Introduction

NS Audio is a Chinese company that specializes in in-ear monitors (IEMs). After releasing the NS-1 and NS-2, they proceed on to launch their latest iem in the NS-5 Dream Bridge. I would like to thank NS Audio and Penon for the review unit of the NS-5 Dream Bridge. At the moment, you can purchase the NS-5 Dream Bridge from Penon .

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Specifications

  • Driver Configuration: Dynamic
  • Frequency Response: 4 – 50,000 Hz
  • Impedance: 32 Ohm
  • Sensitivity: 108dB @ 1kHz

Unboxing & Accessories

The NS-5 Dream Bridge comes in a black package with a white protective cover. On the cover, there is the brand name, model name and image of the iem. There are specifications at the sides and instructions at the back. The black package sports the brand name. After opening the package, there are the NS-5 Dream Bridge and 2 black boxes. The small box contains a pack of tips while the large box contains a black leather case.

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IEM Build & Design

The NS-5 Dream Bridge is made of magnesium aluminium alloy and there is a smooth surface to it. On the faceplate of the right side, there is the brand name printed on it. On the faceplate of the left side, there is the model name printed on it. The shell has a nice gunmetal grey color. On the inside of the iem, there are L & R markings on the left and right side respectively. There is a vent near the nozzle too. The nozzle is slightly angled with metal mesh. The iem utilizes 0.78mm 2 pins detachable cable. The NS-5 Dream Bridge has a comfortable fit.

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Cable Design & Build

The cable has a hybrid 8 core braided design. The 2 pins 0.78mm connectors on the cable have a translucent housing. There are L & R markings on the left and right side respectively. There is memory wire section. Moving down to the chin slider, it is silver and circular in shape. Lastly, the jack is 3.5mm straight gold plated and has a silver housing with carbon fibre design. There is strain relief.

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Sound Analysis

Lows

The NS-5 Dream Bridge has moderate sub-bass quantity and it is able to demonstrate a good extension. The sub-bass reproduction is smooth and the rumble is expressed in a natural manner. There is a tight control and it is able to captivate listeners without sounding aggressive. Each bass note is articulated with a smooth hit. The bass decay is rather quick and the agility contributes to the overall engagement. Bass texture is rendered smoothly and the tinge of warmth contributes to the musicality. The mid-bass has moderate quantity and the slam is delivered in an agile manner whilst providing punch. There is a good balance of speed and quantity.

Mids

The midrange is expressed in a smooth manner with warmth. There is a moderate amount of body which helps to aid in the expression of vocals. It does not operate in a thick or lush manner. There are no signs of hollow feeling. The lower mids has ample quantity which benefits male vocals. Emotions are conveyed well. The upper mids has little forwardness and female vocals are presented well with control. The intimacy level is moderate. The execution of the midrange showcases finesse and it is soothing.

Highs

The treble is extended moderately and it stretches well. There is no sibilance and harshness. It is presented in a smooth manner with moderate crisp and lack of sparkle. The details retrieval is good. The amount of air rendered is great and it is able to create an airy feeling at the top end. The clarity is clear. The smoothness of the treble presentation creates an enjoyable and non-fatiguing listen.

Soundstage

The NS-5 Dream Bridge has a natural expansion in its stage and the width has a good magnitude. The depth is not closed and offers space. There is a nice open feeling. Vocals and instruments positioning is accurate.

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Comparisons

NS-5 Dream Bridge vs Mee Audio Pinnacle P1

The Dream Bridge has more sub-bass quantity than the P1 and the sub-bass reproduction is able to deliver additional punch. The extension of the P1 is slightly better. The mid-bass on the Dream Bridge has slightly more body than the P1 and it is able to deliver a weighted slam. The Dream Bridge has quicker bass decay and it helps to increase the overall agility. Bass texture on the Dream Bridge is rendered more smoothly. Rumble on the Dream Bridge is expressed in a more natural manner. The midrange of the P1 is slightly more detailed than the Dream Bridge and has a higher transparency level. On the other hand, the Dream Bridge presents its midrange musically and there is lushness. The lower mids on the Dream Bridge has more body and there is thickness to the expression of male vocals. The upper mids on the Dream Bridge is slightly more forward and this creates a boost in the intimacy level of female vocals presentation. Next, for the treble section, P1 has slightly more extension and it is able to present the treble with additional air. The amount of air rendered gives more space at the top end. The Dream Bridge has extra treble body and it leads to a smoother presentation. For the soundstage, the Dream Bridge expands more naturally with greater width magnitude. The P1 has better depth.

NS-5 Dream Bridge vs Dunu Falcon-C

The Dream Bridge has slightly less sub-bass quantity and the Falcon-C has additional extension. The sub-bass reproduction on the Dream Bridge is fuller and it gives a satisfying listen. Each bass note on the Falcon-C is articulated with a stronger hit. The decay on the Dream Bridge is slightly quicker and it contributes to the overall pace. Bass texture on the Dream Bridge is rendered with additional smoothness. The mid-bass on the Dream Bridge has additional body which helps to deliver the slam with a weighted feeling. The Falcon-C is more agile than the Dream Bridge while the Dream Bridge has a fuller feeling. The midrange on the Falcon-C has a higher level of cleanliness and boasts better transparency while the Dream Bridge has extra body and presents a more musical approach. The lower mids on the Dream Bridge has extra body than the Falcon-C and male vocals are expressed well. The upper mids on the Dream Bridge is more forward and it helps to present female vocals with crisp. Moving on to the treble section, the Falcon-C has more energy than the Dream Bridge while the Dream Bridge operates in a smoother approach. The amount of air rendered on the Falcon-C has a greater amount. The details retrieval on both is similar. For the soundstage, Dream Bridge has a more natural expansion and it has the slight edge for the width. The depth on the Falcon-C offers more space.

Conclusion

The NS-5 Dream Bridge is a natural sounding dynamic iem that is able to give a smooth bass reproduction, lush vocals and airy treble presentation. Emotions are conveyed effectively and it is musical to listen to. The build quality is good and it comes with a nicely braided hybrid cable. The NS-5 Dream Bridge is an outstanding musical iem from NS Audio.

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