.78mm 2-pin connectors.
-Termination Plug: 3.5mm.
Build
There is nothing to criticise. The fit is average, the shells and cable are very sturdy. Standard three sizes of tips come in the box. The 2pin connector is too stiff (getting softer).
There is no problem with comfort in general because the shells are small.
Sound
Easy to drive even for phone out.
V-shape + vocal boost. To be honest, this headphone is technically very good. Instrument separation, soundstage, positioning are good for the price. Resolution is not good at every frequency, but good overall. Detail reproduction is very good for the price. So what's the problem? Tone. Honestly, the treble annoyed me. There's almost nothing in the way of instruments. They're empty and undetailed.
Lower and upper frequencies are in the foreground and vocals are next to them. Instruments? So-so. Small roll-offs and faint timbres. The resolution of the lower mids is terrible. In parallel, the resolution of the lower frequencies is below average. Towards the treble, the resolution gets better.
Bass
The volume is well balanced. Subbass and midbass are in balance. But details and texture are weak. There is something that adds pressure to the mids. Low frequencies are not bad overall. In fact good for hiphop and edm
Mid
Like surface of the moon. The vocals are good, but the instruments are not descriptive enough. There's a lack of absorbed detail. Despite this, violin is good, I wish I could say the same for guitar. In short, they barely reach average.
Treble
Things aren't so bad in this part. The resolution here completes sound of the Fh11. But it also adds a metallic timbre to the sound. It adds an tiring brightness. The overall effect is unfavourable, although the vocal lift works well. The good thing is that the amount of extension is quite good. As a result, there is a lot of sibilant sound, I don't like it at all.
Comparison
Kiwi Cadenza ($35 1dd) vs Fiio Fh11 ($50 1dd+1ba)
First of all, the Cadenza is a more power-hungry iem than the FH11. When listened to with the phone output, the FH11 sounds much more resolution. This situation changes in the opposite direction when a powerful amplifier is in play. At similar volume levels with a good source, the Cadenza not only offers better resolution but also gives more detail. However, if you listen to music with the phone output, the Fh11 would be a better choice.
The lower frequencies are much cleaner and textured on the Cadenza. Fh11 shows a slightly better rumble in this area. In the mid-frequency range, the Cadenza has a good synergy between instruments and vocals. Fh11 is weak in this range. The Cadenza has a more rich sound, but it's a bit thinner at some points. Cadenza also reproduces more microdetails with power.
When it comes to treble, the Fh11 wins here. Compared to the Cadenza's upper frequencies that need power to show up, the Fh11 is easily extended. Here the Fh11 gives us much bells and whistles. Unfortunately, winning is not always good. The fh11 is a much more tiring iem and the "extension" advantage doesn't make the Cadenza boring. Finally, the resolution of female vocals is slightly better on the Fh11.
Final words: I think the only thing wrong with the Fh11 is the price. For comparison the Cadenza might be a bit unfair because it's almost perfect. But let's not forget that it's 35 dollars vs 50 dollars. If the FH11 was priced at $30, it would be a headphone to rave about.
Specs
-1 DD + 1 BA Driver Arrangement.
-Impedance: 24Ω@1kHz.
-Sensitivity: 111dB/Vrms.
-Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz.
-Connector Type: 0.78mm 2-pin connectors.
-Termination Plug: 3.5mm.
Build
There is nothing to criticise. The fit is average, the shells and cable are very sturdy. Standard three sizes of tips come in the box. The 2pin connector is too stiff (getting softer).
There is no problem with comfort in general because the shells are small.
Sound
Easy to drive even for phone out.
V-shape + vocal boost. To be honest, this headphone is technically very good. Instrument separation, soundstage, positioning are good for the price. Resolution is not good at every frequency, but good overall. Detail reproduction is very good for the price. So what's the problem? Tone. Honestly, the treble annoyed me. There's almost nothing in the way of instruments. They're empty and undetailed.
Lower and upper frequencies are in the foreground and vocals are next to them. Instruments? So-so. Small roll-offs and faint timbres. The resolution of the lower mids is terrible. In parallel, the resolution of the lower frequencies is below average. Towards the treble, the resolution gets better.
Bass
The volume is well balanced. Subbass and midbass are in balance. But details and texture are weak. There is something that adds pressure to the mids. Low frequencies are not bad overall. In fact good for hiphop and edm
Mid
Like surface of the moon. The vocals are good, but the instruments are not descriptive enough. There's a lack of absorbed detail. Despite this, violin is good, I wish I could say the same for guitar. In short, they barely reach average.
Treble
Things aren't so bad in this part. The resolution here completes sound of the Fh11. But it also adds a metallic timbre to the sound. It adds an tiring brightness. The overall effect is unfavourable, although the vocal lift works well. The good thing is that the amount of extension is quite good. As a result, there is a lot of sibilant sound, I don't like it at all.
Comparison
Kiwi Cadenza ($35 1dd) vs Fiio Fh11 ($50 1dd+1ba)
First of all, the Cadenza is a more power-hungry iem than the FH11. When listened to with the phone output, the FH11 sounds much more resolution. This situation changes in the opposite direction when a powerful amplifier is in play. At similar volume levels with a good source, the Cadenza not only offers better resolution but also gives more detail. However, if you listen to music with the phone output, the Fh11 would be a better choice.
The lower frequencies are much cleaner and textured on the Cadenza. Fh11 shows a slightly better rumble in this area. In the mid-frequency range, the Cadenza has a good synergy between instruments and vocals. Fh11 is weak in this range. The Cadenza has a more rich sound, but it's a bit thinner at some points. Cadenza also reproduces more microdetails with power.
When it comes to treble, the Fh11 wins here. Compared to the Cadenza's upper frequencies that need power to show up, the Fh11 is easily extended. Here the Fh11 gives us much bells and whistles. Unfortunately, winning is not always good. The fh11 is a much more tiring iem and the "extension" advantage doesn't make the Cadenza boring. Finally, the resolution of female vocals is slightly better on the Fh11.
Final words: I think the only thing wrong with the Fh11 is the price. For comparison the Cadenza might be a bit unfair because it's almost perfect. But let's not forget that it's 35 dollars vs 50 dollars. If the FH11 was priced at $30, it would be a headphone to rave about.
I purchased this product myself with the intention of writing an independent review. I listened to it for about 100 hours before writing a review. Tanchjim is a company that has both lovers and haters. Let's see what Kara promises us.
Specs
SENSITIVITY: 115dB/rms
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 7-40kHz
THD: <0.8%@1kHz
DRIVE UNIT: DMT 3 Ultra
IMPEDANCE: 27Ω±10%
PIN SPECIFICATION: gold-plated straight pin
DIAPHRAGM: PEEK+PU
WIRE SPECIFICATIONS: 1.25m 3.5MM 0.78PIN
CONDUCTOR: Litz oxygen-free copper wire
Build
Excellent.
The simple box presents its contents with good presentation and quality. Standard but good cable. Tips enough. A quality case (usage habits are individual).
It looks very nice. The resin shell is both small and sturdy. It's quite reassuring. The weakest link here is the plastic cover, which raises a little suspicion.
This cable is identified with tanchjim. I don't have many comments for the cable, I like it.
The fit is quite nice, the nozzle is a little long but the small shells make up for it.
Sound
Let me say this from the beginning, this is hard to drive. I recommend pairing this with amps that deliver over 140 mW at 32 ohms.
There is a sound not far from the Tanchjim line. The mids take the lead; There is a sound where the feeling of vocals, string instruments and drums are beautiful. There is revival in the area where the upper mids and lower trebles meet. This revival crushes the upper treble a bit.
The soundstage is not very large and there is a quiet background. Separation in sound is generally good.
The bass is extremely controlled and somewhat punchy. It is not very strong, but it makes itself felt. The sub is located slightly in front of the midbass. Distortion is low and speed is high but it's not considered tight, it's natural. It is clean and shows extension when necessary. Not very prominent so it's not recommended for bassheads. In terms of resolution, it is normal for its price. Separation is standard here
The lower mids remain below the upper mids. Female vocals sound more resolution than male vocals. What stands out most in the midrange is the wonderful feel of stringed instruments, and specifically the guitar. The sad thing is that despite the good resolution, there is a lack of micro detail in the midrange. Exactly, details are good, micro details are poor. On the other hand, the nice thing is that the mids have good separation.
The highest mids are the explosion point of energy. Now that's a real Tanchjim touch. It's up to you whether you like it or not.
Trebles are not analytical and have very slight extension, is relaxed and ideal for long listening. The resolution of the treble is average for the price and separation is still good. Lower trebles are in front of the upper trebles. There is a slight roll-off at 10khz and sounds a little soft. There isn't much detail here, but I think it's enough unless you're doing critical listening. So actually not that bad the treble completes presentation and the cymbal performance is not bad.
There is no extremely soft treble, I invite those who say it is soft to listen to Astrotec Volans and any Final Audio.
Let's come to the conclusion. It is very suitable for daily listening and I think it is a very reasonable iem for its price.
Specs
SENSITIVITY: 115dB/rms
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 7-40kHz
THD: <0.8%@1kHz
DRIVE UNIT: DMT 3 Ultra
IMPEDANCE: 27Ω±10%
PIN SPECIFICATION: gold-plated straight pin
DIAPHRAGM: PEEK+PU
WIRE SPECIFICATIONS: 1.25m 3.5MM 0.78PIN
CONDUCTOR: Litz oxygen-free copper wire
Build
Excellent.
The simple box presents its contents with good presentation and quality. Standard but good cable. Tips enough. A quality case (usage habits are individual).
It looks very nice. The resin shell is both small and sturdy. It's quite reassuring. The weakest link here is the plastic cover, which raises a little suspicion.
This cable is identified with tanchjim. I don't have many comments for the cable, I like it.
The fit is quite nice, the nozzle is a little long but the small shells make up for it.
Sound
Let me say this from the beginning, this is hard to drive. I recommend pairing this with amps that deliver over 140 mW at 32 ohms.
There is a sound not far from the Tanchjim line. The mids take the lead; There is a sound where the feeling of vocals, string instruments and drums are beautiful. There is revival in the area where the upper mids and lower trebles meet. This revival crushes the upper treble a bit.
The soundstage is not very large and there is a quiet background. Separation in sound is generally good.
The bass is extremely controlled and somewhat punchy. It is not very strong, but it makes itself felt. The sub is located slightly in front of the midbass. Distortion is low and speed is high but it's not considered tight, it's natural. It is clean and shows extension when necessary. Not very prominent so it's not recommended for bassheads. In terms of resolution, it is normal for its price. Separation is standard here
The lower mids remain below the upper mids. Female vocals sound more resolution than male vocals. What stands out most in the midrange is the wonderful feel of stringed instruments, and specifically the guitar. The sad thing is that despite the good resolution, there is a lack of micro detail in the midrange. Exactly, details are good, micro details are poor. On the other hand, the nice thing is that the mids have good separation.
The highest mids are the explosion point of energy. Now that's a real Tanchjim touch. It's up to you whether you like it or not.
Trebles are not analytical and have very slight extension, is relaxed and ideal for long listening. The resolution of the treble is average for the price and separation is still good. Lower trebles are in front of the upper trebles. There is a slight roll-off at 10khz and sounds a little soft. There isn't much detail here, but I think it's enough unless you're doing critical listening. So actually not that bad the treble completes presentation and the cymbal performance is not bad.
There is no extremely soft treble, I invite those who say it is soft to listen to Astrotec Volans and any Final Audio.
Let's come to the conclusion. It is very suitable for daily listening and I think it is a very reasonable iem for its price.
*I purchased the product myself a few months ago and am writing this review after 80+ hours of listening to it.
*This IEM can be found in the market in the 30-35 dollar range.
Specificaions
Build
With a simple structure, the small shells fit well in the ear. The cable is pretty ordinary. On the other hand, all this simplicity does not hinder durability. 2pin is very stable and holds tight.
The subtle patterns on the black resin shells look nice.
Package
The small box includes the cable, user manual, 9 pairs of 3 size tips and the product itself. Actually, it packs a lot of edge for this price. I love this!
Sound
In my personal opinion, sound should be evaluated in two cases for this headset.
In the first case, let's assume that you are powering it with a standard telephone output. In this case you won't get much more than a $30 sound. I don't want to dwell too much on this scenario.
Let's see what happens when you pair it with at least a dongle or a powerful source. I paired it with sources such as dx160, dc05, ua2 and e1da9038d6k. The result? This iem is amazing my friend! When powered well, it has incredible performance in its price range. It's like I'm listening to a $100 iem.
If I were to talk about tone, it would be the exact opposite of bright. The sound sounds warm, comfortable and crisp. Moreover, despite this intonation, you can hear plenty of instruments, there is enough instrument separation.
The lower frequencies are strong, punchy and a bit growly. The sub is clearly in front of the midbass.
Mids are as natural as possible, not pinna light but close. Female vocals do not get in your way and do not disturb you. String and wind instruments are a bit scattered, but they can be heard easily.
Trebles... I think this is going to be a bit controversial. The trebles are clearly not analytical. They are a little behind the rest of the sound, both in terms of resolution and literally.
On the other hand, I liked this soft sound approach. But still, I was pleased when I increased the 10khz part a little with the EQ.
So when I look at the total, I have to say that Kiwi Ears Cadeza is a great in ear monitor for its price. If you like bright sound, you can turn to other earphones. In all other situation I can recommend it.
*This IEM can be found in the market in the 30-35 dollar range.
Specificaions
- Drivers: 10mm Beryllium Dynamic Driver
- Sensitivity: 110dBSPL/mW
- Frequency Range: 20Hz-20KHz
- Impedance: 32Ω
Build
With a simple structure, the small shells fit well in the ear. The cable is pretty ordinary. On the other hand, all this simplicity does not hinder durability. 2pin is very stable and holds tight.
The subtle patterns on the black resin shells look nice.
Package
The small box includes the cable, user manual, 9 pairs of 3 size tips and the product itself. Actually, it packs a lot of edge for this price. I love this!
Sound
In my personal opinion, sound should be evaluated in two cases for this headset.
In the first case, let's assume that you are powering it with a standard telephone output. In this case you won't get much more than a $30 sound. I don't want to dwell too much on this scenario.
Let's see what happens when you pair it with at least a dongle or a powerful source. I paired it with sources such as dx160, dc05, ua2 and e1da9038d6k. The result? This iem is amazing my friend! When powered well, it has incredible performance in its price range. It's like I'm listening to a $100 iem.
If I were to talk about tone, it would be the exact opposite of bright. The sound sounds warm, comfortable and crisp. Moreover, despite this intonation, you can hear plenty of instruments, there is enough instrument separation.
The lower frequencies are strong, punchy and a bit growly. The sub is clearly in front of the midbass.
Mids are as natural as possible, not pinna light but close. Female vocals do not get in your way and do not disturb you. String and wind instruments are a bit scattered, but they can be heard easily.
Trebles... I think this is going to be a bit controversial. The trebles are clearly not analytical. They are a little behind the rest of the sound, both in terms of resolution and literally.
On the other hand, I liked this soft sound approach. But still, I was pleased when I increased the 10khz part a little with the EQ.
So when I look at the total, I have to say that Kiwi Ears Cadeza is a great in ear monitor for its price. If you like bright sound, you can turn to other earphones. In all other situation I can recommend it.
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