EARNiNE EN210

Introduction

EARNiNE is a Korean company that specializes in producing in-ear monitors. In 2016, they released their first iems in EN1J and EN2J. Next, they released the EN120 and EN210 in 2017. I will be reviewing the EN210 which is a dual balanced armature drivers iem. I would like to thank EARNiNE for this review unit. At the moment, you can get them on http://www.tsst.co.kr or through https://www.facebook.com/earnine9/ .

Specifications

Driver Configuration: 2 Balanced Armature Drivers (Full-Range, Woofer)
Sensitivity: 100dB +/- 3dB at 1kHz
Frequency Range: 20Hz – 20kHz
Impedance: 21 ohms +/- 20% at 1kHz

Unboxing & Accessories

The EARNiNE EN210 comes in a matte black package that has a protective cover which sports the brand name, image of the EN210 and the model name. At the bottom of the cover front, there are the words, “Clear Sound In-Ear Earphones”. At the back of the cover, the description and specifications of the iem are displayed. After opening the package, you will see the iem and the soft carrying case. Below the iem, there is an instruction manual. The EARNiNE logo is printed on the soft carrying case. Inside the case, there are 1 pair of foam tips and silicone tips of size S and L. The size M silicone tips are installed on the iem already.

IEM Build & Design

The EN210 has smoke clear surface to it and the shape is small. On the faceplate, there is the EARNiNE logo that is gold in colour printed on it. The shell is made of acrylic and it is built rather well. It is light weight. On the inside of each iem shell, there is a soft rubber dot that indicate left and right. For the left shell, it is yellow in colour while for the right shell, it is red in colour. The nozzle is slightly angled and is silver in colour. There is a metal mesh to prevent earwax. You can see through the shell to observe the components inside. Overall, the iem is built well and I am able to fit it in my ears comfortably.

Cable Build & Design

The cable that comes with the EN210 is non-detachable and it is braided with a 4 core design. The cable quality is rather good. Near the connectors, there are L & R markings on the housing to differentiate between left and right. There is a small dot to indicate the left side just by feeling it. There is a memory cable section that is enclosed in a black rubber tubing. It is still flexible and supple. Moving down, the chin slider has a circular shape and it is made of a soft rubber. The y-splitter has a matte black surface to it with strain relief. Lastly, the jack is 3.5mm gold plated right angled with a housing that is gun-metal in colour and there is strain relief. On the circular part of the housing, there is the EARNiNE logo printed on it.

Sound Analysis

Lows

The EN210 extends it sub-bass well and there is a moderate rumble. The presentation is slightly laid-back. The mid-bass has a decent slam to it. I feel there is still punch which aids the overall dynamics. Though the mid-bass is not being expressed with a strong impactful hit, the less authoritative approach allows the mid-bass to be presented gently. The bass texture is very smooth and the decay is moderate. There is a nice tinge of warmth. Each bass note is displayed with a decent amount of weight. The bass articulation is quite accurate. Though the overall approach is not very authoritative, the smooth nature adds a nice tranquillity to it.

Mids

The midrange on the EN210 operates in a warm and smooth style. The lower mids on the EN210 has sufficient quantity to tackle male vocals. Though you will not get the extremely thick kind, it is soothing to listen to without sounding too dense. The upper mids on the EN210 takes on a balanced approach with a strong control. The forwardness has a moderate magnitude. Female vocals still sound sweet but slightly less exciting. This showcases the finesse in the midrange control.

Highs

The treble is extended moderately and it sounds clean. There is no sibilance and harshness at all. It is expressed in such a smooth manner. There is no sparkle which can help in providing energy. However, the way in which the treble is presented allows a fatigue-free listening, It packs details and there is a good amount of air which helps to lighten the presentation. I find the control on the treble to be tight.

Soundstage

The EN210 has a good natural expansion in its width and it sounds very realistic. There is a nice depth with the space rendered at the front. The positioning of vocals and instruments is precise. EN210 has a great open feel without sounding congested.

Comparisons

EARNiNE EN210 vs Kinera H3

The EN210’s sub-bass extension is less than the H3 but it makes up for it with slightly more quantity. EN210 takes on its sub-bass in a smooth approach and the rendering of it is relaxing and soothing. The mid-bass on the EN210 is more laid-back and there is more texture to it. The slam on the H3 is more authoritative and it delivers an impactful hit. At this point, it really depends on personal preference whether you prefer a more exciting or gentle approach. The bass dynamics is slightly better on the H3. Bass decay on the H3 is faster. The bass texture on the EN210 is smoother. There is less agility. The lower mids on the EN210 has more body and it presents a more weighted presentation. The upper mids on the H3 is more forward and it packs similar details. The EN210 has a more mature sound. In the treble section, the EN210 operates in a smooth manner while H3 is bright. H3 is more prone to sibilance and harshness. The air rendered on both is approximately the same. There is more crisp and definition on the H3. Lastly, for the soundstage, EN210 has a more natural expansion in its width but H3 has the technical edge. The depth on both is similar.

EARNiNE EN210 vs TFZ Exclusive King

The EN210 has less sub-bass quantity than the King and there is more extension on the King. The control is better on the EN210 as it is able to present it with more mastery. The definition is slightly better on the King due to the added crisp. Decay is very similar. Bass texture is more smooth on the EN210 and the texture contributes to a soothing listen. The lower mids on the EN210 has a more appropriate amount of quantity. Male vocals are better expressed here. The upper mids on the King is more forward than the EN210 with more definition. There is a more organic feel here but EN210 edges ahead due to its control in the upper mids. Female vocals are more sweet from the EN210 and there is a great intimacy. Next, moving on to the treble, the treble articulation is more precise on the King but the finesse on the EN210 is better. Extension on the King is slightly better. The air rendered on both is similar. They pack details. Lastly, for the soundstage, the EN210 has similar width as the King while there is more depth on the King. The EN210 operates in a warm and smooth approach while the King is energetic.

EARNiNE EN210 vs Rose Mini 2

The EN210 has similar sub-bass quantity and extension as the Mini 2. The control is slightly better on the EN210 and its presentation is more matured. Bass texture on the EN210 is more smooth and bass decay is similar on both. The mid-bass on the Mini 2 has more impact and this creates extra slam. Each bass note on the EN210 is delivered with finesse. The lower mids on the EN210 has an equal amount of quantity as the Mini 2. Male vocals are being expressed well. The upper mids on the EN210 has more mastery and female vocals are more controlled in the expression. Next, in the treble section, the treble on both is smooth and relaxing. Treble articulation is accurate. There is no sibilance and harshness. The air rendered has more quantity in the EN210. In terms of soundstage, they have similar width and depth.

Conclusion

The EARNiNE EN210 is a dual balanced armature drivers iem that has a rather balanced sound. It has a smooth texture and still packs details. The soothing sound allows one to immerse in the music and it is enjoyable. With a matured sound, the EN210 is a great iem to listen to. EN210 marks EARNiNE latest iem and it delivers.