Pros:

• Exceptional MEMS treble implementation that extracts fine micro-details without any spicy fatigue.
• Very snug and comfortable resin shell design that fits better than the Moondrop Dusk.
• Massive, orchestral soundstage width with excellent stereo imaging.
• Included ear tips provide a sticky, highly secure acoustic seal.
• Utterly clean and uncolored midrange that lets vocals shine naturally.

Cons:

• Lacks authoritative sub-bass rumble and mid-bass slam (not for bassheads).
• The stock braided cable is stiff, retains wire memory, and feels a bit unwieldy.
• The compact black puck case is too small to carry large dongle DACs alongside the IEMs.

Welcome back, audiophiles! It’s me, your boy Joe, back again with another review! Today we are looking at a highly anticipated collaboration: the Moondrop x Crinacle Silicon. Retailing for $249.99, this set packs a 1DD + 2BA + 2MEMS tribrid architecture. Let's see if this MEMS implementation lives up to the hype!

Video Review:​

https://youtu.be/9ihsSeolKcI

Disclaimer​

A huge shout-out and thanks to Shenzhen Audio for providing this unit for review! As always, all thoughts, sound impressions, and basshead cravings are 100% my own with zero biases whatsoever.

Pricing & Specifications​

• Price: $249.99 USD
• Driver Configuration: 1x 10mm Dynamic Driver + 2x Balanced Armatures + 2x MEMS Drivers
• Cable: Modular black and blue braided cable with screw-locking 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations

Gear Used for Review & Drivability​

I tested the Silicon on my Shanling M3 Plus and the KD-01 Pro from K-Design. While you can run it off a laptop, doing so robs you of bass dynamics. It drives well, but give it a proper source to get the most out of the low end!

Design, Build, Fit & Accessories​

• The "Mega Chongster" Unboxing: The box for this is absolutely massive and features Moondrop's signature waifu art. However, once you get past the huge packaging, the actual IEMs and the black puck case are quite compact.
• Shells & Fit: The metal faceplates feature ventilation grills, and the beautiful resin finish is very reminiscent of the Blessing 2 and Blessing 3. The physical fit is snug, ergonomic, and much better for my ears than the Moondrop Dusk. I can wear these for long hours with zero fatigue.
• Cable & Tips: The included braided cable is unfortunately a bit thick and stiff with some wire memory, though its metal chin slider works perfectly. For ear tips, Moondrop includes standard hybrid foams (which got too heated for my ears) and "Latex" ear tips. The Latex tips are sticky, provide a great seal, and are what I recommend if you stick with the stock options.

Sound Impressions​

The Moondrop Silicon is a highly detailed, neutral-leaning all-rounder.
Bass: As a basshead, this is where it falls a bit short for me. It lacks aggressive mid-bass slam and the sub-bass rumble feels lackluster. It is a very tastefully done, nuanced bass response that neutral heads will love, but it won't satisfy those seeking heavy thump.
Mids: The midrange is utterly clean and super flat with absolutely no coloration.
Treble: This is where the MEMS drivers shine! The top end retrieves excellent micro-details, especially in vocal nuances, without ever becoming spicy, peaky, or fatiguing.

Song Impressions​

• "Are We There Yet" by 32Stitches & BAER: The first thing I noticed is the massive, orchestral soundstage width. The female vocals pop out exceptionally crisp and clean. While the bass drop lacks the slam I crave, the MEMS treble handles the high frequencies beautifully. If you crank the volume too high trying to find the bass, the treble can creep in, but at normal levels, it is very detailed.
• "Tactic" by Daoko: This track proves the Silicon's staging capabilities—the music feels like it's coming from a distance, placing you in a wide acoustic space. The bass details and heartbeats in the track are rendered well, even if the raw thump is missing. Daoko's female vocals remain clean and completely fatigue-free.

Overall Impressions and Verdict​

Rating: 3.5 / 5 (For Bassheads) | 4 / 5 (For Neutral Heads)
The Moondrop Silicon is a fantastic step up from the Blessing series if you want supreme MEMS micro-details and a neutral, uncolored sound. The fit is excellent and the treble is fatigue-free. However, as a self-proclaimed basshead, the lack of sub-bass rumble and slam means it only scores a 3.5 out of 5 from my perspective.

Pros: 

• Visually breathtaking white and red angelic design that makes for a fantastic travel flex piece.
• Deep, immersive sub-bass rumble and rich mid-bass thump that bassheads will adore.
• Phenomenal stock 4-strand silver-plated OCC modular cable with zero stiffness or wire memory.
• Incredibly comfortable, perfectly shaped 3D-printed resin shells.
• Warm, organic mids with high vocal clarity that never gets muddled by the heavy low-end.

Cons: 

• Requires a high-powered source (like a desktop stack or premium DAP) to truly max out its sonic ceiling.
• The included suede carrying case is a tight squeeze for the IEMs and accessories.

Welcome back, audiophiles! It’s me, your boy Joe, back again with another review! Today we are looking at something completely unique that absolutely blew me away: the Artpical Raphael. Coming from a brand that focuses heavily on the fusion of visual and acoustic art, this single dynamic driver IEM retails for around $150 USD. With its breathtaking design and a rich, organic sound signature that punches way above its price bracket, this is a serious contender in the sub-$200 tier. Let's get into why I am completely in love with this set!

Disclaimer

A huge thanks to AudioGeek India for providing a unit for the tour! As always, all thoughts, sound impressions, and basshead cravings are entirely my own with zero biases whatsoever.

Pricing & Specifications

• Price: ~$150 USD
• Driver Architecture: 10mm PU + LCP Composite Diaphragm Dynamic Driver
• Impedance / Sensitivity: 32Ω @ 1kHz / 101.1dB/mW @ 1kHz
• Cable: 1.2m 4-Strand Silver-Plated OCC Copper Cable
• Modular Terminations: 3.5mm, 4.4mm Balanced, and a USB-C adapter
• Built-in DAC (USB-C): Independent DAC Chip supporting PCM 32bit / 384kHz

Gear Used for Review & Drivability

• HiBy R8 II
• Gustard X16 / H16 Desktop Stack
• Shanling M3 Plus
• Apple iPhone (via included USB-C DAC termination)
• Music Source: Apple Music Lossless

While the Raphael comes with a remarkably convenient USB-C modular plug featuring its own built-in DAC which works well straight out of my iPhone, this IEM absolutely craves power. When I hooked it up to my M3 Plus and Gustard stack, the output scaled tremendously. It is no slouch on a phone, but the sonic ceiling expands massively when you feed it desktop-level power.

Design, Build, Fit & Accessories

• Shells & Aesthetics: This IEM is a visual masterpiece. The white and red angel wing-inspired design enclosed in 3D-printed clear acrylic resin is simply beautiful. It is an incredible flex piece while traveling.
• Fit: The physical shape is practically perfect. The ergonomic 3D-printed cavity sits flush in my ears, making it exceptionally comfy for long listening sessions.
• The Stock Cable: As a cable believer, I am thrilled to report that this is one of the absolute best stock cables I have ever seen bundled with an IEM. The 4-strand silver-plated OCC wire is perfectly well-behaved, supple, and totally free of stiff memory retention.
• Carrying Case: The included suede leather case is just big enough to fit the IEMs and a small dongle. It works, but a slight nitpick: I really wish it was just a tad larger to avoid cramping that gorgeous cable.

Sound Impressions

The Raphael aligns perfectly with my personal preferences, delivering a natural, organic presentation loaded with rich, authoritative bass.

• Bass: I absolutely love the bass response here. The dynamic driver pushes serious air, giving you that deeply immersive thump and tactile rumble without bleeding into the rest of the frequencies.
• Mids & Vocals: The midrange is flavored wonderfully towards the warmer side, which I thoroughly enjoy. Despite the heavy, rich bass, the vocal clarity is outstanding. Absolutely nothing gets muddled or lost in the mix.
• Treble: The detail retrieval is shockingly good considering the massive low-end. The top-end instruments are present and clean, resting right in that perfect sweet spot where you get all the detail you want with zero sharp, fatiguing spikes.
• Staging & Imaging: The soundstage is distinctly above average. The music feels like it's projecting from a decent distance away from your head, accompanied by excellent left/right stereo imaging.

Song Impressions

• "Sharir" by Henson: A certified heavy bass hitter, this track truly showcases the deep rumble that the Raphael can deliver. The bass is enveloping and hits straight to the heart. The staging places the music at a very natural distance, and the stereo imaging handles the shifting elements brilliantly. Even during dynamic peaks, the higher-end instruments don't feel sharp at all.
• "M'envoler" by Jeck & Carla: This mellow duet proves the Raphael isn't just a bass cannon. The IEM renders the acoustic elements beautifully. The male and female vocals are balanced perfectly on the same level (with just a slight, sweet edge given to the female vocals). The overall clarity is spectacular, and when the beat drops, the instrumentation remains completely uncluttered.

Overall Impressions

Rating: 5 / 5

The Artpical Raphael is an absolute triumph. For around $150, you are getting a visually stunning, angelic flex piece, a flawless modular stock cable, and a natural, warm sound signature backed by immersive, thumpy bass. If you can feed it good desktop power, it scales beautifully. I highly recommend this as one of the very best performers in the $200 tier!

Pros: 

• Exceptional detail retrieval powered by a robust 10-driver (4EST + 4BA + 2DD) tribrid architecture.
• Hardware tuning switches genuinely work (the 10 Low Frequency mode is perfect for bassheads!).
• Clear, spacious midrange that prevents any vocal or instrumental congestion.
• Punchy, well-controlled bass with an above-average physical slam.
• Highly comfortable medical-grade resin shell design suitable for long, multi-hour listening sessions.

Cons: 

• Nozzles are a tad thick, which limits ear tip compatibility and makes tip-rolling difficult.
• Engaging the treble tuning switch makes the upper frequencies sound sharp and slightly spicy.
• Premium $1,199 price tag requires a significant flagship-level investment.

Welcome back, audiophiles! It’s me, your boy Joe, back again with another review! Today we are taking a look at a high-end $1,199 flagship monitor from Penon Audio: the Penon Voltage. With a sophisticated 10-driver tribrid architecture (4EST + 4BA + 2DD) housed in resin, this is a serious audio component. Let's see if this powerhouse brings the shock factor!

Disclaimer​

A huge shoutout and thanks to the Audio Geek India group for providing the Penon Voltage for this review! As always, all thoughts, sound impressions, and basshead cravings are 100% my own with zero biases whatsoever.

Pricing & Specifications​

• Price: $1,199.00 USD
• Driver Configuration (10-Driver Tribrid): 2x 8mm Dynamic Drivers (Lows) + 4x Sonion Balanced Armatures (Mids/Highs) + 4x Sonion Electrostatic Drivers (Ultra-Highs)
• Impedance / Sensitivity: 13 Ω / 106 dB
• Tuning Switches: 2 hardware switches for low and high-frequency manipulation

Gear Used for Review & Drivability​

The Voltage is a highly capable flagship that runs efficiently. While I didn't face any massive drivability hurdles, hooking it up to a good, authoritative source allows those electrostatic drivers and dual dynamic drivers to truly open up and breathe.
- Hiby R8ii, Shanling M3 Plus
- Gustard X16/H16 stack
- Apple Music Lossless

Design, Build, Fit & Accessories​

• Packaging Note: For this tour, I only received the IEMs, the stock modular cable, and a carrying case, so I won't be commenting on the full retail unboxing experience.
• Shells & Fit: The medical-grade resin shells look stunning with their abstract color infusion pattern. The physical fit was very good and incredibly comfy; I was able to wear these for long listening sessions without any ear fatigue.
• The Nozzle Quirk: The nozzles are a tad thick. This means your ear tip selection might be affected, so you will need to spend some time tip-rolling to find a pair that slides on easily and gives you the perfect seal.

Sound Impressions​

The Penon Voltage offers phenomenal detail retrieval across the board. The tuning switches are definitely not a gimmick here and they make a very tangible difference!

• Tuning Switches (My 10 Preference): You get multiple configurations, but as a dedicated basshead, my favorite is the 10 mode (Low Frequency Enhancement ON). For obvious reasons, this gives the low-end the authoritative push I crave!
• Bass: In my preferred configuration, the bass is punchy and crystal clear. The mid-bass slam is noticeably above average, bringing excellent tactile energy to heavy tracks.
• Mids & Vocals: The midrange is wonderfully clear and spacious. It gives vocals and instrumentation plenty of room to breathe without any congestion.
• Treble: Handled by those quad EST drivers, the top-end is crystal clear and highly detailed. However, I did notice that if you turn the treble switch ON, it feels a bit sharp and spicy for my personal taste. Keeping it tamed provides the best balance.

Overall Impressions & Verdict​

Rating: 4 / 5
The Penon Voltage is a wildly capable tribrid flagship that nails detail retrieval, spacious mids, and a punchy, above-average bass slam. The hardware switches genuinely alter the sound, and the 10 basshead mode is a total treat. It loses a star simply because the thick nozzles make tip-rolling a bit frustrating, and the treble can get noticeably sharp if the top-end switch is engaged. But if you lock it into the low-frequency enhancement mode, it’s an absolute blast!

Pros: 

• Exceptional sub-bass rumble and tactile mid-bass thump
• Functional tuning switches that provide genuinely significant sound signature alterations.
• Fantastic stock Effect Audio cable that is soft, supple, and premium.
• Warm, clean midrange that allows female and male vocals to pop without bass bleed.
• Highly comfortable ergonomic resin shell design perfect for long listening sessions.

Cons: 

• The treble-enhanced switch configurations (01 and 11) introduce a bit too much top-end spice for treble-sensitive listeners.
• Finding the perfect seal requires careful tip rolling

Welcome back, audiophiles! It’s me, your boy Joe, back again with another review! Today we are looking into a heavy-hitting collaboration between ISN Audio and the cable artisans at Effect Audio: the ISN Audio x Effect Audio SORA (retailing for $439 USD). Packing an ambitious 7-driver configuration featuring 2 Dynamic Drivers, 2 Balanced Armatures, 1 Bone Conduction Driver, and 2 Micro Planar Magnetic Drivers, this set brings dual tuning switches to the table. Let's see how this collaboration performs!

Disclaimer​

A huge shoutout and thanks to the Audio Geek India group for providing this unit for review! As always, all thoughts, sound impressions, and basshead cravings are 100% my own with zero biases whatsoever.
Product Links: https://penonaudio.com/ISN-Audio-SORA.html

Pricing & Specifications​

• Price: $439.00 USD
• Driver Configuration (7-Driver Hybrid): 2DD + 2BA + 1BCD + 2 Micro Planar Magnetic Drivers
• Tuning Switches: 2 independent hardware switches (Bass & Treble control)
• Impedance / Sensitivity: 13 Ω / 119 dB
• Cable: Effect Audio Silver-Plated Copper with EA UltraFlexi ultra-soft sheath (0.78mm 2-Pin)

Gear Used for Review & Drivability​

The SORA is very efficient and easy to drive. I tested it across multiple solid sources without any headroom issues:

• HiBy R8ii
• Gustard X16 / H16 Desktop Stack
• Muse HiFi M5 Ultra
• Tanchjim Space 2
• Music Source: Apple Music Lossless

Design, Build, Fit & Cable Quality​

• Shells & Fit: The physical fit is absolutely great for me. The ergonomic resin shells sit very comfortably in the ear concha, allowing me to wear them for long, multi-hour listening sessions with zero fatigue or hot spots.
• The EA Stock Cable: As a massive cable believer, I have to praise this inclusion. The stock Effect Audio silver-plated copper cable is fantastic. It showcases EA's signature quality: it's supple, behaves wonderfully without stiff wire memory, and sonically pairs perfectly with the IEM’s tuning.
• Tip Rolling: Ear tip rolling is crucial here; after testing several options, the Eloit Velvet narrow bore tips gave me the absolute best seal and bass response. There are standard eartips given by ISN but I don't think they match well.

Hardware Switches & Sound Impressions​

The tuning switches on the SORA are certainly not a gimmick. They make a very significant sonic change

• 00 (Normal): Delivers a punchy, controlled bass response with clear top ends.
• 01 / 11 (Treble Enhanced): Adds extra treble presence and creates a more V-shaped tuning. I don't prefer this extra treble spice on my end, but detail hunters who want less bass engagement and more top-end shimmer will love it.
• My Preference (10 - Bass Enhanced): As a dedicated basshead, I strictly prefer the 10 configuration (Bass ON, Treble OFF), which delivers really nice, authoritative bass.

Sound Impressions:​

• Bass: I love the bass on this! The dual dynamic drivers combined with the bone conduction unit deliver excellent sub-bass rumble and heavy, tactile mid-bass thumps. It has serious authority.
• Mids & Vocals: Despite the massive low-end impact, the mids are really good. They sit slightly on the warm side, which I am totally fine with. The bass does not drown out the midrange; vocals remain clear and pop out wonderfully in the mix.
• Treble: Handled by the micro planar drivers, the top ends are crisp, defined, and highly resolving. There is zero peakiness, shoutiness, or sharp sibilance, making it very comfortable to listen to while retaining great micro-detail.

Song Impressions​

• "Tactic" by Daoko: A really good track loaded with heavy bass thumps, excessive sub-bass rumbles, and mixed female vocals. The SORA in 10 mode handles it beautifully! The bass hits with thumpy authority, yet the top ends are never drowned out. Daoko's female vocals pop up very cleanly, and the hi-hats remain detailed with absolutely no peakiness.
• "Mercredi" by Pierre de Maere: This track highlights the SORA's excellent vocal pop. The male vocals are rendered cleanly against a backdrop of great, deep bass. The warm mids make the vocal timbre lush and natural, while the micro planar drivers still manage to pull out good details at the top end.

Overall Impressions & Verdict​

Rating: 5 / 5
The ISN Audio x Effect Audio SORA is a formidable, highly musical 7-driver hybrid that nails the balance between massive bass physicality and clean, airy details. The inclusion of a premium Effect Audio cable and genuinely effective tuning switches makes the $439 price tag an excellent value. The 11 treble tuning can get a bit spicy for my personal taste, but as a warm, thumpy, bass-engaged all-rounder in the 10 mode, it is an absolute winner and an easy recommendation for Bassheads!

Pros: 

• Comprehensive accessory package including DUNU Candy tips and Q-Lock Mini modular cable (3.5mm/4.4mm).
• Very comfortable, ergonomic resin shell design.
• Smooth, fatigue-free micro-planar treble with zero peakiness or sibilance.
• Clean, uncolored midrange with excellent separation and zero congestion.
• Thumpy, well-extended sub-bass rumble when fed with a strong power source.

Cons: 

• Acrylic chin slider looks a bit cheap and doesn't match the metal Y-split aesthetic.
• Soundstage is intimate and close to the ears, lacking expansive width.
• Raw bass slam and vocal forwardness are tamer compared to the older brother DN-242.

Welcome back, audiophiles! It’s me, your boy Joe, back again with another review! Today we are looking at the younger sibling to one of my absolute favorites from DUNU: the DUNU DN-142 (retailing around $249 USD). Released alongside the older brother DN-242, the 142 takes a slightly different approach with a 7-driver tribrid configuration (1DD + 4BA + 2 Micro Planar) encased in a gorgeous Ao Bing–inspired blue aesthetic. Let's see how it holds up against the mighty 242!

Disclaimer​

As always, all thoughts, sound impressions, and comparisons are 100% my own with zero biases whatsoever. Huge thanks to SushiiFi for loaning me a unit for review.

Pricing & Specifications

• Price: $249.99 USD (approx. ₹26,990 in India)
• Driver Architecture (7-Driver Tribrid): 1x 10mm Dynamic Driver (Low & Ultra-Low) + 4x Custom Balanced Armatures (2 Midrange + 2 Treble) + 2x Custom Micro Planar Magnetic Drivers (Ultra-High)
• Impedance: 37 Ω
• Sensitivity: 107 dB/mW
• Weight: ~5.6g per earpiece
• Cable: 4-Core Silver-Plated OCC Copper with Q-Lock Mini Modular Plugs (3.5mm SE & 4.4mm BAL included)

Gear Used for Review & Drivability​

The DN-142 is relatively easy to run off normal sources, but to get that bass strength, impact, and dynamic grip moving properly, it definitely benefits from good power gear:

• HiBy R8 II
• Shanling UA1 ii
• Music Source: Apple Music Lossless

The 142 ran smoothly on both the portable Shanling UA1 ii dongle and the high-output HiBy R8 II, though stepping up to the R8 II gives you that extra low-end punch and authority.

Design, Build, Fit & God-Tier Accessories​

• Fit & Shells: Fit-wise, the DN-142 is very similar to the 242. It is lightweight (around 5.6g) and very comfy in the ears. The resin contours sit naturally without pressure hot spots, making extended listening effortless.
• Top-Tier Accessories: DUNU is always the absolute king when it comes to accessories. You get a massive assortment of ear tips, including the cylindrical S&S tips (if you like those. Personally, I don't!) and my all-time favorites, the DUNU Candy ear tips, which I used for all my critical listening tests.
• Modular Cable & Chin Slider Nitpick: DUNU's Q-Lock Mini modular cable system is great in my books; having both 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations ready to swap on the fly is fantastic. My only minor nitpick is the chin slider: it’s a simple acrylic/plastic cylinder that doesn't quite match the premium metal finish of the Y-split. It could have looked far better painted to match the hardware. Aside from that, DUNU delivers an all-inclusive package that leaves zero need for aftermarket shopping.
• The Carry Case is also another great standard cases from the Dunu lineups. Spacious and can easily store the IEMs along with a dongle as well.

Sound Impressions​

The sound signature of the DN-142 is a well-balanced, versatile all-rounder. While sharing the same DNA as the DN-242, there are distinct sonic differences:

• Bass (DN-142 vs. DN-242): I can't call this IEM strictly neutral. it delivers thumpy, rumbly bass, provided you feed it a good, strong power source! However, compared to its older brother, the 242 has more low-end presence, slam, and mid-centric power. The 142 pulls back slightly on raw slam weight, leaning toward a more polite low-end, but still retains satisfying sub-bass rumble.
• Mids & Vocals: The midrange on the 142 is exceptionally clean with zero congestion. Compared to the warm, lush, and thick mids of the 242, the 142 feels flatter, leaner, and more neutral across vocal registers.
• Treble: Handled cleanly by the micro-planar drivers, the treble is remarkably smooth. There is zero peakiness, harshness, or sibilance, making it completely fatigue-free.
• Soundstage: The staging on the 142 is not remarkably wide. The music feels like it is playing close to your ears, lacking that massive, spacious orchestral room feel found on wider flagship sets.

Song Impressions ​

• "Viper" by Derivakat: The bass on this track is immense, making it a treat for bassheads. The 142 handles it very well, delivering thumpy bass with excellent subterranean sub-bass rumble. The mid-bass slam is on the slightly softer side compared to what the 242 pumps out, but it remains engaging. The midrange is clean, keeping background instruments free of congestion. Derivakat's vocals don't pop out as forward as I anticipated, sitting a tad back in the mix. The snares strike with great presence while staying smooth and comfortable on the ears.
• "Ma Meilleure Ennemie" by Stromae & Pomme: A gorgeous duet loaded with unique instruments and one of my all-time favorite tracks. The 142 renders the instrumentation with great nuance. While the soundstage feels more intimate and less expansive, the bass details are clean and tight. Both Stromae's and Pomme’s vocals are rendered soft, sweet, and articulate. Imaging is precise and you can pinpoint exactly where each instrument is positioned around the vocalists.

Overall Impressions & Verdict​

Rating: 4.5 / 5
The DUNU DN-142 is an excellent, high-value tribrid all-rounder. It offers the same top-tier build comfort, god-tier accessory bundle, and modular cable convenience as the flagship DN-242 at a substantially lower $250 price point. The half-star deduction is simply because, compared to its older brother, it doesn't push the envelope quite as far in raw bass slam and rich, mid-centric vocal power. If you want a more balanced, polite all-rounder with smooth treble and clean mids, the 142 is a killer buy; but if you want that extra bass thump and vocal lushness, the 242 still holds the crown!

Pros: 

• Comprehensive accessory package including DUNU Candy tips and Q-Lock Mini modular cable (3.5mm/4.4mm).
• Very comfortable, ergonomic resin shell design.
• Smooth, fatigue-free micro-planar treble with zero peakiness or sibilance.
• Clean, uncolored midrange with excellent separation and zero congestion.
• Thumpy, well-extended sub-bass rumble when fed with a strong power source.

Cons: 

• Acrylic chin slider looks a bit cheap and doesn't match the metal Y-split aesthetic.
• Soundstage is intimate and close to the ears, lacking expansive width.
• Raw bass slam and vocal forwardness are tamer compared to the older brother DN-242.

Welcome back, audiophiles! It’s me, your boy Joe, back again with another review! Today we are looking at the younger sibling to one of my absolute favorites from DUNU: the DUNU DN-142 (retailing around $249 USD). Released alongside the older brother DN-242, the 142 takes a slightly different approach with a 7-driver tribrid configuration (1DD + 4BA + 2 Micro Planar) encased in a gorgeous Ao Bing–inspired blue aesthetic. Let's see how it holds up against the mighty 242!

Disclaimer​

As always, all thoughts, sound impressions, and comparisons are 100% my own with zero biases whatsoever. Huge thanks to SushiiFi for loaning me a unit for review.

Pricing & Specifications

• Price: $249.99 USD (approx. ₹26,990 in India)
• Driver Architecture (7-Driver Tribrid): 1x 10mm Dynamic Driver (Low & Ultra-Low) + 4x Custom Balanced Armatures (2 Midrange + 2 Treble) + 2x Custom Micro Planar Magnetic Drivers (Ultra-High)
• Impedance: 37 Ω
• Sensitivity: 107 dB/mW
• Weight: ~5.6g per earpiece
• Cable: 4-Core Silver-Plated OCC Copper with Q-Lock Mini Modular Plugs (3.5mm SE & 4.4mm BAL included)

Gear Used for Review & Drivability​

The DN-142 is relatively easy to run off normal sources, but to get that bass strength, impact, and dynamic grip moving properly, it definitely benefits from good power gear:

• HiBy R8 II
• Shanling UA1 ii
• Music Source: Apple Music Lossless

The 142 ran smoothly on both the portable Shanling UA1 ii dongle and the high-output HiBy R8 II, though stepping up to the R8 II gives you that extra low-end punch and authority.

Design, Build, Fit & God-Tier Accessories​

• Fit & Shells: Fit-wise, the DN-142 is very similar to the 242. It is lightweight (around 5.6g) and very comfy in the ears. The resin contours sit naturally without pressure hot spots, making extended listening effortless.
• Top-Tier Accessories: DUNU is always the absolute king when it comes to accessories. You get a massive assortment of ear tips, including the cylindrical S&S tips (if you like those. Personally, I don't!) and my all-time favorites, the DUNU Candy ear tips, which I used for all my critical listening tests.
• Modular Cable & Chin Slider Nitpick: DUNU's Q-Lock Mini modular cable system is great in my books; having both 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations ready to swap on the fly is fantastic. My only minor nitpick is the chin slider: it’s a simple acrylic/plastic cylinder that doesn't quite match the premium metal finish of the Y-split. It could have looked far better painted to match the hardware. Aside from that, DUNU delivers an all-inclusive package that leaves zero need for aftermarket shopping.
• The Carry Case is also another great standard cases from the Dunu lineups. Spacious and can easily store the IEMs along with a dongle as well.

Sound Impressions​

The sound signature of the DN-142 is a well-balanced, versatile all-rounder. While sharing the same DNA as the DN-242, there are distinct sonic differences:

• Bass (DN-142 vs. DN-242): I can't call this IEM strictly neutral. it delivers thumpy, rumbly bass, provided you feed it a good, strong power source! However, compared to its older brother, the 242 has more low-end presence, slam, and mid-centric power. The 142 pulls back slightly on raw slam weight, leaning toward a more polite low-end, but still retains satisfying sub-bass rumble.
• Mids & Vocals: The midrange on the 142 is exceptionally clean with zero congestion. Compared to the warm, lush, and thick mids of the 242, the 142 feels flatter, leaner, and more neutral across vocal registers.
• Treble: Handled cleanly by the micro-planar drivers, the treble is remarkably smooth. There is zero peakiness, harshness, or sibilance, making it completely fatigue-free.
• Soundstage: The staging on the 142 is not remarkably wide. The music feels like it is playing close to your ears, lacking that massive, spacious orchestral room feel found on wider flagship sets.

Song Impressions ​

• "Viper" by Derivakat: The bass on this track is immense, making it a treat for bassheads. The 142 handles it very well, delivering thumpy bass with excellent subterranean sub-bass rumble. The mid-bass slam is on the slightly softer side compared to what the 242 pumps out, but it remains engaging. The midrange is clean, keeping background instruments free of congestion. Derivakat's vocals don't pop out as forward as I anticipated, sitting a tad back in the mix. The snares strike with great presence while staying smooth and comfortable on the ears.
• "Ma Meilleure Ennemie" by Stromae & Pomme: A gorgeous duet loaded with unique instruments and one of my all-time favorite tracks. The 142 renders the instrumentation with great nuance. While the soundstage feels more intimate and less expansive, the bass details are clean and tight. Both Stromae's and Pomme’s vocals are rendered soft, sweet, and articulate. Imaging is precise and you can pinpoint exactly where each instrument is positioned around the vocalists.

Overall Impressions & Verdict​

Rating: 4.5 / 5
The DUNU DN-142 is an excellent, high-value tribrid all-rounder. It offers the same top-tier build comfort, god-tier accessory bundle, and modular cable convenience as the flagship DN-242 at a substantially lower $250 price point. The half-star deduction is simply because, compared to its older brother, it doesn't push the envelope quite as far in raw bass slam and rich, mid-centric vocal power. If you want a more balanced, polite all-rounder with smooth treble and clean mids, the 142 is a killer buy; but if you want that extra bass thump and vocal lushness, the 242 still holds the crown!

Pros: 

• Excellent tactile sub-bass rumble and thumpy slam
• Expansive, holographic 3D soundstage with pinpoint instrument placement.
• Smooth, highly resolving planar treble with zero harsh peaks or sibilance.
• Remarkably comfortable ergonomic fit
• Versatile and easy drivability across portable dongles, DAPs, and desktop stacks.

Cons: 

• Eye-watering $2,600 price tag places it strictly into ultra-luxury territory.
• Stock cable ergonomics are outclassed by aftermarket pairings like the Flash Acoustics Blaze.
• Deep-fitting ear tips like Divinus Velvet can create an overly deep insertion for some ears.

Welcome back, audiophiles! It’s me, your boy Joe, back again with another review! Today we are entering the ultra-high-end stratosphere with the 10th-anniversary flagship from Jomo Audio: the Jomo Audio Nautic Stellar. Retailing at an eye-watering $2,600 USD, this quad-hybrid marine masterpiece is definitely not for the faint of heart! Packed with an 8-driver configuration spanning dynamic, balanced armature, planar magnetic, and dual bone conduction technologies inside a luxury stainless steel shell, expectations are running through the roof. Let's find out if it lives up to the astronomical price tag!

Disclaimer​

A huge shout-out and thanks to the Audio Geek India group for providing this unit for review! As always, all thoughts, impressions, and basshead cravings are 100% my own with zero biases whatsoever.

Pricing & Specifications​

• Price: $2,600.00 USD
• Driver Architecture (8-Driver Quad-Hybrid): 1x 10mm Silk Bio-Diaphragm Dynamic Driver (Lows) + 4x Balanced Armature Drivers (Mids) + 1x 6mm Nano-Diaphragm Planar Magnetic Driver (Highs) + 2x Sonion Bone Conduction Drivers (Full-Range Enhancement)
• Chassis Material: CNC-machined 904L Stainless Steel with watchmaker-grade Guilloché faceplates
• Impedance / Sensitivity: 9 Ω @ 1kHz / 116 dB SPL
• Connectors: 0.78mm 2-Pin

Gear Used for Review & Drivability​

Despite its intricate quad-hybrid design, the Nautic Stellar is rated at 9 Ω impedance and 116 dB sensitivity, making drivability an absolute non-issue. I tested it across a diverse fleet of gear:

• Gustard Desktop Stack (X16 / H16)
• HiBy R8 II
• Muse HiFi M5 Ultra
• Tanchjim Space 2
• Music Source: Apple Music Lossless

The Stellar drove easily on all of them without demanding ridiculous gain settings, though stepping up to clean, authoritative gear like the HiBy R8 II or Gustard desktop stack stretches its holographic headroom even further.

Design, Fit, Tip Rolling & Cable Synergy​

• Packaging Note: I didn't receive the retail packaging for this tour. Just the IEMs, the stock cable, and the Flash Acoustics Blaze cable, which I used for the vast majority of this review. The Blaze cable was significantly better than the stock cable: far more supple, remarkably well-behaved, and sonically elevated the entire experience.
• Fit & Comfort: The shells are sculpted out of stainless steel, yet the physical fit was excellent! It is very comfy in the ear, allowing me to listen for hours on end with zero ear fatigue or painful pressure points.
• Tip Rolling: The nozzle plays nicely with a wide variety of aftermarket ear tips. I tested both the Natural Harmonics Silver tips and the Moondrop Spring tips, and both provided a secure, comfortable seal with great acoustic balance. On the flip side, the Divinus Velvet tips pushed the insertion deeper than I preferred, so I skipped those.

Sound Impressions​

The Jomo Audio Nautic Stellar is an absolute sonic revelation that lands right up my alley as a proud basshead!

• Bass: The low end is flat-out excellent. The DD and the BCD produces a tactile, deep sub-bass rumble that you can genuinely feel. It delivers authoritative, thumpy mid-bass slam with remarkable detail retrieval, texture, and zero bleed into the lower mids.
• Mids & Vocals: The midrange feels clean, transparent, and neutral. It avoids thick congestion while refusing to sound thin or shouty. Vocals sit naturally inside the holographic stage with excellent presence and body.
• Treble: Handled by the planar magnetic tweeter, the treble is crisp, airy, and well-defined. Mainly, there is zero peakiness, glare, or harsh sharpness anywhere in the top end. It delivers flagship micro-detail resolution in an entirely fatigue-free manner.
• Staging & Imaging: Breathtaking. The holographic presentation creates a multi-dimensional, out-of-head listening space where pinpointing instruments feels effortless.

Song Impressions​

• "Classique" by Adieu Aru: This instrumental track is pure eye-candy for spatial audio. Without vocals to anchor the mix, the staging and holographic imaging are an absolute treat to experience on the Stellar. I could pinpoint each micro-instrument's exact location in 3D space with pinpoint precision. The bass line hits with a thumpy, textured authority that grounds the track. Close your eyes while listening to this, and you will be completely immersed!
• "Setsuna Hanabi" by TOMORROW X TOGETHER: The distorted electric guitars and rich bass lines in the arrangement sound incredible here. The subterranean sub-bass rumble is felt with real physical presence. Male vocals pop out cleanly over the energetic instrumentation without getting drowned out or buried. Even through complex dynamic peaks, the snares and high hats hit crisply with zero sibilance or high-frequency peakiness.

Overall Impressions & Verdict​

Rating: 5 / 5
The Jomo Audio Nautic Stellar is an undisputed triumph in the ultra-flagship tier. While $2,600 is undeniably a massive investment, it backs up the price tag with jaw-dropping steel craftsmanship, top-tier comfort, effortless drivability, and a holographic soundstage. Most importantly, it marries pristine technical clarity with a deep, rumbling, thumpy low-end that is right up my alley as a basshead. An easy, resounding 5 out of 5!

Pros: 

• Excellent tactile sub-bass rumble and thumpy slam
• Expansive, holographic 3D soundstage with pinpoint instrument placement.
• Smooth, highly resolving planar treble with zero harsh peaks or sibilance.
• Remarkably comfortable ergonomic fit
• Versatile and easy drivability across portable dongles, DAPs, and desktop stacks.

Cons: 

• Eye-watering $2,600 price tag places it strictly into ultra-luxury territory.
• Stock cable ergonomics are outclassed by aftermarket pairings like the Flash Acoustics Blaze.
• Deep-fitting ear tips like Divinus Velvet can create an overly deep insertion for some ears.

Welcome back, audiophiles! It’s me, your boy Joe, back again with another review! Today we are entering the ultra-high-end stratosphere with the 10th-anniversary flagship from Jomo Audio: the Jomo Audio Nautic Stellar. Retailing at an eye-watering $2,600 USD, this quad-hybrid marine masterpiece is definitely not for the faint of heart! Packed with an 8-driver configuration spanning dynamic, balanced armature, planar magnetic, and dual bone conduction technologies inside a luxury stainless steel shell, expectations are running through the roof. Let's find out if it lives up to the astronomical price tag!

Disclaimer​

A huge shout-out and thanks to the Audio Geek India group for providing this unit for review! As always, all thoughts, impressions, and basshead cravings are 100% my own with zero biases whatsoever.

Pricing & Specifications​

• Price: $2,600.00 USD
• Driver Architecture (8-Driver Quad-Hybrid): 1x 10mm Silk Bio-Diaphragm Dynamic Driver (Lows) + 4x Balanced Armature Drivers (Mids) + 1x 6mm Nano-Diaphragm Planar Magnetic Driver (Highs) + 2x Sonion Bone Conduction Drivers (Full-Range Enhancement)
• Chassis Material: CNC-machined 904L Stainless Steel with watchmaker-grade Guilloché faceplates
• Impedance / Sensitivity: 9 Ω @ 1kHz / 116 dB SPL
• Connectors: 0.78mm 2-Pin

Gear Used for Review & Drivability​

Despite its intricate quad-hybrid design, the Nautic Stellar is rated at 9 Ω impedance and 116 dB sensitivity, making drivability an absolute non-issue. I tested it across a diverse fleet of gear:

• Gustard Desktop Stack (X16 / H16)
• HiBy R8 II
• Muse HiFi M5 Ultra
• Tanchjim Space 2
• Music Source: Apple Music Lossless

The Stellar drove easily on all of them without demanding ridiculous gain settings, though stepping up to clean, authoritative gear like the HiBy R8 II or Gustard desktop stack stretches its holographic headroom even further.

Design, Fit, Tip Rolling & Cable Synergy​

• Packaging Note: I didn't receive the retail packaging for this tour. Just the IEMs, the stock cable, and the Flash Acoustics Blaze cable, which I used for the vast majority of this review. The Blaze cable was significantly better than the stock cable: far more supple, remarkably well-behaved, and sonically elevated the entire experience.
• Fit & Comfort: The shells are sculpted out of stainless steel, yet the physical fit was excellent! It is very comfy in the ear, allowing me to listen for hours on end with zero ear fatigue or painful pressure points.
• Tip Rolling: The nozzle plays nicely with a wide variety of aftermarket ear tips. I tested both the Natural Harmonics Silver tips and the Moondrop Spring tips, and both provided a secure, comfortable seal with great acoustic balance. On the flip side, the Divinus Velvet tips pushed the insertion deeper than I preferred, so I skipped those.

Sound Impressions​

The Jomo Audio Nautic Stellar is an absolute sonic revelation that lands right up my alley as a proud basshead!

• Bass: The low end is flat-out excellent. The DD and the BCD produces a tactile, deep sub-bass rumble that you can genuinely feel. It delivers authoritative, thumpy mid-bass slam with remarkable detail retrieval, texture, and zero bleed into the lower mids.
• Mids & Vocals: The midrange feels clean, transparent, and neutral. It avoids thick congestion while refusing to sound thin or shouty. Vocals sit naturally inside the holographic stage with excellent presence and body.
• Treble: Handled by the planar magnetic tweeter, the treble is crisp, airy, and well-defined. Mainly, there is zero peakiness, glare, or harsh sharpness anywhere in the top end. It delivers flagship micro-detail resolution in an entirely fatigue-free manner.
• Staging & Imaging: Breathtaking. The holographic presentation creates a multi-dimensional, out-of-head listening space where pinpointing instruments feels effortless.

Song Impressions​

• "Classique" by Adieu Aru: This instrumental track is pure eye-candy for spatial audio. Without vocals to anchor the mix, the staging and holographic imaging are an absolute treat to experience on the Stellar. I could pinpoint each micro-instrument's exact location in 3D space with pinpoint precision. The bass line hits with a thumpy, textured authority that grounds the track. Close your eyes while listening to this, and you will be completely immersed!
• "Setsuna Hanabi" by TOMORROW X TOGETHER: The distorted electric guitars and rich bass lines in the arrangement sound incredible here. The subterranean sub-bass rumble is felt with real physical presence. Male vocals pop out cleanly over the energetic instrumentation without getting drowned out or buried. Even through complex dynamic peaks, the snares and high hats hit crisply with zero sibilance or high-frequency peakiness.

Overall Impressions & Verdict​

Rating: 5 / 5
The Jomo Audio Nautic Stellar is an undisputed triumph in the ultra-flagship tier. While $2,600 is undeniably a massive investment, it backs up the price tag with jaw-dropping steel craftsmanship, top-tier comfort, effortless drivability, and a holographic soundstage. Most importantly, it marries pristine technical clarity with a deep, rumbling, thumpy low-end that is right up my alley as a basshead. An easy, resounding 5 out of 5!

Pros: 

• Excellent tactile sub-bass rumble and thumpy slam
• Expansive, holographic 3D soundstage with pinpoint instrument placement.
• Smooth, highly resolving planar treble with zero harsh peaks or sibilance.
• Remarkably comfortable ergonomic fit
• Versatile and easy drivability across portable dongles, DAPs, and desktop stacks.

Cons: 

• Eye-watering $2,600 price tag places it strictly into ultra-luxury territory.
• Stock cable ergonomics are outclassed by aftermarket pairings like the Flash Acoustics Blaze.
• Deep-fitting ear tips like Divinus Velvet can create an overly deep insertion for some ears.

Welcome back, audiophiles! It’s me, your boy Joe, back again with another review! Today we are entering the ultra-high-end stratosphere with the 10th-anniversary flagship from Jomo Audio: the Jomo Audio Nautic Stellar. Retailing at an eye-watering $2,600 USD, this quad-hybrid marine masterpiece is definitely not for the faint of heart! Packed with an 8-driver configuration spanning dynamic, balanced armature, planar magnetic, and dual bone conduction technologies inside a luxury stainless steel shell, expectations are running through the roof. Let's find out if it lives up to the astronomical price tag!

Disclaimer​

A huge shout-out and thanks to the Audio Geek India group for providing this unit for review! As always, all thoughts, impressions, and basshead cravings are 100% my own with zero biases whatsoever.

Pricing & Specifications​

• Price: $2,600.00 USD
• Driver Architecture (8-Driver Quad-Hybrid): 1x 10mm Silk Bio-Diaphragm Dynamic Driver (Lows) + 4x Balanced Armature Drivers (Mids) + 1x 6mm Nano-Diaphragm Planar Magnetic Driver (Highs) + 2x Sonion Bone Conduction Drivers (Full-Range Enhancement)
• Chassis Material: CNC-machined 904L Stainless Steel with watchmaker-grade Guilloché faceplates
• Impedance / Sensitivity: 9 Ω @ 1kHz / 116 dB SPL
• Connectors: 0.78mm 2-Pin

Gear Used for Review & Drivability​

Despite its intricate quad-hybrid design, the Nautic Stellar is rated at 9 Ω impedance and 116 dB sensitivity, making drivability an absolute non-issue. I tested it across a diverse fleet of gear:

• Gustard Desktop Stack (X16 / H16)
• HiBy R8 II
• Muse HiFi M5 Ultra
• Tanchjim Space 2
• Music Source: Apple Music Lossless

The Stellar drove easily on all of them without demanding ridiculous gain settings, though stepping up to clean, authoritative gear like the HiBy R8 II or Gustard desktop stack stretches its holographic headroom even further.

Design, Fit, Tip Rolling & Cable Synergy​

• Packaging Note: I didn't receive the retail packaging for this tour. Just the IEMs, the stock cable, and the Flash Acoustics Blaze cable, which I used for the vast majority of this review. The Blaze cable was significantly better than the stock cable: far more supple, remarkably well-behaved, and sonically elevated the entire experience.
• Fit & Comfort: The shells are sculpted out of stainless steel, yet the physical fit was excellent! It is very comfy in the ear, allowing me to listen for hours on end with zero ear fatigue or painful pressure points.
• Tip Rolling: The nozzle plays nicely with a wide variety of aftermarket ear tips. I tested both the Natural Harmonics Silver tips and the Moondrop Spring tips, and both provided a secure, comfortable seal with great acoustic balance. On the flip side, the Divinus Velvet tips pushed the insertion deeper than I preferred, so I skipped those.

Sound Impressions​

The Jomo Audio Nautic Stellar is an absolute sonic revelation that lands right up my alley as a proud basshead!

• Bass: The low end is flat-out excellent. The DD and the BCD produces a tactile, deep sub-bass rumble that you can genuinely feel. It delivers authoritative, thumpy mid-bass slam with remarkable detail retrieval, texture, and zero bleed into the lower mids.
• Mids & Vocals: The midrange feels clean, transparent, and neutral. It avoids thick congestion while refusing to sound thin or shouty. Vocals sit naturally inside the holographic stage with excellent presence and body.
• Treble: Handled by the planar magnetic tweeter, the treble is crisp, airy, and well-defined. Mainly, there is zero peakiness, glare, or harsh sharpness anywhere in the top end. It delivers flagship micro-detail resolution in an entirely fatigue-free manner.
• Staging & Imaging: Breathtaking. The holographic presentation creates a multi-dimensional, out-of-head listening space where pinpointing instruments feels effortless.

Song Impressions​

• "Classique" by Adieu Aru: This instrumental track is pure eye-candy for spatial audio. Without vocals to anchor the mix, the staging and holographic imaging are an absolute treat to experience on the Stellar. I could pinpoint each micro-instrument's exact location in 3D space with pinpoint precision. The bass line hits with a thumpy, textured authority that grounds the track. Close your eyes while listening to this, and you will be completely immersed!
• "Setsuna Hanabi" by TOMORROW X TOGETHER: The distorted electric guitars and rich bass lines in the arrangement sound incredible here. The subterranean sub-bass rumble is felt with real physical presence. Male vocals pop out cleanly over the energetic instrumentation without getting drowned out or buried. Even through complex dynamic peaks, the snares and high hats hit crisply with zero sibilance or high-frequency peakiness.

Overall Impressions & Verdict​

Rating: 5 / 5
The Jomo Audio Nautic Stellar is an undisputed triumph in the ultra-flagship tier. While $2,600 is undeniably a massive investment, it backs up the price tag with jaw-dropping steel craftsmanship, top-tier comfort, effortless drivability, and a holographic soundstage. Most importantly, it marries pristine technical clarity with a deep, rumbling, thumpy low-end that is right up my alley as a basshead. An easy, resounding 5 out of 5!

Pros: 

• Noticeable sound upgrade over the original Space 1 with stronger, cleaner bass delivery.
• Fantastic "Tube Mode" and online DSP presets in the companion app for easy sound customization.
• Smooth, refined treble presentation that avoids digital glare without masking micro-details.
• Drove demanding IEMs like the Penon FAN4 and Jomo Audio Koyo with solid authority.

Cons: 

• Exterior chassis design and dimensions are completely unchanged from the Space 1.
• Certain competitor dongles in the $90–$100 bracket offer higher raw milliwatt output on paper.

Welcome back, audiophiles! It’s me, your boy Joe, back again with another review! Today we are looking at the long-awaited second generation of a popular dongle DAC on the market: the Tanchjim Space II (retailing around $87 USD). Keeping the exact same sleek, windowed CNC aluminum chassis as the original Space 1, the Space II brings an upgraded Dual CS43131 architecture, Tanchjim's proprietary "Clean Bridge" USB interface, and a powerful interactive DSP app ecosystem. Let's see how much of an upgrade this little dongle really is!

Disclaimer

As always, all thoughts, sound impressions, and gear synergy notes are entirely my own with zero biases whatsoever. Huge thanks to Tanchjim for providing a unit for review. 

Pricing & Specifications

• Price: ~$87 USD
• DAC Architecture: Dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 with Tanchjim "Clean Bridge" USB Input Chipset
• Decoding: Up to 32-bit / 384kHz PCM & Native DSD256
• Outputs: 3.5mm Single-Ended (2Vrms) + 4.4mm Balanced (4Vrms / 235mW @ 32Ω) with CTIA Mic Pass-Through
• Dimensions & Weight: 42.2 × 21.5 × 11.9 mm | 15.1 grams

Design, Build & App Experience

• Form Factor & Build: In terms of exterior build and dimensions, the Space II is identical to the original Space 1. You get that same CNC aluminum housing with the transparent polymer circuit window and stepped volume buttons. It remains a remarkably compact (15.1g) and durable everyday portable choice.
• The Tanchjim App & Tube Mode: The companion app is extremely useful for customizing the DAC to your exact sonic tastes. It unlocks official target curves, community EQ profiles, and distinct digital filter modes.
• The Standout "Tube Mode": In its stock configuration, the Space II delivers a clean, transparent, neutral-to-warmish presentation. But once you toggle Tube Mode in the app, it introduces a very nice, lush, analog warmth that rounds out sharp note edges without making the sound muddy. It was easily my favorite setting for relaxed listening!
• Dedicated OLA II Synergy: I also tested Tanchjim’s official recommended DSP preset for the Tanchjim OLA II, and the results were fantastic. It nicely tamed the OLA II's upper treble spice while elevating vocal presence even further.

Drivability & Gear Synergy

While some competing dongles in this price tier push slightly higher raw output numbers on paper, the Space II’s rated 235mW @ 32Ω (4Vrms Balanced) is no slouch. In real-world testing, I had zero issues running a wide range of gear:

• Tanchjim OLA II: Ran effortlessly with pristine clarity.
• Aoter Argentum & Jomo Audio Koyo: Scaled beautifully off the 4.4mm balanced output with an ultra-quiet, pitch-black background.
• Penon FAN4: Even notoriously power-hungry sets like the FAN4 ran surprisingly well off the 4.4mm output, retaining good low-end control and open mids.

Sound Impressions (Upgrades over Space 1)

Compared to the original Space 1, the Space II is a noticeable sonic step forward.

• Bass: The low-end delivery is very strong, punchy, and articulate, carrying great sub-bass depth and cleaner mid-bass dynamics.
• Mids: Uncolored, transparent, and resolving in stock form, transforming into a rich, warm, and musical presentation under Tube Mode.
• Treble: It doesn't meddle with or roll off treble details; instead, it gently smoothens the highest transients, completely stripping away fatiguing digital glare while keeping air and micro-details intact.

Overall Impressions

Rating: 4.5 / 5

The Tanchjim Space II is an exceptional, well-rounded portable package for the price. While raw output power chasers might point to bulkier competitors with higher wattage, the Space II counters with phenomenal power efficiency, ultra-compact ergonomics, UAC 1.0 gaming support, and a genuinely useful DSP/Tube mode app ecosystem. For clean, customizable sound on the go, it is an easy recommendation!

Pros: 

• Noticeable sound upgrade over the original Space 1 with stronger, cleaner bass delivery.
• Fantastic "Tube Mode" and online DSP presets in the companion app for easy sound customization.
• Smooth, refined treble presentation that avoids digital glare without masking micro-details.
• Drove demanding IEMs like the Penon FAN4 and Jomo Audio Koyo with solid authority.

Cons: 

• Exterior chassis design and dimensions are completely unchanged from the Space 1.
• Certain competitor dongles in the $90–$100 bracket offer higher raw milliwatt output on paper.

Welcome back, audiophiles! It’s me, your boy Joe, back again with another review! Today we are looking at the long-awaited second generation of a popular dongle DAC on the market: the Tanchjim Space II (retailing around $87 USD). Keeping the exact same sleek, windowed CNC aluminum chassis as the original Space 1, the Space II brings an upgraded Dual CS43131 architecture, Tanchjim's proprietary "Clean Bridge" USB interface, and a powerful interactive DSP app ecosystem. Let's see how much of an upgrade this little dongle really is!

Disclaimer

As always, all thoughts, sound impressions, and gear synergy notes are entirely my own with zero biases whatsoever. Huge thanks to Tanchjim for providing a unit for review. 

Pricing & Specifications

• Price: ~$87 USD
• DAC Architecture: Dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 with Tanchjim "Clean Bridge" USB Input Chipset
• Decoding: Up to 32-bit / 384kHz PCM & Native DSD256
• Outputs: 3.5mm Single-Ended (2Vrms) + 4.4mm Balanced (4Vrms / 235mW @ 32Ω) with CTIA Mic Pass-Through
• Dimensions & Weight: 42.2 × 21.5 × 11.9 mm | 15.1 grams

Design, Build & App Experience

• Form Factor & Build: In terms of exterior build and dimensions, the Space II is identical to the original Space 1. You get that same CNC aluminum housing with the transparent polymer circuit window and stepped volume buttons. It remains a remarkably compact (15.1g) and durable everyday portable choice.
• The Tanchjim App & Tube Mode: The companion app is extremely useful for customizing the DAC to your exact sonic tastes. It unlocks official target curves, community EQ profiles, and distinct digital filter modes.
• The Standout "Tube Mode": In its stock configuration, the Space II delivers a clean, transparent, neutral-to-warmish presentation. But once you toggle Tube Mode in the app, it introduces a very nice, lush, analog warmth that rounds out sharp note edges without making the sound muddy. It was easily my favorite setting for relaxed listening!
• Dedicated OLA II Synergy: I also tested Tanchjim’s official recommended DSP preset for the Tanchjim OLA II, and the results were fantastic. It nicely tamed the OLA II's upper treble spice while elevating vocal presence even further.

Drivability & Gear Synergy

While some competing dongles in this price tier push slightly higher raw output numbers on paper, the Space II’s rated 235mW @ 32Ω (4Vrms Balanced) is no slouch. In real-world testing, I had zero issues running a wide range of gear:

• Tanchjim OLA II: Ran effortlessly with pristine clarity.
• Aoter Argentum & Jomo Audio Koyo: Scaled beautifully off the 4.4mm balanced output with an ultra-quiet, pitch-black background.
• Penon FAN4: Even notoriously power-hungry sets like the FAN4 ran surprisingly well off the 4.4mm output, retaining good low-end control and open mids.

Sound Impressions (Upgrades over Space 1)

Compared to the original Space 1, the Space II is a noticeable sonic step forward.

• Bass: The low-end delivery is very strong, punchy, and articulate, carrying great sub-bass depth and cleaner mid-bass dynamics.
• Mids: Uncolored, transparent, and resolving in stock form, transforming into a rich, warm, and musical presentation under Tube Mode.
• Treble: It doesn't meddle with or roll off treble details; instead, it gently smoothens the highest transients, completely stripping away fatiguing digital glare while keeping air and micro-details intact.

Overall Impressions

Rating: 4.5 / 5

The Tanchjim Space II is an exceptional, well-rounded portable package for the price. While raw output power chasers might point to bulkier competitors with higher wattage, the Space II counters with phenomenal power efficiency, ultra-compact ergonomics, UAC 1.0 gaming support, and a genuinely useful DSP/Tube mode app ecosystem. For clean, customizable sound on the go, it is an easy recommendation!

Pros: 

• Noticeable sound upgrade over the original Space 1 with stronger, cleaner bass delivery.
• Fantastic "Tube Mode" and online DSP presets in the companion app for easy sound customization.
• Smooth, refined treble presentation that avoids digital glare without masking micro-details.
• Drove demanding IEMs like the Penon FAN4 and Jomo Audio Koyo with solid authority.

Cons: 

• Exterior chassis design and dimensions are completely unchanged from the Space 1.
• Certain competitor dongles in the $90–$100 bracket offer higher raw milliwatt output on paper.

Welcome back, audiophiles! It’s me, your boy Joe, back again with another review! Today we are looking at the long-awaited second generation of a popular dongle DAC on the market: the Tanchjim Space II (retailing around $87 USD). Keeping the exact same sleek, windowed CNC aluminum chassis as the original Space 1, the Space II brings an upgraded Dual CS43131 architecture, Tanchjim's proprietary "Clean Bridge" USB interface, and a powerful interactive DSP app ecosystem. Let's see how much of an upgrade this little dongle really is!

Disclaimer

As always, all thoughts, sound impressions, and gear synergy notes are entirely my own with zero biases whatsoever. Huge thanks to Tanchjim for providing a unit for review. 

Product Link (Non Affiliated) : https://tanchjim.com/en/products/dac/space-ii/

Pricing & Specifications

• Price: ~$87 USD
• DAC Architecture: Dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 with Tanchjim "Clean Bridge" USB Input Chipset
• Decoding: Up to 32-bit / 384kHz PCM & Native DSD256
• Outputs: 3.5mm Single-Ended (2Vrms) + 4.4mm Balanced (4Vrms / 235mW @ 32Ω) with CTIA Mic Pass-Through
• Dimensions & Weight: 42.2 × 21.5 × 11.9 mm | 15.1 grams

Design, Build & App Experience

• Form Factor & Build: In terms of exterior build and dimensions, the Space II is identical to the original Space 1. You get that same CNC aluminum housing with the transparent polymer circuit window and stepped volume buttons. It remains a remarkably compact (15.1g) and durable everyday portable choice.
• The Tanchjim App & Tube Mode: The companion app is extremely useful for customizing the DAC to your exact sonic tastes. It unlocks official target curves, community EQ profiles, and distinct digital filter modes.
• The Standout "Tube Mode": In its stock configuration, the Space II delivers a clean, transparent, neutral-to-warmish presentation. But once you toggle Tube Mode in the app, it introduces a very nice, lush, analog warmth that rounds out sharp note edges without making the sound muddy. It was easily my favorite setting for relaxed listening!
• Dedicated OLA II Synergy: I also tested Tanchjim’s official recommended DSP preset for the Tanchjim OLA II, and the results were fantastic. It nicely tamed the OLA II's upper treble spice while elevating vocal presence even further.

Drivability & Gear Synergy

While some competing dongles in this price tier push slightly higher raw output numbers on paper, the Space II’s rated 235mW @ 32Ω (4Vrms Balanced) is no slouch. In real-world testing, I had zero issues running a wide range of gear:

• Tanchjim OLA II: Ran effortlessly with pristine clarity.
• Aoter Argentum & Jomo Audio Koyo: Scaled beautifully off the 4.4mm balanced output with an ultra-quiet, pitch-black background.
• Penon FAN4: Even notoriously power-hungry sets like the FAN4 ran surprisingly well off the 4.4mm output, retaining good low-end control and open mids.

Sound Impressions (Upgrades over Space 1)

Compared to the original Space 1, the Space II is a noticeable sonic step forward.

• Bass: The low-end delivery is very strong, punchy, and articulate, carrying great sub-bass depth and cleaner mid-bass dynamics.
• Mids: Uncolored, transparent, and resolving in stock form, transforming into a rich, warm, and musical presentation under Tube Mode.
• Treble: It doesn't meddle with or roll off treble details; instead, it gently smoothens the highest transients, completely stripping away fatiguing digital glare while keeping air and micro-details intact.

Overall Impressions

Rating: 4.5 / 5

The Tanchjim Space II is an exceptional, well-rounded portable package for the price. While raw output power chasers might point to bulkier competitors with higher wattage, the Space II counters with phenomenal power efficiency, ultra-compact ergonomics, UAC 1.0 gaming support, and a genuinely useful DSP/Tube mode app ecosystem. For clean, customizable sound on the go, it is an easy recommendation!

Pros: 

• Outstanding vocal clarity and midrange transparency that makes singers pop out effortlessly.
• Fast, punchy dynamic driver delivering a well-controlled, engaging bassline.
• Very lightweight and comfortable ergonomic bullet shell design.
• Impressive treble air and micro-details for the price.
• Stock cable is well-behaved and features a functional chin slider.

Cons: 

• Uses Tanchjim's proprietary extended 2-pin connector design, limiting aftermarket cable options.
• Treble has a touch of spice/brightness that may not suit extreme treble-sensitive listeners or bassheads.

Welcome back, audiophiles! It’s me, your boy Joe, back again with another review! Today we are looking at the Tanchjim OLA II (retailing around $57 USD). Moving away from the purely single-dynamic driver setup of the original OLA, Tanchjim upgraded this sequel into a hybrid with a DD and a BA. Let's see how this updated budget contender performs!

Disclaimer​

As always, all thoughts, user impressions, and sonic evaluations are entirely my own with zero biases whatsoever. Huge thanks to Tanchjim for sending me the OLA 2 and the Tanchjim Space 2 for review (Space 2 will come soon!)

Pricing & Technical Specifications​

• Driver Configuration: 1DD + 1BA Hybrid
• Impedance: 30 Ω ±10%
• Sensitivity: 121 dB/Vrms
• Connector Type: Recessed 0.78mm 2-Pin (Proprietary Tanchjim extended sleeve)
• Cable: Silver-Plated Litz twisted-braid cable (Available in 3.5mm SE, 4.4mm BAL, or Type-C DSP)

Design, Build, and Fit​

• Shell & Comfort: The OLA II has a pretty cool design with an aluminum faceplate and a transparent polycarbonate inner cavity. It is very light and remarkably comfy to wear, sitting naturally inside the concha without ear fatigue. I was able to wear this during long sessions.
• The Stock Cable & Connector Quirk: The cable itself is decent as it behaves well, isn't microphonic, and comes equipped with a functional chin slider. However, it uses Tanchjim’s proprietary deep-socket style with long protruding 2-pin connectors. Standard aftermarket 2-pin cables with flat plugs will either stick out awkwardly or struggle to seat properly, making cable rolling a bit annoying.
• Accessories: Came with a good set of eartips and a pretty nice pouch that fits the iems and enough space for a dongle or so as well. Neat package but to be honest I have seen more accessories for similar price ranges.

Sound Impressions​

The Tanchjim OLA II is a solid good all-rounder that adheres closely to the transparent Tanchjim house sound, layered with a slightly energetic, bright top-end overlay.

• Bass: The bass is punchy with good low ends and rumble. I havent tried the OLA 1 so I cant compare them. It provides good mid-bass weight and body that keeps rhythm sections engaging without muddling the higher frequencies.
• Mids & Vocals: The midrange is ultra-clean, transparent, and uncolored. Vocals are definitely the star of the show here as both male and female vocals pop forward with exceptional clarity and crisp separation.
• Treble: The highs carry great air, agility, and micro-detail resolution. It has a tad of extra spice/sparkle at the top ends. While bright-leaning signatures aren't necessarily my personal daily preference (as a basshead), detail hunters and vocal lovers will appreciate the sheer transparency.

Song Impressions​

• "Me and My Broken Heart" by Rixton: The vocals pop out like "whoa!". Vocal lovers will absolutely love how upfront, clear, and textured the singing is. The bass hits with good control, and the midrange remains exceptionally clean. At the very top, the cymbal splashes carry a touch of spice, but overall, it delivers a very lively and engaging presentation.
• "Baby" by Maître Gims: The low end feels enveloping and is executed really well, providing solid sub-bass support for the track's bouncy rhythm. The midrange is ultra-clean, allowing Maître Gims’ vocals to pop out with immense clarity and zero muddiness from backing synths.

Overall Impressions​

Rating: 4 / 5
The Tanchjim OLA II is a capable, highly resolving budget hybrid that makes huge strides over its predecessor in bass body and detail retrieval. It is extremely lightweight, very comfortable, and serves as an absolute dream for vocal lovers and fans of clean, bright-leaning signatures. While the proprietary connector pin shape makes cable swapping frustrating and the treble spice might not suit extreme treble-sensitive listeners, it stands as a fantastic all-rounder under $60!

Pros: 

• Outstanding vocal clarity and midrange transparency that makes singers pop out effortlessly.
• Fast, punchy dynamic driver delivering a well-controlled, engaging bassline.
• Very lightweight and comfortable ergonomic bullet shell design.
• Impressive treble air and micro-details for the price.
• Stock cable is well-behaved and features a functional chin slider.

Cons: 

• Uses Tanchjim's proprietary extended 2-pin connector design, limiting aftermarket cable options.
• Treble has a touch of spice/brightness that may not suit extreme treble-sensitive listeners or bassheads.

Welcome back, audiophiles! It’s me, your boy Joe, back again with another review! Today we are looking at the Tanchjim OLA II (retailing around $57 USD). Moving away from the purely single-dynamic driver setup of the original OLA, Tanchjim upgraded this sequel into a hybrid with a DD and a BA. Let's see how this updated budget contender performs!

Disclaimer​

As always, all thoughts, user impressions, and sonic evaluations are entirely my own with zero biases whatsoever. Huge thanks to Tanchjim for sending me the OLA 2 and the Tanchjim Space 2 for review (Space 2 will come soon!)
Non Affiliated link: https://tanchjim.com/en/products/earphones/iem/ola-ii/

Pricing & Technical Specifications​

• Driver Configuration: 1DD + 1BA Hybrid
• Impedance: 30 Ω ±10%
• Sensitivity: 121 dB/Vrms
• Connector Type: Recessed 0.78mm 2-Pin (Proprietary Tanchjim extended sleeve)
• Cable: Silver-Plated Litz twisted-braid cable (Available in 3.5mm SE, 4.4mm BAL, or Type-C DSP)

Design, Build, and Fit​

• Shell & Comfort: The OLA II has a pretty cool design with an aluminum faceplate and a transparent polycarbonate inner cavity. It is very light and remarkably comfy to wear, sitting naturally inside the concha without ear fatigue. I was able to wear this during long sessions.
• The Stock Cable & Connector Quirk: The cable itself is decent as it behaves well, isn't microphonic, and comes equipped with a functional chin slider. However, it uses Tanchjim’s proprietary deep-socket style with long protruding 2-pin connectors. Standard aftermarket 2-pin cables with flat plugs will either stick out awkwardly or struggle to seat properly, making cable rolling a bit annoying.
• Accessories: Came with a good set of eartips and a pretty nice pouch that fits the iems and enough space for a dongle or so as well. Neat package but to be honest I have seen more accessories for similar price ranges.

Sound Impressions​

The Tanchjim OLA II is a solid good all-rounder that adheres closely to the transparent Tanchjim house sound, layered with a slightly energetic, bright top-end overlay.

• Bass: The bass is punchy with good low ends and rumble. I havent tried the OLA 1 so I cant compare them. It provides good mid-bass weight and body that keeps rhythm sections engaging without muddling the higher frequencies.
• Mids & Vocals: The midrange is ultra-clean, transparent, and uncolored. Vocals are definitely the star of the show here as both male and female vocals pop forward with exceptional clarity and crisp separation.
• Treble: The highs carry great air, agility, and micro-detail resolution. It has a tad of extra spice/sparkle at the top ends. While bright-leaning signatures aren't necessarily my personal daily preference (as a basshead), detail hunters and vocal lovers will appreciate the sheer transparency.

Song Impressions​

• "Me and My Broken Heart" by Rixton: The vocals pop out like "whoa!". Vocal lovers will absolutely love how upfront, clear, and textured the singing is. The bass hits with good control, and the midrange remains exceptionally clean. At the very top, the cymbal splashes carry a touch of spice, but overall, it delivers a very lively and engaging presentation.
• "Baby" by Maître Gims: The low end feels enveloping and is executed really well, providing solid sub-bass support for the track's bouncy rhythm. The midrange is ultra-clean, allowing Maître Gims’ vocals to pop out with immense clarity and zero muddiness from backing synths.

Overall Impressions​

Rating: 4 / 5
The Tanchjim OLA II is a capable, highly resolving budget hybrid that makes huge strides over its predecessor in bass body and detail retrieval. It is extremely lightweight, very comfortable, and serves as an absolute dream for vocal lovers and fans of clean, bright-leaning signatures. While the proprietary connector pin shape makes cable swapping frustrating and the treble spice might not suit extreme treble-sensitive listeners, it stands as a fantastic all-rounder under $60!

Pros: 

• Outstanding vocal clarity and midrange transparency that makes singers pop out effortlessly.
• Fast, punchy dynamic driver delivering a well-controlled, engaging bassline.
• Very lightweight and comfortable ergonomic bullet shell design.
• Impressive treble air and micro-details for the price.
• Stock cable is well-behaved and features a functional chin slider.

Cons: 

• Uses Tanchjim's proprietary extended 2-pin connector design, limiting aftermarket cable options.
• Treble has a touch of spice/brightness that may not suit extreme treble-sensitive listeners or bassheads.

Welcome back, audiophiles! It’s me, your boy Joe, back again with another review! Today we are looking at the Tanchjim OLA II (retailing around $57 USD). Moving away from the purely single-dynamic driver setup of the original OLA, Tanchjim upgraded this sequel into a hybrid with a DD and a BA. Let's see how this updated budget contender performs!

Disclaimer​

As always, all thoughts, user impressions, and sonic evaluations are entirely my own with zero biases whatsoever. Huge thanks to Tanchjim for sending me the OLA 2 and the Tanchjim Space 2 for review (Space 2 will come soon!)
Non Affiliated link: https://tanchjim.com/en/products/earphones/iem/ola-ii/

Pricing & Technical Specifications​

• Driver Configuration: 1DD + 1BA Hybrid
• Impedance: 30 Ω ±10%
• Sensitivity: 121 dB/Vrms
• Connector Type: Recessed 0.78mm 2-Pin (Proprietary Tanchjim extended sleeve)
• Cable: Silver-Plated Litz twisted-braid cable (Available in 3.5mm SE, 4.4mm BAL, or Type-C DSP)

Design, Build, and Fit​

• Shell & Comfort: The OLA II has a pretty cool design with an aluminum faceplate and a transparent polycarbonate inner cavity. It is very light and remarkably comfy to wear, sitting naturally inside the concha without ear fatigue. I was able to wear this during long sessions.
• The Stock Cable & Connector Quirk: The cable itself is decent as it behaves well, isn't microphonic, and comes equipped with a functional chin slider. However, it uses Tanchjim’s proprietary deep-socket style with long protruding 2-pin connectors. Standard aftermarket 2-pin cables with flat plugs will either stick out awkwardly or struggle to seat properly, making cable rolling a bit annoying.
• Accessories: Came with a good set of eartips and a pretty nice pouch that fits the iems and enough space for a dongle or so as well. Neat package but to be honest I have seen more accessories for similar price ranges.

Sound Impressions​

The Tanchjim OLA II is a solid good all-rounder that adheres closely to the transparent Tanchjim house sound, layered with a slightly energetic, bright top-end overlay.

• Bass: The bass is punchy with good low ends and rumble. I havent tried the OLA 1 so I cant compare them. It provides good mid-bass weight and body that keeps rhythm sections engaging without muddling the higher frequencies.
• Mids & Vocals: The midrange is ultra-clean, transparent, and uncolored. Vocals are definitely the star of the show here as both male and female vocals pop forward with exceptional clarity and crisp separation.
• Treble: The highs carry great air, agility, and micro-detail resolution. It has a tad of extra spice/sparkle at the top ends. While bright-leaning signatures aren't necessarily my personal daily preference (as a basshead), detail hunters and vocal lovers will appreciate the sheer transparency.

Song Impressions​

• "Me and My Broken Heart" by Rixton: The vocals pop out like "whoa!". Vocal lovers will absolutely love how upfront, clear, and textured the singing is. The bass hits with good control, and the midrange remains exceptionally clean. At the very top, the cymbal splashes carry a touch of spice, but overall, it delivers a very lively and engaging presentation.
• "Baby" by Maître Gims: The low end feels enveloping and is executed really well, providing solid sub-bass support for the track's bouncy rhythm. The midrange is ultra-clean, allowing Maître Gims’ vocals to pop out with immense clarity and zero muddiness from backing synths.

Overall Impressions​

Rating: 4 / 5
The Tanchjim OLA II is a capable, highly resolving budget hybrid that makes huge strides over its predecessor in bass body and detail retrieval. It is extremely lightweight, very comfortable, and serves as an absolute dream for vocal lovers and fans of clean, bright-leaning signatures. While the proprietary connector pin shape makes cable swapping frustrating and the treble spice might not suit extreme treble-sensitive listeners, it stands as a fantastic all-rounder under $60!

Pros: 

• Outstanding vocal clarity and midrange transparency that makes singers pop out effortlessly.
• Fast, punchy dynamic driver delivering a well-controlled, engaging bassline.
• Very lightweight and comfortable ergonomic bullet shell design.
• Impressive treble air and micro-details for the price.
• Stock cable is well-behaved and features a functional chin slider.

Cons: 

• Uses Tanchjim's proprietary extended 2-pin connector design, limiting aftermarket cable options.
• Treble has a touch of spice/brightness that may not suit extreme treble-sensitive listeners or bassheads.

Welcome back, audiophiles! It’s me, your boy Joe, back again with another review! Today we are looking at the Tanchjim OLA II (retailing around $57 USD). Moving away from the purely single-dynamic driver setup of the original OLA, Tanchjim upgraded this sequel into a hybrid with a DD and a BA. Let's see how this updated budget contender performs!

Disclaimer​

As always, all thoughts, user impressions, and sonic evaluations are entirely my own with zero biases whatsoever. Huge thanks to Tanchjim for sending me the OLA 2 and the Tanchjim Space 2 for review (Space 2 will come soon!)
Non Affiliated link: https://tanchjim.com/en/products/earphones/iem/ola-ii/

Pricing & Technical Specifications​

• Driver Configuration: 1DD + 1BA Hybrid
• Impedance: 30 Ω ±10%
• Sensitivity: 121 dB/Vrms
• Connector Type: Recessed 0.78mm 2-Pin (Proprietary Tanchjim extended sleeve)
• Cable: Silver-Plated Litz twisted-braid cable (Available in 3.5mm SE, 4.4mm BAL, or Type-C DSP)

Design, Build, and Fit​

• Shell & Comfort: The OLA II has a pretty cool design with an aluminum faceplate and a transparent polycarbonate inner cavity. It is very light and remarkably comfy to wear, sitting naturally inside the concha without ear fatigue. I was able to wear this during long sessions.
• The Stock Cable & Connector Quirk: The cable itself is decent as it behaves well, isn't microphonic, and comes equipped with a functional chin slider. However, it uses Tanchjim’s proprietary deep-socket style with long protruding 2-pin connectors. Standard aftermarket 2-pin cables with flat plugs will either stick out awkwardly or struggle to seat properly, making cable rolling a bit annoying.
• Accessories: Came with a good set of eartips and a pretty nice pouch that fits the iems and enough space for a dongle or so as well. Neat package but to be honest I have seen more accessories for similar price ranges.

Sound Impressions​

The Tanchjim OLA II is a solid good all-rounder that adheres closely to the transparent Tanchjim house sound, layered with a slightly energetic, bright top-end overlay.

• Bass: The bass is punchy with good low ends and rumble. I havent tried the OLA 1 so I cant compare them. It provides good mid-bass weight and body that keeps rhythm sections engaging without muddling the higher frequencies.
• Mids & Vocals: The midrange is ultra-clean, transparent, and uncolored. Vocals are definitely the star of the show here as both male and female vocals pop forward with exceptional clarity and crisp separation.
• Treble: The highs carry great air, agility, and micro-detail resolution. It has a tad of extra spice/sparkle at the top ends. While bright-leaning signatures aren't necessarily my personal daily preference (as a basshead), detail hunters and vocal lovers will appreciate the sheer transparency.

Song Impressions​

• "Me and My Broken Heart" by Rixton: The vocals pop out like "whoa!". Vocal lovers will absolutely love how upfront, clear, and textured the singing is. The bass hits with good control, and the midrange remains exceptionally clean. At the very top, the cymbal splashes carry a touch of spice, but overall, it delivers a very lively and engaging presentation.
• "Baby" by Maître Gims: The low end feels enveloping and is executed really well, providing solid sub-bass support for the track's bouncy rhythm. The midrange is ultra-clean, allowing Maître Gims’ vocals to pop out with immense clarity and zero muddiness from backing synths.

Overall Impressions​

Rating: 4 / 5
The Tanchjim OLA II is a capable, highly resolving budget hybrid that makes huge strides over its predecessor in bass body and detail retrieval. It is extremely lightweight, very comfortable, and serves as an absolute dream for vocal lovers and fans of clean, bright-leaning signatures. While the proprietary connector pin shape makes cable swapping frustrating and the treble spice might not suit extreme treble-sensitive listeners, it stands as a fantastic all-rounder under $60!

Pros: 

• Deep, rumbling sub-bass extension backed by smooth, non-fatiguing treble.
• Rich, engaging warm midrange that makes both male and female vocals pop.
• Clean instrument separation.
• Beautiful geographic shell artwork with comfortable ergonomic contours.
• Highly responsive to cable upgrades (pairs brilliantly with the Verus Audio Lavender).

Cons: 

• Extremely power-hungry; sounds congested and muddy on low-power dongle DACs.
• Requires extensive burn-in to loosen up the low-end and eliminate initial dryness.
• Fast insertion causes slight air pressure buildup in the ear canal.
• Bright green stock cable aesthetic is polarizing.

Welcome back, audiophiles! It’s me, your boy Joe, back again with another review! Today we are taking a deep dive into an exciting release from Penon Audio: the Penon FAN4 (retailing for $499 USD). Packing an ambitious 6-driver hybrid setup (2 Dynamic Drivers + 2 Balanced Armatures + 1 Electret Electrostatic + 1 Bone Conduction Driver), this set is engineered to deliver a complete, highly engaging musical experience. Let's see how this set holds up across our test tracks!

Disclaimer​

As always, all thoughts, sound impressions, and opinions are entirely my own with zero biases whatsoever. Huge thanks to AudioGeek India for arranging the tour.

Pricing & Specifications​

• Price: $499.00 USD
• Driver Configuration (6-Driver): 2 Dynamic Drivers + 2 Balanced Armatures + 1 Electret Electrostatic Driver + 1 Bone Conduction Driver (BCD)
• Connectors: 0.78mm 2-Pin

Unboxing & Accessories​

Penon keeps packaging remarkably efficient. Everything arrives neatly arranged inside a single compact box, with all accessories packed directly into the carrying case. While it isn't an extravagant unboxing spectacle, it is sweet, practical, and gets straight to the point. You get a solid selection of ear tips, cleaning tools, and the stock cable.

Design, Build, Fit & Cable Rolling​

• Shells & Aesthetics: The resin shells look really good. I have the default geographic artwork version (the Americas map theme), which looks very sharp.
• Fit & Pressure Buildup: The physical fit is quite good for my ears. However, be careful during insertion: if you put them into your ears too fast, you will notice a bit of pressure buildup. Insert them slowly to let the air pressure equalize comfortably.
• The Stock Cable & Cable Rolling: The stock cable feels and behaves decently, but the bright green "FIFA / soccer pitch" aesthetic just did not vibe with me visually. I swapped it out for the Verus Audio 6W Lavender cable, and it was an amazing pairing both aesthetically and sonically. The FAN4 responds very well to cable changes!

Burn-In & Power Requirements​

• Burn-In is Mandatory: The FAN4 genuinely needs time to open up. Fresh out of the box, the bass felt a tad dry and lean, leading you to believe the set is strictly neutral. However, after about a week of continuous usage and burn-in, the low end transforms completely into a deep, rich, and authoritative presentation. Give it time before forming your final conclusions!
• Heavy Power Hunger: The FAN4 is extremely power-hungry. It is not a set you can run off low-powered dongles. If you feed it weak sources, the bass will sound muddy and the midrange will become congested. To hear it shine with proper separation and control, use strong desktop gear or high-output DAPs. I ran it off my Gustard desktop stack and the HiBy R8 II, which drove it with plenty of headroom.

Sound Impressions​

Once properly burned in and driven with adequate power, the Penon FAN4 presents an engaging, warm-tilted all-rounder sound signature with deep bass extension and clear, fatigue-free top ends.

• Bass: The sub-bass is exceptionally good which is deep, textured, and rumbling. The mid-bass slam feels a little soft compared to its subterranean reach, but it remains punchy, controlled, and very enjoyable.
• Mids & Vocals: Midrange frequencies are noticeably colored and warm rather than strictly flat or reference-neutral. Vocals pop out cleanly in the mix, delivering rich note weight without sounding muffled or drowned out.
• Treble & Soundstage: Treble clarity is crisp and resolving. It offers great detail retrieval with zero peakiness, harsh glare, or shrillness in the upper registers. The soundstage is moderately wide with clean instrument separation and zero congestion.

Song Impressions​

• "RUN IT" by Stray Kids:
  • The deep bassline on this track hits with great authority, and the background trumpet lines are picked up with crisp, textured clarity. Male vocals are rendered cleanly and sit naturally above the heavy beat. While the mid-bass slam could have had a bit more punch, the overall energetic drive was rendered well.
• "il y a" by Amir & Jason Derulo:
  • The drum rhythm sounds excellent and punchy. Male vocals from both Amir and Jason are rendered with great clarity and emotional body. Even though the arrangement features numerous overlapping instruments, the FAN4 separates them effortlessly across its moderately wide soundstage.

Overall Impressions​

Rating: 4.5 / 5
The Penon FAN4 is a fantastic 6-driver all-rounder that rewards patience and proper source pairing. It delivers deep sub-bass rumble, lush warm mids, and smooth, non-fatiguing treble. It drops half a point simply because it demands high-powered amplification to avoid congestion, requires significant burn-in out of the box, and comes with a bright green cable that won't match everyone's taste. You will also need after-party cables for best performance. But if you have a capable DAP or desktop stack, it is a stellar performer!

Pros: 

• Deep, rumbling sub-bass extension backed by smooth, non-fatiguing treble.
• Rich, engaging warm midrange that makes both male and female vocals pop.
• Clean instrument separation.
• Beautiful geographic shell artwork with comfortable ergonomic contours.
• Highly responsive to cable upgrades (pairs brilliantly with the Verus Audio Lavender).

Cons: 

• Extremely power-hungry; sounds congested and muddy on low-power dongle DACs.
• Requires extensive burn-in to loosen up the low-end and eliminate initial dryness.
• Fast insertion causes slight air pressure buildup in the ear canal.
• Bright green stock cable aesthetic is polarizing.

Welcome back, audiophiles! It’s me, your boy Joe, back again with another review! Today we are taking a deep dive into an exciting release from Penon Audio: the Penon FAN4 (retailing for $499 USD). Packing an ambitious 6-driver hybrid setup (2 Dynamic Drivers + 2 Balanced Armatures + 1 Electret Electrostatic + 1 Bone Conduction Driver), this set is engineered to deliver a complete, highly engaging musical experience. Let's see how this set holds up across our test tracks!

Disclaimer​

As always, all thoughts, sound impressions, and opinions are entirely my own with zero biases whatsoever. Huge thanks to AudioGeek India for arranging the tour.

Pricing & Specifications​

• Price: $499.00 USD
• Driver Configuration (6-Driver): 2 Dynamic Drivers + 2 Balanced Armatures + 1 Electret Electrostatic Driver + 1 Bone Conduction Driver (BCD)
• Connectors: 0.78mm 2-Pin

Unboxing & Accessories​

Penon keeps packaging remarkably efficient. Everything arrives neatly arranged inside a single compact box, with all accessories packed directly into the carrying case. While it isn't an extravagant unboxing spectacle, it is sweet, practical, and gets straight to the point. You get a solid selection of ear tips, cleaning tools, and the stock cable.

Design, Build, Fit & Cable Rolling​

• Shells & Aesthetics: The resin shells look really good. I have the default geographic artwork version (the Americas map theme), which looks very sharp.
• Fit & Pressure Buildup: The physical fit is quite good for my ears. However, be careful during insertion: if you put them into your ears too fast, you will notice a bit of pressure buildup. Insert them slowly to let the air pressure equalize comfortably.
• The Stock Cable & Cable Rolling: The stock cable feels and behaves decently, but the bright green "FIFA / soccer pitch" aesthetic just did not vibe with me visually. I swapped it out for the Verus Audio 6W Lavender cable, and it was an amazing pairing both aesthetically and sonically. The FAN4 responds very well to cable changes!

Burn-In & Power Requirements​

• Burn-In is Mandatory: The FAN4 genuinely needs time to open up. Fresh out of the box, the bass felt a tad dry and lean, leading you to believe the set is strictly neutral. However, after about a week of continuous usage and burn-in, the low end transforms completely into a deep, rich, and authoritative presentation. Give it time before forming your final conclusions!
• Heavy Power Hunger: The FAN4 is extremely power-hungry. It is not a set you can run off low-powered dongles. If you feed it weak sources, the bass will sound muddy and the midrange will become congested. To hear it shine with proper separation and control, use strong desktop gear or high-output DAPs. I ran it off my Gustard desktop stack and the HiBy R8 II, which drove it with plenty of headroom.

Sound Impressions​

Once properly burned in and driven with adequate power, the Penon FAN4 presents an engaging, warm-tilted all-rounder sound signature with deep bass extension and clear, fatigue-free top ends.

• Bass: The sub-bass is exceptionally good which is deep, textured, and rumbling. The mid-bass slam feels a little soft compared to its subterranean reach, but it remains punchy, controlled, and very enjoyable.
• Mids & Vocals: Midrange frequencies are noticeably colored and warm rather than strictly flat or reference-neutral. Vocals pop out cleanly in the mix, delivering rich note weight without sounding muffled or drowned out.
• Treble & Soundstage: Treble clarity is crisp and resolving. It offers great detail retrieval with zero peakiness, harsh glare, or shrillness in the upper registers. The soundstage is moderately wide with clean instrument separation and zero congestion.

Song Impressions​

• "RUN IT" by Stray Kids:
  • The deep bassline on this track hits with great authority, and the background trumpet lines are picked up with crisp, textured clarity. Male vocals are rendered cleanly and sit naturally above the heavy beat. While the mid-bass slam could have had a bit more punch, the overall energetic drive was rendered well.
• "il y a" by Amir & Jason Derulo:
  • The drum rhythm sounds excellent and punchy. Male vocals from both Amir and Jason are rendered with great clarity and emotional body. Even though the arrangement features numerous overlapping instruments, the FAN4 separates them effortlessly across its moderately wide soundstage.

Overall Impressions​

Rating: 4.5 / 5
The Penon FAN4 is a fantastic 6-driver all-rounder that rewards patience and proper source pairing. It delivers deep sub-bass rumble, lush warm mids, and smooth, non-fatiguing treble. It drops half a point simply because it demands high-powered amplification to avoid congestion, requires significant burn-in out of the box, and comes with a bright green cable that won't match everyone's taste. You will also need after-party cables for best performance. But if you have a capable DAP or desktop stack, it is a stellar performer!

Pros: 

• Deep, rumbling sub-bass extension backed by smooth, non-fatiguing treble.
• Rich, engaging warm midrange that makes both male and female vocals pop.
• Clean instrument separation.
• Beautiful geographic shell artwork with comfortable ergonomic contours.
• Highly responsive to cable upgrades (pairs brilliantly with the Verus Audio Lavender).

Cons: 

• Extremely power-hungry; sounds congested and muddy on low-power dongle DACs.
• Requires extensive burn-in to loosen up the low-end and eliminate initial dryness.
• Fast insertion causes slight air pressure buildup in the ear canal.
• Bright green stock cable aesthetic is polarizing.

Welcome back, audiophiles! It’s me, your boy Joe, back again with another review! Today we are taking a deep dive into an exciting release from Penon Audio: the Penon FAN4 (retailing for $499 USD). Packing an ambitious 6-driver hybrid setup (2 Dynamic Drivers + 2 Balanced Armatures + 1 Electret Electrostatic + 1 Bone Conduction Driver), this set is engineered to deliver a complete, highly engaging musical experience. Let's see how this set holds up across our test tracks!

Disclaimer​

As always, all thoughts, sound impressions, and opinions are entirely my own with zero biases whatsoever. Huge thanks to AudioGeek India for arranging the tour.

Pricing & Specifications​

• Price: $499.00 USD
• Driver Configuration (6-Driver): 2 Dynamic Drivers + 2 Balanced Armatures + 1 Electret Electrostatic Driver + 1 Bone Conduction Driver (BCD)
• Connectors: 0.78mm 2-Pin

Unboxing & Accessories​

Penon keeps packaging remarkably efficient. Everything arrives neatly arranged inside a single compact box, with all accessories packed directly into the carrying case. While it isn't an extravagant unboxing spectacle, it is sweet, practical, and gets straight to the point. You get a solid selection of ear tips, cleaning tools, and the stock cable.

Design, Build, Fit & Cable Rolling​

• Shells & Aesthetics: The resin shells look really good. I have the default geographic artwork version (the Americas map theme), which looks very sharp.
• Fit & Pressure Buildup: The physical fit is quite good for my ears. However, be careful during insertion: if you put them into your ears too fast, you will notice a bit of pressure buildup. Insert them slowly to let the air pressure equalize comfortably.
• The Stock Cable & Cable Rolling: The stock cable feels and behaves decently, but the bright green "FIFA / soccer pitch" aesthetic just did not vibe with me visually. I swapped it out for the Verus Audio 6W Lavender cable, and it was an amazing pairing both aesthetically and sonically. The FAN4 responds very well to cable changes!

Burn-In & Power Requirements​

• Burn-In is Mandatory: The FAN4 genuinely needs time to open up. Fresh out of the box, the bass felt a tad dry and lean, leading you to believe the set is strictly neutral. However, after about a week of continuous usage and burn-in, the low end transforms completely into a deep, rich, and authoritative presentation. Give it time before forming your final conclusions!
• Heavy Power Hunger: The FAN4 is extremely power-hungry. It is not a set you can run off low-powered dongles. If you feed it weak sources, the bass will sound muddy and the midrange will become congested. To hear it shine with proper separation and control, use strong desktop gear or high-output DAPs. I ran it off my Gustard desktop stack and the HiBy R8 II, which drove it with plenty of headroom.

Sound Impressions​

Once properly burned in and driven with adequate power, the Penon FAN4 presents an engaging, warm-tilted all-rounder sound signature with deep bass extension and clear, fatigue-free top ends.

• Bass: The sub-bass is exceptionally good which is deep, textured, and rumbling. The mid-bass slam feels a little soft compared to its subterranean reach, but it remains punchy, controlled, and very enjoyable.
• Mids & Vocals: Midrange frequencies are noticeably colored and warm rather than strictly flat or reference-neutral. Vocals pop out cleanly in the mix, delivering rich note weight without sounding muffled or drowned out.
• Treble & Soundstage: Treble clarity is crisp and resolving. It offers great detail retrieval with zero peakiness, harsh glare, or shrillness in the upper registers. The soundstage is moderately wide with clean instrument separation and zero congestion.

Song Impressions​

• "RUN IT" by Stray Kids:
  • The deep bassline on this track hits with great authority, and the background trumpet lines are picked up with crisp, textured clarity. Male vocals are rendered cleanly and sit naturally above the heavy beat. While the mid-bass slam could have had a bit more punch, the overall energetic drive was rendered well.
• "il y a" by Amir & Jason Derulo:
  • The drum rhythm sounds excellent and punchy. Male vocals from both Amir and Jason are rendered with great clarity and emotional body. Even though the arrangement features numerous overlapping instruments, the FAN4 separates them effortlessly across its moderately wide soundstage.

Overall Impressions​

Rating: 4.5 / 5
The Penon FAN4 is a fantastic 6-driver all-rounder that rewards patience and proper source pairing. It delivers deep sub-bass rumble, lush warm mids, and smooth, non-fatiguing treble. It drops half a point simply because it demands high-powered amplification to avoid congestion, requires significant burn-in out of the box, and comes with a bright green cable that won't match everyone's taste. You will also need after-party cables for best performance. But if you have a capable DAP or desktop stack, it is a stellar performer!

Pros: 

• Truly breathtaking hand-polished stabilized maple wood shells with gold-milled faceplates.
• Class-leading, expansive soundstage width that creates an enveloping, out-of-head listening experience.
• Deep, borderline basshead sub-bass rumble with excellent air movement and dynamic slam.
• Organic, fatigue-free treble presentation with zero harshness or sibilance.
• Smooth, warm midrange that delivers natural vocal timbre and great layering.

Cons: 

• Stock oil-infused cable is overly thick, cumbersome, and lacks a chin slider.
• Included leather puck case is far too cramped to store the IEMs and stock cable easily.
• Organic wood shell finish raises slight durability concerns for users with excessively sweaty ears.

Welcome back, audiophiles! It’s me, your boy Joe, back again with another review! Today we are taking a look at a release from the boutique audio house Jomo Audio: the Jomo Audio Koyo (retailing for around $950 USD). Sitting right near kilobuck territory, my expectations for this set were sky-high out of the gate. Named after the vibrant Japanese autumn foliage, the Koyo packs a 5-driver tri-brid acoustic architecture inside a hand-polished stabilized maple wood housing. Let's see if this beauty has the sonic muscle to back up its breathtaking looks!

Disclaimer​

A huge shout-out and thanks to the Audio Geek India group for providing this review unit! As always, all thoughts, impressions, and opinions are entirely my own with zero biases whatsoever.

Pricing & Specifications​

• Price: ~$950 USD
• Driver Architecture (5-Driver Tri-Brid): 1x 10mm Custom Silk Diaphragm Dynamic Driver (Lows) + 3x Precision Balanced Armature Drivers (Mids/Highs) + 1x 6mm Nano Planar Magnetic Super Tweeter (Ultra-Highs)
• Impedance / Sensitivity: 12.5 Ω @ 1kHz / 113.8 dB @ 1kHz
• Connectors: 0.78mm 2-Pin (4.4mm Balanced stock termination)

Gear Used for Review & Drivability​

The Koyo is relatively efficient on paper and runs smoothly without requiring nuclear-grade power:

• HiBy R8 II
• Gustard X16 / H16 Desktop Stack
• Tanchjim Space 2 (Portable Dongle)
• Music Source: Apple Music Lossless

While it isn't strictly power-hungry, scaling up to desktop-class power like the Gustard stack stretches its soundstage dimensions even wider!

Design, Build, and Accessories​

• The Shells (Pure Artistry): The shells are the prettiest IEM shells I have ever seen, period. The waxed, stabilized natural maple hardwood paired with the precision-milled gold leaf brass faceplate and stainless steel skeleton frame is utterly breathtaking.
• Wood Maintenance & Sweaty Ears Concern: Jomo even includes dedicated wood conditioning oil in the package to keep the natural wood hydrated and pristine. My only minor concern is for users with sweaty ears during long sessions. I am not entirely sure how well the untreated organic wood porous structure handles long-term moisture and sweat exposure over years of use.
• The Stock Cable & Cable Rolling: The stock oil-infused OCC copper-silver blend cable is far too thick and bulky for my liking. Worse yet, it completely lacks a chin slider! Because I am not a fan of thick oil-infused cables in general, I did some cable rolling:
  • Effect Audio Dionysus: Looked stunning and added great refinement.
  • Verus Audio Lavender: A phenomenal aesthetic and sonic synergy that improved ergonomics drastically.
• The Carrying Case: The bundled leather case is simply too small. Trying to pack the chunky Koyo shells alongside that thick stock cable is an extreme squeeze. A roomier case would have gone a long way at $950

Sound Impressions​

Sonically, the Jomo Audio Koyo presents a versatile all-rounder sound signature crowned by one of the widest, most expansive soundstages I have ever heard in an in-ear monitor.

• Soundstage & Staging: Absolutely massive. The presentation feels like the music is playing from a generous distance around your head, creating a grand, concert-like atmosphere.
• Bass: The low-end reaches borderline basshead levels! The 10mm silk dynamic driver pushes impressive air movement with a deep, authoritative sub-bass rumble that keeps energetic tracks tactile.
• Mids: The midrange is clean, lush, and leans pleasantly towards warm. The organic acoustic damping of the wooden chamber works absolute magic here, rendering vocal timbre with rich, natural realism.
• Treble: Handled by the balanced armatures and planar super tweeter, the top end is remarkably smooth, organic, and cohesive. There are zero sharp peaks, sibilance, or fatiguing spikes anywhere in the upper register.

Song Impressions​

• "Dame Mais" by Tropkillaz, Rincon Sapiência & Clau: The bassline on this track is deep, powerful, and rumble-worthy. The Koyo tackles the low end with zero qualms and it hits deep and strong without bleeding into the lower mids. The midrange leans warm, which is right up my alley. The mixed male and female vocals are rendered with pristine separation, completely free of congestion.
• "Tłoki" (feat. Gibbs) by Kukon: The baseline here is super deep and rumbling, and the Koyo renders that subterranean weight effortlessly. Snares and hi-hats hit with clean precision without crossing into sharpness. The male vocals are presented cleanly with great body; while they don't jump "forward" in the mix, it feels true to the track's master rather than an IEM flaw.

Overall Impressions ​

Rating: 4.5 / 5
The Jomo Audio Koyo is a sonic and visual triumph. It combines heirloom-level wooden artistry with an expansive soundstage, borderline basshead low-end rumble, and a fatigue-free, natural tonality. It loses half a star purely because the bundled package feels incomplete for $950 as the stock cable is overly thick with no chin slider, and the leather case is far too cramped. But if you are willing to roll your own cable and case, the Koyo stands as one of the finest, most natural-sounding all-rounders in the sub-kilobuck tier!