The $120 NiceHCK F1 is a well-resolving planar magnetic earphone that follows the current trend. It essentially sounds like my “modded” LETSHUOER S12.

The $120 NiceHCK F1 planar magnetic earphone was kindly provided by the NiceHCK Audio Store for my analysis – and I thank them for that. You can purchase it at the NiceHCK Audio Store.

Introduction

NiceHCK are an aliexpress company that made their name with $3 earbuds (before the current inflation) and annual Fukubukuro offerings: a surprise bag (“Wundertüte”) containing a mystery new-release earphone at a discount price. They are also quite renowned for their accessories, first and foremost their earphone cables. Good quality at reasonable prices.

While their iems are always interesting, they have been hit and miss throughout history. We have reviewed quite a few of their products.

Loomis and I, in our sonic youth, had a soft spot for their $12 NiceHCK Bro single DD. And I found their $140 NiceHCK M6 offered a sniff into the world of premium iems – at the time. The company’s most prominent effort was/is the NX7 series that recently culminated in the MK4. M6 and NX7 MK4 suffered from a slow bass, a flaw the F1 avoids.

As NiceHCK’s contribution to the current planar magnetics trend, the F1 is actually a good sounding earphone.

Specifications

Physical Things and Usability

In the box are the earpieces, a cable, 2 generous sets of silicon eartips, a lavish pleather storage box, a velcro tie, and the paperwork. The OCC silver-plated cable is absolutely gorgeous with a perfect flexibility and probably costs $30-40 by itself.

The rugged earpieces are made of CnC machined aluminum alloy in the tradition of the 2018 NiceHCK M6 for example. Their cylindrical shape is very similar to my beloved Dunu Zen, just a bit smaller.

The generous sets of eartips are generic – they came with all previous MK4 models, too. NiceHCK should make some effort selecting eartips that optimizes the sound of a particular model (ok, ok, Sennheiser does the same).

The colour combination and faceplate have a retro appeal to me (retro being 2018). The nozzles are a bit short but once I have inserted them deep into my ear canals, they stay i there, and give me a good seal. The shells are comfortable for me over longer listening sessions. Isolation is average.

Just like with many other planars, the F1 are not very sensitive and work best with decent amplification

Tonality and Technicalities

The NiceHCK F1 comes with three different screw-on tuning filters, silver, black, and gold. Each filter creates a different sonic flavour. The silver filter delivers the most balanced and most realistic musical reproduction and is used for this sound analysis.

The gold filter adds an upper midrange spike that introduces a brightness that is fatiguing to the western ear. And the black filter enriches the lower midrange but leaves a particularly thick bass perception.

The F1 rides on the bandwagon of the the current planar magnetic hype, and it does so actually quite well. In the “olden days” there were two end members of sound signature, “neutral” and “fun”. The first meant the item was analytical and sterile as it lacked bass, and the second referred to a bassy V-shaped signature with recessed vocals.

Updating this terminology to today’s standards means “technical” vs. “agreeable (or musical)”. The NiceHCK F1 straddles the thin line between the two.

The F1’s bass is on the satisfying, robust side with a slightly blurry midbass hump, which is not pounding fatiguingly but rather subtly against my eardrums. A reasonably pleasant but slightly unfocused punch (it could be a bit tighter), which bleeds into the lower midrange. This adds robustness to the sound an contrast to the less bassy Dunu Talos.

The midrange is on the clean, more technical side, but not as lean or analytical as in the LETSHUOER S12 for example. It is richer but also not as sharply etched out and articulate as in the S12 or 7Hz Timeless. With the silver and black filters, the upper midrange is not shouty.

Treble rolls off rather early and is a bit robotic, typical for planar magnetics.

Bringing this all together – the human ear processes the whole frequency spectrum in context – this amounts to a slightly bassy sound with a reasonably well resolving midrange, which allows the listener to turn up the volume without regrets.

In terms of technicalities, the “agreeable/musical” part sacrifices some technical capabilities. The marginally blurry, bleeding bass and the lack of treble extension narrow the stage. Midrange resolution and clarity are very good as long as it is not affected by the bass. Separation and layering are also best in the midrange and treble, but lag behind at the bottom end of the frequency spectrum..

Timbre is a bit on the “planar magnetic” side, which means it is a bit metallic…but still good enough for enjoying acoustic sets.

Apart from the bass, the F1 are very good iems. The LETSHUOER S12, in comparison, has a tighter bass, but leaner mids, and is less “musical”. But with its current “micropore mod” (which removed spice from the S12’s upper midrange and thickened the bass) both sound almost identical (and they have almost the same frequency response). I would not be surprised if S12 and F1 had the same driver, just use different filtering.

The Dunu Talos is less bassy than the F1 and S12, has a much wider stage, and comes across as a bit sharper and spicier in the upper midrange (but there’s always micropore tape). I’d not put a newspaper between the three. In any case does the F1 not need any modding, but possibly some better eartips.

Concluding Remarks

After my criticism of their recent models, NiceHCK have pulled out a good and useful planar-magnetic earphone in the F1. While my analysis may be nitpicking, they are quite enjoyable for recreational listening.

Until next time…keep on listening!

Gallery

The post NiceHCK F1 Review – Bandwagonesque appeared first on Music For The Masses.

Cons — Lower midrange recessed.

Loomis Johnson has already published his own review of the Simgot EM2 here on Audio Reviews, which characterizes the earphone’s characteristics spot on imho. You find it HERE. And a series of photos of the iem is THERE.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The nicely accessorized, well fitting/isolating Simgot EM2 impresses by its balanced, crisp, transparent, bright, neutralish sound. A more forward (lower) midrange would move it closer to perfection.

INTRODUCTION

I have seen a few reviews of the Simgot EM2 already, most positive, one negative. I was rather surprised when putting these in my ears as I could not remember anything this crisp and clear in the $100-150 class. These Simgot EM2 belong to yet another new generation of multi-driver earphones that sound sleeker, fresher, and more natural than the previous one (as you will see below).

SPECIFICATIONS

Transducer: 10 mm high magnetic compound dynamic driver & Knowles balanced armature RAF-32873 polymer compound titanium-plated diaphragm N50 strong magnetic circuit, acoustic hanging system, Brass stabilizing rings
Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 40 kHz
Sensitivity: ≥101 dB（at 1000 Hz）
Impedance: 15 Ω
Distortion: <1% 101dB（20μpa）
Channel Imbalance: <1.5dB（at 1000Hz）
Rated Power: 10 mW
Cable: 4 cores of SPC braided cable with 2-pin connectors.
Price: $116 (at the time of the review)
Simgot Amazon Store: LINK

IN THE BOX…

…is quite a lot. The Simgot EM2 are generously accessorized including the best leather case coming with any earphone I have unpacked. What is particularly nicely done is the presentation of two sets of eartips, one narrow-bore for bass emphasis, and another wide-bore one for treble. Although, this turned out to be less useful for me than expected.

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE, HAPTIC, AND BUILD QUALITY

The Simgot EM2’s housings are made of acrylic (similar to the NiceHCK DT600 [review] and the $$$ Sennheiser IE 500 Pro [photos) is good but not as good as CNC machined. The 4-core 2-pin connector cable is flawless, has a chin slider and no microphonics. The cable’s metal parts are coated with protective clear plastic.

ERGONOMICS, COMFORT, ISOLATION, AND FIT

Isolation is marvellous, the EM2 are great for street use. Even with cars around I did not miss any of the music’s details. Worked also well when my wife watched television next to me. The shells are small and comfortable. I’d compare them in this respect to the Sennheiser IE 40 PRO [review].

SOURCE AND EARTIPS

The EM2 were easily driven by my iPhone SE. The included wide-bore tips generated a treble-happy, blurry, unbalanced sound that didn’t do it for me. The included narrow-bores, on the other hand, worked just great for me.

TONALITY

JK’s tonal preference and testing practice

The included narrow-bore eartips allegedly emphasize bass. But all they do is move the lower treble peak to the left and attenuate the upper treble resonant peak, which creates only the perception of a stronger bass.

The overall image is a gentle U with a forward inclination from between the nicely extended sub-bass into the lower midrange, similar to favourites such as the Sennheiser IE 40 PRO, Soundmagic E10C, or the original black Brainwavz B200. This means that the bass slam comes from way below (and not from the mid-bass or upper bass), which avoids a thick low end and generates clarity in the vocals department of the lower midrange but also keeps warmth to a minimum. The bass is fast, focused and crisp, but not overly punchy, just as purists like it.

The lower midrange is a slightly recessed and low voices/rhythm guitars could be a bit denser with more body and lustre, but this recession adds depth to the image. Vocals are clear, well contoured, and natural. The slightly boosted upper midrange adds brightness to the sound but not enough to create harshness. The whole midrange is close to neutral.

Treble fits in with the midrange. It is not overly extended and devoid of strange peaks, which excludes sibilance and piercing. High piano notes are well defined and cymbals are crisp and well resolving but they don’t have the sparkle and pearliness of the ISN Rambos [review].

Soundstage is of average width, good height, and lesser but still average depth. Instrument separation and layering are good and so are transparency and sense of space. The timbre is almost there for classical music, a bit of natural warmth is missing in the string instruments, but this is rather minor. I find that the DD and the BA work well together and produce a coherent image.

Simgot gives a channel imbalance of maximally 1.5 dB at 1 kHz (see specs above) — I achieved a close to perfect match in my measurements across the frequency spectrum.

In summary, the sound of the Simgot EM2 can be described as leaning towards bright and neutral (but not sterile), with excellent clarity. I found they brightened up some of my dull, muffled old 1980s recordings.

In comparison, the warmer and more organic sounding single DD Moodrop Kanas Pro ($179) [review] have a stronger bass slam, smoother midrange and treble, and less transparency. And they have bigger and much heavier earpieces.

The $139 Ikko OH1 [photos] have even more emphasis on sub-bass than the Kanas Pro and a more pronounced V-shaped image than the Simgot EM2, while being warmer across the frequency spectrum. Their alloy shells are marginally bigger and CNC machined.

The fact that the frequency responses of all of the above are essentially identical from approx. 2 kHz down, shows the limitations of the usefulness of measurements for characterizing/comparing the sound of different driver configuration/tunings…and/or that my fantasy took over.

The Sennheiser IE 40 PRO also have a warmer, fuller sound with a more robust low end and more upper treble than the Simgot EM2.

In summary, the EM2 is the closest to neutral, clearest, and the least bassy of the bunch and will appeal to the demanding and mature listener.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

Overall, these Simgot EM2 are a keeper which excel by their clarity — the only improvement I would suggest is bringing the lower midrange forward. The sound quality of this 1+1 hybrid shows once again that less is more and that the race for the highest number of drivers is futile, at least in the budget and mid-price segments. I am sure we will hear a lot more from Simgot in the near future. And since their products are available from amazon, you don’t have to wait long for your shipment.

DISCLAIMER

I received the EM2 unsolicited and free from Simgot for my independent review. Thank you very much!

Our generic standard disclaimer

About our measurements

The post Simgot EM2 Review II – Crisp and Clean appeared first on Music For The Masses.

All Our Earphone-related Articles: here

ALL OUR REVIEWS (headphones, earphones, dacs/amps, daps, bluetooth, clean power & USB, microphones, cables/adapters, eartips, earpads, noise insulation): here

Models labelled with “*” are on our Wall of Excellence.

April additions: TRN BAX PRO ,Creative Aurvana Ace 2, CCA Rhapsody.

March additions: TRN Conch, Simgot EA1000.

February additions: Truthear X Crinacle Zero Red, Oladance OWS Sports, Simgot EA500, Sennheiser IE 600.

Reviews in Alphabetical Order:

1. 7Hz Timeless (1) (Alberto Pittaluga)
2. 7Hz Timeless (2) (Durwood)
3. 7Hz Timeless (3) (Loomis Johnson)
4. Acefast T8 (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
5. Acoustic Effect TRY-01 (Baskingshark)
6. AFUL Performer 5 (Jürgen Kraus)
7. Akoustyx R-220 (Jürgen Kraus)
8. Akoustyx S6 (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
9. Akoustyx S6 (2) (Alberto Pittaluga)
10. AME Custom Argent Hybrid Electrostatic (Jürgen Kraus)
11. Anew X-One (Jürgen Kraus)
12. Anker Soundcore Liberty Pro 2 (Loomis Johnson)
13. Astrotec AM850 MK2 (Jürgen Kraus)
14. Astrotec Vesna (Jürgen Kraus)
15. Audbos/Tenzh P4 Pro (Loomis Johnson)
16. Audiosense DT200 (1) (Baskingshark)
17. Audiosense DT200 (2) (KopiOkaya)
18. Aune Jasper (1) (Loomis Johnson)
19. Aune Jasper (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
20. AXS Audio Professional Wireless Earbuds (Loomis Johnson)
21. BCD X10 (Loomis Johnson)
22. Beyerdynamic Soul Byrd (Jürgen Kraus)
23. BGVP DM9 (Durwood)
24. Beats Powerbeats Pro TWS (Loomis Johnson)
25. Blon A8 Prometheus (1) (Loomis Johnson)
26. Blon A8 Prometheus (2) (Durwood)
27. Blon Bl-01 (1) (Baskingshark)
28. Blon BL-01 (2) (Alberto Pittaluga)
29. Blon BL-03* (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
30. Blon BL-03* (2) (Loomis Johnson)
31. Blon BL-05 (1) (Baskingshark)
32. BLON BL-05 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
33. Blon BL-05s (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
34. Blon BL-05s (2) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
35. Blon BL-05s (3) (Baskingshark)
36. Blon BL-Max (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
37. Blon Mini (Baskingshark)
38. Brainwavz Delta (Jürgen Kraus)
39. Brainwavz Koel (Jürgen Kraus, Biodegraded)
40. BQEYZ Autumn (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
41. BQEYZ Autumn (2) (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
42. BQEYZ KC2 (Jürgen Kraus)
43. BQEYZ Spring 1 (1) (Durwood)
44. BQEYZ Spring 1 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
45. BQEYZ Spring 1 (3) (Jürgen Kraus)
46. BQEYZ Spring 2 (1) (Durwood)
47. BQEYZ Spring 2 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
48. BQEYZ Summer (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
49. BQEYZ Summer (2) (Alberto Pittaluga)
50. BQEYZ Topaz (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
51. Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 (Loomis Johnson)
52. Campfire Audio Ara (Alberto Pittaluga)
53. Cambridge Audio SE1 (Loomis Johnson)
54. Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 (Alberto Pittaluga)
55. Campfire Audio Honeydew (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
56. Campfire Audio Satsuma (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
57. Cat Ear Mia (1) (Loomis Johnson)
58. Cat Ear Mia (2) (Durwood)
59. Cat Ear Mia (3) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
60. Cayin Fantasy (Jürgen Kraus)
61. CCA C10 (Slater)
62. CCA C10 (Loomis Johnson)
63. CCA C10 Pro (1) (Durwood)
64. CCA C10 Pro (2) (Baskinghark)
65. CCA CA16 (1) (Durwood)
66. CCA CA16 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
67. CCA CKX (Durwood)
68. CCA CRA+ (Durwood)
69. CCA CX4 Wireless (Loomis Johnson)
70. CCA Duo (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
71. CCA Duo (2) (Durwood)
72. CCA Lyra (1) (Durwood)
73. CCA Lyra (2) (Loomis Johnson)
74. CCA Rhapsody (Jürgen Kraus)
75. CCZ Plume (Baskingshark)
76. Celest Pandamon (Jürgen Kraus)
77. Cozoy Hera C103 (Jürgen Kraus)
78. Creative Aurvana Ace 2 (Durwood)
79. CVJ CS8 (Baskingshark)
80. ddHiFi Janus1 (E2020A) (Jürgen Kraus)
81. ddHiFi Janus2 (E2020B) (Jürgen Kraus)
82. ddHiFi Janus3 (E2023) Jürgen Kraus
83. Donner Dobuds One (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
84. Drop Grell TWS1X (Darin Hawbaker)
85. Drop Grell TWS1X (2) Loomis Johnson
86. Drop + JVC HA-FDX1* (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
87. Drop + JVC HA FDX1* (2) (Loomis Johnson)
88. Dunu DM-380 (Jürgen Kraus)
89. Dunu DM-480 (Baskingshark)
90. Dunu Falcon Pro (Alberto Pittaluga)
91. Dunu Kima (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
92. Dunu Luna (1) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
93. Dunu Luna (2) (Baskinghark)
94. Dunu Studio SA6* (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
95. Dunu Talos (Jürgen Kraus)
96. Dunu Vulkan (Jürgen Kraus)
97. Dunu Zen* (1) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
98. Dunu Zen* (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
99. DZAT DR-25 (Jürgen Kraus)
100. Earstudio HE100 (Jürgen Kraus)
101. Earsonics AERØ (Jürgen Kraus)
102. Earsonics ONYX (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
103. Einsear T2 (Loomis Johnson)
104. Elevoc Clear (Loomis Johnson)
105. Etymotic E2XR (Loomis Johnson)
106. EZAudio D4 (Jürgen Kraus)
107. FAAEAL Datura Pro (Baskingshark)
108. FIIL CC2 (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
109. FIIL T1XS TWS (Loomis Johnson)
110. FiiO FA1 (Loomis Johnson)
111. FiiO FD1 (Jürgen Kraus)
112. FiiO FH1s (Jürgen Kraus)
113. Fiitii HiFi Air 2 (Durwood)
114. Fiitii HifiDots (Durwood)
115. Final Audio A3000* (Alberto Pittaluga)
116. Final Audio A5000 (Alberto Pittaluga)
117. Final Audio B3 (Alberto Pittaluga)
118. Final Audio E3000* (Baskingshark)
119. Final Audio E-Series Roundup (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
120. Final Audio F7200 (Alberto Pittaluga)
121. Final Audio ZE3000 (English) (Jürgen Kraus)
122. Final Audio ZE3000 (Japanese) (Jürgen Kraus)
123. Geek Wold GK10 (1) (Baskingshark)
124. Geek Wold GK10 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
125. Gravastar Sirius Pro TWS (Alberto Pittaluga)
126. Hidizs MD4 (Durwood)
127. Hidizs MM2 (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
128. Hidizs MM2 (2) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
129. Hidizs MP145 (1) (Durwood)
130. Hidizs MP145 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
131. Hidizs MS1 Rainbow (1) (Durwood)
132. Hidizs MS1 Rainbow (2) (Loomis Johnson)
133. Hidizs MS3 (1) (Durwood)
134. Hidizs MS3 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
135. Hidizs MS5 (1) (Durwood)
136. Hidizs MS5 (2) (Alberto Pittaluga)
137. Hidizs MS5 (3) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
138. Hifi Walker A1 (Jürgen Kraus, Biodegraded)
139. Hill Audio Altair • RA (Jürgen Kraus)
140. Hill Audio S8 (Jürgen Kraus)
141. Hisenior B5 (Loomis Johnson)
142. Hisenior Okavango (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
143. HZ Sound Heart Mirror (1) (Baskingshark)
144. HZ Sound Heart Mirror (2) (KopiOkaya)
145. iBasso IT00 (Baskingshark)
146. iBasso IT00/Tin Hifi T2 Plus/Moondrop Starfield comparison (Durwood)
147. iBasso IT04 (Alberto Pittaluga)
148. iBasso IT07 (Alberto Pittaluga)
149. Ikko OH1 (Jürgen Kraus)
150. Ikko OH1S (1) (Alberto Pittaluga)
151. Ikko OH1S (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
152. IKKO OH5 Asgard (Alberto Pittaluga)
153. Ikko OH10* (1) (Alberto Pittaluga)
154. Ikko OH10* (2) Jürgen Kraus
155. IKKO OH2 (Jürgen Kraus)
156. Intime Miyabi (Alberto Pittaluga)
157. Intime Miyabi (Italian) (Alberto Pittaluga)
158. Intime Miyabi (Japanese) (Alberto Pittaluga)
159. Intime Sora 2 (Alberto Pittaluga)
160. Intime Sho DD (Alberto Pittaluga)
161. ISN Audio Rambo (Jürgen Kraus)
162. KBEAR Aurora (1) (Baskingshark)
163. KBEAR Aurora (2) (Durwood)
164. KBEAR Aurora (3) (Loomis Johnson)
165. KBEAR Believe (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
166. KBEAR Believe (2) (Baskingshark)
167. KBEAR Believe (3) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
168. KBEAR Believe (4) (Loomis Johnson)
169. KBEAR Diamond in Japanese (Jürgen Kraus)
170. KBEAR Diamond (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
171. KBEAR Diamond (2) (Loomis Johnson)
172. KBEAR Diamond (3) (Christophe Branchereau)
173. KBEAR Diamond modding (Biodegraded)
174. KBEAR hi7 (Jürgen Kraus)
175. KBEAR KB04 (1) (Loomis Johnson)
176. KBEAR KB04 (2) (Baskingshark)
177. KBEAR KB04 (3) (Jürgen Kraus)
178. KBEAR KS1 (Baskingshark)
179. KBEAR KS2 (1) J ürgen Kraus)
180. KBEAR KS2 (2) (Baskingshark)
181. KBEAR KS2 (3 (Loomis Johnson)
182. KBEAR Neon (1) (Baskingshark)
183. KBEAR Neon (2) (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
184. KBEAR Lark (Jürgen Kraus)
185. KBEAR Qinglong (Jürgen Kraus)
186. KBEAR Robin (Baskingshark)
187. KBEAR Rosefinch (Jürgen Kraus)
188. KBEAR TRI I3 Pro (Jürgen Kraus)
189. KBEAR TRI Starsea (1) (Kopiokaya)
190. KBEAR TRI Starsea (2) (Baskingshark)
191. Kefine Klanar (Durwood)
192. Kinboofi MK4 (Jürgen Kraus, Biodegraded)
193. Kinera BD005 Pro (Baskingshark)
194. Kinera Hodur (Alberto Piitaluga)
195. Kinera Idun 2.0 (1) (Durwood)
196. Kinera Idun 2.0 (2 (Loomis Johnson)
197. Kiwi Cadenza (Durwood)
198. Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
199. Kiwi Ears Quintet (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
200. Klipsch T5 II TWS Sport (Loomis Johnson)
201. Knowlege Zenith AS24 (Standard Version) (Jürgen Kraus)
202. Knowledge Zenith AS24 (Tunable Version) (Durwood)
203. Knowledge Zenith ASF (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
204. Knowledge Zenith ASX (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
205. Knowledge Zenith ASX (2) (Loomis Johnson)
206. Knowlege Zenith F-Fi (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
207. Knowledge Zenith ED9 (Loomis Johnson)
208. Knowledge Zenith ED16 (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
209. Knowledge Zenith ED16 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
210. Knowledge Zenith EDX (Jürgen Kraus)
211. Knowledge Zenith ESX (Durwood)
212. Knowledge Zenith Ling Long (Jürgen Kraus)
213. Knowledge Zenith VXS Pro TWS (Durwood)
214. Knowledge Zenith ZEX (1) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
215. Knowledge Zenith ZEX (2) (Durwood)
216. Knowledge Zenith ZEX (3) (Alberto Pittaluga)
217. Knowledge Zenith ZSN (Loomis Johnson)
218. Knowledge Zenith ZSN Pro (Slater)
219. Knowledge Zenith ZSN Pro X (Jürgen Kraus)
220. Knowledge Zenith ZS4 (Loomis Johnson)
221. Knowledge Zenith ZS7 (Loomis Johnson)
222. Knowledge Zenith ZS10 (Jürgen Kraus, Biodegraded)
223. Knowledge Zenith ZS10 Pro (Loomis Johnson)
224. Knowledge Zenith ZSX Terminator (Loomis Johnson)
225. Knowledge Zenith ZVX (Jürgen Kraus)
226. K’s Earphone Bell-LBs (Alberto Pittaluga)
227. K’s Earphone K300 (Alberto Pittaluga)
228. LETSHUOER Conductor (Biodegraded)
229. LETSHUOER DZ4 (Jürgen Kraus)
230. LETSHUOER EJ07M (Jürgen Kraus)
231. LETSHUOER EJ09 (Biodegraded)
232. LETSHUOER S12 vs. 7Hz Timeless (Jürgen Kraus)
233. Lker i8 (Jürgen Kraus)
234. Lypertek Tevi L3 Powerplay (Loomis Johnson)
235. LZ A2 (Jürgen Kraus)
236. LZ A7 (Baskinghark)
237. MEE Audio Pinnacle P2 (Loomis Johnson)
238. Meze 12 Classics V2 (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
239. Meze RAI Penta (Kazi Mahbbub Mutakabbir)
240. Meze RAI Solo (Jürgen Kraus)
241. Mifo S TWS (Loomis Johnson)
242. Moondrop Alice (1) (Durwood)
243. Moondrop Alice (2) Loomis Johnson
244. Moondrop Aria (1) Jürgen Kraus)
245. Moondrop Aria (2) Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
246. Moondrop Aria SE (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
247. Moondrop x Crinacle Blessing2:Dusk (1) Jürgen Kraus)
248. Moondrop x Crinacle Blessing2:Dusk (2) Biodegraded
249. Moondrop CHU (1) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
250. Moondrop CHU (2) (Alberto Pittaluga)
251. Moondrop CHU (3) Jürgen Kraus)
252. Moondrop Crescent (Jürgen Kraus)
253. Moondrop Illumination (Jürgen Kraus)
254. Moondrop Kanas Pro (1) Biodegraded
255. Moondrop Kanas Pro (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
256. Moondrop Kanas Pro (3) Loomis Johnson
257. Moondrop KATO (Jürgen Kraus)
258. Moondrop Lan (1) (Durwood)
259. Moondrop Lan (2) (Loomis Johnson)
260. Moondrop May (Durwood)
261. Moondrop Quarks (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
262. Moondrop Spaceship (Jürgen Kraus)
263. Moondrop Space Travel (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
264. Moondrop Space Travel (2) (Loomis Johnson)
265. Moondrop SSP (Jürgen Kraus)
266. Moondrop SSR (1) Jürgen Kraus
267. Moondrop SSR (2) (Baskingshark)
268. Moondrop Starfield (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
269. Moondrop Starfield (2) Loomis Johnson
270. Moondrop Starfield (3) (Durwood)
271. Moondrop Starfield II (1) (Durwood)
272. Moondrop Starfield II (2) (Loomis Johnson)
273. Moondrop Stellaris (Jürgen Kraus)
274. Naenka LITE Pro TWS (Loomis Johnson)
275. NF Audio NM (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
276. NF Audio NM2+ (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
277. NF Audio NM2+ (2) Loomis Johnson
278. NiceHCK Bro (Jürgen Kraus)
279. NiceHCK DB1 (Jürgen Kraus)
280. NiceHCK DB3 (Jürgen Kraus)
281. NiceHCK DT600 (Jürgen Kraus)
282. NiceHCK EB2 (Jürgen Kraus)
283. NiceHCK EB2S (Jürgen Kraus)
284. NiceHCK EBX21 (Baskingshark)
285. NiceHCK EP10 (Jürgen Kraus)
286. NiceHCK EP35 (Jürgen Kraus)
287. NiceHCK F1 (Jürgen Kraus)
288. NiceHCK Lofty (Jürgen Kraus)
289. NiceHCK HK6 (Loomis Johnson)
290. NiceHCK M5 (Jürgen Kraus)
291. NiceHCK M6 (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
292. NiceHCK M6 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
293. NiceHCK N3 (Loomis Johnson, Jürgen Kraus)
294. NiceHCK NX7 (1) (Loomis Johnson)
295. NiceHCK NX7 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
296. NiceHCK NX7 Pro (Jürgen Kraus)
297. NiceHCK NX7 MK3 (1) (Loomis Johnson)
298. NiceHCK NX7 MK3 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
299. NiceHCK NX7 MK4 (Jürgen Kraus)
300. NiceHCK P3 (Jürgen Kraus)
301. NiceHCK X49 (Jürgen Kraus)
302. Oladance OWS Pro (Jürgen Kraus)
303. Oladance OWS Sports (Durwood)
304. Oladance Wearable Stereo (Loomis Johnson)
305. Oneodio OpenRock Pro (Loomis Johnson)
306. Oriolus Isabellae (Jürgen Kraus)
307. Oriveti OH500 (Alberta Pittaluga)
308. Paiaudio DR2 (Jürgen Kraus)
309. Penon Fan 2 (Alberto Pittaluga)
310. PHB EM-023 (Jürgen Kraus)
311. Pioneer CH3 (Jürgen Kraus)
312. Queen of Audio Pink Lady (Jürgen Kraus)
313. Reecho Insects Awaken (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
314. RHA CL2 (Alberto Pittaluga)
315. Rose Mojito (Alberto Pittaluga)
316. Rose Technics QT9 MK2S (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
317. Rose Technics QT9 MK2S (2) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
318. Samsung Galaxy Buds Live (Loomis Johnson)
319. Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus (Loomis Johnson)
320. SeeAudio Bravery (1) (Loomis Johnson)
321. SeeAudio Bravery (2) (Baskingshark)
322. Semkarch CNT1 (Loomis Johnson)
323. Senfer DT6 (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
324. Senfer DT6 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
325. Senfer UEs/NiceHCK Bro (Loomis Johnson, Jürgen Kraus)
326. Sennheiser CX 400BT (Loomis Johnson)
327. Sennheiser IE 40/400/500 PRO compared (Jürgen Kraus)
328. Sennheiser IE 40 PRO (Jürgen Kraus, Biodegraded)
329. Sennheiser IE 200* (Jürgen Kraus)
330. Sennheiser IE 300 (Jürgen Kraus)
331. Sennheiser IE 400 PRO (Jürgen Kraus)
332. Sennheiser IE 500 PRO (Jürgen Kraus, Biodegraded)
333. Sennheiser IE 600 (Jürgen Kraus)
334. Sennheiser IE 600 and IE 900 Counterfeits (Alberto Pittaluga)
335. Sennheiser IE 900* (1) (Alberto Pittaluga)
336. Sennheiser IE 900* (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
337. Sennheiser IE 900* (Deutsch) (Jürgen Kraus)
338. Shanling ME80 (Jürgen Kraus)
339. Shanling Sono (Durwood)
340. Shuoer Tape (Loomis Johnson)
341. Shozy Form 1.1 (Biodegraded)
342. Shozy Form 1.1 vs. Form 1.4 (Jürgen Kraus)
343. Shozy Form 1.4* (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
344. Shozy Form 1.4* (2) (Durwood)
345. Shozy Form 1.4* (3) (Loomis Johnson)
346. Shozy Rouge (1) (Loomis Johnson)
347. Shozy Rouge (2) (Durwood))
348. Shozy Rouge (3 (Jürgen Kraus)
349. Simgot EA500 (Alberto Pittaluga)
350. Simgot EA1000 (Alberto Pittaluga)
351. Simgot EM2 (Jürgen Kraus)
352. Simgot EM2 (Loomis Johnson)
353. Smabat M0 (Durwood)
354. Smabat M2 Pro (1) (Baskingshark)
355. Smabat M2 Pro (M2) (Jürgen Kraus)
356. Smabat Proto 1.0 (Alberto Pittaluga)
357. Smabat ST-10 (Jürgen Kraus)
358. Smabat X1 (1) (Baskingshark)
359. Smabat X1 (2 (Jürgen Kraus)
360. Sony MH755 (Jürgen Kraus)
361. Sony IER-ZR (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
362. Sony WX-1000XM3 (Loomis Johnson)
363. Soundpeats H1 (Loomis Johnson)
364. Soundpeats Opera (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
365. Status Audio Between Pro TWS (Loomis Johnson)
366. SuperEQ Q2 Pro ANC TWS (Loomis Johnson)
367. Tanchjim Blues (Jürgen Kraus)
368. Tanchjim Cora (Jürgen Kraus)
369. Tanchjim Darling (Aberto Pittaluga)
370. Tanchjim Ola (Loomis Johnson)
371. Tanchjim Oxygen* (Alberto Pittaluga)
372. Tanchjim Tanya (1) (Baskingshark)
373. Tanchjim Tanya (2) (Alberto Pittaluga)
374. Tangzu WAN ER (Jürgen Kraus)
375. Tansio Mirai TSMR-6 (Alberto Pittaluga)
376. TempoTec IM05 (Jürgen Kraus)
377. Tennmak Dulcimer (Loomis Johnson)
378. Tforce Yuan Li (1) (Durwood)
379. Tforce Yuan Li (2) (Loomis Johnson)
380. Tinaudio T1 (Jürgen Kraus)
381. Tinaudio T2 (Jürgen Kraus)
382. TINHIFI C2 Mech Warrior (Jürgen Kraus)
383. TINHIFI C3 (1) (Durwood)
384. TINHIFI C3 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
385. TINHIFI C5 (1) (Durwood)
386. TINHIFI C5 (2) Loomis Johnson
387. TINHIFI P1 Max (Jürgen Kraus)
388. TINHIFI T2 DLC (Jürgen Kraus)
389. TINHIFI T2 EVO (Jürgen Kraus)
390. TINHIFI T2 Plus (1) Jürgen Kraus
391. TINHIFI T2 Plus (2) (Loomis Johnson)
392. TINHIFI T2 Plus (3) Durwood
393. TINHIFI T4 (1) (Durwood)
394. TINHIFI T4 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
395. TINHIFI T4 (3) (Jürgen Kraus)
396. TINHIFI T4 Plus (Jürgen Kraus)
397. TINHIFI T5 (Alberto Pittaluga)
398. TINHIFI Tin Buds 3 (Loomis Johnson)
399. Tinker TK300 (Baskingshark)
400. ToneKing Nine Tail (Loomis Johnson)
401. TOZO Golden X1 (Loomis Johnson)
402. Triaudio I3 (1) (Baskingshark)
403. Triaudio I3 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
404. Triaudio I3 Modding (KopiOkaya)
405. Triaudio I4 (1) (KopiOkaya)
406. Triaudio I4 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
407. Triaudio Meteor (KopiOkaya)
408. Tripowin X HBB Olina (KopiOkaya)
409. Tripowin Leá (Jürgen Kraus)
410. TRN BA5 (1) (Durwood)
411. TRN BA5 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
412. TRN BA5 (3) (Loomis Johnson)
413. TRN BA8 (1) (Baskingshark)
414. TRN BA8 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
415. TRN BAX PRO (Jürgen Kraus)
416. TRN Conch (Durwood)
417. TRN Kirin (Alberto Pittaluga)
418. TRN ST5 (Looomis Johnson)
419. TRN-STM (1) (Loomis Johnson)
420. TRN-STM (2) (Baskingshark)
421. TRN-STM (3) (Durwood)
422. TRN T300 (1) (Baskingshark)
423. TRN T300 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
424. TRN T300 (3) (Alberto Pittaluga)
425. TRN V80 (Jürgen Kraus)
426. TRN V90 (1) (Durwood)
427. TRN V90 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
428. TRN V90S (1) (Baskingshark)
429. TRN V90S (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
430. TRN VX (1) (Loomis Johnson)
431. TRN VX (2) (Baskingshark)
432. TRN VX (3) (Jürgen Kraus)
433. TRN-VX modding (KopiOkaya)
434. Tronsmart Apollo (Baskingshark)
435. Tronsmart Apollo Bold TWS ANC (Baskingshark)
436. Truthear Hexa (Durwood)
437. Truthear Hola (Durwood)
438. Truthear X Crinacle Zero (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
439. Truthear X Crinacle Zero Red (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
440. Truthear X Crinacle Zero Red (2) (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
441. Unique Melody 3DT (Jürgen Kraus)
442. Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 (Baskingshark)
443. Venture Electronics BIE Pro (Jürgen Kraus)
444. Venture Electronics Bonus IE (Jürgen Kraus)
445. Venture Electronics Monk Go (Jürgen Kraus)
446. Vision Ears Elysium* and VE8 (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
447. Vision Ears Elysium* and VE8 (2) (Biodegraded)
448. Vision Ears EXT (Jürgen Kraus)
449. Vision Ears Phönix (Jürgen Kraus)
450. Westone MACH 40 and MACH 60 (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
451. Whizzer BS1 (Jürgen Kraus)
452. Whizzer Kylin HE01 (1) Jürgen Kraus)
453. Whizzer Kylin HE01 (2) (Baskingshark)
454. Whizzer Kylin HE03AL (Jürgen Kraus)
455. Whizzer Kylin HE03D (1) (Durwood)
456. Whizzer Kylin HE03D (2) (Loomis Johnson)
457. Whizzer Kylin HE10 (Jürgen Kraus)
458. Yinyoo BK2 (Baskingshark)
459. Yinyoo D2B4 v2 (1) (Biodegraded)
460. Yinyoo D2B4 v2 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
461. Yinyoo V2 (Jürgen Kraus)

Also check out our HEADPHONE REVIEWS

The post 461 Reviews – A World Class Earphone Database appeared first on Music For The Masses.

Cons — Audiophile tuning (neutral; minimalistic, fast bass; resolution, clarity); mids and treble can be fatiguing at higher volumes; design lifted.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The NiceHCK DT600 is a neutral sounding earphone with a dry and realistic low end and superb clarity, depth, and resolution appealing to “audiophiles” and purists. While it can be hard on my ears at higher volumes it is the technically best Chifi earphone (out of approximately 20) I have reviewed so far […which is not a big selection].

INTRODUCTION

When I was asked to review this earphone, I quite frankly had little interest, expecting a treble screamer overloaded with drivers, an ODM earphone looking for a proper tuning. According to others, the 3 BA DT300 was overly dark and the 5 BA DT500 had exaggerated treble.

To my surprise, the DT600 was a revelation showing the shortcomings of the NiceHCK P3 and M6 models I had recently reviewed. And the linear frequency response without any suspicious bass hump, upper midrange “mountain”, and unwanted treble spikes  let me rejoice: hurrah, finally a multi-driver Chifi earphone with an “expensive-brandname” tuning? Well…

IMPORTANT NOTE: This earphone is a great example why a points scheme is problematic. Depending on taste, purists may give it a much higher score than bassheads. I expect the DT600 to be extremely polarizing but hope my writeup will make it clear whether this tonality is for you.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Brand:  NiceHCK
• Model: DT600
• Drive Unit: 6 balanced armature (BA) drivers
• Type: In-ear
• Impedance: 26Ω
• Earphone Sensitivity: 110 dB/mW
• Frequency Range: 20-25000Hz
• Earphone Plug: 3.5 mm gilded
• Cable Length: 1.3 m
• Available Colors: Green, transparent
• Earphone Plug Type: 90°angled
• Remote: No
• Price: $149 (at the time of this review)
• Discounted Price for Blog Visitors: $99
• Purchase Link: At the bottom

IN THE BOX…

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE, HAPTIC, AND BUILD QUALITY

This earphone looks suspiciously like an upscale Shure model. The plastic Shells are a bit of an understatement but appear to be well assembled. The nozzle is uncommonly thin (similar to the Brainwavz B series), therefore be careful when planning on using third-party tips.

The cable is also a rare find in this price class: it is not the typical braided chain but a straight round one with MMCX connectors, a chin slider and a bit of silver bling bling. To me, it works just fine and looks better than the fixed cables of the Sennheisers, Focals etc. in this price class. The flexiblity is also ok.

ERGONOMICS, COMFORT, ISOLATION, AND FIT

Since the DT600 is a Shure lookalike, it also fits like one: the shells, despite packed with 6 drivers each (two more than the equivalent Shure), are surprisingly small and fit my ears comfortably well.  Isolation is what you make out of it with the eartips used but is generally good. I am still struggling with bending the unusually stiff memory wire around my ears every time, but this is a minor issue.

SOURCE AND EARTIPS

The DT600 comes with pretty looking green foams and narrow-bore rubber tips. The rubber tips come in weird sizes: the L is essentially slightly too big for my ear canals and the M is too small. I therefore used L-sized Brainwavz B400 tips, which are in between in size but of identical design (including a narrow bore) – but later changed to the largest included foam tips.

As a source, I used my new iphone SE (which sounds identical to my old iphone 5S). Adding the audioquest dragonfly black dac/amp improved the sound remarkably much in terms of detail and resolution compared to other earphones. With or without dac/amp the DT600 are easy to drive.

TONALITY

The sound of the DT600 can be characterized as neutral, lean, and extremely clear with a great depth.  It has the basic flavour of the likes of Etymotics and the Brainwavz B100, and not the meaty flavour of the iBasso IT01 or the NiceHCK M6/BVGP DMG. The frequency response curve is absolutely stellar: a linear bass, a small emphasis in the lower mids, and no unwanted treble peaks. One could possibly wonder about the early treble rolloff.

And yes, the low end is outright stunning for me: punchy, dry, fast in attack and decay, and not overpowering, just as it should be. The bass is well extended and remains well-controlled down there. Overall, the low end is minimalistic with only a bit of warmth and some may find it too weak and too nimble.

The midrange is NOT recessed but right into your face, pardon ears. It is lean, neutral, intimate. Female voices are nicely contoured and not enriched and coloured such as in the NiceHCKM6/BGVP DMG.

But despite the stellar looking curve without any nasty peaks, higher voices and rhythm guitars can be a bit sharp and fatiguing to my sensitive ears at higher volumes – I blame this on the quality of the drivers. Changing from the rubber tips to the foams smoothened the corners significantly (but not entirely) and also added some warmth to the low end. The upper midrange could sound crowded and bordering on hollow, that’s where the detail resolution lacked.

The treble is only reasonably well extended and sometimes marginally hard for my liking. There is some but not too much sparkle and shine at the upper end. A bit more icing would do the cake well.

There is no sibilance at all, as indicated by the smooth frequency graph.

Soundstage is wide enough (and less so with the foams) with an enormous depth; a good concerted effort of the six BA drivers. Clarity and resolution are unparalleled in comparison to the other Chifi iems I have reviewed.

But the clarity comes at a cost: I was struggling with the sharpness in the upper midrange at higher volumes that really can be fatiguing for sensitive ears after some time (I think my ears are likely more sensitive than yours). Classical instruments could sound unnaturally harsh and overpixelated. This sound signature may explain the relatively early treble dropoff – forced by the tuner in order to avoid getting your eardrums drilled.

SELECT COMPARISONS

NiceHCK M6 ($88 on sale): a totally different beast…even with the bass-reducing third-party DMG tuning filters, the M6 is comparatively mushy in both low end and lower midrange/vocals whereas the DT600 is crisp, punchy, and dynamic. The sonic difference is like day-and-night. Some may find the DT600 too snappy, others may find the more analog sounding M6/DMG too soppy. Can’t make it right for everybody.

iBasso IT01 (~$100): the single DD iBasso is also more overall beefier and more organic sounding with a Sennheiser-type low end that somewhat veils the midrange. Despite its lesser resolution compared to the analytical DT600, I do now appreciate the ibasso much more than before after reducing some of its bass with the reversible air-vent mod.

Brainwavz B400 ($199 list; $159 sale):  I can only speak from memory and measurements. The warmer B400 has a pronounced mid-bass hump which I found unrealistic sounding, and it also rolls off relatively early at the upper end so that some people decried the lack of detail in cymbals and high-piano notes. On the other hand, I found the B400 incredibly detailed and much smoother, creamier, and more balanced compared to the DT600, which is more direct and more extended into the sub-bass.

Brainwavz B200 v1 ($110; discontinued): harder to drive, smoother, more balanced but less resolving and with less depth; both with a lean sound. The DT600 has slightly better separation and detail but the B200 v1 offers more intimate voices. The B200 v1 is more cohesive and more pleasing but simpler, more 2-D with less detail and less treble extension. The DT600 a bit rougher around the edges with more accurate instrument imaging. The B200 v1 has more bass and a smoother presentation.

Ultimate Ears 900s ($399 list; $179 sale): today an underappreciated classic and hailed as a better resolving B400 [the older, pre-2014 UE900 version, to be accurate]. In terms of low end, it has more bass than the DT600 but less than the B400, at comparable qualities. This makes the UE900s a warmer, smoother, more cohesive, and more inviting iem than the DT600. Despite the dip in the lower midrange, I find the vocals in the UE900s richer, smoother, and more organic, which reflects the quality of its 4 Knowles BA drivers. The UE900s’s earpieces, although somewhat substandard in their build quality including its very basic cables, are so small and intelligently shaped that they even fit better than the DT600’s.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

The DT600 is a mixed bag. Some of its aspects are almost perfect such as the frequency response and its low end. But you cannot expect perfection in a $140 (or $99) earphone that hosts 6 drivers – there must be room for improvement to justify all these higher priced iems. And the limitation in this case is the driver quality: while the tuning is exquisite, the sound can be a bit aggressive to my ears at higher volumes after extended use without any obvious peaks in the frequency response graph. Hardness is not an issue at low to moderate volumes where the clarity works superbly well. I would have preferred four higher-end drivers instead of these six while understanding that the number of drivers is a general marketing gimmick. Nevertheless, the DT600’s tonality is much superior over the $50-70 fare.

In a recent review, I had compared the NiceHCK M6/BVSP DMG with a large SUV on a soft suspension. In analogy, the DT600 is like a sporty BMW with a tight suspension: you feel every rock but you have a better handling  and lots of fun with it while hoping the road ahead does not get too bumpy.

You can buy the DT600 only here.

How to claim your discounted price on aliexpress: here.

DISCLAIMER

I was asked by Jim NiceHCK to review this earphone and purchased it for $1. He did not respond to my request of including a return envelope. This earphone went to a good cause following this review.

I broke the DT600 in for 50 hours. Just in case…

About my measurements

Tonal preference and testing practice

Test tracks

The post NiceHCK DT600 Review – At The Edge appeared first on Music For The Masses.

This database is constantly updated – bookmark it for your future reference!

Raw Frequency Responses: Jürgen and Biodegraded (2 cm Tube Coupler; 1.5 cm Insertion Depth) 

Note: Biodegraded and Jürgen use the same rig and coupler [our measurement setup]. No correction is applied. The raw database is internally consistent and can be used for earphone comparisons.

1. Anew X-One (3 modules)
2. Acoustyx R-220
3. AME Custom Argent Hybrid Electrostatic
4. Alpex HSE-A2000
5. Alpex HSE-A2000 (modded and measured by Biodegraded)
6. B&W C5 S2
7. Beyerdynamic Byron
8. Blitzwolf BW ES1 (modded)
9. Blon BL-03
10. Boarseman CX98 (modded)
11. Boarseman KR25D
12. BQEYZ KC2
13. Brainwavz Delta
14. Brainwavz Koel 1st pair (JK) | 1st pair (Bio) | 2nd pair (JK) 
15. Brainwavz B100
16. Brainwavz B200 v1
17. Brainwavz B400  1st pair | 2nd pair | 3rd pair (all by Biodegraded)
18. Cambridge Audio SE1
19. Cozoy Hera C103
20. Drop + JVC HA-FXD1
21. Dunu DM-380
22. DZAT DR-25
23. Earstudio HE100
24. Einsear T2
25. EZAudio D4
26. Fidue A65 1st pair | 2nd pair
27. Fidue A66
28. FiiO FD1
29. FiiO FH1s
30. Final Audio E1000
31. Focal Spark
32. Focal Sphear
33. Fostex TE-02
34. Hifiman RE-400
35. Hifiman RE-400 (measured by Biodegraded)
36. HifiWalker A1 (ootb; measured by Biodegraded)
37. HifiWalker A1 (modded)
38. HifiWalker A1 (modded, measured on two different rigs)
39. Hill Audio Altair • RA narrow-bore |wide-bore | comparison
40. Hill Audio S8 (default filters)
41. Hill Audio S8 (all included filters)
42. iBasso IT01 v1 ootb |  screens removed
43. iBasso IT01 v2
44. iBasso IT01 v1 and v2
45. Ikko OH1
46. JVC HA-FM103M-B
47. KBEAR Believe
48. KBEAR Diamond
49. KBEAR hi7 (Biodegraded)
50. KBEAR hi7 (Jürgen Kraus)
51. KBEAR KS2
52. KBEAR TRI I3
53. Kinboofi MK4
54. Knowledge Zenith ASX
55. Knowledge Zenith AS10
56. Knowledge Zenith ATR (measured by Biodegraded)
57. Knowledge Zenith EDR2 (different filters: silver metal and red textile)
58. Knowledge Zenith ED3 (as is and modded)
59. Knowledge Zenith ED3M
60. Knowledge Zenith ED4 (as is and modded)
61. Knowledge Zenith EDX
62. Knowledge Zenith ZS4
63. Knowledge Zenith ZS5 (measured by Biodegraded)
64. Knowledge Zenith ZS6
65. Knowledge Zenith ZSN
66. Knowledge Zenith ZSN Pro X
67. Knowledge Zenith ZSR (measured by Biodegraded)
68. Knowledge Zenith ZS10 (measured by Biodegraded)
69. Koss KSC75 [stock/Yaxi pads] (measured by Biodegraded)
70. LG Quadbeat 3
71. Lker i8 (as is and modded)
72. Moondrop Crescent
73. Moondrop Kanas Pro
74. Moondrop Kanas Pro (measured by Biodegraded)
75. Moondrop Starfield
76. NAD HP20
77. NiceHCK Bro
78. NiceHCK DB3 (measured by Biodegraded)
79. NiceHCK DT600
80. NiceHCK EB3
81. NiceHCK EP10
82. NiceHCK EP35
83. NiceHCK M6 (default filters)
84. NiceHCK M6 (default filters; 5 different cables)
85. NiceHCK M6 (all included filters)
86. NiceHCK M6 (3rd-party “aired” filters)
87. NiceHCK M6 (default filters and third party filters)
88. NiceHCK NX7
89. NiceHCK NX7 (ootb and after 70 hrs playtime)
90. NiceHCK NX7 MK3
91. NiceHCK NX7 PRO
92. NiceHCK N3
93. NiceHCK P3
94. NiceHCK X49
95. NF Audio NM2+
96. Paiaudio DR2
97. PHB EM-023
98. Philips SHE7055WT
99. Philips TX2
100. Pioneer CH3
101. Pioneer CH3 (modded)
102. Pioneer CH3 (ootb and modded)
103. Remax RM720i
104. Remax RM 720i (ootb and modded)
105. Senfer DT6
106. Senfer UEs
107. Sennheiser IE 40 PRO
108. Sennheiser IE 400 PRO
109. Sennheiser IE 500 PRO
110. Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear
111. Shozy Form 1.1
112. Shozy Form 1.4
113. Shozy Rouge
114. Simgot EM2 narrow-bores | wide-bores | both tips
115. Sony MH1C
116. Sony MH755
117. Sony XBA-C10W
118. Soundmagic E10C
119. Tanchjim Blues
120. Tanchjim Cora
121. Tennmak Dulcimer
122. Tinaudio T1
123. Tinaudio T2
124. Tinaudio T2 (taped front vents)
125. Tin Hifi T2 Plus
126. Tin Hifi T4
127. TRN BA5
128. TRN-STM
129. TRN V80 (measured by Biodegraded)
130. TRN V90
131. TRN V90s
132. Ultimate Ears 900s (measured by Biodegraded)
133. Xiaomi Piston 3
134. Venture Electronics Bonus Edition IE
135. VJJB K4S
136. Yinyoo D2B4 (pre-mid March 2019 tuning)
137. Yinyoo D2B4 (mid-March 2019 tuning) | FR vs. output impedance (measurements by Biodegraded)
138. Yinyoo V2
139. Zero Audio Carbo Tenore

Corrected Frequency Responses: Jürgen and Biodegraded (2 cm Tube Coupler; 1.5 cm Insertion Depth) 

Note: In this series, each raw measurement is adjusted by an empirical correction that attempts to emulate measurements from an imitation B&K IEC60318-4 system as used in the Crinacle database. This corrected database is internally NOT CONSISTENT. The degree and position of the inconsistencies are NOT PREDICTABLE . The correction is work in progress and needs improvement to increase the user’s confidence level. Right now, these corrected graphs are only useful as a qualitative/semi-quantitative approach for characterizing an earphone in a review.

1. Anew X-One (3 modules)
2. Beyerdynamic Soul Byrd
3. Blon BL-03
4. Cozoy Hera C103
5. Earstudio HE100
6. FiiO FD1
7. JVC HA-FDX1
8. KBEAR Believe
9. KBEAR Diamond
10. KBEAR KS2
11. KBEAR TRI I3
12. Knowledge Zenith ASX
13. Knowledge Zenith EDX
14. Knowledge Zenith ZSN Pro X
15. Earstudio HE100
16. Moondrop Illumination
17. Moondrop Spaceship
18. Moondrop SSP
19. Moondrop SSR
20. Moondrop Starfield
21. NiceHCK NX7 MK3
22. NiceHCK NX7 PRO
23. NiceHCK X49
24. NM Audio NF2+
25. Queen of Audio Pink Lady
26. Sennheiser IE40 PRO
27. Sennheiser IE400 PRO
28. Sennheiser IE500 PRO
29. Shozy Form 1.1
30. Shozy Form 1.4
31. Shozy Rouge
32. Sony MH755
33. Tanchjim Blues
34. Tin Hifi T2 Plus
35. Tin Hifi T4
36. TRN-STM
37. TRN-VX
38. TRN V90s
39. Venture Electronics Bonus Edition IE
40. Whizzer Kylin HE01

Raw Frequency Responses: Durwood (2.5 cm Tube Coupler; 2 cm Insertion Depth)

1. BCD X10
2. BQEYZ Spring 1 (small reference tips)
3. BQEYZ Spring 1 (reference tips)
4. BQEYZ Spring 2
5. Cat Ear Mia
6. CCA CA10 Pro
7. CCA CA16
8. Hidizs MS1 Rainbow
9. KBEAR Diamond
10. Shozy Form 1.4
11. Shozy Rouge
12. Tin Hifi T4
13. TRN BA5
14. TRN STM
15. TRN V9 (small silicone stock tips)
16. TRN V90 (stock tips)

IEC711 Coupler: KopiOkaya

1. Audiosense DT200
2. Blon BL-01
3. Blon BL-03
4. Blon BL-05
5. Blon BL-05s
6. Etymotic ER2XR
7. Etymotic ER4XR
8. FiiO FD1
9. JVC HA-FDX1
10. KBEAR Believe
11. KBEAR Believe vs. Dunu Luna vs. Final Audio A8000
12. KBEAR Diamond (Beta)
13. KBEAR KS2
14. KBEAR hi7
15. KBEAR KB04
16. KBEAR Lark
17. LZ A7
18. Moondrop Kanas Pro
19. Moondrop SSR
20. Sony MH1
21. Sony MH755
22. Tin Hi T2 Plus
23. TRI I3
24. TRI I4
25. TRI Starsea
26. TRN BA5
27. TRN BA8
28. TRN M10
29. TRN ST1
30. TRN V90 (three different IEC711 couplers)
31. TRN V90s
32. Unknown 2+1 prototype (2019-10-11)

You find over 300 earphone measurements in Crinacle’s database.

Headflux also offers a large database.

The post Our Raw and Corrected Frequency Response Curves appeared first on Music For The Masses.

Last updated 2019-05-10

1. Alpex HSE-A2000: Modded towards an audiophile tuning (by Biodegraded).
2. Alpex HSE-A2000: The nasty 3 kHz peak
3. Blitzwolf BW ES1: Showing the limitations of modding
4. Brainwavz B100: Correlating frequency response and sound
5. Brainwavz B200: Correlating frequency response and sound
6. Brainwavz B100/200 v1: Same low-end graph — different sound
7. Brainwavz Delta: Correlating frequency response  and sound
8. Brainwavz Delta: Removing a 6-7 kHz treble peak with micropore tape
9. Brainwavz Delta: Moving a treble peak horizontally with variation of tip openings
10. Hifiman RE-400: Shrill peak
11. iBasso IT01: Correlating frequency response and sound.
12. iBasso IT01: The effects of screen removal
13. JVC HA-FM103M-B: Removing bass in two steps
14. NiceHCK EP35: Shouty and congested midrange
15. NiceHCK M6: Difference in bass quantity by different filters while the slow decay remains
16. NiceHCK M6: Tuning sins at the low end
17. NiceHCK P3 and Tinaudio T2: Adding fake resolution
18. NiceHCK DT600: The perfect graph but not the perfect sound?
19. Knowledge Zenith AS10 tuning sins
20. Knowledge Zenith EDR2: The effects of two different screens (metal, textile)
21. Knowledge Zenith ED3: Taming a 6-7 kHz sibilance peak with micropore tape
22. Knowledge Zenith ZSN: Harshness in the midrange
23. Focal Spark: How an exaggerated bass can sound good when it is fast
24. Remax RM-720i: Great graph after micropore modding, but shoddy sound remains
25. Senfer DT6: Correlating frequency response and sound
26. Simgot EM2: Narrow-bore vs. wide-bore tips
27. Soundmagic E10C: Why this cheapo sounds good
28. Tennmak Dulcimer: Visualizing disaster…membrane killed with needle
29. Tinaudio T1 and T2: Warm vs. neutral
30. The awful Chifi Chainsaw Peak (CCP) at 3 kHz (from Head-Fi)
31. Pioneer CH3: Reducing a treble peak with micropore tape 
32. Blon BL-05 Beta: Coupler resonance vs. driver resonance

The post Our Annotated Frequency Response Curves appeared first on Music For The Masses.

Updated 2019-08-01

1. Beyerdynamic Byron/Soundmagic E10C
2. Brainwavz B100/B200 v1
3. Brainwavz B100/NiceHCK EP35
4. Brainwavz B100/Soundmagic E10C
5. Brainwavz B200 v1/Soundmagic E10C
6. Fostex TE-02/NiceHCK EP35
7. HifiWalker A1 (modded)/Blitzwolf BW ES1 (modded)
8. Hill Audio S8 (default filters)/Brainwavz B200/iBasso IT01
9. iBasso IT01/NiceHCK Bro
10. Knowledge Zenith AS10/ibasso IT-01
11. Knowledge Zenith AS10/NiceHCK M6
12. Knowledge Zenith ZS5/ZS10/ZSR
13. Knowledge Zenith ZS4/ZSN
14. Moondrop Crescent and Final Audio E1000
15. Moondrop Kanas Pro/Ikko OH1/Simgot EM2: Similar FR graphs, different tonalities
16. Moondrop Kanas PRO/Crescent
17. NiceHCK Bro/Senfer UEs: same earphone
18. NiceHCK EP10/EP35
19. NiceHCK EP10/EZAudio D4
20. NiceHCK EP35/Fostex TE-02
21. NiceHCK EP35/Brainwavz B100
22. NiceHCK DT600/NiceHCK M6 (default filters)
23. NiceHCK DT600/NiceHCK M6 (3rd-party “aired” filters)
24. NiceHCK M6 (default filters)/BQEYZ KC2
25. NiceHCK M6 (default filters)/Hill Audio S8 (default filters)
26. NiceHCK M6 (default filters)/BQEYX KC2
27. NiceHCK M6 (default filters)/Brainwavz B200
28. NiceHCK M6 (default filters)/iBasso IT01
29. NiceHCK M6 (default filters)/Hill Audio S8 (default filters)
30. NiceHCK M6/Pioneer CH3: Similar frequency responses – different sound
31. NiceHCK P3/NiceHCK Bro
32. NiceHCK P3/Tinaudio T2
33. Paiaudio DR2 = Hill Audio Altair RA
34. Philips TX2 and Philips SHE7055WT
35. Pioneer CH3/Blitzwolf BW ES1 (modded)
36. Pioneer CH3/HifiWalker A1
37. Pioneer CH3/Sony MH1C
38. Senfer UEs/NiceHCK Bro
39. Sennheiser ie40 Pro/Brainwavz B200 v1
40. Sennheiser IE 40 PRO/Focal Sphear
41. Sennheiser IE PRO/iBasso IT01
42. Sennheiser IE 40 PRO/Momentum In-Ear
43. Sennheiser IE 40 PRO/IE 500 PRO
44. Sennheiser IE 500 PRO/Momentum In-Ear
45. Sony MH755 and Philips SHE7055WT
46. Tinaudio T1 and Soundmagic E10C
47. Tinaudio T1 and T2
48. Tinaudio T2/Yinyoo V2: battle of the bass preferences
49. Yinyoo V2/Tinaudio T2 (taped front vent) 
50. Zero Audio Carbo Tenore and Final Audio E1000
51. Zero Audio Carbo Tenore and Philips SHE7055WT

The post Our Comparisons Between Earphones appeared first on Music For The Masses.