u/maisaku18

Sivga is a brand which does not follow the conventional tuning styles or targets that most IEMs tend to follow.

Instead, their whole portfolio consists of different styles of tunings and colorations and some even have a massive following, like the Sivga Que.

Personally, I am a fan of the Sivga SM100, which is my favorite sub-$50 IEM right now.

When I saw the driver configuration of the Lyrebird (1DD + 1BA +1MP + 1PZT), I thought it was finally time for Sivga to tune one of their IEMs to the venerable Harman Target, completing the holy trinity of this quadbrid setup in the $150 IEM price range alongside the infamous Simgot SuperMix 4 and EPZ P40 (it uses a DD instead of BA but still counts:)

But surprisingly (or unsurprisingly), that was not the case.

Sivga Lyrebird is priced at $164 on Sivga's official site.

Bass

Lyrebird has a full-bodied bass response, with the bass mostly concentrated in the mid-bass while having a subtle roll-off in the sub-bass.

Since the bass is not boosted that much in quantity, it doesn't come across as muddy or bloomy.

The sub-bass is not completely rolled off. It is still present, but mostly sits in the background.

The bass feels thumpy and has a nice sense of bounce to it. It doesn't hit with a sense of physicality because of the reduced quantity, but the perceived quality is quite good.

The bass is fairly textured and feels nuanced enough to sound engaging. Overall, the bass performance is good for the price.

Mid-range

It is when it comes to the midrange where these colorations in the overall tuning become more obvious.

It is not the most natural or correct-sounding midrange. The midrange sounds heavily coloured.

It has a sense of warmth, lushness and pleasantness that makes it very inviting to listen to.

The male vocals come across as lush, while the female vocals have enough presence and don't come across as shouty due to the restrained upper-mids tuning.

Now, I don't mind these colorations, as that's what gives this IEM its character. But it's not all perfect, because the treble causes some trouble.

Treble

Oftentimes, there is a hint of sibilance that distracts me from focusing on this otherwise pleasant midrange tuning.

The S's and T's in vocals are on the emphasized side, making them border on sibilance sometimes. This doesn't happen every time, but when it does, it's kind of jarring to listen to.

The reason for this is that the mid-treble is boosted quite a bit. This gives crispiness and clarity to the sound, but it is also a double-edged sword that can cause this harshness.

Apart from this, I am not getting the classic PZT bite that I get from the Supermix 4 or EPZ P40.

Lyrebird's upper treble seems fairly controlled yet extended. The other two IEMs have a tendency to go overboard in the treble at times, but that's not happening with the Lyrebird.

Subjective Performance

When it comes to perceived subjective qualities, it performs as well as these other two IEMs, i.e ranging from very good to excellent for the price.

The detail retrieval is quite solid. I always find myself listening to things I have not paid attention to before, as the coloured tuning emphasizes areas I don't particularly focus on.

The sense of resolution is also good to my ears, since the notes feel sharp enough without sounding blunted or mushy.

However, I didn't get the same sense of grand staging and imaging performance I get with the SM4 or P40.

Imaging is decent, with most things happening to the left, right and center. The soundstage does not feel particularly wide or have a strong sense of depth.

But, it is very good at instrumental separation, as I have never felt it struggle in busy passages.

Accessories, Build & Comfort

I am very pleased with the way the whole packaging is done. There are elements of wood and greenery throughout the packaging. The box has a bit of a wood-like texture, which adds some character.

I like these small touches and the attention to detail throughout the package. It makes this one of the best unboxing experiences I have had with an IEM.

Accessories is an area where Sivga has always been strong and the same trend continues with the Lyrebird.

I have to specifically talk about the cable because it is one of the best cables I have seen on an IEM, without any exaggeration. 

It is easy to manage, wraps easily and doesn't cause any microphonics. It is neither too soft nor too stiff, it sits somewhere in the middle. 

It feels very crisp in hand. But it only comes in a 4.4mm connection, which could be a con for some.

It also comes with a nice carrying case with a leather coating, which matches the overall aesthetics of the IEM and the packaging.

The ear tips come in a separate box, with three pairs of liquid silicone ear tips and four pairs of wide-bore ear tips.

Similarly, the build quality of the IEM is also very good. It is made out of metal and is on the smaller side. Because of that, it fits very well and I haven't faced any comfort issues during longer listening sessions.

Just like with the cable, I quite like the faceplate design. It is not a shiny faceplate that grabs your attention. The wood design adds a character that none of these other faceplates have. It feels understated yet very pleasant to look at.

Vs Simgot SuperMix 4 & EPZ P40

Throughout this review, I have already compared the SuperMix 4 and P40 in different areas. But I will give you a general rundown.

Both SuperMix 4 and EPZ P40 are tuned to an aggressive Harman inspired tuning, which can come across as contrasty compared to Lyrebird.

Because of this, these two IEMs have very aggressive upper mids and treble presentation, which could be harsh for some people, but it also makes them sound very technical for their price.

When it comes to subjective qualities, SuperMix 4 and P40 have an edge over Lyrebird. But when it comes to raw tuning, I prefer Lyrebird over both SuperMix 4 and P40.

In terms of build, both SuperMix 4 and P40 are made of resin. However, Lyrebird has metal shells. And in terms of accessories, both P40 and Lyrebird are a step ahead of SuperMix 4.

Conclusion

A part of me is happy that Sivga Lyrebird has gone for a different kind of tuning in this price range.

IEMs in this range tend to follow a similar kind of tuning, either in the form of the Harman target or a neutral tuning with a bass boost. 

Everything has started to almost sound the same, with slight changes here and there, as it is known to work for most people.

But that makes Lyrebird a risky type of tuning because it either hits hard and gets a fan following or just falls apart.

Because of that, Lyrebird is not a safe recommendation that I can make to anyone. It is only recommended to those who know they will enjoy this kind of coloration in the tuning.

Overall, in the grand scheme of things, Sivga has done a commendable job balancing these colorations without going overboard. 

This makes the Sivga Lyrebird quite unique and helps it stand out in this highly competitive IEM market.

Disclaimer: The sample unit was sent to me by Sivga for review purposes. They had no input into the content and I am not paid for this review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. 

After the announcement of Moondrop Silicon and Tanchjim x Hangout TONIC, both of which are tuned to the new meta style.

Juzear is coming up with Light Shuttle which is also new meta. I think this might be their only IEM tuned like this, as of now.

It looks quite close to Crinear Reference in the midrange tuning. Reference is one of my favourite IEMs when it comes to vocals.

I am not sure if the bass emphasis will be an issue though. This kind of tuning seems to work best with a bit less bass, but I don’t want to read too much into the graph.

So far, I could only find a graph from Super Review. I am waiting for someone to measure it on a 5128 to see how it actually fares against some of the other new meta sets.

Loric is Kefine's cheapest IEM to date. It comes in at just $25, which is cheaper than Kefine’s popular Klean lineup that costs around $60.

In this review, I will be comparing it against the Klean SV and other budget IEMs to see where it stacks up.

Bass

Loric has a dominant bass response with a clear emphasis on the sub-bass. The mid-bass is not the main focus, but it still has enough presence to give drums a satisfying sense of body.

With this type of tuning, the bass feels well integrated to the midrange. This means, it doesn’t sound distinct or impactful, instead it adds more warmth into the overall tuning.

In terms of quality, the attack isn't particularly sharp or incisive, but it doesn’t sound sluggish in decay. 

The bass hits with good physicality due to sheer quantity, while the texture remains respectable for the price. Overall not bad for the price, but not the best either.

Mid-range

The overall midrange tuning of the Loric is on the warmer side. The excessive bass boost injects some warmth into the lower mids, which makes male vocals come across as full bodied.

Female vocals are not the strongest aspect of the Loric, as they can come across as too warm at times. There is a good upper mids emphasis, which keeps them from sounding drowned out.

The warmth also affects string instruments, where you do not get that plucky character because the treble extension is quite limited.

Treble

This relaxed approach continues into the treble. Most of the energy is concentrated in the lower to mid treble region, after which it gently rolls off. 

This limited extension is noticeable with cymbals, where the strikes feel incomplete, missing the last bit of shimmer and sparkle.

Due to the way the treble is tuned, the overall presentation leans towards a warm, cozy sound that is easy to listen to.

Subjective Performance

From a technical perspective, it performs about as expected for its price. The detail retrieval is decent, as the limited treble extension does affect the perception of detail. 

The sense of resolution is also good for an IEM with a relaxed treble. As the bass is well controlled, it does not come across as muddy or soft sounding.

When it comes to soundstage and imaging, they are about average for the price. 

One thing that surprised me is that despite the bassy, relaxed side, the instrument separation is very good for the price.

Accessories, Build & Comfort

Loric comes with 6 pairs of ear tips (in black and white colors), along with a nice carrying pouch. The pouch feels much better than most of the ones I have seen included with IEMs. 

The cable is also very good. It's soft, easy to wrap and does not cause any microphonics. This is one of the best cables I have seen in this price range.

The cable comes with different terminations, ranging from 3.5 mm (with or without mic) to Type C with mic.

The build quality is impressive for the price too. The moment I unboxed it, I was quite surprised by how heavy it felt in the hand.

The shells feel solid and premium in the hand and I also like the way the faceplate is designed. It has a unique structure that is quite interesting to look at.

Comfort is also excellent. I did not face any pressure issues. It is on the smaller side and is properly vented, so I did not face any issues with long term comfort either. 

This is a category where Kefine has always done well with its Klean series and the same approach continues with the Loric.

Comparisons

Klean SV

The main difference between Loric and Klean SV is in the treble and bass. The Klean SV has a lot of upper treble, which makes it sound more technical but can also come across as harsh or sibilant.

Loric completely avoids that pitfall and is much smoother, although it also sounds less technical because of it.

The overall tuning of the Klean SV is also a bit leaner compared to the Loric, which has lots of bass. Loric sounds much fuller and noticeably bassier in comparison.

Klean SV is still the better IEM, as it's a step above Loric in terms of subjective qualities. It also comes with much nicer accessories and a metal build.

Twistura Delta

Now comparing it against the budget IEMs I have heard in this price range, first is the Twistura Delta. 

Twistura Delta is one of the bass specialists in this price range. It has a gigantic bass shelf and treble.

The build quality is better on the Delta, as it comes with a metal shell, but Loric is better in the accessories department. 

If you want a contrasty, bassy tuning, pick the Delta. If you want a smoother, more relaxed tuning, go for the Loric.

NiceHCK Tears

NiceHCK Tears has one of the best treble performances in this price range. The area where the Loric pulls ahead is with the build quality and accessories. It is a step above the Tears in this regard.

In terms of tuning, Tears are on the brighter side. The treble sounds crisp and well extended without sounding sibilant or harsh, which is an area where the Loric is not as strong. 

If you want that kind of presentation, pick the Tears. If you want a smoother, more relaxed presentation, go for the Loric.

Dunu Titan X

This is one of the IEMs that is a step above the Loric in terms of build and accessories, as it comes with a metal shell, a great cable and premium ear tips.

However, in terms of sound, I prefer the way the Loric sounds, as it has better treble extension.

Loric feels much more refined than the Titan X, despite both going for a similar relaxed, bassy tuning.

Pula Arc

Next is the Pula Arc, which is one of the latest budget IEMs on the market.

Pula Arc's bass is a step above the Loric. It sounds bouncy, engaging and fun to listen to.

It is also one of the IEMs that I would say has done smooth tuning the right way. Loric does not quite measure up to that level in terms of sound quality for me.

In terms of build quality and accessories, Loric is a huge step above the Arc.

Conclusion

This is the kind of IEM I could recommend to anyone entering this hobby who does not know what they want and just wants something that sounds good.

It's because it does really well in build quality and accessories, which are a step above most budget IEMs in this price range.

It is not a specialist IEM. There are a lot of other budget IEMs on the market that excel in certain areas, which I covered above.

Instead, Loric reminds me of the term "jack of all trades" in the budget segment. It does everything well enough to be a reliable option.

Links to the product page - AliExpress (non-affiliated)

Disclaimer: The sample unit was sent to me by Kefine for review purposes. They had no input into the content and I am not paid for this review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

This is what I have been using daily for the past month or so.

Binary 1900 is my IEM of choice because of its balanced tuning, which plays well with whatever songs I throw at it.

Tanchjim SPACE PRO is my favourite DAC because of its EQ support and higher power output (and waifu:)

I changed its cable to an L shaped Type C cable, as it makes it easier to plug into my laptop.

The cable I am using with the Binary 1900 belongs to Sivga Lyrebird.

That cable is very good and easy to manage and it matches well with the Binary 1900's colour.

Lastly, my eartips of choice are the Tanchjim T-ABP Wide Bores, as they give me the best seal and make the treble of the Binary 1900 smoother for me.

Loric is Kefine's cheapest IEM to date. It comes in at just $25, which is cheaper than Kefine’s popular Klean lineup that costs around $60.

In this review, I will be comparing it against the Klean SV and other budget IEMs to see where it stacks up.

Bass

Loric has a dominant bass response with a clear emphasis on the sub-bass. The mid-bass is not the main focus, but it still has enough presence to give drums a satisfying sense of body.

With this type of tuning, the bass feels well integrated to the midrange. This means, it doesn’t sound distinct or impactful, instead it adds more warmth into the overall tuning.

In terms of quality, the attack isn't particularly sharp or incisive, but it doesn’t sound sluggish in decay. 

The bass hits with good physicality due to sheer quantity, while the texture remains respectable for the price. Overall not bad for the price, but not the best either.

Mid-range

The overall midrange tuning of the Loric is on the warmer side. The excessive bass boost injects some warmth into the lower mids, which makes male vocals come across as full bodied.

Female vocals are not the strongest aspect of the Loric, as they can come across as too warm at times. There is a good upper mids emphasis, which keeps them from sounding drowned out.

The warmth also affects string instruments, where you do not get that plucky character because the treble extension is quite limited.

Treble 

This relaxed approach continues into the treble. Most of the energy is concentrated in the lower to mid treble region, after which it gently rolls off. 

This limited extension is noticeable with cymbals, where the strikes feel incomplete, missing the last bit of shimmer and sparkle.

Due to the way the treble is tuned, the overall presentation leans towards a warm, cozy sound that is easy to listen to.

Subjective Performance

From a technical perspective, it performs about as expected for its price. The detail retrieval is decent, as the limited treble extension does affect the perception of detail. 

The sense of resolution is also good for an IEM with a relaxed treble. As the bass is well controlled, it does not come across as muddy or soft sounding.

When it comes to soundstage and imaging, they are about average for the price. 

One thing that surprised me is that despite the bassy, relaxed side, the instrument separation is very good for the price.

Accessories, Build & Comfort

Loric comes with 6 pairs of ear tips (in black and white colors), along with a nice carrying pouch. The pouch feels much better than most of the ones I have seen included with IEMs. 

The cable is also very good. It's soft, easy to wrap and does not cause any microphonics. This is one of the best cables I have seen in this price range.

The cable comes with different terminations, ranging from 3.5 mm (with or without mic) to Type C with mic.

The build quality is impressive for the price too. The moment I unboxed it, I was quite surprised by how heavy it felt in the hand.

The shells feel solid and premium in the hand and I also like the way the faceplate is designed. It has a unique structure that is quite interesting to look at.

Comfort is also excellent. I did not face any pressure issues. It is on the smaller side and is properly vented, so I did not face any issues with long term comfort either. 

This is a category where Kefine has always done well with its Klean series and the same approach continues with the Loric.

Comparisons

Klean SV

The main difference between Loric and Klean SV is in the treble and bass. The Klean SV has a lot of upper treble, which makes it sound more technical but can also come across as harsh or sibilant.

Loric completely avoids that pitfall and is much smoother, although it also sounds less technical because of it.

The overall tuning of the Klean SV is also a bit leaner compared to the Loric, which has lots of bass. Loric sounds much fuller and noticeably bassier in comparison.

Klean SV is still the better IEM, as it's a step above Loric in terms of subjective qualities. It also comes with much nicer accessories and a metal build.

Twistura Delta

Now comparing it against the budget IEMs I have heard in this price range, first is the Twistura Delta. 

Twistura Delta is one of the bass specialists in this price range. It has a gigantic bass shelf and treble.

The build quality is better on the Delta, as it comes with a metal shell, but Loric is better in the accessories department. 

If you want a contrasty, bassy tuning, pick the Delta. If you want a smoother, more relaxed tuning, go for the Loric.

NiceHCK Tears

NiceHCK Tears has one of the best treble performances in this price range. The area where the Loric pulls ahead is with the build quality and accessories. It is a step above the Tears in this regard.

In terms of tuning, Tears are on the brighter side. The treble sounds crisp and well extended without sounding sibilant or harsh, which is an area where the Loric is not as strong. 

If you want that kind of presentation, pick the Tears. If you want a smoother, more relaxed presentation, go for the Loric.

Dunu Titan X

This is one of the IEMs that is a step above the Loric in terms of build and accessories, as it comes with a metal shell, a great cable and premium ear tips.

However, in terms of sound, I prefer the way the Loric sounds, as it has better treble extension.

Loric feels much more refined than the Titan X, despite both going for a similar relaxed, bassy tuning.

Pula Arc

Next is the Pula Arc, which is one of the latest budget IEMs on the market.

Pula Arc's bass is a step above the Loric. It sounds bouncy, engaging and fun to listen to.

It is also one of the IEMs that I would say has done smooth tuning the right way. Loric does not quite measure up to that level in terms of sound quality for me.

In terms of build quality and accessories, Loric is a huge step above the Arc.

Conclusion

This is the kind of IEM I could recommend to anyone entering this hobby who does not know what they want and just wants something that sounds good.

It's because it does really well in build quality and accessories, which are a step above most budget IEMs in this price range.

It is not a specialist IEM. There are a lot of other budget IEMs on the market that excel in certain areas, which I covered above.

Instead, Loric reminds me of the term "jack of all trades" in the budget segment. It does everything well enough to be a reliable option.

Disclaimer: The sample unit was sent to me by Kefine for review purposes. They had no input into the content and I am not paid for this review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Binary 1900 is the latest hyped IEM in an already crowded market. Binary has built a strong reputation with only a handful of releases, so my expectations were high for this one.

There are two things the Binary 1900 does very well:

• The tuning sounds musical without sacrificing the overall technical performance.
• The imaging performance is a couple of steps above the competition.

Let's start with the tuning.

Pros

• Musical, balanced tuning with tasteful colourations
• Raw, textured bass with excellent note weight
• Warm, natural midrange with engaging vocals
• Smooth, crisp treble with excellent extension
• Outstanding imaging with excellent stage depth
• Spacious, practical carrying case
• Premium resin shells with an elegant design
• Excellent comfort with a secure fit

Cons

• Bass lacks punch and elasticity
• Warm tuning slightly masks finer details
• Occasional 12–13 kHz peak with the stock eartips
• Cable doesn't feel particularly premium
• No interchangeable cable terminations
• Exposed nozzle lacks a protective filter

At the time of writing, the Binary 1900 is priced at $235 on HiFiGo (non-affiliated).

Bass

Binary 1900 has an enveloping kind of bass which feels raw and heavily textured. Right away, what stood out was how every bass note hit with authority and note weight.

The bass doesn't have a particularly bouncy or elastic character. Instead, the notes linger slightly longer, creating a presentation that fills in the room.

Despite the longer decay, the bass never comes across as soft or muddy. I believe the passive radiator has something to do with this kind of bass presentation, as in some ways it reminds me of the Volume S.

Personally, I still prefer bass that combines this level of texture with a punchier, more elastic presentation. Binary 1900 doesn't quite deliver that kind of slam which I love.

In tracks that rely on fast, punchy bass, it can feel a little restrained. But, in music that benefits from weight, texture and atmosphere, it performs exceptionally well.

In terms of quantity, the bass has a focus on sub bass with a healthy amount of mid bass, which injects warmth to make the 1900 sound "musical".

Mid-range

The Binary 1900's midrange sounds warm and fairly natural. I wouldn’t call it a correct sounding midrange, as there are colourations which lead to a contrasty presentation.

The mid bass emphasis, slightly scooped lower mids and boosted upper mids create a contrast, which makes the mids sound musical and engaging.

These are balanced well enough that I would consider them as tasteful colourations which adds a character to the IEM.

Male vocals highly benefit from this kind of tuning, as it gives them a satisfying body and chestiness.

While female vocals sound clear without being shouty, the leading notes have an extra sheen thanks to the excellent treble extension. But it never became sibilant or harsh to my ears.

Pianos retain enough warmth without sounding overly thick, while string instruments have a clean, plucky quality that benefits from the treble extension.

Treble

The treble is easily one of the Binary 1900's biggest strengths. It is smooth, crisp, energetic and extends effortlessly into the upper treble without becoming overwhelming.

Due to the excellent extension, cymbals sound complete, while hi-hats remain controlled without jumping out of the mix.

It's not all perfect, occasionally I get a peak around 12-13 kHz while using the stock eartips, which introduces an unpleasant harshness.

I experimented a lot with a bunch of eartips to see whether I can fix this by tip rolling. And changing to the Tanchjim T-ABP wide bore tips largely eliminated this issue for me.

I am not sure whether these eartips will fix this issue for everyone or more importantly whether everyone will get a peak around this area, as treble highly varies across individuals.

Subjective Performance

This treble contributes significantly to the Binary 1900's overall technical performance. The standout technical ability for me is its imaging.

Before talking about that, I have to briefly touch on the soundstage. Binary 1900 has an intimate stage with an excellent depth.

Instead of sounding wide and diffused, the stage feels filled, allowing every instrument to occupy a clearly defined position.

Because of this excellent depth, pinpointing sound cues becomes effortless. It almost feels like these sound cues are dancing around on the stage with a tactile like quality.

Detail retrieval is good, but it isn’t as standout as the imaging. As the warmth does mask finer details, which aids in making the 1900 sound musical.

The sense of resolution is also very good, despite the warmer tuning, notes remain clean and well defined. It also performs well in instrument separation, I have never felt it struggle in busy passages.

Accessories, Build and Comfort

The carrying case deserves special mention. Unlike many compact cases that barely fit the IEM, Binary includes a spacious case that comfortably stores the IEMs. It's easily my favorite accessory in the package.

The included eartips are of good quality. The eartips come in 3 sizes with two pairs each, making a total of 6 pairs stored inside a small eartips case.

My least favourite accessory is the cable. It is lightweight, wraps easily and doesn't suffer from microphonics. 

But the rubbery feel and slight memory don’t make it feel particularly premium. I also would have liked interchangeable terminations, especially considering the price.

The resin shells feel premium in hand with a reassuring weight. The silver and black faceplate gives the IEM an elegant look without becoming overly flashy.

The shell is on the larger side and it almost fills my ears. Despite that, comfort is excellent. I could easily get a secure fit and I never experienced any pressure build up either.

My only minor criticism is the exposed nozzle, which lacks a protective filter. Many IEMs come with this kind of nozzle these days and it always makes me anxious whether debris gets inside.

Conclusion

Binary 1900 is one of the easiest IEMs to recommend right now. It sounds balanced with tasteful colorations, which make it engaging to listen to for hours without being offensive or too safe.

Despite having a few nitpicks here and there, this is an IEM that I always find myself reaching for. Thereby, Binary 1900 earns a spot alongside Tanchjim FOLA as my favorite sub $300 IEM right now. 

Both of these IEMs have exceptional imaging performance, but if I had to pick one to keep forever, it would be the Binary 1900, as it feels like a more balanced all rounder rather than being a midrange specialist like the FOLA.

Disclaimer: The sample unit was sent to me by HiFiGo for review purposes. They had no input into the content and I am not paid for this review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Binary 1900 is the latest hyped IEM in an already crowded sub $300 market.

Binary has built a strong reputation with only a handful of releases, so my expectations were high for this one.

After spending a few weeks with it, I understand where that hype comes from.

There are two things the Binary 1900 does very well:

• The tuning sounds musical without sacrificing the overall technical performance.
• The imaging performance is a couple of steps above the competition.

At the time of writing, the Binary 1900 is priced at $235 on HiFiGo.

Pros

• Musical, balanced tuning with tasteful colourations
• Raw, textured bass with satisfying note weight
• Warm, natural midrange with engaging vocals
• Smooth, crisp treble with excellent extension
• Outstanding imaging with excellent stage depth
• Spacious, practical carrying case
• Premium resin shells with an elegant design
• Excellent comfort with a secure fit

Cons

• Bass lacks punch and elasticity
• Warm tuning slightly masks finer details
• Occasional 12–13 kHz peak with the stock eartips
• Cable doesn't feel particularly premium
• No interchangeable cable terminations
• Exposed nozzle lacks a protective filter

Bass

Binary 1900 has an enveloping kind of bass which feels raw and heavily textured. Right away, what stood out was how every bass note hit with authority and note weight.

The bass doesn't have a particularly bouncy or elastic character. Instead, the notes linger slightly longer, creating a presentation that fills in the room.

Despite the longer decay, the bass never comes across as soft or muddy. I believe the passive radiator has something to do with this kind of bass presentation, as in some ways it reminds me of the Volume S.

Personally, I still prefer bass that combines this level of texture with a punchier, more elastic presentation. Binary 1900 doesn't quite deliver that kind of slam which I love.

In tracks that rely on fast, punchy bass, it can feel a little restrained. But, in music that benefits from weight, texture and atmosphere, it performs exceptionally well.

In terms of quantity, the bass has a focus on sub bass with a healthy amount of mid bass, which injects warmth to make the 1900 sound "musical".

Mid-range

The Binary 1900's midrange sounds warm and fairly natural. I wouldn’t call it a correct sounding midrange, as there are colourations which lead to a contrasty presentation.

The mid bass emphasis, slightly scooped lower mids and boosted upper mids create a contrast, which makes the mids sound musical and engaging.

These are balanced well enough that I would consider them as tasteful colourations which adds a character to the IEM.

Male vocals highly benefit from this kind of tuning, as it gives them a satisfying body and chestiness.

While female vocals sound clear without being shouty, the leading notes have an extra sheen thanks to the excellent treble extension. But it never became sibilant or harsh to my ears.

Pianos retain enough warmth without sounding overly thick, while string instruments have a clean, plucky quality that benefits from the treble extension.

Treble

The treble is easily one of the Binary 1900's biggest strengths. It is smooth, crisp, energetic and extends effortlessly into the upper treble without becoming overwhelming.

Due to the excellent extension, cymbals sound complete, while hi-hats remain controlled without jumping out of the mix.

It's not all perfect, occasionally I get a peak around 12-13 kHz while using the stock eartips, which introduces an unpleasant harshness.

I experimented a lot with a bunch of eartips to see whether I can fix this by tip rolling. And changing to the Tanchjim T-ABP wide bore tips largely eliminated this issue for me.

I am not sure whether these eartips will fix this issue for everyone or more importantly whether everyone will get a peak around this area, as treble highly varies across individuals.

Subjective Performance

This treble contributes significantly to the Binary 1900's overall technical performance. The standout technical ability for me is its imaging.

Before talking about that, I have to briefly touch on the soundstage. Binary 1900 has an intimate stage with an excellent depth.

Instead of sounding wide and diffused, the stage feels filled, allowing every instrument to occupy a clearly defined position.

Because of this excellent depth, pinpointing sound cues becomes effortless. It almost feels like these sound cues are dancing around on the stage with a tactile like quality.

Detail retrieval is good, but it isn’t as standout as the imaging. As the warmth does mask finer details, which aids in making the 1900 sound musical.

The sense of resolution is also very good, despite the warmer tuning, notes remain clean and well defined. It also performs well in instrument separation, I have never felt it struggle in busy passages.

Accessories, Build and Comfort

The carrying case deserves special mention. Unlike many compact cases that barely fit the IEM, Binary includes a spacious case that comfortably stores the IEMs. It's easily my favorite accessory in the package.

The included eartips are of good quality. The eartips come in 3 sizes with two pairs each, making a total of 6 pairs stored inside a small eartips case.

My least favourite accessory is the cable. It is lightweight, wraps easily and doesn't suffer from microphonics. 

But the rubbery feel and slight memory don’t make it feel particularly premium. I also would have liked interchangeable terminations, especially considering the price.

The resin shells feel premium in hand with a reassuring weight. The silver and black faceplate gives the IEM an elegant look without becoming overly flashy.

The shell is on the larger side and it almost fills my ears. Despite that, comfort is excellent. I could easily get a secure fit and I never experienced any pressure build up either.

My only minor criticism is the exposed nozzle, which lacks a protective filter. Many IEMs come with this kind of nozzle these days and it always makes me anxious whether debris gets inside.

Conclusion

Binary 1900 is one of the easiest IEMs to recommend right now. It sounds balanced with tasteful colorations, which make it engaging to listen to for hours without being offensive or too safe.

Despite having a few nitpicks here and there, this is an IEM that I always find myself reaching for. Thereby, Binary 1900 earns a spot alongside Tanchjim FOLA as my favorite sub $300 IEM right now. 

Both of these IEMs have exceptional imaging performance, but if I had to pick one to keep forever, it would be the Binary 1900, as it feels like a more balanced all rounder rather than being a midrange specialist like the FOLA.

Disclaimer: The sample unit was sent to me by HiFiGo for review purposes. They had no input into the content and I am not paid for this review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Tanchjim SPACE II is the long awaited upgrade to the original SPACE dongle, which was released around 3 to 4 years ago. SPACE II keeps the same tiny build as the original while adding Parametric EQ support.

Parametric EQ

Here are a few key things to know:

• Frequency Range = 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
• Gain Range = -10 dB to +10 dB
• Q Range = 0.10 to 5.00 (recommended to stay between 0.50 and 3.00)
• 10 bands of Peak Filter (PK)
• Pre-amp can only be adjusted in whole numbers (i.e -1 dB, not in -1.5 dB)

These are similar to the much expensive SPACE PRO. It covers all the essentials needed to create excellent EQ profiles. Instead of entering the values manually, you can easily push EQ presets directly to the SPACE II using Squig Link's Device PEQ feature.

Tanchjim App / Software

The software is one of SPACE II's biggest strengths. It feels polished, easy to use and I haven't come across any deal breaker bugs, which is a common issue with many DAC dongle apps.

The Home section shows basic information like the current EQ preset saved in the dongle.

The Device section contains the important controls like volume, channel balance, gain modes, filters, microphone volume gain, official presets by Tanchjim and the DAC DRE optimization toggle. The official presets also include Sound Modes that emulate Tube, CD and Vinyl. 

The EQ section is where the exciting features are. Once you select a Tanchjim IEM, it shows both official and community EQ presets. It even includes presets shared through Tanchjim's USB-C DSP cables and adapters.

Selecting "Other" from the dropdown lets you upload EQ presets for non Tanchjim IEMs and headphones. I contributed a few presets myself and the whole process was seamless.

There are also sections for gaming features like Game EQ, TactPer and VAC for virtual surround effects.

The Settings section lets you change the language and submit feedback, while the Firmware section handles OTA updates.

The Android version includes the same core features, though the layout is a little different.

Build

SPACE II has a clean and minimal design that I really like. It uses an aluminum alloy shell with a smooth matte finish, giving it a solid and premium feel in hand. The small transparent window on top that shows the internal components is also a nice touch.

The SPACE II comes in three colours - gradient blue, gunmetal and matte black. The one I have is matte black and it looks sleek and edgy.

The cable follows the same minimal design. It is short and a bit stiff, but I like the translucent USB-C connector that lets you see the internals. 

The volume buttons are well designed too. The volume up button is raised compared to volume down, making it easy to tell them apart without looking. They are tactile and satisfying to press.

Another small thing I like to check in all DAC dongles is how satisfying it feels to insert and remove the 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm plugs from the dongle. SPACE II feels solid and gives a satisfying click when inserting earphones.

Unlike the original SPACE, there are no LED indicators on SPACE II. I never liked LED indicators on my dongles since it gets distracting at night, so I always turned them off anyway. 

But it could be a deal breaker for people who care about that, since there is no indicator in the app which shows the sample rate of the music playing.

Specs and Drivability

• DAC: Dual Cirrus Logic CS43131
• Output Power: 235 mW @ 32 ohms (4.4 mm)
• Output Levels: 4 Vrms (4.4 mm) & 2 Vrms (3.5 mm) in high gain
• Supports up to 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and Native DSD256
• DNR: 132.2 dB

SPACE II easily drives every IEM in my collection and even easy to drive headphones like the HD 560S with EQ. I also haven't faced any heating issues, probably because of the lower power output. This is something I noticed with the much more powerful SPACE PRO, which gets noticeably warmer during use.

One of my favourite things about SPACE II is the volume control. It uses the same non-linear volume control found on most Tanchjim dongles, something which all dongles should have.

Most DAC dongles get loud within the first few volume steps on Windows, making it difficult to find a comfortable listening level with IEMs unless you use the buttons on the dongle itself. SPACE II handles this much better than any non Tanchjim dongle I have tried. 

Sound

The sound impressions here are highly subjective and are an "over exaggerated" take, as the differences between DACs are very small to begin with.

SPACE II sounds clean and resolving, almost as good as SPACE PRO. It also performs better than most budget Dual CS43131 dongles I have tried, including the Snowsky Melody.

Personally, I am not much into the idea of DACs changing the sound in a significant way. I care much more about the features and usability, which is what I focused on throughout this review. 

Conclusion

Tanchjim SPACE II gets all the basics right for a modern DAC dongle. The build is solid and compact, the design is clean and the software on both Windows and Android is polished.

What stands out the most for me is the non linear volume control. In my opinion, every DAC dongle should have this, as it is such an essential feature that is still missing from many of them.

SPACE II launches at $86 and faces a lot of competition. Its biggest competitor is SPACE PRO itself, which costs just $15 more while offering much higher power output and the upgraded CS43198 chipset.

I would still take SPACE PRO because of those extra features. SPACE II is only recommended for those who want a compact dongle or plan to use it only with IEMs.

Disclaimer: The sample unit was sent to me by Tanchjim for review purposes. They had no input into the content and I am not paid for this review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. 

Tanchjim SPACE II is the long awaited upgrade to the original SPACE dongle, which was released around 3 to 4 years ago. SPACE II keeps the same tiny build as the original while adding Parametric EQ support.

Pros

• Compact, solid aluminum build with a premium finish
• Polished and feature rich software on Windows and Android
• Full 10-band Parametric EQ and community EQ forum support
• Non-linear volume control makes precise volume adjustment easy
• Easily drives IEMs and easy to drive headphones
• No heating issues during use
• Outperforms most budget dual CS43131 dongles

Cons

• Cable is a bit stiff
• No LED or sample rate indicator
• Best suited for IEMs rather than more demanding headphones, due to power output

Parametric EQ

Here are a few key things to know:

• Frequency Range = 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
• Gain Range = -10 dB to +10 dB
• Q Range = 0.10 to 5.00 (recommended to stay between 0.50 and 3.00)
• 10 bands of Peak Filter (PK)
• Pre-amp can only be adjusted in whole numbers (i.e -1 dB, not in -1.5 dB)

These are similar to the much expensive SPACE PRO. It covers all the essentials needed to create excellent EQ profiles. Instead of entering the values manually, you can easily push EQ presets directly to the SPACE II using Squig Link's Device PEQ feature.

Tanchjim App / Software

The software is one of SPACE II's biggest strengths. It feels polished, easy to use and I haven't come across any deal breaker bugs, which is a common issue with many DAC dongle apps.

The Home section shows basic information like the current EQ preset saved in the dongle.

The Device section contains the important controls like volume, channel balance, gain modes, filters, microphone volume gain, official presets by Tanchjim and the DAC DRE optimization toggle. The official presets also include Sound Modes that emulate Tube, CD and Vinyl. 

The EQ section is where the exciting features are. Once you select a Tanchjim IEM, it shows both official and community EQ presets. It even includes presets shared through Tanchjim's USB-C DSP cables and adapters.

Selecting "Other" from the dropdown lets you upload EQ presets for non Tanchjim IEMs and headphones. I contributed a few presets myself and the whole process was seamless.

There are also sections for gaming features like Game EQ, TactPer and VAC for virtual surround effects.

The Settings section lets you change the language and submit feedback, while the Firmware section handles OTA updates.

The Android version includes the same core features, though the layout is a little different.

Build

SPACE II has a clean and minimal design that I really like. It uses an aluminum alloy shell with a smooth matte finish, giving it a solid and premium feel in hand. The small transparent window on top that shows the internal components is also a nice touch.

The SPACE II comes in three colours - gradient blue, gunmetal and matte black. The one I have is matte black and it looks sleek and edgy.

The cable follows the same minimal design. It is short and a bit stiff, but I like the translucent USB-C connector that lets you see the internals. 

The volume buttons are well designed too. The volume up button is raised compared to volume down, making it easy to tell them apart without looking. They are tactile and satisfying to press.

Another small thing I like to check in all DAC dongles is how satisfying it feels to insert and remove the 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm plugs from the dongle. SPACE II feels solid and gives a satisfying click when inserting earphones.

Unlike the original SPACE, there are no LED indicators on SPACE II. I never liked LED indicators on my dongles since it gets distracting at night, so I always turned them off anyway. 

But it could be a deal breaker for people who care about that, since there is no indicator in the app which shows the sample rate of the music playing.

Specs and Drivability

• DAC: Dual Cirrus Logic CS43131
• Output Power: 235 mW @ 32 ohms (4.4 mm)
• Output Levels: 4 Vrms (4.4 mm) & 2 Vrms (3.5 mm) in high gain
• Supports up to 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and Native DSD256
• DNR: 132.2 dB

SPACE II easily drives every IEM in my collection and even easy to drive headphones like the HD 560S with EQ. I also haven't faced any heating issues, probably because of the lower power output. This is something I noticed with the much more powerful SPACE PRO, which gets noticeably warmer during use.

One of my favourite things about SPACE II is the volume control. It uses the same non-linear volume control found on most Tanchjim dongles, something which all dongles should have.

Most DAC dongles get loud within the first few volume steps on Windows, making it difficult to find a comfortable listening level with IEMs unless you use the buttons on the dongle itself. SPACE II handles this much better than any non Tanchjim dongle I have tried. 

Sound

The sound impressions here are highly subjective and are an "over exaggerated" take, as the differences between DACs are very small to begin with.

SPACE II sounds clean and resolving, almost as good as SPACE PRO. It also performs better than most budget Dual CS43131 dongles I have tried, including the Snowsky Melody.

Personally, I am not much into the idea of DACs changing the sound in a significant way. I care much more about the features and usability, which is what I focused on throughout this review. 

Conclusion

Tanchjim SPACE II gets all the basics right for a modern DAC dongle. The build is solid and compact, the design is clean and the software on both Windows and Android is polished.

What stands out the most for me is the non linear volume control. In my opinion, every DAC dongle should have this, as it is such an essential feature that is still missing from many of them.

SPACE II launches at $86 and faces a lot of competition. Its biggest competitor is SPACE PRO itself, which costs just $15 more while offering much higher power output and the upgraded CS43198 chipset.

I would still take SPACE PRO because of those extra features. SPACE II is only recommended for those who want a compact dongle or plan to use it only with IEMs.

Disclaimer: The sample unit was sent to me by Tanchjim for review purposes. They had no input into the content and I am not paid for this review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. 

Binary 1900 is currently one of the most hyped sub $300 IEM right now. And I understand why it's getting hyped.

The tuning lands in the sweet spot between musical and technical sounding, which makes it sound balanced without losing the technical edge.

Tuning aside, what impressed me the most is its imaging performance. It images so damn well, it almost feels tangible, like you can feel things moving around you.

Now it's not all perfect. I am getting a strong peak around the 12 to 13 kHz area with the stock ear tips, which occasionally jumps out and adds an unpleasant harshness.

It distracts me from the overall musical tuning approach it's going for. So, in order to fix this, I tip rolled a lot and finally ended up with Tanchjim T-ABP Wide Bore, which completely eliminated that peak for me.

I am not sure whether everyone will get this peak as treble is highly variable across individuals.

The only con with these ear tips is that since they're wide bore and almost sit flush with the nozzle, they leave the nozzle almost completely exposed inside the ear canal.

You never know when earwax or debris will enter because the nozzle is exposed, like with most IEMs these days.

I like the whole accessory set. The carrying case is large and spacious, the ear tips are of good quality. But the cable is just not great. I had to immediately switch to another one.

As an overall package, this is the kind of IEM I can recommend to someone who just wants one good IEM to keep because it sounds balanced, fun, engaging and plays whatever you throw at it very well.

Tanchjim SPACE II is the long awaited upgrade to the original SPACE dongle, which was released around 3 to 4 years ago.

SPACE II keeps the same tiny build as the original while adding Parametric EQ support.

Let's start with that.

Parametric EQ

Here are a few key things to know:

• Frequency Range = 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
• Gain Range = -10 dB to +10 dB
• Q Range = 0.10 to 5.00 (recommended to stay between 0.50 and 3.00)
• 10 bands of Peak Filter (PK)

Pre-amp can only be adjusted in whole numbers (i.e -1 dB, not in -1.5 dB)

These are similar to the much expensive SPACE PRO. It covers all the essentials needed to create excellent EQ profiles.

Instead of entering the values manually, you can easily push EQ presets directly to the SPACE II using Squig Link's Device PEQ feature.

Build

SPACE II has a clean and minimal design that I really like. It uses an aluminum alloy shell with a smooth matte finish, giving it a solid and premium feel in hand.

The small transparent window on top that shows the internal components is also a nice touch.

The SPACE II comes in three colours - gradient blue, gunmetal and matte black. The one I have is matte black and it looks sleek and edgy.

The cable follows the same minimal design. It is short and a bit stiff, but I like the translucent USB-C connector that lets you see the internals. 

The volume buttons are well designed too. The volume up button is raised compared to volume down, making it easy to tell them apart without looking. They are tactile and satisfying to press.

Another small thing I like to check in all DAC dongles is how satisfying it feels to insert and remove the 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm plugs from the dongle. SPACE II feels solid and gives a satisfying click when inserting earphones.

Unlike the original SPACE, there are no LED indicators on SPACE II. I never liked LED indicators on my dongles since it gets distracting at night, so I always turned them off anyway. 

But it could be a deal breaker for people who care about that, since there is no indicator in the app which shows the sample rate of the music playing.

Specs and Drivability

• DAC: Dual Cirrus Logic CS43131
• Output Power: 235 mW @ 32 ohms (4.4 mm)
• Output Levels: 4 Vrms (4.4 mm) & 2 Vrms (3.5 mm) in high gain
• Supports up to 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and Native DSD256
• DNR: 132.2 dB

SPACE II easily drives every IEM in my collection and even easy to drive headphones like the HD 560S with EQ. I also haven't faced any heating issues, probably because of the lower power output. This is something I noticed with the much more powerful SPACE PRO, which gets noticeably warmer during use.

One of my favourite things about SPACE II is the volume control. It uses the same non-linear volume control found on most Tanchjim dongles, something which all dongles should have.

Most DAC dongles get loud within the first few volume steps on Windows, making it difficult to find a comfortable listening level with IEMs unless you use the buttons on the dongle itself. SPACE II handles this much better than any non Tanchjim dongle I have tried. 

Tanchjim App / Software

The software is one of SPACE II's biggest strengths. It feels polished, easy to use and I haven't come across any deal breaker bugs, which is a common issue with many DAC dongle apps.

The Home section shows basic information like the current EQ preset saved in the dongle.

The Device section contains the important controls like volume, channel balance, gain modes, filters, microphone volume gain, official presets by Tanchjim and the DAC DRE optimization toggle. The official presets also include Sound Modes that emulate Tube, CD and Vinyl. 

The EQ section is where the exciting features are. Once you select a Tanchjim IEM, it shows both official and community EQ presets. It even includes presets shared through Tanchjim's USB-C DSP cables and adapters.

Selecting "Other" from the dropdown lets you upload EQ presets for non Tanchjim IEMs and headphones. I contributed a few presets myself and the whole process was seamless.

There are also sections for gaming features like Game EQ, TactPer and VAC for virtual surround effects.

The Settings section lets you change the language and submit feedback, while the Firmware section handles OTA updates.

The Android version includes the same core features, though the layout is a little different.

Sound

The sound impressions here are highly subjective and are an "over exaggerated" take, as the differences between DACs are very small to begin with.

SPACE II sounds clean and resolving, almost as good as SPACE PRO. It also performs better than most budget Dual CS43131 dongles I have tried, including the Snowsky Melody.

Personally, I am not much into the idea of DACs changing the sound in a significant way. I care much more about the features and usability, which is what I focused on throughout this review. 

Conclusion

Tanchjim SPACE II gets all the basics right for a modern DAC dongle. The build is solid and compact, the design is clean and the software on both Windows and Android is polished.

What stands out the most for me is the non linear volume control. In my opinion, every DAC dongle should have this, as it is such an essential feature that is still missing from many of them.

SPACE II launches at $86 and faces a lot of competition. Its biggest competitor is SPACE PRO itself, which costs just $15 more while offering much higher power output and the upgraded CS43198 chipset.

I would still take SPACE PRO because of those extra features. SPACE II is only recommended for those who want a compact dongle or plan to use it only with IEMs.

Disclaimer: The sample unit was sent to me by Tanchjim for review purposes. They had no input into the content and I am not paid for this review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

If I had the chance to tweak the Harman 2019 Target to better suit my preferences, it would probably end up sounding quite similar to the Simgot EM6L.

It keeps what I like about Harman while making a few changes that I personally prefer. Of course, no IEM is perfect. Let's see what EM6L gets right and where it falls short.

Pros

• Well controlled, textured and nuanced bass.
• Warm, lush and natural sounding midrange.
• Smooth, extended treble with good shimmer.
• Excellent EQ potential.
• Strong imaging performance.
• Good resolution and detail retrieval.
• Comfortable fit with good long session comfort.

Cons

• Bass lacks strong physical impact.
• Upper mids can sound too energetic for some listeners.
• Mid bass can mask some finer treble details.
• Soundstage is on the intimate side.
• QDC connector limits cable compatibility.
• Thin cable with only a single 3.5 mm termination.

At the time of writing Simgot EM6L is priced at $125 on Linsoul (non-affiliated link)

Bass

The bass is on the fuller sounding side. It doesn't feel like it's playing on its own field like IEMs with a bass shelf. Instead, it feels like it is filling a room rather than sounding thumpy or distinct.

Despite the bass being on the fuller side, it is well controlled and doesn’t sound muddy. It hits with a solid definition and doesn't sound soft or blunted.

The bass also brings out a good amount of texture and it feels nuanced. But because of this kind of cohesive bass tuning, it doesn't hit with a strong sense of physicality.

In some ways, it kind of reminds me of the SuperMix 4, where the bass decays faster compared to most DDs.

Midrange

Unlike SuperMix 4 which is tuned bang on Harman Target, the EM6L deviates in some areas which makes it much smoother to listen to. There are two areas that make Harman intense sounding - the bass tuck and excessive uppermids boost.

EM6L in short is how I wanted Harman to be. It doesn’t have the bass tuck, instead have boosted bass and lower mids, while the upper mids are still boosted to Harman level.

This gives the vocals a warm and lush tone, despite being on the brighter side. Also, it makes the instruments pop out from the mix, without being too forward.

Personally, the 3 to 6 kHz region is still boosted above my preferred level, which at certain times gives vocals a rough edge, especially for female vocals. Whether some like this or not, depends entirely on their preferences.

Treble

EM6L treble sounds smooth and extended without any harsh peaks. There is a certain delicacy and shimmer to the treble notes which highlights micro details in music.

But at times, the fuller mid bass does mask some of these finer treble details. Once I reduce the mid bass with EQ, those nuances and micro details become much easier to hear. 

Due to this, EM6L has excellent EQ potential as smooth treble is the most important thing that makes it easier to EQ an IEM.

Overall, I prefer the EM6L's treble tuning over the Supermix 4. Even so, I still think the Supermix 4 has a slight edge in bringing out more details from the music.

Subjective Performance

EM6L performs respectably for the price. I wouldn’t call it a “technical monster” like SuperMix 4. It is more of a smooth performer.

Despite being on the fuller sounding side, it does perform good enough when it comes to detail retrieval. The sense of resolution is also good as notes don't sound blunted due to very good treble performance.

Imaging is the strongest aspect of the EM6L, which might make it great for gamers. I could easily pinpoint sound cues easily. Although, it is not at a similar level of SuperMix 4, once again.

But, the soundstaging is on the intimate side. It also performs well enough in Instrument separation and layering, a step above EW300.

Accessories, Build & Comfort

In the box, you get the IEM, a case and three pairs of eartips. 

The cable only comes with a single 3.5mm termination and is on the thinner side. But it does behave properly and can be roadie wrapped easily without any tangling.

Even though it only comes in a single termination, which was common with IEMs released at its time, I do like the gold and black accents going throughout the cable.

What I am not a fan of is the QDC connection.  I much prefer the standard two pin connection of the cheaper EW300, as it is easier to find cables, if replacement is needed.

The shells are made of resin and are on the glossy side, due to this it attracts fingerprints and smudges easily. Personally, I like the all black shell as it gives the EM6L a stealthy look. 

The comfort is pretty good and it fits snugly. Due to the proper venting, I have not faced any pressure issues either and I could wear it for longer sessions without any discomfort.

Conclusion 

The Simgot EM6L is tuned to a version of the Harman 2019 Target that I personally prefer. It keeps what I like about Harman while avoiding some of the things I find too intense.

With all that said, it is not an IEM for those looking for a contrasty sound that makes everything feel extra technical. That's something the SuperMix 4 does better, but it also sounds less smooth.

The EM6L, on the other hand, focuses on being a smooth all rounder that works well with almost any genre. It may not be the most technical sounding IEM in its price range, but its smoother presentation is what sets it apart.

Arc is Pula's entry into the budget IEM space. Unlike most IEMs in this price range that lean towards an exciting mild V shaped or Harman inspired tuning, Arc aims for a smooth, relaxed sound without sacrificing clarity.

Let's see how the Pula Arc performs and whether it can stand out against the competition in this price range.

At the time of writing, the Pula Arc is priced at $20 on HiFiGo (non-affiliated link). 

Bass

The bass is substantially boosted with more emphasis towards the sub bass while still keeping enough mid bass to sound punchy and lively. This is not the kind of bass tuning I usually prefer.

But, I am quite addicted to the way the bass is presented. The bass is on the bouncy side, which makes music enjoyable without sounding sloppy.

The texture is respectable for the price. While the attack isn't particularly sharp, it's not too blunted either. My only gripe is that at times it can sound slightly hollow, lacking note weight.

Mid-range

The midrange is my favorite part of the Arc. The excess warmth injected by the bass and lower mids gives the overall mids a pleasant and soothing character.

The restrained upper midrange and a relaxed treble presentation make it sound organic. I quite like how male vocals sound on the Arc, they sound full bodied, rich and pleasantly warm.

Female vocals are a little more restrained due to the relaxed upper mids, but I still enjoyed listening to them because they never became piercing or shouty.

Treble

Most of the Arc's treble presence comes from the lower treble. There is a noticeable roll off in the upper treble, which is what gives it its smooth character.

The cymbals are where the treble limitations become more obvious. They don't sound fully complete, making cymbal crashes sound as if they have been cut short before shimmering away.

The overall treble is smooth without any harsh peaks to my ears, there is no hint of harshness. However, I never found it to sound dull or lacking clarity due to the lower treble emphasis.

Subjective Performance

It’s pretty obvious that this kind of tuning is not going to be the most technical sounding, as the treble is relaxed to sound smooth.

Its sense of resolution is respectable for the price. Notes have rounded edges that contribute to the smooth presentation, but they never become blunted or mushy sounding.

Detail retrieval is decent as well. Since the tuning doesn't push details to the front of the mix, you have to pay attention to notice them.

The soundstage is on the intimate side, with the imaging being restricted to mostly left and right. It does a respectable job when it comes to instrument separation.

Accessories, Build & Comfort

The accessories are on the basic side. It comes with a flat cable, which is not my type of cable. However, it behaves well and I could easily wrap it without any tangling.

The included eartips are generic and come in three sizes. There are no cases or pouches included in the box either.

The Arc uses a transparent resin shell with a metal faceplate. The shell is fairly small and has a nicely contoured shape, allowing it to sit securely.

It is lightweight, there's no pressure buildup and I never experienced any discomfort during long sessions. Apart from the tuning, comfort is one of the main reasons why I could listen to the Arc for hours.

Conclusion

The Pula Arc is for those who enjoy a smooth sound signature. If you're treble sensitive or just want an IEM that you can listen to for hours without getting fatigued, this is one of the better options in its price range. The comfortable fit only makes those long listening sessions even better.

If you want an exciting or hard hitting sound, this isn't the IEM for you. The budget IEM space is filled with plenty of other options that focus more on that kind of tuning.

What I like most about the Arc is how well it pulls off this tuning. A smooth sound can easily become muddy or lose its clarity, but that never happens here. It stays clean, natural and easy to listen to.

Disclaimer: The sample unit was sent to me by HiFiGo for review purposes. They had no input into the content and I am not paid for this review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Arc is Pula's entry into the budget IEM space. Unlike most IEMs in this price range that lean towards an exciting mild V shaped or Harman inspired tuning, Arc aims for a smooth, relaxed sound without sacrificing clarity.

Let's see how the Pula Arc performs and whether it can stand out against the competition in this price range.

Pros

• Smooth and relaxed tuning, without sounding mushy.
• Enjoyable, bouncy bass with a good punch.
• Warm, rich and organic sounding midrange.
• Non-fatiguing treble without harshness.
• Respectable resolution and detail retrieval for the price.
• Comfortable, lightweight shell for long listening sessions.
• Maintains clarity despite the warm tuning.
• Excellent choice for treble-sensitive listeners.

Cons

• Bass can sound slightly hollow at times.
• Upper treble rolls off, limiting cymbal shimmer.
• Details are not presented upfront.
• Intimate soundstage with average imaging.
• Basic accessories with no carrying case.
• Flat cable and generic eartips.

At the time of writing, the Pula Arc is priced at $20 on HiFiGo (non-affiliated link). 

Bass

The bass is substantially boosted with more emphasis towards the sub bass while still keeping enough mid bass to sound punchy and lively. This is not the kind of bass tuning I usually prefer.

But, I am quite addicted to the way the bass is presented. The bass is on the bouncy side, which makes music enjoyable without sounding sloppy.

The texture is respectable for the price. While the attack isn't particularly sharp, it's not too blunted either. My only gripe is that at times it can sound slightly hollow, lacking note weight.

Mid-range

The midrange is my favorite part of the Arc. The excess warmth injected by the bass and lower mids gives the overall mids a pleasant and soothing character.

The restrained upper midrange and a relaxed treble presentation make it sound organic. I quite like how male vocals sound on the Arc, they sound full bodied, rich and pleasantly warm.

Female vocals are a little more restrained due to the relaxed upper mids, but I still enjoyed listening to them because they never became piercing or shouty.

Treble

Most of the Arc's treble presence comes from the lower treble. There is a noticeable roll off in the upper treble, which is what gives it its smooth character.

The cymbals are where the treble limitations become more obvious. They don't sound fully complete, making cymbal crashes sound as if they have been cut short before shimmering away.

The overall treble is smooth without any harsh peaks to my ears, there is no hint of harshness. However, I never found it to sound dull or lacking clarity due to the lower treble emphasis.

Subjective Performance

It’s pretty obvious that this kind of tuning is not going to be the most technical sounding, as the treble is relaxed to sound smooth.

Its sense of resolution is respectable for the price. Notes have rounded edges that contribute to the smooth presentation, but they never become blunted or mushy sounding.

Detail retrieval is decent as well. Since the tuning doesn't push details to the front of the mix, you have to pay attention to notice them.

The soundstage is on the intimate side, with the imaging being restricted to mostly left and right. It does a respectable job when it comes to instrument separation.

Accessories, Build & Comfort

The accessories are on the basic side. It comes with a flat cable, which is not my type of cable. However, it behaves well and I could easily wrap it without any tangling.

The included eartips are generic and come in three sizes. There are no cases or pouches included in the box either.

The Arc uses a transparent resin shell with a metal faceplate. The shell is fairly small and has a nicely contoured shape, allowing it to sit securely.

It is lightweight, there's no pressure buildup and I never experienced any discomfort during long sessions. Apart from the tuning, comfort is one of the main reasons why I could listen to the Arc for hours.

Comparisons

NiceHCK Tears: It sounds leaner and brighter than the Pula Arc. The reduced mid bass and more forward upper mids give it a brighter overall presentation.

Twistura Delta: It has a similar bass profile to the Pula Arc, but the extra upper mids and treble make it sound more energetic. The Arc sounds smoother and more relaxed in comparison.

Dunu Titan X: It has a much more V-shaped tuning than the Pula Arc. The Arc sounds smoother, while also having better bass quality with more bounce and impact. The Titan X's bass feels more restrained in comparison.

Conclusion

The Pula Arc is for those who enjoy a smooth sound signature. If you're treble sensitive or just want an IEM that you can listen to for hours without getting fatigued, this is one of the better options in its price range. The comfortable fit only makes those long listening sessions even better.

If you want an exciting or hard hitting sound, this isn't the IEM for you. The budget IEM space is filled with plenty of other options that focus more on that kind of tuning.

What I like most about the Arc is how well it pulls off this tuning. A smooth sound can easily become muddy or lose its clarity, but that never happens here. It stays clean, natural and easy to listen to.

Disclaimer: The sample unit was sent to me by HiFiGo for review purposes. They had no input into the content and I am not paid for this review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Arc is Pula's entry into the budget IEM space. Unlike most IEMs in this price range that lean towards an exciting mild V shaped or Harman inspired tuning, Arc aims for a smooth, relaxed sound without sacrificing clarity.

Let's see how the Pula Arc performs and whether it can stand out against the competition in this price range.

Pros

• Smooth and relaxed tuning, without sounding mushy.
• Enjoyable, bouncy bass with a good punch.
• Warm, rich and organic sounding midrange.
• Non-fatiguing treble without harshness.
• Respectable resolution and detail retrieval for the price.
• Comfortable, lightweight shell for long listening sessions.
• Maintains clarity despite the warm tuning.
• Excellent choice for treble-sensitive listeners.

Cons

• Bass can sound slightly hollow at times.
• Upper treble rolls off, limiting cymbal shimmer.
• Details are not presented upfront.
• Intimate soundstage with average imaging.
• Basic accessories with no carrying case.
• Flat cable and generic eartips.

At the time of writing, the Pula Arc is priced at $20 on HiFiGo (non-affiliated link). 

Bass

The bass is substantially boosted with more emphasis towards the sub bass while still keeping enough mid bass to sound punchy and lively. This is not the kind of bass tuning I usually prefer.

But, I am quite addicted to the way the bass is presented. The bass is on the bouncy side, which makes music enjoyable without sounding sloppy.

The texture is respectable for the price. While the attack isn't particularly sharp, it's not too blunted either. My only gripe is that at times it can sound slightly hollow, lacking note weight.

Mid-range

The midrange is my favorite part of the Arc. The excess warmth injected by the bass and lower mids gives the overall mids a pleasant and soothing character.

The restrained upper midrange and a relaxed treble presentation make it sound organic. I quite like how male vocals sound on the Arc, they sound full bodied, rich and pleasantly warm.

Female vocals are a little more restrained due to the relaxed upper mids, but I still enjoyed listening to them because they never became piercing or shouty.

Treble

Most of the Arc's treble presence comes from the lower treble. There is a noticeable roll off in the upper treble, which is what gives it its smooth character.

The cymbals are where the treble limitations become more obvious. They don't sound fully complete, making cymbal crashes sound as if they have been cut short before shimmering away.

The overall treble is smooth without any harsh peaks to my ears, there is no hint of harshness. However, I never found it to sound dull or lacking clarity due to the lower treble emphasis.

Subjective Performance

It’s pretty obvious that this kind of tuning is not going to be the most technical sounding, as the treble is relaxed to sound smooth.

Its sense of resolution is respectable for the price. Notes have rounded edges that contribute to the smooth presentation, but they never become blunted or mushy sounding.

Detail retrieval is decent as well. Since the tuning doesn't push details to the front of the mix, you have to pay attention to notice them.

The soundstage is on the intimate side, with the imaging being restricted to mostly left and right. It does a respectable job when it comes to instrument separation.

Accessories, Build & Comfort

The accessories are on the basic side. It comes with a flat cable, which is not my type of cable. However, it behaves well and I could easily wrap it without any tangling.

The included eartips are generic and come in three sizes. There are no cases or pouches included in the box either.

The Arc uses a transparent resin shell with a metal faceplate. The shell is fairly small and has a nicely contoured shape, allowing it to sit securely.

It is lightweight, there's no pressure buildup and I never experienced any discomfort during long sessions. Apart from the tuning, comfort is one of the main reasons why I could listen to the Arc for hours.

Comparisons

NiceHCK Tears: It sounds leaner and brighter than the Pula Arc. The reduced mid bass and more forward upper mids give it a brighter overall presentation.

Twistura Delta: It has a similar bass profile to the Pula Arc, but the extra upper mids and treble make it sound more energetic. The Arc sounds smoother and more relaxed in comparison.

Dunu Titan X: It has a much more V-shaped tuning than the Pula Arc. The Arc sounds smoother, while also having better bass quality with more bounce and impact. The Titan X's bass feels more restrained in comparison.

Conclusion

The Pula Arc is for those who enjoy a smooth sound signature. If you're treble sensitive or just want an IEM that you can listen to for hours without getting fatigued, this is one of the better options in its price range. The comfortable fit only makes those long listening sessions even better.

If you want an exciting or hard hitting sound, this isn't the IEM for you. The budget IEM space is filled with plenty of other options that focus more on that kind of tuning.

What I like most about the Arc is how well it pulls off this tuning. A smooth sound can easily become muddy or lose its clarity, but that never happens here. It stays clean, natural and easy to listen to.

Disclaimer: The sample unit was sent to me by HiFiGo for review purposes. They had no input into the content and I am not paid for this review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

The sub $150 IEM market is a pretty interesting price range for me because this is where you can find IEMs that punch well above their price and sometimes even compete with more expensive models.

The Juzear Nebula is one of the latest IEMs to enter this competitive price range. It certainly has the gorgeous looking shell to stand out from the crowd. 

But what matters more is how it sounds.

Bass

The bass is primarily focused on the sub-bass over the mid-bass. This makes the bass smack with less mid-bass punch.

Due to this, each bass hit feels like they are lacking in note weight and physicality. It just hits hard and disappears quickly. 

I would describe this kind of bass as dry sounding because it has a faster decay compared to typical DD bass, which lingers a bit longer.

When it comes to the perceived quality of the bass, it is very good for the price. The bass feels clean, there's a good amount of texture, it feels nuanced and it is enjoyable to listen to.

Mid-range

Similar to the bass, the mids also have this drier character to them due to the fact that the lower mids are lean. Vocals can come across as a bit lacking in body, which is especially evident in male vocals.

This kind of presentation works best for female vocals, in my opinion, because they sound thin, pristine and exciting to listen to on Nebula. However, the lack of warmth might be a deal breaker for some.

When it comes to the upper mids, it is nowhere near the point where I would call them shouty. It is at the right level that I would consider to be forward enough without being fatiguing.

Treble

Lastly, moving on to the treble, which is my favorite part of the Nebula. It sounds crisp, detailed and tactile, all the qualities that define good treble in an IEM. This is the best treble performance I have heard in this price range.

The treble is well extended and because of this, it sounds sparkly and the cymbal hits feel complete without smearing off. You don't feel like any notes are missing because there is no roll-off in the upper treble.

Occasionally, I do get slight sizzle in the upper treble, depending upon the songs, but this is not to the point where I would consider it to be harsh or overbearing.

With the right eartips, this can be tamed quite easily. I find it to sound the best with AET07 style eartips, which are the stock eartips of many IEMs.

Subjective Presentation

An IEM mostly sounds technical not because it has a lot of treble, but because it has good quality treble and Nebula produces that kind of treble to my ears.

In terms of subjective qualities, Nebula excels in two areas. One is imaging, which is very good for the price. It is very accurate and I can easily pinpoint sound cues happening on the stage without any difficulty.

Then, it excels in terms of detail and resolution because each note comes across as sharp without being edgy and due to this it sounds delicate, crisp and detailed to my ears.

The sense of soundstage, however, is on the medium side, not too wide and not too intimate. The instrument separation is also commendable. 

It does a very good job of separating each instrument in a busy mix. Overall, this is easily one of the most technical sounding IEMs I have heard in this price range.

Accessories, Build & Comfort

Nebula comes in pretty standard Juzear packaging, which you can find in this price range. Once you open the box, you are greeted with a poster of the IEM and everything is neatly arranged inside.

When it comes to accessories, the cable quality is very good. It has a slight rubbery feel to it, but it wraps easily and I haven't faced any microphonic issues with it either. One good thing about this cable is that the terminations can be changed easily and you get a 4.4 mm plug in the box.

There are three types of eartips included in the box. There is a pair of foam eartips, three pairs of standard bore eartips and three pairs of short wide bore eartips.

Compared to other Juzear models in this price range, Nebula doesn't come with a case, which is quite odd. Instead, it comes with a very nice pouch that smells very good. However, I do recommend storing Nebula inside a case to protect its faceplate from getting scratched.

It's because the faceplate of the Nebula looks gorgeous. It changes color depending on how the light hits it and if you change the angle, you will see a slightly different color. There is also a micro fiber cloth provided, which could help wipe those pretty faceplates.

When it comes to the build, it is a resin build IEM and because of that, it seals very well. I haven't faced any comfort issues after wearing it for a longer time. The nozzle width also seems to be on the medium side and I haven't faced any issues on that front either.

Conclusion

As I have said before, the sub $150 IEM market is really interesting because you can find IEMs that punch well above their price and often blur the line between $150 and $200 IEMs. I believe the Juzear Nebula is one of them.

Now, this is not a perfect IEM by any means, as it is only recommendable to those who enjoy a lean, dry kind of sound, which can sound very technical. For those who need a warm, cozy kind of sound should look somewhere else.

The standout aspect of Nebula for me is its treble performance, which is very good for the price. This is something that many budget IEMs lack and it is nice to see good sound is getting cheaper.

Disclaimer: The sample unit was sent to me by HiFiGo for review purposes. They had no input into the content and I am not paid for this review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

The sub $150 IEM market is a pretty interesting price range for me because this is where you can find IEMs that punch well above their price and sometimes even compete with more expensive models.

The Juzear Nebula is one of the latest IEMs to enter this competitive price range. It certainly has the gorgeous looking shell to stand out from the crowd. 

But what matters more is how it sounds.

Pros

• Excellent treble performance with good extension, detail and crispness. 
• Very good imaging, resolution and instrument separation for the price. 
• Clean and textured bass response. 
• Gorgeous resin shells with a comfortable fit and good isolation. 
• Good quality modular cable with both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm terminations.

Cons

• Lean and dry sound may not suit everyone. 
• Bass lacks mid-bass punch, note weight and physicality. 
• Male vocals can sound thin due to the lean lower mids. 
• Occasional upper treble sizzle on some tracks. 
• Does not include a protective carrying case.

Bass

The bass is primarily focused on the sub-bass over the mid-bass. This makes the bass smack with less mid-bass punch.

Due to this, each bass hit feels like they are lacking in note weight and physicality. It just hits hard and disappears quickly. 

I would describe this kind of bass as dry sounding because it has a faster decay compared to typical DD bass, which lingers a bit longer.

When it comes to the perceived quality of the bass, it is very good for the price. The bass feels clean, there's a good amount of texture, it feels nuanced and it is enjoyable to listen to.

Mid-range

Similar to the bass, the mids also have this drier character to them due to the fact that the lower mids are lean. Vocals can come across as a bit lacking in body, which is especially evident in male vocals.

This kind of presentation works best for female vocals, in my opinion, because they sound thin, pristine and exciting to listen to on Nebula. However, the lack of warmth might be a deal breaker for some.

When it comes to the upper mids, it is nowhere near the point where I would call them shouty. It is at the right level that I would consider to be forward enough without being fatiguing.

Treble

Lastly, moving on to the treble, which is my favorite part of the Nebula. It sounds crisp, detailed and tactile, all the qualities that define good treble in an IEM. This is the best treble performance I have heard in this price range.

The treble is well extended and because of this, it sounds sparkly and the cymbal hits feel complete without smearing off. You don't feel like any notes are missing because there is no roll-off in the upper treble.

Occasionally, I do get slight sizzle in the upper treble, depending upon the songs, but this is not to the point where I would consider it to be harsh or overbearing.

With the right eartips, this can be tamed quite easily. I find it to sound the best with AET07 style eartips, which are the stock eartips of many IEMs.

Subjective Presentation

An IEM mostly sounds technical not because it has a lot of treble, but because it has good quality treble and Nebula produces that kind of treble to my ears.

In terms of subjective qualities, Nebula excels in two areas. One is imaging, which is very good for the price. It is very accurate and I can easily pinpoint sound cues happening on the stage without any difficulty.

Then, it excels in terms of detail and resolution because each note comes across as sharp without being edgy and due to this it sounds delicate, crisp and detailed to my ears.

The sense of soundstage, however, is on the medium side, not too wide and not too intimate. The instrument separation is also commendable. 

It does a very good job of separating each instrument in a busy mix. Overall, this is easily one of the most technical sounding IEMs I have heard in this price range.

Accessories, Build & Comfort

Nebula comes in pretty standard Juzear packaging, which you can find in this price range. Once you open the box, you are greeted with a poster of the IEM and everything is neatly arranged inside.

When it comes to accessories, the cable quality is very good. It has a slight rubbery feel to it, but it wraps easily and I haven't faced any microphonic issues with it either. One good thing about this cable is that the terminations can be changed easily and you get a 4.4 mm plug in the box.

There are three types of eartips included in the box. There is a pair of foam eartips, three pairs of standard bore eartips and three pairs of short wide bore eartips.

Compared to other Juzear models in this price range, Nebula doesn't come with a case, which is quite odd. Instead, it comes with a very nice pouch that smells very good. However, I do recommend storing Nebula inside a case to protect its faceplate from getting scratched.

It's because the faceplate of the Nebula looks gorgeous. It changes color depending on how the light hits it and if you change the angle, you will see a slightly different color. There is also a micro fiber cloth provided, which could help wipe those pretty faceplates.

When it comes to the build, it is a resin build IEM and because of that, it seals very well. I haven't faced any comfort issues after wearing it for a longer time. The nozzle width also seems to be on the medium side and I haven't faced any issues on that front either.

Conclusion

As I have said before, the sub $150 IEM market is really interesting because you can find IEMs that punch well above their price and often blur the line between $150 and $200 IEMs. I believe the Juzear Nebula is one of them.

Now, this is not a perfect IEM by any means, as it is only recommendable to those who enjoy a lean, dry kind of sound, which can sound very technical. For those who need a warm, cozy kind of sound should look somewhere else.

The standout aspect of Nebula for me is its treble performance, which is very good for the price. This is something that many budget IEMs lack and it is nice to see good sound is getting cheaper.

Disclaimer: The sample unit was sent to me by HiFiGo for review purposes. They had no input into the content and I am not paid for this review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

I have been listening to the Pula Arc for hours now because it is so small and comfortable to wear, with a pleasing, smooth sound.

This kind of reminds me of the Aful Explorer on a budget because of how smooth the overall sound is.

The bass has a nice bounce to it, the overall midrange tonality is on the warm, relaxed side, with the treble being on the smoother side.

The treble seems rolled off in the upper treble, which contributes to the smoother overall sound.

The Arc has the kind of sound signature I would call organic because there are no harsh peaks in the treble to distract me.

It's the kind of IEM I just wear and forget because of how comfortable it is and how smooth it sounds.

I am currently comparing it with many of the budget IEMs I have, including some new releases.

If there are any IEMs you would like me to compare it with, please let me know.

Thanks for reading.