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Reviews by briantbrain
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briantbrain
New Head-Fier
Pros: + Plenty of good accessories
+ Lightweight IEMs
+ Sound tuning suitable for an all-arounder that is fun
+ Natural bass and sub-bass
+ Vocals with forward and airy presentation
+ Clear and appropriate treble
+ Wide soundstage
+ One of the best micro-details offered at this price
+ Excellent instrument separation and positioning at this price range
+ Lightweight IEMs
+ Sound tuning suitable for an all-arounder that is fun
+ Natural bass and sub-bass
+ Vocals with forward and airy presentation
+ Clear and appropriate treble
+ Wide soundstage
+ One of the best micro-details offered at this price
+ Excellent instrument separation and positioning at this price range
Cons: - Uncommon cable design, annoying ear hooks
- Fairly thick body
- Sub-bass impact too quick/short
- Thin vocals
- Upper mid to treble has sibilance/unclear in some songs
- Fairly thick body
- Sub-bass impact too quick/short
- Thin vocals
- Upper mid to treble has sibilance/unclear in some songs
Since these IEMs have reached the "burnt" maturity level in Indonesia and I just got a chance to try them, let's turn on the stove and oil, then soak them again until they are no longer burnt but dissolved into powder mixed with oil.
Here we go... 7Hz Sonus.
Here we go... 7Hz Sonus.
==DISCLAIMER==All my impressions and reviews are subjective, based on the belief that "only my savings should be lied about, but my reviews are always honest." Agree? Fine. Disagree? Fine. I review because I want to and enjoy it, not because I need to, lol.
Important!! I suggest you audition for yourself, who knows if it's my ears that need an ENT doctor or if it's yours, lol.
==THIS POST IS FOR==
- My recommended IEMs around $50?
- Fun and airy IEMs?
- What's all the fuss about Sonus being grilled?
- Just want to read the review
==MY DAILY DRIVERS==
- Symphonium Crimson
- Kinera Verdandi
- 634ears Loak-2 OP
- Fiio Q15
- HibyDigital M300
==LET'S GET STRAIGHT TO IT==Unboxing:
These IEMs in the 800k IDR price range surprisingly come with not just sufficient but also unique accessories. From the cable, ear tips, to the display in the box, I found them quite interesting. Contents:
- The IEMs themselves.
- A 4-strand braided cable with 2-pin connectors and a 3.5mm jack (honestly, I'm puzzled. It's my first time seeing an IEM with 4 strands but not braided. It’s not an issue for me except for the cable's ear hooks, which were initially very hard to adjust like a teenager).
- A carrying pouch (synthetic leather that feels far from top quality).
- Two different types of ear tips, each with a different number of sizes (3 pairs and 5 pairs. Honestly, the ear tips are nice. Rarely do IEMs in this price range come with good ear tips).
- Extra filters to attach to the nozzle (I didn’t try changing the filters to test the sound, as I wasn't sure if there would be any change).
- Manual.
Fitting:
I initially thought these IEMs were made of metal because of the shiny faceplate, but I was wrong. These are full plastic resin IEMs, very lightweight. The 1 DD + 1 BA configuration, which I thought would be bulky, turned out to be quite thick but still comfortable and sat nicely in my ears. Moreover, the standard length and width of the nozzle make fitting these IEMs in the ears easy.
Bass:
The first time I listened, I immediately understood why these IEMs are a favorite among entry-level hobbyists. The natural bass thump from the Sonus feels more natural compared to other IEMs in its price range. It's not a punchy bass that goes down to the Mariana Trench, but you can feel the power that's engaging enough to be categorized as fun. Personally, I would prefer if the power were increased. The sub-bass has a short impact, so there’s no long rumble that, if it were present, would give a grander effect to each song because these IEMs have a fairly airy sound tuning.
Oh, forgot to mention, the presentation of the bass and sub-bass is very good, positioned on the outer part of the entire sound spectrum, making the music more enjoyable.
Mid:
Vocals with a fairly forward presentation are also a strength of these IEMs. Regarding positioning, the vocals are right in the center, airy and wet without being overdone, but in my opinion, a bit thin. For those who like male or female voices with low tones, these might not be suitable as they lack the soul of the music. But for vocals in pop songs or those relying on mid to high tones, they will feel very enjoyable. There is no sibilance or shoutiness in the mid tuning of these IEMs affecting the vocals.
Treble:
The treble is tuned safely without any piercing sensation. You can clearly hear the tinkling of guitar strings or percussion instruments, making these IEMs have quite an extended treble for their price range. Unfortunately, I feel the sound is not clear enough as there is some sibilance in the upper mid to treble range, especially with distorted guitar sounds or piano notes, which is somewhat disturbing in some songs. Additionally, I do not feel the sparkling treble in these IEMs, so it’s clear that they are not for treble heads and do not feel special.
Clarity:
The upper mid to treble range, especially the guitar plucks, feels sibilant, particularly in the tail of the plucks. This is noticeable in some songs, making the sound feel less clear. On the plus side, the micro-details produced by these IEMs are among the best in their class.
Soundstage:
Above average. The airy sound gives a spacious impression of the soundstage, complemented by good instrument positioning. Unfortunately, if the sub-bass rumble were longer, it would feel grander.
Imaging:
Excellent 3D imaging for its price range because the instrument positioning is spot-on and clear. Instrument separation is clear for pinpointing each instrument. I love the technicality of these IEMs.
==COMPARISON==I compared them with similarly priced IEMs, the Celest Pandamon 2.0 and Kefine Delci. Yeah, both are about $10 more expensive, but that's okay. Here we go:
- Unboxing: Draw. Good ear tips but ordinary carrying case. Delci has a good carrying case but bad ear tips. Sonus has good ear tips but awful cable and carrying pouch.
- Fitting: Draw. All are comfortable, but in terms of build quality, Delci is better because of the superior material.
- Bass: Pandamon 2.0 and Delci. Pandamon 2.0 is deeper and airier, while Delci is darker with longer rumble. Sonus is more of an all-arounder but feels lacking in depth and rumble.
- Mid: Pandamon 2.0 and Sonus. Clearly the vocal king in this price range, IMO.
- Treble: Pandamon 2.0. More sparkling and detailed than the others.
- Clarity: Delci. Clearer than the others, which still have some sibilance.
- Soundstage: Sonus. Slightly more spacious than Pandamon 2.0.
- Imaging: Sonus. One of the best instrument separation and positioning in this price range.
==CONCLUSION==
- No wonder these IEMs are popular in the entry-level market because they can deliver micro-details that are not noticeable in cheaper IEMs, creating a "Hey! What was that sound?!" special impression. Additionally, the airy sound in all aspects with capable vocals gives a grand and very enjoyable impression for almost all music genres.
- From the comparison with slightly more expensive IEMs, it's clear that these are not the best in terms of sound, but their technicalities offer better value, making the difference noticeable when upgrading from cheaper IEMs.
- Unfortunately, there is sibilance/unclear sound in the upper-mid to treble range and a lack of shining-shimmering-splendid treble, so these are not suitable for those sensitive to treble.
- For the entry-level segment that says, "I want to maximize my budget of a million IDR but don’t want to complicate things, so I can feel the difference from my cheap IEMs," the 7Hz Sonus is still the safest option because when the micro-details and airy sound fill the wide soundstage of these IEMs, you will immediately feel the difference from your previous IEMs.
That's all.
Trust Your Own Ears.
Bye.
Attachments
briantbrain
New Head-Fier
Bright and Airy
Pros: + Bright Signature
+ Airy and Refine sound
+ Great soundstage
+ Cool Design
+ lightweight
+ Enough accessory
+ Compatible with many devices
Cons: - Button play/pause wiggling
- Carefull with sibilance and unclear sound
- nothing in this price point
Firstly, thanks to Hidizs for sending the Hidizs S8 Pro Robin unit for an honest review. If it's bad, I'll say it's bad, and if it's good, I'll say it's good. From the initial release, I was quite interested in this dongle DAC because it looks cooler than my other Hidizs dongle DAC, the S9 Pro Plus Martha. It’s supposedly cheaper, which piqued my interest even more.
Let's get straight to it... Hidizs S8 Pro Robin.
Hidizs URLs:
- S8 Pro Robin ($69): https://www.hidizs.net/products/hidizs-s8-pro-robin-hifi-balanced-dongle-dac
==DISCLAIMER==
All impressions and reviews are subjective and follow the belief "I can lie to my savings, but I must be honest in reviews." Agree? Fine. Disagree? Fine. I review because I want to and because I enjoy it, not because I need to.
- But you might say, “You’re saying this because you’re using it now?” Oh, certainly not. I’m a true audiophile hobbyist who will always be honest without bias. Don’t believe me? Read till the end, and we’ll dissect the pros and cons.
- But you’re saying this because it’s new? This hobby is really "dark and full of poison" and will remain so until the end of the world. Human desire is never-ending.
- But better to listen yourself? Absolutely.
Important!! I suggest you audition it yourself; maybe it's my ears that need an ENT doctor or yours that do (haha).
==THIS POST IS FOR==
- What’s a recommended DAC Dongle under $100?
- What DAC Dongle has a bright and airy sound character?
- Just want to read the review
==MY DAILY DRIVER==
- Symphonium Crimson
- Kinera Verdandi
- 634ears Loak-2 OP
- Fiio Q15
- HibyDigital M300
==LET'S GET INTO IT==
**Unboxing:**
Just like its sibling, the S9 Pro Plus Martha ($89), for a $69 dongle, I think the S8 Pro Robin already has a standard package from its box that can be used to connect to various types of devices, from Android, PC, to iPhone with a Lightning jack. The package includes:
- The DAC/AMP dongle itself
- Type C to C cable
- Type C female to USB A male converter
- Type C female to Lightning converter
**Fitting:**
In this part, I’ll discuss how it feels when used on a PC and a mobile phone. Using the S8 Robin on a PC poses no problems because it will mostly stay on the table, and even when hanging, it has a port that doesn’t wiggle, remaining steady. Similarly, when plugged into a mobile phone, it feels light enough not to hinder mobility. It has cool volume increase and decrease buttons and a Pause/Play button that are well-positioned and do not easily get pressed when used in mobile situations. One thing I dislike is the play/pause button, which feels wobbly and not sturdy.
==SPECIFICATIONS:==
S8 Pro Robin:
1. Dual 32-bit High-performance DAC Balanced Architecture - CS43131×2
2. PCM Supports Up to 32bit/384kHz
3. Native DSD 64/128/256
4. 4.4mm Balanced & 3.5mm Single-ended Output
5. CNC Aluminum Alloy Integrated Molding
6. Practical Function Buttons (volume +/- and filter switching)
7. Sampling Rate Indicator
8. 80mW+80mW@32Ω 3.5mm SE / 160mW+160mW@32Ω 4.4mm BAL
9. Compatible with All platforms: Windows/Mac OS/iPad OS/Android/iOS/Harmony OS
10. Hi-Res Audio Certification
==SOUND IMPRESSION S8 PRO ROBIN:==
**Bass:**
With an airy and refined sound characteristic, the S8 Robin highlights the sub-bass and bass from the IEM's output. With enough power to drive entry-level to mid-level IEMs, the bass and sub-bass aspects of this DAC Dongle are easily enjoyable due to the enhanced sub-bass tails and more relaxed bass layering.
**Mid:**
In line with its bass, the mid aspect also has an airy and refined character. Vocals feel more open and clear. There is a significant improvement in high-tone voices, although sometimes they feel a bit too much and slightly less clean. It's not the kind of thick and full-bodied vocal, but more open and perhaps slightly thin.
**Treble:**
Bright is the tonal character of this DAC Dongle. The treble is more forward and offensive with a more refined extended treble detail, making it very pleasing for treble and micro-detail lovers. I think it pairs well with IEMs that have a dark bass character to create a more balanced sound.
**Clarity:**
Slightly shouty and sibilant in the vocal area and too bright if the IEM doesn't synergize well.
**Soundstage:**
This is commendable as Hidizs DACs always manage to provide a wide and broad soundstage.
**Imaging:**
The airy and refined sound makes the separation of sounds clearer and easier to pinpoint each instrument and micro-detail.
==CONCLUSION==
- The S8 Pro Robin offers an airy and bright sound that will delight treble lovers. However, it needs to be used carefully as it is prone to sibilance/unclear sounds.
- Hidizs Dongles have a characteristic wide soundstage and good imaging in their price range.
That's all.
Trust Your Ears
Bye.
Attachments
briantbrain
New Head-Fier
A Worthy Upgrade - 3 Pairs of Nozzles, But...
Pros: + V-shape tuning leaning towards warm, which many people like
+ Good build quality
+ Neutral timbre
+ Fun tuning with a good amount of power
+ Wide soundstage
+ Comfortable fitting
+ Good clarity and coherence from the single DD
+ Modular nozzles to enhance the treble
Cons: - The Silver-Red nozzle has almost no impact change
- Poor quality cable
- Recessed vocal positioning (preference)
- Micro-detail is not the main focus of this IEM
- No complaints for this price range
Some time ago, I reviewed the Simgot EM6L, and thankfully, many people asked, "What's the difference between the Simgot EA500LM and EM6L since the price difference is minimal?" Without further ado, here's what you need to know.
Straight to the Point... Simgot EA500LM
==DISCLAIMER==
All my impressions and reviews are subjective, adhering to the belief, "Only my savings can be lied to, but reviews must be honest." Agreed? Great. Disagree? That's fine too. I review because I want to and enjoy it, not because I need to (LOL). Important! I recommend you audition it yourself, who knows, maybe my ears need an ENT doctor, or perhaps you do (LOL).
==THIS POST IS FOR==
- My recommended IEM around the 1 million IDR price range
- Fun and airy IEMs
- IEMs with modifiable nozzles
- Just want to read the review
==MY DAILY DRIVERS==
- Symphonium Crimson
- Kinera Verdandi
- Sennheiser IE900
- 634ears Loak-2 OP
- Fiio Q15
- HibyDigital M300
==STRAIGHT TO THE POINT WITHOUT FURTHER ADO==
Unboxing:
First, when I received the box, my wife commented, "Why did you buy tarot cards?" I wasn't sure either, but it turns out it's not tarot cards. The box design has a hologram that looks like tarot cards. For a price range of 1.5 million IDR, this IEM has a decent box. Inside:
- The IEM itself
- 2 braided cables (I'm quite tired of Simgot cables in this price range, they feel like sticky aquarium hoses)
- Ear tips (improved, these ear tips are more decent compared to other Simgot IEMs)
- Carrying case
- 2 additional nozzles (black-silver and red-silver, with brass already installed, making a total of 3 nozzles)
- Manual
Fitting:
Still with the metal body from Simgot, this time the body is slightly oval and a bit bulging on the faceplate compared to the flat design of other Simgot IEMs like EM6L or EW200. No issues at all when using this IEM since the body is standard, even with just a Single DD configuration. The nozzle is also standard and comfortable for mixing and matching with various ear tips.
==SOUND IMPRESSION==
All impressions are using the Brass Nozzle because it offers the most balanced tuning. Impressions with other nozzles will be explained after the sound impression section.
Bass:
Indeed, Simgot's Single DD has a bass sound that I like for the entry-level price range. The neutral timbre is pleasant. The bass is punchy and deep but not to the level of bass-head with a moderate speed. The sub-bass rumbles with an impact that is neither too long nor too short, tuned just right without exaggeration. The low-frequency layering feels dynamic, making the quantity and quality almost impeccable at this price range, combined with engaging energy. Honestly, I have no complaints about the low frequencies.
Mid:
Neutral is the right word to describe the mids of this IEM. It has good vocal control for both male and female voices, balancing the bass and treble aspects well. With just the right power and enough engagement, the vocals are presented right in the middle but slightly recessed compared to other sounds. There's no sibilance or shoutiness; the vocals are airy and not too thick, which might feel thin for some people, but for my taste, I prefer airy sounds, making it neutral. No complaints.
Treble:
The treble tuning of this IEM is relaxed. Relaxed doesn't mean weak due to lack of power, but because the cring and sparkling sensations are tuned very safely and appropriately. Although it has a long extended treble, it doesn't make this IEM fall into the treble-head category due to the lack of a shining-shimmering-splendid impression. For non-treble-heads, this IEM is very suitable as it still delivers good treble tuning without the distraction of over-sparkling or shining.
Clarity:
One of the clearest IEMs in its price range that I've tried. Very clear and comfortable. Perhaps its weakness lies in the micro-detail, which is less prominent, so many micro-details sound thin or not at all.
Soundstage:
Above average. The airy aspect and additional sub-bass rumble enhance the impression of a wide and spacious soundstage.
Imaging:
3D holographic imaging is just standard when the sound revolves around the head, nothing special. The pinpointing of instruments is very clear due to the clear and distinct sound separation. The imaging positioning of instruments is also very good.
==NOZZLE COMPARISON==
- Silver/Black: My favorite. Clearly my favorite because it elevates the treble frequency. This nozzle gives a more aggressive treble tuning that was previously too relaxed. The cring and sparkling sounds are firm without being piercing. Additionally, this tuning is comfortable for treble-heads seeking a more shining-shimmering-splendid sound compared to the standard brass nozzle. For the mids, one needs to be a bit cautious as the vocals might feel more piercing in some songs. There is no noticeable change in the bass aspect.
- Silver/Red: Almost no difference from the Brass nozzle with its balanced sound, just a slight variation in the treble that is tuned more safely than the brass nozzle. The effect of this tuning makes the low frequencies sound more powerful but with differences that are almost imperceptible to most people.
==PROS & CONS==
Pros:
+ V-shape tuning leaning towards warm, which many people like
+ Good build quality
+ Neutral timbre
+ Fun tuning with a good amount of power
+ Wide soundstage
+ Comfortable fitting
+ Good clarity and coherence from the single DD
+ Modular nozzles to enhance the treble
Cons:
- The Silver-Red nozzle has almost no impact change
- Poor quality cable
- Recessed vocal positioning (preference)
- Micro-detail is not the main focus of this IEM
- No complaints for this price range
==COMPARISON==
Many asked for a comparison with the EM6L, so let's compare. Let's also include Kefine Delci, which is currently hyped. Can it still be better? Let's see.
- **Unboxing:**
EA500LM. Better ear tips and I prefer the IEM design.
- **Fitting:**
Draw. All fit comfortably. Maybe because my ears are quite large (LOL).
- **Bass:**
EA500LM. I prefer the punchy and rumble bass that's more airy. Kefine, unfortunately, is darker in my opinion, not as airy as EA500LM. EM6L has decent bass quality and quantity, but it's just too weak, like soggy vegetables.
- **Mid:**
EM6L. Besides having more forward vocal presentation than the others, EM6L has vocals that sound more effortless and melodious. The vocals are thick but still airy, making it a strong suit of this IEM.
- **Treble:**
EA500LM with the Silver-Black nozzle. Energetic, cring, long extended treble, and slightly piercing. The best compared to the others.
- **Clarity:**
EM6L. All are clear, but EM6L has better detail.
- **Soundstage:**
EA500LM. Spacious and airy soundstage.
- **Imaging:**
Draw. All have good imaging aspects in their price range.
==CONCLUSION==
- If you're looking for an IEM with a good single DD configuration for around $85, the EA500LM might be the best choice with a myriad of options like modular nozzles that can provide significant sound changes.
- The fun tuning with engaging power makes it very suitable for all-around songs. The quantity and quality of bass and treble aspects are clean, neutral, and coherent, making it a strong point of this IEM despite having slightly recessed vocals and not being the best for micro-detail.
That's all.
Trust Your Own Ears.
Bye.
Attachments
briantbrain
New Head-Fier
Beauty Requires Investment
Pros: + Very satisfying unboxing experience
+ Beautiful IEM and cable
+ Suitable for Old-School songs, Blues, etc.
+ Vocals segmented for low mid frequency lovers
+ Long sub-bass rumble
+ Punchy bass
+ Wide and grand soundstage
+ With the right cable, this IEM can have one of the best vocal sounds in its price range
Cons: - Micro details are not the strong point of this IEM
- Metallic upper treble
- Separation is not the best in the upper mid to treble range
- Needs a cable change to unlock its true vocal potential
- Sub-bass feels unclear in some songs
Beauty Requires InvestmentAt first, I was reluctant to review it since it hasn’t gained much traction in Indonesia. But after seeing the IEM, it looked stunning, and the driver configuration intrigued me with the inclusion of a micro planar driver. Does that mean it's a smaller planar driver? I’m not sure of the difference.
Let's dive in… Celest Phoenixcall.
==DISCLAIMER==All my impressions and reviews are subjective, adhering to the belief, "only my savings can be lied to, but reviews must be honest." Agree? Fine. Disagree? Fine. I review because I want to and enjoy it, not because I need to.
- But you might say I’m biased because I’m using it? Absolutely not. I’m a true audiophile hobbyist who will always be honest without bias. Don’t believe me? Read till the end, we’ll explore the pros and cons.
- You might think this is just the honeymoon phase? In this hobby, which is truly "dark and full of poison," it will remain so until the end of the world. Human desire never ends.
- But should you listen to me? Absolutely.
Important! I recommend auditioning it yourself; maybe it’s my ears that need an ENT doctor, or perhaps yours do.
==THIS POST IS FOR==
- What's my recommended IEM around $160?
- Which IEM has unique and pleasant vocals?
- Which IEM has good bass?
- Just want to read the review
==MY DAILY DRIVER==
- Symphonium Crimson
- Kinera Verdandi
- Sennheiser IE900
- Kontinum Soara
- Fiio Q15
- HibyDigital M300
==TESTED WITH==
- · YouTube Music
- · Tidal
- · Hiby M300
- · Fiio Q15
- · Celest Phoenixcall
- · Sena Acoustic Rinjani
==STRAIGHT TO THE POINT==Unboxing:
Honestly, I was very surprised during the unboxing. Besides the cool box with its asymmetric lid, you are immediately greeted with information about the origin of the name Phoenixcall, and you can see the IEMs with their stunning faceplates. The unboxing experience is very satisfying. Included are:
- The IEMs
- 8 braided cable with 3.5mm jack
- 2 types of Celest eartips with 3 sizes each (the standard Celest eartips are quite usable and decent in quality)
- Carrying case with a sticky zipper
- Phoenix keychain
- Manual
Fitting:
These IEMs are very beautiful!! With transparent resin shells, you can see the driver configuration inside. The shiny, star-studded faceplate adds to the beauty, paired with the white cable. With a fairly large body and long nozzle, these IEMs might be tricky to fit in some ears, especially needing the right eartips. But in my large ear canals, they fit perfectly fine.
Bass:
This IEM has punchy bass from the single DD that’s quite deep but with fast speed. What I love is the punchy bass that feels like it hits the back of my head and is great for headbanging. The kick drum feels more impactful.
For sub-bass, Phoenixcall has a long rumble that adds a sense of width, dynamics, and grandeur to the music. Unfortunately, in some songs, I find the sub-bass sound a bit unclear and slightly distracting.
Mid:
This is where the IEM becomes somewhat segmented for certain people. The vocals feel heavier, meaning male vocals sound good, but female high notes seem a bit restrained, though they add soul to certain songs like old-school or slow acoustic tracks.
The timbre of the mid-range lacks crispness, and the snare drum sounds a bit shy, making it feel like listening to a grown-up Justin Bieber who hasn't yet hit puberty.
Treble:
The treble is tuned tame with just enough power. The limited capacity sometimes feels unadventurous. Moreover, the upper treble sounds metallic and unnatural, which can be quite bothersome in songs requiring intense sparkling and crispness. Additionally, the upper treble feels cut off during sparkling segments.
Clarity:
The metallic upper treble is unpleasant. The micro details are not well rendered and feel shy.
Soundstage:
This is one of the plus points for this IEM. It's spacious and wide, with the added sub-bass rumble enhancing the grandeur.
Imaging:
The punchy bass overshadows the treble position, resulting in less than optimal separation. In some songs, the instruments in the upper mid to treble frequency range feel a bit clustered, with the BA and planar driver configuration lacking cohesion, resulting in subpar imaging.
==COMPARISON==I was advised to try changing the cable to one with a balanced port. I happened to have a Sena Rinjani cable with a 4.4mm jack and rhodium pins, tested with a Fiio Q15 DAC/AMP. This cable made a noticeable difference, so here we go:
Note: for those in the "cable changes don't matter" sect, that’s fine, I’m just sharing my experience.
Bass:
With engaging power remaining, the depth of the bass is reduced compared to the stock cable, but it feels more textured. The unclear sub-bass remains unchanged.
Mid:
This is the best part after changing the cable. The sound feels very natural, effortless, and sweet. Not overly wet or thick, but one of the best vocal IEMs I’ve heard. The only downside is its central presentation might feel lacking for vocal enthusiasts.
Treble:
More pronounced power, no longer shy. Still with a tame tone but slightly more sparkling, though the extended treble remains cut off. Unfortunately, the metallic upper treble is still present in some songs.
Clarity, Soundstage, Imaging:
The same as before changing the cable.
==CONCLUSION==
- One of the IEMs with the best unboxing experience and looks I’ve ever tried.
- Bass and sub-bass are the main aspects of this IEM, combined with a grand soundstage. Unfortunately, the mid-range is quite segmented for some ears, and the treble is less engaging, making the timbre feel less natural, which can be a consideration before purchasing this IEM.
- Changing to a balanced cable can be a solution I’ve proven to enhance the mid and treble aspects of this IEM.
-
briantbrain
New Head-Fier
One Step Closer to the Surface of the Rabbit Hole
Pros: - Neutral sound
- Forward vocal
- Wide bore ear tips from stock
- Good design IEM
- Clear and fun treble with enough extension for its price.
Cons: - No pouch or carrying case
- Poor cable and ear tips quality
- Unclear sub-bass
- Short impact of sub-bass
- Missing a lot of bass texture
- Dry and thin vocal
- Not for detail lovers
- Average soundstage
- Not dynamic sound
One Step Closer to the Surface of the Rabbit Hole
I think I remember when this IEM first came out around late 2022 and started to hype up in early 2023, it had quite a bit of enthusiasm from the Indonesian community. This review is a bit late, but well, because I was given the opportunity and I just wanted to, so I decided to dive into it.
As the caption of an Instagram post about engagement says, "One Step Closer," it perfectly describes this IEM. One step closer to diving into the "rabbit hole" of the audiophile world, wherever its origin is... sigh...
Anyway... TinHifi C2.
**==DISCLAIMER==** All my impressions and reviews are subjective and follow the belief of "I only deceive my savings; my reviews are always honest." Agree? Okay. Disagree? Okay. I review because I want to and because I enjoy it, not because I need to haha.
"But are you saying this just because you're using it right now?" Oh, absolutely not. I'm a true audiophile hobbyist who will always be honest without bias. Don't believe me? Read until the end, we'll dissect the pros and cons.
"But are you saying this because it's new, maybe you're just in the 'honeymoon' phase?" In this hobby, which is truly "dark and full of poison," things will remain the same until the end of the world. Human desire knows no bounds haha.
"But isn't it better to just listen and enjoy?" Yeah, you're right.
Important!! I suggest you audition it yourself, maybe it's my ears that need to see an ENT doctor, or maybe it's you who needs it haha.
**==THIS POST IS FOR==** My IEM recommendation around 500 thousand rupiah?
New to this hobby, which IEM should I buy?
Just want to read the review.
**==MY DAILY DRIVERS==** Symphonium Crimson
Kinera Verdandi
Sennheiser IE900
Fiio Q15
HibyDigital M300
**==TESTED WITH==** - Youtube Music
- Tidal
- Hiby M300
- Fiio Q15
- Lenovo Office Laptop (what series? who knows haha)
- TinHifi C2
**==STRAIGHT TO THE POINT==**
**Unboxing:**
For an IEM around $30 or under 500 thousand rupiah, the unboxing experience is minimal, nothing special or wow. But when I first opened it and saw the IEM shell, I thought it looked pretty good xixixi. It includes:
- The IEM itself (already fitted with a pair of ear tips)
- Ear tips (there are about 2 types of ear tips with 3 sizes each. It's quite annoying because all the ear tips are combined into 1 plastic, so it's a bit difficult to differentiate)
- The cable (The first time I saw it, I immediately touched my chest because it's so awful. I thought the Simgot EW200 had the worst IEM cable, but this one is even worse)
- User manual
**Fitting:**
An IEM made from some kind of metal, matte gray finish with shiny ear tips reminiscent of stainless steel. It has a single Dynamic Driver configuration with a standard-sized body for IEMs in a similar price range. It has slightly longer nozzles, but with a size that I think is average, so it shouldn't be a problem for most people's ears. The available ear tips are, in my opinion, just "okay" and can still be used for entry-level friends who don't have their favorite stock ear tips. And what I like is that there are wide bore sizes, so they're my favorite.
**Bass:**
Neutral and soft. That's the most accurate phrase to describe the low-frequency aspect of the Tin C2. Produced by the dynamic driver it has, we can enjoy the thumpy bass hits and the rumbling sub-bass. From an entry-level POV, I'm sure you'll feel quite happy with the sound you hear even though the perceived power is just enough. But there are some weaknesses, such as the very minimal texture of the bass with shallow thumps, so it doesn't feel lively. Then, the sub-bass rumble it produces is very fast and lacks dynamics, so it feels very breathless and has minimal energetic rumble. Also, I feel that the sound from the sub-bass lacks clarity, so you can hear a "bzztt" sound in its rumble tail. If entry-level friends are hoping this IEM is for bass heads, they are mistaken.
**Mid:**
Forward but dry. Although the vocal sound is presented more forward than other aspects, the vocals produced have a problem that I find disturbing. For the upper mid part, especially the male voices sound dry, which is disturbing, so it feels like you want to give the singer a drink because their throat sounds very dry. Also, the sound feels thinner, so the energy from the song being performed is less than optimal. In my opinion, songs with high notes in male voices and songs that require heavy vocals will not be optimally performed.
**Treble:**
Clean and Fun. Of all aspects, I like the treble the most. This IEM has clean treble with good micro-detail in its price range. I like it not because this IEM is shining-shimmering-splendid (because it's not at all), but because I appreciate this IEM at this price having clean treble presentation with a fun and neutral sound to listen to. Don't expect a treble tail that's sharp and long because it's relatively short, but it's tuned with a clear presentation, not overshadowed by other aspects, and has sufficient power. For entry-level IEMs, this can be a good starting point for okay treble IMO.
**Clarity:**
The rumble tail from the sub-bass that's not clean sometimes disturbs in some songs. But other than that, all the sounds are clear. Micro-detail clarity isn't the best aspect of this IEM because many micro-details are not presented.
**Soundstage:**
Average. Don't expect "like watching a concert, bro?" because it's definitely not, but you can feel a wide and pleasant stage.
**Imaging:**
There's no impression of a 3D holographic rotation in your head because this IEM has a relatively flat dynamic and minimal dynamic range according to its price range. Each instrument can be pinpointed in terms of sound separation, but for the micro-detail sound produced, it feels stuck with other main instruments.
**Specs:**
Available in the photo, see for yourself.
**==CONCLUSION==**
- The neutral sound of the treble tuned with fun and clarity is the main advantage of this IEM. Moreover, with the forward vocal position, it feels more comfortable for jazz and slow acoustic songs.
- However, unfortunately, there are weaknesses in the unclear sub-bass sound and the bass thump that lacks texture and depth. Also, the thin vocals and problems with the upper mid-range sound dry, especially with male singers, which is very torturous in some songs.
- Is this IEM worth it? For entry-level users looking for their first IEM to understand the "surface of the rabbit hole" of this hobby, this IEM could be the right option because the sound it produces reasonably answers the "hi-res sound IEM" from a Counter IEM.
That's all.
Trust your ears.
Goodbye.
Attachments
Last edited:
briantbrain
New Head-Fier
All-Arounder Entry Level King!
Pros: + Engaging power from low to high frequencies
+ Clear, no issues with clarity
+ Neutral sounding
Cons: - Entry-level cable quality
- MMCX connector (some people might prefer 2-pin)
- Extended treble could be longer
- Bass and sub-bass feel short (depends on preference)
- Micro-detail is nothing special
After previously reviewing its sibling, the EPZ Q1 Pro released in 2024, it turns out that EPZ also released the Q5 in late 2023. I thought the Q1 Pro would be an improvement over the Q5, but why is the Q5 slightly more expensive? And graphically, there doesn't seem to be a noticeable difference. However, the Q5 is quite surprising for its price range.
Let's dive into the EPZ Q5.
==DISCLAIMER:==All impressions and reviews are subjective and adhere to the belief that "I'll only lie to my savings; I'll be honest in my reviews." Agree? Alright. Disagree? Alright. Because I review out of desire and enjoyment, not out of necessity.
- But if you say this because you're using it now? Oh, definitely not. I'm a true audiophile hobbyist who will always be honest without bias. Don't believe it? Read until the end, and we'll dissect the pros and cons.
- But if you say this because it's new, probably just during the "honeymoon" phase? In this hobby, which is truly "dark and full of toxins," it will always be like that until the end of time. Human desires truly have no end.
- But it's better to listen and understand, right? Absolutely.
Important!! I suggest you still audition it yourself, maybe my ears need to visit an ENT specialist or you need to (haha).
==THIS POST IS FOR:==
- What's my recommended IEM around $50?
- An IEM with a safe tonal balance in all aspects, engaging power, and suitable for all-around use?
- Just want to read the review.
==MY DAILY DRIVERS:==
- Symphonium Crimson
- Kinera Verdandi
- Sennheiser IE900
- Fiio Q15
- HibyDigital M300
==TESTED USING:==
- YouTube Music
- Tidal
All my impressions and reviews are subjective, based on the belief that "only my savings should be lied about, but my reviews are always honest." Agree? Fine. Disagree? Fine. I review because I want to and enjoy it, not because I need to, lol.
Important!! I suggest you audition for yourself, who knows if it's my ears that need an ENT doctor or if it's yours, lol.
==THIS POST IS FOR==
My recommended IEMs around $50? Fun and airy IEMs? What's all the fuss about Sonus being grilled? Just want to read the review
==MY DAILY DRIVERS==
Symphonium Crimson Kinera Verdandi 634ears Loak-2 OP Fiio Q15 HibyDigital M300
==LET'S GET STRAIGHT TO IT==Unboxing:
These IEMs in the 800k IDR price range surprisingly come with not just sufficient but also unique accessories. From the cable, ear tips, to the display in the box, I found them quite interesting. Contents:
The IEMs themselves. A 4-strand braided cable with 2-pin connectors and a 3.5mm jack (honestly, I'm puzzled. It's my first time seeing an IEM with 4 strands but not braided. It’s not an issue for me except for the cable's ear hooks, which were initially very hard to adjust like a teenager). A carrying pouch (synthetic leather that feels far from top quality). Two different types of ear tips, each with a different number of sizes (3 pairs and 5 pairs. Honestly, the ear tips are nice. Rarely do IEMs in this price range come with good ear tips). Extra filters to attach to the nozzle (I didn’t try changing the filters to test the sound, as I wasn't sure if there would be any change). Manual.
Fitting:
I initially thought these IEMs were made of metal because of the shiny faceplate, but I was wrong. These are full plastic resin IEMs, very lightweight. The 1 DD + 1 BA configuration, which I thought would be bulky, turned out to be quite thick but still comfortable and sat nicely in my ears. Moreover, the standard length and width of the nozzle make fitting these IEMs in the ears easy.
Bass:
The first time I listened, I immediately understood why these IEMs are a favorite among entry-level hobbyists. The natural bass thump from the Sonus feels more natural compared to other IEMs in its price range. It's not a punchy bass that goes down to the Mariana Trench, but you can feel the power that's engaging enough to be categorized as fun. Personally, I would prefer if the power were increased. The sub-bass has a short impact, so there’s no long rumble that, if it were present, would give a grander effect to each song because these IEMs have a fairly airy sound tuning.
Oh, forgot to mention, the presentation of the bass and sub-bass is very good, positioned on the outer part of the entire sound spectrum, making the music more enjoyable.
Mid:
Vocals with a fairly forward presentation are also a strength of these IEMs. Regarding positioning, the vocals are right in the center, airy and wet without being overdone, but in my opinion, a bit thin. For those who like male or female voices with low tones, these might not be suitable as they lack the soul of the music. But for vocals in pop songs or those relying on mid to high tones, they will feel very enjoyable. There is no sibilance or shoutiness in the mid tuning of these IEMs affecting the vocals.
Treble:
The treble is tuned safely without any piercing sensation. You can clearly hear the tinkling of guitar strings or percussion instruments, making these IEMs have quite an extended treble for their price range. Unfortunately, I feel the sound is not clear enough as there is some sibilance in the upper mid to treble range, especially with distorted guitar sounds or piano notes, which is somewhat disturbing in some songs. Additionally, I do not feel the sparkling treble in these IEMs, so it’s clear that they are not for treble heads and do not feel special.
Clarity:
The upper mid to treble range, especially the guitar plucks, feels sibilant, particularly in the tail of the plucks. This is noticeable in some songs, making the sound feel less clear. On the plus side, the micro-details produced by these IEMs are among the best in their class.
Soundstage:
Above average. The airy sound gives a spacious impression of the soundstage, complemented by good instrument positioning. Unfortunately, if the sub-bass rumble were longer, it would feel grander.
Imaging:
Excellent 3D imaging for its price range because the instrument positioning is spot-on and clear. Instrument separation is clear for pinpointing each instrument. I love the technicality of these IEMs.
==COMPARISON==I compared them with similarly priced IEMs, the Celest Pandamon 2.0 and Kefine Delci. Yeah, both are about $10 more expensive, but that's okay. Here we go:
Unboxing: Draw. Good ear tips but ordinary carrying case. Delci has a good carrying case but bad ear tips. Sonus has good ear tips but awful cable and carrying pouch. Fitting: Draw. All are comfortable, but in terms of build quality, Delci is better because of the superior material. Bass: Pandamon 2.0 and Delci. Pandamon 2.0 is deeper and airier, while Delci is darker with longer rumble. Sonus is more of an all-arounder but feels lacking in depth and rumble. Mid: Pandamon 2.0 and Sonus. Clearly the vocal king in this price range, IMO. Treble: Pandamon 2.0. More sparkling and detailed than the others. Clarity: Delci. Clearer than the others, which still have some sibilance. Soundstage: Sonus. Slightly more spacious than Pandamon 2.0. Imaging: Sonus. One of the best instrument separation and positioning in this price range.
==CONCLUSION==
No wonder these IEMs are popular in the entry-level market because they can deliver micro-details that are not noticeable in cheaper IEMs, creating a "Hey! What was that sound?!" special impression. Additionally, the airy sound in all aspects with capable vocals gives a grand and very enjoyable impression for almost all music genres. From the comparison with slightly more expensive IEMs, it's clear that these are not the best in terms of sound, but their technicalities offer better value, making the difference noticeable when upgrading from cheaper IEMs. Unfortunately, there is sibilance/unclear sound in the upper-mid to treble range and a lack of shining-shimmering-splendid treble, so these are not suitable for those sensitive to treble. For the entry-level segment that says, "I want to maximize my budget of a million IDR but don’t want to complicate things, so I can feel the difference from my cheap IEMs," the 7Hz Sonus is still the safest option because when the micro-details and airy sound fill the wide soundstage of these IEMs, you will immediately feel the difference from your previous IEMs.
That's all.
Trust Your Own Ears.
Bye.Attachments
briantbrain
New Head-Fier
Bright and Airy Pros: + Bright Signature
+ Airy and Refine sound
+ Great soundstage
+ Cool Design
+ lightweight
+ Enough accessory
+ Compatible with many devicesCons: - Button play/pause wiggling
- Carefull with sibilance and unclear sound
- nothing in this price point Firstly, thanks to Hidizs for sending the Hidizs S8 Pro Robin unit for an honest review. If it's bad, I'll say it's bad, and if it's good, I'll say it's good. From the initial release, I was quite interested in this dongle DAC because it looks cooler than my other Hidizs dongle DAC, the S9 Pro Plus Martha. It’s supposedly cheaper, which piqued my interest even more.
Let's get straight to it... Hidizs S8 Pro Robin.
Hidizs URLs:
- S8 Pro Robin ($69): https://www.hidizs.net/products/hidizs-s8-pro-robin-hifi-balanced-dongle-dac
==DISCLAIMER==
All impressions and reviews are subjective and follow the belief "I can lie to my savings, but I must be honest in reviews." Agree? Fine. Disagree? Fine. I review because I want to and because I enjoy it, not because I need to.
- But you might say, “You’re saying this because you’re using it now?” Oh, certainly not. I’m a true audiophile hobbyist who will always be honest without bias. Don’t believe me? Read till the end, and we’ll dissect the pros and cons.
- But you’re saying this because it’s new? This hobby is really "dark and full of poison" and will remain so until the end of the world. Human desire is never-ending.
- But better to listen yourself? Absolutely.
Important!! I suggest you audition it yourself; maybe it's my ears that need an ENT doctor or yours that do (haha).==THIS POST IS FOR==
- What’s a recommended DAC Dongle under $100?
- What DAC Dongle has a bright and airy sound character?
- Just want to read the review
==MY DAILY DRIVER==
- Symphonium Crimson
- Kinera Verdandi
- 634ears Loak-2 OP
- Fiio Q15
- HibyDigital M300
==LET'S GET INTO IT==
**Unboxing:**
Just like its sibling, the S9 Pro Plus Martha ($89), for a $69 dongle, I think the S8 Pro Robin already has a standard package from its box that can be used to connect to various types of devices, from Android, PC, to iPhone with a Lightning jack. The package includes:
- The DAC/AMP dongle itself
- Type C to C cable
- Type C female to USB A male converter
- Type C female to Lightning converter
**Fitting:**
In this part, I’ll discuss how it feels when used on a PC and a mobile phone. Using the S8 Robin on a PC poses no problems because it will mostly stay on the table, and even when hanging, it has a port that doesn’t wiggle, remaining steady. Similarly, when plugged into a mobile phone, it feels light enough not to hinder mobility. It has cool volume increase and decrease buttons and a Pause/Play button that are well-positioned and do not easily get pressed when used in mobile situations. One thing I dislike is the play/pause button, which feels wobbly and not sturdy.
==SPECIFICATIONS:==
S8 Pro Robin:
1. Dual 32-bit High-performance DAC Balanced Architecture - CS43131×2
2. PCM Supports Up to 32bit/384kHz
3. Native DSD 64/128/256
4. 4.4mm Balanced & 3.5mm Single-ended Output
5. CNC Aluminum Alloy Integrated Molding
6. Practical Function Buttons (volume +/- and filter switching)
7. Sampling Rate Indicator
8. 80mW+80mW@32Ω 3.5mm SE / 160mW+160mW@32Ω 4.4mm BAL
9. Compatible with All platforms: Windows/Mac OS/iPad OS/Android/iOS/Harmony OS
10. Hi-Res Audio Certification
==SOUND IMPRESSION S8 PRO ROBIN:==
**Bass:**
With an airy and refined sound characteristic, the S8 Robin highlights the sub-bass and bass from the IEM's output. With enough power to drive entry-level to mid-level IEMs, the bass and sub-bass aspects of this DAC Dongle are easily enjoyable due to the enhanced sub-bass tails and more relaxed bass layering.
**Mid:**
In line with its bass, the mid aspect also has an airy and refined character. Vocals feel more open and clear. There is a significant improvement in high-tone voices, although sometimes they feel a bit too much and slightly less clean. It's not the kind of thick and full-bodied vocal, but more open and perhaps slightly thin.
**Treble:**
Bright is the tonal character of this DAC Dongle. The treble is more forward and offensive with a more refined extended treble detail, making it very pleasing for treble and micro-detail lovers. I think it pairs well with IEMs that have a dark bass character to create a more balanced sound.
**Clarity:**
Slightly shouty and sibilant in the vocal area and too bright if the IEM doesn't synergize well.
**Soundstage:**
This is commendable as Hidizs DACs always manage to provide a wide and broad soundstage.
**Imaging:**
The airy and refined sound makes the separation of sounds clearer and easier to pinpoint each instrument and micro-detail.
==CONCLUSION==
That's all.
- The S8 Pro Robin offers an airy and bright sound that will delight treble lovers. However, it needs to be used carefully as it is prone to sibilance/unclear sounds.
- Hidizs Dongles have a characteristic wide soundstage and good imaging in their price range.
Trust Your Ears
Bye.Attachments
briantbrain
New Head-Fier
A Worthy Upgrade - 3 Pairs of Nozzles, But... Pros: + V-shape tuning leaning towards warm, which many people like
+ Good build quality
+ Neutral timbre
+ Fun tuning with a good amount of power
+ Wide soundstage
+ Comfortable fitting
+ Good clarity and coherence from the single DD
+ Modular nozzles to enhance the trebleCons: - The Silver-Red nozzle has almost no impact change
- Poor quality cable
- Recessed vocal positioning (preference)
- Micro-detail is not the main focus of this IEM
- No complaints for this price range Some time ago, I reviewed the Simgot EM6L, and thankfully, many people asked, "What's the difference between the Simgot EA500LM and EM6L since the price difference is minimal?" Without further ado, here's what you need to know.
Straight to the Point... Simgot EA500LM
==DISCLAIMER==
All my impressions and reviews are subjective, adhering to the belief, "Only my savings can be lied to, but reviews must be honest." Agreed? Great. Disagree? That's fine too. I review because I want to and enjoy it, not because I need to (LOL). Important! I recommend you audition it yourself, who knows, maybe my ears need an ENT doctor, or perhaps you do (LOL).
==THIS POST IS FOR==
- My recommended IEM around the 1 million IDR price range
- Fun and airy IEMs
- IEMs with modifiable nozzles
- Just want to read the review
==MY DAILY DRIVERS==
- Symphonium Crimson
- Kinera Verdandi
- Sennheiser IE900
- 634ears Loak-2 OP
- Fiio Q15
- HibyDigital M300
==STRAIGHT TO THE POINT WITHOUT FURTHER ADO==
Unboxing:
First, when I received the box, my wife commented, "Why did you buy tarot cards?" I wasn't sure either, but it turns out it's not tarot cards. The box design has a hologram that looks like tarot cards. For a price range of 1.5 million IDR, this IEM has a decent box. Inside:
- The IEM itself
- 2 braided cables (I'm quite tired of Simgot cables in this price range, they feel like sticky aquarium hoses)
- Ear tips (improved, these ear tips are more decent compared to other Simgot IEMs)
- Carrying case
- 2 additional nozzles (black-silver and red-silver, with brass already installed, making a total of 3 nozzles)
- Manual
Fitting:
Still with the metal body from Simgot, this time the body is slightly oval and a bit bulging on the faceplate compared to the flat design of other Simgot IEMs like EM6L or EW200. No issues at all when using this IEM since the body is standard, even with just a Single DD configuration. The nozzle is also standard and comfortable for mixing and matching with various ear tips.
==SOUND IMPRESSION==
All impressions are using the Brass Nozzle because it offers the most balanced tuning. Impressions with other nozzles will be explained after the sound impression section.
Bass:
Indeed, Simgot's Single DD has a bass sound that I like for the entry-level price range. The neutral timbre is pleasant. The bass is punchy and deep but not to the level of bass-head with a moderate speed. The sub-bass rumbles with an impact that is neither too long nor too short, tuned just right without exaggeration. The low-frequency layering feels dynamic, making the quantity and quality almost impeccable at this price range, combined with engaging energy. Honestly, I have no complaints about the low frequencies.
Mid:
Neutral is the right word to describe the mids of this IEM. It has good vocal control for both male and female voices, balancing the bass and treble aspects well. With just the right power and enough engagement, the vocals are presented right in the middle but slightly recessed compared to other sounds. There's no sibilance or shoutiness; the vocals are airy and not too thick, which might feel thin for some people, but for my taste, I prefer airy sounds, making it neutral. No complaints.
Treble:
The treble tuning of this IEM is relaxed. Relaxed doesn't mean weak due to lack of power, but because the cring and sparkling sensations are tuned very safely and appropriately. Although it has a long extended treble, it doesn't make this IEM fall into the treble-head category due to the lack of a shining-shimmering-splendid impression. For non-treble-heads, this IEM is very suitable as it still delivers good treble tuning without the distraction of over-sparkling or shining.
Clarity:
One of the clearest IEMs in its price range that I've tried. Very clear and comfortable. Perhaps its weakness lies in the micro-detail, which is less prominent, so many micro-details sound thin or not at all.
Soundstage:
Above average. The airy aspect and additional sub-bass rumble enhance the impression of a wide and spacious soundstage.
Imaging:
3D holographic imaging is just standard when the sound revolves around the head, nothing special. The pinpointing of instruments is very clear due to the clear and distinct sound separation. The imaging positioning of instruments is also very good.
==NOZZLE COMPARISON==
- Silver/Black: My favorite. Clearly my favorite because it elevates the treble frequency. This nozzle gives a more aggressive treble tuning that was previously too relaxed. The cring and sparkling sounds are firm without being piercing. Additionally, this tuning is comfortable for treble-heads seeking a more shining-shimmering-splendid sound compared to the standard brass nozzle. For the mids, one needs to be a bit cautious as the vocals might feel more piercing in some songs. There is no noticeable change in the bass aspect.
- Silver/Red: Almost no difference from the Brass nozzle with its balanced sound, just a slight variation in the treble that is tuned more safely than the brass nozzle. The effect of this tuning makes the low frequencies sound more powerful but with differences that are almost imperceptible to most people.
==PROS & CONS==
Pros:
+ V-shape tuning leaning towards warm, which many people like
+ Good build quality
+ Neutral timbre
+ Fun tuning with a good amount of power
+ Wide soundstage
+ Comfortable fitting
+ Good clarity and coherence from the single DD
+ Modular nozzles to enhance the treble
Cons:
- The Silver-Red nozzle has almost no impact change
- Poor quality cable
- Recessed vocal positioning (preference)
- Micro-detail is not the main focus of this IEM
- No complaints for this price range
==COMPARISON==
Many asked for a comparison with the EM6L, so let's compare. Let's also include Kefine Delci, which is currently hyped. Can it still be better? Let's see.
- **Unboxing:**
EA500LM. Better ear tips and I prefer the IEM design.
- **Fitting:**
Draw. All fit comfortably. Maybe because my ears are quite large (LOL).
- **Bass:**
EA500LM. I prefer the punchy and rumble bass that's more airy. Kefine, unfortunately, is darker in my opinion, not as airy as EA500LM. EM6L has decent bass quality and quantity, but it's just too weak, like soggy vegetables.
- **Mid:**
EM6L. Besides having more forward vocal presentation than the others, EM6L has vocals that sound more effortless and melodious. The vocals are thick but still airy, making it a strong suit of this IEM.
- **Treble:**
EA500LM with the Silver-Black nozzle. Energetic, cring, long extended treble, and slightly piercing. The best compared to the others.
- **Clarity:**
EM6L. All are clear, but EM6L has better detail.
- **Soundstage:**
EA500LM. Spacious and airy soundstage.
- **Imaging:**
Draw. All have good imaging aspects in their price range.
==CONCLUSION==
- If you're looking for an IEM with a good single DD configuration for around $85, the EA500LM might be the best choice with a myriad of options like modular nozzles that can provide significant sound changes.
- The fun tuning with engaging power makes it very suitable for all-around songs. The quantity and quality of bass and treble aspects are clean, neutral, and coherent, making it a strong point of this IEM despite having slightly recessed vocals and not being the best for micro-detail.
That's all.
Trust Your Own Ears.
Bye.Attachments
briantbrain
New Head-Fier
Beauty Requires Investment Pros: + Very satisfying unboxing experience
+ Beautiful IEM and cable
+ Suitable for Old-School songs, Blues, etc.
+ Vocals segmented for low mid frequency lovers
+ Long sub-bass rumble
+ Punchy bass
+ Wide and grand soundstage
+ With the right cable, this IEM can have one of the best vocal sounds in its price rangeCons: - Micro details are not the strong point of this IEM
- Metallic upper treble
- Separation is not the best in the upper mid to treble range
- Needs a cable change to unlock its true vocal potential
- Sub-bass feels unclear in some songs
Beauty Requires InvestmentAt first, I was reluctant to review it since it hasn’t gained much traction in Indonesia. But after seeing the IEM, it looked stunning, and the driver configuration intrigued me with the inclusion of a micro planar driver. Does that mean it's a smaller planar driver? I’m not sure of the difference.
Let's dive in… Celest Phoenixcall.
==DISCLAIMER==All my impressions and reviews are subjective, adhering to the belief, "only my savings can be lied to, but reviews must be honest." Agree? Fine. Disagree? Fine. I review because I want to and enjoy it, not because I need to.
But you might say I’m biased because I’m using it? Absolutely not. I’m a true audiophile hobbyist who will always be honest without bias. Don’t believe me? Read till the end, we’ll explore the pros and cons. You might think this is just the honeymoon phase? In this hobby, which is truly "dark and full of poison," it will remain so until the end of the world. Human desire never ends. But should you listen to me? Absolutely.Important! I recommend auditioning it yourself; maybe it’s my ears that need an ENT doctor, or perhaps yours do.
==THIS POST IS FOR==
What's my recommended IEM around $160? Which IEM has unique and pleasant vocals? Which IEM has good bass? Just want to read the review
==MY DAILY DRIVER==
Symphonium Crimson Kinera Verdandi Sennheiser IE900 Kontinum Soara Fiio Q15 HibyDigital M300
==TESTED WITH==
· YouTube Music · Tidal · Hiby M300 · Fiio Q15 · Celest Phoenixcall · Sena Acoustic Rinjani
==STRAIGHT TO THE POINT==Unboxing:
Honestly, I was very surprised during the unboxing. Besides the cool box with its asymmetric lid, you are immediately greeted with information about the origin of the name Phoenixcall, and you can see the IEMs with their stunning faceplates. The unboxing experience is very satisfying. Included are:
The IEMs 8 braided cable with 3.5mm jack 2 types of Celest eartips with 3 sizes each (the standard Celest eartips are quite usable and decent in quality) Carrying case with a sticky zipper Phoenix keychain Manual
Fitting:
These IEMs are very beautiful!! With transparent resin shells, you can see the driver configuration inside. The shiny, star-studded faceplate adds to the beauty, paired with the white cable. With a fairly large body and long nozzle, these IEMs might be tricky to fit in some ears, especially needing the right eartips. But in my large ear canals, they fit perfectly fine.
Bass:
This IEM has punchy bass from the single DD that’s quite deep but with fast speed. What I love is the punchy bass that feels like it hits the back of my head and is great for headbanging. The kick drum feels more impactful.
For sub-bass, Phoenixcall has a long rumble that adds a sense of width, dynamics, and grandeur to the music. Unfortunately, in some songs, I find the sub-bass sound a bit unclear and slightly distracting.
Mid:
This is where the IEM becomes somewhat segmented for certain people. The vocals feel heavier, meaning male vocals sound good, but female high notes seem a bit restrained, though they add soul to certain songs like old-school or slow acoustic tracks.
The timbre of the mid-range lacks crispness, and the snare drum sounds a bit shy, making it feel like listening to a grown-up Justin Bieber who hasn't yet hit puberty.
Treble:
The treble is tuned tame with just enough power. The limited capacity sometimes feels unadventurous. Moreover, the upper treble sounds metallic and unnatural, which can be quite bothersome in songs requiring intense sparkling and crispness. Additionally, the upper treble feels cut off during sparkling segments.
Clarity:
The metallic upper treble is unpleasant. The micro details are not well rendered and feel shy.
Soundstage:
This is one of the plus points for this IEM. It's spacious and wide, with the added sub-bass rumble enhancing the grandeur.
Imaging:
The punchy bass overshadows the treble position, resulting in less than optimal separation. In some songs, the instruments in the upper mid to treble frequency range feel a bit clustered, with the BA and planar driver configuration lacking cohesion, resulting in subpar imaging.
==COMPARISON==I was advised to try changing the cable to one with a balanced port. I happened to have a Sena Rinjani cable with a 4.4mm jack and rhodium pins, tested with a Fiio Q15 DAC/AMP. This cable made a noticeable difference, so here we go:
Note: for those in the "cable changes don't matter" sect, that’s fine, I’m just sharing my experience.Bass:
With engaging power remaining, the depth of the bass is reduced compared to the stock cable, but it feels more textured. The unclear sub-bass remains unchanged.
Mid:
This is the best part after changing the cable. The sound feels very natural, effortless, and sweet. Not overly wet or thick, but one of the best vocal IEMs I’ve heard. The only downside is its central presentation might feel lacking for vocal enthusiasts.
Treble:
More pronounced power, no longer shy. Still with a tame tone but slightly more sparkling, though the extended treble remains cut off. Unfortunately, the metallic upper treble is still present in some songs.
Clarity, Soundstage, Imaging:
The same as before changing the cable.
==CONCLUSION==
One of the IEMs with the best unboxing experience and looks I’ve ever tried. Bass and sub-bass are the main aspects of this IEM, combined with a grand soundstage. Unfortunately, the mid-range is quite segmented for some ears, and the treble is less engaging, making the timbre feel less natural, which can be a consideration before purchasing this IEM. Changing to a balanced cable can be a solution I’ve proven to enhance the mid and treble aspects of this IEM.briantbrain
New Head-Fier
One Step Closer to the Surface of the Rabbit Hole Pros: - Neutral sound
- Forward vocal
- Wide bore ear tips from stock
- Good design IEM
- Clear and fun treble with enough extension for its price.Cons: - No pouch or carrying case
- Poor cable and ear tips quality
- Unclear sub-bass
- Short impact of sub-bass
- Missing a lot of bass texture
- Dry and thin vocal
- Not for detail lovers
- Average soundstage
- Not dynamic sound
One Step Closer to the Surface of the Rabbit Hole
I think I remember when this IEM first came out around late 2022 and started to hype up in early 2023, it had quite a bit of enthusiasm from the Indonesian community. This review is a bit late, but well, because I was given the opportunity and I just wanted to, so I decided to dive into it.
As the caption of an Instagram post about engagement says, "One Step Closer," it perfectly describes this IEM. One step closer to diving into the "rabbit hole" of the audiophile world, wherever its origin is... sigh...
Anyway... TinHifi C2.
**==DISCLAIMER==** All my impressions and reviews are subjective and follow the belief of "I only deceive my savings; my reviews are always honest." Agree? Okay. Disagree? Okay. I review because I want to and because I enjoy it, not because I need to haha.
"But are you saying this just because you're using it right now?" Oh, absolutely not. I'm a true audiophile hobbyist who will always be honest without bias. Don't believe me? Read until the end, we'll dissect the pros and cons.
"But are you saying this because it's new, maybe you're just in the 'honeymoon' phase?" In this hobby, which is truly "dark and full of poison," things will remain the same until the end of the world. Human desire knows no bounds haha.
"But isn't it better to just listen and enjoy?" Yeah, you're right.
Important!! I suggest you audition it yourself, maybe it's my ears that need to see an ENT doctor, or maybe it's you who needs it haha.
**==THIS POST IS FOR==** My IEM recommendation around 500 thousand rupiah?
New to this hobby, which IEM should I buy?
Just want to read the review.
**==MY DAILY DRIVERS==** Symphonium Crimson
Kinera Verdandi
Sennheiser IE900
Fiio Q15
HibyDigital M300
**==TESTED WITH==** - Youtube Music
- Tidal
- Hiby M300
- Fiio Q15
- Lenovo Office Laptop (what series? who knows haha)
- TinHifi C2
**==STRAIGHT TO THE POINT==**
**Unboxing:**
For an IEM around $30 or under 500 thousand rupiah, the unboxing experience is minimal, nothing special or wow. But when I first opened it and saw the IEM shell, I thought it looked pretty good xixixi. It includes:
The IEM itself (already fitted with a pair of ear tips) Ear tips (there are about 2 types of ear tips with 3 sizes each. It's quite annoying because all the ear tips are combined into 1 plastic, so it's a bit difficult to differentiate) The cable (The first time I saw it, I immediately touched my chest because it's so awful. I thought the Simgot EW200 had the worst IEM cable, but this one is even worse) User manual
**Fitting:**
An IEM made from some kind of metal, matte gray finish with shiny ear tips reminiscent of stainless steel. It has a single Dynamic Driver configuration with a standard-sized body for IEMs in a similar price range. It has slightly longer nozzles, but with a size that I think is average, so it shouldn't be a problem for most people's ears. The available ear tips are, in my opinion, just "okay" and can still be used for entry-level friends who don't have their favorite stock ear tips. And what I like is that there are wide bore sizes, so they're my favorite.
**Bass:**
Neutral and soft. That's the most accurate phrase to describe the low-frequency aspect of the Tin C2. Produced by the dynamic driver it has, we can enjoy the thumpy bass hits and the rumbling sub-bass. From an entry-level POV, I'm sure you'll feel quite happy with the sound you hear even though the perceived power is just enough. But there are some weaknesses, such as the very minimal texture of the bass with shallow thumps, so it doesn't feel lively. Then, the sub-bass rumble it produces is very fast and lacks dynamics, so it feels very breathless and has minimal energetic rumble. Also, I feel that the sound from the sub-bass lacks clarity, so you can hear a "bzztt" sound in its rumble tail. If entry-level friends are hoping this IEM is for bass heads, they are mistaken.
**Mid:**
Forward but dry. Although the vocal sound is presented more forward than other aspects, the vocals produced have a problem that I find disturbing. For the upper mid part, especially the male voices sound dry, which is disturbing, so it feels like you want to give the singer a drink because their throat sounds very dry. Also, the sound feels thinner, so the energy from the song being performed is less than optimal. In my opinion, songs with high notes in male voices and songs that require heavy vocals will not be optimally performed.
**Treble:**
Clean and Fun. Of all aspects, I like the treble the most. This IEM has clean treble with good micro-detail in its price range. I like it not because this IEM is shining-shimmering-splendid (because it's not at all), but because I appreciate this IEM at this price having clean treble presentation with a fun and neutral sound to listen to. Don't expect a treble tail that's sharp and long because it's relatively short, but it's tuned with a clear presentation, not overshadowed by other aspects, and has sufficient power. For entry-level IEMs, this can be a good starting point for okay treble IMO.
**Clarity:**
The rumble tail from the sub-bass that's not clean sometimes disturbs in some songs. But other than that, all the sounds are clear. Micro-detail clarity isn't the best aspect of this IEM because many micro-details are not presented.
**Soundstage:**
Average. Don't expect "like watching a concert, bro?" because it's definitely not, but you can feel a wide and pleasant stage.
**Imaging:**
There's no impression of a 3D holographic rotation in your head because this IEM has a relatively flat dynamic and minimal dynamic range according to its price range. Each instrument can be pinpointed in terms of sound separation, but for the micro-detail sound produced, it feels stuck with other main instruments.
**Specs:**
Available in the photo, see for yourself.
**==CONCLUSION==**
The neutral sound of the treble tuned with fun and clarity is the main advantage of this IEM. Moreover, with the forward vocal position, it feels more comfortable for jazz and slow acoustic songs. However, unfortunately, there are weaknesses in the unclear sub-bass sound and the bass thump that lacks texture and depth. Also, the thin vocals and problems with the upper mid-range sound dry, especially with male singers, which is very torturous in some songs. Is this IEM worth it? For entry-level users looking for their first IEM to understand the "surface of the rabbit hole" of this hobby, this IEM could be the right option because the sound it produces reasonably answers the "hi-res sound IEM" from a Counter IEM.
That's all.
Trust your ears.
Goodbye.Attachments
Last edited:briantbrain
New Head-Fier
All-Arounder Entry Level King! Pros: + Engaging power from low to high frequencies
+ Clear, no issues with clarity
+ Neutral soundingCons: - Entry-level cable quality
- MMCX connector (some people might prefer 2-pin)
- Extended treble could be longer
- Bass and sub-bass feel short (depends on preference)
- Micro-detail is nothing special After previously reviewing its sibling, the EPZ Q1 Pro released in 2024, it turns out that EPZ also released the Q5 in late 2023. I thought the Q1 Pro would be an improvement over the Q5, but why is the Q5 slightly more expensive? And graphically, there doesn't seem to be a noticeable difference. However, the Q5 is quite surprising for its price range.
Let's dive into the EPZ Q5.
==DISCLAIMER:==All impressions and reviews are subjective and adhere to the belief that "I'll only lie to my savings; I'll be honest in my reviews." Agree? Alright. Disagree? Alright. Because I review out of desire and enjoyment, not out of necessity.
But if you say this because you're using it now? Oh, definitely not. I'm a true audiophile hobbyist who will always be honest without bias. Don't believe it? Read until the end, and we'll dissect the pros and cons. But if you say this because it's new, probably just during the "honeymoon" phase? In this hobby, which is truly "dark and full of toxins," it will always be like that until the end of time. Human desires truly have no end. But it's better to listen and understand, right? Absolutely.Important!! I suggest you still audition it yourself, maybe my ears need to visit an ENT specialist or you need to (haha).
==THIS POST IS FOR:==
What's my recommended IEM around $50? An IEM with a safe tonal balance in all aspects, engaging power, and suitable for all-around use? Just want to read the review.
==MY DAILY DRIVERS:==
Symphonium Crimson Kinera Verdandi Sennheiser IE900 Fiio Q15 HibyDigital M300
==TESTED USING:==
YouTube Music Tidal