NF Audio NM2+ Review (1) – Reasons To Be Cheerful?
Pros — Natural timbre; superb technical capabilities; subtle, realistic bass.
Cons — Spicy upper midrange not for everybody; very analytical.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The NF Audio NM2+ is a well-built and accessorized neutrally tuned single-dynamic-driver earphone with excellent analytical and technical capabilities that compares to much more expensive earphones. It falls, however, short on its very aggressive midrange that needs modification for many ears.
INTRODUCTION
The NF Audio NM2+ earphone has been hyped across audio forums for its performance…time to test this hype. The NM2+ is a revision of their popular NM2. Little is known about this Chinese company other than that they target the mid-tier to premium market. They pride themselves for their double cavity dynamic driver implemented in this model.
SPECIFICATIONS
Drivers: Double Cavity Dynamic
Impedance: 18 Ω
Sensitivity: 108 dB/mW
Frequency Range: 10 – 40,000 Hz
Cable/Connector: 5N oxygen-free copper silver-plated Litz cable, 2-pin, 0.78mm
Sound Insulation: 25 dB
Tested at: $169
Product Page/Purchase Link: Shenzhenaudio
PHYSICAL THINGS AND USABILITY
The NF Audio NM2+ earphones come with a high-quality cable, a 3.5 to 6.3 mm adapter, two sets of eartips (“bassy” and “reference”), a sturdy storage case, and the obligatory paperwork. The earpieces are made of CnC machined aircraft-grade aluminium and are of very high quality. The 5N oxygen-free copper silver-plated cable wire features a Litz structure. The haptic and build quality are impeccable.
As to fit, I found it a bit shallow for my ears, but this is generally individually different. The NF Audio NM+ is extremely easy to drive and requires no particularly strong source. I used it with mainly my iPhone SE (1st generation, 2016).
Fit is rather shallow and isolation is not very good. I always have the desire to push the earpieces deeper into my ears. The earpieces are rather light which makes them reasonably comfortable.
TONALITY AND TECHNICALITIES
Follow these links for some background information:
My tonal preference and testing practice
Equipment used: iphone 5s; MacBook Air with EarMen Sparrow; stock cable; black “bassy” stock tips.
Measurements were performed with the black “bassy” silicone tips. The white “reference” tips yielded no meaningful results below 1 kHz, possibly because of their thin membrane.
NF Audio NM2+ is a neutral and analytical sounding earphone. The technical capabilities of the NF Audio NM2+ earphones are absolutely superb. Note definition is spot on across the frequency spectrum, microdetails are excellent. I have not heard an earphone in this category that had such crisp, non-smearing cymbals, for example.
Separation, layering, and clarity/transparency also also very good. Staging is holographic and places you right into the action. Great for live concerts. In fact, the NF Audio NM2+ gave the excellent Vision Ears Elysium a run for its money in terms of technical capabilities – at 1/15 of the price. Incredible for a mid-tier single-dynamic-driver earphone.
As to the tonality, bass is articulate, tight, and subtle – and never anemic. Great minimalism which you typically get in the premium class. Treble has excellent definition and resolution. Everything outstanding so far…and that’s probably why there is so much hype about this earphone.
But but but but, all this comes at a price: the upper midrange peaking at 4.5 kHz may create harshness and grain for many ears. This is not instantly evident to my ears but creeps up after a few minutes. Vocals are sharp and overenergized (but resolve very well) which can get very unpleasant on my eardrums.
The midrange and lower treble can be remedied to some extent with the tape mod (described here). Covering the nozzles with micropore tape by 80-90% brings down the broad upper midrange plateau by 4-6 dB, which is enormous (green graph below). The sonic effect is more body in the vocals and less shoutiness, and a stronger perceived bass, which adds a little bit of warmth.
However, that 10 kHz spike is not affected by the micropore tape and may be bothersome for some. I still find the modded signature somewhat bright and harsh at higher volumes.
The modded NF Audio NM2+ graphs very similarly to my beloved $250 JVC HA-FDX1 with their “brightest” filters (of a selection of 3) – with the biggest difference being in the 10 kHz area.
With or without micropore tape mod, the NF Audio NM2+ is rather unique in its class as a very accurate sounding, quasi neutrally tuned single-DD iem. You may have to go above $300 to get better technicalities.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
The much-hyped neutral, analytical NF Audio NM2+ earphone excels in its technicalities such as note definition, detail resolution, and staging, however may provide discomfort to some ears because of that hot upper midrange. While it is probably unparalleled in its class in terms of its technical qualities, listeners with less delicate eardrums may have a fantastic sonic experience. The more sensitive hobbyists, however, should be prepared to attempt some modifications. The NF Audio NM2+ is actually worth spending time and effort on such tweaking.
Until next time…keep on listening!
DISCLAIMER
The NF Audio NM2+ was provided unsolicited for this review by SHENZHENAUDIO – and I thank them for that. Following my review, the unit was shipped to the next reviewer.
Get THE NF AUDIO NM2+ from SHENZHENAUDIO
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RELATED…
Very eloquent little review there, JK, thankyou and might i mention that i’m *thoroughly* enjoying the powers of TRI I3 planar now, having realised that my DAC alone just won’t make them dance, but DAC and potent amp WILL. I meself am (still) awaiting NM2, and hoping, *naturellememt*, that all these fine things you’re saying abour its big plusbrother will apply to junior too! I also think i will embark on that micropore mod gambit in hopes of rectifying the dreadfully shouty vocals heard through just arrived ISN D02!
Wir bedanken uns.
Regarding the ISN D02, if you set the switch to ‘ON’ the upper mids and treble drop a bit.
Actually if prefer the Switch to ‘1’ with the micropore tape for extra sparkle up top. IMO the D02 is very good with its bassy, but clear full-sound approach.
I wonder if they’ll review it here…
According to the manufacturer’s Facebook page, this model belongs to the Professional series. It is therefore not intended for listening to music. The only model in the Music series I see there is NA2.
Facebook page? Not listening to music? What else should we listen to then :)?
I am very glad that the NF Audio indicates his earphones to which category they belong. Not all manufacturers do this for us. I would buy NM2+ for mixing, editing, monitoring …
Thank you for your work! I really appreciate it.
Hi Peter,
Yes a neutral signature is needed for editing…and that’s why NF Audio included a 3.5 mm to 6.4 mm adapter….to attach them to professional equipment. But I am not sure whether that 4.5 kHz peak should be included in that signature.
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Hello!
Please tell me, is it possible to compare NF Audio NM2+ and Cayin Fantasy? Is the pitch similar, or are they completely different at all? NF Audio NM2+ like the detail and bright presentation, is it worth switching to Cayin Fantasy?
Best wishes,
LT.
Fantasy has a slightly leaner presentation. It’s even more detailed than the NM2+ but also more fatiguing as result. If you need wide staging, precise imaging, and want the bright tuning – Fantasy would be an upgrade over NM2+.