Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre, details, texture and clarity are all better on the EST112. Violin tonality, timbre, details, texture and clarity are all better on the EST112. The leather cable tie and storage pouch are definitely unusual in design. They are both constructed from soft brown leather. The storage case does its job, but its soft design doesn’t offer any form of protection beyond scratch resistance. The folding wallet style technically will hold the IEMs and cable, but the long leather tie is pretty useless for holding it closed. If nothing else, it is certainly unique. Cable Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), similar speed, but tighter on the OH10 and individual bass strikes are more distinct. Clarity is better on the FH3 due to the treble though, otherwise the bass itself is cleaner on the OH10. I tested the IKKO OH10 Obsidian using mostly an iFi Neo iDSD and an iFi micro iDSD Signature, both connected to my laptop. Most source files were FLACs in 16 bit, 44.1 kHz resolution. IKKO OH10 Obsidian

The tuning can likely be characterized as ‘safe.’ It’s a popular (for good reason) sort of sound signature that makes most music sound great. What’s remarkable is how well it’s done in this case. Sure, there may be trade-offs in ultimate imaging, high-end extension, or midrange presence. But the resulting pleasing, energetic, and clear sound signature makes it evident that IKKO crafted these IEMs with eyes (and ears) fully open. Comparisons All the elevated treble energy remains restrained and smooth, so the Gems shine without too much sizzle. Where to Buy While flailing about for proper alliterative text, I typed “ the rumble down under.” This led me to Google it to see if this is an actual saying. It turns out that this turn of phrase was the name of a great video game level that I haven’t played for a decade or so. I hereby commit to adding this saying to the current common vernacular. I don’t know if it was on purpose or not, but its frequency response feels a lot like the Harman Curve, that so many IEM manufacturers are using nowadays as the gold standard when it comes to tuning. I beg to differ, Harman Curve is fun short term, several minutes later I start missing the upper midrange presence and the lost details that were sacrificed just to get this exact tuning. Nothing is wrong about it, normal people (read non-audiophiles) like it anyway.Take a look at their RAW FR measurement. As you can see, their driver matching is pretty good, but not excellent. There is a deviation in the bass and a much smaller one in the upper treble. I have re-inserted them several times in the test rig and I’ve got exactly the same set of measurements, meaning that there is indeed a small deviation or about 1.5 dB in the sub-bass region.

The fit is superficial, but the ergonomics are still excellent. The friction is really pleasant and, although the capsules are heavy, the ease of fitting and inserting with the right tips, guarantees a great fit, firm and long-lasting, with no feeling of detachment. These qualities allow the best sound to be achieved easily, without the need for any readjustment, to improve its quality. Overall: The Tape is a more unique sounding iem and also more technical iem but at the same time NEEDS EQ. While the OH10 is a more fun and natural iem. Their Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) is very impressive! It sits at just 0.159 % which is great considering their price point. Even with a stronger signal of 90 dB, it never goes past 0.5%, quite impressive! By pricing the Gems in the same range as the OH10, is IKKO merely robbing Peter to pay Paul, and further diluting a crowded market with another same old same old IEM option? Or are they bringing a fresh, different, and welcome choice for consumers? Can they really hit another home run at their next turn at bat? Their waterfall can be described as smooth and gentle, it is good in here, the only thing that bothers is a spike at 12 kHz. It if bothers you too, it can be tamed with a parametric EQ, or with a simple one from your software music player.There are a few outstanding performers within the first couple of price tiers and very many average ones. Like A WHOLE LOT of them, with new mediocre options appearing weekly in an unending flow. Frankly, it’s hard to get too excited anymore about cheap but flawed models, although some folks seem to have inexhaustible enthusiasm for them. Natural timbre for instruments, midrange instruments like cello, electric guitar, drums sound very pleasing. Regarding bass, OH10 has more in quantity than Fan. However, that isn't something bad. I found bass on both quite satisfactory.

Nope, they aren’t for bass-heads. Those folks need to move on and go buy the Obsidian. But for anyone looking for a more neutral and analytical sound signature, the Gems will provide all that they could want. Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends a bit lower on the N3 but with similar rumble. Punch quantity is a bit higher on the N3, but is looser, more textured and with similar speed. But still cleaner on the N3 EDIT: I changed my review from 1-3 stars after my IEM completely changed after 2 hours of use. EQ no longer applies, in any way. The bass is fuller, the percussion and treble is less flat and bright, but still hisses and makes ssss-lingering sounds. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'll update once I reach a conclusion. Are they critical listening darlings? Nope. Their v-shaped (or “u” if you prefer) sound signature is fun—pure, simple, unadulterated fun.

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Comfort: Here is where it struggles the most, as the heavy shells make the comfort pretty bad and is too fatiguing for me to use for over an hour. IKKO Audio is a very young company, established just a few years ago, and it has already left its footprint in the audio industry; it makes mainly IEMs and headphone DACs and Amplifiers. I think it is accurate to say that in just a few years where others would do steps IKKO has done jumps. Two much more reasonably priced IEMs are OH1 and OH10; OH1 was IKKO’s first IEM, and it was followed by OH10 in an attempt to further improve OH1. I therefore think that it is quite appropriate to review both of them at the same time and see the similarities and differences between them. Fit is .. only okay for me. Had to use a tip with a hard stem like the AET07 to make them stay in my ears. Any other tip with softer stems would not work for me.