By Nick Smith, 13th June 2024
Why is it guilty pleasures become even more fun when we share them?
If you’ve been reading my reviews awhile you’ll know I’ve discussed bass as one of those things many audiophiles love to pretend they only enjoy in moderate doses… yet secretly can’t get enough of.
This goes back to the old days when earphones were often either bassy & fun, or lean & technical. So if you wanted big bass you had to give up niceties like resolution, imaging & soundstage for it.
Times’ve changed, now we’re so spoiled we expect monstrous bass and superb technical performance.
Which is exactly what the TSMR X IEMs I was sent in exchange for my opinion supposedly deliver – massive gobs of thunderous bass, without compromising anything else.
So do they? If you’re as guilty for bass as I am then get cozy while I share what I’ve learned…
Packaging
The USD $399 TSMR X are delivered in a flash looking box with 10th Anniversary embossed in gold lettering, and inside is a similarly stylish leather case that’s rather small but feels quite nice.
There’s also two sets of silicone eartips in three sizes, an IEM cleaning tool, a leather cable holder along with two small metal tools you can use to flip X’s set of tuning switches.
The 2 wire stock cable is very attention grabbing, and is terminated in your choice of 4.4, 3.5 or 2.5mm plug. It doesn’t tangle easily but isn’t as supple as thinner 4 wire stock cables, but is unobtrusive to use.
Ergonomics
The Xs 3D-printed resin shells are on the larger side and stick out a fair bit. Not only are they vented, but also come with removable modules reminiscent of the 64Audio & FiR Audio venting systems. Sadly replacement modules offering differing isolation levels aren’t available, or haven’t been released yet.
I find the X shells very ergonomic & comfortable, and their size helps block an above-average amount of background noise. The nozzles are quite short, which may be an issue if you have smaller ears.
The Xs also come with three tuning switches per side, which I’ll discuss later.
Page 1 – Introduction, Packaging & Ergonomics
Page 2 – Sound Impressions, Technical Performance & Tuning Switches
Page 3 – IEM Comparisons
Page 4 – Cable Comparisons
Page 5 – Conclusion
Great review, thank you !