Firstly, Like to thank Mike from MEE Audio, formally known as MEElectronics for supplying the 2nd generation A151P in ear earphones.
Having reviewed the 1st generation A151P, I was looking forward to the updated version. MEE Audio has replaced the balanced armature drivers with the new Knowles SR-31843, which claims to offer more linear bass and greater treble extension then the 1st generation A151P. The 1st generation was an excellent IEM, with a very smooth sound that had great extension with bass and treble, especially for a single balanced armature earphone, so my expectations are higher than before.
Features
The A151p comes in a standard retail box, they changed from black to white, but all looks very similar to the 1st gen A151P. With the IEM, you get 5 pairs of silicon ear tips, (S,M,L) rounded tips, a double flanged tip and a triple flanged tip, all with a zipper carry case, with MEElectronics logo on the front, as per the 1st gen.
The housing for the drivers look identical, with black and chrome accents, the cable is also identical, being a twisted pair cable. They have updated the 3.5mm jack from straight to a L-shaped plug which helps with cable strain. Also on the updated is the in-line microphone and control remote. I do wish they included a volume remote on the in-line controls, which is a great feature to have.
Sound
Remembering that these are under $50 USD and a single balanced armature, they sound that comes is simply beautiful. Nothing harsh or fatiguing at all. I smiled with the first gen A151P and I smiled with this one.
The sound can be best described as silky and warm, with a nice balance between bass, mids and treble.The sound does focus more on the mids, which is well suited for vocals, but can also handle any music you through at it. Listening to artist such as Diane Krall and Meghan Trainor, both beautiful vocal artist, they really show how smooth these earphones sound. They can also handle more modern music from Robin Schultz or Walk the Moon, with thumping bass lines coming through nicely, although there is low end sub bass missing, but you can’t get everything from single BA. The prominent mid-bass tends to overshadow the rest of the bass frequency in a good way. Nevertheless, the bass performance is still impressive and commendable for a single BA.
The mids are not laid back or forwarded and just sit nicely in the middle.
They are really smooth and feel so right. There is a well-bodied full textured depth to them that most would not expect from a single BA. There is great detail and clarity that make the sound very clean. The vocals are smooth and nicely positioned in accordance to the instruments that feels very natural. There is very little to no sibilance with these, which is great. Treble has a bit of roll off , but the smoothness and tone is wonderful. There is a little lack of sparkle and fine detail at the top end, but all in all a great sound and a
n enjoyable sound.
n enjoyable sound.
Using the 2nd gen A151P on the Roland TD-30 V Drums, I found they performed identical to the 1st gen. Isolation was just as good, as was the sound. Cymbals cut through nicely, but again the lower end was a little distant. They would work well as a vocal IEM, but they are more suited for everyday use, rather that an in ear monitor for musicians or for critical listening.
Conclusion
The 2nd generation A151P has taken the best of the 1st gen and add to it. With greater extension and a overall improvement in sound, the 2nd gen is a winning IEM. The sound is inviting and warm, and with a price tag under $50 USD, you wont find a better sounding IEM in that price range.
Specs:
Driver: Single Balance Armature
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 19.5KHz
Impednace: 32 Ohms
Sensitivity: 111 dB
Max Power Input: 30mW
Connectors: 4 Pin Stereo 3.5mm Gold Plated L Jack
Cable: Twisted Black 135cm (53 in)
No comments:
Post a Comment