Sound Impressions
I tested the DB2s with my my Astell & Kern SR35 in high-gain mode, requiring a volume level of 35.
The DB2s are quite bass heavy and L-shaped, with a forward upper midrange & fairly subdued treble.
Bass
Bass is definitely the star of the show, being satisfyingly punchy with sub bass slightly emphasised over midbass, and I find the balance between them quite pleasing. Bass quantity verges on basshead levels, but is kept in check enough for the DB2 to pass as all-rounders for most genres.
Bass texture feels a little one-note & mushy with a lack of bite, though I’ve no complaints given the price nor does it compromise my enjoyment of the DB2 low end. Only when swapping to IEMs with better bass texture do I really notice the difference.
There’s ample DD-fueled grunt to make bass-driven music like EDM very satisfying with the DB2s.
Midrange
The DB2 midrange can be a little uneven, this is where you’ll occasionally notice the tonality of the single BA coming through – which can feel slightly disjointed from the rest of the presentation at times.
The upper midrange is given greater prominence which helps render female vocals with extra clarity, but the lack of lower midrange warmth leads to a mild sense of hollowness.
Treble
Treble is inoffensively smooth & rolled off which is great if you’re particularly treble sensitive, but does mean instruments like cymbals won’t have the bite & definition you’ll hear from more expensive IEMs.
However given DB2 treble can be slightly grainy its a smart decision to emphasise other frequencies & allow treble to take a back seat.
Technical Performance
The DB2s aren’t really geared for technical performance, but generally out-perform most budget single-DD IEMs in this area.
Beginning with positives, DB2 note weight is very good and their BA-fueled midrange resolution is impressive for the price, but resolution at higher & lower frequencies is much less impressive.
The soundstage is quite narrow & feels claustrophobic at times, and there’s little depth as expected from a budget IEM. Imaging’s a bit fuzzy due to the cramped stage dimensions & rolled-off treble.
Dynamics are average, and though the single BA helps keep instruments separated during busy passages, IEMs with higher driver counts do this better.
Page 1 – Introduction, Packaging & Ergonomics
Page 2 – Sound Impressions & Technical Performance
Page 3 – IEM Comparisons
Page 4 – Cable Comparisons
Page 5 – Conclusion
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