Joined in 2023 
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63 About this deal
Head-Fier “Hooga” since 2020. Alberto is a part-time music and audio lover. He’s got limited time to concede himself to listening to music, and that’s why his primary focus is min-maxing his audio enjoyment sessions. To make things further complicated, due to family compromises he stays away from airing music on room speakers and dedicates himself exclusively to in- or over-ear drivers. Let’s be clear. The Gems do not sound like the Obsidian, and if you buy them expecting the same experience, you are setting yourself up for disappointment. Instead, the Gems stand on their own.
The sheer number of ear tips included with the Gems is impressive and can likely be attributed to the unusual oval-shaped nozzles on the IEMs. While the foam tips are standard round-shaped versions (albeit quite short), all the silicone tips are longer and oval-shaped. IKKO CTU01/Arc SPCOCC Material HiFi Audiophile in-Ear Monitor Cable/Earphone Cable for OH1,OH10,OH2,OH1S,OH7 However, since getting them I have been surprised about just how versatile they are. Yes, they're unapologetically v shaped in their tuning, but the bass is tight and controlled so it doesn't swamp the mids, which are detailed, of good quality, and not overly recessed (like many mid sections on heavier v shaped tunings). The treble is reasonably well extended and provides good microdetails and sparkle. Furthermore, both OH1 and OH10 are extremely comfortable; this is natural for OH1, as it is very lightweight. It is quite interesting that the same is the case with OH10, which weights almost three times as much as OH1 (16.2 grams vs. 6 grams per earpiece). This shows that the main thing in fitting is the ergonomic design of the earpieces and not their weight. I should also add that the eartips provided offer a high level of sound isolation, so ambient noise with OH1or OH10 was never a problem. Also, the plastic cover, at the end of the cable, helps the user to place the cable over the ears, thus avoiding microphonics.
The IKKO OH10 Obsidian uses a hybrid driver configuration with a single dynamic driver, which has a 10 mm diameter and is made of titanium, plus a Knowles 33518 balanced armature. IKKO targets a signature with quite a steep “V” shape, with an accent on mid-bass on one side and upper midrange and lower treble on the other. The shape is almost identical to that of the OH1 and has the same dimpled faceplate effect. This time around the shells are gunmetal grey in colour. Due to the brass alloy materials, the housings have some heft to them and are a bit heavier than average. In fact, they are significantly heavier than the OH1 which has an almost identical shell shape. How do you make a gem shine? You polish it. More and more, until you achieve a beautiful and deep luster. That same level of care and polish is evident in the IKKO Gems. From their physical design to their refined sound signature, the Gems really do shine. The Gems really are gems! Apex Legends: Gunshots and footsteps can actually be heard quite clearly in terms of direction and distance.
There is as much attention paid to the inside of the Obsidian as there is on the outside. Ikko gives the OH10 a 10mm dynamic driver, with the addition of a balanced dual-driver hybrid made b Clear and defined, they would need a little bit more of body. Not “bad” per se but not the best part of the presentation either. Positively scale by upgrading cable and source. Pure copper cavity, titanium diaphragm drivers, silver-coated cable, chambers coated internally with platinum and externally with titanium Ok, so it’s much more likely the Obsidian are named for their glassy exterior finish than for any mystical powers. I am absolutely in awe of all the little details the IEM reproduce. Listening to some of my all time favorite albums and I am hearing things I have never heard before. My daughter and son now also own same. It’s all in the deets!Both OH1 and OH10 have a balanced sound on the warm side; the bass is (more than) adequate, tight and well-controlled; the highs are extended, but not harsh; the mids are not forward, but not recessed either, and male and female vocals are well positioned. The overall sound signature is very engaging and what one would call “U” shaped; it is also highly transparent, with a very big soundstage, both in width and depth, a very nice image, great dynamics and excellent separation. Furthermore, the overall quality in these two IEMs is unsurpassed.
I actually am going to add it to Audiophile-Heaven’s Hall Of Fame, and I can say that I am really into the sound, and I will be looking forward to hearing more IEMs from IKKO in the near future. 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. If driver flex is usually an issue for you, Obsidian is free of it, and that is true about hiss too, as it has zero hiss. Overall, the IEMs isolate fairly from the outside noise, but not quite as well as Etymotic or other smaller, deeper fitting IEMS. Speaking of fit, Obsidian, they are a shallower type of IEM. Should I get to the point? Yes, the OH10 do sound good. Surprisingly so. These actually may be a high-water mark at their price point and absolute killers if you find them on sale (like right now at the time of writing).
The OH10 have a big, weighty low-end balanced by an energetic upper midrange and a reasonably extended high-end. They have a surprisingly spacious sound, perhaps a bit at the expense of pin-point imaging or precision, but it’s a trade-off well made. They have a big, smooth, engaging sound that is enjoyable and non-fatiguing. I am genuinely disappointed in the sibilance in the treble. All high tones, but especially percussion and drums has this sSsSsSs-sound to them and they sound tonally off.. Its like someone attempted to make crisp hihats, but failed. Rolled off slightly at upper treble, which tones down the intensity but still having a decent extension and airiness.
A technology enthusiast since he was a kid, Alberto is not overly attracted by novelties for the sake of themselves, he’s indeed not a compulsive gear roller, and is interested in understanding why and how a given piece of equipment produces better or worse results. His articles are about sharing his experience with the hope that it may be useful to others on the same quest.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?
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