Sometimes Beauty Isn't Only Skin Deep........
EQUIPMENT
Topping a50s Headphone Amplifier
Xduoo MT-602 Hybrid Tube Headphone Amplifier (Sylvania 5654 Tubes)
SMSL Sanskrit 10th MK2 DAC
iFi Hip-Dac
Stock Tips, BGVP A07 Tips
Cable: Stock Cable
Sources: Flac Files From my Personal Collection / Tidal
SPECS
Driver: 4th gen BRIGHT series 10.2mm dynamic driver, high magnetic circuit
Earphone sensitivity: 112dB/mW
Frequency range: 14-40000H
5N OFC 3.5mm cable 2-pin 0.78mm C-Type Shroud
$80 USD (At Time Of Article)
NOTES
The Whizzer Kylin HE01 is IMHO a a very attractive earphone. It is a single DD design that in addition to it's great looks comes with an impressive set of quality accessories. The HE01 utilizes something the company calls HDSS Acoustic Filtering System. Manufacturer claims and nuances aside, at the end of the day it's all about the sound and the Whizzer HE01 does not disappoint. The HE01 is slightly V-Shaped in presentation but it is done quite tastefully with a very lively, coherent & detailed sound. The HE01 is also very easy to drive and should do well with many sources including smartphones.
BUILD QUALITY & FIT
Build quality is very good with the Whizzer HE01 being smaller in size than the other earphones I have had recently except for the Smabat NCO. Fit was not an issue and it's small size will be welcomed by many. The included accessories are well appointed with two sets of tips, marked "Vocal" and "Reference", a brush, very nice and well built carrying case and a quality cable. The included cable is of high apparent quality and matches the overall colour theme. This is a good thing and the C-Type shrouded 2-pin connector employed by the HE01 does not lend itself well to the look when after market cables are used. Third part cables will not sit flush with the 2-pin connector housing, tending to stick out. Still the presentation and included items does add a definite quality look and feel of a higher priced product.
:SOUND:
BASS
Bass is slightly elevated and extended with a good overall tightness. Detail & texture is satisfactory, but not class leading although speed is good. MId-bass is more prominent than sub-bass which at times can lack absolute rumble, but overall bass quality is good with gratifying impact when called for. This bass presentation as mentioned above can be heard on Wayman Tisdale's "Circumstance" and "Angel" by Massive Attack for example. Separation in this region is also notable, with individual bass elements being easily discernable. There is some warmth that the elevated mid-bass brings to the midrange, but it is quite well done without any muddying of the sonics.
MIDS
The Whizzer HE01 presents a midrange that is notable for it's clarity, detail and smoothness. There is an organic nature that allows the listener to just listen to the music instead of judging it's presentation. I found myself listening to track after track just enjoying the music. Detail retrieval is very good while still sounding natural and expressive. Tracey Thorn's great vocals in "Protection" by Massive Attack was very engaging with the nuances being easily heard. Anita Baker's vocals in "Love You To The Letter" were striking for the amount of emotion & detail the HE01 could convey. The HE01's midrange is slightly recessed and while note weight is good, at times it could be found slightly wanting, yet the dynamics were quite good. The Whizzer HE01 is also thankfully free of sibilance or sharpness in the upper-midrange which makes long listening session easy to manage. Transients were well produced and sounded realistic without the embellishments other earphones try to "WoW' the listener with. A balanced and wonderfully clean presentation overall.
TREBLE
The treble on Whizzer HE01 has good extension and is notable for it's clarity and definition. For a single DD, the treble of the HE01 is impressive. Detail retrieval & control is better than some earphones using Balanced Armatures I've heard recently, but not all. There is also a good balance between the low end and the treble which helps with the cohesive feel of the HE01's sound. Air and sparkle are good with the leading and trailing edge of cymbal strikes sounding natural although occasionally with a faster decay than optimal. The treble is also notable for never sounding hard or splashy. This of course is track dependent, but on well recorded material the Whizzer HE01's treble is a great compliment to the rest of it's sound.
IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE
The Whizzer throws up a decent soundstage with very good lateral separation and depth and height being about average. Layer separation in that soundstage is above average with each element occupying a well defined place in particular a solid center image.
VERSUS
- HZSound Heart-Mirror
The Whizzer HE01 has superior bass output compared to the Heart-Mirror. That being said, the Heart-Mirror does win on speed and articulation. They both have a well detailed and clear midrange with the Heart-Mirror being a little more recessed. MIdrange punch & liveliness goes to the HE01 while absolute treble definition swings over the the Heart-Mirror. Top to bottom cohesiveness though is won by the Whizzer HE01.
- Smabat NCO
The Smabat NCO wins with a more organic and expressive bass as well as overall sub-bass rumble and texture. The NCO has a warmer midrange with HE01 having a more lively presentation. Detail and clarity on each is very good with the Smabat NCO taking the crown when it comes to a more organic and realistic timbre. The HE01 has a brighter treble but the NCO is a little cleaner on top. Detail and resolution for both is very good. The Whizzer HE01 is easier to drive and while tip rolling is required, with he H
E01 is was easier to find a setup that produced the best sound.
CONCLUSION
Let me just say this right here. The Whizzer HE01 is a very good earphone and worthy of a strong recommendation. It's combination of a balanced cohesive signature combined with great overall detail and clarity make it a true winner. It's looks may not be for everyone, but I think it's one of the most beautiful earphone's that I own and in this case the sound definitely matches the looks. Easy to drive and even easier to enjoy the Whizzer HE01 is a Keeper.
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