Twistura D-minor

https://aoshida-audio.com/products/twistura-d-minor

Let’s start with the unboxing, it was a nice experience indeed to find everything that comes with this sub $40 IEM.

Inside is a nice leather like pouch, two sets of tips in different sizes, a cable, the IEM, a set of different tuning nozzles and even a USB-C dongle. The shells are a unique U-shaped design with short nozzles, while it should be comfortable for most larger tips or using foam ones may help with isolation and fit issues. Its built well and was comfortable for me as is. 

Specs:
Brand: TWISTURA

Model: D-MINOR

Type: Replaceable Cable HiFi IEM

Driver Unit: 10mm Dual-Magnetic Dynamic Driver

Diaphragm Material: LCP Dome Composite Diaphragm

Impedance: 30Ω ± 3 (@1kHz)

Sensitivity: 108dB/Vrms (@1kHz)

Frequency Response: 15Hz-37kHz

Connector: 0.78mm 2-Pin

Cable Plug: 3.5mm Stereo Single-Ended Plug

Sonically the D-minor is a highly enjoyable and yet competent beyond its price point. 

The lower end delivers both power and precision, with the sub-bass offering a satisfying rumble and texture, even if it’s not aimed at bass heads. Mid-Bass presents with speed and a tight punchy response and has very minimal bleed into the midrange if any. 

The Midrange on the D-minor is of median weight and has a wonderful color and tone. Both Male and Female vocals are well represented here with a rich and perfect placement in front of the instruments. Separation and clarity are far better than expected. 

The Treble is perfectly controlled with a vivid extension that gives one all the air and sparkle without overextending itself.  I found the highs to be just right and natural sounding. 

Soundstage on the D-minor is wide and spacious with good height and depth, spot on accuracy with well-done imaging makes this even more amazing. 

In a nutshell:

The Twistura D-Minor is a uniquely designed IEM and easily one of the best-sounding options under $40 I’ve heard in a long time. It offers great value and could easily be a daily driver for any music lover.

Baseus XP1

Baseus inspire XP1 x sound by Bose

A quick assessment of these enjoyable TWS buds.

Inside the simple box, you’ll find the XP1 earbuds, a tip, and a charging cable. The earbuds have a chunky pod-style design that should fit comfortably in most ears. 

The Baseus Inspire XP1 earbuds are impressive, featuring Sound by Bose technology and Dolby Audio for exceptional sound quality. They offer hybrid adaptive ANC with up to -50 dB noise reduction, and their battery life is remarkable—45 hours in total, with 8 hours of playback on a single charge when ANC is off, making them perfect for extended listening sessions.

The Six microphones are perfect for phone calls and casual video shooting.

The ANC is one of the best I’ve used so far, besting even the most expensive units including Bose themselves.  I found the Shape and oval tips to fit perfectly in my ears, and the comfort and passive isolation was very good too. 

The sound on the XP1 will of course be richly tuned and my opinions are not important because with the app they can virtually be anything you want.  The default Bose tuning is very enjoyable with rich lush Bass, warm yet neutral midrange and safely extended highs with air and sparkle. The Soundstage is good, but use of the Dolby sends it to another level entirely.

 With the app you can tune the XP1 to be Bass head, Neutral head, Treble Head or something in-between they really are my favorite. 

In a nutshell: The Baseus Xp1 are a great sounding set of wireless earbuds with a lot of functionality and features. Honestly, I’m thinking of just getting rid of my other TWS they are no longer needed and it should be noted I am not a fan of wireless to begin with. 

CCZ CZ10 TianGong

Opening the Box is fairly straight forward and simple, inside is the CZ10 a cable and tips. 

The design of the CZ10 is a typical guitar pick shaped shell with a transparent window that shows off gears. The dark color of the shell does hinder this nice feature to a point.  I found the comfort of the shells good, and no hot points were felt, the shell is heavy but not uncomfortably so. Th isolation was average, and fit was as expected.  The tips are weird to me but adequate and the cable was as well but reminded me of KZ cables and both are not impressive to say the least. 

The sound on the CCZ was balanced with a nice controlled lower end and deep bass that had low distortion. 

both speedy and textured enough for most types of music it was a nice surprise.

The Midrange was more towards Ballanced with a mild warmth in the lows and clean and well-placed vocals made it sound organic and enjoyable. The mids have a medium amount of body and separation giving them natural and mildly musical presentation. 

The Treble of the Tiangong is well extended and has a good amount of sparkle and air with a rich smooth number of details here, it is safe but not boring. 

Soundstage is wide and has less height and depth but still is very good. very decent imaging and clarity make it well suited for casual gaming and movies as well as music.  

In a Nutshell:

The new CCZ CZ10 TianGong is a well-made IEM with a fun, balanced, and natural sound. It could easily be your all arounder or primary budget IEM. 

CCA Phoenix

When opening this I was thinking, wow this looks much different than most CCA openings. This is of course due to the fact CCA is now under the ND audio flag. Unboxing was impressive, with a nice cable and accessories considering the low cost of this IEM. The Build quality also far exceeds my expectations of most competitors in this price range.  Inside one gets a nice cable, tips and even a leather like pouch with plenty of room. The comfort and isolation for this IEM was above average and for me I found it very good all day in my ears. 

Lets talk about gears used, I test with a large variety of different things. From CD to DAP and many different kinds of portable and desktop amps/ DAC combos. On this particular testing it was the TempoTec V3, V1 and The ifi Gryphon and SMSL DS20, with the Fiio KA13, Questyle M15, and Burson Funk and Tempotec MarchV also.     

Let’s talk about my impressions of the sound. 

The CCA Phoenix is a uniquely tuned IEM, coming from a sea of Vshaped clones. It presents with a warm Neutral tone that is both gentle and organic. 

Bass on the Phoenix is relatively lean with good speed and enough presence to not be anemic, it’s there when needed but is very polite.  

Midrange on the Phoenix is well placed in front of the instruments but not right in your face. The Mids has an ever so slightly warm tone in the lowers and are brighter more vibrant in the uppers. Male vocals sound good but are not as full-bodied as I would like. Female vocals sound vibrant and not harsh at all. The separation and clarity are refreshing and enjoyable. 

Treble on the Phoenix is quite open and well detailed although it is bright it never over does the amount of crispy details I’m hearing here. 

The Soundstage is excellent on this IEM with a wide and deep field; imaging is superb and I can hear things placed what seemed to be very accurate. 

In a nutshell:

The New CCA Phoenix is the first of this company under a new banner and I can tell they really tried to make a product unique from the past CCA cookie cutter clones of KZ.  The Phoenix is well made Neutral IEM that can best most others when it comes to technical and detailed abilities for this price range.  

ARTTI T10 PRO

The ARTTI T10 Pro comes in a nicely adorned box inside you’ll find the IEM, two packages of tips in 3 sizes and the very nice modular cable. The pro offers a sold metal build and maintains the round shape. For me it was comfortable and it did provide good isolation. 

Brand: ARTTI

Model: T10 Pro

Driver Unit: 14.2mm flat moving coil

Impedance: 16.5Ω±1%（@1kHz）

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): ≤1.5%（@1kHz）

Sensitivity: 96dB/mw（@1kHz）

Frequency Response: 20-20kHz

Wire: Four strand 216 core * 0.05mm high-purity copper silver plated wire

Wire interface: Universal 0.78mm 2Pin interface

Wire plug: standard with one to two specifications of 3.5mm/4.4mm, interchangeable

Packaging accessories:

Black/Silver headphones *1 pair

3.5mm+4.4mm 2-in-1 plug Headphone cable *1

Black ear muffs and white ear muffs * 3 each

Headphone storage box *1

Packaging box *1

Instructions *1

Certificate of conformity *1

Warranty Card *1

Sonically

The T10 pro is warmer that the original with nicely deep Sub-Bass response and tight punchy Mid-Bass, the Bass has texture and control with a typical planar roll off. I liked the full-bodied midrange with its warm and rich lowers vocals are vivid and balanced with female but so lively and rich with male. while there is some recession it is minimal in most circumstances. The treble has sufficient details and air but is more typical Planar with a more relaxed tuning that has a decent balanced property.   Technically this is more towards a smooth and enjoyable without harshness tunning, soundstage is wide enough and has decent imaging but nothing spectacular like the original.

In a nutshell:

 The Artti T10 pro is a polar opposite of the original. The buyer should know that it’s more of a new direction than and upgrade. The original was more detailed and brighter, this is not to say it’s not good. the pro offers a warm rich tunning that is relaxed and natural for the music lover.    

SMSL R1

Here are its key specifications: https://aoshida-audio.com/products/smsl-r1

Inputs: Supports USB, Optical, and Coaxial connections, allowing compatibility with PS5, PCs, and mobile devices. 

Outputs: Equipped with two headphone outputs (3.5mm and 4.4mm), RCA line-out, and a microphone input. 

Power Output: Delivers up to 120mW (32Ω) and has a dynamic range of 98dB. 

EQ Modes: Offers four EQ presets and independent treble and bass adjustments (-9dB to +9dB). 

Design: Compact and portable with RGB lighting, making it both functional and stylish. 

 The SMSL R1 is a solid aluminum-built gaming DAC/ Amp that offers EQ presets with independent treble and bass adjustments. With a range of -9dB to +9dB, users can tailor the sound to their liking, boosting bass for more immersive gaming or enhancing treble for clearer, brighter and more crisp music playback. It has a dynamic range of 98dB, and average headphone output up to 120mW @32Ω this should be good for almost every gaming headphone and most mainstream ones as well.  It should be noted 100% this is not an audiophile product; this is for casual music listing and serious gaming audio.  The RGB is subtitle and not flashy the overall look is cool with a retro knob I personally like. 

I found the EQ was adequate but did either go from cold to warm quickly. I personally don’t like to use EQ with the exception of Bass boost like Xbass and Xspace if needed.   The device is solid but not so heavy, it comes with an adapter for the audio and mic inputs as well as a USB cable. Sonically it is tuned for its task, Music has a crisp detail, and the device does have good separation and air while resolution may not be the audiophiles cup of tea it works well for enjoying a few songs in-between gaming. I mostly liked the look of the device, its retro style and good build and will use it mostly as a gaming and movie DAC as it works well that way. 

DUNU Vulkan

Product Description

Model: VULKAN 2

Shell Material: Aerospace-Grade Aluminum Alloy

Net Weight: Approximately 8g (Per Side)

Frequency Response:5Hz-40kHz

Impedance:35Ω

Sensitivity:113dB/mW(@1kHz).128dB/Vrms(@1kHz)

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.3%(@1kHz)

Dynamic Driver:

1 xIndependent Uitra-Low Frequency Dynamic Driver

1 xindependent Low Frequency Dynamic Driver

Balanced Armature Driver:

2 x Custom Knowles Midrange Balanced Armature Drivers

4 x Custom High and Ultra-High Frequency Balanced Armature Drivers

Cable:

4-core High-Purity Silver-Plated Single-Crystal Copper Cable

Cable Length: 1.2m ±0.1m

Connector:0.78mm2-Pin

Plug:

Q-Lock MINl Modular Plug System

includes Two interchangeable Plugs

(4.4mm Balanced,3.5mm Single-Ended)

The packaging and contents inside scream flagship as well as the quality of the accessories. The solid metal shell is comfortable to me and looks good. The Vulkan provided an adequate amount of passive isolation. 

My personal feeling is this is a very good IEM for someone looking for a neutral response with a nature and delicate tone. The lowers of the Dunu are well detailed and have enough presence to not be anemic but this is far from impactful, and I found it lacking a lot. The Midrange for the most part is Neutral it has a good placement, and vocals are clear and sound natural but fall between being energetic and relaxed, somewhere between thick and thin though they sound good I would have loved some warmth and more energy.  The Treble of the Dunu is smooth and easygoing with descent extension and balance. Surprisingly the stage on the Vulkan is wide and rich with details and super accurate. 

The Dunu Vulkan is defiantly not my favorite IEM, it does have its charms when I am in the mood for such tunings. 

It’s well-made and looks great, a true flagship for the neutral crowd. 

Tipsy M1

SPECS:

DYNAMIC DRIVE: 10mm Bamboo fiber dual cavity dynamic drive

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20 -20kHz

IMPEDANCE: 24 Ω@1kHz

SHELL MATERIAL: Skin-Friendly Resin, Artist-Hand-Painted Faceplate

COLOUR: Blue、Green. Red

DIAPHRAGM: Bamboo fiber, ball top diaphragm

SENSITIVITY: 106dB/1mW@1KHz
DISTORTION: <1%@1kHz

CABLE: 0.78mm 2-Pin, 4-Stand High-Purity Allay Copper Braided Cable

The packaging and contents of the M1 look fantastic, the beautiful shell and smooth resin bring to mind much more expensive units I’ve tried. The M1 provides maximum comfort do to shape and materials as well as very good isolation. 

Sonically the Tipsy M1 is pure enjoyment to me with its warm and rich smooth signature it blends well with my daily listening schedule of various types of music. 

The lower end is well textured and rich with enough power to be satisfying but not overwhelming, Sub-Bass has a nice deep rumble but maintains control and Mid-Bass is punchy and quick. 

The Midrange of the M1 is well defined with very good body, emotion and well implemented warmth. Treble is open and airy with fair details but mostly tame and smooth. Soundstage has a nice wide field and stellar imaging, this makes the M1 very good for media, games and music. 

In a nutshell: The Tipsy M1 is a fantastic choice for someone more of a music lover and less of a critical listener.  Its a good-looking IEM with a warm smooth signature for listening all day. 

ifi Gopods Air

Specifications

Bluetooth Formats: aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, SBC

Bluetooth Version: 5.2

Bluetooth Chipset: QCC5144

Connection Types: MMCX, 2-Pin; A2DC, T2, Pentaconn

Output Power

≥57mW/0.96V @ 16 Ohms

≥30mW/1.38V @ 64 Ohms

Output: MMCX, 2-Pin; A2DC, T2, Pentaconn (Optional)

Auto Impedance Matching: 16/32/64 Ohms

SNR: ≥124dB(A) @ 64 Ohms, 20-20kHz

DNR: ≥121dB(A) @ 32 Ohms, 20-20kHz

Battery: 180mAh (Pods), 580mAh (Charging Case)

Charging: USB-C 5V/1A

Charging Time: <1.5 hrs (Pods), <2 hrs (Charging Case)

Battery Life: 7 hrs, 15hrs with charging case

Dimensions

1.8 x 0.63 x 0.37″ (Pods)

3.7 x 3.7 x 1.77″ (Charging Case)

Weight: 0.35 oz each pod, 3.7 oz case

iFi 1 Year Warranty

In the Box

The ifi GoPod air is a Bluetooth ear hook adapter that lets you turn your IEM into a great sounding TWS earphone.

The device comes with a large 580mAhAh battery case and two different connecting hooks a MMCX and a Two pin 0.78mm, there is also others available to purchase. It has touch controls and placing the connect IEM in the case will activate the IE match feature. Call quality is decent, but I think the original was better. Comfort is good, I think the hooks themselves are a little small for larger ears very similar to the original design. Improved are the case on this model making it very easy to put in your back or coat and hit the trails. the price has improved as well making this an affordable alternative to a Bluetooth receiver DAC. 

Sound:

The sound quality is excellent, offering a rich ifi audio house signature and detailed presentation. It is almost neutral and transparent, with excellent dynamics and a linear response. There’s minimal difference in ground noise whether using all-BA or single dynamic drivers—it’s incredibly silent with no hiss or static. I tested a wide range of IEMs, from hard-to-drive models to highly sensitive ones, including Planar, BA, DD, Estat, and Hybrid configurations. The GoPod Air managed them all with competence.

Tested was the Kiwiears orchestra lite, Hidizs MK12, the KZ AM16, the Letshuoer S15, Punch Audio Martilo and the Shozy P20 to name a few. Music used was mostly from my collection and a little streaming.  Devices used were the Tempotech V1, V3, V6. My pixel 7 pro, Pixel 10, Apple iPad air, Samsung S22, and Linux PC. 

Conclusion.

The ifi GoPod air just like the original is a super convenient way to enjoy my collection, with LDAC and enough power I don’t see any big limitations with this product.

SuperEQ A200

The A200 is one of those hidden items you dint know you needed until you have it in hand. The seemingly generic design lacks that eye catching something most gaming headphones have. this one has a stealthy look that would be at home on your work desk as well as at the park running.  The removable microphone works well and is clear and loud. The ANC on this one is super deep providing and almost sound room experience. I found the large oval cups to be comfortable all day and fit perfectly over my big head and ears. 

The A200 has plenty of juice to go all too, a large 1000mAh battery provided me about 59 hours of playback with ANC on and the NAC blocked out almost all noise when traveling on the bus.  

Key features:

●38dB noise reduction depth,6-Mic AI ENC

●Advanced Bluetooth 5.4

●100 hours long battery life, Charge 5 minute for 7 hour playtime

● APP-EQ Customized

●Detachable extended microphone with mic mute button

●Multi-point Connection

●Rich Bass,40mm dynamic drivers produce Hi-Res sound

let’s get into the sound

The A200 was powerful with a rich expressive lower punch but still not muddy or overwhelming, the midrange had enough forward presence and a good body to it, while treble was extended enough to be airy with a good sparkle.

The details were good but smooth and soundstage was wide but not deep. gaming worked well but I like them for pop and rock music and movies on the go as well. 

I found the A200 to be a competent ANC, gaming and music headphone. Considering the cost this is a fun and balanced offering with powerful ANC and battery life.