ISN Audio x Effect Audio Sora 

Another week another review. We are revisiting ISN Audio and set in question is Sora. Those who have been with me for long know that I always on lookout for new brands and unique sets. I have already covered ISN earlier with EST80 one of my favorite sets (please check in my profile for the review of EST80). ISN Audio has created this set in collaboration with Effect Audio. AudioGeek India is touring this set and you know where it is leading right? Will this set woo me like EST80 or not? Please read on.

First of all, mighty thanks to AudioGeek India and ISN Audio as without their help this review wouldn’t have been possible. 

I have not been paid to do this review or was compensated in any manner. The set will revert back to brand upon completion of review tour.

My preferences for tonality & timbre are DD > Hybrids > Planars

Now that we are done with the pleasantries let us get on with the meat and potatoes of the review.

Build Quality:

Packaging is austere as usual. Its Penon thing I get it. Inside box there is nice ISN branded suede case. Inside the case is effect audio cable & two types of ear tips in 3 sizes. One shirt clip & sim ejector tool for switches. Addition of cleaning tool is great addition. IEM shells are nestled in foam cut out made just for them. 

IEM shells are resin with nice blue color. Its translucent so, you can see drivers inside. Nozzles are made up of metal, have lips to them. There is mesh/screen to them to avoid ingress of dirt & ear wax. 

Cable is made by Effect audio. It is thick 2 core UP-OCC SPC cable. It is nice to feel and looks premium. In my opinion it suits Sora. Fixtures are made up of metal and add to the look and feel of the cable. It has pre formed ear hooks.

Included suede case is hard case and at same time has soft cushion at the top of the case. Case is roomy, it can easily carry IEMs + Cable + ear tips + cleaning tool. If you remove ear tips + cleaning tool you can even fit dongle in there. Case feels like expensive watch case or jewelry case.

Overall Build Quality 5/5

Comfort:

Shells are bit on large side. So, would recommend people with small ears to demo before purchase. For my elephant ears fit was perfect. Nozzles are long and provide nice deep insertion. Lips on nozzles provide nice grip to ear tips. No slip offs. No ear pain or pressure was felt on long listening sessions.

Cable is supple and well behaved. It doesn’t get tangled. It was easy to roadie wrap it. Ear hooks behave and don’t tug on IEM shells. 

Overall comfort 5/5.

Sources:

Sora was tested on neutral sources with stock cable and stock ear tips. I think best pairings are with warm sources and neutral sources. pairing with the bright sources is not recommended unless you are extreme treble head.

Music Genre Used for this Review:

Hip-hop/EDM/Rap/Rock both classic and hard/Bollywood Music/Pop/Jazz/Regional music etc.

   

https://music.apple.com/in/playlist/test-tracks/pl.u-8aAVXG6ivz8gyxX?ls

General Sound Impressions:

Bass/Lows:

Sub bass just rumbles amazingly. It rattles your skull. Presentation elevated by nice BCD implementation. Mid bass thumps with authority, you feel air displaced by it. It’s quite physical. Nice balance between sub bass and mid bass. If you like good bass just north of neutral this is the one for you. 

Drums, kick drums, guitars of all kinds just sound impressive and authoritative. That strike on the drum face, skin and the reverberations of the drums just sound awesome. Buzz of the strings is satisfying. It feels so engaging. Bass heavy genres are joy to listen.

Overall Bass/Lows 5/5       

Mids:

Vocals are just in right amount forward in the mix. Male vocals feel great. They have note weight. There is sense of naturalness to them.  Female vocals sound equally great. They have sweetness to them. They have edge to them; this can be con for some. Still, they are not female poison level. They don’t get harsh. I love how the female vocals are here. Vocals are treat here.

Most instruments reside in the mids. there was no congestion or smearing in the instruments. No timbral or tonal oddities were felt. Clarity is excellent.

Overall mids 5/5

Treble/Highs:

Detailed treble. you may feel that treble is bit forward in the mix alongside bass. But it doesn’t overshadow others. With the treble switch on position for treble sensitive people, it can be bit much. For them treble switch turned off is recommended. For me it was not much. For me strings, crashes, cymbals didn’t get harsh or odd in tonality. You will not miss any details be it Macro or micro.

Perceived soundstage, stage is large. It is wide and tall. It is wide than tall. It is holographic. Positional cues are on point. You can easily pin point where on the stage is the instrument. It’s not most 3d holographic stage but enough to create nice large open feeling and avoid any congestion.

Treble/Highs 5/5

Song Impressions:

Daisies by Nina Shallman   

I love voice of Nina Sjhallman and currently in love with this song. You will this song making more appearances in my reviews.

Nina sounds absolutely fab. Sora reminds me why I love her voice.  The sweetness of her voice., youthfulness of it. Sora made the experience next level.

Starting drum sequence feels emphatic. Strings feel perfect. Synthesizer notes are great. Entire mix feels mesmerizing. Thank you, Sora.

 

Despacito by Luis Fonsi feat. Daddy Yankee

I have been fan of Daddy Yankee for a long time. When I listened to this one, I became fan of Luis Fonsi. Now his songs adorn my playlist.

Daddy Yankee has low pitched voice and sora captures it well. It feels like him. Luis Fonsi has high pitched refined voice. Sora captures it well. You can distinguish between them properly and can identify properly. Sora does justice to their vocals.

Here you have so many instruments in the mix like strings, drums, synthesizer note. None of which sounds odd or out of place. Their tone and timbre were on point. One of the best renditions of Despacito.

The Great Chinggis Khaan by The Hu

One of my favorite songs. This song is unique due to throat singing. 

In this song I always look out for sub bass rumble that’s present in the entire song due to throat singing and due to strings. Sora nails it perfectly. It sounds not just perfect but creates the desired impact. For those full marks to ISN Audio. Drums are impactful. strings be it modern or traditional sound marvelous. Their buzz is on point.

This is complex song & sora didn’t struggle here. It kept instruments separated. No congestion was felt. Song has open feeling to it Sora faithfully reproduces it. This was really enjoyable rendition.

Nothing else matters by Metallica

An obligatory song from Metallica because I am fan.

Starting bass notes are on point. Crashes are natural. Guitars sound awesome. They sound natural, their strings buzz nicely. Vocals here are recessed and it is faithfully reproduced. There is sibilance in them that also is captured well. Piano notes are great. Entire mix eels awesome. 

I couldn’t find any fault in tone or timbre. It didn’t have any congestion issue in busy passages. To me this was perfect rendition of nothing else matters.

Final Conclusion:

This is my second exposure to ISN Audio. EST80 that I had covered earlier had set bar way high up. I was having doubts if Sora would be able fit those shoes. EST80 is dark compared to Sora. So, technically its like comparing apples to oranges and I don’t intend to do so. Why am I then talking about EST80 here? Because it showed me what ISN Audio is capable of. 

Now coming to Sora, you must have guessed by now what I feel about it. Yes, I am in love with it. I am mightily impressed with it. It hits all the preferences for me. Now Will I buy it? 100% Yes. Already making preparations to buy it. Will I recommend it? 200% just not to treble sensitive people. For most it’s must buy set. Keep it in your Wishlist & when on discount snag one.

Thank you for enduring with me till the end. Now go grab yourself a cup of coffee and let’s get high on safe high i.e. Music.

ISN Audio x Effect Audio Sora 5/5     

I thought the Hidizs My Lin sounded good using a cheapo USB DAC with the stock 3.5mm cable and stock tips. The Hidizs S8 DAC matched with their 4.4mm balanced cable and the Sea Anemone tips make everything sound absolutely amazing. I was considering buying a DAP, but I think I'll hold off for now.

Pros: Incredible vocals and midrange
Detail retrieval is top-notch
Looks are stunning
Punches well above it's price point
Great source synergy

Cons: The passive radiator may be doing very little for the sub-bass
Unforgiving to poor mastering and recording
Cable is meh, and not modular
Included tips are also just about ok

I got the Binary Acoustics 1900 to try out courtesy u/Clear-Lingonberry122 as an option to demo. So thank you brother and thank you Hifigo for making this happen. The views and impressions, however, are mine and mine alone.

The set comes in a nice box that comes with the iems and cable nestled in foam with a box full of tips. Under the foam is a storage case - sizable and useful. It would store the IEMs and a dongle dac with no trouble. The cable seems a tad cheapish. Silver plated OFC with either 4.4 or 3.5 options. I would have liked the option for it to be modular and maybe just a better cable at this price point (~$235). It is however a standard 2 pin, so the world is your oyster in the cable department.
But just out the box it is gorgeous. Black resin shells with a 316 stainless steel faceplate with an interesting design inspired by “the legend of 1900”, which after reading the wiki about I really want to watch. Also Tim Roth. The design depicts musical notes flowing into one another and looks striking and oddly reminiscent of the glyphs in 5th Element.
The set up is a single 10mm with a 6mm passive radiator for the lows, and 4 balanced armatures for everything else. The IEM comes with a 6mm nozzle with the 3 holes, not unlike the EM10 from Simgot. It is fairly comfortable for longish sessions despite a little lip (that I honestly am beginning to have a love-hate relationship with). I managed to use these for a 2-3 hour session with only a mild pressure in my right pinna, that got better with a small adjustment. That sounds like a chiropractor but it is what it is.
Tips - stock but not really great tips, so Divinus Velvet, Dunu Candy, Sancai, Final E
Sources - Fiio M33, Musehifi M3Ultra, VE Prime stack.

Overall impression - this is a midrange tuned set that sounds incredible for vocals and acoustics. The tuning is musical but at the same doesn't scrimp on details and resolution. There is a slightly tame sub-bass, that may make “feeling” the music a little less exciting than other sets.

Bass
This IEM shares the same technology as the Faith Audio E1000 (which is basically an arm and a leg and both kidneys more expensive than this one) which is an active dynamic driver and a smaller passive radiator to augment the low end. Now I haven't spent as much time with the E1000 than I have with this one and definitely have not done an A-B comparison, but there is a difference in the sub-bass quality. I’ve heard the words visceral, moving, impactful, emotive thrown in when describing the sub-bass rumble but the best I can say is the 1900 doesn’t have that. It gets better with adding a small bass shelf on EQ, more power and Final E tips. The sub-bass seems to disappear before it registers into the emotional parts of the brain (amygdala for those who ask). The mid-bass is, on the other hand, beautifully done. Punchy kick drums and bass which are authoritative and extend up to the low mids without bleeding bloating. On Got A Match by the Chick Corea Elektric Band, and YYZ by Rush, the kick and bass work hand to hold those tracks together. The rhythm section is clear with great separation of the kicks and bass with each note cleanly heard. Same with Hell’s Kitchen and Dance of Eternity by Dream Theater. On the whole, an enjoyable bass with no bloat and great clarity. But this is NOT a bass head IEM.

Mids
This is where this IEM pulls out all the stops. Male vocals have a solid foundation and sound natural. Pianos, synths, acoustic guitars have a natural timbre and are presented front and centre. Helplessly Hoping by Girl Named Tom showcases both voice and guitars. Hanuman by Rodrigo y Gabriela is a 2 guitar high energy track and the interplay of both guitars is crystal clear and thoroughly enjoyable. Jazz fusion also sounds incredible. And female vocals. Not shouty and both Stevie Nicks and Christie McVie sound delightful, natural and moving. And this passes the Playing God test with no weird timbre on that track.

Treble
Cymbals and hi-hat work are clean and clear with some air and shimmer. There is a slight sibilance in tracks where the mastering is shifted to the right on the FR curve. But this disappears with the portable tubes of the M3 Ultra. But on the whole if listening to well mastered music, there’s little or no fatigue. The detail retrieval is also quite good without edging into the sibilant territory. There are treble peaks which irk me occasionally but again the M3 takes care of that. On the r2r architecture of the M33 these peaks are less perceptible. The set responds well to source variations and EQ. Hotel California had almost no sibilance. When compared with the absolutely neutral VE stack.

Staging, imaging
The staging is decent. Wide enough to not be claustrophobia inducing and not big enough to store an Airbus A320. The imaging, however, is spot on. Africa by Toto, YYZ by Rush and People Everywhere by Khruangbin show perfect imaging and placement of instruments and vocals. In addition, detail retrieval is also comparable to more expensive sets with the 1900 punching well above its weight in almost all genres.

I’ll still put the VE Zhuanxu over this set just for the sub-bass and the little treble peak that could make this set fatiguing for more energetically recorded and mastered albums (Linkin Park, yes you).

At its rather crowded price point, I would still recommend it if it was your first foray past the budget tier, if you were looking for a set that vocals really, really well, and you aren’t a bass or treble-head and don't mind a little tweakery. And if you think it looks great.

Hi everyone,

HiFiGo asked me if I wanted to highlight some products from their upcoming Back to School / AliExpress sale starting August 17.

Rather than posting a huge list of discounted products, I went through the campaign sheet and picked six that I can actually recommend. Most of them I've either reviewed already or have spent enough time with to have a pretty clear opinion.

There are no affiliate links involved here. HiFiGo asked me to participate in the campaign, but the picks and comments below are mine.

MuseHiFi M3 Ultra, affordable portable tubes

Sale price: around USD110 before additional coins

This remains one of the more unusual portable DAC/amps I've tried.
Instead of simply giving you another clean, powerful dongle, the M3 Ultra uses JAN6418 tubes and actually brings some of that softer, richer tube character into a genuinely portable device.

I particularly liked it when pairing brighter or more analytical IEMs where a little extra warmth and body can be welcome. Or to simply add some additional bass fun and treble elevation, depending on the IEMs hardware configuration.

It isn't something I'd buy purely for measurements or maximum neutrality but rather for additional flavour it can add.

My full review: Muse M3 Ultra

HiFiGo:
https://hifigo.com/products/muse-hifi-m3-ultra
Aliexpress: HIFIZOO: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005012415377539.html

Store Code: USBTSS02

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GYSPW1LC
Amazon JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0H14VXGCC

PULA ARC, ridiculously easy recommendation around $20

Sale price: around USD20, potentially lower with codes/coins

The ARC is one of those inexpensive single-DD sets that doesn't need a complicated explanation.

It has a fairly balanced, slightly U-shaped presentation, good bass quality, clean mids and a smooth enough upper end to make it an easy everyday listen. It doesn't try to impress with excessive bass or treble just because it's inexpensive.

At roughly $20 during the sale, this would probably be my budget pick of this list.

My full review: Pula Arc

HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/pula-audio-arc
Aliexpress HIFIZOO: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005012637621566.html
Code: USBTSS02
Amazon JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0H7X723R1?th=1

Store

AFUL Explorer, a classic that is still good

Sale price: around USD95, potentially around USD88 with code/coins

I haven't reviewed the Explorer myself, but I've spent a lot of time with it to understand why it has remained popular for so long.

Warm, smooth and bassy without turning everything into mush.
The relaxed upper mids and treble also make it a particularly easy set for longer listening sessions. Fit and comfort are excellent for me.

If you prefer something energetic and very bright, this isn't the one. But if your priorities are bass, musicality and fatigue-free listening, the Explorer is still a very safe recommendation around USD100.

HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/aful-explorerAliexpress: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007061750218.htmler/
Store Code: US817P3

Juzear Fiesta, my bass-lover pick

Sale price: around USD102, potentially around USD92 with code/coins

Easy recommendation from me as I love bass.

The Fiesta combines emphasized low-end energy with mids that remain surprisingly clean and an upper end that doesn't ruin the fun. Pop, hip-hop, R&B and EDM are particularly good matches. The sub-bass on this thing is to me bass-head level and fun.

There are plenty of bassy IEMs around this price, but the Fiesta gets the balance right for me. Enough bass to genuinely qualify as a fun set without making vocals feel buried.

My full review: Juzear x VD Fiesta

HiFiGo:
https://hifigo.com/products/juzear-x-vivir-digital-fiesta
Aliexpress: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005012187899336.html
Store Code: USBTSS01
Aliexpress HIFIZOO: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005012381162520.html

Amzon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2YDGF6D
Amazon JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0H38B8GLJ

DUNU x KOTO ITO, the bassy more refined all-rounder

Sale price: USD167.99, down from USD199.99

The ITO is another set I've reviewed and one I'd have no problem recommending.

Compared with the cheaper options here, you're stepping into a more refined presentation with very good technical performance, a well-balanced tuning and DUNU's typically excellent build/accessory package.

It's also probably one of the safer recommendations here if your music library jumps between genres and you don't specifically want a bass-head or relaxed tuning.

My full review: Dunu x Koto Ito

HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/dunu-x-ito
Aliexpress：
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009629363739.html
Amazon US：
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNQZYTW8
Amazon JP :
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0FNC3SF9S

Binary 1900, the newcomer

Sale price: around USD212, potentially around USD196 with code/coins

This one is slightly different because my full review isn't published yet.

I've already spent quite a bit of time with the 1900, though, and I feel comfortable including it here.

Binary uses a combination of a 10 mm dynamic driver, 6 mm passive radiator and four balanced armatures. The result is a lively and musical presentation with plenty of impact while still offering strong technical performance. The bass is has good impact, the mids are mostly clean, the treble well extended without sounding harsh.

The 1900 is a big rec if you like a balanced and mostly natural presentation which is currently one of my favourites in the USD200-400 bracket.
I'll keep this short for now because I don't want to publish half of my upcoming review inside a sale post. ;-)

Full review coming soon.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005012664713633.html
Store Code: USBTSS01

HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/binary-1900
Aliexpress HIFIZOO: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005012570843775.html

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H6HWWKND
Aliexpress HiFiGo: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005012664713633.html
Amazon JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0H6NVPKCB

If I had to narrow it down...

For maximum value around USD20: PULA ARC
For warm, relaxed listening: AFUL Explorer
For bass and fun lovers: Juzear Fiesta
For a bassy and versatile step-up IEM: DUNU x KOTO ITO
For a balanced and musical sounding newcomer around USD200: Binary 1900
For a portable flavoured source rather than another IEM: MuseHiFi M3 Ultra

The sale starts August 17 and runs through August 26. Some of the AliExpress prices can go lower with store codes and coins depending on your account/region.

As always, these are recommendations based on my own listening rather than purchase advice. If you've heard any of these, feel free to add your impressions below.

 

This escalated quickly. 😅

The bass chapter continues with the ThieAudio Origin and Punch Audio Martilo.

Origin will be opened first since that’s the one I’m really curious about right now. Martilo will probably stay sealed for a while and get its own time later.

PB6 Macaw also arrived, but I’ll listen to the Origin straight from the DX270 first before adding the amp into the chain.

Impressions soon once I get proper time with everything.

I received this Muse Hifi M3 Ultra at the same time as the Aful Iceborne and that is why I am reviewing them one after the other. With the recent experience of the Iceborne I now find myself with this other dongle that I sincerely was especially eager to try with my IEMs and see what a dongle with these unusual characteristics can contribute, even more so within the 100 dollar range. I expected something that would differentiate itself from the rest of the dongles tested so far and luckily for me that has been the case. The sound, without going into details but as an introduction, improves in terms of warmth and organicity and softens annoying peaks in certain models making them more enjoyable here, so it will be one more dongle in my collection that will help me get more out of IEMs that without EQ needed something to tame them.

What I liked / What I did not like

• Warm and characteristic sound with no background noise at all.
• Plenty of power for such a small device.
• Aluminum construction and eye-catching design.
• Wide stage and organic presentation.
• Physical volume control with memory.
• Although I love the design, the tubes are unprotected.
• It can be a bit more uncomfortable to carry in the pocket than other dongle DACs.
• There are no buttons to control playback.

Specifications

DAC: ES9028Q2M

Amplification: ES9603Q + dual JAN6418

USB: SA9137L

Support: PCM 32 bit / 384 kHz and native DSD256

Outputs: 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm balanced

Power: 460 mW (3.5 mm) / 480 mW (4.4 mm) at 32 Ω

THD+N: 0.0004 % (3.5 mm) / 0.0003 % (4.4 mm)

SNR: 120 dB / 121 dB

Weight: approx. 55 g

Dimensions: 65 × 46.5 × 16 mm

Unboxing and build

As I could expect, the presentation once you open the box, which by the way opens by sliding to the side and not upwards, includes just the essentials, the DAC and the corresponding cable besides the basic manual. You can always hope that some brand includes a protective case as standard which is usually sold separately, although in this model I have no knowledge that one exists yet.

It is something that time may confirm but it would be welcome to a certain extent to protect the 2 tubes that come uncovered and that you can touch but that make you think that after an accidental drop they could break. I cross my fingers that it does not fall and much less that they break. The two tubes are JAN6418. I am no expert on this but it is clear that together with the rest of the circuitry they do a different job from a conventional dongle of the ones we all have, but I will talk about that below. The body is aluminum although at first before receiving the product it gave me a feeling like cheap plastic and not at all, it is hard and resistant and with only a weight of 55 grams. It is a bit more voluminous than other dongles, that also has to be said, but it can fit in the pocket the same as the rest.

I have had them on long walks and in the end I did not feel that I was carrying an uncomfortable brick in my pants even though it was connected to the smartphone where I use Apple Music. Apart from that, far from heating up after more than an hour and a half that I walked, it felt quite lukewarm to the touch so it seems that it manages heat quite well, despite the sensation that the tubes give when they light up with an orange color on the side that transmits heat visually, that is not something that really happens.

Sound

I had the idea that this DAC was not going to be something neutral or anything similar to others of my current models like the Questyle M15i, NiceHCK Octave or the more recent Tanchjim Space II. This M3 Ultra adds an extra layer of body or density to the music, which is especially noticeable in the lower midrange and in most vocals. This gives a somewhat more organic and colored sound, something that by the way I wanted to move away from since I got into seeking total neutrality some time ago but I think it is necessary to have models like this and others that seek to contribute something different to the tracks you already know and to others still to discover.

Bass

I have not felt that the bass increases as such when using this M3 Ultra but rather the body of that bass or the density. More than in the subbass I would say it happens more in the midbass with that extra body that fills that zone a bit more without bothering. I may have noticed the definition a bit more distorted than with some of my other DACs, but as I say, not to the level of dirtying the sound but of giving it a more organic or realistic touch and not so perfect. In any case, the transition from bass to mids still feels smooth.

Mids

I think that pair of tubes has quite a bit to say in this range. I have noticed it especially in the vocals with a more striking presence in tracks that I already had more than listened to and where I could notice the difference more easily. To fine tune a bit more I would say that the lower mids are denser than the upper mids which sound much softer helping in this way that tracks that were brighter in this range sound better to my taste and tolerate higher volume better. I think this DAC prioritizes sounding musical, sacrificing slightly a bit of the resolution that the Questyle M15i has me used to, which I consider without a doubt my best dongle of all the ones I have. But not everything is resolution and what one gives me the other does not and they can complement each other quite well.

Treble

I have not felt that the M3 Ultra emphasizes the treble or worsens the extension of the same. As I commented with my usual tracks that I already know I still feel that extension and distant and subtle detail, but yes a bit more controlled without getting to sound dark or muted which was also my concern when I was using it the first minutes and felt that it did not have the energy that it had in my other models. It would be in an intermediate point between very energetic and dark allowing prolonged listening and that will surely benefit many IEMs that perhaps lacked a bit more control in treble with their stock EQ.

Test with some IEMs

I decided to try this M3 Ultra with 3 of my IEMs that I know well how they sound and where they overdo or where they lack to see how they behaved here. Starting with the Mysticraft Myth, I immediately noticed that extra body in the bass without them increasing but yes improving their density the same as the vocals that now sounded more present. The stage of the Myth is already excellent in itself and according to its price but with this DAC the enveloping sensation improved especially in some tracks curiously from older recordings although possibly remastered like the song Stand! by Jackson 5 that jumped in my library when I activated shuffle mode and impressed me how it sounded here with this specific combination of IEM and DAC.

Another model that I wanted to try and that already has a very special treatment in mids and in the vocals are the Ziigaat Arcanis, which also on certain occasions have sounded a bit bright in the treble of some musical tracks, and the M3 Ultra has fixed them completely if I compare them with the FiiO KA15 where they became a bit annoying at times. Now the treble was smoothed as happens in general with all the IEMs I have connected here, but above all the body and organicity that the vocals acquired took the Arcanis to a new level that I think improved the overall experience of this specific model, with which I think it has been the most benefited of the 3 IEMs that I tried.

Lastly and exclusively with the M3 Ultra connected to the mini PC at home, I tried the Binary 1900, which is a fairly balanced IEM in general without standing out in specific frequencies although also prioritizing musicality before excessive detail. The M3 Ultra once again added to the 1900 an extra layer of warmth to the sound in general but without unbalancing its original tuning that is already very well tuned in itself. The vocals as in the Arcanis also gained a bit more organicity and presence although not as much as in those.

Technical aspects

Speaking a bit above about how I have felt the soundstage, separation and imaging in this M3 Ultra, the width is more than I expected and the depth not as much as I have noticed in the M15i but in the end this is contributed more by the IEM itself that you connect than by the DAC itself, which does not take away that in a certain way it can be enhanced for better or for worse and here it does not worsen at all. It is possible that the tubes help in their way so that the instruments have a bit more space around them, it is something that can be felt in specific songs if you stop to listen after trying other dongles and then come to these. But the holographic sensation I would dare to say that it improves in general IEMs where they felt a bit flatter in width and depth.

Of course, I had to try more complex tracks, in quantity of instruments, speed, etc, to check that indeed some layers of instruments get a bit closer between them when the melody gets complicated, something that my desktop DAC the FiiO K9 manages wonderfully and here being a dongle even with these unique characteristics manages with a bit more complication making the music a bit flatter in those specific moments that I comment.

I was able to use it for a while from the smartphone itself watching a movie and the localization of the sounds the same as with music remained quite coherent without disorienting me about where the sounds around me were coming from, although it is clear that the focus of the M3 Ultra is clearly on music but it does not clash at all if you want to use it in other areas.

Comparison

I will compare it directly with the Aful Iceborne for having it very recently and being a model of similar price and launched practically at the same time or of that I have knowledge. Starting from the fact that the Iceborne gives the sensation of an elongated brick that simulates a black ice block, it is still smaller and a bit thinner still than the M3 Ultra. Perhaps in the photo that I have included where both are seen face to face it is not appreciated but I have checked it myself and it wins in all measurements being more compact. Where does it not win against the M3 Ultra? Well surely in construction material since a resin DAC although it can surely resist hits and falls does not give you the same peace of mind as one of aluminum although as I commented, the tubes of the M3 Ultra are uncovered no matter how surrounded by aluminum they are so time will tell how each one resists not only to hits but to involuntary scrapes and scratches on pants, tables, etc.

I have not felt that either of the 2 heats up especially after use for hours although perhaps the M3 Ultra manages heat better, whether due to its internal construction or that of the aluminum case itself. Regarding how they modify the sound of the IEMs it could be summarized in that the Iceborne gets closer to that neutrality that I had been pursuing for some time in the dongles that I wanted to have without coloring or modifying the songs too much as I know them, while the M3 Ultra does add whether for good or not so good a layer of warmth and body to the music that why not say it, is something that can be appealing or there are those who may prefer it in general for their day to day with greater control of treble that the Iceborne shows closer to how they are originally.

It should also be noted that in terms of power the M3 Ultra has 480 mW unlike the Iceborne that stays at 300 mW so you are going to have less margin to amplify more demanding headphones on the Iceborne, apart from that the Iceborne does not have multimedia buttons like the M3 Ultra but neither does it have physical volume control which the M3 Ultra does.

I do not consider that I should put one ahead of the other since neither of the two seem bad dongle DACs to me. Perhaps for what each one contributes the Iceborne should cost a bit less than what it costs, due to construction material, technology and simplicity at the level of possibilities for that total lack of buttons.

Ranking

You can check my full ranking of all the IEM reviewed so far on my profile (Reddit doesn't allow me to post the Drive link here)

Conclusion

To conclude I must say that the Muse Hifi M3 Ultra is a more or less economical way, that each one will value but yes a quite accessible way to get closer to tube sound in portable format, which I recommend without a doubt and at the moment I write this review they are at a price of 109.99$ but this same August 17 some Back to school campaign discounts are coming where the model will drop 12% staying at 96.79$ a price that sincerely is much more attractive and even more if you can combine it with some extra coupon or extra discount, so stay tuned to these discounts if you are interested in the model and want to get it at an even more competitive price.

Purchase Link: https://hifigo.com/products/muse-hifi-m3-ultra

Disclaimer:

This unit was sent by HiFiGo for review.

My opinions are completely independent and have not been influenced by the brand or the store, maintaining objectivity based on my tests and personal listening sessions with my reference equipment.

Pros: Absolutely great sound out the gate
Swappable nozzles that work
Very pretty and unusual in the world of resin shells
Mids from heaven

Cons: That faceplate is beautiful but will attract lint and dust eventually
The gold nozzles are not my favorite
The multitude of tips and I’ll still use a third party
Lacks a little fun on both ends of the frequency curve

Specs
Drivers - 14.5mm planar + Knowles BA
Impedance 13 ohm
Sensitivity 107 +/- 3 dB
2 pin modular cable with 3.5/4.4 terminations

Every once in a while I’ll listen to an iem for 30 seconds and just pick it up because I think there’s nothing wrong with them. The DUNU Kima 2 was one and the Arnar from the house of Kefine is another. The first time I heard it, my first thought was this is the most inoffensively tuned earphone I’ve heard in a long time. Not a single note that put me off. These are rare to come by and so I procured them and here we go, excited and joyous!
The Arnar is an interesting looking IEM. Precisely manufactured CNC aluminium shells with smooth inner contours and a very open looking faceplate (which is a design element, not a true open design). A cross hatch pattern on the front of the shells is meant to represent a window, a symbol of luck in Chinese culture. And it’s pretty so yay! The unboxing is a straightforward cardboard affair till it opens and reveals a fairly nice case, that Kefine does with all its offerings, a robust looking cable with 2 pins at one and modular 3.5/4.4 terminations on the other. I’m told there is a dsp-usb c termination which I didn’t buy, because - dongle. And there’s about 12pairs of tips. In boxes, I love it. White and grey and sort of semi wide bore and narrow. As always, I swapped out to Final e, velvets, Sancai and candy. The velvet standard seemed to work best for me. There’s also my favorite Schrodinger-esque addition - tuning nozzles, which you don't know if they will work till you try them. These do. There are 3 pairs - gold (energetic), silver (balanced) and black (warm) and these are my descriptions. These were there with the Klean SV as well and worked very similarly. The IEM fits really well in my small ear and the cable is not prone to tangling or microphonics.
The faceplate feels different to touch because of the metal work on it and is prone to becoming an itch that can’t be scratched and a compulsion that borders on pathological. It’s also good fun.
I used predominantly the Silver (in the middle) nozzles for this with some swaps to compare the three.
Sources - VE stack, VE devastator, M33, Fosi ZH3, iPod 7th gen

So I pulled the rockboxed iPod out for this because why not. It has a great stage and is neutral enough to give me a clear idea of what things sound like.
On the whole the Arnar has one of the least offensive tunings I’ve heard. This basically means I can leave them in my ears and not know what is happening around me for hours. It’s comfy, it doesn’t jar, sounds really nice and enjoyable.

Bass

The planar driver gives the Arnar a tight, precise sub-bass. There's a rumble but no “feel”. This extends on to the mid-bass as well. On the silver nozzles, the kicks and bass notes are quick and precise but lack the body that other dynamic driver IEMs or even more bass tuned planars like the Letshuoer Astralis or even the Kiwi Melody. This makes for a more precise imaging and resolution of the rhythm section of fairly busy progressive rock or jazz fusion. But the drums lack the punch that makes them fun. Islands by XX has a fantastic sub-bass opening that sounds delightful on the Arnar, but as the track continues, the kicks and bass that pull the song along could do with more weight. The black nozzles do better in this regard. And the low end improves a fraction and responds to some amount of tip rolling and power. I tried them with the Final E, Velvet Standard and Dunu Candy. The Velvets somehow had great synergy and the finals, gave the bass a little more oomph. And the Arnar is more than willing to bend to slight EQ to boost the lows.

Mids
Vocals and instruments on the Arnar are the most enjoyable. Both male and female vocals have natural timbre and are not recessed. They are not pushed obnoxiously forward either. It’s hard to not keep saying inoffensive with regard to the Arnar, but that’s exactly what they are. Very clean representations of vocals. The vocal harmonies in Rosanna by Toto come through perfectly with great separation and clarity. Female vocals from Makeba by Jain to Linger by the Cranberries and Subcity by Tracy Chapman, all showcase the singers’ incredible voices in their natural best. Out the box with stock cables and velvet standards and no EQ with the absolutely neutral VE Prime + Roundabout stack, the entire midrange where the meat of most songs lies is near perfect. Also this is all with the Silver Nozzles. The black ones do have some dampening on the clarity of the mids. Vocal Jazz, Jazz fusion, rock, pop work really well with no shoutiness or weird timbre from the drivers. A testament to a great harmony between the planar and the Knowles.

Highs
Here’s where even I with my distaste for sibilance in the highs was craving for a little more air and sparkle in the treble. Nothing that can't be fixed with EQ but I have a healthy affection towards being lazy. The gold nozzles, again mitigate this to a small extent.This doesn't make music less enjoyable, let me be clear, it only makes it less analytical sounding. Larnell Lewis’ hi-hat work on the We Like It Here album by Snarky Puppy, is one of life’s little miracles that have to be experienced on a great set and the Arnar, while being very easy to listen to, leaves me wishing for just that little bit of extra shimmer.
Try as I did I couldn't get any harsh sibilance even on some of my aggressive (read poorly, at times) mastered tracks.

Staging, Imaging
The stage is more intimate and if you’ve seen the Snarky Puppy (I know, it’s just that time) videos of their live shows, it feels like you’re sitting in the middle of the band, surrounded by their music. The compressed stage makes imaging not as definite as a gaming set but it is decent enough to know where sounds are coming from. Instrument and vocal separation in the bass and midrange are more than adequate but the treble could do with a little more detail. Even with the Gold nozzles.

I would a 100% recommend this as a blind buy for an effortless, long listening session to almost any genre of music. Bassheads and analytical listeners would not enjoy this set as much but they have plenty others to choose from. The Arnar’s strengths lie in comfort and a very easy, enjoyable tuning. It is not fatiguing in any manner and at the same time responds to EQ, tips and scales beautifully.
No shame in it, I really like this IEM. For its price of ~$190 it is a no-brainer.

Some early thoughts on the Binary Acoustics EP321

I’ve been spending time with the EP321 over the past few days, first with the stock cable, then later with the Angelears Phoenix. Not going to make big cable claims yet, but the Phoenix definitely looks better on it. The stock cable is usable, just doesn’t feel that premium.

The EP321 surprised me most with how open and detailed it sounds without becoming uncomfortable so far.

Flea’s Honora album worked really well with this set. On “Willow Weep for Me,” the trumpet had presence and a bit of brass bite, but it didn’t become piercing. The bass also had more weight than I expected. Not huge, but definitely not lacking.

Dave Matthews Band’s “Ants Marching” was good for drums and cymbals. Snare hits, crashes, and the small rhythmic details were easy to follow without everything blurring together.

Polyphia’s “Playing God” showed the speed of the set. The fast guitar runs stayed clean, and the EP321 didn’t make the track sound too thin even when it got busy.

Vocals are where I noticed its character more.

With R.E.M., especially “Everybody Hurts” and “Shiny Happy People,” the vocals sounded clean and centered, but not especially warm or thick. The EP321 doesn’t really add extra vocal weight. If the recording is a bit lean, it lets you hear that.

But with Jeff Buckley, it worked really well. “Everybody Here Wants You,” “Last Goodbye,” and “Mojo Pin” all showed how nicely this set handles vocal texture and movement. His voice sounded clear and expressive, and when he pushed higher, it didn’t turn sharp or sibilant.

Sade’s “Smooth Operator” was probably one of my favorite moments. Her voice stayed smooth and intimate, the sax had presence, and the bass, drums, keys, guitar, and vocals all had their own place. I actually replayed the track.

Tom Waits’ “I Hope That I Don’t Fall in Love with You” also sounded good. His voice has that rough, worn-in character, a bit like Joe Cocker in that soulful way, and the EP321 kept the texture without making it harsh or too dry.

For heavier stuff, I tried Ozzy’s “No More Tears” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” “No More Tears” had good bassline texture and guitar crunch, while “Mama, I’m Coming Home” showed that the EP321 doesn’t give vocals the same depth and body as something warmer like the Noah. But the emotion was still there, just presented in a cleaner and more open way.

So far, I’d say the EP321 is not a warm or thick-sounding IEM. It’s more detailed, open, and clean, with good separation and better bass than I expected.

Not the set I’d choose for romantic, full-bodied vocals all the time, but for detail, space, cymbal texture, vocal clarity, and instrument placement, it’s doing a lot right.

Hello to the whole community, I have been testing Kefine's recent release these past few days. Although I received them some time ago, I haven't been able to get them until now. I must say these are the third I've tried from the brand after the Klean SV and later the Arnar. Curiously, these Loric are the most affordable model of the three, but I was sure that the Loric release had something different to offer and I will try to reflect that as always in the review…

What I liked / What I didn't like

Pros:

• Deep bass with a physical sensation.
• Very good integration between the sub-bass and mid-bass.
• Natural mids, especially with female vocals.
• Very convincing timbre for 1 DD.
• Smooth and very low-fatigue treble.
• They are above average for this price range.
• Micro-detail is presented in a relaxed but natural way.

Cons:

• The soundstage is quite compact and somewhat static.
• The 3D sensation is limited.
• It probably falls short in the upper treble regarding the sense of air.

Specifications

• Configuration: 1 Dynamic Driver of 10 mm
• Diaphragm: PU + Titanium Composite
• Structure: Dual-magnet + Dual-chamber
• Impedance: 20 Ω
• Sensitivity: 107 ± 3 dB
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Connector: 0.78 mm 2-Pin
• Cable: 160-strand silver-plated copper cable
• Weight: 6 g per side
• Build: Transparent resin with zinc alloy faceplate

My Sources

• FiiO K9
• NiceHCK Octave
• Questyle M15i
• Tanchjim Space II

Unboxing and Build

The box is compact, well-organized, and feels much more carefully designed than what is usually found in this price range. It's not a luxurious experience, but it doesn't give the impression of a neglected product either.

The contents include the IEMs, a detachable cable, several sets of eartips, and a small carrying case. The cable is above the usual average. It has a good feel, barely generates any microphonics, and is flexible enough to use both at a desk and on the go without becoming a nuisance.

The shells weigh only 6g per side and have a truly compact size, which is very noticeable after several hours of use. In my case, I achieved a good seal from the very first listening session without noticing any pressure points or fatigue when finishing...

The transparent finish reveals part of the internal structure and pairs quite well with the metallic faceplate. The shape of the faceplate is truly curious, just like the other two models I've had from the brand, which gives it a distinctive touch without falling into overly flashy designs.

Sound

The tuning of this Loric is somewhat warm, with a mid-range that remains quite clean and above all natural coming from the single DD it houses. I wouldn't consider it V-shaped since it has more mids than I expected, leaning more towards a neutral signature with a slight U-shape or something similar…

Bass 

This Kefine model has something that made it feel somewhat different from the Klean SV and also the Arnar, and it is undoubtedly that extra focus on the sub-bass, bringing a more physical sensation than I could have expected after having already tested those other two models. You can appreciate without it being exaggerated, obviously the physical sensation and air movement in the punches and rumbles of certain sounds. It is something that becomes pleasant and hits a sweet spot that doesn't become invasive but is remarkable for a single DD.

The transition between the sub-bass and mid-bass is well done, as I also don't feel the mid-bass is overly exaggerated , rather, it complements the sub-bass well in percussion and instruments like bass guitars. I haven't felt it to be the fastest bass I've tested from a single DD within its price tier, and that somehow affects certain tracks I've tested with somewhat more saturated instrumental mixes, causing the bass to lose some definition but as I mentioned, only in specific tracks.

Mids 

As I said at the beginning of the sound section, the mids sound quite natural, without taking the spotlight but without being pushed too far back in the mix either. The vocals have quite a bit of space , male vocals have body and resonate with more prominence than female vocals, which sounded clear to me but somewhat softer. However, the advantage of this is that in none of the tracks I listened to during a couple of sessions did I find them annoying or sibilant, even with very high-pitched vocals.

Instruments like acoustic guitars and pianos, among others that fall into this range, sounded quite realistic to me. Although, just like with the bass in more complex tracks, I didn't feel some of the finer details were as defined as in other hybrid models at the same or slightly higher prices. This makes the instruments feel somewhat more glued together and not as separated when the song specifically calls for the opposite due to heavy instrumentation.

Treble 

As for the treble, I also feel it is relaxed. They don't aim for maximum detail or go overboard with brightness, something I don't know if it's a trend, but it's becoming common in the latest releases I review. However, both in this one and in previous cases, you can use them for long listening sessions thanks to how well-controlled they are.

I think the lower treble area is where they have the most energy, and you feel more presence in the cymbals and sharper guitar sounds, unlike the upper treble area, where this tuning remains somewhat more contained to achieve a safer but less detailed listen.

Therefore, if we judge by the airiest part, we are not going to feel an excessively expanded sound or one with maximum detail for the price. By this, I don't mean to describe it as a very dark or closed sound because that is not the case, but I must point it out especially for treble-heads or those who tolerate certain treble peaks that aren't present here and might find it falling a bit short for their taste. Still, if you value the overall tuning experience, I think it is adequately musical over being technical.

Recommended Eartips

I used the stock eartips for about half an hour before looking for something that would open up that treble area I mentioned a bit more, and obviously, I ended up finding a better solution in wide-bore tips from different brands…

• TRI Clarion: I noticed how the separation between instrument layers improves.
• Divinus Velvet Wide: The transition between bass and mids improves slightly, and the soundstage opens up a bit more.
• Tangzu Tang Sancai Wide: They remove some of the warmth and slightly improve the vocals.

Soundstage

If we talk about soundstage, the scene is not extremely wide , I would say it rather tries to somehow stay closer to your ears at an average distance.

I wouldn't describe it as a small stage, but a somewhat compact and static one. Despite having the instruments well-defined, there isn't that sense of movement around you or 3D expansion that I do perceive in other models.

It's possible that keeping the soundstage less expansive was intentional because it somewhat benefits the vocals by leaving them in a fairly centered space, achieving greater prominence than perhaps other instruments that are placed further away.

Instrumental Separation

When it comes to simpler tracks, it's really easy to follow the instruments or vocals without any effort, especially with the naturalness that a DD can provide.

It is when a more elaborate or crowded track plays especially in fast and heavy metal tracks, as usually happens with a lot of double kick drums and several distorted guitars that some definition is lost, holding them back for this type of genre in my opinion.

What I can't ignore is that, for its price, it doesn't fall behind most of the models I've already reviewed, and it actually improves upon some models that manage the bass-to-treble transition much worse by muddying the mix. Here, instead, it maintains a clearer separation in undemanding tracks.

Imaging

When it comes to locating vocals, instruments, and other sounds, they don't do a bad job. Even in the heavier and punchier rock or metal tracks I just mentioned, I think they hold their ground quite well in the genres I've tested them with, maintaining good placement of the different elements.

The positional accuracy, as I say, is good. What isn't as good is that compact scene that doesn't allow you to distinguish the depth between elements as much, leaving everything at a fairly similar distance. This is something that doesn't bother you as much if you use them to listen to music, but it can be an obvious drawback for gaming or movies/series.

Comparisons

Kefine Klean SV: The most important difference isn't just in the amount of bass, but in the way both present the music. The Klean SV has a more balanced and transparent approach: the mids are more forward, the vocals have more presence, and the overall sense of clarity is superior. With acoustic guitars, vocal jazz, or recordings where vocal texture is important, the Klean SV transmits more information and a cleaner instrumental separation. The Loric, on the other hand, provides a deeper sub-bass and a more relaxed presentation. It doesn't offer the same sense of resolution or air, but it is less demanding with compressed recordings and more comfortable for long sessions. I would say the Klean SV works better when I want to pay attention to the mix, while the Loric invites me more to simply enjoy the music without constantly analyzing it.

ooopusX Op.22: The leap in philosophy is even more evident here. The Op.22 clearly bets on a more technical and energetic presentation. It has a faster and more defined bass, a more open mid-range, and treble with greater extension, which translates into a clearly superior sense of detail. In complex tracks, especially progressive rock, modern metal, or multi-layered electronic music, the Op.22 separates instruments better and maintains a more organized scene when the mix gets complicated. The Loric doesn't reach that level of precision or micro-detail, but it responds with a very natural coherence thanks to its single dynamic driver. The transitions between bass, mids, and treble are perceived as more fluid and organic, and it also tolerates long listening sessions better because the upper area is much smoother. If the Op.22 seems to me like the option for those looking for resolution and a sense of immediacy, the Loric fits better with those who prioritize listening comfort and a more relaxed experience.

Ziigaat Rumba: The difference in category is noticeable both in the technical department and in the ambition of the tuning. The Rumba offers a larger presentation in every sense: the soundstage is wider, instrumental separation is more precise, and the stereo imaging places vocals and instruments much more clearly within the scene. In addition, it has a more vivid dynamic response, with faster attacks and a sense of contrast between frequencies that makes the music more exciting and three-dimensional. The Loric, by comparison, sounds more intimate and contained. Its bass has good weight, but it lacks the same texture and the ability to recover small nuances in the low end. There is also a clear difference in treble resolution and the ability to maintain cleanliness when the mix becomes very dense. However, the Loric has a major practical advantage: it is much easier to drive, less sensitive to source quality, and much more forgiving with normal streaming recordings. The Rumba is clearly superior if I'm looking for a more immersive and technical experience, while the Loric still makes perfect sense as a budget option for daily use and prolonged listening without fatigue.

You can check my full ranking of all the IEMs reviewed so far on my profile (Reddit doesn't allow me to post the Drive link here).

Conclusion

The Kefine Loric seems to me like a very coherent proposal within the current budget range. Its greatest virtue is offering a balanced, comfortable set that is easy to enjoy with practically any source and any musical genre.

What ended up convincing me the most was the combination of a physical yet well-integrated bass, particularly expressive mids with female vocals, and an extremely gentle upper range. This mix makes the Loric work surprisingly well for long sessions, something I value much more than other proposals that try to force detail through treble that goes completely overboard and ends up being annoying or sounding very metallic…

Its main limitation lies in the spatial and technical department. The soundstage is compact, the presentation is intimate, and it doesn't offer the 3D sensation or extreme resolution that I do find in clearly more ambitious models. Even so, within its price range, it seems like a particularly interesting option for anyone who wants an affordable, well-built, very comfortable single DD with a mature, musical, and surprisingly coherent tuning for what it costs.

Purchase Links:

• Linsoul 
• HiFiGo 
• Aliexpress

Disclaimer: This unit was sent by Kefine for review. My opinions are completely independent and have not been influenced by the brand or the store, maintaining objectivity based on my tests and personal listening sessions with my reference equipment.

This weekend I am listening to ISN Audio Sora. I was absolutely mesmerized by EST80. So, I have very high expectations from ISN Sora. One more reason is the Effect Audio collaboration. Yes, the cable maker Effect Audio.

Packaging is typical Penon style bit on simple side. But that's not important right? Atleast for me it's not that important. Shells look nice in all blue color. You can see the drivers inside and the cable it's looker. Definitely feels like Effect Audio cable. Included case is nice probably made up of suede and is hard to feel. Two sets of ear tips and one cleaning tool is included. Oh, before we move on shirt killer aka clip is included.

Coming to how it sounds the most important thing. Well, the bass is just amazing. It's rumbling in my ears and thump is very physical. The bass overall is very physical. Probably the BCD is doing it's magic.

Vocals are nice intimate. Both male and female vocals are impressive. It's going to be fun listening to vocal centric tracks.The treble here is bit spicy. Need to fiddle with switches. Yes, this has switches for both bass and treble you can adjust amount of both. Am I missing something? Yes, the stage. Stage has nice large open feeling.

Now will go and listen it for next few days to arrive at my final conclusion. I am liking what I am hearing. It's tickling my preferences. Expect a positive review soon.

Tanchjim Ola 2 - Not an All-Star, But Surprisingly Competent

​Overview​ :

This unit was provided to me by Isabel from Tanchjim for review purposes Thanks to Isabel and Tanchjim. Rest assured, all opinions and impressions are my own and not influenced by anyone else.

Hello Everyone, this review is on Tanchjim’s newest launch - the “Ola 2”, a hybrid in ear monitor with a Dynamic Driver and a Balanced Armature Driver setup which comes in 3 termination options - 3.5mm, 4.4mm and Type C. I was sent the Type C (Master DSP) version which costs around 57$ ( 5705 INR ).
I have changed my review format a bit by pushing the Build and Technical Specs section below the sound profile and performance section. So, lets get started.

Pros: ~ Impressive Imaging
~ Good Separation
~ Lightweight build
~ Transparent and forward mids
~ Tanchjim app support for type c variant is a plus point

Cons: ~Bass is soft edged and lacks the slam to it
~ Shell feels very cheaply built.
~ packaging and accessories can be improved

Sound Profile and Performance​

Ola 2’s low end is the most prominent aspect of the presentation - full and warm, though not always as controlled or precise as the rest of the frequency range suggests it could be. The midrange is where the Ola 2 truly earns its credibility - cohesive, detailed and natural across genres, handling everything from intimate jazz vocals to complex rock arrangements with composure. The treble is tastefully tuned, sitting at that precise point between excitement and fatigue without crossing either line. Technicalities are a genuine strength, lets dive deep and know more about this.

Lows :​

The bass is more of a soft, loose presentation than a visceral thud or snappy strike; quantity is present but the control and punch don’t match it. Sub-bass presence is not stalwart either, bass lovers might end up wanting more out of it. On the plus side - it doesn’t sound hollow or unnatural. But the down side is that the sustain and the edge are lacking - the roll off is pretty evident and unpleasant for someone who likes a thrumming sub-bass. Mid-bass is very fulfilling but lacks the attack or snappiness.

I put Ola 2 to a bass test and Giorgio by Moroder by Daft Punk is the track I geeked out on because Giorgio by Moroder is one of the best-produced recordings for evaluating bass because it uses real instruments instead of synthesized bass for much of the track. On the Ola 2, the mid-bass is a little bloated blob and lacks the punch, dont get me wrong because the clarity is intact but it’s just that the mid-bass slam is loose because of the quick decay. In between 3:45 - 4:35, the kicks hit with a quick thump but are not punchy, however i could still follow the bass guitar and kick bass separately without any problem proving that the imaging and separation aspects of the technicalities are on the good side. The problem is that the quantity outweighs the quality.

The track Limit to Your Love by James Blake is a track with intense deep rumble that makes it easy to test extension and control of the sub-bass. On the Ola 2 the sub-bass is on restrain, on the track it lacks depth and the notes feel like just vague vibrations that do not even feel to be honest, i just know it vibrates and that’s the end of it. No control over the decay or sustain but there is adequate distinction between the notes. Thankfully, there’s no vocal masking or loss of clarity in piano when the bass enters.

Mids :​

The mids of Ola 2 is where it shows its technical prowess, I threw various genres at it from jazz to classic rock and I am so impressed by its cohesiveness and technicalities. The separation and imaging in instrument heavy tracks and lush voices in vocal forward tracks, it performed very good in all.

The slightly thick lower mids work in favour of male vocals giving them body and natural presence. In Danny Boy by Harry Belafonte, his resonant baritone comes through full and chesty with every phrase carrying proper weight and exceptional diction - exactly what a track built around vocal body and timbre demands, and the Ola 2 delivers it convincingly. You Know My Name by Chris Cornell shifts the test to separation and imaging, Cornell’s vocals sit clearly within a dense arrangement of guitars, strings and percussion without getting buried, each layer holding its own space without bleeding into the next. Imaging is precise enough to pinpoint elements within the mix but the presentation stays two dimensional rather than creating any sense of depth or 3D kind of positioning. Clear, well separated and every element holding its own space, just not that holographic.

Deep in a Dream by Marlene VerPlanck shifts the test to female vocals - intimate, delicate and naturally recorded, leaving nowhere to hide. Her voice comes through forward and present without being pushed or aggressive, sitting naturally within the sparse arrangement with good air and openness. The upper registers are where the Ola 2 impresses most here, sitting right at the edge where crispness meets restraint, neither tipping into sibilance nor retreating into dullness.

Treble :​

The Treble of Ola 2 is very well done. It’s tastefully liminal where more emphasis will be fatiguing or too bright and less emphasis will be dull sounding or lifeless. The tuning makes sure that the energy is at the right spot where cymbals and hi hats have that shimmer and sparkle without piercing the ears. High-pitched vocals sound scintillating without introducing any sibilance and maintains clarity throughout.

Serse HWV 40 is an orchestral with Renée Fleming being the singer and her voice reaches into the upper registers with extraordinary range and delicacy, leaving no room for any harshness or edge to hide. On the Ola 2, Renée’s soprano stays clear and natural throughout, never acquiring any edginess or artificial brightness even as she climbs into the high notes. The orchestral backing sits cohesively behind her voice without fighting for space - everything knows its place and stays there. Even at higher volumes there isn’t a single hint of sibilance or harshness anywhere in the performance. The Ola 2’s treble finds that liminal point where Renée’s voice can soar freely without the listener ever needing to brace themselves.

Roundabout by Yes, puts the cymbal and hi-hat character of the Ola 2 to the test — Bill Bruford’s drumming is fast, crisp and sits prominently in the upper frequencies throughout. The shimmer and decay of each cymbal strike comes through naturally without cutting off abruptly, each hit ringing out with a satisfying and realistic tail. The hi-hats carry enough presence and energy to feel distinct and well defined without any splashiness or harshness on the faster passages. The one observation worth noting is that while the cymbals and hi-hats are competent and natural, a touch more energy would make them truly come alive — they sit just slightly below the threshold where shimmer becomes safe, natural and well controlled. It’s just not that exciting or electrifying to listen to.

Technicalities :​

Imaging : Accurate left-to-right placement makes instruments easy to pinpoint, even in busy mixes. Depth is limited, so the presentation feels more two-dimensional than holographic.

Soundstage : Moderately spacious with decent width, but limited depth keeps the presentation intimate rather than expansive.

Detail Retrieval : Resolves subtle vocal nuances and instrument textures well without sounding artificially sharp or analytical.

Separation : The strongest technical aspect. Instruments remain distinct in dense arrangements with minimal bleed, making complex tracks easy to follow.

Comparisons :​

Kefine Klean SV :

The Kefine Klean SV is a neutral technically capable iem which is comparable to Ola 2. Kefine klean sounds pretty sterile - for neutral heads it’s perfect, but for someone who wants fun Klean SV is a lacklustre compared to Ola 2. The sub-bass of kefine klean SV has more presence and mid bass is shallow, the vocals are clear without any excitement and proper weight which is not a bad thing for someone who wants analytical or neutral listen, but on the musicality note its a downer. Ola 2 has very good mid bass quantity as well as quality with a step down in sub-bass department, the vocals have good texture and energy which leaves Kefine Klean SV to dust in the musicality aspect. The treble of Kefine Klean SV is very safe and sounds underwhelming to listen to. Ola 2’s treble is well extended and with no reserve or hold in treble region making high pitch vocals and instruments sound sparkly with shimmer and cut through sharpness.
Sound :
Build : Kefine Klean SV - more premium build
Accessories : Klean SV - the hardcase is a thoughtful add on, the Nozzles are okay too
Value for money : Kefine SV just because Ola 2 is around 50$ + ( 6,000 rs in india ) ola at 40-45$ makes more sense.

Build - Fit - Technical Specifications​

The Ola 2 retains the distinctive square meets round ergonomic faceplate design of the original aerospace grade CNC machined aluminum alloy faceplates sitting over a transparent inner cavity that lets you see the coaxial driver arrangement inside. The shell is lightweight and ergonomically shaped from data collected across 3000 plus human ear shapes. The dynamic driver is DMT5, their inhouse dynamic driver tech which is also used in their expensive models like origin, fola and fission etc. The acoustic nozzle filters are waterproof and dustproof which is a practical addition for daily use. I used Dunu S&S eartips for my listening sessions as they provided a better fit and seal for my ears. Although the shell is small and very lightweight, it did not fit me deep and proper like usual iems and i solved that issue by trying out various tips and settled on wearing a smaller size of Dunu S&S tips than I regularly use ( trying one size smaller eartips might do the job for you as well )

The DSP functionality through the Type C version opens up the Tanchjim app - 8 band PEQ, community shared presets and sound mode options that meaningfully expand what this IEM can do beyond its stock tuning which i find as a versatility.

Box Content :

• Tanchjim Ola 2 IEM
• High purity silver plated copper Litz cable - Type C
• Silicone eartips - 6 pairs in two types, small bore and wide bore, S/M/L each
• Soft grey velour carry pouch
• User manual

Technical Specifications :

• Driver type : 10mm DMT5 dual magnetic circuit dual cavity dynamic driver + Pure Hi ultra high frequency balanced armature - coaxial hybrid
• Impedance : 30Ω
• Sensitivity : 121dB/Vrms
• Max decoding : 32bit/384kHz PCM - Type C
• DSP : 8 band PEQ via Tanchjim app - Type C only
• Connector : 0.78mm 2-pin detachable
• Termination : Type C with DSP
• Price : ~$57 / ₹5999 approx in India

Sources used for testing : iPhone 16e and Motorola edge 50 neo ( to test out the eq and tanchjim app )

Final Thoughts :​

Tanchjim has stepped out of their bubble and tried a new approach with the Ola 2 which does not necessarily hits all the corners right but is still a good set to have. The bassy touch is a mixed feeling to be honest. The cohesiveness is something that Ola 2 is quite good at. On the musicality and technicality aspect - the Ola 2 is a great buy for someone who wants a fun sounding iem, but for someone who want neutral or quality bass that hits like a bullet and not like a slab of cream, this is not it for you. For the price of around 57$, I wouldn't call this a value as a package - there’s no proper case, or nice eartips and the shell is a cheap build ( the cable is alright ). But sonically? It’s worth the price.

Personal note - I enjoyed listening music on Ola 2, everything is to my liking. Tanchjim has a done a good job with the Ola 2, i suggest they do not compromise on build and accessories at-least for their newer budget models. i was quite disappointed by the build and eartips even though the cable is good. This is not a 20$ iem, various other brands offer better builds now a days even on cheaper models, tanchjim should do better.