IEM Comparisons
I compared the DB2s with several IEMs using my Astell & Kern SR35 in high-gain, with a volume of 35.
ISN Neo1 – 1xDD (USD $39)
Even lighter than the DB2s & similarly shaped, the Neo1s ‘disappear’ in my ears even more but the difference is slight, they also isolate a bit better. Needing 35 volume on the SR35 they’re easy to drive.
The Neo1’s DD is slightly faster & keeps up with fast music better, and their presentation is much warmer and less v-shaped with greater lower midrange emphasis and less upper midrange present.
Note weight is better on the Neo1s, their background is blacker, resolution is slightly higher and instruments are separated a touch better. Individual differences are fairly minor, but collectively they make the Neo1s feel more refined than the DB2s.
Truthear Zero – 2xDD (USD $49)
The Zeros are bulky but only slightly heavier than the DB2s, they stick out quite far and don’t isolate as effectively but comfort levels are similar. Requiring 55 volume on the SR35 they’re a lot harder to drive.
The most notable difference is how much wider the Zero’s soundstage is than the DB2’s, though it is equally shallow. The Zeros also possess deeper bass but bass texture isn’t any more satisfying.
The Zeros also have an edge in resolution and image better by virtue of having a wider stage to work with, instruments sound larger and stay separated during complex passages better.
NiceHCK F1 Pro – 1xPlanar (USD $99)
The F1 Pros’ small metal shells weigh next to nothing and are very comfortable in the ear, but isolation suffers since there isn’t a lot of mass blocking the ear canal. Requiring 47 volume on the SR35 they need a bit more power to drive.
The F1 Pros are significantly brighter and more v-shaped, with a slightly cool tonality, whereas the DB2s are warmer and more bass driven with greater bass quantity.
However the F1 Pros sound far less congested, with substantially higher resolution, a wider & deeper soundstage and blacker background, and their planar driver is also a much faster.
Simgot EM6L – 4xBA 1xDD (USD $109)
The EM6Ls are heavy and I notice the weight at times, however their shape is quite ergonomic & comfort is similar to the DB2, isolation is decent. Needing 47 volume on the SR35 they’re harder to drive.
The EM6Ls sound far more refined with multiple BA drivers keeping instruments separated during busy passages much better. They’re also far brighter with excessive upper midrange thanks to their questionable Harman tuning, and I greatly prefer the DB2s tonality & note weight.
However EM6L technical performance is undoubtedly on a much higher level, with a far wider soundstage, more precise imaging, and substantially higher resolution.
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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