Trying To Find Meaning
NOTES
The CVJ CSK is a budget sub $20USD earphone which sports a hybrid driver setup with a dynamic driver partnered with a balanced armature. At an asking price of just under $17USD this places the CSK in the budget category and in earshot of earphones such as the VE BIE and KZ EDXpro.
In terms of sound the CVJ CSK presents an aggressive V-Shaped tuning with a somewhat warm midrange helped by the prominent mid-bass. While the CSK was easy to drive it was not a good match for warmer or underpowered sources as the already prominent bass would lose its composure altogether. Tip rolling also helped the CSK achieve the best sound it is capable of and should not be disregarded.
The CVJ CSK faces some very stiff competition in this price bracket which includes such standouts and trendsetter as the EDX(pro), MT1 and not far away in price, the BIE and Tanchjim Tanya.
SPECS
Impedance：22Ω
Frequency Range: 10-40KHz
Sensitivity: 108db
2-pin 0.75mm Connecter
EQUIPMENT
TempoTec E44 , Apogee Groove & Shanling UA2 Dongles
Eartips: Final Audio E (2020 Version)
Cable: Stock Cable 3.5mm SE, Lunashops SPC 4.4mm Balanced
Sources: Flac Files From my Personal Collection / Apple Music
BUILD, QUALITY & FIT
Build quality is good even though the shells feel more like typical plastic. The CSK's are very light as well but their shape afforded a very good and secure fit being snug and staying in place. The included accessories are basic, which includes the very average cable, but well presented. The included tips seem to be of better quality than those that chip with budget KZ products. We have to remember we are talking about an iem that costs less than coffee and snacks for two at Starbucks here. Nothing really stands out, but neither is there anything negative to talk about.
:SOUND:
BASS:
Bass is definitely prominent but not bass-head level and can sound downright flabby with poor source & tip selection. When "dialed" in it can be fairly pleasing, if not the pinnacle of detail or texture. There is a mid-bass hump that does add warmth to the midrange, but not to the point of being objectionable, unless the tracks is overly bass heavy to begin with.
Sub-bass is present with audible rumble, but not of VE BIE levels or quality. What the low end lacks is the overall control, speed, texture and detail exhibited by some of its more notable competitors. "18th Street Lounging" by Marcus Johnson clearly displayed the lack of snap and tightness displayed in other earphones that are more capable in the bass region.
"Circumstance" by Wayman Tisdale again highlighted the lack of bass control and detail with the bass line sounding bloated which robbed it of much of its impact.
MIDRANGE
The midrange is, due to the aggressive frequency V-shape, clearly sandwiched between the frequency extremes. Although not as recessed sounding given its tuning as I had anticipated, the midrange is definitely not forward or intimate. The mid-bass imparts a warmth to the mids that usually isn't a negative but can cloud the midrange with bass heavy tracks. The Upper midrange is actually fairly smooth and thankfully mostly free of harshness. Detail though is just average for the price range with detail retrieval falling behind some more capable competitors. Separation is actually notable but the mids lack spaciousness and seem confined to a smaller space not being able to breath. Timbre is actually not bad, all else considered. Female voices do sound natural with the CSK. It is the lack of refinement that holds the CVJ CSK back when all things are considered.
Treble
Treble is well extended has more sparkle and air then the midrange and while not being harsh, suffers from being too energetic at times (This coming from a self described treble snob). While initially the treble sound flashy, what is missing is real detail with a definite over embellishment that actually robs layering and detail potential.
IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE
The CVJ CSK has offers a "between the ears" type of imaging. There is a small emphasis on height but overall the soundstage is just.....there.
VERSUS
- Venture Electronics BIE
The BIE digs much deeper in the low end with true sub-bass power. The BIE is also cleaner from top to bottom and has a more engaging sound. Mids are actually more detailed with the BIE and treble has less overemphasis.
- KZ EDX
The EDX has better bass control with noticeably better texture and detail. Midrange detail and clarity also are a win for the EDX although the EDX can be more prone to sibilance than the CSK. Treble on both is emphasized but the EDX manages this better with better detail retrieval and smoothness.
CONCLUSION
The CVJ CSK sits in a price bracket where major tremors have been felt recently within the headphone industry. These have been brought on by other earphones that have redefined what is considered expected performance for a reasonable outlay of cash. The KZ EDX and now the EDXpro , TRN MT1 and for a few dollars more the Tanchjim Tanya and Venture Electronics BIE all are forces to be reckoned with. What the CSK lacks in comparison is a degree of refinement that is needed now to make its mark in such a hotly contested field. It is taking into account this present retail environment which makes it hard to recommend the CVJ CSK.
Comments