Tuning A 2BA + 1DD Earphone Called 奥托 – Just In Time For Christmas?

Most Chi-Fi earphones have a tuning that appeals mainly to Asian ears. Same with fit. This is not surprising as Asia is by far the biggest market for Chi-Fi. Western ears may have problems with short nozzles and may get fatigued from an overenergetic sound triggered by an elevated midrange. What we westerners have been waiting for is an earphone tailored for us. Audioreviews.org was consulted to help with the design, as always 200% pro bono. And we are delighted to have been chosen as cooperating partners.

Singaporean audio engineer (and new blog colleague) KopiOkaya and I both have received a pre-production Beta model for our joint analysis and comments. The specimens came directly from the team around master tuner and rising star Zhuo Hulang (who tuned the respected Tanchjim Oxygen and Blon Bl-03 models). It Beta features 2 BAs and a DD in (currently generic shells)…the final product will look much fancier. Right now it is not even clear which company will release it. It is said to be priced at around $100 and its possible name is “Otto”, which means “Rose Oil” (奥托) in Mandarin.

Keep on listening!