Immediately, Nihal critiques the Yanyin Carmen, a brand new high-end common in-ear monitor with 10 balanced armature drivers in a 4-way configuration. It’s priced at $849.
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Word that this text follows our present scoring guidelines which you’ll learn in additional element right here.
Yanyin’s origins aren’t extensively recognized, however I consider they began round 2020. We’ve beforehand reviewed a few their IEMs together with the Aladdin and Canon II.
The Canon II was well-received by the audiophile neighborhood and performed a key function in establishing the model. Now, Yanyin has launched its flagship mannequin, the $849 Carmen, which options ten balanced armature drivers.
The title comes from Georges Bizet’s well-known opera Carmen, and in some methods, the tuning appears influenced by it. Expectations have been excessive when Carmen arrived.
On this assessment, I’ll discover its efficiency in some depth and supply an in depth comparability with competing IEMs to raised perceive the way it stacks up.
Options
The Carmen is powered by ten balanced armature drivers, a alternative that ensures higher coherence in comparison with hybrid IEMs, the place totally different driver sorts can generally disrupt sonic concord.
For the low-end, Carmen employs 4 Sonion drivers, aiming for superior bass efficiency. Sonion’s repute for delivering power and impression closest to that of dynamic drivers makes this a becoming alternative.
Within the midrange, Carmen makes use of two Sonion drivers, whereas the excessive frequencies are managed by one other pair of full-sized Sonion drivers. Moreover, a customized twin driver is particularly devoted to the ultra-high frequencies.
Carmen incorporates section synchronization compensation expertise to cut back section distortion, additional enhancing total coherence.
The drivers are organized in a 4-way crossover system with 4 impartial sound bores to exactly handle frequency distribution, making certain readability and precision throughout all the spectrum.
Design
The Carmen shells are crafted from handcrafted medical-grade resin, providing each sturdiness and a high-quality really feel. The sleek, black shells create a smooth distinction with the colourful faceplates, and the shiny end elevates the general premium look.
The faceplates characteristic a deep, shimmering purple shade with reflective glittering fragments scattered all through, giving the IEMs a hanging, starry-like aesthetic. The best earpiece shows the model’s geometric brand, whereas the left is adorned with the title “Carmen.”
The IEMs make the most of a 2-pin 0.78mm connector for cable attachment. The nozzle is manufactured from steel and designed with a median size, neither too vast nor too slender, making it simpler for varied ear tricks to match.
Moreover, a vent is current on the shell to help airflow and preserve consolation throughout lengthy listening periods.
Consolation & Isolation
The shell being not too giant shouldn’t be an issue for most individuals. I discover the dimensions fairly apt. For reference, the shell measurement is corresponding to the THIEAUDIO Oracle MKIII and a bit smaller than the THIEAUDIO Hype 10.
From an ergonomic standpoint, the design is superb. The shells are light-weight with easy, well-finished curves that improve consolation.
There aren’t any sharp edges, so there aren’t any strain factors, making the match much more snug. The IEMs sit virtually flush within the ear with minimal protrusion, and so they keep safe even if you’re shifting round.
As for isolation, it’s first rate and blocks a good quantity of exterior noise. With correctly becoming ear ideas, isolation improves additional.
In a barely noisy atmosphere, you shouldn’t have any disturbances. Throughout my utilization, I didn’t expertise any strain buildup, which is a plus. Total, the consolation and match of those IEMs are fairly spectacular.
Ear Ideas
The Yanyin Carmen comes with a fundamental set of ultra-clear silicone ear ideas in three sizes; S, M, and L. Whereas the guidelines are first rate in high quality, the choice feels underwhelming for an IEM at this worth level. Surprisingly, a extra numerous vary of ideas wasn’t included.
With an average-sized nozzle on the Carmen, the inventory ideas present a fairly good match. For this assessment, I used solely the inventory ideas, and fortunately, I didn’t really feel the necessity to hunt down third-party choices, as they provided a snug match.
Nonetheless, I did discover that pairing the Carmen with SpinFit W1 ideas improved the bass response, giving it extra physique than the inventory ideas. The inventory ideas, being barely wider, contribute to a extra open and ethereal sound.
Inventory Cable
The Carmen is paired with a high-quality cable that strikes a pleasant steadiness between a premium look and sensible usability.
Its sturdy building is complemented by a clear, engaging end, offering each sturdiness and aesthetic enchantment. The braiding is neatly achieved with no seen gaps, highlighting the eye to element.
The cable itself is constructed with high-quality 22-gauge copper, consisting of 4 strands and a complete of 140 cores.
It comes with 0.78mm 2-pin connectors, and the three.5mm adapter, splitter, and connectors are constituted of light-weight steel. The general design is well-sized and light-weight, which makes it straightforward to deal with.
You’ll be able to select between 3.5mm, 2.5mm, and 4.4mm configurations when buying, though a modular cable choice would have been a pleasant addition.
When it comes to usability, the cable performs rather well. Its stable construct and dependable efficiency meant I didn’t really feel the necessity to swap it out for one more.
Whereas it could take up a little bit of house when rolled up, it’s not overly cumbersome. The light-weight design additionally makes it snug to make use of on the go with out inflicting any downward pull.
Packaging & Equipment
The Carmen has essentially the most minimalistic packaging of any IEM I’ve tried at its worth level. Whereas I respect the minimalist strategy, it feels a bit too naked, virtually disappointing with its sparse inclusions. It is available in a small white field with a easy, elegant design.
The packaging has a refined embossed geometric sample that provides a little bit of texture to the floor, however inside, it’s fairly fundamental. There are two compartments: the higher one holds the IEMs, whereas the decrease one incorporates a carry pouch and a cleansing fabric.
I anticipated extra when it comes to presentation and equipment, significantly with ear ideas and a correct carry case. The Carmen comes with a carry pouch and never a case.
At $849, you anticipate an honest unboxing expertise, particularly when so many manufacturers are going the additional mile to impress customers with high-end packaging.
The equipment with the Yanyin Carmen embody:
- Carry Pouch
- Extremely Clear Silicone Ear Ideas
- 5mm copper cable
- Cleansing fabric
- Pair of IEMs
Sound Impressions
The next sound impressions of the Yanyin Carmen have been accomplished utilizing a combination of my principal supply, Lotoo’s Paw Gold Touch, and sometimes the Questyle CMA18P and Earmen Angel DAC/amps. For the assessment, I paired the IEMs with inventory cable and inventory ear ideas, measurement M.
Abstract
I discover the tuning on Carmen a bit totally different than ordinary. Carmen presents a heat sound signature with a relaxed and laid-back sound. There’s not a lot emphasis on particulars and precision. The bass is nice for an all-BA configuration.
There’s first rate tonality within the midrange, and a particular emphasis is discovered within the vocals. The treble is tamed, making it ultimate for prolonged listening periods with out inflicting fatigue.
As talked about earlier, it’s impressed by Georges Bizet’s four-act opera Carmen, and that affect reveals in how the IEMs deal with vocals and spatial presentation. That is particularly noticeable in the way in which Carmen handles staging and imaging.
The sound projection tries to create a way of immersion, as if you happen to’re sitting proper in the course of a stay efficiency, surrounded by the music. Nonetheless, this additionally alters the tonality.
There’s a slight echo-like impact, nevertheless it doesn’t really feel boxy or synthetic on a lot of the tracks I attempted. Nonetheless, the impression it goals to create feels considerably unconventional to me in its tuning. In some instances, this can provide a way of hollowness in sound. Carmen doesn’t align properly with a number of genres.
Bass
The bass efficiency is first rate, particularly contemplating it’s an all-balanced armature configuration. Whereas it could not match the depth and impression of a dynamic driver, it delivers first rate sub-bass with good amount and first rate punch.
With the bass it presents, you’re unlikely to seek out it missing a lot on this space. The mid-bass, nonetheless, doesn’t stand out as a lot, rolling off barely early and lacking that additional punch wanted for an impactful bass.
The bass leans in direction of a heat tonality, and when it comes to layering and texture, it’s first rate—so the general high quality isn’t compromised. On bass-heavy tracks, you may discover a scarcity of impression.
There’s a sluggish decay, which causes the bass to really feel a bit unfastened and unfold out slightly than tight and well-defined. It lacks that well-roundedness and precision, so it’s not going to fulfill hardcore bassheads. For me, I very a lot respect the bass on Carmen.
Midrange
The midrange has a heat and pure tonality, with a ahead presence that brings vocals to the forefront. The timbre of devices reminiscent of violins, cellos, and guitars is fantastically rendered and presents a wealthy, heat character.
Vocals take middle stage, creating an intimate listening expertise, and are extra outstanding than the accompanying devices.
The bass doesn’t intrude into the midrange, because of the well-controlled, or slightly, a decrease mid-bass shelf. This ensures the decrease midrange isn’t overly thick or skinny, hanging a balanced sound.
Vocals, significantly male, have density and weight with good extension, giving them a way of heft. There’s additionally an echoic high quality to the vocals, which provides some depth.
Nonetheless, feminine vocals don’t prolong as properly, because the higher mids lack the mandatory extension and element. The pinna acquire happens a bit early, contributing to the general heat of the sound however limiting the readability and attain of higher-pitched vocals.
Treble
In case you’re in search of a extremely detailed and ethereal treble, this IEM might not meet these expectations.
As a substitute, it presents a easy treble presentation, which is good for longer listening periods because it minimizes harshness and fatigue. Whereas there’s a first rate degree of element, it lacks the crispness usually related to extra treble-focused IEMs.
I don’t discover this a darkish treble; slightly, the treble power has been dialed again to create a extra subdued character. Sadly, the layering within the treble can also be not a powerful go well with.
Distinguishing between totally different high-frequency components in complicated musical passages will be difficult, because the higher treble lacks correct extension and air. This ends in some finer particulars feeling muted or clipped, diminishing the general readability and definition on this vary.
Staging & Dynamics
The technical facets of those IEMs are spectacular, showcasing a large soundstage with good depth that creates a pleasant holographic impact across the head.
Imaging can also be first rate, permitting for simple tracing of devices with notable channel-to-channel motion. The instrument separation is efficient, offering ample respiration house between sounds.
Nonetheless, the decision may very well be sharper, and there’s some lack of readability and micro-detail. This appears to be intentional, because the tuning prioritizes a relaxed listening expertise over a extremely technical sound.
In additional complicated musical passages, some particulars might not be as pronounced, however because of the first rate instrument separation and layering, you gained’t miss a lot of the general musicality.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
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