I Am What I Am, And Much More
EQUIPMENT
Topping a50s Headphone Amplifier
Xduoo MT-602 Hybrid Tube Headphone Amplifier (Sylvania 5654 Tubes)
SMSL Sanskrit 10th MK2 DAC
TempoTec E44 , Apogee Groove & EIDA 9038S Dongles
iFi Hip-Dac
Eartips: Final Audio E (2020 Version), Stock Tips
Cable: Stock Cable (Captive Not Changeable)
Sources: Flac Files From my Personal Collection / Apple Music
SPECS
Type: In-Ear
Impedance: 32 Ohms
Headphone sensitivity:115db
Frequency range: 17-22000Hz
Size (diameter of shell):12mm
Driver: 10mm Dynamic Driver (N52+)
Shell: Aluminum Alloy - matte finish
Interface: 3.5mm
Cable Length: 1.2m
Cable: 99.99% OFC 4x32x0.06mmSD
Price: $20USD
NOTES
This will be one of the easier reviews to write. Not for anything other than the fact that the BIE is not a pretentious product. It doesn't hide its character or is it a difficult iem to get that synergy just right. The deceptively simple alloy shell houses a 10mm dynamic driver in a small "bullet" type form factor. It "Features" a captive cable so cable swaps are not going to be a thing for the vast majority of users. The details is what matters and this is what makes the BIE such a pleasant surprise. On offer here is an easy to drive V-Shaped tuning with bass-head level enhanced low end. Some may stop here and think that the BIE is a one trick pony but the BIE is anything but that! The mids and treble are definitely not an afterthought here and add up to a listening experience that is actually very pleasing and fun while thankfully not being fatiguing in the process. Read on to find out more.
BUILD, QUALITY & FIT
The metal shells are solid and feel of good quality. The cable is captive is somewhat thin but not prone to getting tangled and long enough not to get in the way. Packaging and accessories are basic but well presented. Fit is not an issue with the BIE staying firmly in my ear. This naturally will be TIP dependent, but once seated properly they stayed put and were pretty comfortable, even for long listening sessions.
:SOUND:
BASS:
Bass is strong and goes deep, very deep. I have listened to a number of earphones and the BIE, in my recent memory, has never been beaten for how deep it can dig. Bass is strong, impactful with Bass-Head level growl. Thankfully the quality of the bass is good as well. Bass is overall clean with good speed and separation adding a solid foundation to all musical genres. In it's price range you would be very hard pressed to find another iem with this combination of depth and quality. Overall bass control is admirable and the BIE does not sound sloppy with satisfactory snap as well. If anything, bass could be a little more textured but considering it's other attributes, it is still impressive.
MIDS
The midrange on the BIE is not a forgotten quantity, as in many bass oriented earphones. It is slightly recessed but clean, with adequate detail and thankfully free of harshness. The BIE is not a detail monster, and I don't believe it was ever designed to be one. The mids have a touch of warmth and are expressive while having just enough detail retrieval to keep things interesting. While the mids fall behind the bass in output they are not lost and remain very distinctive. Layer separation was good, but not class leading, while timbre was surprisingly natural.
Treble
Treble is moderately extended with good clarity and control. There is no harshness and glare and adequate amounts of air and sparkle were noted. As with the mids, overall level fell below that of the bass but the tuning allowed the mids and treble to not be overshadowed and get lost in the mix. Treble on the BIE is actually pleasant, open sounding and unfatiguing to listen to for extended periods, if not the most detailed and airy due to it's moderate extension.
IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE
The BIE images quite well. Width is well done and surprisingly depth is ample as well. I say "Surprisingly" as in this price range, imaging is often not something to write home about. The BIE casts an immersive soundstage with solid instrument placement making for a very engaging listen.
VERSUS
- Tanchjm Tanya
In a nutshell the Tanya is the technical champ while the BIE is more fun. Bass is surprisingly capable on the Tanya, when properly driven, but can't dig as deep as the BIE nor slam as hard. MIds are more detailed on the Tanya with an obviously heightened upper-midrange as compared to the BIE. The Tanya takes the lead with respect to the midrange in terms of musicality but both make for a pleasurable listen. Treble is not so cut and dry. Both are moderately extended with treble roll-off higher up and each has an unfatiguing clean treble presentation. The Tanya when not adequately amped tends to have a very flat, 2D sound which is easily bested by the BIE. Amped the Tanya closes the gap with a treble that is just a bit more detailed. Each is a keeper in this price range in my opinion.
CONCLUSION
The Venture Electronics Bonus IE is a very good product which deserves a serious look for anyone who likes their bass served on a silver platter while still having good mids and treble for desert. I'm not usually a fan of "Bass-Head" tuned earphones but with the BIE, long listening sessions have proved to be very pleasurable. There is enough openness and clarity to keep me coming back for more. The BIE is NOT a one trick pony, and at the price of $20 USD deserves to be on the shortlist of anyone looking to purchase and iem in that price range and even a little higher. The Venture Electronics BIE gets a definite recommendation.
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