Introduction
Simphonio is a Chinese company that is rebranded from SunRise Audio and they produce in-ear monitors and earbuds. Recently, they have released the Dragon 2+ and Xcited 2. I would like to thank Simphonio for the review unit of Xcited 2. At the moment, you can purchase the Xcited 2 from https://penonaudio.com/simphonio-xcited2.html .
Specifications
- Driver: 9mm Neodymium Magnet
- Impedance: 16 ohm
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz -25 kHz
- Sensitivity: 108dB ± 3dB/mW
Unboxing & Accessories
The Xcited 2 comes in a grey package that sports the brand logo and name. There are specifications at the back of the package. After removing the cover, there are the iem, carrying case and warranty card. The case contains 3 packs of tips and shirt clip.
IEM Build & Design
The Xcited 2 is made of acrylic and there is a smooth surface. On each faceplate, there is a black leather-like surface with the brand logo. The shell has a translucent black color and it is light weight. The nozzle is slightly angled with metal mesh for earwax prevention. The iem has no detachable cable. There is an ergonomic design which helps to ensure a good fit.
Cable Build & Design
The cable is quite ordinary and on each of the connector, there is a L & R marking on the left and right respectively. The connectors have a black housing with strain relief. There is no memory wire area section. There is no chin slider and the y-splitter has a silver housing. Lastly, the jack is straight 3.5mm gold plated with strain relief. The jack has a silver housing.
Sound Analysis
Lows
The Xcited 2 has good amount of sub-bass quantity and it is extended fairly. The rumble is not very quick but there is a natural presentation. The mid-bass has moderate amount of quantity. The slam is expressed with body to give a weighted feeling. The bass decay is moderate and each bass note is presented with control. Bass texture is generally smooth. There is a tinge of warmth and the execution is smooth.
Mids
The midrange on the Xcited 2 is enjoyable to listen and it has fair transparency. The lower mids has a moderate quantity and male vocals are expressed in an apt manner. There is a laid-back approach. Next, for the upper mids, it has a slight boost and the forwardness aids in the presentation of female vocals. Female vocals have liveliness and emotions are conveyed effectively. Details retrieval has a moderate standard. There is great musicality.
Highs
The treble is on the bright side but it is maintained well. The extension is moderate. There is no sibilance and harshness. The amount of air rendered is great and it helps to create an airy feeling. There is space at the top end which reduces congestion. The presentation has a slightly dense feeling. The sparkle is lacking and the crisp is ordinary. The treble has nice smoothness which is relaxing for a long listening session.
Soundstage
The Xcited 2 has great soundstage and it is able to expand in a natural manner. The width has a good magnitude which improves the positioning of vocals and instruments while there is sufficient depth.
Comparisons
Simphonio Xcited 2 vs TFZ King Pro
The Xcited 2 has more sub-bass quantity than the King Pro but the King Pro is able to extend further. The King Pro has better bass definition and the decay is quicker. Each bass note on the King Pro is delivered in a more clinical manner. The Xcited 2 has a slower rumble but it is expressed impactfully. The bass texture on the Xcited 2 is smoother. The mid-bass on the King Pro has slightly more quantity and it aids in the slam which improves the dynamics. There is extra agility. The lower mids on the King Pro has extra body than the Xcited 2 and male vocals are expressed well. The upper mids on the Xcited 2 has more forwardness and female vocals are presented with liveliness. The midrange on the King Pro is rendered cleaner. Moving on to the treble section, the Xcited 2 displays more energy than the King Pro while the King Pro takes on a controlled approach. The Xcited 2 is able to render a greater amount of air. The treble articulation on the King Pro is slightly more precise. Lastly, the Xcited 2 has a natural expansion. The Xcited 2 excels in the width while the King Pro has greater depth.
Simphonio Xcited 2 vs HiFi Boy OS V3
The OS V3 has more sub-bass quantity than the Xcited 2 and it is able to extend its sub-bass greater. There is more punch from the OS V3 while the Xcited 2 is able to bring out a natural rumble. The mid-bass on the Xcited 2 has more body and this allows the slam to be weighted. The OS V3 presents the slam with agility. The bass decay on the OS V3 is faster which elevates the engagement level. Bass texture on the Xcited 2 is smoother and it creates a relaxing feeling. The lower mids on the Xcited 2 has more body and it sounds fuller than the OS V3. This helps to improve male vocals by adding lushness. The upper mids on the OS V3 has additional forwardness with extra clarity. Female vocals are engaging and intimate. The details retrieval is higher on the OS V3 with an accurate presentation. Moving on to the treble section, the OS V3 has more extension than the Xcited 2 and they have a similar amount of air rendered. There is no sibilance and harshness. The Xcited 2 presents the treble in a smooth manner while the OS V3 takes on a different approach with liveliness and it is exciting to listen to. Lastly, the Xcited 2 is realistic in the stage expansion while the OS V3 has slightly greater width magnitude. The depth on the OS V3 is greater.
Simphonio Xcited 2 vs Shozy Hibiki Special Edition (SE)
The Xcited 2 has less sub-bass quantity than the the Hibki SE and it extends less too. The Xcited 2 presents in a smooth approach while the Hibiki SE expresses the sub-bass in a clinical manner. The bass decay on the Hibiki SE is tighter with greater rumble. Bass texture on the Xcited 2 is rendered in a smoother manner. The mid-bass on the Hibiki SE has slightly more quantity and the slam is delivered with punch. Each bass note on the Hibiki SE is articulated with a stronger hit and extra attack. The midrange on the Hibiki SE has more liveliness while there is additional smoothness from the Xcited 2. The lower mids is thicker on the Hibki SE and male vocals benefit from it. The upper mids on the Hibiki SE is boosted and the forwardness helps to deliver a clear female vocals performance. The level of intimacy is higher. The Xcited 2 has more control here and emotions are conveyed effectively. In the treble section, the Hibiki SE is extended better. There is slightly more air on the Hibiki SE. There is no sibilance and harshness. The Xcited 2 is smoother in its treble. There is additional sparkle on the Hibiki SE to provide liveliness. The Xcited 2 expands in a natural manner. The width magnitude on the Hibiki SE is greater and the depth of the Xcited 2 is more closed in.
Conclusion
The Xcited 2 is a detailed open sounding iem that is able to provide a smooth bass presentation, natural midrange and airy treble. There is a lively performance with impact. In addition, the Xcited 2 has an ergonomic design with good fit. The Simphonio Xcited 2 is quite an enjoyable iem to listen to.
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